Written Answers of 8 December 1999

SOCIAL SECURITY

  War Pensions Agency
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement about the outcome of the recent quinquennial Prior Options Review of the War Pensions Agency. [102323]

  Mr. Bayley
  A Prior Options Review of the administration of the war pensions scheme was recently undertaken to examine whether further improvements in customer service and value for money could be made.

  Part of that review involved an evaluation of the performance of the War Pensions Agency since its creation in April 1994. The Evaluation Report has been published today and copies have been placed in the Library. The Report recognises that, after a difficult start because of very high workloads, the management focus provided by agency status helped bring about steadily improving standards of performance over the last five years.

  We have now considered the Review Team's recommendations. These take account of a number of detailed submissions from national and local user representative organisations. I am grateful to all those who participated in the review.

  The review has recognised that over the past five years the War Pensions Agency has dedicated itself to serving a very special group of people, those who have suffered injury or bereavement in defence of their country. The main conclusions of the review, which I support, are that the War Pensions Agency should remain a Next Steps Agency within the Civil Service responsible, as now, for administering the existing war pensions scheme.

  The review recognises the significant improvements in customer service and efficiency which the Agency has achieved since its inception in 1994. These reflect great efforts by the Chief Executive and his staff. The review's recommendations are designed to build on this work and will be supported by the Agency's programme of change which is aimed at improving its decision-making and appeals processes. This will be done through extended use of information technology and closer working with other government departments and voluntary sector bodies.

  We will shortly publish a reviewed Framework Document confirming the Agency's responsibilities for the next five years.

  Carers (Financial Support)
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to raise the level of earnings disregard for the calculation of invalid care allowance. [101352]
  532W
  Mr. Bayley
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]The National Carers strategy committed the Government to keeping financial support for carers under review, which we are doing.

  Income Support
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what levels of take-up of Income Support for pensioners are assumed in current forecasts of expenditure. [99942]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 2 December 1999]Estimates of take-up levels are difficult to forecast. Our current estimates are derived from the Family Resource Survey and show that for 1997–98 between 71 per cent. and 85 per cent. of pensioners by expenditure claimed the Income Support to which they are entitled. Current caseload forecasts assume that an additional 43,000 pensioners will take up their entitlement during the forecasting period. This estimate will need to be reviewed in the light of our plans for a national programme to increase pensioner take-up.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  EU Charter of Human Rights
  Mr. Borrow
  To ask the President of the Council who will be Parliament's representative on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights drafting body. [102231]

  Mrs. Beckett
  My hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend (Mr. Griffiths) and Lord Bowness will be the Westminster delegates on the Charter drafting body. The hon. Member for Eastleigh (Mr. Chidgey) and Baroness Howells of St. Davids will be the alternates.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ban gamma hydroxy butyrate; and if he will make a statement. [101518]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) is not controlled under the international drug Conventions nor under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 but its importation, manufacture, sale and supply fall within the scope of the medicines legislation. The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) investigates reports of the unlawful manufacture, advertising and sale of GHB in the United Kingdom.

  The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), which advises the Government on drug misuse issues, has considered the misuse of GHB on three occasions—in 1994, 1996 and in May 1998. It found that GHB could cause acute health problems particularly if taken with alcohol or other drugs. The Council concluded that GHB misuse was not widespread and did not present a sufficient social problem—the criterion for controlling substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971—to be brought under the 1971 Act's control.
  533W
  However, as the drug could lead to acute health problems for some misusers—particularly if taken with alcohol—the Council recommended that a number of other measures should be taken. These were that the MCA should be asked to increase enforcement action against illicit manufacturers and suppliers of GHB; publishers should be asked not to carry advertisements for the drug and attempts should be made to reduce such advertising by the MCA and the Advertising Standards Authority; more targeted health education material should be made available about the adverse effects of GHB; and GHB misuse should continue to be monitored. The MCA and the Department of Health have taken action on the above recommendations; and the Home Office is continuing to monitor the position.

  We understand that the World Health Organisation (WHO) is currently reviewing GHB; and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) is considering its misuse within the European Union. If the WHO or the EMCDDA recommend controls on the drug, ACMD would be asked to look at GHB again.

  Child Pornography Prosecutions
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many successful prosecutions there were for the possession of child pornography in the last three years for which figures are available. [101653]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Available information, taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database, is given in the table.

  Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and percentage found guilty at all courts for child pornography offences, England and Wales, 1996–98:

  Take, make, distribute, show, possess with intent to distribute or show, or publish any advertisement conveying the distribution of indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children1

  Total found guilty

  Year

  Total proceeded against2

  Number

  Percentage

  1996

  80

  69

  86

  1997

  111

  103

  93

  1998

  116

  82

  71

  1 Protection of Children Act 1978 sections 1 and 6 as amended by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, section 84.

  2 = 100 per cent

  Possession of an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child1

  Total found guilty

  Year

  Total proceeded against2

  Number

  Percentage

  1996

  125

  79

  63

  1997

  124

  81

  65

  1998

  167

  105

  63

  1 Criminal Justice Act 1988 section 160 as amended by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 sections 84(4) and 86(1).

  2 = 100 per cent

  Police (Discipline Hearings)
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department at whose discretion it is for an 534W
  officer facing a discipline hearing to be represented by both a Police Federation lawyer or representative and by a person from the Black Police Association. [101599]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  An officer may be represented by another officer chosen by him, or he may opt to be legally represented in cases where it is judged that the punishments of reduction in rank, requirement to resign or dismissal should be available. The Police (Discipline) Regulations 1985, which cover incidents occurring before 1 April 1999, provide that in such cases the legal representative may be assisted at the hearing by a member of a police force. The Police (Conduct) Regulations 1999, for incidents after 1 April 1999, provide that in addition to having his case conducted by a legal representative the officer may be accompanied at the hearing by a member of the police force.

  Anti-social Behaviour Orders
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many anti-social behaviour orders have been applied for and granted within the Easington District Council area. [101423]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I am informed that Easington District Council has made no applications for anti-social behaviour orders to date, but I am pleased to hear that they have recently established a committee to consider their use.

  Gaming
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last reviewed the working of legislation on gaming; what plans he has for further reviews; and if he will make a statement. [101427]

  Mr. Straw
  Much of the law on gambling is more than 30 years old. Social attitudes have changed markedly in these three decades and the law is fast being overtaken by technological developments.

  The Gaming Board for Great Britain and the Deregulation Committees of the House of Commons and the House of Lords have recommended reform.

  There is therefore a good case for a wide-ranging review to design a new structure of regulation for the gambling industry and to test public perception.

  This will not be a simple task. The main controls are laid down in three major Acts of Parliament—the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963, the Gaming Act 1968 and the Lotteries and Amusement Act 1976, together with associated secondary legislation. Reform will raise important issues. The social and economic impact of any change will have to be carefully assessed.

  I intend to set up an independent review body next year, bringing together a wide range of relevant expertise. It will be asked to report to me within 12 months on proposals for reform.

  The Government will not be asking the review body to consider changes to the National Lottery, although the review will clearly need to address the impact on the Lottery of changes proposed for the regulation of gambling generally.

  We will announce the full terms of reference shortly.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Prison Service
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Quinquennial Review of the Northern Ireland Prison Service will be launched; and if he will make a statement. [102155]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Northern Ireland Prison Service will have completed five years of operation as an executive agency on 31 March 2000 and, therefore, is subject, like other agencies, to a Quinquennial Review. I am announcing the review today and intend that it should be brought to completion by July 2000.

  The review will be directed by a Steering Group under the Chairmanship of the Prison Service Fraser Figure and inclusive of an independent element.

  The Steering Group will be supported by a Project Team led by a member of the Senior Civil Service from outside the Northern Ireland Prison Service. The leader of the Project Team will report to the Steering Group on a regular basis.

  The review process will provide extensive opportunities for consultation with internal and external stakeholders and will follow the procedures recommended in the Guidance on the review of Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies published by the Cabinet Office.

  Robert Hamill
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in the inquiry by the Independent Commission for Police Complaints into the circumstances of the death of Robert Hamill; when he expects the Commission to complete its investigation; and if he will make a statement. [101855]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Independent Commission for Police Complaints (ICPC) have advised that on 16 January 1998 they issued a Statement expressing their view that the criminal investigation into a complaint, that police had witnessed the attack on the late Robert Hamill but had failed to intervene as promptly as possible, had been conducted to its satisfaction. This investigation was conducted under the close supervision of the ICPC by a senior CID officer of the RUC who had no connection with the Portadown district. The Northern Ireland Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently directed no criminal prosecution against any police officer involved. The ICPC is currently supervising the police investigation into the disciplinary issues relating to the complaint made and this process is at an advanced stage.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he will take to increase the ability of museums and galleries to make acquisitions. [101851]
  536W
  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 7 December 1999]There are already several methods by which the Government enable museums and galleries to make acquisitions. Acceptance in Lieu and Private Treaty Sale schemes continue to provide owners with an incentive to offer outstanding works of art to the nation in lieu of inheritance tax. Through the Museums and Galleries Commission, the Department provides funds for the PRISM Fund (71 grants worth £292,567 in 1998–99) and the V&A Purchase Grant Fund (227 grants worth £1 million) thus assisting regional museums to acquire objects for their collections. In addition, the Heritage Lottery Fund has doubled its acquisition budget from £5 million to £10 million. It has recently supported the acquisition of Botticelli's The Virgin adoring the Christ child (£7.69 million) and has helped regional museums and galleries to acquire objects which will significantly enhance their collections, provide educational benefits, and encourage local support and interest. Under this Government, grant-in-aid to the national museums and galleries has been increased: it is for Trustees to decide their spending priorities.

  School Sports
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures he has taken to promote participation in cricket in schools within the last year. [101350]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]We have been working in partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board's Development Department and Sport England to promote participation in cricket at schools and clubs for all young people. Cricket is supported by Sport England's Active Schools initiatives, which include the Youth Sports Trust, TOP sports, the Activemark and Sportsmark award schemes, and Coaching for Teachers. In addition, Sport England provides support to governing bodies' junior development initiatives, including Kwik Cricket in primary schools. Kwik Cricket has helped boost the number of primary school pupils playing the game and, working with initiatives for older school children, has helped the number of young people playing cricket in schools and clubs, according to ECB figures, grow to 2.4 million last year. To continue to take this forward, the ECB are in consultation to help design a game specifically for secondary schools, "Intercricket", which will be launched next year. I have attended a number of cricket matches aimed at widening the support for cricket in schools.

  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to increase involvement in(a) rugby, (b) football, (c) cricket and (d) hockey in schools. [101429]

  Kate Hoey
  Sport in schools provides the foundation for our sporting future, and contributes to the education and health of young people. All four of these sports are already supported by Sport England's Active Schools initiatives, which includes the Youth Sports Trust TOP sports, the Activemark and Sportsmark award schemes, and Coaching for Teachers. The first School Sports Co-ordinators will be appointed in September 2000, and will provide a real boost for coaching and competition in a wide range of sports, including team games. In addition, Sport England provides support to governing bodies'
  537W
  junior development initiatives, including Rugby Football Union Development Officers and Kwik Cricket in primary schools.

  WTO (Seattle)
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which Ministers and officials from his Department were represented at the World Trade Organisation meeting in Seattle. [101679]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  None. However, in preparing the European Union's negotiating position for the WTO Ministerial Conference, my Department was fully involved, at both Government and Community level, to ensure that the UK's audiovisual interests were taken into account.

  Carn Brea Leisure Centre
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement regarding the proposed closure of Carn Brea Leisure Centre in Cornwall. [100230]

  Kate Hoey
  I want to ensure that all communities have access to quality sports facilities and the opportunities to participate in sporting activities. The Government place great importance on community sports facilities such as Carn Brea, and I am therefore very concerned about its proposed closure.

  The Government also place great importance on the teaching of young people to swim, and swimming remains a statutory element of the primary National Curriculum. It is vital, therefore, that the local council do everything it can to keep the facilities at Carn Brea open to the many thousands that benefit from their use.

  The Chairman of Sport England and I have both written to the Chairman of Kerrier District Council making clear our concerns and urging the Council to maintain Carn Brea.

  Departmental Research Contracts
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 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 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. [100147]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]There have been 20 Contracts let between 1 May 1997 and 30 November 1999 which contain an element of research. Details are given in the table.

  Research contracts

  Value1 (£)

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  1

  30,500

  yes

  yes

  yes

  2

  69,500

  yes

  yes

  no

  3

  320,000

  yes

  no

  no

  4

  17,800

  yes

  no

  no

  5

  1,375

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  6

  20,000

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  7

  2,100

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  8

  78,300

  yes

  yes

  no

  538W

  Research contracts

  Value1 (£)

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  9

  27,500

  yes

  yes

  no

  10

  270,000

  yes

  yes

  yes

  11

  19,000

  yes

  no

  no

  12

  15,560

  yes

  yes

  yes

  13

  21,000

  no

  yes

  no

  14

  9,400

  yes

  yes

  no

  15

  9,800

  yes

  yes

  yes

  16

  33,095

  yes

  yes

  yes

  17

  12,000

  yes

  no

  yes

  18

  204,250

  yes

  yes

  no

  19

  133,000

  yes

  yes

  yes

  20

  21,900

  yes

  yes

  yes

  1 Value has been interpreted to mean the price of the contract

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Roger Sylvester
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Solicitor-General when the Crown Prosecution Service will make a decision on prosecutions in respect of the death of Mr. Roger Sylvester; and if he will make a statement. [101407]

  The Solicitor-General
  The investigation report of the Essex Police is being carefully considered by the Crown Prosecution Service in accordance with the tests set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors. The CPS has met with the investigating officers from Essex Police and with the Police Complaints Authority to discuss the case. The CPS has requested the police to undertake additional inquiries and a further meeting with the police is arranged for later this month. The advice of Treasury Counsel will be sought. In the meantime, the CPS has kept in touch with the family's solicitors. A decision on whether or not any criminal charges should be brought will be taken as soon as possible after the evidence has been fully reviewed.

