Written Answers of 20 December 1999

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Mitrokhin Archive
  Valerie Davey
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement concerning the consideration by the Crown Prosecution Service of the five cases covering the Mitrokhin archive and related matters which were referred to by the Home Secretary in his oral statement of 21 October 1999,Official Report, columns 587–99. [103901]

  The Solicitor-General
  In his statement of 21 October, the Home Secretary informed the House that, in the light of Mrs. Melita Norwood's recent statements, the papers in her case were being studied again by the prosecuting authorities. He also stated that four other cases were being considered. Those cases included those of Robin Pearson and John Symonds.

  I can now inform the House that the CPS has decided not to refer the papers in any of the five cases to the police for investigation. The reason in each instance is the same, namely, that sufficient is known about the case to make it clear that any prosecution would fail. Having reached that view, it would be quite wrong for the CPS to ask the police to undertake a criminal investigation.

  In the case of Mrs. Norwood, the intelligence information about her case would not be admissible as evidence; her statements to the media would probably be ruled to be inadmissible as evidence; there is little prospect of obtaining admissible evidence; and in any event any prosecution would probably be stayed on the ground of abuse of process. Similar considerations apply to the case of Mr. Pearson. In the case of Mr. Symonds, an immunity, granted by the DPP's office in 1984 in connection with inquiries into other matters, precludes a prosecution.

  The Law Officers have been consulted about each case, and we agree with the conclusions reached by the CPS. Each decision has been made only after careful and detailed consideration.

  It is not usual for the Law Officers to make announcements concerning their consideration of individual criminal cases. The rationale for this is straightforward. If it is considered that there is a case against an individual, and the public interest is in favour of a prosecution, then the proper course is to put the facts before the court and let justice take its course. If it is considered that there is no case against an individual, or the public interest is against a prosecution, then to give publicity to that decision will inevitably draw attention to the individual, attention which he or she may not welcome and which will not often be deserved.

  In this instance, a different course is being followed because the allegations against the three individuals named in this answer have been given extensive publicity,
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  and not to name them could only prompt speculation about whether a case against them is still being considered.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Solicitors
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what other methods of consulting solicitors as part of the "secret soundings process" for applicants to the judiciary and for silk he proposes to adopt following the withdrawal by the Law Society and other solicitors' bodies from that process. [103581]

  Mr. Lock
  The arrangements for consultation on candidates for judicial and Queen's Counsel appointments do not in any way constitute a "secret soundings process". The identities of consultees are published. The arrangements are a system for obtaining assessments of candidates against the stated criteria for appointment, and were substantially endorsed by Sir Leonard Peach in his recent Report. The Lord Chancellor is disappointed that the Law Society decided to withdraw from the consultation process and did so before the publication of the Peach Report. In fairness to solicitor candidates the Lord Chancellor will continue to consult such representative bodies as the Solicitors' Family Law Association, the Solicitors Association of High Court Advocates and the London Criminal Courts Solicitors' Association. The Lord Chancellor also proposes to develop other channels of consultation, potentially including solicitors' firms, senior practitioners and local and regional Law Societies.

  Child Abduction (Greece)
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what discussions the Lord Chancellor's Department has had concerning the interpretation and application by Greek courts of Articles 7, 11, 16, 24 and 30 of the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. [103080]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Lord Chancellor's Department has no concerns about the interpretation and application of the 1980 Convention by the courts in Greece. As a result there have been no discussions on this topic between the Department and its counterpart in Greece, the Ministry of Justice. There have, of course, been discussions about particular cases, but these have not revealed any points of more general concern about the application of the Convention in the Greek courts.

  Derbyshire Magistrates Courts
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what value-for-money study has been made of the private finance initiative for Derbyshire magistrates courts; and if he will publish it. [102824]

  Jane Kennedy
  A Public Sector Comparator has been prepared and this value-for-money study will be used to evaluate the bids when they are received. I have no plans to publish this value-for-money study or details of the bids received due to their confidential nature.
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FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Departmental Research Contracts
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [100149]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: We have not let any science or technology research contracts over this period.

  Departmental Buildings
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for each of the buildings under his Department's control how many rooms are set aside for(a) ethnic minority religious use, (b) pregnant and nursing mothers and (c) smokers. [102326]

  Mr. Battle
  Following is the information:

  Rooms available for use by pregnant and nursing mothers

  Rooms for smokers

  Main Building London SW1

  1

  1

  Old Admiralty Building London SW11

  2

  1

  1 Palace Street London SW1

  1

  2

  8 Cleveland Row London SW I

  0

  0

  1 Carlton Gardens London SW1

  0

  0

  Cromwell House London SWI

  1

  1

  20 Victoria Street London SW1

  0

  0

  Apollo House Croydon

  1

  1

  Hanslope Parks Bucks

  23

  6

  1Following refurbishment

  2This figure includes a creche

  There are no rooms set aside for ethnic minority religious use. Similar information in respect of the Overseas Estate, which comprises over 3,800 properties in 184 countries, is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  China
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Chinese Government concerning(a) religious liberty in China and (b) the treatment of house church leaders in China. [102684]

  Mr. Battle
  We raise our concerns about freedom of religion in China during our regular high level bilateral human rights dialogue with the Chinese Government. This includes specific references to the treatment of house church leaders and followers of other religions on China. Freedom of religion was a particular focus of the last round of the dialogue held in September, which included a special session devoted to the subject of freedom of religious belief at which British and Chinese specialists exchanged views. The treatment of Falun Gong adherents was discussed during the State Visit and I raised this subject with the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister in 316W
  November. I also made clear our concerns about the freedom of religious belief in Tibet, and raised individual cases.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the role of the British Government in encouraging China to continue its process of political reform. [102702]

  Mr. Battle
  Since 1979 China has been engaged on a programme of economic modernisation and reform. This has led to wide-ranging changes in the economic and social structures of the country and has resulted in impressive improvements in the living standards of the people. While the focus has been primarily on economic reform there have also been reforms in the political and legal areas, with moves beginning to take place towards the greater democratic supervision and participation in decision making. These have included the strengthening of the role of parliamentary type institutions such as the National and Local People's Congresses, the introduction of direct elections at the village level, and the building up and strengthening of a more effective legal and judicial system. We encourage these processes and want to see the human rights of Chinese citizens properly protected in accordance with the international Covenants which the Chinese have recently signed. We have developed a number of co-operative programmes and projects with the Chinese, especially in the legal and judicial fields, designed to help strengthen the rule of law in China. We also encourage parliamentary and other exchanges in order to expose China to the example of democratic institutions and practices.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to promote tourism in Britain by Chinese citizens. [102700]

  Mr. Battle
  China is not considered a large potential market for tourism to Britain in the short term. The British Tourist Authority are keeping this under review. We welcome the increasing number of Chinese visitors to this country, both business visitors and students, and hope that eventually the Chinese will be able to enjoy Britain's tourist resources.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the progress in China's observance of human rights after the UK and China's human rights dialogue in September. [102703]

  Mr. Battle
  The last round of the bilateral human rights dialogue with China produced some useful and frank discussions, particularly on the rule of law and the death penalty. We remain concerned about China's record over human rights. We continue to believe that a policy of dialogue, combined with practical programmes of co-operation in areas such as the law and the judicial system, is more likely to bring about improvements in China's practice over the longer term. We make regular representations on human rights. Both my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary discussed human rights with the Chinese during the State Visit. I had lengthy discussions on these subjects (including Tibet) with the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister during my visit to Beijing in November.
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  Angola
  Ms Kingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department has taken to ensure that UN sanctions against UNITA in Angola are implemented effectively. [102492]

  Mr. Hain
  We fully support UN sanctions against UNITA, the work of the UN Sanctions Committee on Angola, chaired by Ambassador Fowler, and the Expert Panels, established to look at ways to tighten implementation of sanctions. We are contributing US$200,000 to the Panels' work.

  We have also called for stricter enforcement of sanctions by all UN member states. We are investigating UNITA's re-supply routes and will pass on what we learn to Ambassador Fowler.

  The UK fully implements UN sanctions decided upon by the Security Council of the United Nations in its resolutions 864 (1993), 1127 (1997) and 1173 (1998) by means of restrictions imposed in Orders in Council under the United Nations Act 1946, by an amendment to the Open General Import Licence in respect of diamonds and by other administrative means. We have recently frozen funds in the UK, in accordance with UNSCR 1173.

  Information concerning potential breaches of sanctions by UK nationals or companies is passed immediately to the appropriate UK enforcement authorities.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the hon. Member for Gosport will receive a full reply to his representations on behalf of Mr. 0 about UK entry clearance (Migration and Visa Correspondence Unit reference GV 100/54641). [102583]

  Mr. Vaz
  I shall be replying to the hon. Member's letter about Mr. Onyike in the next few days.

  Hong Kong
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has, under the Joint Declaration, to monitor political structures and political activity in Hong Kong. [102910]

  Mr. Battle
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bethnal Green and Bow (Ms King) on 14 December 1999,Official Report, column 110W.

  Pakistan
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations the Government have made to the Government of Pakistan concerning the well-being of former ministers currently held in custody, pending trial. [102864]

  Mr. Hain
  From the outset we have urged Pakistan's military authorities to respect the safety and legal rights of those detained. We have also urged that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his co-defendants be given a free, fair and transparent trial before a civilian court. Our High Commissioner in Islamabad reiterated those points 318W
  when he saw General Musharraf on 15 November. I also underlined our concern to Sharifuddin Pirzada, a member of Pakistan's National Security Council, on 8 December.

  Overseas Territories
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the legal position in each overseas territory in relation to(a) capital punishment and (b) homosexual acts. [102842]

  Mr. Battle
  (a) Capital punishment for murder has been abolished in all Overseas Territories (OT) save Bermuda, which announced in July of this year its intention to do so. Capital punishment for piracy and treason remains on the statute books of all OTs except BIOT, BAT and the Falkland Islands.

  (b) There is currently legislation in Anguilla, Montserrat, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands which effectively makes homosexual acts between consenting adults in private a criminal offence. This is not the case in other OTs.

  Kashmir
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the current situation in Kashmir. [103190]

  Mr. Hain
  Although the level of violence in Kashmir has reduced since the events of the summer, we remain concerned at reports of continuing incidents on and around the Line of Control. We continue to urge India and Pakistan to resume their bilateral dialogue on all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.

  Iran
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Foreign Minister of Iran during his forthcoming visit to the UK on behalf of the 13 Jews detained without trial; and if he will make a statement. [103029]

  Mr. Hain
  Yes, as we have done at every opportunity. We remain very concerned about this, as the Iranian Government are only too well aware.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on current diplomatic relations with Iran. [103208]

  Mr. Hain
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary again met his Iranian counterpart Dr. Kharrazi at UNGA on 21 September. During this meeting they agreed to exchange visits. We hope that Dr. Kharrazi will visit early in the New Year and that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will visit Iran in the Spring.

  We continue to look to co-operate with Iran in a number of practical fields and so develop the relationship to the benefit of both countries. My hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Battle) announced to the House on 29 November 1999, Official Report, column 32W, an assistance package to help Iran in their battle to stem the flow of drugs through Iran from Afghanistan. The Permanent Under-Secretary for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office also announced

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  during his visit to Tehran on 28 November that the Department for International Development have approved an assistance package for the large number of refugees in Iran, where for too long Iran has borne a heavy burden without international help.

  Our policy, in line with that of our EU partners, remains to encourage the reforms already underway in Iran while pressing for improvements in those Iranian policies that are of concern.

  European Union Council
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for December; and if he will list the major European Union events for the next six months. [103718]

  Mr. Vaz
  The information is as follows:Monthly forecast of EU business: January 2000
  No agendas for any of the January Councils are available yet.
  European calendar: January-June 2000
  This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.

  Date

  Venue

  Event

  January

  14

  Brussels

  Fisheries Council

  17–21

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  18

  Brussels

  Budget Council

  24–25

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  24–25

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  28–29

  Lisbon

  Development Ministers (Informal)

  31

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  February

  2–3

  Brussels

  European Parliament Plenary

  11–12

  Lisbon

  Social Affairs Council (Informal)

  14–15

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  14–18

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  21–22

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  21–22

  Vilamoura

  EU/San Jose Ministerial

  23–24

  Vilamoura

  EU/Rio Group Ministerial

  28

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  March

  1–2

  Brussels

  European Parliament Plenary

  3–4

  Lisbon

  Justice and Home Affairs Council (Informal)

  13

  Brussels

  Joint Social Affairs and ECOFIN Council

  13–17

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  16

  Brussels

  Internal Market Council

  20–21

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  20–21

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  23–24

  Lisbon

  Special European Council

  27

  Brussels

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  28

  Brussels

  Transport Council

  29–30

  Brussels

  European Parliament Plenary

  30

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  April

  3

  Luxembourg

  Fisheries Council

  4

  Luxembourg

  Social Affairs Council

  7–8

  Lisbon

  ECOFIN Council (Informal)

  10–11

  Luxembourg

  General Affairs Council

  10–14

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  13

  Luxembourg

  Consumer Affairs Council

  15–16

  Oporto

  Environment Council (Informal)

  17–18

  Luxembourg

  Agriculture Council

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  Date

  Venue

  Event

  May 2000

  2

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  2

  Brussels

  Telecommunications Council

  3–4

  Brussels

  European Parliament Plenary

  5–7

  Sao Miguel, Azores

  Informal Meeting of Foreign Ministers

  11

  Brussels

  Health Council

  15–16

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  15–19

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  16

  Brussels

  Culture Council

  18

  Brussels

  Industry Council

  18

  Brussels

  Development Council

  22–23

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  25

  Brussels

  Internal Market Council

  25–26

  Lisbon

  Euromed Foreign Ministers (Informal)

  May

  28–30

  Evora

  Agriculture Council (Informal)

  29–30

  Brussels

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  30

  Brussels

  Energy Council

  June

  5

  Luxembourg

  ECOFIN Council

  6

  Luxembourg

  Social Affairs Council

  8

  Luxembourg

  Education Council

  13–14

  Luxembourg

  General Affairs Council

  13–16

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  15

  Luxembourg

  Research Council

  16

  Luxembourg

  Fisheries Council

  19–20

  Luxembourg

  Agriculture Council

  19–20

  Sta. Maria da Feira

  European Council

  22–23

  Luxembourg

  Environment Council

  26–27

  Luxembourg

  Transport Council

  Terrorist Bombings
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries have signed the UN Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings. [103231]

  Mr. Battle
  The following countries have signed the UN Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings:

  Algeria

  Argentina

  Belarus

  Austria

  Belgium

  Brazil

  Burundi

  Canada

  Comoros

  Costa

  Rica

  Cote d'Ivoire

  Cyprus

  Czech Republic

  Egypt

  Finland

  France

  Germany

  Greece

  Iceland

  India

  Ireland

  Israel

  Italy

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  Japan

  Lithuania

  Luxembourg

  Madagascar

  Monaco

  Nepal

  Netherlands

  Norway

  Panama

  Philippines

  Poland

  Republic of Korea

  Romania

  Russian Federation

  Slovakia

  Slovenia

  Spain

  Sri Lanka

  Sudan

  Sweden

  Yugoslavia

  Macedonia

  Togo

  Turkey

  Turkmenistan

  Uganda

  United Kingdom

  United States of America

  Uruguay

  Uzbekistan

  Venezuela.

  East Timorese Refugees
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made with the process of returning East Timorese refugees living in West Timor. [103214]

  Mr. Battle
  We have repeatedly urged the Indonesian Government to accelerate the return of those displaced East Timorese who wish to return home. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has opened a processing centre in Kupang, West Timor for those wishing to return, and the International Organisation for Migration is handling repatriations. Over 120,000 have now returned.

  Indonesia
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts regarding the lifting of the EU embargo on arms sales to Indonesia. [103209]

  Mr. Battle
  EU Foreign Ministers reviewed recent events in Indonesia at the 15 November General Affairs Council (GAC). Indonesia was not on the agenda at the December GAC. The EU Common Position concerning restrictive measures against Indonesia adopted on 16 September expires on 17 January 2000. It would require the unanimous agreement of all EU partners either to lift it early or to extend it.
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  Sudan
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Sudan concerning President Omar Hassan al Bashir' s decision to dissolve parliament and declare a state of emergency. [103217]

  Mr. Hain
  We have taken a number of opportunities to speak to the Government of Sudan about the decisions of President Bashir both bilaterally and with the EU stressing our concern for the safety of British citizens and the importance we attach to a comprehensive peace settlement that benefits all Sudanese.

  The situation on the ground remains calm. We will continue to monitor events closely through our Embassy in Khartoum.

  European Security and Defence Identity
  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to ensure that in plans for the European Security and Defence Identity the views of the neutral and non-NATO nations are not able to prevent the rapid exercise of military judgment. [102087]

  Mr. Hoon
  I have been asked to reply.

  There is no reason to believe that the non-NATO Members of the European Union will obstruct the rapid and effective exercise of military judgment in any future EU-led crisis management operation. Operations for territorial or collective defence will remain a matter for NATO.

  Under the arrangements agreed at the recent Helsinki European Council, all EU member states will be entitled to participate on an equal basis in EU decision-making. Once a decision to launch an EU-led operation has been taken only countries contributing to the operation would participate in day-to-day decision-making.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Miners (Compensation)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the compensation paid to ex-coalminers or to their widows, on account of their suffering from emphysema or chronic bronchitis, will be liable to reduction on the basis of their receiving extra social security benefits(a) after giving up work and (b) for their loss of earnings. [103062]

  Mr. Bayley
  The provisions of the compensation recovery scheme applies to all victims of accident, injury or disease who have received both state benefits and compensation for the same need. The scheme will, therefore, apply to miners who have recently been awarded compensation for emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Under the provisions of the scheme, a compensator is liable to repay benefits paid up to the date of the final compensation payment, subject to a five year maximum. In turn, they must reduce the compensation to take account of the amounts repaid, but only where compensation and benefits are paid for a like need. Under no circumstances can compensation for pain and suffering
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  be reduced. In the case of widows, where the compensation claim is made under the provisions of the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, or would have been had an action been brought, any payments are exempt.

  Benefit Payment Methods
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the unit cost to the Benefits Agency of making benefit payments by(a) voucher, (b) Girocheque, (c) payable order and (d) automated credit transfer. [103144]

  Mr. Rooker
  The overall average unit costs to the Benefits Agency are in the order of 54p for order book vouchers or foils, £1.36 for girocheques, 55p for payable orders and 1p for automated credit transfer.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of(a) the cost of benefit fraud in the last financial year and (b) the surplus on unclaimed benefits in the last financial year. [103191]

  Mr. Rooker
  Previous estimates have shown that £2 billion a year has definitely been lost through fraud. A further £3 billion may have been lost in cases where fraud is strongly suspected and a further £2 billion where there is some suspicion of fraud.

  We are now measuring the level of fraud and error in Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance, the two most vulnerable benefits, by thoroughly investigating a monthly random sample of cases in each Benefit Agency area. Staff error is measured separately by a special team within the Benefits Agency. The latest period for which figures are available is the 12 months ending September 1998 where the level of fraud and error in these benefits was £1.4 billion or 9 per cent. of the total benefit paid.

  The latest figures available show the amount left unclaimed in Income Related benefits was between £1,580 million and £4,110 million in 1997–98.

  SERPS
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on inherited rights to SERPS for widows and widowers after 6 April 2000. [103323]

  Mr. Rooker
  We will make a statement as soon as we reach a conclusion on the way forward.

  Household Incomes
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her answer of 29 November 1999,Official Report, column 56W, on what is based his estimate of the total amount of extra social security expenditure necessary to achieve average increases in household income of (a) £46 per week before housing costs and (b) £52 per week after housing costs. [102814]

  Angela Eagle
  My written answer of 29 November 1999,Official Report, column 56W, provided estimates for the additional incomes required to ensure that all children were in households with at least half average income. Any implications for increased Social Security
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  expenditure would be dependent upon how the increase in incomes was achieved. Increases in Social Security expenditure can be used to increase household incomes through improving incentives to work and helping people find work as well as through directly increasing benefit payments. Action on a wide range of fronts can boost incomes through increasing the earnings potential of those on low incomes and helping people to achieve their potential. Different approaches would require different levels of Social Security expenditure.

  Our strategy for eradicating child poverty within 20 years involves tackling the main causes of poverty and social exclusion. This means helping parents find work, making work pay and ensuring that every child gets the best possible start in life as well as providing additional help for families through the tax and benefit system.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many pensioner households qualify for the 1999 winter fuel payment; and how many of those households had received this payment by 6 December; [102636]

  (2) what plans are in place to ensure that households qualifying for the 1999 winter fuel payment receive it on, or before, 15 December. [102637]

  Angela Eagle
  To ensure that pensioners received their winter fuel payment before Christmas, those eligible were identified during the week commencing 20 September. Over 7.5 million pensioner households qualified for winter fuel payments this winter. By 6 December all those households should have been issued with a winter fuel payment. However, in case some pensioners may not have received their payment, a national and regional press advertising campaign was run from 9 to 15 December inclusive. This advised pensioners that they could ring the National Winter Fuel Payment Helpline with any concerns that they had about their payment.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reasons the cut-off date for eligibility to receive the winter fuel allowance has been set at 12 September 1999. [102682]

  Angela Eagle
  In order to make Winter Fuel Payments automatically, without incurring disproportionate administration costs, it is necessary to identify those in receipt of qualifying benefits through official departmental computer records. Therefore, entitlement is based on being in receipt of one of the qualifying Social Security benefits for at least a day during a specified qualifying week.

  The process of identification and determination of the amount payable takes around 10 weeks, therefore to ensure receipt of the payments before Christmas the qualifying week chosen for this winter was the week beginning 20 September. If the qualifying period was extended or a later week used, the exercise would not have been completed in time for payments to be made before Christmas.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners have received the £100 cold weather payment in each constituency in the last year. [102595]
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  Angela Eagle
  The information requested is expected to be available in the new year.

  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on winter fuel payments following the judgment made by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Taylor. [103839]

  Mr. Darling
  In 1997, we decided to make Winter Fuel Payments payable to elderly people in receipt of qualifying benefits—principally Retirement Pension. We did this because this meant that payments could be made quickly, automatically and at the right time.

  Following the Court's judgment in the Taylor case, help through Winter Fuel Payments will be extended to everyone aged 60 and over, regardless of whether they are claiming a pension or are on another qualifying benefit.

  By equalising the age of entitlement for Winter Fuel Payments at 60 for men and women, the number of people who will benefit will increase by up to 1.5 million. This will have an estimated annual programme cost of £85 million. It will mean that next winter, up to 11.5 million people in up to 8.5 million households will benefit from these payments.

  In line with the judgment, the Government will also make backdated payments to the start of the scheme for up to 1.9 million people. This will have an estimated one-off programme cost of £125 million.

  The age of entitlement for Winter Fuel Payments will initially be set at 60. Thereafter, however, it will move in step with entitlement for State Retirement Pension. It will therefore start to rise in 2010 and reach 65 in 2020.

  We will need to find out the names and addresses of the people who are newly eligible for these payments. As the information we hold may not be up to date, we will therefore need to introduce a claims process for Winter Fuel Payments. This process will need to be developed carefully and appropriate IT systems built to deal with claims.

  There is no need for people newly eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the Benefits Agency now. A further announcement will be made early next year to advise people how to claim.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average time taken to process a disability living allowance appeal in the Wrexham County Borough Area. [102638]

  Angela Eagle
  Information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.

  Between 1 January 1999 and 31 May 1999 the average time taken to process a Disability Living Allowance appeal, in the area handled by the Cardiff office of the Independent Tribunal Service, was 37.8 weeks from date of lodgement to date of tribunal. From the date the appeal was received by the Independent Tribunal Service to the date of tribunal the average time was 33.5 weeks.
  326W
  The changed structure to the decision making and appeals processes introduced by the Social Security Act 1998 were introduced for Disability Living Allowance on 18 October 1999.

  Source:

  100 per cent. download from the Appeals Service computer system.

  Communication Support
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the need to arrange communication support at personal adviser interviews does not delay the processing of benefit claims; [102244]

  what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the requirement to provide properly qualified communication support for deaf claimants does not delay start-up or personal adviser interviews. 102245]

  Angela Eagle
  Personal advisers in the ONE service provide help and advice on work and benefits to individuals according to their own particular circumstances. We recognise that everyone is different and needs vary from one client to another. ONE pilot offices have trained staff and special facilities to aid people with special communication needs. For example, textphone facilities are available for people with severe hearing impairment and advisers are trained in their use. The services of a qualified interpreter or lipspeaker are available to clients attending a meeting with their personal adviser. All clients, including those with communication difficulties, will be offered a prompt initial meeting in order that claims can be dealt with quickly.

  Benefits Appeal Tribunal
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if it is his policy that, when a person wins a benefits tribunal appeal against loss or suspension of Disability Living Allowance, that benefit should be reinstated forthwith providing that an appeal has not been lodged by his Department against the decision within the permitted timescale. 102035]

  Angela Eagle
  Where an appeal to the Social Security Commissioner against a Tribunal's decision is not being considered, the decision is implemented and any outstanding payments of benefit are made as quickly as possible.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what powers his Department has to override the decision of a benefit appeals tribunal. [102034]

  Angela Eagle
  Appeal tribunals are independent and the Department has no powers to override their decisions.

  Under the new arrangements for hearing appeals that have just been introduced, appeal tribunals can correct procedural errors or errors on a point of law. Any party to an appeal can request that a decision be referred back to a tribunal, if they consider that an error has been made.

  In addition, there is a right of appeal against a tribunal's decision on a point of law to the Social Security and Child Support Commissioners and thereafter to the higher courts.
  327W

  Invalid Care Allowance
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many carers have received(a) invalid care allowance and (b) underlying entitlement to ICA for a full year in each year from 1978 to 1999. [103073]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is not available.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many carers have received invalid care allowance in each year since 1978. [103075]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is in the table.

  Number of carers in receipt of invalid care allowance for each year since 1978

  Year1

  Number of live cases

  Invalid care allowance live load1

  1978

  6,137

  1979

  6,349

  1980

  6,648

  1981

  7,098

  1982

  8,005

  1983

  8,847

  1984

  9,494

  1985

  10,284

  1986

  30,587

  1987

  91,392

  1988

  109,334

  1989

  120,816

  1990

  133,912

  1991

  159,324

  1992

  188,717

  1993

  230,313

  1994

  273,901

  1995

  316,353

  1996

  357,471

  1997

  374,321

  1998

  373,267

  19992

  374,815

  1Figures relate to 31 December

  2 Figures relate to 30 September

  Source:

  Analytical Services Division: 100 per cent. data

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many carers have received Invalid Care Allowance for(a) two, (b) five, (c) 10, (d) 15 and (e) 20 years since 1978. [103074]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables.

  Duration of Invalid Care Allowance awards which have terminated

  Year

  Up to Over 2 years

  Over 2 Years to 5 Years

  Over 5 Years

  All durations

  19811

  778

  528

  204

  1,510

  1982

  1,670

  777

  311

  2,758

  1983

  1,761

  748

  312

  2,821

  1984

  1,951

  844

  428

  3,223

  1985

  2,040

  1,019

  390

  3,449

  1986

  3,337

  1,029

  412

  4,778

  1987

  18,839

  4,890

  497

  24,226

  1988

  15,150

  9,236

  531

  24,917

  1989

  14,390

  10,283

  705

  25,378

  1990

  14,378

  9,454

  3,212

  27,044

  1991

  19,040

  9,508

  4,796

  33,344

  1992

  23,363

  9,780

  6,009

  39,152

  328W

  Duration of Invalid Care Allowance awards which have terminated

  Year

  Up to 2 Years

  Overs 2 Years to 5 Years

  Overs 5 Years

  All durations

  1993

  26,331

  10,361

  6,173

  42,865

  1994

  28,516

  11,736

  6,889

  47,141

  1995

  35,899

  16,609

  9,040

  61,548

  19962

  21,284

  10,464

  5,502

  37,250

  1997

  43,446

  24,301

  12,789

  80,536

  1998

  40,179

  25,334

  13,643

  79,156

  19993

  29,096

  17,047

  11,128

  57,271

  1Period is 1 April 1981 to 31 December 1981.

  2Period is 1 January 1996 to 31 March 1996 and 1 October 1996 to 31 December 1996.

  3Period is 1 January 1999 to 30 September 1999.

  Note:

  Information not available prior to 1981.

  Source:

  Analytical Services Division: 100 per cent. data.

  Duration of current Invalid Care Allowance awards

  Duration

  Number

  Up to 1 year

  64,486

  Over 1 year to 2 years

  61,302

  Over 2 years to 5 years

  127,403

  Over 5 years to 10 years

  88,234

  Over 10 years

  32,594

  All durations

  374,019

  Note:

  Figures relate to 21 July 1999.

  Source:

  Analytical Services Division: 100 per cent. data.

  Benefits (Automated Credit Transfer)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 13 December 1999,Official Report, column 43W, on automated credit transfer of benefits, in what circumstances he would envisage exception to the norm of benefit payment by automated credit transfer. [103199]

  Mr. Rooker
  We are still considering this issue. However, one area where an exception is necessary may be where people are prevented from having a bank account, such as those who have been
  declared bankrupt.

  Carers' Pensions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many carers for elderly and disabled people, who have been in receipt of or who have underlying entitlement to invalid care allowance and home responsibilities protection, he estimates will benefit from the state second pension in each of the 10 years from the start of the state second pension. [103071]

  Mr. Bayley
  It is estimated that in the region of 400,000 carers for elderly or disabled people, who have been in receipt of, or have underlying entitlement to, Invalid Care Allowance or home responsibilities protection will build up entitlement to the State Second Pension from the year of its introduction.
  329W
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the costs of providing the state second pension to carers who have been in receipt of or who have underlying entitlement to invalid care allowance or home responsibilities protection in the first 10 years of the state second pension. [103072]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is in the table:

  The estimated costs of providing state second pension to carers who have been in receipt of or who have underlying entitlement to, invalid care allowance or home responsibilities protection in the first 10 years of the scheme

  Year

  £ million

  2002–03

  0

  2003–04

  1

  2004–05

  2

  2005–06

  4

  2006–07

  8

  2007–08

  12

  2008–09

  16

  2009–10

  22

  2010–11

  26

  2011–12

  30

  Notes:

  1. Gross costs are shown in £ million (rounded to nearest million) in 1999–2000 price terms but are unlikely to be accurate to this degree.

  2. State Second Pension is assumed to start in 2002.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much it would cost to backdate the state second pension to 1978 for qualifying carers who reach retirement age after 2002–03. [103118]

  Mr. Rooker
  Records are not available to identify all individuals with a period of actual or underlying entitlement to Invalid Care Allowance or Home Responsibilities Protection back to 1978.

  Home Responsibilities Protection
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many carers have received Home Responsibilities Protection since 1978. [103076]

  Mr. Bayley
  No reliable information is available on the numbers of non-child carers without Invalid Care Allowance who were either entitled to or claimed Home Responsibilities Protection over the years back to 1978.

  Industrial Injuries
  Mr. Roy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people received industrial injuries disablement benefit in(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999; and what was the total cost of industrial injuries disablement benefit in each of those years; [102305]

  (2) how many claims for industrial injuries disablement benefit were paid in respect of stress-related disablement in (a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999 to date. [102306]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables.
  330W

  Expenditure on industrial injuries disablement benefit

  £ million

  IIDB

  Expenditure

  1996–97

  685

  1997–98

  690

  1998–99

  706

  Note:

  Expenditure for 1997 and 1998 has been taken from the Departmental Report (ISBN 0-10-142312-8). Expenditure for 1999 has been taken from the Pre Budget Report.

  Source:

  DSS (Analytical Services Division).

  Stress related disorders are not a prescribed disease for the purposes of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit can be paid in relation to mental disorders only where an industrial accident has been identified as the cause of the disablement.

  Industrial injuries disablement figures—accident assessments, current at April 1997 and April 1998, by mental and behavioural disorder

  IIDB

  All accidents

  Mental and behavioural disorders

  At 5 April 1997

  212,000

  700

  At 4 April 1998

  217,000

  700

  Notes:

  1. These figures are based on a 10 per cent. sample of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and include an adjustment for late statistical returns. Figures for 1998 are provisional.

