Written Answers of 8 February 1999

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Road Schemes
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list(a) the road schemes which are proceeding following the outcome of the national Roads Review and (b) those roads which are to be considered by regional planning conferences which could have an effect on areas of outstanding natural beauty or National Parks, detailing for each the designation affected. [67024]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 26 January 1999]: Environmental concerns were a major consideration of the assessment of schemes during the Roads Review. The Road Programme inherited from the previous Government contained 21 schemes which would affect National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The following lists show the schemes which are to proceed as part of the Targeted Programme of Improvements following the national Roads Review which will impact on specific National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

  Scheme Name

  National Park or AONB

  A34 Chieveley/M4 J13 Improvement

  North Wessex Downs AONB

  A41 Aston Clinton Bp

  Chilterns AONB

  A2 Bean-Cobham Widening Phase 2

  Kent Downs AONB

  A21 Lamberhurst Bp

  High Weald AONB

  The following scheme, which was not sufficiently advanced to be considered for the Targeted Programme of Improvements, will be progressed through its preparatory stages so that if, after full appraisal and statutory procedures, it is eventually endorsed, it can be taken forward without delay.

  Scheme Name

  National Park or AONB

  A57/A628 Mottram-Tintwhistle Bp

  Peak District NP

  In addition, a number of schemes are to considered by Regional Planning Conferences in the context of the programme of wider multi-modal studies announced recently. These studies cover in some cases very wide areas of the country. Solutions to these studies will by no means necessarily be road based and will rarely be solely road schemes. We therefore cannot list AONBs or National Parks within these areas in the same definitive way as for identified road proposals. Environmental impact is an important consideration in our new approach to appraisals and its assessment will be integral to the
  2
  study process. Any consequences for AONBs and National Parks of solutions coming out of the studies would be explicitly identified at that point.

  Night Flights (Heathrow)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many night flights(a) landing and (b) taking off from Heathrow carried (i) passengers and (ii) airfreight in each of the last five years. [68576]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The total runway movements in the night quota period (11.30 pm and 6 am) each season for the last five years are set out.

  Season

  Arrivals

  Departures

  Total runway movements 1

  Winter 1993–94

  2—

  2—

  2,589

  Summer 1994

  2—

  2—

  3,204

  Winter 1994–95

  2—

  2—

  2,939

  Summer 1995

  2—

  2—

  3,266

  Winter 1995–96

  2—

  2—

  3,059

  Summer 1996

  2,527

  313

  2,840

  Winter 1996–97

  2,567

  255

  2,822

  Summer 1997

  2,722

  285

  3,007

  Winter 1997–98

  2,542

  224

  2,766

  Summer 1998

  2,765

  334

  3,099

  1 Total runway movements include all movements counted against the night movements limit and noise quota, movements by exempt types of aircraft and movements given dispensations.

  2 The split between arrivals and departures is not readily available due to the basis on which records have been retained.

  Full details of the split between passenger and all-cargo movements for each season are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. On the basis of available data, about 8 per cent. of movements in winter 1993–94, and 5 per cent. in summer 1995 were all-cargo flights including mail with similar amounts in intervening seasons (ie slightly more in winter than in summer). In summer 1998 there were 96 such movements, 3 per cent. of the total. A significant amount of cargo is carried in the holds of passenger aircraft.

  Vehicle Registration Documents
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason the Council of Ministers has resolved to apply the Committee Directive on the Registration Documents for Vehicles (EC 65/98) five years after the entry into force of that Directive. [68966]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The five year implementation period will provide Member States with sufficient time to introduce the new harmonised system for vehicle registration documents. Member States are free to introduce the new documentation before then if they wish to do so.

  Council Properties (Wandsworth)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Wandsworth Borough Council on its policy of selling council properties in certain areas of the borough. [69070]
  3
  Mr. Raynsford
  I have had no such discussions. However, officials of the Government Office for London regularly discuss with Borough officials many aspects of the Borough's housing strategy and of its performance as a housing authority as part of the annual Housing Investment Programme allocation process. Sales of council properties are one aspect of those discussions.