  Lenient Sentences
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many sentences have been referred to the Court of Appeal as unduly lenient and which have resulted in an increase in the sentences. [101604]

  The Solicitor-General
  In 1998, the Law Officers referred the sentences imposed on 95 offenders to the Court of Appeal for their sentences to be reviewed under the provisions of section 36 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. Of the References that have been heard, sentences have been increased in respect of 68 offenders. Ten References were withdraw. Three References are yet to be heard.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Echelon System
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to answer parliamentary questions on the Echelon system; and if he will make a statement. [100839]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  As my hon. Friend is aware, it is long-standing practice not to respond to speculation on alleged intelligence operations.

  Joint Environmental Markets Unit
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to implement his Department's pledge to support the DETR/DTI Joint Environmental Markets Unit on behalf of UK exporters. [101645]

  Mr. Hain
  The Foreign Office is providing direct support to the work of the Joint Environmental Markets (JEMU) through the training on global environment issues now offered to all staff across the Foreign Office. Support is also available through the FCO environmental programmes to enable posts to work with local governments and NGOs in promoting good environmental practice.

  Exporters from all sectors also benefit from the establishment of the joint FCO/DTI British Trade International. They include those promoting UK environmental products and services as part of their company portfolio. British Trade International maintains a close liaison with sector specific bodies such as JEMU. Ministerial support for the sector was most recently evident in the JEMU trade mission to the Czech Republic from 18–19 October, led by the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Battle), and supported by British Trade International.

  "The World is not Enough"
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what location fee was paid to(a) the British Embassy in Istanbul and (b) MI6 by the producers of the film, "The World is not Enough". [101648]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  No filming of "The World is not Enough" took place on either the premises of the British Consulate-General in Istanbul or the headquarters of the Secret Intelligence Service. The question of a location fee did not therefore arise.

  Nuclear Reactors (Decommissioning)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the decommissioning of Soviet-designed nuclear reactors in the countries of eastern Europe as part of the negotiations relating to those countries' applications for membership of the European Union. [101890]

  Mr. Hain
  We strongly support G7 and EU efforts to improve nuclear safety in Central and Eastern Europe. The EU accession process provides an important opportunity to achieve early closure of reactors which cannot be upgraded to international safety standards. At the (EU) Vienna European Council in December 1998 the EU agreed to use the accession process as a lever to encourage nuclear safety and, in particular, the early closure of the oldest Soviet design reactors which safety experts assess cannot be upgraded to international standards. We fully support the Commission's efforts to persuade the applicant countries concerned—Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia—to put in place credible closure plans for the relevant reactors.
  540W
  We welcome the recent announcements by the Bulgarian, Lithuanian, and Slovak authorities and the commitments they contain on closure timetables for the non-upgradable reactors at respectively, the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice nuclear power plants.

  We strongly support invitations for these three countries (as well as Latvia, Malta, and Romania) to open accession negotiations. We expect the Helsinki European Council on 10–11 December to decide to extend invitations to all six. Once negotiations begin, progress on nuclear safety objectives will continue to be part of the accession process as it is now.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of the(a) Kosovo Albanians and (b) Serbs reported murdered between KFOR's deployment on 12 June and mid-October are believed to be murdered by (i) Kosovo Albanians, (ii) Kosovo Serbs and (iii) others. [101415]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 7 December 1999]There are no statistics available giving the ethnic background of the persons responsible for the reported murders of Kosovo Albanians and Serbs since KFOR's deployment on 12 June.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action KFOR is taking in Kosovo to prevent ethnic cleansing of Serbs and the destruction of their monasteries. [99857]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 7 December 1999]Protection of the Kosovo Serbs and other minorities is a top priority for KFOR and UNMIK. KFOR devotes around half of its resources at present to maintaining a presence in minority areas. In the UK-led sector, there are KFOR soldiers present in every Serb town or village, as well as soldiers deployed to protect individual homes and farms. KFOR conducts patrols and escorts individuals to school and to work.

  Protection of patrimonial sites (monasteries, cathedrals and Orthodox churches) is also a priority. In the British sector alone almost 300 troops are on permanent guard of 35 churches and other patrimonial sites.

  Afghanistan
  Gillian Merron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the imposition of UN sanctions in relation to Afghanistan. [102230]

  Mr. Hain
  On 15 October, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 1267 which demanded that the Taliban turn over Usama Bin Laden, indicted in the US for the 1998 bombings of the US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, to appropriate authorities in order for him to be brought to justice and decided that, unless that demand was met by 14 November, UN member states would impose a flight ban and freeze on funds in relation to the Taliban.

  The demand has not been met. The measures came into force on 14 November. A UN Sanctions Committee will be established to designate the aircraft and funds or other financial resources to which the measures will apply. Humanitarian exemptions are provided for, in respect of

  541W
  both measures. The Sanctions Committee is tasked to decide on the granting of a further exemption in respect of the payment by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to the aeronautical authority of Afghanistan on behalf of international airlines for air traffic control services.

  Orders in Council under the United Nations Act 1946 came into force on 26 November to implement the measures in the UK, Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories.

  EU member states have agreed to implement the Security Council resolution collectively. On 15 November, the Council of the European Union adopted a Common Position (1999/727/CFSP) concerning restrictive measures against the Taliban.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  GM Crops
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will put measures in place to ensure that honey produced around the farm-scale trials for genetically modified crops will not contain genetically modified pollen. [99535]

  Mr. Mullin
  The crops in the farm-scale evaluations are being grown in the open and will be visited by bees from nearby hives. Traces of GM pollen may therefore occur in honey from such hives, although in any event honey only contains very small amounts of pollen. The Government, as advised by ACRE and the ACNFP, do not consider the presence in honey of pollen from GM crops to pose a risk to health. Therefore no special measures are being put in place to prevent bees from visiting crops.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the compensatory payments to which GM consent holders and national list maintainers may be entitled upon revocation of their consents and licences after the farm-scale evaluations. [100001]

  Mr. Mullin
  No estimate has been made of whether compensatory payments would be payable to GM consent holders on revocation of a consent. There are no genetically modified plant varieties on the UK National List at present, therefore the question is not relevant to national list maintainers.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the advice he has received from the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment in response to applications for marketing consent under EU Directive 90/220 for(a) Plant Genetics Systems oil seed rape C/BE/96/01, (b) LF Trifolium A/S, Monsanto Europe, SA Danisco Seed fodder beet C/DK/97/01 and (c) Hoechst Schering, AgrEvo GmbH oilseed rape C/DE/96/5; and when the final decision will be made by the EU. [100000]

  Mr. Mullin
  The advice of the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) for these applications, and on all applications to release GMOs, is 542W
  contained in the statutory public register held in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  A decision on whether or not to approve these products is scheduled to be taken at the next meeting of the Regulatory Committee for Directive 90/220/EEC to be held on 9 March 2000.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effect the horizontal spread of antibiotic resistant marker genes from GM crops will have on the treatment of life-threatening infectious diseases. [100165]

  Mr. Mullin
  Although there is little evidence that antibiotic resistant marker genes can escape from crop plants under field conditions; the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE), and the Advisory Committee for Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP), always consider the likely consequences of the horizontal spread of antibiotic resistant marker genes from genetically modified (GM) crops, were it to be possible. If horizontal gene transfer from a particular GM plant is judged to be harmful to human health or the environment, then the release would not be allowed.

  The Committees consider that the use of antibiotic resistance markers should be discouraged and that their use will become unnecessary as genetic modification techniques are developed further. Their use should therefore be phased out.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the specific restrictions placed on the cultivation of GM crops. [99916]

  Mr. Mullin
  No GM crops may be released in England without specific approval from the Secretary of State for the Environment, acting jointly with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, or from the devolved Administrations for releases in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

  Each consent lists the specific limitations and conditions applying to the release. This information is available on the statutory public register held in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will explain the difference between GM farm-scale evaluations and other GM field-scale plantings. [99904]

  Mr. Mullin
  The farm-scale evaluations of GM crops are part of a programme designed primarily to assess the effect of the management of particular GM herbicide tolerant crops, together with the relevant herbicide, on the abundance and diversity of farmland wildlife compared with conventionally managed equivalent non-GM crops.

  The evaluations are funded by Government, with the industry group SCIMAC providing and managing the crops. Proposals by SCIMAC for any other large areas or field-scale plantings of these GM crops, would be outside the farm-scale evaluation programme and will be decided by the Scientific Steering Committee, taking into account the relevance of the proposals to biodiversity. This

  543W
  arrangement is part of the agreement between the Government and SCIMAC, announced in November 1999.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the locations in the UK where Class C Consent for GM crop planting has been given. [100226]

  Mr. Mullin
  A Part C consent for cultivation of a GM crop, issued under EU Directive 90/220, permits growing anywhere within the geographical region specified in the consent. The regulatory authorities do not have to be notified of the locations where the crop is grown.

  At present three types of GM maize have Part C consents which include the UK within their scope for cultivation. However, under the recently announced voluntary agreement with SCIMAC, these crops will only be grown in accordance with the terms of that agreement.

  Suicides (London Underground)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many suicides have taken place on the London Underground in each of the last 10 years. [100624]

  Mr. Hill
  Safety of passengers and staff on its network is the responsibility of London Underground Ltd. (LUL), which has explained that it is not possible to distinguish between fatalities on London Underground due to accidents and those where a person may have taken their own life. LUL has, however, provided in the table information on the number of fatalities arising from a person striking a train on the London Underground.

  Year

  Number of fatalities

  1991

  40

  1992

  31

  1993

  45

  1994

  39

  1995

  18

  1996

  32

  1997

  28

  1998

  25

  1999 (to date)

  22

  Notes:

  Statistics are not available for 1989, 1990, and for period between 1 January 1995 and 6 April 1995

  A406 (Tree Compensation)
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the London Borough of Enfield will receive compensation for the loss of a cedar tree in Pymmes Park as part of the compulsory purchase relating to the A406; what steps he will take to ensure that the Highways Agency pays compensation; and if he will make a statement. [100821]

  Mr. Hill
  Compensation negotiations between the District Valuer, acting for the Highway's Agency and the London Borough of Enfield are continuing. The Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, will write to my hon. Friend with further details.
  544W
  Letter from Richard Thorndike to Mr. Andrew Love, dated 8 December 1999:
  The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Keith Hill, has asked me to write in response to your recent written Parliament Question about compensation being claimed by the London Borough of Enfield for the loss of a mature cedar tree in Pymmes Park, as a result of works to improve the A406 North Circular Road. I am replying in the absence of Peter Nutt, the Chief Executive.
  Although the tree was located very close to the highway construction area, it was intended to carry out the road works without disturbing it. Once construction started, however, because of the tree's extensive root system, it was found that it would be seriously affected. Ways of saving the tree including moving it, at an estimated cost of £100,000 were considered but none were found to be practicable. The Agency concluded that the only option was for it to be cut down. Meetings between the Agency, the District Valuer and the Council to discuss the provision of replacement trees, wider landscape proposals for Pymmes Park and compensation matters have taken place and are set to continue. The final settlement of any compensation due will depend on the outcome of these negotiations. In the event that agreement on compensation cannot be reached the Lands Tribunal is available to make an independent determination.
  As part of the overall arrangements to offset disturbance, the Agency has provided exchange land at the former Willoughby Gas Works, as replacement for public open space land taken from Pymmes Park for the A406 works.

  Leasehold Properties (Greater London)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the number of properties in the Greater London area that are leasehold. [101042]

  Mr. Mullin
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Torbay (Mr. Sanders) on 10 November 1999,Official Report, column 610W. The estimates provided were for households rather than properties, since estimates on the latter basis are not available. It is probable that the figure for properties in London would be only slightly smaller than for households.

  Departmental Research
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the titles of(a) research studies, (b) audits and (c) surveys (i) in progress and (ii) commissioned for completion in the next 12 months, stating in each case when the results are due to be published. [100888]

  Mr. Mullin
  Information about research commissioned by the Department is made widely available. It includes overview material on the DETR website and details of individual programmes and projects—again on the website and through hard copy reports, Compendia and Newsletters. Details of each project are not held centrally but a list of the Department's research projects will be prepared and placed in the Library of the House within two weeks. Other bodies sponsored by the Department, including the Highways Agency, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, English Nature, the Countryside Agency and the Environment Agency, also fund their own research programmes and publish separate information on these.

  Student Housing
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the DfEE about student housing provision for university students. [101053]

  Mr. Mullin
  This is a matter primarily for liaison between local authorities and the universities and other higher education institutions. The DfEE, through the Higher Education Funding Councils, does not make financial provision to the universities for student residential accommodation. It is also a matter for individual students to choose the type of accommodation they wish to occupy.

  My Department will continue to discuss with the DfEE whether halls of residence and other university owned, managed or leased accommodation should be exempt from our proposed licensing system for houses in multiple occupation.

  We are also considering carefully Recommendation 33 of Policy Action Team 7's report on Unpopular Housing: that my Department should discuss with DfEE and the Department of Health an agreed approach to the use of existing stock to meet demand for student housing and housing for medical staff before new developments take place in areas of low demand.

  HMOs
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from which local authorities about extending licensing of houses of multiple occupation. [101052]

  Mr. Mullin
  Manchester City Council, Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, and a number of other authorities, mainly in the north-east and north-west of England, have made a variety of proposals for extending licensing, or the power to licence, to other private rented sector housing. The Local Government Association have also suggested that future legislation should be framed to enable licensing to be extended.

  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to extend licensing of houses of multiple occupation. [101051]

  Mr. Mullin
  We are committed to the introduction of mandatory licensing of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). While we recognise that there are problems of poor physical and management standards elsewhere in the private rented sector, and are considering whether further measures would be appropriate to deal with these, we have no plans to extend mandatory licensing beyond the HMO sub-sector.

  Crossrail
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the report recently published by the Corporation of London on Crossrail; and if he will make a statement. [101291]
  546W
  Mr. Hill
  Crossrail will be a matter for the new Mayor to consider in formulating an integrated transport strategy for London. Ministers will be happy to discuss the project with any new Mayor who wants to broker a viable deal to build it.

  I welcome the addition to the Crossrail debate provided by the results of the Corporation of London's review of the project, and their proposals on how it might be taken forward.

  Additionally, the scheme and the Corporation's report will be among the many items to be considered by Sir Alastair Morton and the shadow Strategic Rail Authority as part of their detailed study of capacity issues on the lines running out from the west of London.