  2. Figures have been rounded.

  3. Mental disorder is recorded in relation to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.

  4. Figures for 1999 are not yet available.

  Source:

  DSS (Analytical Services Division)

  Child Support
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his latest estimate of the total amount of child support maintenance owed, broken down between debts of people who have not yet paid anything and those who have made some payments. [100911]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. David Willetts, dated 20 December 1999:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency.Unfortunately, CSA does not have the information to answer the question in the way you require. We do not separate debt according to the compliance status of the debtor. However, I can give the information we do hold which may assist you.The Committee of Public Accounts Session 1995/96 were concerned that the Agency had been unable to estimate the value of uncollectable debt, and advised that the Agency should "…examine the scope for eliminating a significant amount of this debt since it is unlikely ever to be collected … ". To address this problem on 31 March 1996 a debt evaluation exercise was undertaken; this exercise is now repeated on an annual basis.The exercise itself, undertaken by Agency staff, identifies that part of the debt that is probably uncollectable, the results are validated by Analytical Services Division and removed to show a331W more realistic debt position. This change was introduced in 1997/98 and was included in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts for that year.I hope this is helpful.

  State Earnings-related Pension Scheme
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will establish the consultation group on inherited rights to SERPS for widows and widowers after 6 April 2000; and if this group will be established before regulations made under the Welfare Reform and Pension Act 1999 are published. [103322]

  Mr. Rooker
  We will be making further announcements on inherited SERPS shortly.

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost of doubling the rate of child benefit(a) for each child aged under five years and (b) for the youngest child aged under five years, assuming (i) corresponding increases in child rates of means-tested benefits and (ii) no corresponding changes in means-tested benefit rates. [103147]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested is in the table.

  Estimated annual cost (£ billion)

  Age of child

  Corresponding increase in means-tested benefits

  No corresponding change in means-tested benefits

  All children under 5

  2.1

  1.6

  All subsequent children under 5

  1.0

  0.7

  Notes:

  1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest £100 million and are in 2000–01 prices.

  2. Assumes an April 2000 start date.

  3. Estimates of the child benefit cost have been based on figures taken on the August 1999 5 per cent scan of the child benefit computer system.

  4. Estimates of the Income Support (IS) and Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) offset have been calculated from the August 1999 5 per cent. scans of the IS and JSA computer systems.

  5. Estimates of the Housing Benefit (HB) and Council Tax Benefit (CTB) offsets have been calculated from the May 1998 1 per cent. sample of all live HB and CTB claims.

  6. The costs have been calibrated to the forecasts of the 2000–01 benefit caseload forecasts, which underpin the 1999 pre-budget report.

  7. For lone parents still in receipt of the lone parent rate of child benefit the answer assumes that their new rate will be set equal to the couple's rate of benefit after doubling.

  8. The answer assumes that the increases no longer apply once a child reaches the age of 5.

  9. The answer assumes for (b) that the reference to youngest child means all subsequent children under 5.

  Means-tested Benefits
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to propose a statutory obligation to uprate means-tested benefits in line with inflation. [103192]
  332W
  Angela Eagle
  We have no plans to change the existing legislative arrangements.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the(a) cost in the next five years and (b) eventual cost of re-introducing a lone parent premium within the means-tested benefits system for those lone parents with a child aged under five years, to apply immediately to all existing recipients. [103141]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  The estimated cost based on April 2000 rates up until 2001–02 and the estimated long run cost

  £ million

  Year

  Cost per annum

  2000–01

  10

  2001–02

  20

  Long-run

  50

  Notes:

  1. Costs have been rounded to the nearest £10 million.

  2. Assumes a long parent premium in year 1—April 2000—of £1.65 (this is the difference between the April 2000 rate of Family Premium for Lone Parents (£15.90) and the standard rate of family premium (£14.25).

  3. Lone parent premium is assumed to be subsequently uprated by the ROSSI index.

  4. The long-run cost has been expressed in current prices. Because we do not have forecasts of the long-run IS lone parent caseload we have based it on the IS lone parent caseload as in 2000–01.

  5. Assumes that the lone parent premium will only be paid to lone parents who have a child aged under five years old.

  6. Caseloads are consistent with forecasts underlying the 1999 pre-budget report.

  7. Estimates of the Income Support (IS) and Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) costs have been calculated from the August 1999 5 per cent. scans of the IS and JSA computer systems.

  8. Estimates of the Housing Benefit (HB) and Council Tax Benefit (CTB) costs have been calculated from the May 1998 1 per cent. sample of all live HB and CTB claims.

  9. Forecasts of the IS lone parent caseload are not available beyond 2001–02.

  Low-income Households
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for each of the years 1982 to 1998, what was the number of people in households where one or more adults were in paid work where the income is below half mean income; what was the estimated number of children in these households; and what were the numbers living in families headed by(a) a lone parent and (b) a couple. [102843]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables.

  The latest information relates to the financial year 1997–98.
  333W

  Numbers of people in families where one or more adults were in paid work and where the income is below half contemporary mean income before housing costs

  millions

  Year

  Total people

  Total children

  Total people in lone parent families

  Children in lone parent families

  Total people in couple families

  Children in couple families

  FES

  1981

  1.7

  0.8

  0.1

  0.0

  1.4

  0.7

  1987

  2.4

  0.9

  0.1

  0.0

  1.7

  0.9

  1988–89

  2.9

  1.2

  0.2

  0.1

  2.1

  1.1

  1990–91

  3.5

  1.4

  0.3

  0.2

  2.4

  1.2

  1991–92

  3.5

  1.3

  0.3

  0.2

  2.3

  1.2

  1992–93

  3.5

  1.4

  0.2

  0.2

  2.4

  1.2

  1993–94

  3.3

  1.3

  0.2

  0.2

  2.3

  1.2

  1994–95

  3.3

  1.4

  0.3

  0.2

  2.3

  1.2

  1995–96

  3.5

  1.4

  0.3

  0.2

  2.4

  1.2

  FRS

  1994–95

  3.3

  1.3

  0.2

  0.1

  2.2

  1.2

  1995–96

  3.0

  1.1

  0.2

  0.1

  2.0

  1.0

  1996–97

  3.6

  1.5

  0.3

  0.2

  2.5

  1.3

  1997–98

  4.0

  1.6

  0.3

  0.2

  2.6

  1.4

  Numbers of people in families where one or more adults were in paid work and where the income is below half contemporary mean income after housing costs

  millions

  Year

  Total people

  Total children

  Total people in lone parent families

  Children in lone parent families

  Total people in couple families

  Children in couple families

  FES

  1981

  2.3

  1.1

  0.1

  0.1

  2.0

  1.0

  1987

  3.2

  1.3

  0.1

  0.1

  2.4

  1.2

  1988–89

  3.5

  1.4

  0.2

  0.1

  2.5

  1.3

  1990–91

  4.6

  1.8

  0.4

  0.2

  3.2

  1.6

  1991–92

  4.6

  1.7

  0.4

  0.2

  3.0

  1.5

  1992–93

  4.6

  1.7

  0.4

  0.2

  3.0

  1.5

  1993–94

  4.4

  1.7

  0.4

  0.2

  2.9

  1.5

  1994–95

  4.4

  1.8

  0.5

  0.3

  2.9

  1.5

  1995–96

  4.7

  1.9

  0.6

  0.4

  3.0

  1.5

  FRS

  1994–95

  4.2

  1.6

  0.3

  0.2

  2.8

  1.5

  1995–96

  4.2

  1.6

  0.3

  0.2

  2.7

  1.4

  1996–97

  4.8

  1.9

  0.4

  0.3

  3.1

  1.6

  1997–98

  5.1

  2.0

  0.5

  0.3

  3.3

  1.7

  Notes:

  1. The information comes from the "Households Below Average Income" (HBAI) series. The estimates are presented on household income both Before Housing Costs and After Housing Costs in line with HBAI conventions. All the estimates in the table relate to families with an adult in paid work rather than households with an adult in paid work.

  2. People living in families which include a self-employed adult have been included in the tables. Self-employment income data is known often to be a poor guide to households' living standards. In 1997–98, around 600,000 to 700,000 of the children in households below half average income had a full-time self-employed person in the household.

  3. The column headed "Total people in couple families" does not include couples without children.

  4. The estimates based on the Family Expenditure Survey (FES) are for the United Kingdom. For 1988–89 and subsequent years, two years' data have been combined to improve the robustness of the results. For 1994–95 onwards, estimates are available from the larger Family Resources Survey (FRS) and relate to single financial years. The FRS results are for Great Britain.

  Income Statistics
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the average income of(a) people in work in the United Kingdom and (b) people who have retired. [102618]

  Mr. Rooker
  Comparisons between the average incomes of households can be misleading if not fully explained. The most appropriate income measure when comparing different types of households is weekly net (disposable) equivalised household income (that is to say income that is adjusted to reflect the size and composition of the household). It is standard HBAI practice to give results for income both before and after housing costs, in 334W
  order to allow for the effect of variations in housing costs between households. Using this definition the following information is available:

  For families where someone is working the average net equivalised household income of individuals in benefit units with a working adult in 1997–98 (in April 1999 prices) was £367 per week Before Housing Costs (BHC), and £322 per week After Housing Costs (AHC).

  For families with retired people the average net equivalised household income in 1997–98 (in April 1999 prices) was £242 per week BHC and £220 per week AHC.

  Using an alternative definition, the average net unequivalised income of pensioner benefit units in 1996–97 was estimated at £175 per week BHC and £154 per week AHC (in July 1996 prices). These figures should not be directly compared to the equivalised income estimates given above.
  335W
  Notes:

  1. All equivalised figures are estimates and are taken from the Households Below Average Income (HBAI) data set which is based on the Family Resources Survey (FRS). The FRS does not include Northern Ireland. 1997–98 is the latest year for which information is available. All estimates are subject to sampling error.

  2. The retired are defined as those in benefit units where the head or spouse is aged 60 or over and no adult is in work.

  3. All unequivalised figures are taken from The Pensioners' Incomes Series 1996–97 publication (PI), based on the Family Expenditure Survey (FES). Pensioner benefit units are defined here as single people over state pension age (65 for men; 60 for women) and couples (married or cohabiting) where the man is over state pension age.

  4. The PI figures for pensioners cannot be directly compared to other groups of the population since they are not equivalised (i.e. they do not take account of differences in size and composition of each household).

  5. The PI figures for pensioners cannot be compared directly to HBAI figures for pensioners for several reasons. In addition to the fact that HBAI figures are equivalised, the PI figures relate to a different period (1996–97 compared with 1997–98) and a different geographical area (UK compared with GB). The PI figures are expressed in July 1996 prices and the HBAI figures in April 1999 prices. The PI figures relate to income at the benefit unit level, averaged over all benefit units, while HBAI figures relate to household income, averaged over all individuals.

  6. The average net unequivalised income of single pensioners in 1996–97 was estimated at £129 per week BHC and £108 per week AHC (in July 1996 prices). The corresponding estimates for pensioner couples were £248 BHC and £229 AHC.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  London Underground
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the level of(a) public and (b) private funding of London Underground from 1997–98 to 2001–02 using figures at 1997–98 prices. [100949]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: Figures are provided for the years 1997–98 to 2000–01. Figures for this year and next are plans/estimates. Levels of Government support for the Underground in 2001–02 have not yet been determined.

  (a) The Government provide grant to London Transport for Underground and bus services, and not separately to London Underground Ltd.

  Government funding for London Transport is as follows:

  Grant to London Transport

  £ million

  Cash

  1997–98 prices

  1997–98

  629

  629

  1998–99

  411

  401

  1999–2000

  740

  705

  2000–01

  349

  324

  Note:

  These figures reflect the position up to the end of October 1999, including the allocation of the 15 July additional resource package. They will need to be adjusted to take account of more recent decisions including the £50 million for bus initiatives announced on 15 November.
  336W
  This funding, together with LT's own revenues and investment through Private Finance Initiative (PH) deals (see following table), supports the following levels of investment in the Underground.

  Investment in London Underground

  £ million

  Cash

  1997–98 prices

  1997–98

  961 (485)

  961 (485)

  1998–99

  751 (468)

  733 (457)

  1999–2000

  803 (531)

  765 (506)

  2000–01

  753 (535)

  700 (497)

  Note:

  Figures in brackets represent Underground investment excluding the Jubilee Line Extension.

  (b) LT have made the following estimates of the value of investment provided through the PFI. The figures show what would have been the cost to LT if they had made the investment themselves. The actual cost of the investments to the companies concerned is not available.

  Value of PFI investment in London Underground

  £million

  Cash

  1997–98 prices

  1997–98

  161

  161

  1998–99

  53

  52

  1999–2000

  179

  171

  2000–01

  150

  139

  LT resources have been supplemented by the following contributions from third parties:

  Developer contributions

  £ million

  Cash

  1997–98 prices

  1997–98

  31

  31

  1998–99

  22

  21.5

  1999–2000

  —

  —

  2000–01

  65

  60.4

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's plans for the central funding of London's Underground over each of the next five years; and if he will list the figure for investment in each year in real terms. [100950]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: The Government provide grant to London Transport (LT) and not specifically to the Underground. LT have been allocated Government support of £349 million for 2000–01. Some of this funding will be transferred to the Mayor in July next year, when Transport for London assumes responsibility for LT activities other than the Underground.

  Levels of government support for the London Underground (LU) in 2001-02 and thereafter have not yet been determined. They will depend on: the extent to which bidders for Public Private Partnership (PPP) contracts improve on the public sector comparator;

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  decisions on the level of Government funding to be taken following the 2000 spending review; and decisions on funding and fares made by the Mayor for London.

  Planned investment in the Underground in 2000£01 totals £753 million (£717 million in 1998–99 prices). This comprises investment of £535 million (£509 million in 1998–99 prices) in the core Underground and a projected £218 million (£207 million in 1998–99 prices) in payments to JLE contractors for investment that took place in previous years.

  It is not possible to provide a breakdown of investment figures for 2001–02 and beyond. The PPP is designed to deliver around £8 billion worth of investment. PPP contractors will be required to implement a combination of specific projects and performance enhancements specified in terms of outputs to be delivered. Because the PPP contracts will require the delivery of service outputs, they will not generally specify particular works to be carried out or the amounts of money to be spent on them.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the London Transport report of 1997 into options for London Underground; and if he will make a statement. [103562]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government took account of LT's analysis in deciding on the Public Private Partnership route for London Underground. We published, and placed in the Library, a description of the facts and analysis underpinning our decision at the time.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the Government and other reports compiled since May 1997 covering PPP, public interest companies, privatisation and other options for London Underground; if he will place them in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [103563]

  Mr. Hill
  Price Waterhouse submitted a report on a variety of options for London Underground to us in 1997. London Transport also shared with us the analysis they had undertaken at that time. In order to avoid releasing material that would compromise our commercial negotiating position we published, and placed in the Library, a summary of the facts and analysis which underpinned our decision to proceed with the Public Private Partnership for London Underground in March 1998. PricewaterhouseCoopers produced a paper specifically comparing the PPP to a public sector bond-financed approach for us which was published, and placed in the Library, earlier this month.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 6 December 1999,Official Report, column 431W, when he will report on London Transport's expenditure on external consultants up to the end of the first half of the current financial year. [103582]

  Mr. Hill
  I shall shortly be providing an up-dated figure for London Transport's expenditure on external advice for the London Underground public private partnership.
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  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what account the Government took, in developing its proposed public-private partnership scheme for London Underground, of the bond-financed investment scheme set out in the report, "The Way Out—An Alternative Approach to the Future of the Underground". [103018]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government considered fully a variety of options for financing the investment needed in London Underground, including issuing bonds as advocated in this report. We continue to believe that the Public Private Partnership approach will achieve best value for taxpayers.

  Departmental Research Contracts
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions 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. [100160]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: Information about the Department's research programmes is made widely available and includes overview material on the DETR website and details of individual programmes and projects—again on the website and through hard copy reports and Newsletters. Details of each contract are not held centrally, but since May 1997 it is estimated that contracts for around 1,500 projects have been let with a total value of around £110 million. Further details are available through the DETR website and through the Government's "Forward Look SET Statistics"—most recently published by the Office of Science and Technology in August 1999.

  In answer to the other points:

  (a) Standard conditions of contract do not normally permit research contractors to divulge details of contracts or research results without specific approval by the Department, but the Department's policy is to make all results publicly available as soon as is reasonably possible (except in cases such as those including security or commercially confidential information);

  (b) Publication dates are agreed between the Department and the research contractor;

  (c) None. Where final reports incorporate departmental amendments, these are confined to matters of policy and presentation.

  Drink Driving
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of media campaigns in reducing the incidence of drink driving. [101918]

  Mr. Hill
  Drink drive media campaigns aim to stimulate media and public awareness of the message not to drink and drive. They also provide a focus for
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  co-ordinated complementary activity by police forces, local authorities and many others in the public and private sectors. Effectiveness is measured on an ongoing basis by:

  market research which tracks, each month, advertising recall and changes in attitudes across a range of road safety issues

  behaviour change indicators such as proportions failing breath tests and, over the longer term

  casualty statistics.

  The following tables show the reduction in casualties and in the percentage of positive breath tests over recent years.

  Fatalities and serious injuries in drink drive accidents 1979–98

  Year

  Fatalities

  Serious injuries

  1979

  1,640

  8,300

  1980

  1,450

  7,970

  1981

  1,420

  7,370

  1982

  1,550

  8,010

  1983

  1,110

  6,800

  1984

  1,170

  6,820

  1985

  1,040

  6,810

  1986

  990

  6,440

  1987

  900

  5,900

  1988

  790

  5,100

  1989

  810

  4,790

  1990

  760

  4,090

  1991

  660

  3,610

  1992

  660

  3,280

  1993

  540

  2,660

  1994

  540

  2,840

  1995

  540

  3,000

  1996

  580

  3,010

  1997

  550

  2,940

  19981

  460

  2,520

  1 Provisional

  Percentage of breath tests which were positive/refused 1988–98

  Year

  Percentage positive/refused

  1988

  25

  1989

  20

  1990

  17

  1991

  16

  1992

  17

  1993

  15

  1994

  14

  1995

  13

  1996

  13

  1997

  13

  1998

  12

  Departmental Employees (Disabled People)
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of the total workforce in his Department is registered as disabled; and what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people in his Department. [102049]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  We are acting to encourage the employment of people with disabilities. In this Department the total number of staff with disabilities is 3 per cent.

  As authorised users of the Positive about Disabled People (two ticks) symbol, an Employment Service scheme, the Department guarantees interviews to all people with disabilities meeting the minimum criteria for
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  the job. DETR recruitment policy highlights the importance of fair and open competition, all adverts placed advertise that the Department is an equal opportunities employer. Guidance is provided to line managers on the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to highlight best practice with regard to the employment of staff with disabilities.

  GM Crops
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 8 December 1999,Official Report, column 541W, on GM crops, what research on the impact of GM pollen on wild or feral bee populations his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) received. [102833]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Department has not specifically commissioned any research on the impact of GM pollen on wild or feral bee populations. However, one member of the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) has specific expertise in bees and their behaviour. In addition all information on this topic, which is in the public domain, is available to Department scientists and members of ACRE when considering the impact of GM pollen on wild or feral bee populations in relation to a particular release application.

  Care and Repair
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what arrangements are being made to support care and repair initiatives by local authorities not currently in receipt of support. [102823]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Department currently provides £6.7 million annually to support 184 home improvement agencies under a three year matched funding scheme which began in April 1999. Seven agencies have been established outside the scheme, in partnership with local authorities and other funders, and a further seven are in the process of being established on that basis. The national co-ordinating body, Care and Repair England Ltd, works to expand the home improvement agency movement and to assist the assembly of funding arrangements.

  Otterburn Ranges
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received from hon. Members opposed to Ministry of Defence proposals for changes to the Otterburn ranges in Northumberland National Park. [102875]

  Mr. Raynsford
  [holding answer 16 December 1999]: Thirteen Members have recently written to the Secretary of State, enclosing letters from constituents opposed to the development and seeking an update on the current position.

  Ordnance Survey
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what were the reasons for the resignation of the Director General of Ordnance Survey; what advice he has givens
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  Ministers as to working relationships between Ordnance Survey and local government; and if he will make a statement. [103135]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Dr. Robinson's decision to resign as Director General of Ordnance Survey was sudden and unexpected. His stated reason for resignation was difficulty in reaching agreement with local government over a number of important national initiatives. Dr. Robinson decided it was time for someone else to lead these issues to a successful conclusion.

  The acting Director General has advised me that there are many positive aspects to the relationship between Ordnance Survey and local government. All local authorities have access to, and gain great benefit from, a wide range of Ordnance Survey data through a centralised agreement. Working in closer partnership to realise benefits made possible by recent technological developments does present a significant new challenge for Ordnance Survey and local government. Ordnance Survey remains committed to meeting this challenge and finding practical, co-ordinated ways forward. For example, the Director General of Ordnance Survey has jointly commissioned with the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) an independent review of the relationship between Ordnance Survey and local authorities. This review specifies opportunities for developing the relationship, which are now being jointly pursued by Ordnance Survey and IDeA.

  For my part, I fully endorse the vision for the future of Ordnance Survey that was articulated by Geoff Robinson. It has also been greeted with considerable enthusiasm by a broad spectrum of members of the geographical information community and is being vigorously pursued by Ordnance Survey staff.

  Housing Revenue
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about his plans for housing revenue account subsidy for the year 2000–01. [103633]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We consulted authorities on our proposals for Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Subsidy for 2000–01 and related issues in November. Having considered the representations made, I have decided broadly to confirm the proposals on which we consulted authorities, subject to one significant change.

  I have decided to increase Management Allowances nationally next year by £21 million. This is in addition to the increase of £67 million in Maintenance Allowances announced at the start of consultation.

  We are determined to improve the quality of council housing. We are combating years of under-investment in the fabric of the stock. This is the second significant increase in resources for maintenance, following years of standstill. It is the first increase for management in five years. These additional resources will enable councils to tackle urgent repairs and made a real improvement in tenants' quality of life.

  We expect councils to continue to increase the efficiency of their housing management, but the additional investment recognises the increasing demands on them to provide quality services and act as a focal point for local
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  work to tackle social exclusion, consistent with the recommendations made by Policy Action Team 5 which looked at housing management.

  The increases in maintenance allowances and management allowances are in addition to the extra £3.6 billion for capital investment in local authority housing announced by the Deputy Prime Minister in July 1998, following the Comprehensive Spending Review.

  We are also making available additional resources of £15 million next year, with a further £15 million in 2001–02, to help authorities introduce resource accounting into the Housing Revenue Account. In addition, we are allocating an extra £12 million over the next two years to help tenants get involved in managing their homes through tenant participation compacts.

  Copies of the Housing Revenue Account Subsidy Determination 2000–01 and related Determinations have been sent to all local housing authorities in England. I am arranging for copies to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Valuation Tribunal
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what response he has received to the consultation paper on valuation tribunal membership issues. [103636]

  Ms Armstrong
  We have received 66 responses, the majority of which support our proposals. A list of responses that may be made public has been placed in the Library of the House. Copies of individual responses may be obtained through my Department's library.

  Regulations will be introduced early in the New Year to give effect to the following measures:
  to provide for joint valuation tribunal and local authority appointment of valuation tribunal members, to replace the existing arrangements for appointment by local authorities alone (to apply to appointments from 1 April 2000);
  to provide for the appointment of valuation tribunal members by the Secretary of State where no appointment is made within 28 days of a vacancy occurring, replacing existing arrangements that apply three months from a vacancy occurring; and
  to provide for the transfer of appeals to other valuation tribunals where it appears there may be a conflict of interest.

  Individual valuation tribunals will be consulted further about the timing of planned reductions in their number of members.

  Accessible Transport
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to promote the provision of accessible transport for disabled people. [103619]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government believe that accessible public transport, within the framework of an integrated transport policy, is fundamentally important to delivering our commitment to comprehensive civil rights for disabled people. We have already implemented regulations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to ensure that all new trains are accessible to disabled people, including those who travel in wheelchairs. We
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  will be introducing similar requirements for new buses and coaches from next year and for licensed taxis from 2002.

  We are also working with local authorities to produce guidance on best practice in removing barriers to public transport infrastructure and in the pedestrian environment.

  The Disability Rights Task Force has just published its recommendations to Government on possible extensions to the Disability Discrimination Act. We are considering their recommendations for further requirements on accessibility in the transport field.

  Rural White Paper
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) which organisations he has consulted in the preparation of the Rural White Paper; [103218]

  (2) if he will make a statement on what measures he intends to introduce to maximise consultation on the Rural White Paper. [103219]

  Mr. Mullin
  A discussion document: "Rural England" was launched in February this year. It invited views on a series of questions on a wide range of rural issues. About 1,800 copies were sent out to organisations with an invitation to comment and a further 8,200 copies were distributed for seminars and issued on request. The document was also available on the DETR internet site. Just under 800 responses were received from a variety of national bodies, local authorities, parish councils, farming, environmental and other organisations, public, private and voluntary bodies, and individuals. A summary of the issues arising from the consultation process, including a list of respondents, is available in the House of Commons Library and on the DETR website.

  The Cabinet Office's Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) have recently published their report on "Rural Economies", which is an important contribution to the debate about rural policies. The report highlights a series of issues for discussion and invites comments by 11 February 2000. Responses received will be considered in the preparation of the Rural White Paper.

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 29 September to the Minister for the Environment on behalf of his constituent Mr. Logan. [103086]

  Mr. Meacher
  I replied to the right hon. Member's letter on 13 December.

  Highway Inquiries
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when the current rules and procedures for highway inquiries were published; [103114]

  (2) what plans he has to update the existing rules and procedures for highway inquiries following the publication of the "A New Deal for Transport" White Paper. [103115]
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  Mr. Hill
  The current rules that regulate highway inquiries in England and Wales were made by Statutory Instrument in 1994. They came into force on 10 January 1995. There are no plans to update them.

  However, the Government's initiative for Modernising Planning referred to in "A New Deal for Transport" includes proposals for improving planning appeal procedures. Following consultation in August 1998 these proposals are being worked up and will be implemented early next year.

  Telecommunications Masts
  Kali Mountford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to improve the rating of telecommunications masts; and if he will make a statement. [103635]

  Ms Armstrong
  I have today published a consultation paper on the rating of telecommunications masts which are shared by multiple operators. We are encouraging the sharing of masts and mast sites to keep environmental intrusion to a minimum. However, the growth of shared sites has caused uncertainty in their rates assessment. Our proposals would remove that uncertainty by providing that shared sites receive only one rates bill.

  The Government would welcome views on the consultation paper by 28 January 2000.

  Aircraft (Seat Safety)
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Civil Aviation Authority about safety(a) in general, (b) relating to the spaces between seats on aircraft and (c) relating to reclining seats; and if he will make a statement. [103598]

  Mr. Mullin
  Both the Minister for Transport and I meet representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) from time to time to discuss a wide range of aviation safety issues.

  The UK is unique in having an airworthiness requirement for minimum seat space. The CAA, which is responsible for the safety regulation of UK registered passenger aircraft, has set minimum requirements for seating space because it is one of a number of factors which can have an effect on the evacuation of an aircraft in an emergency. The specified minimum space between seats applies for the seat backs in the upright position, as required for take-off and landing. Providing that the minimum standards are adhered to, the seat spacing and the amount of recline available and their effect on passenger comfort is a matter for the operators.

  Local Authority Reorganisation
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what resources he will make available to authorities that were reorganised on 1 April 1998 for reorganisation costs incurred by them in 2000–01; and if he will make a statement.[103722]

  Ms Armstrong
  On 8 October I invited authorities which were eligible to participate in the Local Government Reorganisation Cost Scheme for 2000–01 which reorganised on 1 April 1998, to submit estimates
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  of the amount of expenditure they expect to incur on transition costs of reorganisation in 2000–01. On the basis, inter alia, of the information provided by the authorities, I have decided the maximum amounts that it would be appropriate to allocate towards such costs.

  The amounts are as follows:

  £000

  Authority

  Maximum amounts 2000–01

  West Berkshire Council

  543

  Reading Borough Council

  1,978

  Slough Borough Council

  701

  Wokingham District Council

  3,287

  County of Herefordshire District Council

  1,540

  Worcestershire county Council

  2,978

  Plymouth City Council

  2,376

  Torbay Borough Council

  2,215

  Thurrock Borough Council

  3,318

  Nottingham City Council

  1,900

  Halton Borough Council

  3,770

  Telford and Wrekin Dist Borough Council

  726

  Medway Borough Council

  1,650

  Peterborough City Council

  475

  Blackburn With Darwen Borough Council

  804

  Blackpool Borough Council

  760

  Total

  29,021

  Leasehold Reform
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the outcome of the consultation on residential leasehold reform; and how he proposes to take the matters forward. [103750]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We have published today a report on the responses to the consultation paper "Residential Leasehold Reform in England and Wales" which was issued in November 1998. 956 responses were received. There was widespread support for the objectives put forward in the consultation paper although there were differences as to the way in which these should be achieved.

  As Her Majesty announced in the gracious speech on 17 November 1999, Official Report, column 7, the Government will publish a draft Bill in the current session on proposals for commonhold and leasehold reform. This will provide a further opportunity for consultation on detailed proposals. We have also published today a summary of the proposals that are likely to be included in the draft Bill. Copies of the report and the summary have been placed in the House Libraries.

  These proposals, if approved by Parliament, would represent a major improvement to the rights of existing leaseholders. With the proposals for Commonhold, which are being taken forward by my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor, they will go a long way towards ensuring that all home owners enjoy the same degree of security and control over their homes.

  Departmental Employees (Ethnic Minorities)
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of the total workforce in his Department is of ethnic 346W
  minority origin; and what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of people from the ethnic minorities in his Department. [102740]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office set out in her reply given on 16 December 1999,Official Report, column 264W, corporate action that we are taking to encourage the employment of people from ethnic minority backgrounds. A total of 5.2 per cent. of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions current workforce (including its Agencies) are from an ethnic minority.

  My Department is taking a number of measures to increase the representation of people from an ethnic minority background. We have participated in the Windsor Fellowship, Diversity UK, Afro-Caribbean and National Mentoring Careers Fairs aimed at encouraging ethnic minority undergraduates to consider a career in the Department. We have taken on ethnic minority students on Windsor Fellowship summer placements for a number of years and plan to increase the number of placements from two to six next year. We also want to bring in senior and professional people from the ethnic minorities on secondment. In addition to this, we advertise in Job Centres and newspapers with a large ethnic minority readership, for example The Voice and The Eastern Eye, to attract potential ethnic minority recruits.

  Transport Council
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the outcome of the Transport Council held in Brussels on 9–10 December; and if he will make a statement. [102635]

  Mr. Hill
  The Transport Council met in Brussels on 9–10 December. My right hon. and noble Friend Lord Macdonald of Tradeston represented the United Kingdom.

  The Council reached political agreement on a package of three draft directives, which take the opening of the internal market for rail services a significant step further. The package will amend Directives 91/440 and 95/18 and replace Directive 95/19. It will: provide open access for rail freight operators to a Trans-European Rail Freight Network (TERFN), which includes all major terminals and ports; broaden the scope of existing provisions for separation of accounts and certain essential functions between infrastructure management and train service operations; extend Community-wide recognition of train operators' licences to all railway undertakings established in the Community; and establish rules for allocating capacity on railway infrastructure and charging for its use. Conclusions were also adopted on improving interoperability and alleviating rail bottlenecks

  The Commission gave a progress report to Council on the definition phase of the Galileo satellite navigation project, including a report on discussions with the US and Russia. Lord Macdonald expressed the UK's disappointment at the pace of work on public-private financing and cost benefit analysis. He said that more work was needed to enable decisions to be taken at the end of 2000 on the future development of satellite navigation in Europe.
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  There was a debate on the establishment of a European Aviation Safety Authority. The Commission proposed that the new authority should be set up as a Community agency. The UK and some other member states argued that an international body was preferable, as the Council had previously agreed. It would be genuinely pan-European and would have the support of the aviation industry. Following the debate, the Presidency asked the Commission to produce an analysis of its proposal for a Community agency, but also to begin exploratory talks with third countries.

  The Commission gave a presentation to the Council on air traffic management in Europe. Referring to lack of ATM capacity as a cause of increasing delays, and to the need for greater cooperation between states, the Commission proposed centralised management of a "Single European Sky". The Commissioner, Mrs. de Palacio, proposed that she should chair a high level group of member states' representatives, to study the issue. It would aim to report to the Transport Council in June 2000.