  Environmentally Friendly Vehicles
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with his European Union colleagues on the development of environmentally friendly vehicles by European vehicle producers. [69093]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Significant developments are taking place in Europe on the promotion of environmentally friendly vehicles by European vehicle producers. A number of directives were agreed in 1998, setting future emission standards for cars, vans and vehicles with heavy-duty diesel engines. Last year a voluntary agreement was concluded between the EC and European motor manufacturers, to reduce by 25 per cent. the CO2 emissions from new cars by 2008. When the UK's Cleaner Vehicles Task Force publishes its first report in the coming months, we will wish to discuss its contents with colleagues in Europe.

  I and my Ministerial colleagues keep in close contact with our European counterparts on these matters. During January my right hon. Friends the Minister for the Environment and the Minister of Transport had liaison meetings with the respective Ministers of the new German Government.

  Nuclear Fuel
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what discussions he has had with the German Government on the United Kingdom's rules relating to the import and export of spent nuclear fuel; and if he will make a statement; [69157]

  (2) if he will make a statement on his policy relating to the import and export of spent nuclear fuel; and if he will make a statement; [69156]

  (3) if imports of spent nuclear fuel from Germany primarily to alleviate the shortage of on-site waste storage capacity at German nuclear facilities contravene Government policy; and if he will seek advice on this matter from the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee. [69159]

  Mr. Meale
  The Government's policy is that spent nuclear fuel may be imported into the UK provided that the prime purpose is the recovery of reusable material.

  BNFL provides nuclear fuel reprocessing services on a fully commercial basis. Since 1976 all reprocessing contracts have contained the option for the return of waste arising from reprocessing to the customer country. The Government have made it clear that this option should be exercised, and all wastes returned.

  It has also been made clear to the German Government that the UK would not be willing to offer long-term storage in the UK for spent nuclear fuel that will not be
  4
  reprocessed. It follows that, should existing reprocessing contracts be cancelled at any time, German material held in the UK at that time would have to be returned.

  Peat Extraction
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps the Government are taking to protect internationally important lowland raised peatlands from damage caused by commercial peat extraction for horticultural and gardening use; and if he will make a statement. [69149]

  Mr. Meale
  My Department has reconvened its Working Group on Peat Extraction to consider whether existing policies and guidance on peat extraction are still appropriate.

  The Group is looking at a range of issues surrounding peat extraction, including the need for safeguarding peat bogs of national and international importance, and the development and marketing of peat alternatives.

  A report of the Group's discussions, including recommendations for action, is in preparation. This will assist me and other Ministerial colleagues to decide what further action is necessary.

  In the meantime, we have asked English Nature for advice on the position at Wedholme Flow and Thorne and Hatfield Moors on the best present scientific assessment as to the effects of commercial peat extraction on the areas of international importance.

  Temporary Airside Passes
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what restrictions are imposed by his departmental regulations on the taking airside of(a) cameras and (b) mobile phones by holders of temporary airside passes at British airports; [69072]

  (2) what security screening requirements are imposed by his departmental regulations on holders of temporary airside passes before they can go airside at British airports; [69057]

  (3) what is the maximum length of time laid down in his departmental regulations for which a temporary airside pass can be issued at a British airport; [69073]

  (4) what the rules are under his departmental regulations on checking of references before the issue of a temporary airside pass at British airports; [69056]

  (5) how many breaches of his departmental regulations covering the issue of temporary airside passes at British airports were confirmed during (a) 1997 and (b) 1998. [69058]

  Dr. Reid
  References are required only for the issue of a permanent pass. Temporary passes are issued on the basis of proof of identity, but such passholders must be escorted at all times. They are normally issued for up to three days, although a limited number of "special" passes are issued for temporary access up to 31 days when this is justified. Temporary pass holders are required to undergo the same screening process as all permanent staff and passengers before entry to the Restricted Zone of an airport. There are no Departmental Regulations restricting
  5
  holders of temporary airside passes from taking cameras and mobile telephones airside. However, all items taken airside are searched and particular attention is given to electrical and electronic equipment, such as cameras and mobile telephones.