  Tropical Timber
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many purchases of tropical timber have been made by the Environment Agency since 1998; what were the timber species; and for what purpose they were specified. [101292]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Environment Agency uses timber for two main purposes, civil engineering and furniture. The Agency does not purchase any furniture containing tropical hardwood. Civil engineering works are predominately for flood defence projects. As the majority of these are contracted out, the Agency cannot readily provide figures on individual purchases of timber or other materials. Tender documentation seeks to ensure that works meet the highest environmental standards. For example, clauses are incorporated to ensure that new timber from all sources is provided from a managed renewable source. Also, the specification for groynes and piles states that"the timber used, including tropical hardwoods, shall he obtained from sustainably managed forests and plantations."

  Further details on the Agency's procurement policies are available on the Environment Agency website.

  Waste Strategy
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding the Government's draft waste strategy for England and Wales, "A Way with Waste". [101317]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Government published for consultation their draft waste strategy for England and Wales, "A Way With Waste", on 30 June 1999. We have received over 500 substantive submissions from a wide range of interested parties, and over 20,000 postcards urging higher recycling targets from members of the public. These views will also be taken into consideration as we develop the final strategy.

  The final version of our sustainable waste management strategy—which we will publish early next year—will be a long-term strategy for handling the waste generated by businesses, service providers and households. The Government are committed to introducing and promoting

  547W
  sustainable waste management across the UK. This means using materials and resources efficiently, to cut down on the amount of waste we produce, and where waste is produced, dealing with it in a way that actively contributes to the economic, social and environmental goals of sustainable development.

  Burscough Curves Railway Line
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Railtrack and the train operating companies on re-opening the Burscough Curves railway line between Southport and Preston. [101160]

  Mr. Hill
  None. However, the sSRA is engaged in discussions with Railtrack on service improvements to be delivered during its next charging period, 2001 to 2006. Re-opening Burscough Curve has been raised for consideration by Merseytravel. The sSRA will be sending to Railtrack shortly details of improvements it wishes them to cost in their next Network Management Statement.

  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 provision of temporary accommodation for and the resettlement support needs of young pregnant women and single parents. [101187]

  Mr. Mullin
  DETR has no plans to commission such research, but the research programme for the coming year has not been finalised yet.

  The Teenage Pregnancy Unit in the Department of Health, which has been set up in light of the Social Exclusion Unit's report "Teenage Pregnancy", is in the early stages of drafting its research strategy and cannot say whether it will include anything on support for teenage mothers.

  Following publication of the SEU's report, the Housing Corporation has invited bids from Registered Social Landlords to develop around 15 pilots to test alternative approaches to the provision of supported accommodation for 16–18 year old lone parents. Research, in the form of evaluation of both the pilots and existing projects providing supervised accommodation, will be initiated once the pilots are established.

  Footpaths
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many adjudications on the closure or diversion of footpaths he was called upon to make for each relevant authority in the last year for which figures are available; and in how many of these cases the local authority's view was overturned. [101152]

  Mr. Mullin
  The number of decisions made by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and 548W
  the Regions on the closure and diversion of footpaths for each relevant authority between the periods 1 November 1998 and 31 October 1999 are as follows:

  Order making authority

  Number of closures/diversions

  Number of orders not confirmed1

  Ashford Borough Council

  3

  0

  Babergh District Council

  2

  0

  Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council

  1

  0

  Bath and North East Somerset Council

  1

  0

  Bedfordshire County Council

  5

  0

  Bolsover District Council

  1

  0

  Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council

  1

  1

  Broxbourne Borough Council

  2

  2

  Buckingham County Council

  1

  0

  Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

  1

  0

  Cambridgeshire County Council

  3

  0

  Cherwell District Council

  1

  0

  Chichester District Council

  1

  0

  Cornwall County Council

  4

  2

  Cumbria County Council

  2

  0

  Darlington County Council

  6

  0

  Derbyshire County Council

  1

  0

  Devon County Council

  4

  2

  Durham County Council

  2

  0

  East Cambridgeshire District Council

  1

  0

  East Northants District Council

  1

  0

  East Riding of Yorkshire Council

  1

  0

  Epping Forest District Council

  1

  1

  Gloucestershire County Council

  1

  1

  Hampshire County Council

  1

  0

  Harborough District Council

  1

  0

  High Peak Borough Council

  1

  1

  Kent County Council

  6

  0

  Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council

  1

  0

  Lake District Special Planning Board

  4

  0

  Leeds City Council

  2

  2

  Lincoln City Council

  2

  2

  London Borough of Bromley

  1

  1

  London Borough of Hillingham

  1

  0

  London Borough of Newham

  2

  1

  Manchester City Council

  1

  0

  Mendip District Council

  1

  1

  Mid-Bedfordshire District Council

  2

  1

  Mid-Suffolk District Council

  1

  0

  North East Derbyshire District Council

  3

  2

  North Norfolk District Council

  1

  1

  North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council

  4

  0

  North Yorkshire County Council

  8

  1

  Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council

  2

  1

  Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council

  2

  1

  Oxfordshire County Council

  1

  0

  Pendle Borough Council

  1

  0

  Plymouth City Council

  1

  0

  Portsmouth District Council

  1

  1

  Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council

  1

  0

  Reigate and Banstead Borough Council

  1

  0

  Rossendale Borough Council

  1

  0

  Rotherham Borough Council

  l

  0

  Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

  l

  0

  Runnymede Borough Council

  l

  0

  Sedgemoor District Council

  l

  0

  Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council

  l

  0

  Shropshire County Council

  3

  1

  Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

  2

  1

  South Bedfordshire District Council

  3

  3

  South Cambridgeshire District Council

  1

  0

  South Gloucestershire Council

  1

  0

  South Kesteven District Council

  2

  1

  South Norfolk District Council

  2

  1

  South Northants District Council

  3

  0

  South Somerset District Council

  2

  0

  St. Edmundsbury Borough Council

  2

  0

  Staffordshire Moorlands District Council

  1

  1

  Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

  1

  1

  Stroud District Council

  1

  0

  Surrey County Council

  4

  1

  Swale Borough Council

  1

  0

  Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council

  1

  0

  Taunton Deane Borough Council

  2

  0

  The Wrekin District Council

  1

  0

  549W

  Order making authority

  Number of closures/diversions

  Number of orders not confirmed1

  Tonbridge and Mailing District Council

  1

  0

  Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

  1

  0

  Wakefield Metropolitan District Council

  1

  1

  Warwick District Council

  1

  0

  Warwickshire County Council

  5

  0

  Watford Borough Council

  1

  0

  Wealden District Council

  1

  1

  West Dorset District Council

  2

  2

  West Wiltshire District Council

  1

  0

  Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council

  1

  0

  Wiltshire County Council

  2

  1

  Worcester City Council

  1

  0

  Worcestershire County Council

  2

  0

  Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority

  1

  0

  Total

  160

  40

  1 Includes orders which where substantially modified before confirmation

  Local Government
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the smallest district council area which will be covered by the proposed cabinet structure for local government. [101284]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Local Government Bill, which was read a Second time in the other place on 6 December, includes provision for all district councils, including Watford Borough Council which has the smallest area among such councils, to adopt new constitutions including a separate executive.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his proposed timetable is for the introduction of cabinet government into district councils. [101286]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Subject to Parliament enacting the Local Government Bill, all councils will be required to put forward proposals for new constitutions, including their proposed timetable for implementation. As our White Paper "Modern Local Government: In Touch with the People" (Cm 4014) made clear, should there be any cases where progress is not being made, it will be open to the Secretary of State to use his reserve power to intervene.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what exemptions he proposes from the planned cabinet government structure for district councils; and whether the criteria for exemption will include(a) size of district, (b) population and (c) number of councils. [101285]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Local Government Bill provides that all district councils shall have a duty to bring forward proposals to move to one of the new forms of constitution involving a separate executive.

  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice he has given local authorities which wish to introduce new local government structures before the Local Government Bill is enacted. [101978]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  In March, we published the paper "Local leadership, local choice" (Cm 4298), which set out proposals for more efficient, transparent and 550W
  accountable constitutions for councils and which included a checklist of steps that councils could take before legislation. The paper made clear that any new structure a council adopted should be what its local people wanted and therefore the council must consult its local community widely on all available options before making any change.

  Central Trains
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions the Health and Safety Executive has investigated the Central Trains service between Shrewsbury and Birmingham; and if he will make a statement. [101161]

  Mr. Hill
  The Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) carries out routine inspection of the activities carried out by Central Trains. This includes the services between Shrewsbury and Birmingham, but HMRI has no record of specific inspections of these services.

  Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to ensure that areas of outstanding natural beauty receive central support for their management and conservation. [101208]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Government have provided the Countryside Agency with an additional £2.5 million this year to be spent on the management and conservation of designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). That more than doubles the amount previously available. We expect to announce shortly a number of further measures to assist in the conservation and management of AONBs.

  Landscape Policy Guidance
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with the Landscape Institute concerning the possible introduction of landscape policy guidance notes; and if he will make a statement. [101209]

  Mr. Mullin
  Ministers and officials have various contacts with the Landscape Institute. My hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for housing, planning and construction attended the Landscape Institute awards on 18 November and on 25 November DETR officials met representatives of the Landscape Institute to discuss a number of points of common interest. I am not aware of any discussions concerning the possible introduction of landscape policy guidance notes, although the Institute has advised its intention to update its Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment.

  Railtrack (Trespass)
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what recent guidance he has given to Railtrack regarding trespass on railway lines; [101325]
  551W
  (2) what his policy is on the action Railtrack should take following a trespass on Railtrack property that caused severe disruption to passenger trains. [101326]

  Mr. Hill
  As an infrastructure controller, Railtrack is required under the Railway Safety (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 1997 to take reasonably practicable steps to prevent unauthorised access to its infrastructure. Breaches of this duty are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate.

  The Health and Safety Commission's Railway Industry Advisory Committee (RIAC), of which Railtrack is a member, has been active in promoting industry-wide action against trespass and vandalism. In December last year RIAC produced a booklet "Prevention of Trespass and Vandalism on Railways—A Good Practice Guide" (a copy of which is in the House Library).

  The action to be taken following severe disruption to train services following acts of trespass is an operational matter for Railtrack and the train operating companies. However, it is expected that their aim would be to restore normal services as quickly as possible.

  Secure Station Status
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the stations which have been awarded Secure Station status. [101496]

  Mr. Hill
  As at 2 December, there were 28 stations accredited under the Secure Stations Scheme. They are as follows:

  Train operator

  Station

  Chiltern Railways

  Marylebone rail

  Connex Rail

  Belvedere

  Hither Green

  Eurostar (UK)

  Ashford International

  Waterloo International

  LTS Rail

  Basildon

  Fenchurch Street

  London Underground Ltd.

  Marylebone LUL

  Midland Mainline

  Derby

  Leicester

  Market Harborough

  Railtrack plc

  Charing Cross rail

  Glasgow Central High Level

  Kings Cross rail

  Manchester Piccadilly

  Victoria rail

  Silverlink Trains

  Kew Gardens

  South West Trains

  Kingston

  Richmond

  Thameslink Rail

  City Thameslink

  Haydons Road

  Morden South

  South Merton

  St. Helier

  Sutton Common

  Wimbledon Chase

  Wales and West

  Gloucester

  Weston-super-Mare

  552W
  A number of other stations are working towards accreditation.

  Concessionary Fares
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received about the concessionary fares scheme in Merseyside; and if he will make a statement. [101693]

  Mr. Hill
  I have not received any representations about the concessionary fares scheme on Merseyside.

  Council Tenants (Freehold)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the freehold system as it applies to council tenants purchasing their council flat. [101603]

  Mr. Mullin
  When council tenants buy their flat, they buy a long lease, not the freehold. Leaseholders have the right to purchase the freehold of their block in certain cases. However, the right can only be exercised by a majority of residents. As most council blocks are occupied mainly by secure tenants, rather than leaseholders, many cannot meet this requirement.

  The Government last year announced proposals to reform the leasehold system and to introduce commonhold. Commonhold will allow flats to be owned absolutely, but there will be rules to regulate the relations between flat owners to enable proper management of the block as a whole. Leasehold reform will, among other things, make it easier for leaseholders to buy a share of the freehold of their block. However, the right will still require a majority to exercise it.

  The Government have taken a number of steps to help those who have bought a council flat, including allowing—and in some cases requiring—landlords to reduce high charges, and giving council and other leaseholders an easier way to challenge unreasonable charges.

  Water Companies (Maintenance Services)
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy on water companies contracting out their network maintenance services. [101432]

  Mr. Mullin
  Water undertakers are required to carry out their duties consistent with Sections 37 and 38 of the Water Industry Act 1991. Sewerage undertakers have similar responsibilities under Sections 94 and 95 of the Act. It is for the relevant companies to consider how best to meet these obligations.

  The Director General of Water Services publishes an annual "Report on levels of service for the water industry in England and Wales", a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what response
  553W
  he has made to the Court of Appeal decision to allow judicial review of the Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999. [101642]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Secretary of State has appointed Counsel to defend the Government's position at the Court of Appeal hearing on 8 and 9 December. We believe that the Order is within the scope and purpose of the enabling power under section 31 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and that the Secretary of State did not act unreasonably in deciding to make the Order.

  Housing Corporation
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions the Housing Corporation has approved a contractual purchase sale on terms better than the statutory terms. [101451]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Housing Corporation is required under section 9 of the Housing Act 1996 to approve all disposals of properties by Registered Social Landlords. Where the disposals are to tenants of the properties it is the Housing Corporation's policy not to allow disposals on terms better than the statutory terms.

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance Ministers have given to the Housing Corporation relating to approval of contractual purchase sales on terms better than the statutory terms. [101450]

  Mr. Mullin
  My Department has not issued guidance to the Housing Corporation relating to the approval of contractual purchase sales, known as "voluntary sales", on terms better than the statutory terms. The Corporation's consent is required under section 9 of the Housing Act 1996 to disposals and I understand that it is the policy of the Corporation not to grant consents in the case of voluntary sales to tenants on terms which exceed those under the Right to Buy scheme.

  Renewal Area Status
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the benefits of introducing renewal area status for self-contained groups of fewer than 300 dwellings. [101413]

  Mr. Mullin
  My Department is currently considering a number of issues relating to policy on private sector housing renewal, which includes policy on renewal areas. The housing Green Paper, which will be published shortly, will provide an opportunity for us to set out our thinking on these and other housing issues.