  The Council discussed aviation noise problems. The Commission reported on the latest developments in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on international standards and on its recent consultations with the United States. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to the ICAO process, and repeated that, if the outcome was successful and met the EU' s objectives, existing Community legislation could be replaced by new international rules if these were more favourable. The Commission was invited to look at the issue urgently and propose solutions.

  The Commission presented a study on the economic impact of the draft directive on ferry manning, which would ensure that conditions for third country crew members on intra-EC ferry services were at least as favourable as those of EC crew members. The study suggested that the impact would be negligible. The Commission's view remained that the directive would protect jobs in the EU. The UK and some other member states welcomed the report and strongly supported the proposal, which was first put forward during the UK Presidency. The Council will return to the issue at a later date.

  The Council held a further debate on proposals for the extension of working time provisions to road transport. There remains disagreement between member states on fundamental issues, including application to the self-employed. Following the debate, the Presidency concluded that the Council should continue to look for solutions.

  There was a progress report from the Commission on negotiations with ten Central and Eastern European countries on extension of the aviation single market.

  The Council adopted Resolutions on the promotion of short sea shipping and on ways to encourage the greater use of intermodal freight transport. It also adopted a mandate authorising the Commission to commence air transport negotiations with Cyprus.

  There were also Commission reports on: indicators on transport and the environment; the recent report of the forum on barriers to innovation in transport, which aimed to produce an action plan by the end of 2000; Community accession to Eurocontrol, on which the Commission
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  hoped that an Accession protocol could be signed at the MATSE VI Conference of aviation Ministers on 27 January; the recent aviation open skies conference in Chicago; and a Commission Communication on air transport and the environment.

  Health and Safety Executive
  Sir Michael Spicer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the projected costs of the Health and Safety Executive for the financial years(a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000–01. [102750]

  Mr. Meacher
  The projected costs of the Health and Safety Executive for financial years(a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000–2001 are (a) £230 million and (b) £239 million. The figure for 2000–01 excludes the cost of the public inquiry into the Ladbroke Grove train crash.

  NATS
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the property held by the CAA on behalf of the National Air Traffic Services or by NATS itself, indicating in each case(a) its location, (b) its present value, (c) whether it is leased or owned with details of any leases, (d) whether the property is wholly or partially occupied by NATS and (e) which company or consultancy has given advice on the property value recently. [102913]

  Mr. Mullin
  The information is not available in the form requested at the present time. I understand that the total number of properties involved is in excess of 140, many of which are radio stations, radar sites and navigational aids. My Department's advisers are currently in the process of carrying out a property due diligence exercise as part of the preparatory work for the proposed public private partnership. However, it is not likely to be completed before spring 2000.

  Minerals (West Midlands)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the objection by the Government Office for the West Midlands to the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Minerals Local Plan 1996 to 2006. [102991]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Government Office for the West Midlands is maintaining an objection to policy M16 (Crushed Rock Aggregates) in the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Minerals Local Plan. The objection is to the effect that the policy on crushed rock extraction should be more flexible to enable proposals to come forward, in exceptional circumstances, for new as well as extended sites. Any application for a new site for crushed rock extraction would be determined in the light of all material planning considerations, including the extensive nature of existing reserves. A proposed modification meeting the Government Office's objection was placed on deposit by the joint minerals planning authority on 3 December.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 26 November 1999,Official Report, column 213W, concerning the Climate Change Levy,

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  what role the Energy Technology Support Unit will have in determining cost-effective measures with respect to the Climate Change Levy. [103019]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Department has appointed ETSU to be its independent, professional and technical advisers in discussions about prospective climate change levy agreements with eligible energy intensive industry sector participants. ETSU work with the Sector Associations and the Department to advise on the potential for energy and carbon dioxide savings in the respective sectors. In addition, they are advising the Department on the stringency of target offers from the Sector Associations, principally by comparing them with projections drawn from ETSU's "All Cost Effective" scenario in their report "Industrial sector carbon dioxide emissions: projections and indicators for the UK 1990–2010" published in April 1999.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Millennium Fund (Replacement)
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on plans to replace the millennium fund after 2000. [102011]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Millennium Commission will receive £2.017 billion from the National Lottery over its lifetime. Once the Commission has received this sum, its share will be transferred to the New Opportunities Fund.

  National Lottery (Small Grants Schemes)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures he plans to ensure that Lottery money awarded under newly launched small grants schemes represents value for money. [102013]

  Kate Hoey
  Lottery distributing bodies are required, under the Financial Directions with which my right hon. Friend issues them, to adopt stringent monitoring and evaluation arrangements for all funding programmes to ensure money is distributed effectively and efficiently. The amount of help which small groups received from the Lottery doubled in the past year. The proportion of grants of less than £100,000 increased from 9 per cent. to 17 per cent.

  Cultural Events (Access)
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action he is taking to improve access to cultural events for school children. [102018]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  My right hon. Friend and I are committed to providing every child with the opportunity to access cultural events and we are taking a number of measures to ensure this.

  Seaside Resorts (Lancashire)
  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps his Department is taking to encourage the regeneration of Lancashire seaside resorts; and if he will make a statement. [102019]
  350W
  Janet Anderson
  The Government's strategy for tourism "Tomorrow's Tourism" contains a raft of initiatives to promote quality tourism, including a model regeneration plan for resorts. The English Tourism Council have been given primary responsibility for resort issues and they are currently setting up a Resorts Task Force to tackle issues in resorts.

  Children's Films
  Mr. Cawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to encourage the British film industry to make more films for children. [102020]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have asked the Chairman of the Film Council to consider the recommendation of the Film Education Working Group that production of films for children should be one of the priorities of the Council's Lottery strategy. The availability of a wider range of films for children could lead to both educational and commercial benefits.

  Unified Accommodation Scheme
  Mrs. Betty Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on progress towards a unified accommodation grading scheme. [102021]

  Janet Anderson
  The new standardised accommodation ratings in England were launched on 13 September by the English Tourism Council, the AA and the RAC. They are available throughout the whole of the United Kingdom through the AA and the RAC. I recently wrote to my colleagues in the National Assembly for Wales and in the Scottish Parliament suggesting that we look again at our respective accommodation schemes, the differences between them and the scope for arriving at common standards.

  Green Spaces
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in what ways he expects children to benefit from the green spaces initiative funded by the New Opportunities Fund. [102023]

  Kate Hoey
  NOF is currently consulting and drawing up its bidding guidance for the green spaces programme. However, it is envisaged that projects involving opportunities for children's play, organised and informal sport, playing fields, access to the countryside and creating safer routes to school will be eligible among others. Such projects will greatly benefit the health, happiness, safety and social well-being of children, particularly in areas of multiple deprivation.

  National Lottery Proceeds
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action he is taking to ensure an equitable regional spread of the proceeds from the Lottery. [102024]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Following the National Lottery Act 1998 and my revised Policy Directions, distributors must now take into account the need to ensure that all parts of
  351W
  the country have access to funding and the scope for reducing economic and social deprivation. Working with the Lottery distributors, we have commissioned research to establish what more can be done to help areas where the take-up of Lottery funding has been low.

  Football
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has held with the Football Association on the venues under consideration for the staging of major football matches during the reconstruction of Wembley Stadium; and what advice he is giving to the Football Association on appropriate locations. [102000]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I will expect the Football Association, on considering alternative venues for major football matches while Wembley is under re-construction, to look to the wide range of excellent football stadiums available around Britain—including, of course, some built with Millennium Commission assistance. It is worth bearing in mind that we hosted EURO 96 in England, in a variety of venues, and demonstrated then that there are a number of excellent football stadiums that could be used.

  Lottery Applications
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the successful lottery applications in the Lancaster and Wyre parliamentary constituency since May 1997. [103098]

  Kate Hoey
  According to the latest information provided by my Department by the distributing bodies 73 awards worth a total of £11,395,044 have been made to recipients based in Lancaster and Wyre.

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what benefits he expects to secure for the public from the new funding agreement with national museums and galleries. [102088]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham) on 22 November 1999,Official Report, column 51W.

  Sports Funding
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the Government grant support given to UK Sport and its predecessors in each year from 1994 to 1999. [103875]

  Kate Hoey
  UK Sport was established by Royal Charter on 19 September 1996 and became fully operational on 1 January 1997. Since then the grant in aid made available has been:

  £ million

  1996–97

  4.0

  1997–98

  11.8

  1998–99

  11.6

  1999–2000

  12.6

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  Prior to establishing UK Sport, funding for sport was channelled through the GB Sports Council. In the years before UK Sport funding to GB Sports Council was:

  £ million

  1993–94

  50.6

  1994–95

  49.4

  1995–96

  49.2

  1996–97

  27.7

  World Cup 2006
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will publish the accounts of the FA (FIFA) World Cup 2006 bid for(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98 and (c) 1998–99. [102307]

  Kate Hoey
  The bid to host the World Cup in 2006 is a bid by the Football Association, with the full backing of the Government and Sport England, who have allocated £3 million of Lottery funding for the bid. The bid is not by Government and any decision to publish the accounts is for the FA to make. Reference to the bid is made in the FA's 1998 general annual report and accounts.

  Olympic Stadium, Manchester
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will investigate the possibility of relocating the proposed new Olympic Stadium in Manchester. [102715]

  Kate Hoey
  The final decision on timing and location of any UK Olympic bid rests with the British Olympic Association. The BOA feel that the strongest option for a successful bid would be to base it in London. The BOA is therefore conducting a feasibility study of a possible future London-based Olympic bid, which they will submit to Government in the new year.

  Peat
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his Department's policy is on the use of peat in and around the Millennium Dome. [103010]

  Janet Anderson
  A variety of new and exciting gardens and landscape installations are being constructed on and around the Millennium Experience site. Some of these are being constructed by NMEC, and some by English Partnerships as part of the long-term legacy of the site. In the case of soil mixes and topsoil, `greenwaste' is being used. This is based on recycled cuttings, taken in spring/ autumn and mulched, then composted for 4–6 months and does not contain peat. In the case of mulch and hydroseed, this is specified as peat free. Suppliers are able to propose their own product to meet this specification, so a variety of options have been used, but generally products based on chopped paper or something of this nature will be the most common solution. NMEC cannot make an absolute commitment to be "peat free", as soils attached to plants procured from commercial nurseries could contain small quantities of peat.
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PRIME MINISTER

  Cabinet Meetings
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish the dates on which the Cabinet meets and the duration of each meeting. [102643]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 14 December 1999]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 31 July 1998, Official Report, column 604W.

  Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the remit of the Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee. [103047]

  The Prime Minister
  The Terms of Reference of the Joint Consultative Committee are

  "To consider policy issues of joint interest to the Government and the Liberal Democrats."

  Under these Terms of Reference, the Committee has agreed that it will also consider issues arising from European Union institutional reform which are being considered by the European Council.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister if Liberal Democrat members of the Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee are under an obligation not to disclose publicly the content of discussions in that forum. [103077]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 20 January 1999,Official Report, columns 484–85W.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister who attended the Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee meeting on 13 December on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Party. [103081]

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

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister how many Ministers and officials accompanied him on his visit to the United States from 4 to 7 February 1998. [103180]

  The Prime Minister
  As I have already made public, I was accompanied by nine key officials from No. 10 and three Ministers, together with the usual number of security and secure telecommunications staff that accompany a Prime Minister on an overseas visit.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister how many meetings he held with members and officials of the United States Government, other than President Clinton, during his visit of 20 to 23 June 1997, indicating the date and locations of each meeting, and the names of the persons met. [103139]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement I gave the House on 24 June 1997,Official Report, columns 671–73W.
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PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMISSION

  Public-Private Partnerships
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission what assessment the Commission has made of the adequacy of the resources available to the National Audit Office to assess the value for money of public-private partnership funded schemes. [101990]

  Mr. Sheldon
  The Commission last met on 2 December to consider the estimates for the National Audit Office. Clearly, the evaluation of public-private partnership schemes, including projects under the Private Finance Initiative, is a major priority for the National Audit Office. Within the past two years, the NAO has published 10 reports on such projects and a further report setting out its criteria for evaluating public-private partnerships. More work in this area is planned and, while the Commission will continue to monitor the situation, I am satisfied that at present the current level of funding for this work is adequate.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Clergy Pensions
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what is the proportion of the annual Church Commissioners' revenue allocated to clergy pensions; and if he will make a statement. [101991]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  In 1998 (the latest year for which figures are available), the Commissioners spent £85 million on clergy pension benefits. They also contributed £23 million to help dioceses take on the cost of pension contributions under the new clergy pension scheme established in 1998, as well as paying the contributions for clergy for whom the Commissioners are responsible. The total expenditure on pensions and pension contributions was £110 million, which was 69 per cent. of the Commissioners' overall expenditure.

  Use of Church Buildings
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what the policy of the Commissioners is on co-operation with people of other faiths in the use of church buildings. [101992]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  Guidance on this issue is set out in "Communities and Buildings" by the General Synod Board of Mission. I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Mobile Telephone Antennae
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment they have made of the benefits of allowing the use of church property for mobile telephone antennae. [101993]
  355W
  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Commissioners are approached from time to time with requests to permit the installation of mobile phone antennae on their agricultural land. Requests are dealt with on a case by case basis, taking into account the impact on the surrounding area, and are subject to the planning process.

  The Commissioners do not have responsibility for granting requests to erect mobile phone antennae on churches in use which are a matter for Diocesan Advisory Committees and planning authorities.

  Anglican Services
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment he has made of the numbers of clergymen who will be required to conduct Anglican services in 2020. [101994]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Ministry Division of the Archbishops' Council is responsible for monitoring clergy numbers. No assessment of the likely numbers of full-time stipendiary clergy has been made for 2020 but work is currently being undertaken on long-term projections. Stipendiary clergy men and women are not the only resource for ministry available to the Church. At the end of 1998 there were, in addition to the 9,636 stipendiary clergy men and women, 1,206 non-stipendiary ministers and nearly 10,000 Readers. There are also 1,304 chaplains ministering in hospitals, schools, prisons and to the armed forces.

DEFENCE

  Departmental Sites (Water and Sewerage)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the out-sourcing of water supplies and sewage treatment at his Department's sites. [102743]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 8 December 1999,Official Report, column 557W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth (Mr. Jenkins).

  Depleted Uranium Ordnance
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research he has commissioned on the impact on health of oxide dust created by the use of depleted uranium weapons. [102747]

  Mr. Spellar
  The potential hazards caused by depleted uranium are well understood and are widely documented in existing scientific literature. The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency's Radiation Protection Service, then the Defence Radiological Protection Service, published in 1993 a summary report of its assessment of the radiological and chemical hazards of depleted uranium. The report explained that there are two types of hazard posed by the use of depleted uranium: a radiation hazard, although depleted uranium is a low specific activity material (as defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency); and a chemical toxicity hazard, which is similar to that posed by other heavy metals, such as lead. A copy of the summary report has been placed in the Library of the House.
  356W
  In addition, on 19 March, the then Minister of State for the Armed Forces published a detailed paper "Testing for the presence of depleted uranium in UK veterans of the Gulf conflict: The Current Position". This paper describes the scenarios in which UK troops may have been exposed to DU in the Gulf and outlines the possible health effects of such exposures. It also includes reference to the case narrative "Depleted Uranium in the Gulf', published by the US Department of Defense; this case narrative sets out details of the programme of testing being conducted in the United States in the context of veterans possibly exposed to depleted uranium during the Gulf conflict. Copies of the paper have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent reports he has received on radiation which has been measured in the vicinity of impacts of ammunition containing depleted uranium. [103391]

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

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the incidence of birth deformities in areas where ordnance containing depleted uranium has been used. [102581]

  Mr. Spellar
  No assessment has been undertaken by my Department of the incidence of birth deformities where ammunition containing uranium has been used. We are not aware of any peer-reviewed epidemiological studies or validated data to suggest a link between ammunition containing depleted uranium and birth deformities. My Department would consider carefully any such studies or data if these became available.

  Armed Forces (Benefits)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Social Security about members of the armed forces claiming benefits; and if he will make a statement. [102852]

  Mr. Spellar
  Service personnel and their families resident in the United Kingdom have the same degree of entitlement to receive benefits as other members of the general population and are subject to the same qualifying criteria. My Department has not held discussions with the Department of Social Security other than to ensure that Service personnel and families are not penalised as a result of their required mobility.

  MOD Ministers and officials discuss periodically with other Government Departments, including the Department of Social Security, a range of policy issues affecting the Service community. Most recently these discussions have taken place within the forum of the Service Families Task Force.

  The independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body provides robust arrangements for a fair level of remuneration for the Armed Forces and ensures that Services' pay does not fall below the national minimum wage. This year's Armed Forces Pay Review Body award was above inflation, implemented in full, on time and un-staged for the first time since 1995.
  357W

  Disciplinary Procedures
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average(a) cost and (b) length, in each armed service, of (i) a summary hearing and (ii) a court-martial. [102531]

  Mr. Spellar
  (i) It is not possible to provide information for summary hearings. This level of detail is not recorded.

  (ii) There are no detailed figures to indicate the average duration of a court-martial and costs for each trial are not recorded. However, calculations have been performed that show the average daily rate of a court-martial for each Service. They are as follows:

  Naval Service

  £1,200

  Army

  £1,600

  RAF

  £1,700.

  Experience shows that a contested trial at court-martial lasts on average about two and a half days.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for each armed service(a) how many applications were made for redress of grievance and (b) what was the average length of time between application and conclusion of the process, in each of the past five years. [102529]

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

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel in(a) the Royal Navy, (b) the Army and (c) the RAF have elected for court-martial rather than face a summary hearing since 1997. [102525]

  Mr. Spellar
  There has not been a need to compile statistics across the Services in a way that would enable this information to be provided in detail. However, such figures as are available for the three Services indicate that less than 1 per cent. of those facing summary dealings have elected to be tried by court-martial.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for each of the armed services, how many courts-martial have been convened in each of the past five years; and at what locations. [102528]

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

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for each armed service, what is the average time a suspect spends in custody awaiting court martial. [102534]

  Mr. Spellar
  The information is as follows:

  Army

  Since January 1999, 70 soldiers in court martial cases have been held in close arrest for an average period of 80 days while awaiting trial for serious offences.

  RN/RAF

  No cases are recorded over the past three years of suspects held in custody awaiting court martial.
  358W
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel in each of the armed services were(a) arrested by civilian police, (b) released by civilian police into the custody of the Royal Military Police,(c) arrested by civilian police and taken before a magistrate and (d) released from magistrates' courts into the custody of the Royal Military Police, in (i) 1997, (ii) 1998 and (iii) 1999. [102530]

  Mr. Spellar
  There has been no historical requirement to compile statistics across the three services in a way which would enable this detailed information to be provided.

  Armed Forces Legal Branches
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are employed in the(a) Army legal service, (b) Royal Navy legal service and (c) the RAF legal service, broken down by (i) rank and (ii) grade; and at what locations they are based. [102532]

  Mr. Spellar
  The information is as follows:

  Naval Service

  The Naval Service does not have a dedicated legal service. There are, however, 33 qualified barristers in the Royal Navy, 17 of whom are serving in legal appointments. Details of barristers, ranks and grades in support are:

  Naval Service

  Number

  (i) Ranks

  Commodore

  1

  Commander

  6

  Barristers

  Lieutenant Commander

  7

  Lieutenant

  3

  Warrant Officer

  3

  Chief Petty Officer

  4

  Petty Officer

  3

  Leading Rate

  6

  Able Rate

  4

  (ii) Grades

  Administrative Officer

  4

  Civilian typist

  1

  Overall total staff

  42

  Locations

  Portsmouth, London, Northwood, Yeovilton, Plymouth, Faslane.

  Army

  Number

  (i) Ranks

  Major General

  1

  Brigadier

  2

  Colonel

  4

  Lieutenant Colonel

  16

  Major

  19

  Captain

  40

  Warrant Officer

  1 x 2

  Warrant Officer

  2 x 2

  Staff Sergeant

  1

  Sergeant

  1

  (ii) Grades

  Executive Officer

  1

  Administrative Officer

  16

  Administrative Assistant

  5

  Typists

  17

  Personal Secretary

  3

  Locally employed civilians

  12

  Overall total

  142

  359W
  Locations

  All Divisional Headquarters in the UK and Germany, Permanent Joint Headquarters Northwood, Joint Headquarters Germany, Bielefeld (Germany), RAF Uxbridge (Army Prosecuting Authority), Upavon and London (Directorate of Army Legal Services), Glasgow (Military Secretary), Headquarters British Forces Cyprus, HQ Land, Headquarters Royal Marines Portsmouth, HQ Northern Ireland, SHAPE Belgium, Kosovo, Bosnia and Georgia, and one exchange officer in Australia.

  RAF

  Number

  (i) Ranks

  Air Vice Marshal

  1

  Air Commodore

  1

  Group Captain

  3

  Wing Commander

  7

  Squadron Leader

  7

  Flight Lieutenant

  8

  (ii) Grades

  Retired Officer

  1

  Executive Officer

  1

  Administrative Officer

  2

  Personal Secretary

  2

  Administrative Assistant

  1

  Typist

  1

  Locally Employed Civilians

  7

  Overall total

  43

  Locations

  Innsworth, High Wycombe, Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Germany.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) service personnel and (b) civilian dependants have sought and received advice from the legal branches of each armed service; and how many of those received advice (i) by telephone, (ii) by letter, (iii) by clients visiting legal branch offices and (iv) by legal specialists visiting clients (1) at UK locations and (2) overseas locations, specifying the locations in each case. [102526]

  Mr. Spellar
  To establish which of this information is held by the three services could be undertaken only at disproportionate cost.

  Absence without Leave
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in each armed service, how many personnel(a) went absent without leave and (b) deserted in each of the last three years. [102533]

  Mr. Spellar
  The services do not hold statistics relating to the number of personnel who went absent without leave in each of the last three years. However, the figures relating to incidents of absences without leave among personnel, which could include more than one instance of absence by an individual, is as follows:

  Year

  Royal Navy

  Royal Marines

  Army

  Royal Air Force

  1996

  45

  10

  1,345

  36

  1997

  32

  10

  1,355

  23

  1998

  28

  6

  1,722

  26

  360W
  There were no deserters from the Royal Navy or Royal Marines within the last three years. Figures are not held by the Army. RAF records reflect the year in which an individual was convicted at court-martial. These are as follows:

  Year

  Royal Air Force

  1996

  3

  1997

  1

  1998

  2

  Ammunition Sales
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what talks have occurred this year between the Ministry of Defence and BAe regarding the future of ammunition sales; and if he will make a statement. [100752]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Discussions have taken place throughout the year between Ministry of Defence officials and British Aerospace and Royal Ordnance managers, to determine the potential for a partnering arrangement with Royal Ordnance for the supply of a range of ammunition products. We are seeking arrangements which will provide better and improving value for money for the taxpayer, represent a viable business for Royal Ordnance, and enhance the future supply of ammunition for the British Armed Forces. We hope to conclude discussions shortly.

  HMS Ocean
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what were the reasons for HMS Ocean's recent visits to ports for repair; [100881]

  (2) what work was carried out on HMS Ocean during her recent visits to ports for repair; and what was the cost of those repairs. [100882]

  Mr. Spellar
  Seven routine port visits were programmed in to HMS Ocean's recent lengthy deployment and, as with all port visits, the opportunity was taken to carry out routine maintenance and repairs. No visits were specifically arranged for repairs, but two of the scheduled visits were extended slightly to enable routine maintenance checks and some defect repairs to be undertaken while the vessel was alongside. The work carried out included main engine air charge cooler defect repairs and to change a rotating joint on a radar. This work cost approximately £114,000. These repairs have had no significant impact on the operational programme of the vessel.

  Benefits
  Mr. Trend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service families receive working families tax credit. [102240]

  Mr. Spellar
  From October 1999 (in the UK), working families tax credit (WFTC) is being paid direct to the claimant (including UK service personnel or their spouses). Although WFTC is administered by Inland Revenue (IR), it was enacted by DSS legislation. Consequently, since claims are made direct to the IR by either service personnel (or their spouses), the MOD has no overview of the total number of claimants. However,
  361W
  from April 2000, WFTC (in the UK) will be payable to claimants, including service personnel, through their salary if they wish. As the credit may be paid to the spouses of service personnel, however, our information about which service personnel in the UK receive the credit will not be comprehensive. Overseas, MOD is required to make separate arrangements for payment of most DSS benefits, including WFTC, to service (and civilian) personnel as they are at present disqualified by the DSS by virtue of their residence outside the UK. The total number of service claimants overseas will not be known until after April next year when the transfer from FC to WFTC is complete. I regret, therefore, that MOD is unable to provide the information requested.

  A400M Programme
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Department of Trade and Industry over the A400M programme. [102744]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Along with other Departments, the Department of Trade and Industry has been consulted over the Future Transport Aircraft programme, for which A400M is a contender. Given that a competition is under way, I cannot comment further at this stage.

  MOD Housing (Hampshire)
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the occupation and unoccupation levels of(a) former and (b) current MOD-owned housing in Hampshire. [102602]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  We do not hold records about former MOD housing. For current MOD-owned housing in Hampshire, including those which have been leased back from Annington Homes Limited, the position at 1 December 1999 is that there are currently 7,121 families quarters, of which 6,095 are occupied and 1,026 are unoccupied.

  Peat
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's policy is on the purchase and use of peat for its own operations and activities; and what performance targets his Department has set to reduce current peat use. [103013]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Peat is not directly used by the MOD in its operations and activities. However, it is possible that some ground maintenance contractors may use peat on the Defence estate. In line with the MOD's Departmental Plan on the Greening Government Initiative, my Department will be looking at bringing in measures to ensure that any use of peat in the maintenance of its grounds is substituted by organic waste. This reflects the advice within the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Greening Operations Guide.

  East Timor
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when UK troops first arrived in East Timor to participate in the International Force East Timor; and if he will make a statement. [103056]
  362W
  Mr. Hoon
  The first UK troops arrived in East Timor on 20 September 1999 as part of the International Force (INTERFET).

  AWE Aldermaston (Millennium Compliance)
  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the ability of AWE Aldermaston to cope with the Millennium date change. [103070]

  Mr. Spellar
  Hunting-BRAE's programme to identify and test all AWE' s safety and business-critical systems was completed in July and all necessary changes were made by that date. All but essential services will be shut down prior to the New Year and staff will be on duty over the period to monitor systems and deal with any contingencies that may arise. There will then be a controlled start-up of operations in the New Year.

  The extent and effectiveness of the programme have been audited by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate, the Ministry of Defence's Compliance Office and Specialist Procurement Services and the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. All have stated that they are satisfied with the action taken.

  Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on what support is available for former and serving personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. [103227]

  Mr. Spellar
  My Department fully recognise Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a potentially serious and disabling medical condition and provides appropriate treatment and support for serving personnel suffering from this condition. A range of measures aimed at preventing PTSD are in place, including pre- and post-deployment briefings and professional counselling in-theatre.

  Service personnel found to be suffering from PTSD will be offered treatment, including, if necessary, in-patient treatment at the Duchess of Kent's Psychiatric Hospital, Catterick. Responsibility for the treatment of ex-service personnel lies with the NHS. Such personnel may, however, be treated at the Duchess of Kent's Psychiatric Hospital if they are referred there as patients under normal NHS arrangements.

  Training (International Law)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on what training is provided for(a) officers and (b) other ranks, on understanding international law. [103228]

  Mr. Spellar
  Training in aspects of international law, and specifically in the law of Armed Conflict', is provided to both officers and other ranks of all three services as part of initial basic training, in accordance with the requirements of the Hague and Geneva Conventions. Further training in international law, again covering the legitimacy of military operations and on the conduct of waging war, is provided on a wide range of specialist training courses, on both a single service and joint service basis. Furthermore, additional training and briefings
  363W
  relating to relevant international law are normally provided to formed units of all three services by legal specialists prior to operational deployment.

  Departmental Fuel Duty Payments
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much fuel duty his Department has paid in each of the past five years. [102527]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  This information is not held centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Organophosphate Lubricants
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of recent incidents involving health hazards associated with organophosphate lubricants, including the possible involvement of organophosphates in the near accident of a BAe 146 aircraft in Sweden on 12 November, in relation to military aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [103111]

  Mr. Spellar
  We have no record of any recent military aircraft incidents relating to the use of organophosphate lubricants. The organophosphate compound tricresylphosphate is present in almost all military aero-engine lubricants and, as no viable alternative products are available, appropriate measures are taken to avoid the exposure of air and ground crew to any potential health hazards. We understand that BAe Systems is investigating the incident involving a civil BAe 146 aircraft on 12 November and we will consider any recommendations that emerge.

  Military Forces (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the overall strength in September(a) 1998 and (b) 1999 was of military forces in Northern Ireland, broken down into the numbers attached to the (i) RAF, (ii) Royal Navy (iii) RIR, (iv) RIR part-time and (v) others. [101866]

  Mr. Spellar
  Pursuant to the reply I gave on 15 December 1999,Official Report, columns 217–18W, it may be helpful to make it clear that, excluding those forces referred to in the footnotes as being based outside Northern Ireland, the strength figures for military forces deployed to the Province are as follows:

  Strength 1998

  Strength 1999

  Army (General Service)

  9,557

  8,843

  Royal Air Force

  1,152

  1,150

  Royal Navy

  321

  182

  The Royal Irish Regiment (Home Service Full-time)

  2,627

  2,536

  The Royal Irish Regiment (Home Service Part-time)

  1,961

  1,841

  Total

  15,618

  14,552

  Smart Trajectory Artillery Round
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of the Smart Trajectory Artillery Round. [103059]
  364W
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Sir John Chisholm to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 20 December 1999 I have been asked to respond to your parliamentary question about the Smart Trajectory Artillery Round (STAR).
  The STAR programme is an industry led programme. The team is led by Thomson-Thorn Missiles & Electronics; the other members are BAe Systems Royal Ordnance, Rockwell Collins and DERA. The programme started in 1997 and the first phase, technology demonstration, was completed towards the end of 1999. The purpose of the programme is to develop a product that would satisfy a perceived MOD requirement.
  The cost of the STAR fuze is a commercial decision to be taken by the industry team after consideration of the likely full development costs and the size of the potential market for this type of product.
  I hope this explains the situation.

  HMS Tireless
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Spearfish Mod warshot heavyweight torpedoes are being installed on HMS Tireless. [103058]

  Mr. Spellar
  HMS Tireless has been converted to carry the Spearfish Heavyweight torpedo. The exact number embarked at any time is determined by the operational requirement.

  Jaguar Aircraft
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Jaguar aircraft have been delivered to India(a) this year and (b) in the last three years. [103055]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  None. Since 1979, Jaguar aircraft have been produced under licence in India.

  Common Defence
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state the date and reference of the presentation to Parliament of the latest document he has signed with the French Republic in respect of common defence. [103133]

  Mr. Hoon
  A declaration on strengthening Europe's military capabilities was issued at the UK-French Summit on 25 November. This declaration can be found in the House of Commons Library as deposited paper DEP99/1908.

  Commanding Officers (Territorial Units)
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many commanding officers of territorial units were(a) regular officers and (b) territorial officers on (i) 1 January, (ii) 1 April, (iii) 1 July and (iv) 1 October. [103401]

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

  EU Rapid Reaction Force
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on Britain's contribution towards the Rapid Reaction Force which was agreed in principle at the Helsinki Conference. [103226]

  Mr. Hoon
  The recent Helsinki European Council agreed that EU member states, co-operating voluntarily, must be able, by 2003, to deploy within 60 days and sustain for at least one year, military forces of up to 50,000 to 60,000 persons capable of the full range of Petersberg tasks. In particular this will mean developing the capabilities of Europe's existing national forces as the pool from which such a deployment could be drawn for any specific operation. We are not creating a European Army or a standing European Rapid Reaction Force.

  The Council also agreed that this headline goal should be elaborated and a method established for defining national contributions. This will be addressed in the coming months.

  Departmental Spending Plans
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what variations he has made to the spending plans for his Department announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review in July 1998. [102900]

  Mr. Hoon
  There have been no variations made to the spending plans announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review in July 1998 other than a small number of minor technical adjustments.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  2 Marsham Street
  Sir Michael Spicer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 13 December 1999, Official Report, column 9W, on 2 Marsham Street, how much longer he expects these costs to be maintained in order to protect the empty office blocks at 2 Marsham Street. [102989]

  Mr. Straw
  The next opportunity to review the appropriate level of expenditure will be early summer 2000, following the decision expected to be taken by then on the Private Finance Initiative competition for my Department's central London accommodation strategy. If the competition confirms that redevelopment of the site for the Home Office offers the best solution, it will be transferred to the successful private sector partner for demolition in accordance with the then agreed programme.