  There have been no breaches of the Department's Regulations on the issuing of airside passes at British airports in 1997 or 1998.

  Following an article in a newspaper on 20 January, Ministers ordered an immediate inquiry into how a journalist had obtained a temporary pass to Heathrow airport by posing as a cleaner; also that an urgent reappraisal of the regulations governing the issue of passes at UK airports be carried out.

  At the same time, all the temporary passes issued to the company concerned were withdrawn, with no new ones to be issued until the Department's inspectors were satisfied that the necessary procedures were being carried out. These actions are currently being pursued, but it is too early to comment further.

  New Deal (Communities)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made in implementing the New Deal for Communities since its launch. [69414]

  Mr. Meale
  Communities, local groups and public bodies in the 17 local authority districts eligible to run pathfinders have brought forward proposals for neighbourhoods they consider would benefit from the New Deal for Communities. On the basis of those proposals, we expect to announce shortly which partnerships we will support, as they develop a detailed long term strategy for change.

  M6 Congestion
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reports he has received from the study group set up by his Department to examine ways of reducing traffic congestion on the M6 motorway between junctions 6 and 10; and what actions he proposes to take as a result. [69549]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We have recently finished a consultation exercise with regional planning bodies on the programme of twenty six studies proposed in "A New Deal for Trunk Roads in England", and we will make an announcement on the final programme shortly. The West Midlands to North West Conurbation multi-modal study will examine options for reducing congestion on the M6 through modal shift. Work on the first tranche of studies will begin in the spring.

  Outer London Orbital Rail Link
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy in respect of the creation of an Outer London orbital rail link; and if he will make a statement. [69819]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government welcome any viable proposals which might contribute towards a better, more integrated public transport system. Railtrack is responsible for stewardship of the rail network. It will 6
  set out its plans for the maintenance, renewal and enhancement of the network in its next Network Management Statement, which is due to be published in March.

  Endangered Species
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to prevent trade in endangered species within the European Union. [69820]

  Mr. Meale
  The trade in endangered species is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which is implemented within the European Union by Council Regulation (EC) No. 338/97. Commercial trade in wild taken specimens of species listed in Annex A of the Regulation is strictly prohibited, although exceptions may be made for research, breeding or educational purposes. The sale of these species is also controlled, including captive bred specimens.

  Train Services (Seating)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the average width of a standard class seat on mainline train services in(a) 1989 and (b) at the latest available date; and if he will make a statement. [69828]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The information requested is not available.

  Jubilee Line Extension
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what independent assessment his Department has undertaken of London Transport's planned timetable for the opening of the Jubilee Line extension. [69823]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  London Transport's (LT's) planned timetable for the opening of the Jubilee Line extension is independently assessed on an on-going basis by the Secretary of State's Agent, Ove Arup and Partners. Ove Arup has been reporting regularly to Ministers since the start of construction. It is on the basis of its reports that we are confident that the extension will be open in time to serve the Millennium celebrations at North Greenwich.

  Railtrack (Property Assets)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the implications for the delivery of increased rail usage of Railtrack's policy towards the disposal of its property assets. [69891]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The disposal of property assets owned by Railtrack is a commercial matter for the company. However, its powers of disposal are limited. Closure of railway lines (as well as passenger services, stations and light maintenance depots) which have been used in connection with railway passenger services at any time within the last five years are subject to consideration by the Franchising Director, the Rail Regulator and the Secretary of State, and wide consultation.
  7

  Millennium Dome (Transport)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussion he has held with Connex in respect of the use of Charlton station for transporting visitors to the Millennium Dome; what is(a) the present and (b) the maximum number of trains per hour which can call at Charlton; and if he will make a statement. [69827]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Surface rail interests are represented at my Millennium Access Co-ordination Group by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC). The Managing Director of Connex South Eastern represented ATOC at the first meeting of my group in June 1998, at which we discussed Railtrack's proposals to redevelop Charlton station to improve the interchange with the new Millennium Transit bus service that will operate between the station and the Dome.