  Open Countryside (Mapping)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the mapping of open countryside in England and Wales to be completed; and if the exercise is being carried out in stages according to the nature of the terrain. [101483]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Countryside Agency and Countryside Council for Wales will be responsible for producing maps showing land to which the new statutory right of access will apply. They are currently undertaking preliminary 554W
  work, the results of which will help determine the best approach to mapping, and enable a timetable to be established for the production of consultation maps.

  Audits
  Mr. White
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will undertake a comparison between the audit process for small parish councils and those for(a) charities and (b) businesses of similar financial size. [101488]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  As recognised by statute, the audit processes for local authorities, including parish councils, are not comparable with those of the private sector or charitable bodies, reflecting that authorities largely obtain their funds through taxation.

  Parking
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is his policy to exempt parking places at(a) police premises and (b) prisons from workplace parking charges. [101837]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 7 December 1999]The Transport Bill currently before Parliament allows the Secretary of State or the National Assembly for Wales to require workplace parking levy schemes to include exemptions for particular types of premises. Local authorities will also be able to include their own exemptions. Our consultation paper "Breaking the Logjam" sought views on a range of possible exemptions. A detailed response to the consultation exercise will be published in due course.

  Factortane
  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library the Skeletons of Argument for the Crown in Rv. Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and Regions ex parte Factortane (a) in the Court of Appeal and (b) in the House of Lords. [101137]

  Mr. Morley
  I have been asked to reply.

  A skeleton argument is drafted by Counsel in the course of litigation for the assistance of the court, or as appropriate in the House of Lords. In the present case the Government have no objection to placing copies of these skeleton arguments in the Library and this has now been done.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Meat Hygiene Service
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received in the last six months on the performance of the Meat Hygiene Service. [99291]

  Ms Quin
  In the last six months, my Department has received several hundred representations from Members of Parliament, Members of the European Parliament, industry organisations, individual meat plant operators, farmers, consumers and others about the performance of the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS), and in particular the
  555W
  extent of veterinary supervision in meat plants, and about proposals to increase MHS inspection charges. Representations have also been made about the need to use fully qualified veterinarians by the MHS.

  The Government have listened to these concerns about the future of the slaughtering sector. Following fresh advice obtained from the European Commission, published on 13 October, low throughput slaughterhouses will not be required to have full-time supervision by a vet during post-mortem inspection. The MHS is now reviewing its levels of inspections in individual low throughput premises. Moreover, as the Minister announced on 1 December, the MHS hygiene inspection charges for the whole of 1999–2000 are being held at the levels set for 1998–99. The Government have also given a commitment that the rates of MHS hygiene inspection charges in 2000–01 should not rise by more than the rate of inflation above the levels charged in 1999–2000.

  Land Prices
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the freehold sale price by English region of grade 1 agricultural land for the most recent year for which figures are available. [100579]

  Ms Quin
  The average prices of freehold sales of agricultural properties are shown in the following table.

  Average price of Grade 1 agricultural land sold in 1998, by English region

  Government Office region

  £000 per hectare

  North East

  1—

  North West

  8.1

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  8.5

  East Midlands

  6.0

  West Midlands

  1—

  Eastern

  7.0

  South East

  7.3

  South West

  7.1

  England

  6.9

  1 Denotes insufficient sales to give an average price

  The average prices in most cases are based on a very low number of actual sales and hence are not a reliable indicator of regional differences. As details are reported up to three years after the sale date, these estimates are provisional.

  Farming (Leicestershire)
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the total value to Leicestershire farmers of all CAP payments for(a) the last year for which figures are available and (b) 2000–01. [101061]

  Ms Quin
  The following schedule shows approved payments to Leicestershire farmers for both the 1998 calendar year and the 1998–99 financial year. Farmers in Leicestershire will also have benefited from CAP schemes supporting market prices which do not involve payments made directly to them.
  556W
  Regarding estimates for 2000–01, with so many variables it is not possible to provide estimates with any degree of accuracy at this time.

  CAP Payments in Leicestershire

  £

  Scheme

  Calendar Year 1998

  Financial Year 1998–99

  Sheep Annual Premium Scheme

  2,489,961

  2,406,632

  Suckler Cow Premium Scheme

  2,454,053

  2,210,637

  Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance

  —

  —

  Beef Special Premium Scheme

  4,352,833

  4,331,827

  Arable Areas Payments Scheme

  28,210,375

  28,013,534

  Environmentally Sensitive Area

  —

  —

  Organic Aid Scheme

  11,350

  14,158

  Farm Woodland Scheme

  34,407

  34,407

  Farm Woodland Premium Scheme

  110,469

  117,145

  Nitrate Sensitive Areas

  —

  —

  Countryside Stewardship Scheme

  364,188

  402,471

  Note:

  The figures are based on the addresses to which payments have been made which in the majority of cases will be the address where the relevant farming activities have taken place. However, when a single farm business operates on land in various locations, the payment is made to their main holding rather than, in all cases, the holding where the cropping or livestock maintenance may necessarily have taken place. This means that an element of the payments shown will relate to farming activities in other parts of the UK but the payments will have been made to the main holding address in Leicestershire. Conversely, the figures attached will not include payments for farming activities in Leicestershire in cases where the main holding is located in another part of the UK.

  All schemes have individual 'scheme years' and these, invariably, respect neither calendar nor financial year boundaries. The figures quoted give totals of all payments made under the schemes, which will cover a mixture of scheme years. For example, in the case of BSPS, they will be made up from the balance payments for the 1997 scheme year, paid in April 1998 and the Advance payments for the 1998 scheme year, paid in November 1998.

  Sites of Special Scientific Interest
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total amount of agri-environment or general agricultural support expended, in the most recent period for which figures are available, on SSSI land in England; and if he will break down the figure in different types of expenditures. [101290]

  Mr. Morley
  In 1998–99 total payments in respect of SSSI land under the Environmentally Sensitive Areas scheme amounted to £6.4 million. Figures are not available in the form requested for the other agri-environment schemes or for general agricultural support.

  Correspondence
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the right hon. Member for South-West Norfolk will receive a reply to her letter of 25 November on arable area payments. [101859]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I assume the right hon. Member for South-West Norfolk is referring to her letter of 25 October to which I replied on 3 December.

DEFENCE

  Project Aquatrine
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the status of Project Aquatrine. [102324]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Project Aquatrine will provide, for the first time, strategic management of water and sewerage services across more than 3,000 Ministry of Defence sites in Great Britain. The Department aims to achieve this through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) and has today launched a market consultation paper to explore private sector interest in the project. The PPP will lead to greater value for money, investment in the defence infrastructure and enable responsibility for the provision of water and sewerage services to rest with those best able to deal with it while meeting the Department's on-going environmental responsibilities.

  The market consultation follows successful pathfinder projects at Tidworth and Lyneham; the outcome will inform the decision on the next phase of the project.

  The current plan is to advertise Project Aquatrine in the Official Journal of the European Communities in early 2000, leading to the selection of a partner to begin providing services in late 2003. The project has a potential value of £1 billion over 25 years.

  RAF Helicopters
  Mr. Martin Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the incidents of uncommanded flying control movements in helicopters reported by RAF pilots, broken down by helicopter type since 1994. [101652]

  Mr. Spellar
  Uncommanded movements are defined as unusual movement of flying controls or rotors that are not caused by pilot inputs. These include those unusual movements found during pre-flight checks.

  The table lists the incidents of uncommanded flying control movements in helicopters reported by RAF pilots, broken down by helicopter type since 1994.

  Uncommanded flying control movements

  Year

  Occurrences

  Chinook

  1994

  6

  1995

  5

  1996

  6

  1997

  5

  1998

  7

  1999

  6

  Total

  35

  Gazelle

  1994

  1

  1995

  1

  Total

  2

  Griffin

  1997

  2

  1998

  3

  1999

  1

  Total

  6

  558W

  Uncommanded flying control movements

  Year

  Occurrences

  Puma

  1994

  8

  1995

  9

  1996

  3

  1997

  2

  1998

  4

  1999

  6

  Total

  32

  Sea King

  1994

  8

  1995

  10

  1996

  6

  1997

  5

  1998

  3

  1999

  3

  Total

  35

  Wessex

  1994

  17

  1995

  10

  1996

  15

  1997

  5

  1998

  6

  1999

  3

  Total

  56

  Helicopter Total

  166

  Falklands
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of land mines in the Falkland Islands. [101822]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Battle) to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, North-East (Mr. Crausby) on 30 November 1999,Official Report, column 159W.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role he proposes following the 22 UK/French Summit for Anglo-French co-ordination in relation to the UK commitment to the defence of the Falkland Islands. [R] [101420]

  Mr. Hoon
  None. The security of the Falkland Islands is the responsibility of the United Kingdom Government alone.

  Land Mines
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department is taking to ensure that foreign military forces stationed in the United Kingdom do not store land mines in the United Kingdom. [98594]

  Mr. Spellar
  The UK is fully committed to the Ottawa Convention which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines (APMs). The last of the UK's operational stocks of APMs were destroyed on 19 October 1999—three years ahead of the timeframe laid down in the Convention. Allies who have forces stationed in the UK are well aware of the Ottawa Convention's obligations which include the prohibition of
  559W
  the stockpiling of APMs on UK territory. The only APMs stored in the UK are the small amount (some 4,000) that the UK's armed forces hold for training and testing in de-mining techniques, as permitted under Article 3 of the Ottawa Convention.

  Royal Army Medical Corps
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the recruitment campaign for the Royal Army Medical Corps; and if he will make a statement. [100722]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Royal Army Medical Corps undertakes recruiting on a continuous basis, utilising a wide variety of media and the Army Recruiting network. Recruitment into training is good, but it is more difficult to attract already qualified medical personnel. The tri-Service campaign in February and March 1999 aimed at the direct recruitment of qualified personnel has resulted, to date, in one doctor and four nurses entering the Army, with a further six nurses in the recruitment process. Additionally, a major recruiting campaign for the Territorial Army Medical Services was launched in September 1999. It is too early to predict the success of this campaign but early responses seem promising.

  AWE Aldermaston
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the longest amount of overtime worked by any MOD police officer at AWE Aldermaston in any period of(a) two weeks, (b) one month and (c) six months, since November 1998. [100684]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 30 November 1999]The largest number of overtime hours worked by a MOD Police officer at AWE Aldermaston during a one-month period since November 1998 was 120 hours and a six-month period was 532 hours. The MDP do not routinely record overtime worked in two-week periods and this information could only be provided by manually searching through all the individual police pay records at AWE Aldermaston, incurring disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the Defence Police Federation in respect of overtime worked by officers at AWE Aldermaston. [100687]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 30 November 1999]I understand that concerns have been expressed by the local Defence Police Federation at AWE Aldermaston about the levels of overtime worked at that location.

  Deceased Aircrew
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the occasions since 1993 in which deceased aircrew have been found guilty of gross negligence in accidents involving military aircraft which were not fitted with cockpit voice recorders or flight data recorders. [101497]

  Mr. Spellar
  The information requested is as follows:

  Date

  Aircraft type

  Service

  Location

  2 June 1994

  Chinook HC2

  RAF

  Mull of Kintyre, Scotland

  Non-core Service Privatisation
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many non-core services have been privatised by his Department in(a) 1999 and (b) each of the previous three years. [101661]

  Mr. Spellar
  Individual budget areas and agencies routinely contract out services to the private sector where this offers best value for money. No central records of such arrangements are kept. Relevant figures for activities contracted out under the former Competing for Quality (CFQ) initiative and for contracts concluded under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) are:

  PFI

  CFQ

  1995–96

  2

  8

  1996–97

  8

  16

  1997–98

  6

  5

  1998–99

  9

  5

  HMS Glasgow
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the current crew levels are of HMS Glasgow. [101298]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]On 1 December 1999 HMS Glasgow had a crew level of 23 Officers and 224 ratings.

  Navy Vessels
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which naval vessels have been withdrawn in advance of planned exercises during 1999. [101613]

  Mr. Spellar
  HMS Invincible, HMS Northumberland, HMS Ledbury, HMS Gloucester, HMS Newcastle, HMS Cattistock, HMS Montrose, HMS Monmouth, HMS Fearless, HMS Ocean, HMS Sandown, HMS Edinburgh, HMS Westminster, HMS Grafton have been withdrawn from planned exercises this year.

  Devolved Assemblies (Defence Briefings)
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what charging arrangements are in place in respect of the budgets of the Scottish Executive and National Assembly for Wales, to pay for the time of Ministry of Defence officials preparing briefing for members of the(a) Scottish Executive and (b) National Assembly for Wales when replying to debates. [101150]

  Mr. Hoon
  Members of the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly of Wales are entitled to ask for and receive any information which would be relevant to the running of their business. The same principles apply to information that the Ministry of Defence might require from the devolved Administrations. As this relationship includes an exchange of information both ways, there are no charging arrangements in place in respect of the budgets of the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly of Wales to pay for the time of Ministry of Defence officials preparing this briefing.
  561W
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what security level members of the Scottish Executive are briefed on defence matters when answering debates on defence issues in the Scottish Parliament. [101149]

  Mr. Hoon
  Members of the Scottish Executive are provided with all information that is necessary and appropriate to enable them to meet their responsibilities to the Scottish Parliament. As Scottish Ministers are Ministers of the Crown and members of the Scottish Executive remain Civil Servants, no additional security restrictions apply.

  Service Pensions
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the current rate is of service pension that would be paid to an Army major who retired at the age of(a) 55 after 34 years reckonable service on 1 April 1977, (b) 53 after 32 years reckonable service on 1 April 1975 and (c) 55 after 34 years reckonable service on 1 April 1997. [101151]

  Mr. Spellar
  (a) The current rate of service pension that would be paid to an Army major who retired at the age of 55 after 34 years reckonable service on 1 April 1977 is £12,776.18.

  (b) The current rate of service pension that would be paid to an Army major who retired at the age of 53 after 32 years reckonable service on 1 April 1975 is £16,131.20.

  (c) The current rate of service pension that would be paid to an Army major who retired at the age of 55 after 34 years reckonable service on 1 April 1997 is £19,233.