  Lifeguards
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received on making the provision of lifeguards a statutory responsibility for local authorities; [102560]
  366W
  (2) what plans he has to make the provision of lifeguards on popular tourist beaches a statutory responsibility of local authorities. [102562]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is not aware of any representations on this matter, and there are no current proposals for legislation.

  Alcohol Abuse
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much his Department spent on alcohol rehabilitation programmes and alcohol abuse prevention programmes in each of the last three years. [102551]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  This information is not available. The Home Office has no funding specifically allocated for alcohol rehabilitation programmes or alcohol abuse prevention programmes. The Prison Service addresses alcohol problems within programmes at individual establishments, but does not monitor separately expenditure that is specifically on alcohol-related work.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of arrests made by each police force in England and Wales where alcohol abuse was a factor in each of the last three years. [102554]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  This information is not available. A 1998 Home Office research study, "Drugs and crime: the results of research on drug testing and interviewing arrestees" by Trevor Bennett, found that the proportion of arrestees testing positive for alcohol varied over its five test sites, from 8 per cent. to 42 per cent.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people in each of the last three years who would otherwise have qualified as refugees have been excluded from protection and refused asylum on the grounds that they have committed acts sufficiently serious to render them as not deserving of protection under the 1951 UN convention relating to the status of refugees. [102778]

  Mrs. Roche
  I regret that this information could be obtained only by examination of individual case records and is, therefore, available only at disproportionate cost.

  Young Prisoners
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many 15 and 16-year-olds are currently held on remand in prison; in which prisons; and what plans he has to end the practice of remanding 15 and 16-year-olds in adult prisons. [102792]

  Mr. Boateng
  On 31 October, the latest date for which these figures are available, there were 31 15-year-olds and 130 16-year-olds on remand in prison. The table shows where they were held.

  Aged 15

  Aged 16

  Altcourse

  —

  4

  Brinsford

  6

  27

  Cardiff

  2

  3

  Castington

  —

  5

  Doncaster

  3

  12

  Exeter

  2

  —

  Feltham

  10

  34

  Glen Parva

  5

  19

  Gloucester

  —

  2

  Hindley

  2

  8

  367W

  Aged 15

  Aged 16

  Hull

  —

  2

  Lancaster Farms

  —

  3

  Northallerton

  1

  6

  Norwich

  —

  2

  Parc

  —

  1

  Swansea

  —

  2

  Total

  31

  130

  Following a building programme which provided 170 additional places in local authority secure units, in June this year we introduced court ordered secure remands to local authorities for 12 to 16-year-old girls, 12 to 14-year-old boys and 15 and 16-year-old boys who were vulnerable and for whom a place was available.

  We are now strengthening bail support, through £35 million Youth Justice Board grants and a statutory duty from April on local authorities to operate appropriate bail support schemes. The Prison Service is investing more than £50 million in creating a distinct juvenile estate which will be able to hold young people on remand where they would be reasonably near to courts. The Youth Justice Board will take over the purchasing and commissioning of secure juvenile accommodation from April, to ensure effective use of available places and to plan for future needs. How far we can reduce remands to prisons in the short-term depends on the total numbers remanded and on overall demands on available accommodation. In the light of proposals from the Board, we will make clear in the New Year what we expect to achieve by when in removing young people on remand from prison accommodation.

  Departmental Employees (Ethnic Origin)
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of the total work force in his Department is of ethnic minority origin; and what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of people from the ethnic minorities in his Department. [102733]

  Mr. Straw
  My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office set out in his reply on 16 December 1999,Official Report, column 264W, the corporate action that we are taking to encourage the employment of people from ethnic minorities.

  The percentage of permanent staff of ethnic minority origin in the Home Office, including the Prison Service, was 5 per cent. on 1 April 1999. The percentage is of those whose ethnic origin was then centrally recorded. More detailed figures are given in the table. Staff provide information on their ethnic origin on a voluntary basis and can choose not to disclose their origin if they so wish.

  As part of our commitment to encouraging employment of people of ethnic minority origin, the Home Office published on 28 July 1999 targets for the recruitment, retention and progression of ethnic minority staff over the next ten years. (These cover the core Home Office, Agencies and Services).

  To achieve its targets, the Home Office has revised its recruitment literature and attends recruitment fairs specifically aimed at minority ethnic communities. It has and will continue to advertise a number of posts in the ethnic minority press, for example The Voice, the Ethnic
  368W
  Media Group, and Muslim News. The Home Office participates in the National Mentoring Consortium Scheme for ethnic minority undergraduates and is involved in an informal mentoring scheme for potential ethnic minority Fast Stream candidates. The Department also sponsors the Windsor Fellowship which supports Black and Asian students.

  The Prison Service launched the RESPOND programme to promote racial equality for staff and prisoners in February 1999. This includes targets to recruit more staff from the minority ethnic communities. To secure this, a national recruitment outreach team has been formed which will work in partnership with local prisons, for example attending recruitment fairs. The Prison Service will also review its career literature and continue to advertise in the minority ethnic media.

  The Home Office recognises that unless it is seen as a fair place to work and in which diversity is valued, recruitment initiatives alone will not encourage people from minority ethnic communities to join the Department. The Home Office is committed to a Race Equality Action Plan that includes race awareness training, a mentoring scheme involving Management Board members and ethnic minority staff and evaluating and monitoring of all Human Resources systems. An Ethnic Minority Network was launched for staff on 24 November 1999 and already has over 500 members. The Home Office also participates in Cabinet Office initiatives on diversity and equality proofing.

  Area1 of employment

  Percentage of ethnic minority staff employed2

  Home Office (core areas)

  10.9

  Immigration and Nationality Department

  15.5

  Her Majesty's Prison Service

  3.3

  Fire Service College

  0

  Forensic Science Service

  9.6

  United Kingdom Passport Agency

  9.1

  Home Office average excluding Prison Service

  12.4

  Home Office average including Prison Service

  5.0

  1The information is that recorded centrally on 1 April 1999.

  2Percentage is of permanent non-industrial staff whose ethnicities are recorded.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Beard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to reimburse local authorities for their expenditure on the Kosovan Humanitarian Evacuation Programme. [103721]

  Mr. Straw
  I have laid before Parliament today a Special Grant Report which sets out the arrangements for reimbursing local authorities in England for the additional expenditure which they may have incurred in respect of the Kosovan evacuees who arrived in the United Kingdom as part of the United National Humanitarian Evacuation Programme.

  The Special Grant Report explains the areas of expenditure which will be eligible for the grant and the timescales for local authorities to make their claims. I very much hope that a significant proportion of the local authorities' expenditure in respect of the Humanitarian Evacuation Programme will be reimbursed within the current financial year.
  369W

  Holocaust Remembrance Day
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he will make a statement on the outcome of the consultation on the Holocaust Remembrance Day proposal; [103040]

  (2) how many representations he has received in response to the consultation document on Holocaust Remembrance Day; [103039]

  (3) in response to the consultation on the proposal for a Holocaust Remembrance Day, (a) which organisations and public bodies have submitted responses and (b) how many responses have been received from private individuals. [103402]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  521 responses were received, 237 from local authorities and other organisations and 284 from individuals.

  The Government intend to announce their decision in January, as stated in the consultation document.

  Departmental Funding
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on extra funding for his Department from Government reserves; and if he will make a statement. [103330]

  Mr. Straw
  I regularly discuss with my right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury progress on the Public Service Agreements (PSA) whose delivery is supported by Home Office funding. Recent discussions on the PSA objectives to reduce crime and the fear of crime resulted in the announcements made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minster and me of additional investments funded from the Reserve and the Capital Modernisation Fund. These will cover £34 million for the DNA database and £35 million for the first year costs of a scheme for 5,000 more police recruits over the next three years.

  Firemen
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is a condition of service that retained firemen must record on job applications or inform their existing employers of their Fire Service obligations. [102898]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The National Joint Council for local authorities' fire brigades, which comprises representatives from the fire authority employers and the employees, is the standing body charged with the supervision, from a national point of view, of questions affecting the conditions of service of firefighters. The Council has confirmed that there are no contractual obligations on retained firefighters in respect of other employers in its Scheme of Conditions of Service.

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 22 September on behalf of his constituent Mrs. Birkbeck. [103082]
  370W
  Mr. Straw
  I wrote to the right hon. Member on 16 December in response to his letter of 22 September on behalf of his constituent, Mrs. Birkbeck. I am extremely sorry that I was unable to do so sooner, and would like, through the right hon. Member, to extend my apology to Mrs. Birkbeck for the delay.

  Fire Service College
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received the report of the Fire Service College Prior Options Review; and if he will make a statement. [103720]

  Mr. Straw
  Against the background of the continuing shortfall of the Fire Service College in meeting its financial targets, I commissioned a prior options review in March 1999. I asked the review team to evaluate the performance of the College; and taking account of developments since it was established, reappraise the options for achieving best value for money in the provision of central training for the United Kingdom fire service.

  I have now received the Report of the review and arranged for its publication. Copies of the Report have been placed in the Library.

  The review considered various organisational options for providing central training for the United Kingdom fire service. They took account of the College's track record as an Agency; its shortage of key skills and experience; and the need for decisive action to tackle the problems identified, including the requirement for significant capital investment if we are to keep the College viable. The review was conscious of the need to increase training throughput at the College and suggested that there would be additional significant benefits from joining up the activities of the Home Office and Ministry of Defence (MOD) Fire Services Central Training Establishment, at Manston.

  The review concluded that the option most likely to restore the College to viability would be to end the College's Agency status and replace it with a partnership with the private sector. The Report therefore, recommends that a three way partnership should be established between the Home Office, the MOD and the private sector for the delivery of fire service training and to exploit fully the College site and facilities.

  The public sector would continue to have a close involvement by having in the College officers seconded from the United Kingdom Fire Service and from the MOD. The Report also recommends that the College should be reviewed regularly by Her Majesty's Fire Services' Inspectorate. This would parallel the arrangements that exist in Scotland for inspecting the Scottish Fire Service Training School at Gullane. It would also provide the Home Office with a source of expertise to assist with the monitoring and management of a future partnership agreement.

  I am grateful to the review team for the work they have undertaken. I welcome their findings, their thorough and careful analysis of the College's problems and their recommendations. I am accepting immediately their recommendation that in future the College should be

  371W
  reviewed by Her Majesty's Fire Services' Inspectorate and I have asked the Chief Inspector to inspect and report on the College regularly.

  After this thorough review, and years of difficulties, it is very important that the College's problems are now gripped firmly and tackled expeditiously. I have agreed with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence that joining up the activities of the College with those of the Ministry of Defence Fire Services Central Training Establishment, in partnership with the private sector, holds the potential to bring benefit to all parties concerned and should be urgently explored. I am also commencing consultations today with the College, the Fire Service and other stakeholders on this and other recommendations in the report. I will also be seeking advice from the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council.

  I am inviting views by the 18 February 2000.

  National Security
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans to implement the policies announced on 25 January to protect the national infrastructure against electronic attack. [103719]

  Mr. Straw
  A range of initiatives has been taken. Departments have been asked to ensure that their own key systems will achieve independently assessable standards of security. Discussions are being held with a number of private sector organisations in order to identify the systems on which the national infrastructure critically depends, to assess and reduce their vulnerabilities, and to establish contingency arrangements. In order to take this forward, I have established an interdepartmental centre, the National Infrastructure Security Co-ordination Centre, to act as a point of contact for those involved in this work in both government and the private sector.

  Electoral Costs
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the cost of a person casting their vote at a polling station. [102544]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Records of the administrative costs of casting a vote at a polling station and by post are not kept separately.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the cost of registering an elector on the electoral register in England and Wales; and what is the cost of entering a name to correct an omission from the register. [102545]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The overall cost of registration of electors in England and Wales is estimated at about £40 million per year; or approximately a pound for each elector. The cost of making a single correction would not be very much greater.

  Air Guns
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many incidents of violent crime involving air guns there have been in each of the past 10 years; [102611]
  372W
  (2) how many (a) fatalities and (b) woundings involving air rifles there have been in each of the past 10 years. [102612]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The following table gives the readily available information on the number of recorded violent crimes in which air weapons were reported to have been used (no distinction between air guns and air rifles is possible in the statistics collected centrally):

  Recorded violent crime in which air weapons were reported to have been used in England and Wales

  Year

  Homicide

  Attempted murder and Other acts (including wounding) endangering life

  other wounding and violence against the person

  Robbery

  Total violent crime1

  1989

  3

  146

  1,701

  90

  1,940

  1990

  1

  191

  1,656

  122

  1,970

  1991

  2

  192

  1,545

  156

  1,895

  1992

  —

  207

  1,637

  151

  1,995

  1993

  —

  200

  1,504

  131

  1,835

  1994

  —

  207

  1,510

  115

  1,832

  1995

  1

  186

  1,350

  112

  1,649

  1996

  —

  121

  1,303

  81

  1,505

  1997

  —

  75

  1,374

  99

  1,548

  1998

  —

  61

  1,806

  81

  1,948

  1Excludes sexual offences, few in number, and not separately identifiable in later years

  Figures for 1998 are not directly comparable with those for previous years because the coverage of recorded crime was extended and new counting rules employed from 1 April 1998.

  Prison (North Wales)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to establish a prison in the north of Wales to enable prisoners from that area to be held within reach of their own communities. [102497]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Prison Service has no plans to build a prison in North Wales. Altcourse, the new prison in Liverpool, provides places for prisoners from that area.

  Hackney Carriage Drivers
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what powers the Metropolitan Police considers complaints against hackney carriage drivers in Greater London levelled by members of the general public. [102453]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Commissioner of the Metropolitan police tells me that Assistant Commissioner Paul Manning, who is the Licensing Authority for hackney carriage drivers within the Metropolitan police district, considers complaints against drivers under paragraph 30(1) of the London Cab Order 1934.

  Overseas Electors
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what estimate he has made of the number of British citizens eligible to register as overseas electors; [102517]
  373W
  (2) what estimate he has made of the number of British citizens resident outside the UK who have resided outside the UK for more than 20 years; [102515]

  (3) what estimate he has made of the number of British citizens eligible to register as overseas electors who have resided outside the United Kingdom for (a) five years or less and (b) more than five years, but less than (i) 10 years, (ii) 15 years and (iii) 20 years. [102516]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  British citizens resident abroad are not required to give us details of their length of stay or their eligibility to register as voters. The information is, therefore, not available.

  Research Contracts
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [100151]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: The Home Office commissions social research externally to support its work on development and evaluation of policy. There is no veto over the publication of the results except where there are security implications for the Department or other Home Office Agencies; there is an expectation that the research will usually be published with departmental consent. Consultancies are used primarily for the peer review of research data and quality control. In each case, Home Office staff will agree with the contractor the arrangements for publication including its timing. The Home Office may comment on the style and detail of results that are presented in departmental publications. With departmental agreement contractors may, and are often encouraged to make their own arrangements for external publication. Copyright remains with the Home Office.

  The Home Office also undertakes a range of scientific research. There is no veto over the publication of the results, except where there are security implications for the Department, and no departmental control over the date of publication, other than the Department requiring a period after the submission of the final report for quality assurance. There is no requirement that the final results incorporate departmental amendments save those necessary to correct factual inaccuracies.

  A copy of the table showing the information available centrally on research contracts let has been placed in the Library.

  UK Passport
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consult the public to establish whether there is demand for a hardback UK passport. [102916]

  Mrs. Roche
  There are no plans to do so. Most countries in the world issue passports which are not hardbacked. The soft covered passport is flexible, more convenient to carry and is easier and quicker to produce. Passports are produced 374W
  to an International Civil Aviation Authority standard which is designed to ease travellers passage through passport controls. Producing passports in a standardised format greatly facilitates this. Re-introducing a hardback United Kingdom passport would require costly changes to the passport manufacturing process.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will investigate the cost of re-introducing an optional hardback UK passport. [102914]

  Mrs. Roche
  There are no plans to do so. To introduce an optional hardback version of the United Kingdom passport would require significant changes to the passport manufacturing process, and would increase the costs of the Passport Service. There are over 30 million of the soft covered United Kingdom passports in circulation and most countries in the world issue passports in this form. A standard passport format greatly facilitates worldwide travel.

  Glasgow Airport Immigration Service
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on when the Glasgow Airport Immigration Service will be re-opened to the public. [102851]

  Mrs. Roche
  The core business of the Immigration Service at Glasgow Airport is coverage of the arrivals controls by immigration officers and this is operating normally.

  The Public Enquiry Office (PEO) is a discrete section which is staffed by general and administrative grades and deals mainly with people subject to immigration control who are already in the country and require extensions of stay. This facility has been closed since 22 November 1999 because of a staffing shortfall. As soon as this shortfall is remedied, the office will re-open. No firm date can be given but the local manager hopes this will be very early in the new year.

  Corporate Manslaughter
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received the conclusions of the Interdepartmental Working Group on Corporate Manslaughter; and if he will make a statement. [103580]

  Mr. Boateng
  We have received the report of the inter-departmental working group of officials which has been considering the recommendations made in the Law Commission's report no. 237, "Legislating the Criminal Code: Involuntary Manslaughter". The Law Commission's report included a recommendation that there should be a new offence of corporate killing.

  We are considering the recommendations of the working group and will consult our colleagues on how to take the matter forward.

  Chinese President (State Visit)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department of those people who were arrested as a result of actions they took during the visit by the President of China, how many are(a) on bail, (b) in custody, (c) have had charges against them proved and (d) were released without charge. [103222]
  375W
  Mr. Boateng
  15 persons were arrested by the Metropolitan Police and one by the City of London Police in connection with the President of China's visit. (This figure excludes three people arrested for being drunk and disorderly or for possession of drugs at the scene of the visit). One individual was arrested twice. Of these 16 individuals, all were released without charge, and hence none is on bail, in custody, or has had charges against them proved; four of them did however receive police cautions.

  Political Asylum
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of applications for political asylum in the United Kingdom for each month from January 1997 to November 1999. [103380]

  Mrs. Roche
  The available information is given in the table.

  Applications1,2 received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, January 1997 to November 1999

  Number of principal applicants

  1997

  1998

  1999

  January

  2,715

  2,860

  34,700

  February

  2,475

  2,650

  34,185

  March

  2,160

  3,200

  35,060

  April

  2,665

  3,135

  34,905

  May

  2,590

  3,110

  35,370

  June

  2,585

  3,575

  36,130

  July

  3,070

  4,215

  36,440

  August

  2,930

  4,420

  37,120

  September

  2,850

  4,455

  37,355

  October

  2,990

  5,010

  36,295

  November

  2,345

  4,620

  n/a

  December

  3,120

  4,770

  n/a

  Total

  32,500

  46,015

  —

  1 Figures do not include overseas applications.

  2 Figures rounded to the nearest 5.

  3Provisional figures.

  Police Recruitment
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to re-assess regularly the baseline figure of planned police recruits during the life of the Crime Fighting Fund; and if he will make a statement. [103333]

  Mr. Boateng
  In order to establish baseline figures for projected recruitment over the next three years, we have asked forces for details of their recruitment plans for each of those years.

  To continue to receive funding for further additional officers for years two and three, police forces will need to demonstrate that the first year's funding has been used to recruit and deploy the additional numbers agreed for front line policing and that they have met the other continuation criteria set out in the Bidding Guidelines, a copy of which was placed in the Library on 2 December. Forces will be asked in October 2000 and again in October 2001, to provide the information requested to demonstrate that they have met the continuation criteria.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what estimate he has made of the funds which will need to be available through the 376W
  Crime Fighting Fund in year two and year three in order for police forces to be able to recruit a total of 5,000 officers; and if he will make a statement; [103328]

  (2) what additional funding will be made available for the Crime Fighting Fund in year two and year three; and if he will make a statement. [103329]

  Mr. Boateng
  £35 million of new money has been allocated to kick-start the scheme in year one and further sums will be made available in years two and three. It is impossible to say at this stage how much funding will be needed in years two and three as we do not yet know how forces will spread their bids over the three year period of the scheme.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to make funding available for the retention of police officers recruited through the Crime Fighting Fund; and if he will make a statement. [103331]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Crime Fighting Fund will provide for the recruitment and retention of officers over the three year period from April 2000. Funding per recruit will be based on the aggregate annual cost of a new police constable up to a maximum of £32,500 for a Police Officer recruited to a force other than the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS): £35,130 for a Metropolitan Police Service recruit. Those sums include the following: £17,900 (pay); £1,300 Earning Related National Insurance Contributions (ERNIC); £5,300 (pension); a contribution to training and £1,000 for recruitment.

  The salary, ERNIC and pension costs of police officers who are recruited under the Crime Fighting Fund will continue to be paid for the three year period of the scheme. In the longer term all pressures on police funds, including these new officers, will be reflected in bids my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will make during the 2000 Spending Review.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police forces are not recruiting new police recruits; and if he will make a statement. [103332]

  Mr. Boateng
  Timing of recruitment is a matter for the individual forces concerned. The information we have is that 28 forces in England and Wales are recruiting new police recruits at the current time.

  Kosovan Refugees
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the Metropolitan Police and social services departments in London regarding begging activities in London by women claiming to be Kosovan refugees using children and babies. [103211]

  Mr. Boateng
  There have been no recent discussions between my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and the Metropolitan Police or London social services departments about begging, begging with children or foreign nationals begging.

  Begging in a public place is an offence and therefore, within the Metropolitan Police District, it is an operational matter for the Commissioner. He tells me that there is a dedicated police unit at Charing Cross which deals with

  377W
  begging and rough sleepers; this unit works in association with other relevant agencies. The Metropolitan Police do not monitor data on the number of foreign nationals arrested for begging.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Toyota
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations in relation to Toyota he has made to(a) the Monetary Policy Committee and (b) Members of the Monetary Policy Committee regarding the (i) value of sterling and (ii) level of UK interest rates. [103038]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  None.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will announce the date for the auction of new mobile telephone licences. [102152]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 13 December 1999]: The Information Memorandum for the auction of Third Generation mobile communication Wireless Telegraphy Act licences published on 1 November set out an indicative auction timetable in which applications are to be received on 12 January and the auction starts in early March. The Notice, which confirms the date for receipt of applications as 12 January, will be issued on 22 December.

  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about the proposed auction of new mobile phone licences; and if he will make a statement. [102154]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 13 December 1999]: The Government have received numerous representations on the auction of Third Generation mobile communication Wireless Telegraphy Act licences. These have been taken into account in decisions relating to the auction.

  Telecommunications Fraud
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken by(a) his Department and (b) Oftel to prevent telecommunications fraud, with particular reference to the use of high cost line and call charges. [102837]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 16 December 1999]: The regulation of the telecommunications industry is a matter for the Office of Telecommunications (Oftel). Oftel takes telecoms operators' network integrity very seriously. Oftel will always investigate any case of alleged telephone fraud.

  The Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS) regulates high cost telephone lines through its Code of Practice, with which Premium Rate Service Providers have to comply. The Code has a number of provisions relating to both the advertising for and the content of services, which are designed to counter fraudulent provision and use of such services.

  Departmental Employees (Disabled People)
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of the total workforce in his Department is registered as disabled; and what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people in his Department. [102043]

  Mr. Byers
  On 1 April 1999, the percentage of staff who had notified the Department of a disability represented 4.2 per cent. of all staff. This included staff in DTI Headquarters, but excluded casual staff and staff in Government Offices and Executive Agencies.

  The Department's external recruitment is through fair and open competition with selection on merit. We ensure that our recruitment processes are adapted to meet the requirements of disabled applicants.

  World Trade Organisation
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he will urge the World Trade Organisation to adopt in respect of environment and labour standards in order to ensure that free trade is fair and sustainable. [103099]

  Mr. Caborn
  Although the recent WTO meeting in Seattle did not launch a new round of trade negotiations, the UK, alongside its EU partners, will continue to press for negotiations to clarify the relationship between Multilateral Environmental Agreements and WTO rules; to clarify the rules on environmental labelling; and to examine the scope for taking into account the precautionary principle in WTO rules in relation to environmental risks. The UK will continue to press for a joint forum of the ILO and WTO to consider trade, globalisation and labour issues.

  Regulated Industries (Consumer Charges)
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact on employment of decisions taken by regulators on the prices charged to consumers by the regulated industries. [103051]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Decisions on the form and level of price controls are matters for the sectoral regulators. In telecommunications, electricity, and gas, the independent industry regulators have statutory duties which govern the way in which they conduct their business. These are set out in the relevant legislation. Decisions taken by the regulated companies in response to proposals by the regulators are for the commercial judgment of the companies. If companies are not prepared to accept the regulator's proposals, they can reject them, and the regulator can then refer the proposals to the Competition Commission for a full review.

  Manufacturing (Worcestershire)
  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many manufacturing businesses were operating in Worcestershire during 1998. [103309]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  There were 2,070 VAT registered businesses operating in the manufacturing sector in Worcestershire at the end of 1998.
  379W

  Electricity
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his proposed date is for the dissolution of the electricity pool and the commencement of the electricity trading arrangements. [103014]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The target for the implementation of the new electricity trading arrangements is autumn 2000.

  Gas Disconnections
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the number of gas disconnections. [102725]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Figures from the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) indicate that in the first nine months of 1999 there were 15,500 gas disconnections for debt. Based on this trend the Regulator is hopeful that the total number of gas disconnections in 1999 should not exceed 20,000, representing a large fall compared to 1998 when there were nearly 30,000 gas disconnections. The Regulator will monitor the number of disconnections closely and has, in his Social Action Plan, set out a number of actions which should continue to place downward pressure on the number of disconnections.

  Departmental Buildings
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for each of the buildings under his Department's control how many rooms are set aside for(a) ethnic minority religious use, (b) pregnant and nursing mothers and (c) smokers. [102339]

  Mr. Byers
  Where the Department is the major or sole occupier of a building provision is made for rest/first aid rooms and in most buildings there is a dedicated smoking room or area. No specific provision is made for religious observance, but staff can and do use meeting rooms for such purposes. Where the Department is a minor occupier of a building, provision of rooms or areas for purposes such as these will often be shared between all the occupiers.

  Offshore Wind Farms
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the implementation of licensing of offshore wind farms. [103478]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government are exploring what regime might be most appropriate for consents and licensing for offshore wind farms following the earlier consultation with the industry and interested parties.

  The location of offshore wind farms will need to take account of developers' wishes, the suitability of particular sites, and the availability of the various planning consents.

  Export Credits Guarantee Department
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many submissions were received by the Export Credits Guarantee Department during the recent consultation exercise on its mission and status; if these submissions will be made public; and if he will place a list of the submissions in the Library. [103066]
  380W
  Mr. Caborn
  A total of 241 responses were received to the Public Consultation Document circulated in relation to the Review of the Mission and Status of ECGD, which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced to the House on 27 July 1999,Official Report, columns 305–06W. As indicated in the Consultation Document, it is intended that a summary of the responses, a number of which were provided on a confidential basis, will be published and placed in the Library of the House.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his policy on taking environmental factors into account when granting export credit guarantees. [103215]

  Mr. Caborn
  ECGD takes environmental factors into account in all relevant cases. Environmentally sensitive cases are considered in conjunction with other relevant Departments.

  On 23 November, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced a screening process to help to identify environmentally sensitive cases at an early stage.

  Ilisu Dam
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 29 November 1999,Official Report, column 23W, on the Ilisu dam, when he will make a decision on the application for export credit support; and if he will make a statement. [103234]

  Mr. Caborn
  The application for ECGD support for the UK participation in the Ilisu Dam project has given rise to a number of social, political, environmental and cultural issues requiring further consideration between ECGD, the other export credit agencies involved, the Turkish authorities and the contractors. A decision on the application will not be taken until the issues have been satisfactorily resolved.

  Post Office (Benefit Payments)
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effect on rural post offices of plans to pay benefits directly into claimants' bank accounts; and if he will make a statement. [102710]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The automation of the Post Office Counters Ltd. network, which is due for completion by the spring of 2001, will enable the Post Office to extend its arrangements with the high street banks to offer a range of banking facilities at post offices. This will mean that benefit recipients who wish to access their benefits in cash at post offices will continue to be able to do so, both before and after the migration of benefit payments to automated credit transfer from 2003, while other bank customers will benefit from the wider availability of banking facilities, particularly in rural areas.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate the unit cost to Post Office Counters Ltd. of processing a benefit payment by(a) voucher, (b) Girocheque and (c) payable order. [103143]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  This information is in commercial confidence between the Post Office and the Benefits Agency.
  381W

  Miners (Compensation)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) coalminers and (b) coalminers' widows are entitled to compensation as a result of suffering from emphysema or chronic bronchitis; and how many of them have received (i) full and (ii) partial compensation payments. [103061]

  Mrs. Liddell
  As of 16 December the Department has received 62,541 claims from living miners. We have made 645 full and final payments totalling some £1.9 million and 14,519 interim payments totalling some £28.5 million.

  In addition, the Department has received 28,879 claims on behalf of deceased miners. This figure includes miner's widows and their dependants. We are unable to differentiate between the claims at this stage. However, we have made 1,149 bereavement awards to widows totalling over £10 million.

  The Department will not know the total number of claimants who are entitled to compensation for some time. These figures will not be available until claims have been received and fully assessed.

  Post Office (Scotland)
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to prevent post office closures in rural Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [102689]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Government are committed to the maintenance of a nationwide network of post offices and will, for the first time, publish access criteria which the new Regulator will have a duty to monitor. The criteria will aim to ensure that everyone in the UK has reasonable access to post office counter services. The Government are making a substantial contribution to the costs of automating the counters network to strengthen the viability of the network in the longer term and the Performance and Innovation Unit in the Cabinet Office is carrying out an urgent study on the post office network. Various rate relief schemes apply to many rural post offices.

  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices have closed in each parliamentary constituency in Scotland in each of the last five years. [102688]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  I understand from the Post Office that historic information on the number of post office closures in each parliamentary constituency is not held and cannot be readily compiled. The number of post offices closed in Scotland in 1998–99 was 21.

  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices there were in each Scottish parliamentary constituency in each of the last five years. [102687]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  I understand from the Post Office that historic information on the number of post offices in each parliamentary constituency is not held and cannot be 382W
  readily compiled. They have supplied the numbers of post offices in each Scottish parliamentary constituency as at October 1999 and these are set out as follows:

  Constituency

  Number of post offices

  Aberdeen Central

  17

  Aberdeen North

  12

  Aberdeen South

  17

  Airdrie and Shotts

  21

  Angus

  24

  Argyll and Bute

  88

  Ayr

  19

  Banff and Buchan

  40

  Caithness Sutherland and Easter Ross

  53

  Carrick Cumnock and Doon Valley

  39

  Central Fife

  20

  Clydebank and Milngavie

  11

  Clydesdale

  31

  Coatbridge and Chryston

  18

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  13

  Cunninghame North

  27

  Cunninghame South

  14

  Dumbarton

  30

  Dumfries

  45

  Dundee East

  18

  Dundee West

  13

  Dunfermline East

  25

  Dunfermline West

  25

  East Kilbride

  12

  East Lothian

  28

  Eastwood

  16

  Edinburgh Central

  20

  Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

  21

  Edinburgh North and Leith

  22

  Edinburgh Pentlands

  16

  Edinburgh South

  17

  Edinburgh West

  22

  Falkirk East

  22

  Falkirk West

  23

  Galloway and Upper Nithsdale

  59

  Glasgow Anniesland

  14

  Glasgow Baillieston

  13

  Glasgow Cathcart

  13

  Glasgow Govan

  16

  Glasgow Kelvin

  23

  Glasgow Maryhill

  11

  Glasgow Pollock

  14

  Glasgow Rutherglen

  16

  Glasgow Shettleston

  11

  Glasgow Springburn

  18

  Gordon

  37

  Greenock and Inverclyde

  19

  Hamilton North and Bellshill

  14

  Hamilton South

  10

  Inverness East Nairn and Lochaber

  59

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  20

  Kirkcaldy

  21

  Linlithgow

  16

  Livingston

  22

  Midlothian

  22

  Moray

  37

  Motherwell and Wishaw

  17

  North East Fife

  35

  North Tayside

  50

  Ochil

  24

  Orkney and Shetland

  74

  Paisley North

  15

  Paisley South

  17

  Perth

  31

  Ross Skye and Inverness West

  84

  Roxburgh and Berwickshire

  42

  Stirling

  37

  Strathkelvin and Bearsden

  17

  Tweeddale Ettrick and Lauderdale

  32

  West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

  45

  West Renfrewshire

  17

  Western Isles

  68

  Industrial Relations Act 1999
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Industrial Relations Act 1999. [102761]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  Work is continuing on the implementation process described in the answer which I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford, North (Mr. Rooney) on 21 October 1999,Official Report, column 613W.