  In November, ATOC reported to my group that Connex were considering the provision of additional train services to Charlton for Millennium Experience visitors. The present off-peak service at Charlton station is six trains per hour in each direction to/from Charing Cross/Cannon Street. The maximum number of trains per hour will be dependent upon capacity constraints at all stations on the line and access arrangements for services.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what(a) discussions and (b) correspondence he has had with (i) the Traffic Director for London and (ii) Greenwich Council in drawing up contingency plans for transporting visitors to the Millennium Dome should the Jubilee line extension not be open in time, giving in each case the first date of their involvement. [69826]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have, through my Millennium Access Co-ordination Group, asked London Underground Limited to lead the production of contingency plans to manage problems on any of the main transport links to the Millennium Dome site.

  The Borough of Greenwich became a member of my Millennium Access group in November 1998 prior to which date the interests of all boroughs were represented by the Association of London Government. Greenwich were present when London Underground presented an overview of the contingency plans to the group last month. I have not had any correspondence with Greenwich on this subject.

  I have had no discussions or correspondence with the Traffic Director for London on the plans. I have, however, invited him to attend the next meeting of my group, at which we will be examining London Underground's proposals in more detail. The Traffic Director for London has been a member of the contingency planning working group since November 1998.

  Beacon Council Scheme
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will consult on proposals for a beacon council scheme; and if he will make a statement. [70218]
  8
  Ms Armstrong
  We intend to publish a prospectus tomorrow inviting views on proposals for a beacon scheme to identify and select the best councils, so that others can benefit from their experience, and in the longer term allow new freedoms and flexibilities to be tested.

  Motorway Noise
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to announce details of the revised criteria and ring-fenced annual budget for the Highways Agency for new measures to reduce motorway noise. [69784]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We announced in "A New Deal for Trunk Roads in England" that we propose to establish revised criteria and a ring-fenced annual budget to provide noise mitigation on some existing trunk roads. We will make an announcement on this shortly.

  Bull Bars
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have to ban vehicles with bull bars from public roads. [69258]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Having considered the responses to a consultation exercise on options for national action on bull bars, we are currently in the process of identifying how best to take matters forward. As we have always made clear, any action on aggressive bull bars must deal effectively with the complexities involved. It is also clearly sensible for us to take the opportunity to consider bull bars in the context of the wider issue of making all new cars more pedestrian friendly.

  Climate Change Programme
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his target date for the publication of the new UK Climate Change Programme. [69567]

  Mr. Prescott
  The Government aim to publish the new UK Climate Change Programme in good time for UK ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.

  Rural Railways
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Organisation Instruction and Guidance issued to the new Strategic Rail Authority in relation to Rail Passenger Partnership funding will allocate a fixed proportion of this funding for use in rural rail infrastructure. [69205]

  Dr. Reid
  My right hon. Friend is currently considering the terms of revised planning criteria for the Franchising Director to apply in appraising support for passenger rail services. These will guide the allocation of funds for Rail Passenger Partnerships by the Strategic Rail Authority, which will be operating in shadow form from April pending legislation. I cannot anticipate publication of the revised criteria, but applications in respect of rural rail infrastructure will be welcome.

  Vehicle Emissions
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take
  9
  steps to provide for a defence to a charge arising from breach of regulations relating to vehicle emissions where the car in question has passed its MOT within 28 days before the date of a roadside check. [69568]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government are currently reviewing the way in which compliance with vehicle emissions standards is enforced at the roadside. The question of mitigating circumstances is being taken into consideration in that process and an announcement on future policy will be made in due course.

  Young Homeless
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to assist young, homeless persons. [69598]

  Mr. Raynsford
  For young people to be without a suitable home can blight their lives and future development and lead to the social exclusion that this Government are determined to tackle. The problems of youth homelessness go beyond the simple provision of accommodation; many other factors are involved and all sectors, statutory, voluntary and business have a contribution to make.

  That is why we have established the Youth Homelessness Action Partnership to bring together senior representatives of central governmental, local government and the voluntary sector. The Partnership is currently working on producing an agreed definition of youth homelessness and estimating the numbers involved. It will also identify what works in tackling and preventing youth homelessness, including the role of local strategies, and disseminate good practice to all the key players. The Partnership will also contribute towards the evaluation of the impact of Government policies on youth homelessness. The work of the Partnership will be underpinned by research to be commissioned later this year.