HEALTH

  HIV/AIDS
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what Government funding is available for HIV and AIDS research; and how this is distributed between the NHS regions. [99388]

  Yvette Cooper
  Estimated total Government funding for HIV/AIDS research in 1999–2000 will be £16 million, of which £10 million will be spent by the Medical Research Council. The rest of the funding will be split between the Public Health Laboratory Service, the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, other research councils and Government Departments. Funding is not allocated across National Health Service regions, but is awarded to the research centre best able to undertake high quality work.

  Project details of work directly funded by the Department or supported through the NHS research and development levy can be found on the National Research Register. This is available in the Library and most medical libraries on CD-Rom, and on the internet: http://www.doh.gov.uk/nrr.htm.

  NICE
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the compliance of current arrangements for appeals against recommendations of the 562W
  National Institute for Clinical Excellence with the requirements of Article 2, paragraph 2 of the EC Council Directive of 21 December 1988. [99880]

  Mr. Denham
  Article 2 of the EC Council Directive of 21 December 1988 (the "Transparency Directive") refers to arrangements for the approval of the price of medicinal products. That has no relevance to the work of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, which has no role in relation to pricing issues.

  Departmental Estate
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the value of land and property including properties under construction(a) in Scotland, (b) in England and (c) in total for his core Department, including leasehold and freehold properties, and the regional offices. [99737]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 26 November 1999]The value of the National Health Service estate in England, including properties under construction, is approximately £23 billion. The valuation of freehold land and property in England occupied by the Department, including its regional offices, is being developed as part of the implementation of resource accounting. This information is currently being audited. The first set of resource accounts will be published in respect of 1999–2000.

  Issues relating to Scotland are a matter for my right hon. Friend the First Minister for Scotland.

  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the value of land and property in(a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) total held by non-NHS bodies within his responsibility. [99735]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 26 November 1999]The total value of the National Health Service estate in England is approximately £23 billion. In addition, an amount of £75 million is directly attributable to non NHS bodies.

  Issues relating to Scotland are a matter for my right hon. Friend the First Minister for Scotland.

  Health Authority Mergers
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health authority mergers have occurred since May 1997. [100779]

  Mr. Denham
  Nationally there has only been one health authority merger since May 1997 when North West Anglia, East Norfolk and Cambridge and Huntingdon Health Authorities merged to become Norfolk and Cambridge Health Authorities on 1 April 1999.

  Hospital and Community NHS Trust Mergers
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the hospital and community NHS trust mergers that have occurred since May 1997. [100778]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested has been placed in the Library.

  Shropshire Health Authority
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many emergency admissions(a) to the Royal

  563W
  Shrewsbury Hospital and (b) in total for Shropshire Health Authority there were in each year from 1992 to date; and if he will make a statement. [100723]

  Ms Stuart
  The table shows the number of emergency admissions(a) to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital National Health Service Trust and (b) to NHS trusts within Shropshire Health Authority for the financial years 1992–93 to 1997–98.

  Ordinary admissions and day cases combined: number of emergency admissions shown by selected health authority and hospital provider, NHS hospitals, England

  Shropshire HA

  Royal Shrewsbury Hospital NHS Trust1

  1992–93

  23,262

  12,143

  1993–94

  29,705

  15,192

  1994–95

  29,882

  15,088

  1995–96

  33,210

  17,448

  1996–97

  33,860

  17,005

  1997–982

  34,794

  17,261

  1 Figures for 1992–93 and 1993–94 are for the Royal Shrewsbury Acute Unit and Shrewsbury Acute Hospital Unit respectively

  2 Figures for 1997–98 are provisional, no adjustments have yet been made for shortfalls in data (ie the date is ungrossed)

  Source:

  Department of Health, Hospital Episode Statistics (HES)

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the full patient satisfaction survey results for(a) Shropshire Health Authority and (b) all the NHS trusts in Shropshire; and if he will make a statement. [100594]

  Ms Stuart
  The report of the first part of the national surveys programme—on general practitioner services—was placed in the Library in October ("National Surveys of NHS Patients: General Practice 1998"). A breakdown of the data to health authority level can be found on the internet at: http://doh.gov.uk/public/nhssurvey.htm.

  The second part of the programme—on coronary heart disease—will include data at National Health Service trust level and will be published in 2000.

  NHS Beds (Winter)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those NHS trusts that are planning to cope with winter bed pressures by contracting with the private medical sector. [100574]

  Ms Stuart
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Diabetic Care
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when pen needles for use by diabetics will be available on prescription. [100918]

  Ms Stuart
  We have consulted on proposals which would include allowing insulin pen needles to be prescribed by general practitioners on the National Health Service. We have received representations from most of the organisations consulted. We are considering them and are seeking clarification on certain points before we make our final decisions.
  564W
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for the development of diabetic care on the NHS. [101368]

  Mr. Denham
  My noble Friend Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, is announcing today the membership of the Expert Reference Group which will advise my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health on the development of the National Service Framework for diabetes. The Group met for the first time today. It is co-chaired by Professor Mike Pringle, Chair of the Council of the Royal College of General Practitioners, and Mr. Peter Houghton, Regional Director of the Eastern Regional Office of the National Health Service Executive.

  Membership of the Expert Reference Group is as follows:
  Professor George Alberti, President of the Royal College of Physicians
  Mr. Zac Arif, Chief Executive of Teddington Memorial Hospital
  Ms Debbie Bamford, Chief Executive of Woking Primary Care Group
  Dr. Peter Betts, Paediatrician from Southampton General Infirmary
  Mr. Ian Donnachie, Chief Executive of Bradford Health Authority
  Dr. Azhar Farooqui, General Practitioner and Primary Care Group Clinical Governance Lead, Leicester
  Dr. Owain Gibby, Diabetologist, Royal Gwent Hospital
  Dr. Trisha Greenhalgh, General Practitioner, London
  Ms Geeta Patel, a user of diabetes services and mother of triplets, Wolverhampton
  Dr. Veena Soni Raleigh, Epidemiologist and Researcher, National Institute of Epidemiology
  Mr. John Rostill, Chief Executive, Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust
  Mr. Paul Streets, Chief Executive, British Diabetic Association
  Ms Sheridan Waldron, Dietitian, Leicester
  Ms Rosemary Walker, Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Suffolk and Chair, Royal College of Nursing Diabetes Nursing Forum
  Professor Rhys Williams, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, Nuffield Institute for Health, Leeds
  Dr. Bob Young, Diabetologist, Hope Hospital, Salford.
  Another user of diabetes services will be brought on to the Group early in the New Year.

  The scope of the diabetes National Service Framework covers prevention, ascertainment, identification, management and complications of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and the management of diabetes in pregnancy.

  The diabetes National Service Framework will be published in 2001. It will set national quality standards and service models for diabetes, and presents an opportunity to define practical, implementable and sustainable standards for the delivery of care, focused on the needs of people with diabetes. It will help us to reduce

  565W
  unacceptable variations in care, while improving the overall quality of services. The diabetes National Service Framework will pay particular heed to the needs of those who are disproportionately affected by diabetes, such as people from ethnic minority communities.

  General Medical Council
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to increase awareness among the public of the General Medical Council's responsibility for doctors working in private practice. [101339]

  Ms Stuart
  The Medical Act 1983 provides for the regulation by the General Medical Council of the medical profession in the United Kingdom irrespective of whether practice is undertaken in the National Health Service or privately.

  The General Medical Council has made it clear in its publication "A Problem With Your Doctor?" that its powers cover doctors
  "in all branches of medicine, including hospital and general practice, whether in the NHS or in private practice".

  Crohn's Disease
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the availability of Infliximab for prescription on the NHS for the treatment of Crohn's disease. [101322]

  Mr. Denham
  A European licence was granted on 13 August 1999 for Remicade, whose active constituent is infliximab, for certain indications. These are: for the treatment of severe, active Crohn's disease in patients who have not responded despite a full and adequate course of therapy with a corticosteroid and/or an immunosuppressant; and for the treatment of fistulising Crohn's disease in patients who have not responded despite a full and adequate course of therapy with conventional treatment.

  Departmental Research Contracts
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health 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 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. [100150]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]Information about individual research contracts could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Details of medical and related research funded or supported by the Department can be found in the National Research Register. This is available in the Library and in most medical libraries on CD Rom, and on the internet: http://www.doh.gov.uk/nrr.htm.

  Copies of model contracts for the Department's Policy Research Programme and the National Health Service research and development programme are in the Library.

  The Department actively encourage publication of research it has funded.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Weights and Measures Act 1985
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement on the reasons for the proposed removal of the statutory qualification from the Weights and Measures Act 1985; [100450]

  (2) what consultations his Department has held with (a) business and (b) consumers' groups in respect of the proposed removal of the statutory qualification from the Weights and Measures Act 1985; [100451]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the impact on (a) consumers and (b) business of the proposed removal of the statutory qualification from the Weights and Measures Act 1985; [100452]

  (4) what plans he has to replace the statutory qualification in the Weights and Measures Act 1985. [100449]

  Mr. Byers
  As part of the Government's new consumer strategy as set out in the recent White Paper "Modern Markets: Confident Consumers", we have been consulting on the basis of the document "Fair Trade: a consultation document on modernising the law on the sale of goods sold by quantity" on proposals to update and simplify weights and measures law. This includes how the law is enforced.

  The consultation document proposed removal of the requirement in the Act for weights and measures inspectors to have a special certificate from the Department of Trade and Industry. Instead, either a general requirement would be placed on local authorities to ensure that those carrying out enforcement functions under the Act had appropriate training, skills and knowledge, paying regard to guidance on training and qualifications in a Code of Practice; or, alternatively I would have power to approve particular qualifications for particular purposes. These proposals have been brought forward as part of a broader examination of consumer protection enforcement (as described in the White Paper), in the light of the range of duties and responsibilities for enforcement in this area.

  Both the White Paper and the consultation document referred to were widely distributed to both business and consumer organisations, as well as to enforcement authorities. We have received a number of replies, which are currently being considered. Further consultation is envisage before any final decisions are made.

  Ice-cream Industry
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement on the arrangements for notification and publication of the Government's response to interested parties on the Competition Commission's inquiry into the ice-cream industry; [100408]

  (2) when his Department will publish its response to the Competition Commission's report into the ice-cream industry; [100409]
  567W
  (3) what plans he has to shorten the consideration period for departmental responses to Competition Commission reports; [100410]

  (4) how many representations his Department has received on the Competition Commission's inquiry into the ice-cream industry. [100407]

  Mr. Byers
  The Competition Commission report on impulse ice cream will be published as soon as practicable. The Department's normal administrative target for publication of monopoly reports is within 10 weeks of receipt of the report.

  The Department has received a number of representations in connection with the Competition Commission's investigation of the impulse ice cream market. Those received before the report was delivered to me were forwarded to the Competition Commission. Those received after the report was delivered to me will be taken into account by me at the appropriate time as part of my consideration of the report.

  Copies of the report will be laid before Parliament at the same time as it is published. Immediately after publication, interested parties who have requested it will be sent a copy of the Press Notice announcing my decision.

  Petrol Prices
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received regarding petrol prices charged to customers by car hire companies. [101134]

  Mr. Byers
  I have received no such representations.

  British Gas
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to ensure that British Gas LP Gas is accountable to the Gas Consumer Council. [101164]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Gas Act 1986 defines gas by reference to substances which are in a gaseous state and does not deal with liquid petroleum gas (LPG) unless it is in a gaseous state when ownership is transferred to the consumer. As a body set up under the Gas Act 1986, the Gas Consumers' Council therefore has no functions in respect of companies' LPG activities. The Government have no plans for change in this respect.

  As consumers have done in the past, problems concerning the pricing and supply of LPG, should continue to be referred to their local Trading Standards Department. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is responsible for consumer protection and competition issues covering the LPG industry including issues of pricing, supply and delivery and has powers under the Fair Trading Act 1973 to investigate anti-competitive behaviour such as collusive or predatory pricing. Consumers will continue to be able to bring this to the attention of the Director General of Fair Trading.

  Dental Whiteners
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking to stop the practice of hairdressers administering dental whiteners illegally. [101190]
  568W
  Mr. Byers
  We are not aware of this practice of hairdressers supplying dental whiteners. However, if a hairdresser supplies to consumers dental whitening products which are contrary to the Cosmetics Regulations, then this act of supply would be prohibited under those Regulations regardless of the use the whiteners may be put to.

  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action the Government are taking to secure a revocation of the EU Directive on dental whiteners; and if he will make a statement. [101192]

  Mr. Byers
  There is no EU Directive on dental whiteners. These are controlled under the Cosmetics Directive. A review of the provisions of the Cosmetics Directive as they apply to tooth whiteners is currently under way.

  Business Competitiveness (EU)
  Mr. Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with other members of the European Union on improving the competitiveness of business. [101198]

  Mrs. Liddell
  My Department's EU priorities, and in particular the central objective of improving the working of the single market, are aimed at improving the competitiveness of EU industry. DTI ministerial colleagues and I have regular discussions with our EU opposite numbers on a wide range of issues in both bilateral meetings and at EU Council meetings in Brussels.

  The process of encouraging the EU to concentrate on competitiveness issues was reinforced at EU level at the Cardiff European Council under the UK Presidency last year which laid down a process to encourage and monitor economic reform and competitiveness in Europe.

  In March next year, the Portuguese Presidency will be holding a special European Council on economic reform, employment and social cohesion. The UK has made a substantial input to this discussion, with the knowledge-driven economy, enterprise and social inclusion as our main proposals for achieving the objective of making Europe the most advanced knowledge-based economy in the world by 2010. My colleagues and I have spoken to a large number of our counterparts in other member states on these themes.

  Vehicle Restraint Systems
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to introduce new regulations for the automotive industry relating to the handling and disposal of redundant secondary restraint systems on vehicles. [101498]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published guidance on the handling, storage, transport and disposal of vehicle air-bags and seat-belt pre-tensioners (ISBN 07176 15987). In addition the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders recommends that such items should not be re-used after removal from vehicles, a recommendation endorsed by the HSE. Although the Government currently have no plans to introduce legislation banning re-use we will keep this under close review.