  In particular, the Maternity and Parental Leave etc. Regulations (SI 1999/3312) have come into force, on 15 December, together with the new rights to time off for dependants.

  Date

  Operator

  Reported by:

  Report on third party1

  Amount (tonnes)

  2 March 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  1.0000

  6 March 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  1.0000

  9 March 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  Unknown

  13 March 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  0.1500

  21 March 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  Yes

  Unknown

  25 March 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  Yes

  0.0045

  6 April 1999

  BHP

  Haliburton

  Yes

  4.0000

  7 April 1999

  BG

  Operator

  —

  0.0039

  11 April 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  Yes

  Unknown

  12 April 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  Yes

  0.2500

  26 April 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  0.0005

  8 May 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  Yes

  2.0000

  13 June 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  0.0001

  2 July 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  0.0005

  3 July 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  0.0005

  12 July 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  0.0000

  17 July 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  Yes

  Unknown

  25 July 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  Yes

  0.5000

  3 August 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  Yes

  0.0005

  13 August 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  0.0005

  14 August 1999

  BG

  Operator

  —

  0.0119

  16 September 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  0.0005

  29 September 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  0.2500

  29 October 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  0.0005

  3 November 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  Yes

  0.0005

  4 November 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  0.0002

  13 November 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  Yes

  0.0005

  21 November 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  Yes

  0.5000

  4 December 1999

  BHP

  Operator

  —

  0.0002

  1Report on third party indicates that the operator reporting was not responsible for the spill incident.

SCOTLAND

  Departmental Transport
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what motor mileage allowance rates his Department offers to(a) ministers and (b) civil servants using their own vehicles for official business; and what has been the cost of each in each of the last five years. [98708]

  Dr. Reid
  The information requested for the Scotland Office is set out in the table. Ministers, when travelling on official business, may use a private car instead of an official car, and claim mileage allowance in the same circumstances and on the same terms as civil servants. Expenditure relating to mileage allowance is shown from 1 December 1997. Prior to this the information could not
  384W
  We have also advertised appointments to the Central Arbitration Committee, the new members of which are expected to be in place in time for the introduction of the new statutory recognition procedures shortly after Easter.

  Oil Pollution
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the oil pollution incidents in the Irish Sea from March to the present, stating the date and the size of the incident, the name of the company which reported it and the name of the company which was responsible for the spill. [102590]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The information relating to oil spill incidents in the Irish Sea Basin, reported to the Department of Trade and Industry, from March to the present date is as follows:

  be disaggregated from other expenditure on travel and accommodation without disproportionate costs in staff time. From 1 December 1997 to 31 March 1998 expenditure (rounded to the nearest £000) was £162,000. For the year 1998–99 expenditure was £561,000.

  Year

  Motor mileage allowance per mile

  1994–95

  32p

  1995–96

  32p

  1996–97

  32p

  1997–98

  33p

  1998–99

  34p

  For official mileage above 7,499 miles in the income tax year a personal income tax liability occurs.
  385W
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how much his Department has spent on ministerial transport in each of the last two years; [98706]

  (2) how much his Department has spent on civil servants' transport in each of the last two years. [98707]

  Dr. Reid
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office on 1 December 1999,Official Report, column 255W, detailing Government Car Service costs in each of the past two years. In addition to these costs private car hire costs for Scotland Office Ministers were £25,000 in 1997–98 and £45,000 in 1998–99 respectively.

  The estimated total expenditure on Scotland Office civil servants' transport was £3,916,000 in 1997–98 and £3,126,000 in 1998–99. All travel undertaken by civil servants complies with the requirements of the Civil Service Management Code.

  Most of this expenditure relates to functions which, since 1 July, have been transferred to the Scottish Executive.

  Departmental Research Contracts
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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
  386W
  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. [100159]

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

  The various Departments within the Scottish Executive have their own devolved research programmes and strategies. While there are some differences in the precise detail of contracts relating to each programme, generally, researchers are actively encouraged to publish their work.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many departmental special advisers have been given severance packages when leaving employment in Scotland in the last 12 months; what amount has been paid to them; and what conditions were attached to the payment. [102917]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 16 December 1999]: Before the Scottish Parliament elections, four Special Advisers received severance pay in line with the long-standing rules which have applied under previous Administrations. The conditions relating to the payment of severance pay are set out in the Model Contract of Employment for Special Advisers, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. The total paid amounted to £53,026.
  387W

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Post Offices
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the principal activities of his Department and its agencies which provide business for(a) Crown post offices and (b) other post offices; if he will assess whether the level of business generated in each case is likely to increase or decrease over the next five years; and which new areas of business for post offices are likely to be developed by his Department and its agencies over the same period. [99550]

  Mr. Wills
  The Department uses post offices on an occasional basis only, for the delivery of specific public messages. This can take the form of displaying leaflets for the public to select or be issued by counter staff, to putting out rolling messages through television or digital displays inside main posts offices.

  The frequency of using post offices for communicating with the public in this way is dependent on both the content of the message and on the target audience. It is not clear therefore whether this type of activity will increase or decrease over the next five years. What is likely, in terms of communications generally, is a gradual decrease in paper communications such as leaflets and a corresponding increase in digital/electronic forms of communication.

  We do not provide any other business for post offices and this is unlikely to change in the future. We do however have significant business with Royal Mail and Parcelforce who provide the bulk of our mail collection and delivery service.

  UK domiciled applicants and acceptances to full-time and sandwich undergraduate courses in the UK

  of which:

  Year of entry1

  Total accepted applicants

  Total applicant

  Men (number)

  Women (number)

  Men (percentage)

  Women (percentage)

  1990 via UCCA

  99,377

  193,704

  97,412

  96,292

  50

  50

  1990 via PCAS

  77,539

  184,771

  95,059

  89,712

  51

  49

  1991 via UCCA

  106,717

  207,324

  101,632

  105,692

  49

  51

  1991 via PCAS

  94,465

  214,320

  109,562

  104,758

  51

  49

  1992 via UCCA

  117,976

  241,660

  116,901

  124,759

  48

  52

  1992 via PCAS

  125,590

  286,420

  141,451

  144,969

  49

  51

  1993 via UCCA

  127,476

  263,341

  127,627

  135,714

  48

  52

  1993 via PCAS

  130,596

  304,716

  151,171

  153,545

  50

  50

  1994

  251,292

  365,323

  179,449

  185,874

  49

  51

  1995

  265,536

  369,701

  179,602

  190,099

  49

  51

  1996

  268,289

  364,885

  175,479

  189,406

  48

  52

  1997

  303,318

  398,327

  190,040

  208,287

  48

  52

  1998

  298,220

  389,588

  184,069

  205,519

  47

  53

  1999

  303,065

  388,691

  182,405

  206,286

  47

  53

  1 In the years up to 1993 some students applied to both UCCA and PCAS. From 1994 onwards all applications are through UCAS. From 1997 onwards the figures include students applying for Art and Design courses which were included in the UCAS scheme for the first time in this year.

  Via UCCA

  Of which, those from ethnic minorities2

  Year of entry/1

  Total accepted applicants to full-time and sandwich undergraduate course with known ethnicity

  Total applicants to full-time and sandwich undergraduate courses with known ethnicity

  Number

  Percentage

  1990 via UCCA

  96,946

  188,281

  19,750

  10

  1990 via PCAS

  64,482

  166,650

  23,993

  14

  1991 via UCCA

  104,075

  201,780

  21,548

  11

  388W

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements(a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department have put in place for the taking and keeping of minutes of meetings between Ministers and people outside his Department. [102377]

  Mr. Wills
  Decisions on the arrangements to and format for minutes of meetings will depend on the nature of the discussion.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on what date, in October 1998 he met the then Irish Minister for Education and Science. [103150]

  Mr. Wills
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met Michael Martin in Dublin on 27 and 28 October 1998 to discuss bilateral co-operation in education.

  Higher Education Students
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment for each year since 1990, what has been the(a) number and (b) proportion of applications for enrolment in higher education institutions in England from (a) men, (b) women and (c) ethnic minorities. [101946]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 13 December 1999]: The information available, as given in the following tables, covers only those who apply for places through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) and its predecessor organisations the Universities Central Council for Admissions (UCCA) and the Polytechnics and Colleges Admissions Service (PCAS).
  389W

  Of which, those from ethnic minorities2

  Year of entry1

  Total accepted applicants to full-time and sandwich undergraduate course with known ethnicity

  Total applicants to full-time and sandwich undergraduate courses with known ethnicity

  Number

  Percentage

  1991 via PCAS

  81,811

  200,304

  28,326

  14

  1992 via UCCA

  113,522

  231,434

  26,031

  11

  1992 via PCAS

  106,096

  261,034

  34,997

  13

  1993 via UCCA

  124,339

  255,347

  28,652

  11

  1993 via PCAS

  108,522

  279,041

  36,522

  13

  1994

  241,867

  350,250

  46,185

  13

  1995

  254,373

  352,025

  48,620

  14

  1996

  254,431

  344,990

  51,447

  15

  1997

  283,548

  371,279

  56,142

  15

  1998

  274,824

  357,184

  56,257

  16

  1999

  280,065

  358,081

  58,461

  16

  1 In the years up to 1993 some students applied to both UCCA and PCAS. From 1994 onwards all applications are through UCAS. From 1997 onwards the figures include students applying for Art and Design courses which were included in the UCAS scheme for the first time in this year.

  2 Covers the following ethnic groups: Black Caribbean, Black African, Black Other, Asian Indian, Asian Pakistani, Asian Bangladeshi, Asian Chinese, Asian Other, Other (non-white) ethnic origin.

  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) for each year since 1990, what (i) number and (ii) proportion of applicants for(a) full-time and (b) part-time courses in higher education institutions in England came from low-income family backgrounds; [101944]

  (2) for each year since 1990, what (i) number and (b) proportion of (a) full-time students and (b) part-time students enrolling in higher education institutions in England came from low-income family backgrounds. [101945]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 13 December 1999]: The information available on full-time students, as given in the following table, covers only those who apply through the Universities and colleges Admission Service (UCAS) and its predecessor organisations the Universities Central Council for Admissions (UCCA) and the Polytechnic and Colleges Admissions Service (PCAS). Data on the family backgrounds of part-time students are not held centrally.

  UK Domiciled students applying to full-time and sandwich undergraduate courses in the UK

  Accepted applicants from social classes IIIM, IV and V

  Applicants from social classes IIIM, IV and V

  Year of entry1

  Number

  Percentage

  Number

  Percentage

  1990 via UCCA

  17,202

  19

  36,354

  21

  1990 via PCAS2

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  1991 via UCCA

  18,548

  19

  39,914

  22

  1991 via PCAS

  19,599

  29

  45,996

  27

  1992 via UCCA

  23,504

  21

  54,664

  25

  1992 via PCAS

  29,806

  31

  70,036

  30

  1993 via UCCA

  26,962

  22

  64,390

  26

  1993 via PCAS

  34,100

  33

  82,142

  31

  1994

  63,472

  27

  97,332

  29

  1995

  67,360

  28

  98,344

  30

  1996

  65,671

  27

  93,608

  29

  1997

  73,931

  28

  100,839

  29

  1998

  72,228

  28

  97,211

  29

  1999

  73,109

  28

  96,796

  29

  1 In the years up to 1993, some students applied to both UCCA and PCAS. From 1994 onwards all applications are through UCAS. From 1997 onwards the figures include students applying for Art and Design courses which were included in the UCAS scheme for the first time in this year.

  2 The family background of students was not collected by PCAS in 1990.

  City Technology Colleges
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to expand the network of city technology colleges. [102194]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 13 December 1999]: The current network of City Technology Colleges (CTCs) is an important part of the Government's strategy to promote diversity with excellence within a modernised comprehensive system. That strategy includes the provision of new and exciting ICT rich learning environments for our city children through the expansion of the specialist schools programme and the establishment by September 2000 of 32 City Learning Centres under our Excellence in Cities initiative.

  The role of existing CTCs will continue to develop, in particular by helping to spread innovation and best practice more widely to schools and communities.

  SSAs
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will give the standard spending assessment per pupil for the primary and secondary sectors by local education authority for England and Wales for 2000–01. [102694]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The following table sets out the information for England only. The figures in this table are the subject of consultation with local authorities, and are therefore provisional. Funding for education in Wales is the responsibility for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  2000–01 primary and secondary provisional SSA allocations per pupil

  LEA name

  LEA number

  Primary SSA/5–10 pupil (£)

  Secondary SSA/11–15 pupil (£)

  City of London

  201

  3,391.50

  21,489.52

  Camden

  202

  3,488.40

  4,352.99

  Greenwich

  203

  3,285.98

  4,237.21

  Hackney

  204

  3,661.53

  4,917.56

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  205

  3,465.44

  4,445.77

  391W

  2000–01 primary and secondary provisional SSA allocations per pupil

  LEA name

  LEA number

  Primary SSA/5–10 pupil (£)

  Secondary SSA/11–15 pupil (£)

  Islington

  206

  3,543.19

  4,652.76

  Kensington and Chelsea

  207

  3,552.89

  4,363.98

  Lambeth

  208

  3,678.49

  5,138.06

  Lewisham

  209

  3,415.93

  4,438.66

  Southwark

  210

  3,522.63

  4,567.41

  Tower Hamlets

  211

  3,701.43

  4,799.02

  Wandsworth

  212

  3,185.72

  4,100.37

  Westminster

  213

  3,377.07

  4,096.25

  Barking and Dagenham

  301

  2,802.52

  3,659.43

  Barnet

  302

  2,664.25

  3,366.79

  Bexley

  303

  2,534.70

  3,255.94

  Brent

  304

  3,058.95

  3,980.07

  Bromley

  305

  2,499.67

  3,178.84

  Croydon

  306

  2,731.31

  3,559.12

  Ealing

  307

  2,885.42

  3,785.55

  Enfield

  308

  2,763.15

  3,510.90

  Haringey

  309

  3,172.31

  4,159.48

  Harrow

  310

  2,620.28

  3,412.02

  Havering

  311

  2,493.95

  3,223.63

  Hillingdon

  312

  2,626.13

  3,372.88

  Hounslow

  313

  2,817.50

  3,559.23

  Kingston upon Thames

  314

  2,500.68

  3,194.72

  Merton

  315

  2,677.35

  3,450.44

  Newham

  316

  3,195.87

  4,109.94

  Redbridge

  317

  2,674.91

  3,428.67

  Richmond upon Thames

  318

  2,458.25

  3,118.53

  Sutton

  319

  2,549.95

  3,198.99

  Waltham Forest

  320

  2,945.88

  3,785.26

  Birmingham

  330

  2,622.84

  3,410.46

  Coventry

  331

  2,474.10

  3,192.71

  Dudley

  332

  2,257.71

  2,905.26

  Sandwell

  333

  2,478.68

  3,212.57

  Solihull

  334

  2,250.01

  2,874.32

  Walsall

  335

  2,392.02

  3,071.29

  Wolverhampton

  336

  2,498.35

  3,233.09

  Knowsley

  340

  2,762.39

  3,650.44

  Liverpool

  341

  2,725.80

  3,512.87

  St. Helens

  342

  2,384.38

  3,083.02

  Sefton

  343

  2,383.16

  3,056.14

  Wirral

  344

  2,453.78

  3,183.43

  Bolton

  350

  2,375.29

  3,049.63

  Bury

  351

  2,299.92

  2,941.04

  Manchester

  352

  2,798.88

  3,692.76

  Oldham

  353

  2,441.32

  3,137.62

  Rochdale

  354

  2,478.25

  3,204.15

  Salford

  355

  2,487.97

  3,243.57

  Stockport

  356

  2,247.44

  2,914.21

  Tameside

  357

  2,364.57

  3,031.35

  Trafford

  358

  2,309.74

  2,979.34

  Wigan

  359

  2,283.05

  2,930.06

  Barnsley

  370

  2,381.20

  3,083.51

  Doncaster

  371

  2,449.46

  3,181.49

  Rotherham

  372

  2,363.80

  3,022.26

  Sheffield

  373

  2,412.81

  3,110.61

  Bradford

  380

  2,518.19

  3,273.33

  Calderdale

  381

  2,380.76

  3,072.17

  Kirklees

  382

  2,404.27

  3,098.84

  Leeds

  383

  2,382.51

  3,065.82

  Wakefield

  384

  2,313.72

  2,981.93

  Gateshead

  390

  2,418.61

  3,123.56

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  391

  2,545.98

  3,296.14

  North Tyneside

  392

  2,346.08

  3,046.79

  South Tyneside

  393

  2,468.46

  3,178.43

  Sunderland

  394

  2,423.06

  3,127.49

  Isles of Scilly

  420

  4,268.16

  5,588.41

  Bath and North East Somerset

  800

  2,237.76

  2,830.33

  City of Bristol

  801

  2,438.78

  3,168.47

  North Somerset

  802

  2,253.79

  2,916.44

  South Gloucestershire

  803

  2,189.83

  2,838.87

  Hartlepool

  805

  2,445.25

  3,153.22

  392W

  2000–01 primary and secondary provisional SSA allocations per pupil

  LEA name

  LEA number

  Primary SSA/5–10 pupil (£)

  Secondary SSA/11–15 pupil (£)

  Middlesbrough

  806

  2,568.63

  3,360.77

  Redcar and Cleveland

  807

  2,436.87

  3,116.40

  Stockton-on-Tees

  808

  2,391.07

  3,095.30

  City of Kingston-upon-Hull

  810

  2,534.03

  3,263.39

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  811

  2,278.68

  2,933.71

  North East Lincolnshire

  812

  2,429.19

  3,134.60

  North Lincolnshire

  813

  2,374.96

  3,072.54

  North Yorkshire

  815

  2,332.17

  2,983.04

  York

  816

  2,262.83

  2,938.87

  Bedfordshire

  820

  2,389.87

  3,081.04

  Luton

  821

  2,606.76

  3,363.19

  Buckinghamshire

  825

  2,390.21

  3,092.56

  Milton Keynes

  826

  2,462.04

  3,192.11

  Derbyshire

  830

  2,265.63

  2,923.19

  Derby

  831

  2,431.71

  3,135.50

  Dorset

  835

  2,282.26

  2,926.26

  Poole

  836

  2,235.16

  2,872.87

  Bournemouth

  837

  2,360.82

  3,014.47

  Durham

  840

  2,390.16

  3,094.58

  Darlington

  841

  2,379.09

  3,078.18

  East Sussex

  845

  2,444.89

  3,166.37

  Brighton and Hove

  846

  2,527.97

  3,256.01

  Hampshire

  850

  2,327.14

  3,014.00

  Portsmouth

  851

  2,506.65

  3,209.25

  Southampton

  852

  2,533.79

  3,296.09

  Leicestershire

  855

  2,202.08

  2,848.21

  Leicester

  856

  2,577.11

  3,327.17

  Rutland

  857

  2,264.47

  2,799.19

  Staffordshire

  860

  2,237.17

  2,884.30

  Stoke on Trent

  861

  2,397.24

  3,095.97

  Wiltshire

  865

  2,291.77

  2,970.79

  Swindon

  866

  2,290.07

  2,956.54

  Bracknell Forest

  867

  2,432.81

  3,158.95

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  868

  2,452.15

  3,107.49

  Newbury

  869

  2,319.84

  2,959.88

  Reading

  870

  2,500.98

  3,270.94

  Slough

  871

  2,849.13

  3,763.31

  Wokingham

  872

  2,218.69

  2,873.54

  Cambridgeshire

  873

  2,313.16

  2,964.17

  Peterborough

  874

  2,463.46

  3,168.50

  Cheshire

  875

  2,257.08

  2,897.44

  Halton

  876

  2,479.99

  3,224.14

  Warrington

  877

  2,235.92

  2,889.59

  Devon

  878

  2,345.12

  3,037.54

  Plymouth

  879

  2,385.66

  3,043.17

  Torbay

  880

  2,385.18

  3,076.82

  Essex

  881

  2,441.36

  3,146.74

  Southend

  882

  2,488.91

  3,200.76

  Thurrock

  883

  2,596.84

  3,349.37

  Herefordshire

  884

  2,366.24

  3,061.93

  Worcestershire

  885

  2,255.62

  2,901.99

  Kent

  886

  2,442.75

  3,149.02

  Rochester and Gillingham

  887

  2,416.98

  3,116.82

  Lancashire

  888

  2,360.82

  3,042.83

  Blackburn

  889

  2,547.76

  3,276.75

  Blackpool

  890

  2,403.52

  3,131.41

  Nottinghamshire

  891

  2,291.31

  2,961.81

  Nottingham City

  892

  2,625.75

  3,414.64

  Shropshire

  893

  2,303.98

  2,960.26

  The Wrekin

  894

  2,389.15

  3,086.39

  Cornwall

  908

  2,368.90

  3,058.30

  Cumbria

  909

  2,356.72

  3,031.45

  Gloucestershire

  916

  2,282.43

  2,935.36

  Hertfordshire

  919

  2,474.15

  3,170.11

  Isle of Wight Council

  921

  2,519.63

  3,257.30

  Lincolnshire

  925

  2,359.37

  3,040.70

  Norfolk

  926

  2,377.79

  3,051.85

  Northamptonshire

  928

  2,308.12

  2,974.27

  Northumberland

  929

  2,332.45

  3,013.54

  Oxfordshire

  931

  2,397.36

  3,070.14

  393W

  2000–01 primary and secondary provisional SSA allocations per pupil

  LEA name

  LEA number

  Primary SSA/5–10 pupil (£)

  Secondary SSA/11–15 pupil (£)

  Somerset

  933

  2,309.98

  2,983.76

  Suffolk

  935

  2,313.49

  2,960.30

  Surrey

  936

  2,436.23

  3,127.14

  Warwickshire

  967

  2,266.53

  2,918.23

  West Sussex

  938

  2,366.36

  3,044.42

  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will give the standard spending assessment per pupil for the primary and secondary sectors for(a) Cambridgeshire and (b) Suffolk for each year from 1990–91 to 2000–01, adjusted for inflation at current values. [102695]

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

  Real Terms Unit SSA allocations for Cambridgeshire and Suffolk 1990–91 to 2000–01

  £ (at 2000–01 prices)

  Pri SSA/5–10 pupil

  Sec SSA/11–15 pupil

  Pri†Sec SSA/5–15 pupil

  1990–91

  Cambridgeshire

  1,954.42

  2,774.14

  2,314.81

  Suffolk

  1,910.11

  2,710.26

  2,272.59

  1991–92

  Cambridgeshire

  2,098.58

  3,040.17

  2,502.31

  Suffolk

  2,054.90

  2,975.91

  2,461.93

  1992–93

  Cambridgeshire

  2,155.01

  3,146.41

  2,578.31

  Suffolk

  2,108.67

  3,077.71

  2,535.46

  1993–94

  Cambridgeshire

  2,144.65

  3,109.21

  2,561.34

  Suffolk

  2,096.12

  3,037.78

  2,513.93

  1994–95

  Cambridgeshire

  2,167.15

  3,026.24

  2,540.39

  Suffolk

  2,119.43

  2,958.47

  2,493.77

  1995–96

  Cambridgeshire

  2,138.83

  2,859.33

  2,454.82

  Suffolk

  2,075.07

  2,761.11

  2,382.07

  1996–97

  Cambridgeshire

  2,167.13

  2,887.84

  2,482.38

  Suffolk

  2,099.41

  2,803.70

  2,408.63

  1997–98

  Cambridgeshire

  2,169.87

  2,847.94

  2,464.36

  Suffolk

  2,130.92

  2,792.89

  2,419.33

  1998–99

  Cambridgeshire

  2,205.17

  2,865.74

  2,483.11

  Suffolk

  2,201.35

  2,854.85

  2,485.03

  1999–2000

  Cambridgeshire

  2,279.99

  2,914.78

  2,547.59

  Suffolk

  2,277.26

  2,904.32

  2,549.45

  2000–01

  (provisional)

  Cambridgeshire

  2,313.16

  2,964.17

  2,590.76

  Suffolk

  2,313.49

  2,960.30

  2,599.56

  394W

  Cambridgeshire Local Education Authority
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will estimate the revenue resources allocated to Cambridgeshire local education authority for 1999–2000 and the percentage increase this represents over the previous year in(a) real terms and (b) cash terms. [102696]

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

  SSA and standards fund only

  Cash

  1999–2000 prices

  1998–1999 (£ million)

  186.733

  190.935

  1999–2000 (£ million)

  199.463

  199.463

  Percentage increase

  6.8

  4.5

  Grammar Schools (Barnet)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in relation to a petition needed to trigger a ballot on the future of grammar schools in Barnet,(a) what is the total number of signatures required for a petition, (b) what methods exist (i) for the parents seeking change, to validate the total required and (ii) for independent validation of the total required and (c) who has provided the data on which the number of signatures required is based. [102757]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and the Education (Grammar School Ballots) Regulations 1998 define the number of signatures required to trigger a ballot on the future of selective admissions to grammar schools (the petition threshold) as 20 per cent. of the total number of eligible parents. The Secretary of State has appointed an independent ballot administration company, Electoral Reform (Ballot Services) Ltd. (ERBS), to receive and check petitions and run any ballots. The ERBS has calculated that in Barnet the petition threshold is 7,209. The legislation does not require the ERBS to submit the number of eligible parents to scrutiny by (i) parents or (ii) any other body.

  In order to calculate the petition threshold, the ERBS required the three grammar schools in Barnet to provide details of all schools from which pupils came in the last three years. Those schools where a total of five or more children had transferred, over the last three years, to a grammar school in Barnet qualified as feeder schools and had to provide the ERBS with lists of eligible parents. From this information, the ERBS calculated the total number of parents entitled to sign a petition or vote in a ballot, and subsequently the petition threshold.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list, in relation to petitions needed to trigger ballots on the future of grammar schools in Barnet,(a) the names of the schools in respect of which parents are eligible to be balloted and (b) the number of parents eligible to be balloted in each of these schools; and how many children transferred to each of the Barnet grammar schools from each of the primary schools in each of the last three years. [102755]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information requested is shown in the following table. The number of parents eligible to ballot entered at column two, is that provided
  395W
  by the schools themselves and includes some duplication where parents have more than one child attending feeder schools. After entering all the names onto a single computer database, Electoral Reform (Ballot Services)

  Number of pupils transferred to each grammar school in each of the past three years

  Henrietta Barnett

  St. Michael's Catholic School

  Queen Elizabeth

  Name of school

  Number of parents eligible to ballot

  1997

  1998

  1999

  1997

  1998

  1999

  1997

  1998

  1999

  Alpha Preparatory School

  327

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  1

  —

  Aylward School

  628

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  Belmont School

  589—

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  3

  1

  2

  Broadfields School

  382

  2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  1

  2

  Brookfields

  493

  —

  2

  2

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Brookland Junior School

  556

  3

  5

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  2

  Buckingham College

  177

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  2

  1

  Channing Junior School

  727

  3

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Christ Church C E School

  256

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  3

  Coleridge Infant and Junior School

  669

  4

  2

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Colindale Primary School

  540

  3

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  2

  Courtland

  299

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  3

  Cromer Road School

  296

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  —

  1

  Deansbrook Junior School

  465

  1

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  1

  Dollis School

  693

  —

  2

  2

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  3

  Drizen

  109

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  2

  Elmgrove Middle

  390

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  2

  Eversley School

  642

  —

  2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  6

  2

  3

  Fairway Junior School

  267

  3

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  2

  1

  Foulds

  441

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  Frith Manor School

  851

  1

  —

  4

  1

  —

  —

  2

  —

  1

  Garden Suburb Junior School

  558

  3

  2

  7

  —

  —

  1

  4

  7

  7

  Gower School

  201

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  2

  2

  Grange Park

  960

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  2

  Grimsdyke School

  573

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  5

  Hadley Wood School

  282

  2

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  3

  2

  4

  Hartsbourne JMI School

  306

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  —

  2

  Holland House School

  235

  1

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  Kerem

  316

  1

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  Lochniver House School

  516

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  3

  3

  Manor Lodge School

  513

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  1

  1

  Michael Sobell Sinai School

  985

  1

  1

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  2

  Monken Hadley School

  165

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  —

  1

  Moss Hall Junior School

  535

  2

  2

  1

  1

  —

  —

  3

  3

  5

  Mount Stewart School

  580

  1

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  4

  Northbridge House

  1,325

  1

  1

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Oliver Goldsmith

  655

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  2

  Osidge Junior School

  568

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  3

  2

  4

  Our Lady of Grace Junior School

  365

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  3

  —

  —

  —

  Our Lady of Lourdes School N12

  275

  —

  —

  1

  6

  3

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Our Lady of Lourdes School N11

  274

  —

  —

  —

  1

  3

  3

  —

  —

  —

  Our Lady of Muswell School

  375

  —

  —

  —

  5

  3

  8

  —

  —

  —

  Queenswell Junior School

  477

  2

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  4

  1

  Radlett Prepatory School

  732

  3

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  13

  7

  7

  Roe Green

  311

  —

  —

  2

  1

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  Rokesly School

  415

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  2

  Rosh Pinah School

  638

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  2

  —

  Sacred Heart School

  523

  2

  1

  —

  4

  13

  11

  —

  2

  1

  Salcombe Preparatory School

  815

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  1

  1

  St. Agnes

  408

  —

  —

  —

  2

  2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  St. Andrew C E School

  307

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  4

  3

  2

  St. Bernadette School

  592

  —

  —

  —

  7

  3

  3

  —

  —

  —

  St. Catherine R C School

  392

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  2

  1

  3

  1

  St. George's School

  530

  —

  —

  —

  7

  2

  7

  —

  —

  —

  St. James

  295

  1

  2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  St. John Vianney

  334

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  3

  —

  —

  —

  St. Johns' School

  262

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  3

  —

  St. Joseph RC Junior School NW4

  395

  —

  —

  —

  5

  2

  2

  —

  —

  —

  St. Joseph School W9

  354

  1

  —

  —

  1

  5

  3

  —

  —

  —

  St. Martha's Convent School

  243

  —

  —

  —

  6

  3

  4

  —

  —

  —

  St. Martin De Pores School

  343

  —

  —

  —

  2

  2

  2

  —

  —

  2

  St. Mary Magdalen School

  510

  —

  —

  —

  1

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  St. Mary's N3

  622

  3

  —

  3

  —

  1

  —

  3

  5

  1

  St. Mary's Preparatory School NW4

  348

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  2

  396W
  Ltd have carried out checks and have removed those names entered more than once. The total number of eligible parents from the 'cleared' database was 36,045 which resulted in a petition threshold of 7,209.
  397W

  Number of pupils transferred to each grammar school in each of the past three years

  Henrietta Barnett

  St. Michael's Catholic School

  Queen Elizabeth

  Name of school

  Number of parents eligible to ballot

  1997

  1998

  1999

  1997

  1998

  1999

  1997

  1998

  1999

  St. Mary's Primary School NW3

  422

  —

  2

  1

  3

  2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  St. Michael's CE Primary School

  657

  —

  2

  2

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  2

  St. Monica's School

  609

  —

  —

  —

  10

  13

  2

  3

  —

  1

  St. Nicholas' School

  103

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  St. Paul's C E School Mill Hill

  280

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  7

  3

  4

  St. Paul's School N21

  591

  1

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  St. Robert Southwell

  492

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  2

  —

  1

  —

  St. Theresa's RC School

  296

  1

  1

  1

  5

  4

  5

  —

  —

  —

  St. Vincent's RC School

  90

  —

  —

  —

  9

  6

  6

  1

  1

  —

  Stanburn School

  558

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  6

  2

  Underhill Junior School

  523

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  5

  1

  Walker School

  595

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  4

  2

  Wolfson Hillel School

  553

  1

  1

  3

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  3

  Woodridge School

  288

  1

  1

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  1

  —

  Group Foundation Bodies
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will take steps to ensure that local education authorities do not promote policies of encouraging schools to form group foundation bodies. [102827]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The group foundation mechanism enables schools without existing foundations to enter the Voluntary sector. It is for governing bodies themselves to decide whether they should apply to establish or join a foundation body for their schools. If they do so, the foundation body will hold the schools' land for the purposes of the schools, appoint foundation governors for those schools and promote co-operation between member schools. Local education authorities have no major role in any decision by governing bodies considering membership of a foundation body.

  School Organisation Committees
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make it his policy to prevent party political appointments, other than local education authority nominations, to school organisation committees. [102821]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The local authority has no control over membership of three of the groups on the committee, and is prevented by regulation from appointing governors who are elected members to the schools group. Since decisions on plans or proposals can be reached only if all groups vote unanimously, party politics should not be a determining factor in local decision-making. Where the groups cannot agree, the case is referred to the Schools Adjudicator for decision.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to allow for appeals against the composition of school organisation committees. [102820]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  School organisation committees must be set up in accordance with The Education (School Organisation Committees) (England) Regulations 1999. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State would consider any complaints or other evidence that a local education authority had failed to comply with the regulations, or exercised its functions unreasonably.
  398W
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to ensure that school organisation committees are representative of local community interests. [102819]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The composition of school organisation committees is set out in The Education (School Organisation Committees) (England) Regulations 1999. Committees comprise the main partners in the provision of education locally: the local education authority. Church of England and Roman Catholic diocesan interests, post-16 interests and schools. The regulations allow for a sixth group representing local community interests to be set up, but this is at the discretion of the local education authority and not a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish the political affiliation of members of school organisation committees. [102822]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Department does not collect systematic information about membership of school organisation committees.

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 6 December 1999,Official Report, column 421W, on teachers, if the grants are payable to (a) the school of each training graduate or (b) the company contracted to provide the service. [102844]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Training grants are paid to recommending bodies who are responsible for organising individual training programmes for trainees. The recommending body can be the school where the trainee is employed or another organisation capable of organising a training programme. The Teacher Training Agency (TTA) employs two contractors to administer the employment-based routes to Qualified Teacher Status including approval of training programmes, administration of funding and assessment arrangements and matching potential trainees with jobs. Neither of these organisations acts as a recommending body.
  399W

  Specialist Schools
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list(a) the categories of specialist comprehensives, (b) the number of schools in each category and (c) the number and percentage of successful and unsuccessful applications for specialist school status. [102865]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The numbers of specialist schools designated as arts, languages, sports or technology colleges which are deemed comprehensive schools are listed in the table.

  Category of specialism

  Comprehensive

  Other1

  Arts Colleges

  29

  0

  Language Colleges

  65

  6

  Sports Colleges

  35

  2

  Technology Colleges

  241

  25

  1 The 33 other schools comprise 18 selective, 12 secondary modern and three special schools

  For competitions held in 1998 and 1999 the number and percentage of successful and unsuccessful applications for specialist designation are set out in the table.

  Number

  Percentage

  Successful

  March 1998

  51

  42

  October 1998

  35

  53

  March 1999

  37

  71

  June 1999

  41

  45

  Unsuccessful

  March 1998

  71

  58

  October 1998

  31

  47

  March 1999

  15

  29

  June 1999

  51

  55

  Home Education
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many children are claimed to be being educated at home, or elsewhere outside school, on the basis of their parent signing a form presented to them by an education official; and if he will make a statement. [102970]

  Jacqui Smith
  Data on the number of children educated otherwise than at school are not collected centrally. Under the Education Act 1996, parents can opt to educate their children otherwise than at school. In such circumstances, pupils can only be removed from a school roll where the school has received written notification from the parent that the pupil is receiving education otherwise than at school. Local Education Authorities have a duty to ensure that the education provided is suitable to the age, aptitude and ability and any special

  LEA

  Primary

  Secondary

  Middlesbrough

  65 per cent. good or very good

  33 per cent. good or very good

  26 primary inspections

  8 per cent. serious weaknesses

  17 per cent. serious weaknesses

  6 secondary inspections

  4 per cent. requiring special measures

  0 per cent. requiring special measures

  Stockton

  76 per cent. good or very good

  67 per cent. good or very good

  34 primary inspections

  0 per cent. serious weaknesses

  0 per cent. serious weaknesses

  3 secondary inspections

  3 per cent. requiring special measures

  0 per cent. requiring special measures

  400W
  educational needs the child may have. It is Local Education Authorities to decide how to monitor these arrangements.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he proposes to take to ensure that claims that children are receiving home education are not used to disguise truancy; and if he will make a statement. [102971]

  Jacqui Smith
  Local Education Authorities have a duty to monitor the quality of home education being provided and we expect them to carry out this duty. If home education is not being provided or is not of a satisfactory standard, Local Education Authorities can apply to the courts of an Educational Supervision Order. Alternatively they should pursue a School Attendance Order.

  Where we receive specific complaints that schools may be using home education as a method to disguise truancy, we will investigate.

  Special Educational Needs Audit
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which local authorities currently include a special educational needs factor in their local management of schools formula on the basis of an SEN audit. [102977]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 8 December 1999,Official Report, column 587W.

  Departmental Employees (Early Retirement)
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many employees of his Department availed themselves of early retirement packages and at what total cost in financial year 1996–97. [102976]

  Mr. Wills
  During the 1996–97 financial year 660 employees of the Department for Education and Employment (including the Employment Service) took early retirement at a total cost in the year of £11.8 million.

  Education Standards (North-East)
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the quality of education in(a) Middlesbrough, (b) Redcar and Cleveland, (c) Stockton and (d) Hartlepool local education authorities in (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools since 1 May 1997, following the recent school inspections there. [102912]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  It is the responsibility of Ofsted to inspect education in schools. The data are based on Ofsted's school inspections since the start of the current round in September 1997. The figures are expressed as a percentage of schools inspected.
  401W

  LEA

  Primary

  Secondary

  Redcar and Cleveland

  55 per cent. good or very good

  33 per cent. good or very good

  27 primary inspections

  7 per cent. serious weaknesses

  17 per cent. serious weaknesses

  6 secondary inspections

  0 per cent. requiring special measures

  0 per cent. requiring special measures

  Hartlepool

  81 per cent. good or very good

  100 per cent. good or very good

  21 primary inspections

  5 per cent. serious weaknesses

  0 per cent. serious weaknesses

  1 secondary inspection

  0 per cent. requiring special measures

  0 per cent. requiring special measures

  Exclusions
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the local education authorities in England which have issued guidance to their schools on strategies for improving attendance and preventing exclusions. [102883]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 16 December 1999]: This information is not collected centrally. However, local education authorities' Behaviour Support Plans are expected to include information on the support for schools in improving the management of pupil behaviour with a view, among other things, to minimising unauthorised absence and exclusions.

  In addition local education authorities should take account of Circular 10/99 "Social Inclusion: Pupil Support" which is my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's guidance on pupil attendance, behaviour, exclusion and re-integration. This is backed up with some £500 million, which we are making available over three years, for projects to help schools tackle truancy and prevent exclusions.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the local education authorities in the North West Region which analyse attendance and exclusion data at(a) group, (b) pupil and (c) school level. [102888]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 16 December 1999]: The Department does not collect information about how local education authorities analyse their attendance and exclusions data.

  All schools since 1991, other than independent schools for boarders only, have been required to collect information on authorised and unauthorised absences. Absence figures at local education authority level have been published annually in the National Tables since 1992–93. The latest published information relates to the academic year 19980–99.

  Figures on permanent exclusions were collected for the first time in January 1996. They have been published annually since 1994–95. The latest published information, produced in the volume "Statistics of Education (Schools in England) 1999", relates to the academic year 1997–98.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many local education authorities collect and analyse data on fixed period exclusions; and what percentage of local education authorities this represents. [102886]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 16 December 1999]: The Department does not collect information about the number of local education authorities which analyse their data on fixed period exclusions.
  402W
  For the first time, the Department has recently required all local education authorities to provide data on fixed period exclusions of more than five school days in total in any one term in the academic year 1998–99.

  Truancy
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent research his Department has commissioned to investigate the underlying causes of truancy; and if he will make a statement. [102887]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 16 December 1999]: We are aware that truancy is a complex problem with no one single cause or solution. Last year, the Government published "Truancy and School Exclusion" which set out major research findings on the causes and activities needed to address the issue. This publication drew upon research commissioned by the Department including "Truancy in English Secondary Schools" by D. J. O'Keefe and the Audit Commission Report "Misspent Youth; Young People and Crime". In July 1999 we issued new guidance to schools on attendance. On 1 November, we launched "Tackling Truancy Together" which set out our strategy in further detail including evidence of what works in increasing attendance.

  Fresh Start Schools
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what monitoring is undertaken of Fresh Start schools' policies and actions in dealing with children playing truant. [102982]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 16 December 1999]: During all school inspections, inspectors are required to examine schools' policies on attendance and will check that attendance registers are completed accurately. Fresh Start schools are subject to the normal requirements of the school inspection system.

  Local Learning Partnerships
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to support local learning partnerships where they cross the boundaries of local learning and skills councils. [102985]

  Mr. Wicks
  With the exception of London—where all learning partnerships are re-assessing their boundaries—there are only two instances of learning partnerships crossing the boundaries of local learning and skills councils. In both cases, Government Office staff are working closely with local partners to ensure a smooth transition. In addition, support funding is available both to Government Offices and learning partnerships to facilitate the process of change.
  403W
  Learning partnerships have a key role in the new post-16 arrangements; they are very well placed to provide the in-depth understanding of local needs that will be needed to inform the work of local learning and skills councils. In general, learning partnerships are being advised to ensure that they have a sufficiently local focus to enable them to identify local needs and co-ordinate effective local action.

  Departmental Buildings
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment for each of the buildings under his Department's control how many rooms are set aside for(a) ethnic minority religious use, (b) pregnant and nursing mothers and (c) smokers. [102328]

  Mr. Wills
  There is a designated room for Muslim prayers in Caxton House, London. There is also a designated room for nursing mothers in Moorfoot, Sheffield. In addition, first aid rooms and rest rooms at other headquarters sites can be used for a variety of purposes as staff needs dictate.

  The number of smoking rooms at each of the main HQ locations is as follows:

  London: 8

  Sheffield: 7

  Runcorn: 5

  Darlington: 2.

  The Employment Service maintains 1,000 smoking rooms in their 1,253 properties.

  Education Act 1996
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment with reference to section 486, what the procedure is for applying for grants under the Education Act 1996, Part VIII; and if guidelines are available. [103570]

  Mr. Wills
  This section of the Education Act 1996 allows for the making of regulations to provide grant to bodies other than Local Education Authorities whose object, or main object is, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, to promote learning or research. Grants are paid to a variety of organisations for different specific purposes. There is no single set procedure for applying for such grants.

  Student Loans
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many British citizens who have been educated in other European Union countries are currently unable to access student loans on the ground of recent non-residence in the United Kingdom. [102924]

  Mr. Wicks
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Post-16 Education
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the cost of administration in providing education and training for 16 to 19-year-olds by(a) schools, (b) further education colleges, (c) sixth form colleges and (d) TECs. [103577]
  404W
  Mr. Wicks
  The administration costs of each of these sectors are made public through the Revenue Outturn Statement from Local Education Authorities and annual reports/accounts produced by the Further Education Funding Council for England and TECs. However, the information requested on the administration costs of education and training provision for 16 to 19-year-olds is not identified separately.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the cost of administration of the provision of education and training for 16 to 19-year-olds under his proposals by(a) schools, (b) further education colleges, (c) sixth form colleges, (d) the National Learning and Skills Council, (e) local learning and skills councils, (f) local life-long learning partnerships and (g) sixth form colleges maintained by the Learning and Skills Council. [103576]

  Mr. Wicks
  We have not made separate estimates of the costs of providing education and training for 16 to 19-year-olds by sector. However, the new arrangements for learning and skills will cut through the present duplication and bureaucracy and will secure savings of at least £50 million a year across post-16 learning, which will be invested in improving the quality of learning.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the significant differences between the updated Transition Plan for Post-16 Education and Training published on 26 November and the draft published on 30 June; and what is the reason for these differences. [102926]

  Mr. Wicks
  The joint DfEE/DTI National Transition Plan, first issued alongside the White Paper, is a working document that is intended to evolve and develop as discussions with partner organisations take place. The Plan has been updated to take account of partners views and to set out in more detail the steps needed to set up the Learning and Skills Council, subject to Parliamentary approval.

  There is a new section which lists the progress made since the launch of the White Paper; an overarching plan which summaries the key milestones; and a new annex which details the groups which have been set up to support arrangements.

  We intend to produce further regular updates over the next year.

  Examination Bodies (Standards)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he is taking to ensure that examining bodies maintain consistent and mutually coherent standards. [102922]

  Mr. Wicks
  The Education Act 1997 confers powers on the ACCAC and QCA to keep under review all aspects of external vocational and academic qualifications. This year, Ministers endorsed detailed arrangements, developed by the ACCAC, CCEA and QCA, for the regulation of external qualifications. These arrangements set out the criteria which these bodies are applying to accredit qualifications to a national framework and will use to monitor the performance and practices of examining bodies in the delivery of these qualifications.
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  Curriculum 2000
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he is taking to ensure that Curriculum 2000 qualifications are of equal rigour and reflect equal attainment to their predecessors. [102921]

  Mr. Wicks
  All the AS/A level and GNVQ specifications to be introduced for teaching from September 2000 will have to meet the demanding criteria set out by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. These are designed to ensure that the rigour of the qualifications is at least fully maintained. In approving these criteria, Ministers took steps to strengthen the rigour of the new A levels by requiring all candidates to take a demanding synoptic test at the end of the course covering the who syllabus, and by allowing only one opportunity to re-take individual modules. Ministers have also taken steps to upgrade the GNVQ assessment regime.

  Accommodation Transfers
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to transfer buildings(a) from the Further Education Funding Council to the Learning and Skills Council and (b) from TECs to local Learning and Skills Councils; and what will be the net cost of transfers, sales and reprovision. [102923]

  Mr. Wicks
  It is our intention that the Learning and Skills Council should take over the lease on the Further Education and Funding Council's main premises in Coventry. Government Offices are currently undertaking an exercise, in consultation with TECs, to identify suitable premises for the local Learning and Skills Councils. Our priority will be to work closely with TECs to make the most cost effective use of existing premises wherever possible, either for the LSC, for a franchisee of the Small Business Service or for other local activities. It is too early at this stage to estimate the net costs of transfers, sales and reprovision.

  Medical Techniques
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many medical schools offer training in complementary and alternative medical techniques; what percentage this constitutes of the total number of medical schools; and if he will make a statement. [103477]

  Mr. Wicks
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Student Drop-out Rates
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many students left each United Kingdom university before completing their course in(a) 1996, (b) 1997 and (c) 1998. [103131]

  Mr. Wicks
  Information published by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in "Higher Education Performance Indicators" gives for the first time projected non-completion rates for students beginning full-time degree courses in 1996–97 for each of the HE institutions in the UK. A copy is available in the Library. This information will be published annually.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  RUC (Macpherson Report)
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his discussions with the Royal Ulster Constabulary Chief Constable in respect of recommendations 20, 21 and 22 of the Macpherson Inquiry report regarding procedures, record keeping and policy directive adherence at scenes of crime. [101858]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 8 December 1999]: Following the publication of the Macpherson Report, discussions took place on a tripartite basis between representatives of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, the Police Authority for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Office to consider the implications of the Report in the wider context of policing in Northern Ireland.

  In relation to recommendation 20, the RUC is acutely aware of the importance of effective co-ordination of police resources and activity at major incidents. Consequently all existing Force orders, manuals of guidance and policy are being distilled into generic procedures which will ensure clear roles and lines of responsibility.

  On recommendation 21, the experience gained by the RUC in three decades of investigating major crime has resulted in tried and tested procedures. There are current RUC Force instructions concerning records made by individual officers and specialist units in relation to their functions and strict rules require the retention of all such records as long as an investigation remains open.

  As for recommendation 22, the RUC in line with GB constabularies is to obtain an updated version of HOLMES (Home Office Large Major Enquiry System) and the resourcing requirements are addressed in the draft ACPO Major Incident Room Standardised Agreed Procedures (MIRSAP). These guidelines, which should be confirmed early in the new year, will define the resources necessary to operate HOLMES investigations. A Detective Inspector is dedicated to the overall supervision of all HOLMES units deployed throughout the RUC, which includes checking on the adequacy of resources and that difficulties are reported.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements(a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department have put in place for the taking and keeping of minutes of meetings between Ministers and people outside his Department. [102370]

  Mr. Mandelson
  Decisions on the format of minutes of meetings will depend on the nature of the discussions.

  H-blocks
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the H-blocks in the Maze Prison which are still in use; which group of convicted terrorist prisoners are in occupation of each block; and if he will list the H-blocks in use and which groups occupied each on 1 December 1998. [102161]
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  Mr. Ingram
  At the present time, five of the eight Blocks are in use. Loyalist prisoners occupy three Blocks and Republican prisoners occupy the remaining two.

  This was the position on 1 December 1998 also.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects the next H-block in the Maze Prison to be cleared of prisoners; and which one it will be. [102159]

  Mr. Ingram
  I an unable to forecast when the next H-block within Maze Prison will close.

  Prisoner releases between now and July 2000, when Maze is expected to close, are relatively small. The situation will be kept under review.

  Prisoners (Rehabilitation)
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the organisations dealing with rehabilitation of terrorist prisoners which receive funds from the public purse; which department funds them; and what sums went to each such organisation in each of the last five years and the current year to date. [102158]

  Mr. Ingram
  Rehabilitation services are provided by the Prison Service to all prisoners in Northern Ireland mainly through educational and vocational training courses and services. In addition, welfare and rehabilitation services are provided by the Probation Board for Northern Ireland.

  Overall costs for the last five financial years are:

  £

  Prison Service Education and VT costs

  Prison Service payments to Probation Board for NI

  1994–95

  239,000

  822,100

  1995–96

  258,600

  822,100

  1996–97

  191,600

  822,100

  1997–98

  216,500

  810,000

  1998–99

  230,600

  810,000

  1999–20001

  90,500

  360,000

  1To date

  Other bodies such as the Training and Employment Agency and the Local Enterprise Development Unit have provided services on occasions at no additional charge.

  During the current financial year, in accordance with commitments in the Good Friday Agreement, a number of individual payments have been made for the delivery of courses for the rehabilitation of prisoners released from HMP Maze at an overall total of £16,215.

  Ex-prisoner groups also receive funding from the EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. Since the beginning of this Programme, £4.3 million (of which the Government fund 25 per cent.) in respect of Measures 4.4 and 4.6 has been allocated to ex-prisoner groups. Groups may also have received EU funding from District Partnerships and other funders.

  Welfare Organisations (Prison Visits)
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will set out the criteria for payments 408W
  to the representatives of welfare organisations making visits to prisons in Northern Ireland for meetings with terrorist prisoners. [102308]

  Mr. Ingram
  There are no such criteria, because no payments are made to representatives of welfare organisations making visits to prisons in Northern Ireland for meetings with prisoners.

  Departmental Employees (Ethnic Minorities)
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of the total workforce in his Department is of ethnic minority origin; and what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of people from the ethnic minorities in his Department. [102731]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The Northern Ireland Office is composed of staff from the Home Civil Service (HCS) and the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS). Of the HCS group based in London, 20 per cent. are of ethnic minority origin. Information about the ethnic origin of staff within Northern Ireland is not yet available. Race Relations legislation was recently introduced to Northern Ireland and the NIO has surveyed all staff on their ethnic origin. The data are presently being analysed.

  My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office set out in his reply of 16 December 1999, Official Report, column 264W, corporate action that we are taking to encourage the employment of people from ethnic minorities. Staff are recruited to the NIO HCS group by way of a recruitment agency and figures indicate that candidates from ethnic minorities are joining the Department.

  External Consultants
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department's agencies and non-departmental public bodies have spent on external consultants and advisers since May 1997. [102078]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 13 December 1999]: Since May 1997 the money spent by the Department's agencies and non-departmental public bodies on external consultants and advisers was £2,358,138.99.

  Electoral Costs
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his estimate of the cost of registering an elector on the electoral register in Northern Ireland; and what is the cost of entering a name to correct an omission from the register. [102547]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The cost of registering an elector on the 1999 Northern Ireland electoral register was approximately 44p. In addition, the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland spent £12,465 on press adverts encouraging voters to check the draft register and displaying both the draft and final versions of the register at sub-post offices throughout Northern Ireland.

  Correcting the register to amend a clerical error would incur a nominal cost of approximately 20p. It is not possible to estimate the cost of including a name on the register as a result of a successful claim considered at

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  revision hearing and at which a Deputy Electoral Officer presides. The administrative cost of such hearing varies depending on the location and the number of claims heard.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number of(a) non-departmental public bodies and (b) task forces in Northern Ireland (i) on 1 May 1997, (ii) on 1 May 1998 and (iii) at the latest date for which figures are available. [102488]

  Mr. Ingram
  Since 1 May 1997 to 1 November 1999 the number of non-departmental public bodies for Northern Ireland has been nine. A nil return for task forces.

  RUC Station Closures
  Mr. Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has for the closure of the(a) Greencastle and (b) York Road RUC stations. [102485]

  Mr. Ingram
  The allocation and use of all resources is entirely a matter for the professional judgment and operational discretion of the Chief Constable.

  The RUC and the Police Authority for Northern Ireland have advised that there are no plans for the closure of (a) Greencastle and (b) York Road RUC Stations.

  RUC Insignia
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what rules and guidelines govern the use of RUC insignia; and what penalties apply to the use of insignia without permission. [101879]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: It is a matter for the discretion of the Chief Constable as to whether he may seek the assistance of the courts to prevent or stop the unauthorised or alleged misuse of the insignia.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make it his policy to refuse permission for use of the RUC insignia in association with political campaigns. [102082]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: The use of the insignia of the Royal Ulster Constabulary is a matter for the Chief Constable.

  Police (Auditors)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who is the appointed auditor for the(a) Northern Ireland Police Federation, (b) the Police Association for Northern Ireland and (c) Northern Ireland Police Authority; and what recommendations have been made by each of those auditors concerning the guidelines for expenditure on political campaigning. [101876]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: The auditors to the Police Federation for Northern Ireland are George Hay & Co. The Police Association for NI receives no funds and has no accounts. The National Audit Office audits the accounts of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland. Neither George Hay & Co. nor the Comptroller
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  and Auditor General made any recommendations concerning guidelines for expenditure on political campaigning by either organisation.

  RUC (Yugoslavia)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland(a) when, (b) how many and (c) for what periods RUC officers will be deployed in the former Yugoslavia; under whose discipline they will operate; and in which areas they will be deployed. [101880]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: In accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998, the RUC have seven officers serving with the United Nations International Police Task Force in Bosnia, four since March 1999 and three from October 1999, where they are monitoring the performance of the Bosnian police service. At the end of November, 60 RUC officers took up positions with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo where they are undertaking an executive policing role pending a new Kosovan police service being trained and ready to take over law enforcement there. All of the secondments are for a period of 12 months and the officers are under the command of the United Nations Police Commissioner.

  RUC (US Training)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received from the US Congress concerning US-sponsored training and exchange programmes with the RUC. [101875]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: I have received no representations from the US congress concerning US-sponsored training and exchange programmes with the RUC.

  Illegal Parades
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reasons the RUC were unable to identify persons involved in illegal parades in 1999; and if he will make a statement. [101874]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: Police actions in relation to such parades are constrained by the need to minimise disruption to the wider community. In many instances such parades are short-lived affairs where police intervention to arrest participants would exacerbate the situation.

  The primary aim of police is therefore to monitor such parades in order to prevent serious disorder. The secondary aim is to gather sufficient evidence to allow the identification/prosecution of participants. If sufficient notice of the parade is obtained, technical resources can be deployed to gather video and still photographic images. These efforts can however be frustrated by a number of factors such as:

  (1) Many illegal parades take place at night

  (2) Clarity of images can be affected by distance and weather conditions.

  (3) Participants are often strangers to the area.

  (4) Band uniforms are not always worn.

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  Furthermore, in order to be able to substantiate a prosecution, police must be in a position to prove that individuals knew the parade to be illegal. Often such parades can be over before the police can respond and for operational reasons police may be deployed at some distance from the parade.

  Union Flags
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what days the Union flag was flown at RUC Garnerville in the last year; what body is responsible for policy on flags and emblems at this establishment; and on what date policy on the flying of flags was last reviewed. [101758]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: The Union Flag has been flown at RUC Garnerville on the following occasions over the past year:

  6 February 1999—Her Majesty's Accession

  8 February 1999—Death of King Hussein of Jordan

  19 February 1999—Birthday of HRH the Prince of York

  8 March 1999—Commonwealth Day

  10 March 1999—Birthday of HRH the Earl of Wessex

  21 April 1999—Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen

  2 June 1999—Coronation Day

  10 June 1999—Birthday of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh

  12 June 1999—Official Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen

  4 August 1999—Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the

  Queen Mother

  15 August 1999—Birthday of HRH the Princess Royal

  21 August 1999—Birthday of HRH the Princess Margaret

  14 November 1999—Birthday of HRH the Prince of Wales/ Remembrance Day

  20 November 1999—Anniversary of Her Majesty's Wedding.

  The Chief Constable is responsible for determining Force policy on flags and emblems at this and all other RUC establishments. The policy was last reviewed in September 1998.

  Police Federation
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) funds and (b) benefits in kind have been provided from public funds to the Police Federation for Northern Ireland in the past two years; what rules govern the Federation and its staff; how many staff are employed by the Federation, at what cost; what payments have been made by the Federation to assist the Daily Telegraph Defend the RUC campaign; and what payments were made by the Federation to cover the expenses of staffing phonelines associated with the campaign. [101759]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: No contributions are made to the Police Federation for Northern Ireland from public funds. The body, which currently employs six staff, is governed by Federation Rules drawn up in accordance with the provision of the Police Association for NI Regulations 1991.

  I am advised the Federation has not made any payments to the Daily Telegraph or Defend the RUC campaigns.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated cost of(a) installing and operating for one quarter the additional
  412W
  telephone lines and 0845 number and (b) printing by the Police Federation in connection with its campaign against the Patten Commission. [101762]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: I am advised that the estimated total cost of the 0845-telephone number, which has now been discontinued, was £1,947. There were no additional telephone lines installed. I am also advised that the printing costs in connection with Patten Commission issues cannot be readily disaggregated from overall Federation printing costs.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many advertisements entitled, "Where Patten Got it Wrong", have been placed in which newspapers by the Police Federation; and what the cost of each was. [101760]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: I am advised that the Police Federation for Northern Ireland placed advertisements in the Belfast Telegraph, The Irish News and The Belfast Newsletter at a total cost of £1,688.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many times since 1 September the Police Federation of Northern Ireland has met; and what decisions have been made concerning the allocation of funds for a public campaign against the findings of the Patten Commission. [101761]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: The Central Committee of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland meet under the rules for three days bi-monthly although this may be split with the approval of the Chief Constable. I am advised that one additional meeting was held to approve the response to Government on the findings of the Patten Commission and a special one day meeting of all representatives was held with the approval of the Chief Constable on 24 September. The use of funds for a public campaign was approved by the Central Committee and at the direction of the special meeting of representatives.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money has been received in donations by the Police Federation since 1 September; and what arrangements have been made for financial oversight of the allocation of these funds. [101763]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: I am advised that no donations have been received by the Police Federation for Northern Ireland since 1 September 1999.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what body has responsibility for overseeing the financial arrangements entered into by the Police Federation; and what powers he has to prevent the Federation from making ultra vires payments. [101764]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: The financial arrangements of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland are governed by the provisions of Regulations 18 to 22, inclusive, of the Police Association for NI Regulations 1991.
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  RUC Reform
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent representations HM Government have received from(a) political parties in Northern Ireland,
  (b) other Governments and (c) other interested parties concerning the reform of the Royal Ulster Constabulary; and if he will make a statement. [102623]

  Mr. Ingram:
  [holding answer 16 December 1999]: Since 9 September the Government has held 14 meetings with Northern Ireland political parties to discuss police reform. Nearly all of the political parties have also provided written submissions. Meetings have also been held with the Irish Government and there have been 32 meetings with other interested parties. In addition a large number of written submissions and calls to the freephone number have been received.

  Formal consultation about the proposals in the Patten Report has now ended. The Government is considering all the comments and representations it has received, before coming to decisions about the way forward.

  Northern Ireland Police Authority
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the executive or non-executive members of the Northern Ireland Police Authority for any part of the years(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999. [103565]

  Mr. Ingram
  The names of all executive members of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland from 1997–99 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  The following list provides the names of non-executive members of the Police Authority who have served for any part of the years 1997, 1998 and 1999:

  Mr. P.J. Armstrong (Chairman)

  Professor H. Wallace (Vice-Chairman)

  Lt. Col. R.H. Bicker (from July 1997)

  Mr. H.B. Casey (from July 1997)

  Ms S. Chamberlain (to June 1997)

  Rev. R.J. Coulter (from July 1997)

  Mr. R.L. Cree (from July 1997)

  Ms S. Cherry (to June 1997)

  Mr. S. Davidson (to June 1997)

  Sir R. Empey

  Mrs. K.F. Hargan

  Mr. A.R.A. Huston (from July 1997)

  Mr. B.R. Johnston (to June 1997)

  Mr. T. Kerrigan (to June 1997)

  Mr. S.J. McCammick (to June 1997)

  Mrs. R.A. McCormick (to June 1997)

  Mr. J.O. McDonald

  Mr. W.R. Martin (to June 1997)

  Mr. J.L. Neeson (to June 1997)

  Mrs. N.P. O'Loan (to October 1999)

  Mrs. R.I. Peters-Gallagher

  Mrs. E.A. Rea

  Mrs. F. Reid (from July 1997)

  Mrs. G.A. Rice (from July 1997)

  Mr. F.A. Rocks

  Professor R.A.J. Spence

  Mr. T. Wilson.
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  In addition, the names of two Authority members have been omitted to maintain their wish of anonymity for security reasons.

  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which executive or non-executive member of the Northern Ireland Police Authority has taken responsibility for the testing or evaluation of vehicles for police use in the last three years. [103569]

  Mr. Ingram
  Executive members of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland have taken responsibility for the testing or evaluation of vehicles for police use in the last three years.

  No non-executive members of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland have taken the responsibility for the testing or evaluation of vehicles for police use in the last three years.

  Departmental Buildings
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for each of the buildings under his Department's control how many rooms are set aside for(a) ethnic minority religious use, (b) pregnant and nursing mothers and (c) smokers. [102334]

  Mr. Mandelson
  There is nothing in the Civil Service Code that specifies that any accommodation is to be set aside for religious use, pregnant and nursing mothers or smokers.

  The Secretary of State has staff located in 24 buildings. Eleven of the buildings have a room set aside for smokers. None have rooms specifically set aside for ethnic minority religious use or by pregnant or nursing mothers. However, in many cases staff have access to rest rooms or interview rooms which they can use.

  Carrickfergus Police Station
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he plans to take as a result of receiving reports of the likely cause of the fire at Carrickfergus police station on 10 January 1990. [102083]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  The Ministry of Defence has not received any report on the likely cause of the fire at Carrickfergus police station, which would in any case be a matter for my right hon. Friend the Northern Ireland Secretary. With regard to the recent allegation in The Sunday Times, the MOD is not aware of any evidence to support it. The Secretary of State for Defence has written to the editor, recommending that any evidence of criminal activity be made available to the police.

CABINET OFFICE

  Outsourcing
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what steps she has taken to ensure that proposed changes to the TUPE Regulations are taken into account in ongoing outsourcing negotiations; and if she will make a statement; [103715]
  415W
  (2) what guidance her Department has issued to cover previously outsourced staff when contracts with private sector suppliers are (a) renewed, (b) renegotiated and (c) put out to tender on their expiry; [103717]

  (3) what guidance her Department has issued on the inclusion in outsourcing contracts of penalties for failure to abide by the TUPE Regulations; what plans she has to vary these penalties following her assessment of performance by private-sector companies subject to the TUPE Regulations; and if she will make a statement. [103628]

  Mr. Stringer
  The Cabinet Office published on 5 July 1999, for public consultation, a "Statement of Practice for Staff Transfers in the Public Sector",Official Report, column 388W. The Statement of Practice sets out the Government's policy for the application of TUPE where the public sector is the employer or client in a contracting-out or subsequent retendering situation. These should be conducted on the presumption that the protections of TUPE will apply, unless there are genuinely exceptional reasons not to do so. This includes second and subsequent round contracts that result in a new contractor and should ensure that all staff involved are treated fairly and consistently and their rights protected. Employees or employee representatives who consider that their rights under the Regulations have been infringed may seek legal redress. The response to the public consultation on the Statement of Practice was extremely positive with strong support from public and private sector employers and employee representatives. I aim to publish a final version of the Statement early in the New Year.