  Energy Prices
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the average decrease per household in the price of(a) electricity and (b) gas since privatisation expressed in (i) cash and (ii) percentage terms. [101499]

  Mrs. Liddell
  (a) Average annual domestic electricity bills are estimated to have fallen by £59 in real terms (at 1999 prices) between 1990 and 1999, representing a fall of 18 per cent.

  (b) Average annual domestic gas bills are estimated to have fallen by £138 in real terms (at 1999 prices) between 1986 and 1999, representing a fall of 31 per cent.

  More detailed figures relating to average annual domestic electricity and gas bills are presented in the tables.

  Average domestic annual standard electricity bill1

  19902 (£)

  19933 (£)

  Change (£)

  Percentage change

  Real terms4

  324

  265

  59 decrease

  18 decrease

  Cash terms

  245

  265

  19 increase

  8 increase

  1 Average UK domestic electricity bill (including VAT) for customers on Standard Credit terms consuming 3,300 kWh. The majority of customers are on these payment terms. Other payment methods currently available are direct debit, and pre-payment.

  2 Privatisation of the electricity supply industry for the domestic market took place in 1990.

  3 1999 figures are provisional estimates.

  4 Real 1999 terms calculated using the GDP (market prices) deflator. The 1999 deflator is estimated based on data for the first three quarters.

  Average domestic annual standard gas bill1

  19862 (£)

  19933 (£)

  Change (£)

  Percentage change

  Real terms4

  443

  305

  138 decrease

  31 decrease

  Cash terms

  261

  305

  56 increase

  17 increase

  1 Average GB domestic gas bill (including VAT) for customers on Standard Credit terms consuming 18,000 kWh. The majority of customers are on these payment terms. Other payment methods currently available are direct debit, and pre-payment.

  2 Privatisation of the gas supply industry for the domestic market took place in 1986.

  3 1999 figures are provisional estimates.

  4 Real 1999 terms calculated using the GDP (market prices) deflator. The 1999 deflator is estimated based on data for the first three quarters.

  Fuel Prices
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what impact the change in the price of fuel since privatisation has had(a) on the retail prices index and (b) on the amount of money paid in state benefits. [101500]

  Mrs. Liddell
  (a) The retail prices index (RPI) produced by the Office for National Statistics consists of a variety of components, each covering different products, including fuels. These components are aggregated using weights, which change each year, to produce the overall
  570W
  RPI. Over the period from 1987 to 1998 the fuel and light component of the all items RPI has increased more slowly than the all items RPI. The available information is presented in the table:

  All items RPI January 1987=1001

  Fuel and light component January 1987=1001

  Weight given to fuel and light component in the all items RPI parts per 1000

  1987

  101.9

  99.1

  61

  1988

  106.9

  101.6

  55

  1989

  115.2

  107.3

  54

  1990

  126.1

  115.9

  50

  1991

  133.5

  125.1

  46

  1992

  138.5

  127.8

  47

  1993

  140.7

  126.2

  46

  1994

  144.1

  131.7

  45

  1995

  149.1

  134.5

  45

  1996

  152.7

  134.8

  43

  1997

  157.5

  130.6

  41

  1998

  162.9

  125.0

  36

  1 Annual average

  Note:

  Figures for years prior to 1987 are based on January 1974=100

  (b) Most social security benefits are uprated in April each year normally by reference to the retail prices index for the year up to the preceding September. The Rossi index, excluding changes in housing costs, is used in the case of most income-related benefits. Increases in fuel costs will have contributed to those inflation indices and will therefore have played a part in determining changes in benefit levels, but no benefit payments relate directly to the price of fuel.

  Coal Concessions
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement concerning origins of future supplies of concessionary coal to retired mineworkers. [101425]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Concessionary coal includes a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels, housecoal, and anthracite. Under the current contracts most fuel has been UK sourced. Supplies beyond March 2000 are the subject of a competitive tender, which I am still assessing. I hope that the UK suppliers will continue to make their products available to the distributors appointed by the Department, and that the products they offer are competitive in terms of both prices and quality.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria he will adopt to award the contract for the supply and distribution of concessionary coal to former British coal miners. [101216]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]As notified in the Official Journal of the European Communities, the award criteria for contracts for the supply and distribution of concessionary fuel are the economically most advantageous bids in terms of price, security of supply and quality maintenance standards.

  Utilities (Operating Profits)
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the operating profit to-date of each(a) regional water authority, (b) regional electricity authority and (c) regional gas authority. [101430]
  571W
  Mrs. Liddell
  The water industry falls within the responsibilities of my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister. Figures for the electricity industry are published in the annual report of the Office of Electricity Regulation which is available in the Library of the House. Figures for the gas industry are published in the Annual Report and Accounts of British Gas, subsequently Centrica and BGplc.

  Parcelforce
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what policy changes he is planning as a result of the reported half-year loss by Parcelforce. [101731]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The half-year loss reported by Parcelforce is a matter of commercial and financial policy for Parcelforce management. It represents a 6 per cent. reduction in loss compared to the equivalent period to September 1998. Further improved operational efficiency from measures, such as the new express and international hubs at Coventry coming on-stream, are expected to make a positive contribution to the financial position of Parcelforce.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he is implementing to ensure the half-year loss by Parcelforce does not constitute a hidden subsidy; and if he will make a statement on his assessment of the effect this loss will have on competitors. [101805]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  Parcelforce operates in a competitive area and is continuing to improve its competitiveness and profitability, as shown by its improved financial performance. The Post Office is required to take steps to make sure there is no undue cross-subsidy between Royal Mail monopoly services and Parcelforce. These include the separation of accounts and, in accordance with normal practice, a requirement that the in-year funding requirement to Parcelforce from Post Office Group is charged at a commercial rate.

  In future the new, independent regulator, the Postal Services Commission, will ensure that any cross-subsidy from the monopoly areas to competitive activities is the minimum required, in its opinion, to ensure the continued provision of services required by the Universal Service Obligation at a uniform public tariff (which includes the standard parcels service). The Postal Services Commission will also ensure fair competition.

  Airbus Project
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effect of the United Kingdom's participation in the military company's airbus A400M project on employment in the UK. [101656]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Future Transport Aircraft (FTA) competition is being run by the Ministry of Defence. The A400M, along with Boeing's C-17 and Lockheed Martin's C130J, is a contender in the competition. The Department of Trade and Industry is involved in the consideration of the industrial implications of this procurement. Our assessment looks at the possible impacts of each bid on the UK's industrial and technological capabilities. The impact on UK employment levels is one aspect of this.
  572W
  The FTA competition is still at the competitive bidding stage and it would be inappropriate to publish information provided to both MOD and DTI by companies as part of this process.

  Departmental Research Contracts
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 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 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. [100157]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]This information would be available only at disproportionate cost.

  Developing Countries
  Ms Kingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list by country(a) the amount recovered by the Export Credits Guarantee Department and (b) the amount repaid under aid loans, for each of the countries defined by the World Bank as developing countries, in each of the last two financial years. [101414]

  Mr. Caborn
  From the information available, Table shows the value of debts recovered by the Exports Credits Guarantee Department and Table 2 shows the amount repaid under aid loans. Both Annexes refer to countries defined by the World Bank as developing nations and include amounts from the last two financial years.

  Table 1: Amounts recovered by ECGD, by financial year

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Highly Indebted Poor countries

  Angola

  —

  —

  Burkina Faso

  0.068

  0.08

  Burundi

  —

  —

  Cameroon

  1.834

  2.915

  Central African Republic

  —

  —

  Congo

  0.22

  —

  Congo (Dr)

  0.9

  —

  Cote d'Ivoire

  0.72

  3.845

  Ethiopia

  0.44

  0.563

  Ghana

  3.848

  1.518

  Guinea

  0.168

  0.154

  Guinea Bissau

  0.128

  —

  Guyana

  5.079

  3.498

  Haiti

  0.425

  —

  Honduras

  —

  —

  Liberia

  —

  —

  Madagascar

  0.373

  0.446

  Malawi

  0.613

  0.842

  Mali

  0.275

  0.263

  Mauritania

  0.609

  0.322

  Mozambique

  0.963

  —

  Myanmar

  —

  —

  Nicaragua

  0.103

  0.039

  Niger

  0.048

  0.103

  Nigeria

  1.704

  8.195

  Rwanda

  —

  —

  Sao Tome

  —

  —

  Sierra Leone

  —

  —

  Somalia

  —

  —

  Sudan

  —

  —

  Tanzania

  3.992

  9.731

  573W

  Table 1: Amounts recovered by ECGD, by financial year

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Uganda

  0.773

  —

  Vietnam

  0.772

  0.85

  Yemen Rep

  4.574

  3.49

  Zambia

  1.84

  2.01

  Moderately Indebted Low Income countries

  Bangladesh

  —

  —

  Benin

  0.187

  0.216

  Cambodia

  —

  —

  Chad

  —

  —

  Comoras

  —

  —

  Gambia

  0.101

  —

  India

  0.709

  0.466

  Kenya

  9.219

  11.589

  Lao PDR

  —

  —

  Pakistan

  0.114

  —

  Senegal

  0.059

  0.02

  Togo

  0.517

  0.161

  Zimbabwe

  0.025

  0.273

  Severely Indebted Middle Income countries

  Argentina

  23.035

  21.099

  Bolivia

  1.175

  1.065

  Brazil

  144.246

  107.702

  Bulgaria

  1.647

  4.427

  Cuba

  —

  —

  Ecuador

  1.997

  —

  Gabon

  14.804

  1.561

  Indonesia

  0.498

  1.639

  Iraq

  0.084

  0.05

  Jamaica

  0.685

  0.723

  Jordan

  24.174

  17.194

  Peru

  9.172

  9.619

  Syrian Arab Republic

  6.226

  0.266

  Moderately Indebted Middle Income countries

  Algeria

  10.889

  14.559

  Chile

  —

  —

  Colombia

  —

  —

  Georgia

  —

  —

  Hungary

  —

  —

  Macedonia

  0.645

  0.805

  Malaysia

  —

  —

  Mexico

  41.479

  45.45

  Morocco

  17.949

  10.373

  Panama

  —

  —

  Philippines

  10.49

  5.103

  St. Vincent

  —

  —

  Thailand

  —

  —

  Tunisia

  —

  —

  Turkey

  —

  —

  Uruguay

  —

  —

  Venezuela

  6.198

  0.177

  Severely Indebted Low Income countries

  —

  —

  Afghanistan

  —

  —

  Burundi

  —

  —

  Laos

  —

  —

  Table 2: Amounts repaid under aid loans

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Afghanistan

  —

  —

  Antigua and Barbuda1

  —

  —

  Bangladesh

  —

  —

  Barbados

  19,350.00

  19,360.00

  Belize

  —

  —

  Botswana

  —

  —

  Brazil

  382,536.14

  254,466.07

  Cameroon

  —

  —

  Caymen Islands2

  62,760.00

  64,560.00

  574W

  Table 2: Amounts repaid under aid loans

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Columbia

  218,342.91

  51,774.45

  Costa Rica

  554,572.96

  373,437.30

  Cyprus

  20,400.00

  20,400.00

  Dominica

  270,500.00

  —

  Ecuador

  338,500.00

  366,833.91

  Egypt

  —

  —

  Ethiopia

  —

  —

  Gambia

  —

  —

  Ghana

  —

  —

  Grenada

  375,200.00

  —

  Guyana

  —

  —

  Honduras

  —

  —

  India

  13,499,527.55

  7,747,819.00

  Indonesia

  —

  —

  Ivory Coast

  —

  —

  Jamaica

  3,862,234.10

  —

  Jordan

  —

  —

  Laos

  —

  —

  Malawi

  —

  —

  Malaysia

  516,200.00

  516,200.00

  Mauritius

  404,009.15

  191,850.00

  Mozambique3

  —

  —

  Nicaragua

  —

  —

  Nigeria

  —

  —

  Pakistan

  —

  —

  Paraguay

  234,600.00

  234,600.00

  Peru

  —

  —

  Philippines

  738,019.54

  561,166.36

  Senegal

  —

  —

  Seychelles

  —

  —

  Sierra Leone

  —

  —

  Solomon Islands4

  —

  —

  Sri Lanka

  —

  —

  St. Kitts

  —

  —

  St. Lucia

  —

  —

  St. Vincent

  —

  263,200.00

  Sudan

  —

  —

  Swaziland

  831,801.48

  381,270.90

  Tonga

  65,600.00

  —

  Tunisia

  26,660.72

  —

  Turkey

  3,368,301.54

  3,368,301.54

  TCI

  82,563.97

  —

  Zambia

  —

  —

  W. Somoa

  —

  —

  Zimbabwe

  1,458,640.00

  1,229,420.00

  Total Bilateral

  27,330,320.06

  15,644,679.53

  1 1991

  2 1975/1

  3 1976

  4 1981

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people have phoned the minimum wage hotline. [101481]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  Since the introduction of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) on 1 April 1999 the helpline run by the Inland Revenue on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry has received some 95,000 calls. In addition, the NMW helpline arranged through the Central Office of Information took 50,000 inquiries in January to March 1999. The total number of calls received by NMW helplines is therefore over 145,000.

  Oil Fabrication (Scotland)
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the future of oil fabrication in the Highlands and Islands. [101436]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]I am concerned at the situation faced by Barmac and the other UK offshore oil fabrication yards.

  The difficulties facing the UK offshore oil fabrication industry were discussed fully at last week's Oil and Gas Industry Task Force, which I chair. As a result plans are already under way for DTI to co-ordinate and support a powerful group comprising Government, Scottish Executive and all of the relevant Departments and agencies throughout the UK. This group will meet as soon as possible to clarify how they can together best help the industry adapt to the changed demand for their products and solutions.

  Car Mileage (Customer Protection)
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the adequacy of existing legislation for protecting customers against being sold cars for which the mileage has been altered. [100812]

  Dr. Howells
  Selling a car with a false mileage reading is an offence under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968. The key is to ensure that the enforcement authorities and buyers have access to reliable information on the history of a vehicle and my Department has been working with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) on ways to improve this.