  The Department of Trade and Industry are currently conducting a review of the TUPE Regulations and will shortly be consulting on proposals for revising them. Changes to the regulations will be reflected in guidance to public sector employers.

  Copies of "Staff Transfers in the Public Sector: Statement of Practice" are in the Library of the House.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. David Davis
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what arrangements(a) she and (b) Ministers in her Department have put in place for the taking and keeping of minutes of meetings between Ministers and people outside her Department. [102372]

  Mr. Stringer
  The format of minutes of meetings will depend on the nature of the discussion.

  Anti-drugs Strategy
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much support has been made available for(a) action against illegal drugs and (b) education in schools regarding illegal drugs as a result of the seizure of the assets of convicted drug offenders; and how much she expects to be made available in each of the next three years. [102767]
  416W
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Confiscated Assets Fund will total £3 million for 1999–2000, increasing to £5 million in 2000–01.

  The UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator is currently identifying initiatives which might receive funding from the Confiscated Assets Fund to support action against illegal drugs. I hope to be able to make announcements shortly.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much of the funding for the anti-drugs strategy made available under the Comprehensive Spending Review is to be spent each year on(a) drugs education in primary and secondary schools and (b) other forms of drugs education for children and young persons under 16 years of age. [102793]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  As a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review some £7.5 million per annum is being made available through the Department for Education and Employment to assist all schools, including pupil referral units and the youth service, to deliver effective education about drugs in line with the aims relating to young people identified in the Government's anti drug strategy.

  Other education and prevention activities are funded by the Department of Health who will be spending £6 million per year to support a range of drugs education and prevention activities, and by the Drugs Prevention Advisory Service providing £6 million per year to encourage and support good practice in drugs prevention at a local, regional and national level.

  Consultants
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much his Department's agencies and non-departmental public bodies have spent on external consultants and advisers since May 1997. [102100]

  Mr. Stringer
  My Department's agencies and non-departmental public bodies expenditure on external advisers and consultants since May 1997 is £930,744.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what factors account for the increase in costs of special advisers over the period from 1995–96 to 1998–99. [101452]

  Mr. Stringer
  I can only answer for the period since May 1997. We always made it clear that, if elected, we would have a strengthening of the centre to ensure a firm political focus and greater co-ordination to the work of this Administration. This is what we have done, and this accounts for some of the increase. The costs also include the Standards and Effectiveness Adviser to the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, the three members of the Council of Economic Advisers and the appointments of the UK anti-drugs co-ordinator and his deputy. These appointments are new to this Administration and are not covered by paybill figures for the years before May 1997.
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HEALTH

  Meningitis C Vaccine
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made on the distribution of meningitis C vaccination to the primary health care sector; whether enough vaccine is available; and if he will make a statement. [101188]

  Yvette Cooper
  Distribution of the new meningococcal C conjugate vaccine to the primary care sector commenced during the week beginning 22 November 1999 to allow immunisations to start on Monday 29 November 1999. Weekly distribution continues thereafter. Enough vaccine has been made available through this route to immunise babies in the first phase of the programme, that is, those presenting at 2, 3, and 4 months of age for their primary immunisation of Hib/DTP and those presenting for their first measles, mumps and rubella immunisation at around 13 months of age. The allocation of vaccine will automatically be increased to provide for other age ranges as the programme rolls out.

  Organs Retention
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the terms of reference are for the Chief Medical Officer's investigation into retention of organs; when he expects the Chief Medical Officer to report; and if he will ask the Chief Medical Officer to consult the Bristol Heart Children Action Group during his investigation. [101453]

  Mr. Denham
  The terms of reference of the Chief Medical Officer's investigation are: to look at the extent of organ and tissue retention following post-mortem examinations within the NHS as a whole; how NHS staff manage the process in the interests of the public health, and what bereaved family/partners and the public should expect.

  The investigation will take full account of the work of the Bristol inquiry, including the views of the public and patient representatives, and the findings from the Alder Hey investigations. The CMO will make his report available to the Secretary of State for Health at the end of September.

  Physiotherapists
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evaluation his Department has made of the role physiotherapists play in cutting waiting lists and reducing patients' stay in hospital. [102556]

  Mr. Denham
  We have not made a formal evaluation. However, physiotherapists play an increasingly important role in preventing admissions to hospital and enabling people who no longer need to be in hospital to return home.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many physiotherapists left the NHS in each of the last five years. [102557]

  Mr. Denham
  The available information is given in the table. Information on the numbers of physiotherapists joining and leaving the National Health Service is not 418W
  collected centrally, but the annual non-medical workforce census gives total numbers of physiotherapists at 30 September each year.

  NHS hospital and community health services—Physiotherapists in England at 30 September each year

  Year

  Headcount

  1994

  13,260

  1995

  13,400

  1996

  13,740

  1997

  14,030

  1998

  14,490

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten.

  2. Due to rounding totals may not equal the sum of component parts.

  3. Figures exclude learners.

  4. Due to a change in classification in 1995 for collecting the data, from payscale to occupational code, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 figures are non-comparable with earlier years.

  Source:

  Department of Health non-medical workforce census.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS physiotherapy posts are vacant in each health region in England. [102558]

  Mr. Denham
  The available information is given in the table.

  Department of Health Recruitment, Retention and Vacancies Survey. Vacancies in NHS Trusts by Region; physiotherapists as at 31 March 1999

  whole time equivalents

  Physiotherapists

  Total vacancies 1

  3-month vacancies 2

  England total

  990

  420

  Northern and Yorkshire

  100

  30

  Trent

  80

  40

  West Midlands

  130

  70

  North West

  130

  60

  Eastern

  110

  50

  London

  200

  100

  South East

  150

  50

  South West

  80

  20

  1 Posts that Trusts were actively trying to fill at 31 March 1999

  2 Posts that had been vacant for three months or more at 31 March 1999

  3 Figures are rounded to the nearest 10

  Source:

  Department of Health Recruitment, Retention and Vacancies Survey 1999

  Diabetes
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much his Department spent on the treatment of diabetes and diabetic complications in each of the last three years, expressed(a) in absolute terms and (b) as a proportion of the total NHS budget; [102575]

  (2) if he will publish statistics relating to the comparative performance of diabetic clinics throughout the UK. [102576]

  Mr. Denham
  We do not collect data in a way that enables us to distinguish the amount spent on the treatment of diabetes and diabetic complications. Owing to the complications, acute and chronic, which may arise
  419W
  from diabetes, it would be a very complex task to derive the precise expenditure for diabetes. Nor do we currently collect information that would enable us to compare the performance of diabetic clinics.

  As part of our programme to build a fairer and more modern National Health Service, we have launched national service frameworks to drive up quality, and reduce unacceptable variations in key service areas. My noble Friend the Lord Hunt of Kings Heath announced last week the commencement of work on a national service framework for diabetes. We would expect that the issues relating to the costs, and to the cost-effectiveness, of care provision for diabetes and its complications will become clearer as part of this work.

  We shall publish the diabetes national service framework in 2001. It will set national standards, define service models and put in place strategies to support implementation, delivery and monitoring of performance.

  Prescription Pricing Authority
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when the Prescription Pricing Authority will resume paying actual prices of drugs to pharmacies; [102641]

  (2) what is the Prescription Pricing Authority's current backlog of unprocessed prescriptions. [102706]

  Ms Stuart
  The Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA) is due to finish processing September dispensed prescriptions by 5 January 2000. At that point the backlog will consist of October and November dispensing-around 88 million prescriptions.

  Pharmacies are being reimbursed the appropriate amount by the PPA, but to a later timetable than normal. In the interim, pharmacies are paid an estimated amount each month at the time they would normally have been paid.

  The PPA has increased overtime working, recruited additional staff and re-engineered computer systems to speed up the data entry process. All these actions are helping to alleviate the problem, but more needs to be done. We are currently looking at a range of options to enable the PPA to return to its normal timescales of processing prescriptions and to deal with the backlog of prescriptions.

  GPs (Bolton, South-East)
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners have (a) practised,(b) retired and (c) been appointed in the Bolton, South-East constituency in each of the last three years; and how many of them worked in single doctor practices. [102763]

  Mr. Denham
  The published data relate to the number of unrestricted principals and equivalents in Wigan and Bolton Health Authority. However, they do not separately identify the constituency of Bolton, South-East.
  420W
  The information relating to Wigan and Bolton is as follows:

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Unrestricted Principals and Equivalents (UPES)

  287

  290

  290

  UPEs in single handed practices

  60

  59

  57

  Newly appointed UPEs

  13

  11

  8

  Newly appointed UPEs in single handed practices

  3

  0

  0

  Notes:

  1. There are no figures available for the number of UPEs retiring.

  2. UPEs includes restricted principals, PMS Contracted GPs and PMS salaried GPs.

  3. Figures relate to UPEs in post at 1 October each year. Newly appointed UPEs are those appointed since 1 October of the previous year to the list of the health authority.

  Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 13 December 1999,Official Report, column 53W, on Mid Essex Hospital Services Trust, for what reason he was unable to specify the exact number of patients who had waited more than 18 months for treatment in the Middlesex Hospital Trust area on 9 December. [103117]

  Mr. Denham
  The last published figures for waiting times are those for October 1999. These show that, at the end of October 1999, no patients waited over 18 months for treatment at Mid Essex Hospital Services National Health Services Trust.

  The next published figures will be those for November 1999, due to be published in the week commencing 10 January 2000. Until these figures are published, no centrally collected and validated figures are available.

  Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to publish the third report to Parliament on the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme. [103540]

  Ms Stuart
  The Third Report to Parliament on the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS) was published today. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

  The PPRS: Third Report to Parliament covers both the operation of the 1993 PPRS until it ended in September 1999, and the introduction of the new scheme from October 1999. It provides an insight into the running of the PPRS; reports on considerations taken into account by the Government in formulating the 1999 PPRS; and describes the principal features of the new scheme, including the benefits expected to arise from it for the National Health Service and the British pharmaceutical industry.

  Physiotherapists and Physical Therapists
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received concerning protection of the job titles of physiotherapist and physical therapist; and if he will make a statement. [103230]

  Mr. Denham
  Since 21 September 1999, my right hon. Friend the Secretary for State has received 50 representations about the protection of the job titles of physiotherapist and physical therapist.
  421W
  We have accepted the recommendations of an independent review of The Professions Supplementary to Medicine Legislation, including that common titles should be protected. The titles to be protected will be the subject of consultation.

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a substantive reply to his letter of 4 November. [103088]

  Ms Stuart
  My right hon. Friend will reply as soon as possible.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the hon. Member for South-East Cambridgeshire's letters of 23 August regarding Mrs. G. Hague, and 29 September regarding Mr. P. Hodgson. [102798]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 14 December 1999]: I replied to the hon. Member's letter of 23 August regarding his constituent, Mrs. Hague, on 14 December. I replied to the hon. Member's letter of 29 September regarding his constituent Mr. P Hodson on 16 December.

  CE Marking
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure that local government social services departments establish traceability systems for medical devices registered for CE marking. [R] [103094]

  Mr. Hutton
  All medical devices when first placed on the market have to be CE marked by the manufacturer or supplier to demonstrate they are safe to use and conform with the requirements of the Medical Devices Regulations. These Regulations are enforced by the Medical Devices Agency (MDA). The MDA distributed the good practice guide "Medical Device and Equipment Management for Hospital and Community-based Organisations" to the National Health Service and social services in January 1998. This included guidance on record-keeping for good equipment management, including the tracing of products. This guidance was referred to in the later publication "Good Practice in Disability Equipment Services", which was commissioned by the Department from the Disabled Living Centres Council and distributed to the NHS and to social services in October 1998.

  Nurses
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurses employed in the NHS have their salary paid for by(a) a commercial organisation and (b) sponsorship. [R] [103091]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Patient Policing
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to allow doctors and hospitals to withdraw life-sustaining food and water from patients; and if he will make a statement. [103599]
  422W
  Ms Stuart
  Food and fluids should always be offered to patients who are capable of swallowing them. Where nutrition and hydration have to be provided by artificial means, their possible withdrawal is in all cases a matter of clinical judgment which is undertaken in accordance with professional advice provided by a responsible and recognised body of medical opinion and the general law.

  Consultant Vacancies
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many consultant vacancies currently exist in accident and emergency departments. [102084]

  Ms Stuart
  The latest available information about consultant vacancies in accident and emergency is contained in the Department of Health Recruitment, Retention and Vacancies Survey, March 1999, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many accident and emergency departments currently have no consultant in post. [102085]

  Ms Stuart
  Information about the number of staff in individual hospital departments is not collected centrally. The latest available data show that, of those National Health Service trusts with a major accident and emergency department (consultant-led service with full resuscitation facilities) on 31 March 1998, every one had at least one consultant in post on 30 September 1998.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the number of UK CCST holders who are available to fill consultant vacancies in accident and emergency departments. [102086]

  Ms Stuart
  For England and Wales, information about the current numbers of higher specialist trainees holding Certificates of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) is not collected centrally. Information from the Regional Postgraduate Deans suggests that around 20 higher specialist trainees in accident and emergency medicine should have gained their CCST in 1999. We anticipate that around 40 should qualify in 2000 and there will be around 320 qualifying for consultant posts in accident and emergency medicine between now and 2004.

  Questions relating to Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the First Secretary for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

  E112 Forms
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what directions are given to health authorities and trusts regarding the issue of form E112 for continuing medical and surgical treatment in the EU paid for by the NHS. [103210]

  Ms Stuart
  Advice to health authorities and trusts was issued in 1994. Decisions on issue of forms E112 are taken centrally by the Department, taking into account the view of the relevant health authority and the individual patient's medical and social circumstances. Information for the general public is contained in the Department's leaflet "Health Advice for Travellers", copies of which are available in the Library.
  423W

  Relenza
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if Age Concern was consulted by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence during the appraisal of relenza. [101677]

  Ms Stuart
  I understand that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence consulted Age Concern informally during its rapid appraisal of Relenza. For a full appraisal, including the review of Relenza next year, interested parties such as professional and patient groups will be invited to submit evidence and to comment on guidance in draft.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the hon. Member for West Chelmsford will receive a reply to his two questions on deficits at Mid Essex Hospital Trust and North Essex Health Authority, which were due for an answer on 24 November. [102868]

  Mr. Denham
  I shall let the hon. Member have a reply to his two questions as soon as possible.

  Life Expectancy (Babies)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the life expectancy of new baby(a) boys and (b) girls, broken down by health authority area of England. [102229]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 15 December 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 20 December 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on life expectancy of new baby boys and girls.
  The information requested is shown in the tables.

  Life expectancy at birth (in years) by Health Authority, England 1995–97

  Females

  Males

  Avon

  81.1

  75.7

  Barking and Havering

  79.6

  74.3

  Barnet

  80.4

  76.7

  Barnsley

  78.3

  73.4

  Bedfordshire

  80.0

  75.0

  Berkshire

  80.3

  75.9

  Bexley and Greenwich

  79.6

  74.7

  Birmingham

  78.8

  73.2

  Bradford

  78.8

  73.4

  Brent and Harrow

  80.5

  75.1

  Bromley

  81.4

  76.4

  Buckinghamshire

  80.4

  76.3

  Bury and Rochdale

  78.0

  73.0

  Calderdale and Kirklees

  79.0

  73.9

  Cambridgeshire

  80.5

  76.0

  Camden and Islington

  80.1

  73.0

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  80.4

  75.3

  County Durham

  78.5

  73.2

  Coventry

  78.9

  73.1

  Croydon

  79.9

  75.2

  Doncaster

  78.4

  73.4

  Dorset

  81.4

  76.0

  424W

  Life expectancy at birth (in years) by Health Authority, England 1995–97

  Females

  Males

  Dudley

  79.6

  74.6

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  79.7

  74.0

  East and North Hertfordshire

  80.6

  76.3

  East Kent

  80.2

  74.9

  East Lancashire

  78.0

  72.8

  East London and The City

  78.5

  71.9

  East Riding

  79.4

  74.3

  East Surrey

  81.2

  76.7

  East Sussex, Brighton and Hove

  80.8

  75.0

  Enfield and Haringey

  80.1

  74.6

  Gateshead and South Tyneside

  78.4

  72.9

  Gloucestershire

  80.5

  75.7

  Herefordshire

  80.7

  75.7

  Hillingdon

  80.2

  75.6

  Isle of Wight

  80.7

  75.1

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  81.7

  75.0

  Kingston and Richmond

  81.5

  76.3

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

  78.7

  72.2

  Leeds

  79.7

  74.4

  Leicestershire

  80.1

  75.5

  Lincolnshire

  80.0

  74.9

  Liverpool

  77.0

  71.2

  Manchester

  76.9

  70.1

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  80.1

  74.7

  Morecambe Bay

  79.9

  74.6

  Newcastle and North Tyneside

  78.5

  73.3

  Norfolk

  80.9

  76.2

  North and East Devon

  81.2

  76.3

  North and Mid Hampshire

  80.7

  76.1

  North Cheshire

  78.1

  73.0

  North Cumbria

  79.0

  74.3

  North Derbyshire

  79.4

  74.4

  North Essex

  80.7

  76.0

  North Nottinghamshire

  79.3

  74.3

  North Staffordshire

  79.1

  73.4

  North West Lancashire

  78.8

  73.2

  North Yorkshire

  80.6

  75.8

  Northamptonshire

  79.9

  74.8

  Northumberland

  78.8

  73.9

  Nottingham

  79.9

  74.6

  Oxfordshire

  81.1

  76.8

  Portsmouth and South East Hampshire

  79.7

  75.2

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  80.2

  75.1

  Rotherham

  78.7

  74.0

  Salford and Trafford

  78.5

  73.2

  Sandwell

  78.5

  72.5

  Sefton

  79.2

  73.9

  Sheffield

  79.3

  74.2

  Shropshire

  80.4

  75.1

  Solihull

  80.8

  76.4

  Somerset

  81.0

  76.1

  South and West Devon

  80.7

  75.4

  South Cheshire

  80.2

  75.1

  South Essex

  80.1

  75.3

  South Humber

  79.8

  73.7

  South Lancashire

  79.4

  74.6

  South Staffordshire

  79.9

  75.0

  Southampton and South West Hampshire

  80.7

  75.6

  Southern Derbyshire

  79.7

  74.8

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  77.8

  72.4

  Stockport

  80.3

  75.2

  Suffolk

  80.8

  76.0

  Sunderland

  78.2

  73.0

  Tees

  78.5

  72.9

  Wakefield

  78.6

  73.5

  Walsall

  79.4

  73.6

  Warwickshire

  79.8

  75.1

  West Hertfordshire

  80.9

  76.6

  West Kent

  80.0

  75.3

  West Pennine

  78.2

  72.3

  West Surrey

  81.1

  76.7

  West Sussex

  81.1

  76.2

  425W

  Life expectancy at birth (in years) by Health Authority, England 1995–97

  Females

  Males

  Wigan and Bolton

  78.4

  73.6

  Wiltshire

  80.4

  75.9

  Wirral

  79.1

  73.3

  Wolverhampton

  78.6

  73.2

  Worcestershire

  80.0

  75.5

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Departmental Employees (Ethnic Minorities)
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of the total workforce in her Department is of ethnic minority origin; and what steps she is taking to encourage the employment of people from the ethnic minorities in her Department. [102732]

  Clare Short
  7.8 per cent. of DFID' s Civil Service staff are of ethnic minority origin.

  Our recruitment adverts state that we are committed to a policy of equal opportunities and encourage applicants from all sectors of the community. Vacancies are advertised by various means, including national newspapers, professional journals, several south-east London newspapers with a broad readership base, and local job centres. For posts and grades where there is a particular lack of representation from certain sectors of the community, our advertisements now carry a specific invitation, encouraging under-represented groups to apply. Selection is on merit.

  We took part in a recruitment fair in London in the summer of 1999 specifically aimed at ethnic minority graduates and we plan to do so again in 2000.

  Hurricane Mitch
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department has taken to provide assistance for women in Nicaragua since Hurricane Mitch. [102818]

  Clare Short
  Our post-hurricane emergency assistance to Nicaragua was in the health, education and water sectors. It is our policy to ensure all emergency assistance takes account of the needs of women and does not leave them marginalised.

  Women's NGOs in Nicaragua form a strong voice within civil society and we have supported their roles through our capacity building fund with the Inter American Development Bank and also in post Mitch reconstruction activities and decision making through the Joint Funding Scheme. The funds have gone to supporting a number of projects with non-governmental organisations, including Christian Aid and Oxfam, that are aimed specifically at women particularly in the fields of health and training.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what debts(a) Honduras and (b) Nicaragua have paid to the (i) World Bank and (ii) IMF (A) before and (B) since Hurricane Mitch. [102816]
  426W
  Clare Short
  The levels of debt service payments (principal and others) by Honduras and Nicaragua to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund are shown in the tables.

  Year

  World Bank 1 in Us$ millions

  International monetary fund in SDR2 millions

  Honduras

  1996

  94.1

  27.31

  1997

  77.8

  7.05

  1998

  73.5

  1.51

  1999

  63.7

  5.08

  Nicaragua

  1996

  25.9

  6.68

  1997

  23.4

  0.1

  1998

  14.9

  0.29

  1999

  10.9

  2.3

  1The World Bank figures include International Board for Reconstruction and International Development Association.

  2SDR-Special Drawing Rights

  Note:

  The figures are based on calendar years

  In the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch, the UK proposed a Central American Trust Fund in order to help Honduras and Nicaragua cover their debt service payments to the International Financial Institutions. In the period December 1998 to November 1999, Honduras received US$ 71.8 million and Nicaragua received US$ 41.3 million. The UK contributed US$ 16.3 million to the Central American Emergency Trust Fund.

  Burundi
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what response has been made by the Government of Burundi to the request by the United Nations Security Council that it should stop its policy of forced regroupment into recruitment camps. [101522]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 14 December 1999]: Following an open debate on Burundi in the UN Security Council on 12 November, a Presidential statement was issued calling on the Government of Burundi to "halt the policy of forced regroupment and allow the affected people to return to their homes, with full and unhindered humanitarian access throughout the process".

  In response to this and other international pressure, on 13 November the Government of Burundi made a statement to the international community on the "organisation of protective settlements for rural populations". The statement justified the policy of regroupment as necessary for security reasons. There is no specific commitment to reversing the policy although the Government of Burundi claims that
  "the settlements are gradually dispersed at the first signs of a return to a satisfactory state of security".

  More recently, in a statement to the press on 3 December, UN Security Council members repeated their concern at the policy of forced regroupment.

  I am placing a copy of the Government of Burundi statement in the House of Commons Library.

  Kosovo (Economic Costs)
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate she has made of
  427W
  the economic cost of the Kosovo war to (a) Bulgaria and (b) Romania; and how much development assistance is planned for those countries from her budget for 1999–2000 and 2000–01. [102642]

  Clare Short
  We have not made estimates. The IMF has estimated the output in the six most affected countries of the region, including Bulgaria and Romania, has been reduced by 2 per cent. in 1999, and that budget and current account deficits have been significantly increased. The international community has pledged a total of $1,372 million to bridge Bulgaria and Romania's estimated funding gaps in 1999.

  We have budgeted a total of £8 million for Bulgaria and £12 million for Romania, in bilateral assistance, over 1999–2000 and 2000–01. We also provide our share of multilateral aid to both countries through the EU and the International Financial Institutions.

  Nicaragua/Honduras (Reconstruction)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what mechanisms are in place to monitor funds pledged for reconstruction in(a) Nicaragua and (b) Honduras. [102817]

  Clare Short
  The Consultative Group meeting for the Reconstruction and Transformation of Central America in Stockholm agreed that a group of five major donor countries, (Germany, Canada, the United States, Sweden and Spain), would be set up to monitor the process of reconstruction and transformation in Central America.

  The five countries met for the first time in September and drew up a proposal for a permanent dialogue with the governments of Honduras, Nicaragua, (and El Salvador and Guatemala).

  Their remit is to negotiate and agree with the affected countries a system of follow up and support. The affected countries will provide progress reports on their reconstruction programmes.

  The aim of the group is to reduce the social and ecological vulnerability of the region; improve transparency; consolidate democracy and good governance; promote respect for human rights; coordinate donor efforts; and intensify efforts to reduce the external debt burden.

  Representatives from each of the five major donor countries and each of the four affected Central American countries will meet on a frequent basis to ensure that all conditions are adhered to. They will be reporting back to the next Consultative Group meetings to be held in Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua in the week beginning 7 February 2000. Britain will be represented at these meetings.

  Kashmir
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid has been provided to(a) Indian-controlled Kashmir and (b) Azad Kashmir since May 1997. [102978]

  Clare Short
  Since May 1997, we have provided £650,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross for their humanitarian assistance programme in Jammu and Kashmir and £132,500 to the Save the Children Fund 428W
  to support their work there. In addition, about £19,000 has been provided under the Small Grants Scheme to help equip a maternity hospital in Anantnag.

  Azad Kashmir has received no direct Department for International Development (DFID) assistance during the period in question, but it has benefited from our support for Pakistan's Social Action Programme. Prior to the military coup in Pakistan, we were in preliminary discussions with the Azad Kashmiri and Pakistani authorities about possible direct support for elementary education in the area. Those discussions were suspended when our bilateral assistance to the Pakistan Government was frozen on 15 October. We are also willing to consider assistance for victims in Azad Kashmir of the conflict in the region, if a suitable channel for our funds could be identified.

  Tariff-free Products
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her oral answer of 8 December 1999, Official Report, column 811, which products will be excluded when the EU offers tariff-free access for essentially all products to the least developed countries. [102995]

  Clare Short
  The EU has not yet decided which products will be excluded from its offer of duty free access for essentially all exports from developing countries. The UK has called for duty free access for all imports for the least developed. We will be pressing for minimum exceptions to the EU scheme.

  Ministerial Visit (United States)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what meetings she held with members and officials of the United States Government during her visits to the United States on 4–6 October 1998 and 10–11 December 1998; who was present from the US Government at each meeting; and what was the date and location of each meeting. [103048]

  Clare Short
  The purpose of my visit to Washington was to attend the annual meeting of the IMF and World Bank on 2 October 1998. I attended a G8 Development Ministers' meeting at the World Bank Headquarters, at which Brian Atwood, then USAID Administrator was present.

  The purpose of my visit to New York on 10-11 November was to deliver a speech on the future of the United Nations to an audience of permanent representatives and others concerned with the work of the UN. I did not hold any meetings with officials of the United States Government.

  Humanitarian Relief
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what guidance her Department gives to British companies wishing to donate their products or services to assist in the provision of humanitarian relief organised by charities. [103594]

  Clare Short
  We advise such companies to get in touch with the Disasters Emergency Committee, a joint body of 15 of the leading British Non-Governmental Organisation concerned with humanitarian relief.
  429W

  Sub-equatorial Africa
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much British bilateral aid was given to the Governments in sub-equatorial Africa over the past five years; how much of that money is not accounted for; and if she will make a statement. [103198]

  Clare Short
  Total UK expenditure to sub-equatorial Africa1 over the last five years is shown in the table:

  £ million

  1994–95

  351

  1995–96

  293

  1996–97

  321

  1997–98

  335

  1998–99

  393

  1This covers the following countries—Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Kenya, Uganda and Comoros.

  Over this period, a total of £7,000 could not be properly accounted for.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much was paid to the British Council for managing DFID contracts in sub-equatorial Africa over the past five years; and if she will make a statement. [103197]

  Clare Short
  The value of contracts awarded to the British Council, in sub Saharan Africa, since 1 April 1996 (the earliest date for which reliable figures are available), is£ 64,027,377. These contracts cover a variety of services including management. Disaggregated figures for contracts limited to management functions could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people are employed to monitor British bilateral aid given to Governments in sub-equatorial Africa over the past five years; and if she will make a statement. [103196]

  Clare Short
  During the past five years, the Department for International Development employed the following numbers of UK based administrative staff in our regional offices in Harare, Pretoria and Nairobi.

  1995: 30

  1996: 34

  1997: 34

  1998: 36

  1999: 45.

  These staff are engaged on a wide range of administrative activities, ranging from policy formulation to the oversight of programme and project management, including expenditure monitoring.

  Pakistan
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent representations she has received on women's rights in Pakistan; and if she will make a statement. [103213]
  430W
  Clare Short
  I have received no representations since my reply to the hon. Member's almost identical question on 10 November 1999,Official Report, column 555W. We regularly receive such representations and take every opportunity to ensure that the Pakistani authorities are aware of concerns. We take account of gender equality issues as a matter of course in our bilateral development assistance, which has focused upon reducing poverty and increasing basic rights and access to essential services—especially for women and girls.

TREASURY

  Population Flows
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the annual population(a) inflow to and (b) outflow from the Government Office, North East Region; and what was migration between the Government Office North East Region and (i) other parts of the UK and (ii) other countries in each year from 1992 to 1998. [102810]

  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.

  Letter from Tim Bolt to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 20 December 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question about the estimated in and outflows from and to the North East region.The attached table presents the information you require. The estimates of internal population movements are based on the movement of NHS doctors' patients between the former Family Health Services Authority Areas. They should not be regarded as a perfect measure of migration as there is variation in the delay between a person moving and registering with a new doctor. Additionally, some moves may not result in a re-registration: for example, individuals may migrate again before registering with a doctor. Conversely, there may be others who move and re-register several times a year.Moves between the individual Government Office Regions (GORs) of England and the rest of the United Kingdom are now published in Key Population and Vital Statistics, which is available in the House of Commons Library. Prior to 1997, the analysis related to moves within England and Wales only.The estimates of international (external) migration are derived from the International Passenger Survey (IPS), a sample survey of passengers arriving at and departing from the main air, sea and Channel Tunnel routes. Estimates derived from the IPS are subject to both sampling and non-sampling error. Some types of migrants are not covered by the IPS as it does not cover routes between the UK and the Irish Republic, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. All movements of diplomats and armed forces personnel are also excluded, as are asylum seekers and visitor switchers—persons admitted as short-term visitors who are subsequently granted a stay for a year or longer. These estimates can be found in the publication International Migration, which is available in the House of Commons Library.The following table shows total inflow and outflow (in thousands) to and from the North East Government Office Region: to and from the rest of the UK, and to and from outside the UK.431W

  Migration to and from the North East Government Office Region, 1992–98

  (Thousand)

  Total

  Of which

  Total

  Of which

  Year

  Inflow to the North East

  Internal from the rest of the UK

  External from other countries

  Outflow from the North East

  Internal to the rest of the UK

  External to other countries

  1992

  46.6

  40.3

  6.3

  45.4

  40.1

  5.3

  1993

  42.6

  38.3

  4.3

  45.7

  41.7

  4.0

  1994

  42.7

  37.1

  5.6

  48.2

  43.5

  4.7

  1995

  40.3

  37.9

  2.4

  48.1

  45.6

  2.5

  1996

  41.7

  38.6

  3.1

  48.7

  44.5

  4.2

  1997

  50.8

  38.6

  12.2

  55.9

  44.5

  11.4

  1998

  48.0

  41.5

  6.5

  49.2

  45.5

  3.7

  Ghana
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what conditions connected with(a) Government and (b) economic development were placed on the Government of Ghana by (i) the IMF and (ii) the World Bank in the last five years. [101976]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 9 December 1999]: The conditions connected with Government and economic development which have been agreed between the Government of Ghana and the IMF and World Bank in the last five years are intended to promote policies that reduce poverty, promote structural reform, macroeconomic stability and support balanced growth. Conditions refer to agreed objectives to;

  improve fiscal policies

  enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy and accelerate financial sector reform

  improve external debt management and trade policy continue public sector reform

  improve private sector development and economic competitiveness.

  Other major objectives and conditions relate to the Government of Ghana's policies and commitments to implement agreed sector and cross sectoral reforms (e.g. in agriculture, environment, water, transportation, electricity, petroleum sector), to improve the quality and coverage of social services (education, health) and to reduce poverty.