  As a result the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency are currently considering proposals to make available more information on mileage by introducing a mandatory requirement for mileage to be recorded on vehicle registration and licensing forms. In addition, the computerisation of the MOT testing system by DETR will provide another central source of mileage information on vehicles more than three years old. For newer cars, the Government support the car retail industry's scheme for centrally recording data collected when vehicles are services.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Debt
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the recent moves in the US Congress to grant $110 million to fund bilateral debt forgiveness. [100355]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the response by the US Government to Her Majesty's Government's initiatives on the current debt crisis. [100371]

  Clare Short
  The US Congress decision to provide resources for US export credit debt relief is welcome, as are its agreement to the IMF's financing of its debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC)576W
  initiative. However, the agreement on revaluing gold covered only the first tranche. The American pledge to cancel 100 per cent. of its bilateral debts for qualifying HIPCs will only be implemented after these countries have received their HIPC relief. It was therefore very disappointing that the US contribution for the HIPC Trust Fund was not agreed. This means that a substantial financing gap has opened up and this has stalled progress on implementing the revised HIPC initiative. I welcome the US Administration's commitment to pursue a US contribution to the Trust Fund next year.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action her Department is taking to reduce the debt burden of the poorest countries. [100367]

  Clare Short
  My Department has been working closely with the Treasury on the problem of unpayable debt. Our Government have played a leading role in seeking a permanent solution to the debt problems of the poorest countries. We successfully pressed for a comprehensive Review of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative last year. Proposals for revising the HIPC framework were agreed in September 1999 at the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the IMF. The HIPC initiative will now provide twice as much debt relief, and it will be provided more quickly and to more countries. There is also a much stronger link to poverty, to ensure that the poor benefit from the debt relief provided.

  My Department has cancelled nearly all the aid debts of the poorest countries, worth around £1.2 billion since 1978, and we provide all our aid on grant terms, so as not to add to the burden of debt. We announced in 1997 that we are willing to cancel the aid debts of the remaining poor Commonwealth countries who are committed to poverty reduction and the international development targets, who are pursuing sound economic policies, who are committed to transparent and accountable government, and who are bearing down on corruption.

  My Department also supports capacity building in debt management so that countries can better understand their debt position, negotiate their debt relief and formulate future borrowing strategies.

  EU Aid Policies
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to ensure that EU aid policies concentrate more on poverty eradication and development. [100356]

  Clare Short
  EC development assistance is ineffective and insufficiently focused on poverty. We are working to ensure the EC's development effort embraces international poverty eradication targets. We published a strategy at the end of last year with 18 detailed proposals for reform.

  Angola
  Mr. White
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the situation in Angola; and if she will make a statement. [100357]
  577W
  Clare Short
  The situation in Angola is grim. Some 3.7 million people are affected by the war. Many are facing serious malnutrition. The continuing insecurity remains a major obstacle to aid reaching some in greatest need. A lasting peace is the only answer. We have committed about £7.5 million in humanitarian assistance this year.

  Population Programmes
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on funding of population programmes. [100358]

  Clare Short
  We are spending £80 million through our own programmes on reproductive health care. This is a doubling of our programmes since 1994. We also spend £5.4 million through NGO's. Over the past 30 years we have moved from 9 per cent. to nearly 60 per cent. of couples having access to modern contraception. The International Community is committed to reaching 100 per cent. by 2015.

  World Development Report
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the World Bank's world development report 1999–2000, "Entering the 21st Century"; and if she will make a statement. [100359]

  Clare Short
  This year's World Development Report deals with two great trends—globalisation and localisation. I welcome its message that we need new rules and institutional responses. The poor benefit from rule-based systems: otherwise they can be trampled on and bullied by the most powerful. The WTO for example provides an opportunity to developing countries to achieve a fairer trading system. And international agreement is needed to tackle global environmental problems.

  The 1999 Report covers many issues. I am particularly looking forward to next year's Report on Poverty. I have every hope it will be pathbreaking.

  Zambia (AIDS)
  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to help Zambia to find a solution to its AIDS epidemic. [100360]

  Clare Short
  AIDS is one of the four priority areas for our new Country Strategy in Zambia. We are already working in key areas of AIDS prevention, control and treatment.

  World Trade Organisation
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the World Trade Organisation talks in Seattle in so far as they affect Britain's relations with developing countries. [100361]

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what role her Department is playing in determining Government policy in respect of the World Trade Organisation. [100362]
  578W
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the WTO Seattle meeting, and its potential impact on poverty reduction, self-sufficiency and sustainability in the developing world. [100363]

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the impact of the WTO Round in Seattle on the economies of developing countries. [100372]

  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the effect of the WTO Seattle Round on developing nations. [100374]

  Clare Short
  I refer my hon. Friends and the hon. Members to the answer I gave this afternoon to my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham).

  Balkans
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to maintain and expand assistance for the development and reconstruction of civil society and political structures in(a) Kosovo, (b) Macedonia and (c) Montenegro. [100364]

  Clare Short
  As part of our strategy to move from emergency and humanitarian support in Kosovo to longer-term assistance, we plan to assist with elections planned for next year (including arrangements for civil registration), promote the protection of civil and political rights and encourage the development of local civil society.

  In Macedonia, we are planning to strengthen the capacity of government and civil society to design and deliver effective social policies. We are currently supporting citizen's advice and information services.

  In Montenegro, we are exploring ways to build the capacity of civil society.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if, when she last met her colleagues from other member states of the European Union, they discussed matters relating to the funding of aid projects in Kosovo and Serbia. [100375]

  Clare Short
  I have not discussed the funding of aid projects in Kosovo and Serbia with EU colleagues recently. However, there are regular meetings at official level.

  Most recently the second donors' conference for Kosovo held in Brussels on 17 November pledged over $1 billion towards a programme of reconstruction and recovery. On Serbia, our position and that of the European Union is that, as long as Milosevic remains in power, we are only prepared to provide humanitarian assistance.

  Volunteers
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the contribution of post-school overseas volunteers to developing countries. [100365]
  579W
  Clare Short
  My Department does not support schemes or organisations which fund school leavers to do volunteer work in developing countries, where the principal aim is the self development of the volunteer rather than developmental impact.

  Over the last 20 years the main volunteer sending agencies have themselves phased out sending school leavers overseas, instead focusing on experienced and professional people who can have an impact on sustainable development. However, Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) have recently introduced a new programme "Millennium World Youth" in partnership with The Prince's Trust. This is a new approach to volunteering for younger people, focusing on helping develop and challenge youth approaches to issues such as racism.

  My Department does support the Overseas Training Programme, run by VSO. This initiative aims to send young people overseas, who are close to obtaining a professional qualification, have a particular expertise to offer, and can have a role to play in development. This scheme is due to be reviewed next year.

  Windward Islands
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to help the people of the Windward islands. [100366]

  Clare Short
  Our office in the Caribbean is currently finalising a three year strategy paper for the Windward Islands which will take forward and focus our development assistance in areas where we can best help to reduce poverty. The strategy anticipates total DFID funding of £3m per year for the four islands in support of further work in education, the environment, economic reform, social policy, particularly focusing on poverty reduction strategies and public sector reform.

  Zimbabwe
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the future of the aid programme to Zimbabwe. [100368]

  Clare Short
  The Government of Zimbabwe's policies are not focused on reducing poverty and this seriously limits our ability to work in Zimbabwe.

  This means we are working to low case scenario set out in a Country Strategy Paper, published in April 1999. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  Women (Economic Empowerment)
  Mr. Geraint Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action her Department is taking to provide greater economic empowerment of women in the developing world. [100369]

  Clare Short
  Women bear the brunt of poverty, but they also hold the key to its eradication. We are strongly committed to getting more girls through school, and working for improved opportunities for women.

  We are supporting numerous projects and programmes which are seeking to make credit available to poor women, to provide them with non-financial support to starting and building small and medium enterprises,
  580W
  and removing obstacles to women's access to land and other assets. Our work in support of women has been the subject of a recent inquiry by the International Development Committee of this House, and it has just published an informative report on the work we are doing in this area.

  Kenya
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what financial support the Government are giving to Kenya. [100370]

  Clare Short
  UK bilateral development assistance to Kenya for 1999–2000 is expected to be £24 million.

  Mongolia
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plan she has to visit projects funded by her Department in Mongolia. [100373]

  Clare Short
  I have no plans to visit Mongolia.

  AIDS Vaccine
  Mr. Borrow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the work of her Department to support the development of an AIDS vaccine for use in the developing world. [100376]

  Clare Short
  We are providing £14 million over the next five years to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) to help develop an AIDS vaccine which is safe, effective and affordable for developing countries. This is additional to our earlier grant of £200,000 made in 1998, and supplements our existing work with the UK Medical Research Council and the European Commission.

  Malaria
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with the World Health Organisation regarding the increased incidence of malaria; and if she will make a statement. [100377]

  Clare Short
  My Department has regular and frequent discussions with the World Health Organisation. Most recently, we have completed arrangements for making available £48 million over the next four years to the Roll Back Malaria initiative. £7 million of this allocation has already been provided for work this year.

  Belize
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the development benefit to Belize of its investment in the hydro-electric power project in 1994–95. [101744]

  Clare Short
  None. Responsibility for assessing the development value of its investments rests with CDC's board.

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if the Commonwealth Development Corporation's investment in the Belize hydro-electric project in 1994–95 meets the criteria for
  581W
  investment currently in operation; and what value for money assessment her Department has made of the project. [101738]

  Clare Short
  The investment in Belize Electricity Company was made according to conventional project financing criteria, fully meeting CDC's criteria at the time. These took into account the internal rate of return, the continuing capacity of the business to service the debt, and an analysis of key risk factors. CDC is now moving away from senior debt into equity investment.

  Responsibility for assessing the value for money of individual investments rests with CDC's board. DFID's interest is not at project level but in the performance of CDC in meeting overall agreed targets.

  My Department has not carried out a value for money assessment of the project.

  Commonwealth Development Corporation
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the average(a) interest charge per year levied by the Commonwealth Development Corporation and (b) bank rate per year over the period 1990 to 1997. [101742]

  Clare Short
  Since 1993 CDC's policy has been to fix its interest rate with reference to a base rate kept in line with the London Inter-Bank Offer Rate (LIBOR), plus a margin ranging from 1 per cent. to 5 per cent. reflecting the credit quality of the borrower and incorporating as assessment of market and project risk.

  In the period concerned the rate of interest that CDC was charging on its long-term senior debt was in line with that charged by other development finance institutions such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and was not subsidised.

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the average value of investments made by the Commonwealth Development Corporation in each of the years 1990 to 1997. [101740]

  Clare Short
  The value of CDC's average individual investments in each of the years 1990 to 1997 was as follows:

  £ million

  1991

  3.6

  1992

  3.7

  1993

  3.9

  1994

  3.8

  1995

  3.8

  1996

  4.0

  1997

  4.0

  The figures for 1990 are not immediately available.

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what are the benefits to recipients, other than favourable treatment for interest rates, of loans provided by the Commonwealth Development Corporation which cannot be provided by commercial borrowing. [101745]
  582W
  Clare Short
  In many markets where CDC operates, long-term loans are not available to businesses for reasons of perceived credit risk. CDC loans therefore enable businesses to access long-term senior debt which may not otherwise be available to them.

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the largest investment made by the Commonwealth Development Corporation in the years 1990 to 1997. [101741]

  Clare Short
  The largest investment made by CDC between 1990–97 was £38.3 million in the Housing Development and Finance Company in India.

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development in which hydro-electric projects the Commonwealth Development Corporation invested from 1990 to 1997. [101743]

  Clare Short
  Between 1990 and 1997 CDC made investments in three hydro-electric projects. These were: the Hidroelectrica Planatar SA in Costa Rica, the Kapichira Hydro Electric Scheme in Malawi and the Belize Electricity Company Ltd.

  Montenegro
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her estimate of the amount of financial assistance required from the international community to stabilise the economy of Montenegro. [101462]

  Clare Short
  We have not made such estimates. The response of the international community to Montenegro's needs will be made in the light of the policies pursued by the Montenegrin Government and on the basis of discussion with them. We are closely following developments.

SCOTLAND

  Lynebank Hospital
  Ms Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date his Department announced(a) the closure of Lynebank Hospital and (b) the sell-off of the site; and if he will make a statement. [99244]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 23 November 1999]I understand that no ministerial announcement has been made. The health service in Scotland is now a devolved matter for the Scottish Executive.

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 8 December. [101416]

  The Prime Minister
  This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House I will have further such meetings later today.

TREASURY

  Savings Target
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his targets are in respect of the level of the savings ratio in the United Kingdom. [101830]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Government are aiming to spread the saving habit more widely and provide the right economic conditions to promote long-term saving.

  Pesticides
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the reduction of pesticides use is an aim of his proposal for a pesticides tax; and if he will make a statement. [101817]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer the right hon. Member to paragraphs 6.106 to 6.108 inclusive of the Pre-Budget Report (Cm 4479), published on 9 November.

  Individual Savings Accounts
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many new regular savers have been attracted by the ISA scheme. [101815]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Mr. Loughton) on 11 November 1999,Official Report, column 764W.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of savers who hold both a maxi-ISA and a mini-ISA. [101827]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Wells (Mr. Heathcoat-Amory) on 27 October 1999,Official Report, column 898W.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate in respect of South Lancashire Council area(a) the numbers of income support and jobseeker's allowance claimants going onto the working families tax credits scheme because of the greater financial incentives involved and (b) the number of people in work who will now be entitled to working families tax credits as a result of more generous conditions of entitlement. [101487]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Reliable estimates for the numbers in receipt of the Working Families Tax Credit in South Lanarkshire are not yet available.

  Employment
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the increase in the number employed in Shrewsbury and Atcham since 1 May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [101714]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.
  584W
  Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 7 December 1999:
  The Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been asked to respond to your recent parliamentary question on the number of people employed in Shrewsbury and Atcham. I am replying in Dr Holt's absence.
  The most robust estimates at local authority level relate to jobs rather than numbers employed. These figures are available on an annual basis at September each year. In September 1997, the Annual Employment Survey (AES) shows that there were 39,000 employee jobs in the Shrewsbury and Atcham local authority district. This compares with 38,300 for September 1996. Information for September 1998 from the AES will be available in the next few months.
  Direct estimates of the numbers of people who are in employment and living in Shrewsbury and Atcham can be derived from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). Figures from this source cover employees, self-employed, unpaid family workers, and those on government employment training programmes, but are subject to larger sampling errors at local authority district level. For 1997–98, our best estimate on this basis is 47,000 which is the same as 1996–97.

  European Court of Justice
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects a decision from the European Court of Justice on the VAT treatment of road tolls and road pricing; who initiated the proceedings in the court; and for what reasons. [101704]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 7 December 1999]The Advocate General will deliver his written opinion to the European Court of Justice on 27 January 2000. If the Court follows its normal timetable the decision should be given three to six months later. Proceedings were initiated against the United Kingdom and five other member states by the European Commission. The dispute is over the interpretation of VAT legislation.

  VAT
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue raised by VAT in the(a) 1996–97 and (b) 1997–98 tax years; and what assessment he has made of the effect of simplifying the application of VAT between different retail sectors. [101905]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Revenue raised by VAT in 1996–97 was, £46,657 million. In 1997–98 it was, £50,865 million.

  There are no simplifications for which an assessment by retail sector has been performed.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  New Deal (Heywood and Middleton)
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many lone parents aged(a) under 18, (b) 18–34, (c)34–50, and (d) over 50 years have joined the New Deal since 1998 (i) nationally and (ii) in the constituency of Heywood and Middleton. [100294]

  Ms Jowell
  The following table shows, by age, the number of lone parents attending an initial New Deal for Lone Parents (NDLP) interview in the period since the full national roll-out of the NDLP programme, that is from 26 October 1998 to the end of August 1999.
  585W

  Age of lone parent

  Great Britain

  Heywood and Middleton

  Under 18

  580

  1

  18–24

  17,200

  52

  25–34

  38,120

  94

  35–19

  27,650

  51

  50+

  1,200

  2

  Departmental Estate
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what his estimate is of the value of land and property(a) in Scotland, (b) in the United Kingdom, (c) overseas and (d) in total held by (i) Ofsted, (ii) the Equal Opportunities Commission, (iii) the Funding Agency for Schools, (iv) the FEFC, (v) HEFCE, (vi) Investors in People UK Ltd, (vii) the National Council for Education Technology Ltd, (viii) Remploy Ltd, (ix) the Student Loans Company, (x) the Teacher Training Agency, (xi) the Construction Industry Training Board, (xii) the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board and (xiii) the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority; and what is the value of other assets held by each of these bodies. [99842]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 26 November 1999]The information relating to the value of land, property and other asses is drawn from the latest set of accounts for each of the following organisations.

  £

  Land and property

  Other assets

  Ofsted

  (a) Scotland

  0

  0

  (b) United Kingdom

  560,282

  0

  (c) Overseas

  0

  0

  Total

  560,282

  0

  Equal Opportunities Commission

  (a) Scotland

  0

  0

  (b) United Kingdom

  0

  460,000

  (c) Overseas

  0

  0

  Total

  0

  460,000

  Funding Agency for Schools

  (a) Scotland

  0

  0

  (b) United Kingdom

  0

  1,151,000

  (c) Overseas

  0

  0

  Total

  0

  1,151,000

  FEFC

  (a) Scotland

  0

  0

  (b) United Kingdom

  1,276,000

  28,500,000

  (c) Overseas

  0

  0

  Total

  1,276,000

  28,500,000

  HEFCE

  (a) Scotland

  0

  0

  (b) United Kingdom

  0

  50,610,000

  (c) Overseas

  0

  0

  Total

  0

  50,610,000

  Investors in People UK Ltd.

  (a) Scotland

  0

  0

  (b) United Kingdom

  0

  957,000

  (c) Overseas

  0

  0

  Total

  0

  957,000

  586W

  £

  Land and property

  Other assets

  National Council for Education Technology (NCET) Ltd.

  (a) Scotland

  0

  0

  (b) United Kingdom

  204,000

  1,832,000

  (c) Overseas

  0

  0

  Total

  204,000

  1,832,000

  Remploy

  (a) Scotland

  1,714,000

  1,061,000

  (b) United Kingdom

  24,388,000

  22,341,000

  (c) Overseas

  0

  0

  Total

  26,102,000

  23,402,000

  Students Loan Company

  (a) Scotland

  1,015,000

  2,213,000

  (b) United Kingdom

  0

  0

  (c) Overseas

  0

  0

  Total

  1,015,000

  2,213,000

  Teacher Training Agency

  (a) Scotland

  0

  0

  (b) United Kingdom

  240,000

  3,188,000

  (c) Overseas

  0

  0

  Total

  240,000

  3,188,000

  Construction Industry Training Board

  (a) Scotland

  0

  0

  (b) United Kingdom

  4,681,000

  28,517,000

  (c) Overseas

  0

  0

  Total

  4,681,000

  28,517,000

  Engineering Construction Industry Training Board

  (a) Scotland

  0

  0

  (b) United Kingdom

  555,000

  7,509,000

  (c) Overseas

  0

  0

  Total

  555,000

  17,509,000

  Qualifications and Curriculum Authority

  (a) Scotland

  0

  0

  (b) United Kingdom

  2,440,000

  5,577,000

  (c) Overseas

  0

  0

  Total

  2,440,000

  5,577,000

  1 Excludes £7,763,000 investments

  Child Care
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many extra child care places for(a) Shrewsbury and Atcham and (b) Shropshire he estimates will be created under the expenditure announced in the Chancellor's Pre-Budget Report; and if he will make a statement. [101140]

  Mr. Wicks
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has announced that expenditure to assist further education students with child care costs will increase from £5 million this year to £21 million in 2000–01. These amounts add to the approximately £4 million a year which is already provided by the Further Education Funding Council. This increase includes the additional funding referred to by the Chancellor in his Pre-Budget Report. It is expected that in 2001–02 we will assist about 37,000 students. The funding will be made a ring-fenced element within the Further Education Access Fund and will be allocated to colleges through a formula which takes account of student numbers and widening participation factors. Colleges will be told of their allocation by March 2000.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which local education authorities currently include a special educational needs factor in their LMS formula based on a local SEN audit; and what are the comparative value of funds allocated for pupils through such a factor according to the stage in the code of practice they have reached, for each LEA for which information is available. [101835]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Teachers' Pay
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what process was used to allocate the contract for consultancy work on teachers' performance-related pay; and what criteria were used to select the successful contractor. [101396]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]In May, Hay McBer was awarded a contract to carry out research into the characteristics of effective teachers. Hay was uniquely placed to carry out this work because of its research and development associated with the Leadership Programme for Serving Headteachers.

  SSA (Leicestershire)
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what additional standard spending assessment for Leicestershire would be required if it was funded at the average for English counties for(a) primary and (b) secondary pupils based on the provisional standard spending assessment for 2000–01. [101444]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The SSA primary education sub-block would need to increase by £6,629,130 and the secondary education sub-block by £6,403,760 in order for Leicestershire to be funded at the English counties' average.

  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the estimated standard spending assessment funding is for(a) primary and (b) secondary pupils for Leicestershire local education authority based on the provisional education standard spending assessment for 2000–01. [101443]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  In Leicestershire for 2000–01 the provisional standard spending assessment for the primary education sub-block is £99.99 million, and for the secondary education sub-block is £103.63 million.

  SSA Formula
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he last met the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions to discuss the current standard spending assessment funding formula. [101445]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State meets Cabinet colleagues regularly to discuss a range of issues including the standard spending assessment funding formula.

  Educational SSA
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the average standard spending assessment funding is per(a) primary pupil and (b) secondary pupil for English counties based on the provisional educational standard spending assessment for 2000–01. [101441]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The provisional average standard spending assessment is £2,348 per primary pupil and £3,024 per secondary pupil for English counties for 2000–01.

  SEN Tribunal
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the 1998–99 annual report from the President of the SEN tribunal will be published. [101954]

  Jacqui Smith
  The report was published yesterday and copies have been placed in the Library.

  I would like to thank all those working with the Tribunal—the President, the members and the secretariat staff for their hard work and commitment over the past year. I am delighted that the Tribunal has maintained its targets for dealing with appeals while also handling an increased volume of such appeals.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people had their jobseeker's allowance stopped after an interview with job centre staff in each month of(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999. [101469]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 7 December 1999]Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Leigh Lewis to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 8 December 1999:
  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has asked me to reply to your question about how many jobseekers have had their Jobseeker's Allowance stopped following interviews with Jobcentre staff. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.
  You will recall that I replied to you, along very similar lines, in my letter of 11 March. In that reply I said that the Employment Service conducts many different types of interviews with jobseekers, starting at the new claims stage and developing as unemployment lengthens. The new jobseeker's interview is important in establishing whether jobseekers meet the labour market conditions for receiving Jobseeker's Allowance and it is normally at this stage that a Jobseeker's Agreement is drawn up and jobseekers are made aware of their responsibilities in order to receive Jobseeker's Allowance. Thereafter, entitlement to the Allowance is reviewed at fortnightly interviews. We also use these opportunities to offer jobseekers further advice and help in their search for work. Jobseekers are also asked to attend a Restart interview at regular six monthly intervals at which they are offered further advice and information about employment and training opportunities. Beyond this, interviews may take place for a variety of other reasons.

  589W
  Questions about a jobseeker's entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance could arise at any of the interviews referred to above. In these instances there may be a reference to a Sector Decision Maker (formerly an Adjudication Officer) for a decision on benefit entitlement.
  Statistics on the number and types of decisions given by Employment Service Decision Makers on labour market questions are recorded in a quarterly summary—the 'Analysis of Sector Decision Making' (formerly known as the 'Analysis of Adjudication Officers' Decisions'), a copy of which is held in the Library. As questions about a person's entitlement can arise during different types of interviews, it would be misleading to compare the total figures of disallowances with the total numbers of Employment Service interviews in any given period. Jobseeker's Allowance claims can be disallowed on labour market grounds or other grounds. However, some broad indication of volumes can be given by comparing the total number of Jobseeker's Allowance new claims with the number of awards of "nil benefits". This means simply the number of Jobseeker's Allowance new claims that, following assessment by the Benefits Agency who are responsible for Jobseeker's Allowance payment, result in no payment award. This could be for a wide variety of reasons ranging from inadequate contributions to failure to meet the labour market conditions for receipt of the Allowance.
  Since Jobseeker's Allowance was introduced in October 1996, the number of claims processed and the number of nil awards by operational year has been:

  Claims processed

  Nil awards

  7 October 1996 to 31 March 1997

  1,280,960

  164,460

  1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998

  2,966,185

  470,047

  1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

  2,833,977

  508,828

  1 April 1999 to 31 October 1999

  1,640,806

  292,697

  These figures are based primarily on information held by the Jobseeker's Allowance Payments System. The figures for the period ending 31 March 1997 include a small number of claims held on the Income Support Computer System because they linked back to an earlier Income Support claim.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Nursery Places
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he expects(a) the Government's target of free nursery places for 66 per cent. of three-year-olds to be met in every local education authority by 2002 and (b) levels of free provision to be higher than 66 per cent. in some areas by that date; and if he will make a statement. [101521]

  Ms Hodge
  The Government have set a target of providing a free education place for 66 per cent. of all three-year-olds nationally by 2002. We will achieve this as a result of investing £390 million over the three years 1999–2000 to 2001–02, in all local education authority areas. The funding will, however, priorities the areas with the greatest social needs

  Many authorities have already invested their own resources to provide early education places for three-year-olds. The funding we are making available builds upon that and will extend provision across all authorities.

  Classroom Assistants
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what advice he has issued to(a) primary schools and (b) local education authorities on
  590W
  (i) the employment of classroom assistants, (ii) extending their role within the classroom and (iii) providing incentives for classroom assistants to develop their knowledge and expertise in the fields of numeracy, literacy and record-keeping. [101705]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  A Supplement to the Standards Fund 2000–01 was issued on 27 October 1999. It advised Chief Education Officers of new arrangements to increase numbers of teaching assistants and to improve their training and career development. £130 million is being made available in 2000–01, enabling schools to recruit and train up to 15,000 additional full-time equivalent teaching assistants. LEAs must consult schools over relative local needs in deciding where assistants should be deployed.

  The Department is developing a national framework of training and qualifications in partnership with the Local Government National Training Organisation and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. It is also producing guidance on the effective deployment of teaching assistants by heads and teachers. Both of these documents will be published next year following consultation with schools, local authorities and national bodies.

  Local Education Authority Statistics
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list by local education authority the number and percentage of pupils eligible for free school meals in(a) 1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998 and (d) 1999. [101520]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information available has been placed in the Library.

CABINET OFFICE

  Magistrates
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans she has to transfer responsibility for the appointment of magistrates from the Duchy of Lancaster to the Lord Chancellor. [101484]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Decisions on proposals to transfer responsibilities between Departments are for the Prime Minister.

  Civil Service (Ethnic Minorities)
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress the Government have made in increasing the representation of ethnic minorities in the Civil Service. [101449]

  Mr. Stringer
  The "Modernising government" White Paper sets a target of doubling the proportion of people drawn from ethnic minority backgrounds in the Senior Civil Service to 3.2 per cent. in 2004–05. We will report on the progress we have made against these targets next year.

  The proportion of ethnic minority staff in the Civil Service, as a whole, has increased from 4.2 per cent. in 1989 to 5.7 per cent. in 1998. This compares with 5.4 per cent. in the economically active population.

  Law Commission
  Law Commission
  Diabetic Care in the NHS
  Diabetic Care in the NHS
  Electro Convulsive Therapy
  Electro Convulsive Therapy
  Joint Military Operations and Anti-personnel Mines
  Joint Military Operations and Anti-personnel Mines
  Armed Forces Operational Ration Packs
  Armed Forces Operational Ration Packs
  Political Honours Scrutiny Committee
  Political Honours Scrutiny Committee
  EDS
  EDS
  Ministerial Training
  Ministerial Training
  Select Committee Recommendations
  Select Committee Recommendations
  Yugoslavia: Export of De-mining Equipment
  Yugoslavia: Export of De-mining Equipment
  Yugoslavia: Mail Service Resumption
  Yugoslavia: Mail Service Resumption
  Kosovo: International Police Force
  Kosovo: International Police Force
  Cultural Council, 23 November
  Cultural Council, 23 November
  Northern Ireland: Small Firms Capital Allowance
  Northern Ireland: Small Firms Capital Allowance
  Debt Relief Policies
  Debt Relief Policies