  Welsh Language
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what, at the latest available date, was the proportion of people who said that they could speak Welsh in each of the counties of Wales. [102968]

  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.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Denzil Davies, dated 20 December 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on the proportion of people who said they could speak Welsh in Wales.432W The percentage of persons aged three and over speaking Welsh, extracted from the 1991 Census County Reports, for each of the former counties of Wales are:

  Counties

  Percentage

  Clwyd

  18.2

  Dyfed

  43.7

  Gwent

  2.4

  Gwynned

  61.0

  Mid Glamorgan (Morgannwg Ganol)

  8.5

  Powys

  20.2

  South Glamorgan (De Morgannwg)

  6.5

  West Glamorgan (Gorllewin Morgannwg)

  15.0

  Copies of the 1991 Census County Reports are held in the House of Commons Library

  Paris Club
  Mr. Hopkins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what terms of agreement the Paris Club of creditor countries operates; and if he will place a copy of such terms in the Library. [103397]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Paris Club has no formal terms of agreement. It is an informal and voluntary gathering of creditors who have agreed to treat in a coordinated way the debt due to them.

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the right hon. Member for North West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 11 October on behalf of his constituent Mr. Gent. [103083]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I have done so.

  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the right hon. Member for North West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 26 October on behalf of Mr. Bastow. [103078]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I have done so.

  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the right hon. Member for North West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 28 September on behalf of his constituent Mr. Walkinshaw. [103079]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I have done so.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the names and designations of those who
  433W
  attended the meeting chaired by him on 9 December, involving representatives of Her Majesty's Government and the devolved administrations, to discuss combating poverty in the UK; and if he will publish the minutes of this and future such meetings. [103053]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Under paragraph A.11 of the agreement on the Joint Ministerial Committee (Cm 444), which has been agreed between the UK Government, the Scottish Executive and the Cabinet of the National Assembly of Wales, the proceedings of meetings of the Joint Ministerial Committee are regarded as confidential by participants, in order to permit free and candid discussion. As such minutes of JMC meetings will not be published.

  Red Diesel
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his Department's policy is in respect of passenger service vehicle operators who, having legally filled their vehicles with red diesel in Norway, have traces of red dye discovered in their fuel tanks by HM Customs and Excise in the United Kingdom. [103015]

  Mr. Timms
  The presence of any fiscal marker as listed in The Hydrocarbon Oil (Designated Markers) Regulations 1996 in the fuel tank of a road vehicle in the UK constitutes an offence under section 24A of the Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to exempt horticulture from the climate change levy. [102988]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government believe that all sectors of the economy must play their part in helping tackle the problem of climate change. So there will not be complete exemptions from the climate change levy for particular firms or sectors. However, like other sectors, firms in the horticulture sector will be able to take advantage of the proposed exemptions from the levy for electricity generated from 'new' forms of renewable energy and in 'good quality' combined heat and power plants, and the enhanced capital allowances for firms making energy saving investments. All sectors will also benefit from the lower overall rates for the levy announced by the Chancellor in his Pre-Budget Report.

  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of(a) the projected receipts from the climate change levy and (b) the projected level of national insurance refunds in each of the Government standard regions; and if he will make a statement. [102861]

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

  It is not possible to say what the exact final impact of the levy package on specific regions will be. That will depend on a number of factors, including the future energy consumption of firms in the region, the level of employment in those firms, the number of energy
  434W
  intensive sectors in the region that are eligible to receive a discount on the main rates of the levy by signing up to an energy efficiency agreement, what use firms in the region make of electricity generated from 'new' renewable sources of energy and in 'good quality' combined heat and power plants, and the extent to which firms in the region take advantage of the proposed introduction of a system of enhanced capital allowances for energy saving investments.

  Excise Duty (Fuel)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the impact on exchequer income of reducing the excise duty on lead replacement fuel to the level for unleaded fuel. [102774]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The cost of a reduction in the excise duty on lead replacement fuel to that of unleaded fuel in 2000–01 is estimated at £45 million.

  Personal Pensions
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money was received by the Exchequer in each of the financial years 1994–95 to 1998–99 as a result of the reinstatement of public service employees who were mis-sold personal pensions into public service pension schemes. [102796]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Public service pension schemes first received receipts in 1996-97 to pay for the reinstatement of employees identified under Phase 1 of the mis-selling review as having been mis-sold personal pensions. Receipts from this source, which are matched by future benefits to pensioners, have been received in all subsequent years but not all of the unfunded schemes financed from the Exchequer have separately identified receipts from this source throughout this period. With the exception of the NHS Pensions Scheme, the profile of Exchequer receipts relating to the main public service pension schemes is estimated as follows:

  Year

  £ million

  1994–95

  0

  1995–96

  0

  1996–97

  1

  1997–98

  44

  1998–99

  115

  In addition, receipts relating to the NHS Pensions Scheme up to the end of 1998–99 totalled approximately £500 million, of which £227 million was received between August 1998 and March 1999, and the balance between October 1996 and July 1998. A more detailed breakdown of these receipts could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. These figures exclude receipts by public service pension schemes which are not financed by the Exchequer, such as the Local Government Pension Scheme.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 6 December 1999,Official Report, column 448W, if he will provide a breakdown of receipts in respect of public service employees mis-sold personal pensions being reinstated into public service

  435W
  pension schemes, including the (a) number of employees involved, (b) public sector schemes of which they were members and (c) average payment. [102815]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The estimates given in my earlier answer, of receipts of £100 million to 160 million in this financial year and each of the following three financial years, were global estimates as detailed forecasting would not be productive given the uncertainties about the number of cases of mis-selling which Phase 2 of the review will identify, how restitution will be made and how fast cases will be dealt with. Receipts relating to reinstatements, mainly from Phase 1 of the review, in the current financial year are now expected to be approximately £195 million, bringing cumulative receipts up to the end of 1999–2000 to about £850 million. The latest estimate of receipts in the following three years is £100 million to 200 million a year. This is based on an expectation of receipts of about £95 million next year from schemes other than the NHS, with no certainty about the level of receipts thereafter. In addition, it is estimated that the NHS Pensions Scheme will receive about £300 million in respect of Phase 2 cases, based on an expectation that some 50,000 cases will require reinstatement to the NHS Pensions Scheme at an average cost of £6,000 each. The NHS Phase 2 receipts are assumed to be spread evenly over the next three years.

  Excess winter mortality by standard region of usual residence, 1988–89 to 1998–99, England, Wales and Northern Ireland

  Standard region

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–991

  North

  1,230

  3,030

  1,980

  2,580

  1,590

  1,990

  1,610

  2,490

  2,620

  1,760

  2,830

  Yorks and Humberside

  2,310

  4,660

  3,650

  3,980

  2,470

  3,120

  2,790

  4,040

  4,550

  2,460

  4,870

  North West

  3,530

  6,900

  5,460

  4,650

  3,700

  2,610

  3,400

  5,220

  5,960

  2,550

  7,080

  East Midlands

  1,650

  3,540

  3,040

  3,150

  2,180

  2,470

  2,330

  2,930

  3,540

  2,000

  4,200

  West Midlands

  2,200

  4,890

  4,050

  3,370

  2,590

  2,410

  2,310

  4,160

  4,530

  2,450

  4,990

  East Anglia

  1,180

  1,770

  1,700

  1,200

  1,120

  1,150

  1,180

  1,600

  2,140

  1,070

  2,250

  South East

  6,380

  14,470

  11,930

  10,740

  8,360

  8,690

  9,310

  13,240

  16,450

  7,200

  14,730

  South West

  1,830

  5,110

  3,910

  3,350

  2,190

  2,590

  2,840

  4,140

  5,060

  2,230

  4,300

  Country

  England

  20,330

  44,370

  35,720

  33,010

  24,190

  25,030

  25,760

  37,810

  44,850

  21,730

  45,240

  Wales

  920

  2,950

  2,330

  1,990

  1,610

  1,010

  1,650

  2,440

  2,880

  1,290

  3,000

  Northern Ireland

  350

  -1,170

  900

  960

  410

  640

  660

  80

  230

  600

  1,180

  1Provisional

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 8 October on behalf of his constituent Mrs. Sawyer. [103087]

  Ms Quin
  My right hon. Friend replied to the letter from the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire on 17 December.

  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 27 October on behalf of his constituent Mr. Jones. [103085]

  Winter Deaths
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the excess winter deaths for each English region, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in 1998–99. [100919]

  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.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Steve Webb, dated 20 December 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question asking for the excess winter deaths for each English region, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in 1998–99.
  Excess winter deaths are defined by the ONS as the difference between the number of deaths during the four winter months (December to March) and the average number of deaths during the preceding autumn (August to November) and the following summer (April to July).
  Figures for Scotland are now the responsibility of the Scottish Executive. Figures are provided in the attached table for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  Numbers of excess winter deaths can vary greatly from year to year, depending, for example, on the winter's severity or the occurrence of infectious disease epidemics. Figures are therefore presented for years 1988/89 to 1998/99. The figures for the final year are provisional.

  Ms Quin
  My noble Friend the Minister of State replied to the letter from the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire on 16 December.

  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 22 October on behalf of his constituent Ms Hodson. [103084]

  Mr. Morley
  I replied on 14 December 1999 to the right hon. Member's letter of 22 October on behalf of Ms Hodson.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Ludlow dated 20 July concerning CJD and BSE. [102685]
  437W
  Ms Quin
  My noble Friend the Minister of State replied to the letter from the hon. Member for Ludlow on 17 December.

  EU Agriculture Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 14 to 15 December; and if he will make a statement. [103470]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I represented the UK at the Agriculture Council meeting in Brussels on 14 December, accompanied by Ross Finnie, Minister for Rural Affairs in the Scottish Executive.

  The Council agreed to postpone for 12 months the introduction of compulsory labelling of beef in the light of evidence that the majority of member states would be unable to guarantee the integrity of such labels. Only France voted against. The precise legal form of the measure would depend upon the terms of the European Parliament's opinion on the Commission proposal, due to be delivered later in the week.

  The Council also decided by QM (Portugal voting against) to defer for six months implementation of a 1997 Decision on Community-wide measures controlling Specified Risk Material pending agreement on a new Decision.

  The Council agreed that adjustments to export refunds for processed agricultural products in order to meet budgetary and WTO limits should in future be governed by a strategic and targeted approach rather than via across the board cuts in refund rates. Officials were mandated to develop this strategy urgently with a view to adoption by March 2000 at the latest. I pointed out that in the medium term, the solution was to bring down CAP support prices. Meanwhile I endorsed the Council's proposed approach and expressed regret at the Commission's decisions to apply across the board refund cuts to date.

  Commissioner Byrne updated the Council on developments in response to last summer's dioxin crisis and on the Commission's plans in relation to food safety. Commissioner Fischler reported on his participation in the recent WTO Ministerial meeting in Seattle and on new Commission proposals for reform of the CAP cotton regime.

  EU Fisheries Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 16 and 17 December; and if he will make a statement. [103840]

  Mr. Morley
  I represented the United Kingdom at a meeting of the EU Fisheries Council in Brussels on 16–17 December, together with Mr. John Home Robertson, Deputy Minister for Rural Affairs in the Scottish Executive and Mrs. Brid Rodgers, the Northern Ireland Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, the first Minister from the newly devolved administration to attend an EU Council.

  The Council agreed by qualified majority, with France voting against, the total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas to apply in 2000 in Community waters and for
  438W
  Community vessels fishing in waters where catch limitations apply. Details of the final TACs are given in the following table.

  Following from the advice of fisheries scientists in the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the Commission had initially proposed substantial cuts in many TACs, reflecting the poor state of some stocks, reduced recruitment to them or the need to bring fishing effort back to levels which will help to sustain the future availability of stocks. Working on the basis of the scientific advice but using some of the precautionary management options identified by the scientists, we were able to secure smaller cuts than originally proposed for a number of TACs including nephrops in Area VII, anglers (monk fish) in West of Scotland, the North Sea and in Area VII, and in some flat fish TACs. As a result, at the end of the negotiations, the total UK quotas agreed were some 95,000 tonnes higher in cod equivalent tonnes than in the Commission proposals. This increase reduces the estimated loss of quota value to the industry in 2000 from £70 million to £40 million.

  Recognising the need to take steps to promote the recovery of the badly depleted cod stock in the Irish Sea, we were able to secure a Council and Commission commitment to introduce a recovery programme, after consultation with a new regional group made up of fishermen, scientists, and administrators involved in this fishery. The Commission will for the first time use the emergency conservation powers available to it to bring forward measures closing those areas in the Irish Sea in which spawning cod congregate from February to April 2000, as a way of protecting the stock. This commitment to an EU recovery programme, which followed intensive preparatory discussions between us, the Irish and the Commission, sets an important precedent for regional co-operation under the Common Fisheries Policy and the involvement of the industry in management decisions on stock recovery.

  The Council also agreed on the closure from 1 January 2000 of the sandeel fishery off the Firth of Forth in the interests of protecting seabirds dependent on sandeels. This measure which is in line with scientific advice resulted from close co-operation between us, Denmark and the Commission.

  The Council further agreed not to reduce in 2000 the minimum landing size for plaice to 22 cm. As a result, I am pleased to confirm that this will remain at 27 cm.

  I successfully invoked the Hague Preference on all those stocks where it was in our overall interest to do so.

  The Regulation on TACs and Quotas adopted by the Council incorporates for the first time in a single Regulation the outcome of all the Community's international fisheries arrangements for 2000 between the Community and Norway, Faroes, Greenland and Iceland, and under the North West Atlantic Fisheries Organisation and the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission.

  The Council also adopted unanimously, with Portugal abstaining, the Regulation applying control measures for Community vessels in 2000 required under the North East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation arrangements.

  Commissioner Fischler confirmed that he would be meeting the Moroccan Minister of Fisheries on 20 December to initiate negotiations on a new fisheries

  439W
  agreement between the EU and Morocco. He also made brief presentations on a Commission report on regional meetings, which will become available and be considered from January 2000, and the Commission's proposals for further amendment of the Technical Conservation Regulation, which includes provision for a three year closure of the Firth of Forth sandeel fishery.

  2000 TACs

  Stock

  1999 TAC (tonnes)

  2000 TAC (tonnes)

  Gain/Loss (%)

  Sandeels Ha, IV

  1,000,000

  1,020,000

  2

  Herring I, II

  1,300,000

  1,252,000

  —4

  Herring IVa,b

  240,000

  240,000

  0

  Herring IVc, VIId

  25,000

  25,000

  0

  Herring Vb, VIaN, VIb

  68,000

  42,000

  —38

  Herring Via (Clyde)

  1,000

  1,000

  0

  Herring VIIa

  6,600

  5,350

  —19

  Herring VIIe,f

  1,000

  1,000

  0

  Herring VIIg-k

  21,000

  21,000

  0

  Herring ha, IV Ind. by-catch

  30,000

  36,000

  20

  Cod Ea, IV

  132,400

  81,000

  —39

  Cod Vb, VI, XII, XIV

  11,800

  7,480

  —37

  Cod VIIa

  5,500

  2,100

  —62

  Cod VIIb-k, VIII, a, X

  19,000

  16,000

  —16

  Megrim Ea, IV

  3,000

  3,000

  0

  Megrim Vb, VI, XII, XIV

  4,840

  4,840

  0

  Megrim VII

  22,400

  17,920

  —20

  Dab and Flounder lia, IV

  30,070

  30,070

  0

  Anglers lia, IV

  22,070

  17,660

  —20

  Anglers Vb, VI, XII, XIV

  8,600

  8,000

  —7

  Anglers VII

  26,670

  23,000

  —14

  Haddock Ea, IV

  88,550

  73,000

  —18

  Haddock Vb, VI, XII, XIV

  19,000

  19,000

  0

  Haddock VII, VIII, IX, X

  22,000

  13,200

  —40

  Haddock Vila

  4,990

  3,400

  —32

  Whiting lia, IV

  44,000

  30,000

  —32

  Whiting Vb, VI, XII, XIV

  6,300

  4,300

  —32

  Whiting VIIa

  4,400

  2,640

  —40

  Whiting VIlb-k

  25,000

  22,500

  —10

  Hake ha, IV

  1,930

  1,480

  —23

  Hake Vb, VI, VII, XII, XIV

  30,910

  23,600

  —24

  Lemon sole and witch Ea, IV

  12,000

  12,000

  0

  Blue whiting ha NS

  90,000

  90,000

  0

  Blue whiting Vb, VI, VII, XII, XIV

  407,000

  407,000

  0

  Blue whiting VIIIabde

  26,500

  26,500

  0

  Nephrops Ha, IV

  15,200

  17,200

  13

  Nephrops Vb, VI

  12,600

  12,600

  0

  Nephrops VII

  23,000

  21,000

  —9

  Northern prawn Ea, IV

  7,013

  7,113

  1

  Plaice lia, IV

  102,000

  97,000

  —5

  Plaice Vb, VI, XII, XIV

  2,400

  2,400

  0

  Plaice VIIa

  2,400

  2,400

  0

  Plaice VIId,e

  7,400

  6,500

  —12

  Plaice VIIf,g

  900

  800

  —11

  Plaice VIIh,j,k

  1,350

  1,350

  0

  Pollack Vb, VI, XII, XIV

  1,100

  1,100

  0

  Pollack VII

  17,000

  17,000

  0

  Saithe Ea, Iilb,c,d, IV

  110,000

  85,000

  —23

  Saithe Vb, VI, XII, XIV

  7,500

  7,000

  —7

  Saithe VII, VIII, IX, X

  8,800

  6,500

  —26

  Turbot and brill Ea, IV

  9,000

  9,000

  0

  Skates and rays Ea, IV

  6,060

  6,060

  0

  Mackerel Iia(EC), III, IV

  Mackerel Ea (non EC), Vb, VI,

  500,000

  560,000

  12

  VII, VIIIabde, XII, XIV

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  2000 TACs

  Stock

  1999 TAC (tonnes)

  2000 TAC (tonnes)

  Gain/Loss (%)

  Sole II, IV

  22,000

  22,000

  0

  Sole Vb, VI, XII, XIV

  155

  155

  0

  Sole VIIa

  900

  1,080

  20

  Sole VIId

  4,700

  4,100

  —13

  Sole VIIa

  700

  660

  —6

  Sole VIIf,g

  960

  1,160

  21

  Sole VIIh,j,k

  720

  720

  0

  Sprat lia, IV

  175,000

  225,000

  29

  Sprat VIId,e

  12,000

  12,000

  0

  Spurdog ha, IV

  8,870

  9,470

  7

  Horse mackerel Iia, IV

  60,000

  51,000

  —15

  Horse mackerel Vb, VI, VII,

  265,000

  240,000

  —9

  VIIIa,b,d,e, XII, XIV

  Hill Farm Allowance
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many representations he has received in response to the Government paper, The Hill Farm Allowance Scheme in England; how many of them were from the West Country; and how long was the consultation period. [102172]

  Ms Quin
  The consultation paper was published on 5 November, and the deadline for responses was four weeks later on 3 December. By then we had received 48 responses. Most were from national organisations, but seven were sent from south-west interests.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what (a) economic and (b) environmental impact studies he has undertaken with regard to the effect on less favoured areas of the proposed Hill Farm Allowance Scheme; and if he will make a statement. [102173]

  Ms Quin
  In formulating the proposals account was taken of the evaluation report on the Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance scheme in England which was published in April 1998, of the latest data on hill farm incomes, and of management reports on the less favoured areas overgrazing controls and other advice from the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency. The proposals also reflect an assessment of their likely redistributive effect. The impact of the new scheme will be monitored, and it will be reviewed in 2003.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the proposed Hill Farm Allowance Scheme will come into force in(a) England and (b) the rest of the European Union; and if he will make a statement. [102174]

  Ms Quin
  The proposed Hill Farm Allowance Scheme will apply only in England, and the first payments will be made
  during the early months of 2001.

  Intervention Board
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the views of the(a) hygiene service and (b) Meat and Livestock Commission were sought on

  441W
  each of the companies who submitted a tender in the recent award of contracts to abattoirs by the Intervention Board under the over-30-month scheme. [102357]

  Ms Quin
  Decisions were reached following a competitive tender under which bids were considered and evaluated against objective criteria by a Project Board. The Project Board's membership included representatives of the Intervention Board, the UK Agriculture Departments, the Meat Hygiene Service, the Meat and Livestock Commission, the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland Veterinary Service and the Livestock and Meat Commission.

  Numeric Tagging
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when his Department's cattle numeric tagging system will be in operation. [102065]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 9 December 1999]: The change to numeric tagging will be effective from 17 January 2000.

  GM Foods
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he intends to continue to process

  £ million

  Financial year and RDR measure

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  2004–05

  2005–06

  2006–07

  Agri-environment

  95

  119

  136

  152

  167

  182

  197

  Farm Woodlands

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  14

  Increase in Woodland Grant Scheme

  0

  0

  4

  4

  4

  5

  5

  Less Favoured Areas

  27

  27

  27

  27

  27

  27

  27

  Rural Enterprise

  0

  8

  12

  24

  36

  36

  36

  Processing and Marketing

  0

  4

  8

  8

  8

  8

  8

  Training

  2

  3

  4

  4

  4

  4

  Energy crops

  0

  4

  5

  5

  5

  5

  5

  Tuberculosis
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the progress of the trials being carried out to counter TB as recommended by the Krebs report. [102222]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 13 December 19991]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Jones) on 30 November 1999, Official Report, column 186W.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will publish the amount of the direct payments under the CAP that will be transferred to other payments through modulation in each of the seven years from 2001; [102786]

  (2) if he will publish the amount of the direct payments under the CAP that will be transferred from each sector that currently receives direct payments to other payments through modulation in each of the seven years from 2001. [102787]
  442W
  applications for (a) GM varieties to be placed on the national list and (b) the use of herbicides on GM crops in the period up to 2003. [101752]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 9 December 1999]: We intend to continue to process National List applications for GM varieties. However the Government have decided not to grant a commercial level of approval to any herbicide for use on a crop genetically modified to be tolerant to that particular herbicide unless and until such a time as the crop itself is legally on the market. In the meantime, approvals for such use will be restricted to experimental approvals to allow for the use of the pesticide in question on a limited scale so that research work may be carried out.

  Rural Development
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the expenditure profile of each head of expenditure under the Rural Development Regulation for each of the seven years of the programme. [102800]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 14 December 1999]: Proposed expenditure under the England Rural Development Plan, subject to European Commission approval, and the Government's 2000 Spending Review is as follows:

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 13 December 1999]: The Government announced their intention on 7 December to introduce modulation of farm payments as from 2001 and to use the funds released, with Government match funding, towards the seven-year Rural Development programme. A list of the farm payments affected is given in the following table.

  Levels of modulation receipts will vary each year; proposed expenditure from these receipts under the Rural Development Plan (subject to European Commission approval, Parliamentary procedures and the Spending Review) is as follows, with deficits in some years being funded by carry over surplus receipts in others:

  £ million

  2001–02

  22

  2002–03

  45

  2003–04

  50

  2004–05

  54

  2005–06

  62

  2006–07

  70

  443W

  CAP scheme payments

  Sector

  Legal base

  Notes

  Arable crops

  Articles 2 and 5, Regulation (EC) No 1251/1999

  Area payments including set-aside payments and including durum wheat and special aid

  Potato starch

  Article 8(2), Regulation (EEC) No 1766/92

  Payment

  Grain legumes

  Article 1, Regulation (EC) No 1577/96

  Area aid

  Flax

  Article 4, Regulation (EEC) No 1308/70

  Area aid (the portion paid to farmers)

  Hemp

  Article 4, Regulation (EEC) No 1308/70

  Area aid

  Silkworms

  Article 2, Regulation (EEC) No 845/72

  Aid to encourage rearing

  Tobacco

  Article 3, Regulation (EEC) No 2075/92

  Production aid

  Seeds

  Article 3, Regulation (EEC) No 2358/71

  Production aid

  Hops

  Article 12, Regulation (EEC) No 1696/71 Regulation (EC) No 1098/98

  Area aid Payments for temporary resting only

  Beef and veal

  Articles 4,5,6 and 10,11,13, Regulation (EC) No 1254/1999

  Special premium, deseasonalisation premium, suckler cow premium (including when paid for heifers and including the additional national suckler cow premium when co-financed), slaughter premium, extensification payment, additional payments

  Milk and dairy products

  Articles 16 and 17, Regulation (EC) No 1256/1999

  Dairy premium and additional payment

  Sheep and goats

  Article 5, Regulation (EC) No 2467/98

  Ewe and she-goat premium and LFA supplements

  Agri-money

  Articles 4 and 5 of Regulation (EC) No 2799/98; Articles 2 and 3 of Regulation (EC)

  Payments to producers (including those under the transitional Regulation)

  Poseidon

  Articles 5, 13(1), 17, Regulation (EEC) No 3763/91

  Sectors: beef and veal, development of fruit, plants and flowers, sugar

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the percentages of direct payments under the CAP that will be modulated in each of the seven years from 2001. [102785]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 13 December 1999]: The Government announced on 7 December their intention to introduce modulation of farm payments as from 2001 and to use the funds released, with Government match funding, towards the seven-year Rural Development programme. In 2001, 2.5 per cent. of payments will be modulated, rising to 3 per cent. in 2002, 3.5 per cent. in 2003 and 2004 and 4.5 per cent. in 2005 and 2006.

  Ministerial Communications (French Agriculture Minister)
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on how many occasions he has(a) met the French Agriculture Minister and (b) spoken to him by telephone since 8 November. [102791]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr. Yeo) on 16 December 1999,Official Report, column 285W.

  Apiculture
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how the money promised by the Government in 1998 in order to tackle varroa disease and to educate beekeepers to become more self-reliant was spent; and if he will make a statement. [102454]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 13 December 1999]: The Government fund a range of measures in England through their bee health programme, which is delivered by the
  444W
  Central Science Laboratory's National Bee Unit. In 1998–99 the programme cost £1.3 million. The measures included a free diagnostic service for varroa, American Foul Brood and European Foul Brood as well as providing training and guidance on how to improve bee husbandry to help control bee diseases. Under the latter we issued a new leaflet on varroa monitoring to help beekeepers time treatments. This was accompanied by a varroa mite calculator.

  In addition in 1998–99 we spent around £248,000 on research and development (mainly on varroa), including a new five-year project on the biological control of varroa.

  Arrangements for bee health matters in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Scottish Executive, Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly respectively.

  Over-30-month Scheme
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the names and addresses of the slaughterhouses awarded slaughter contracts under the over-30-month scheme by the Intervention Board. [102919]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 16 December 1999]: The names and addresses of abattoirs to whom OTMS slaughtering contracts were offered and accepted are as follows.

  England

  ABP Nuneaton

  St. Mary's Road Nuneaton

  Coventry

  CV11 SAS
  445W
  J. A. Jewitt

  Low House

  Middlestone

  Spennymoor

  Co. Durham

  Alec Jarrett

  High Street

  Oldham Common

  Bristol

  BS15 6TN

  Madron Meat

  The Abattoir

  Madron

  Penzance

  TR20 8SF

  Anglo Dutch

  The Abattoir

  Charing

  Kent

  TN27 OJL

  North West Meats

  The Abattoir

  Dunkerley Street

  Oldham 012 7SX

  Beesons (Bradeley Meats Ltd.)

  Bradeley Hall Road

  Haslington

  Crewe,

  Cheshire

  CW1 5QN

  R. B. Elliott & Son

  Stud Farm Calow

  Chesterfield

  S44 5UN

  Bridgwater Beef

  Comeytrowe Lane

  Taunton

  Somerset

  TA2 6EA

  Southern Counties Fresh Food Ltd.

  Munchelney Road

  Huish Episcopi

  Langport

  Somerset

  TA10 9HG

  E. J. Duerden

  Lindal Moor Abattoir

  Lindal

  Ulverston

  Cumbria

  LAl2 OLT

  Wholesale Meat Supply

  Wood Street

  Great Harwood

  Blackburn

  Lancashire

  BB6 7UA

  F. Redfern

  Haslin Abattoir

  Buxton

  SK17 9HT

  Woolley Brothers

  Rother Valley Way

  Holbrook

  Sheffield

  S20 5RW
  446W
  Wales

  Oriel Jones

  Oriel Jones & Son Ltd.

  Teify Park Abattoir

  Llanybydder

  Carmarthenshire

  SA40 9QE

  TWM

  Glanlliedi Butchers

  Unit 1 Dafen Llanelli SA14 8PD

  Scotland

  Holbeck Holdings Ltd.

  Kilmarnock Abattoir

  Dundonald Road

  Kilmarnock

  Ayrshire

  Matheson Jess

  The Abattoir

  Montrose Road

  Brechin

  Tayside

  DD9 7PL

  Northern Ireland

  Calf Marketing Services

  73 Largy Road

  Crumlin

  Co. Antrim

  BT29 4RS

  Dungannon Meats

  Woodside Industrial Estate

  Woodside Road

  Ballymena

  Co. Antrim.

  Subsequently the abattoir at Llanybydder withdrew its tender, and the Intervention Board is in discussions with a potential alternative. The award of any further contract will be announced by Press Notice.

  Organophosphates
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to assess the Committee on Toxicity report on organophosphates. [103250]

  Ms Quin
  We are today publishing the advice Ministers have received from the Veterinary Products Committee (VPC), the Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP) and the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) on the regulatory implications of the report on organophosphates (OPs) by the Committee on Toxicity (COT). Copies of this advice have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  This Government have ensured that OPs have been subject to a more rigorous and transparent scrutiny than ever before. Publication of this advice, and our conclusions on it, marks the end of a key stage in that process.

  The regulatory committees all take note from the COT report that any ill-health effects from prolonged low-level exposure to OPs remain unproven, although there remains a question over whether there may be a small group of

  447W
  individuals particularly susceptible to OPs. They endorse the need for further research to address this and the other areas of uncertainty identified by COT.

  On the basis of current scientific knowledge, the regulatory committees advise against any general withdrawal of OPs from the market. However, in the light of the research by the Institute of Occupational Medicine, which identified the main risk of exposure to OP sheep dips as coming from the concentrate, the VPC has advised that all OP sheep dips should be withdrawn from the market pending the introduction of new containers which would minimise operator exposure.

  The Government accept this advice. We shall be implementing the committees' advice and carrying forward work on OPs through a four point plan.

  Firstly, we are taking immediate action on OP sheep dip concentrate containers. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has today written to all holders of marketing authorisations for OP sheep dips requiring the withdrawal of these products from the market until containers are introduced which will minimise operator exposure to OP concentrate. Product recall from distributors and farms will also be implemented. The issues surrounding packaging of OP pesticides are rather different. However, in line with the ACP advice, the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) is taking urgent action to confirm that all containers of OP pesticides concentrates comply with modern standards; and PSD will take regulatory action if they do not.

  Secondly, we are ensuring that data packages for OP compounds enable full evaluations in line with modern safety standards through the continuing reviews of OP veterinary medicines other than sheep dips (by the VPC) and of anticholinesterase pesticides (by the ACP). The ACP has recommended that regulatory action should be taken against approvals for products containing three OP
  448W
  compounds for which supporting data have not been submitted under the anticholinesterase review. Revocations of the approvals are being sent immediately to approval holders. This means that in all 14 OP compounds (more than half the OP compounds formerly approved) have now been revoked as a result of this major review.

  Thirdly, we shall be implementing measures aimed at continuing to promote best practice. For sheep dip, we accept the advice from the Health and Safety Commission that extension of mandatory certification would not be appropriate. Best practice will be promoted through a range of measures including further improvements to labelling to highlight necessary precautions in the light of the IOM report; a continuing programme of targeted inspections by HSE inspectors to reinforce messages on risk control and training and competence for sheep dippers; and supply of protective gloves with sheep dip. We have also decided not to further extend mandatory certification for pesticides uses in the light of the advice we have received and comments on the consultation we conducted earlier this year. We shall, however, be improving the guidance and the syllabus for the certificate of competence in this area.

  Fourthly, MAFF, acting jointly with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health, intend to develop a targeted research programme to take forward the research recommendations from COT and the regulatory committees. We want to involve expertise from the wider scientific community in this process. We therefore plan to hold a broadly based seminar in the new year to determine the scientific input and approaches required to meet these defined research needs. In addition, we are currently discussing a proposal to investigate databases of people who believe they are suffering from the effects of OPs. We hope to conclude contractual negotiations with a view to the project starting as early as possible in the new year.