  We have refocused our DETR section 180 grant programme, which provides grants to voluntary sector organisations concerned with homelessness, to give priority to projects that prevent and tackle youth homelessness. £8.1 million is available in 1998/99 and over 200 projects around England are benefiting from these grants.

  The Government are committed to reducing the most extreme example of homelessness—rough sleeping—to as near to zero as possible in our towns and cities. The Prime Minister asked the Social Exclusion Unit to address the issue of rough sleeping as one of its first priorities. Their report sets a tough initial target of reducing the number of people sleeping rough throughout England, to a third of its current level by 2002.

  A new Ministerial Committee, chaired by my hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and Housing, has been established to ensure effective co-ordination of Government policy in preventing and tackling rough sleeping. The DETR will be responsible for co-ordination of the overall strategy for England on rough sleeping; including housing, health access to employment and training and benefits.

  We will establish a new body for London which will be responsible for reducing the numbers of people sleeping rough in the Capital. The new body will have an
  10
  integrated budget of £143 million over the three years until 2002 to combat rough sleeping and the causes of rough sleeping.

  Outside London, the SEU confirmed that local authorities are in the best position to take the lead on tackling rough sleeping and single, including youth, homelessness. To support local authorities in achieving the target reduction in rough sleeping in their area we have launched a new Homelessness Action Programme which will provide £34 million over the next three years to help voluntary organisations outside London to tackle and prevent rough sleeping. We announced details of over 250 voluntary sector projects which will benefit from this programme on 5 February.

  We have also strengthened the safety net for families and vulnerable individuals who are homeless unintentionally. The revised Code of Guidance on Allocations and Homelessness which will be issued later this year will provide more advice to help local housing authorities develop effective strategies to assist single homeless people including young people.

  Packaging Waste
  Mrs. Roe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on any additional costs for recycling packaging waste arising from recent changes in the law and the method for distributing such costs. [69611]

  Mr. Meale
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member of Hazel Grove, (Mr. Stunell) on 28 January 1999,Official Report, column 335.

  Mrs. Roe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to ensure that wasteholders have a right of access to the Packaging Waste Recovery Note System in respect of waste they deposit for recycling. [69610]

  Mr. Meale
  The Advisory Committee on Packaging referred to this issue in its further advice set out in Sir Peter Parker's letter of 22 December to my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment, a copy of which is in the Library. The Committee recommended that"individual businesses, who are obligated members of the packaging chain and bring waste for reprocessing, should be given first refusal on the PRN when waste is accepted for reprocessing and that reprocessors should make reasonable forward provision for such parties who wish to have PRNs".
  We are grateful for the Committee's advice and my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment hopes to make an announcement on this and other aspects of the Packaging Recovery Note system shortly.

  School Playing Fields
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many applications for the sale of school playing fields have come before him since 1 May 1997. [69613]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Secretary of State's consent to the disposal of land by local authorities under their general powers is only required where they wish to do so at less than the best reasonably obtainable consideration,
  11
  which is normally open market value. No such applications for consent for the sale of school playing fields have come before him since 1 May 1997.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many applications for school playing fields development he has approved. [69614]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The information requested is not held on this basis. The results of appeals and called-in applications are not classified by sites of this type. It is, therefore, not feasible to assemble such information, except at disproportionate cost.

  Listed Buildings
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers are available to local authorities to require owners of listed buildings to maintain them; how he monitors the performance of local authorities in discharging their duties in respect of listed buildings; and what powers he has in respect of listed buildings which a local authority fails to protect. [68852]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I have been asked to reply.

  Owners of listed buildings are under no specific duty to maintain their properties, though it will normally be in their interest to do so. However, local authorities have statutory powers to take action where a building has deteriorated to the extent that its preservation may be at risk. An authority can serve a repairs notice on the owner of a listed building specifying works it considers necessary for the building's preservation. If no action is taken in response to the notice, the authority can begin compulsory purchase proceedings. In the case of an unoccupied listed building, an authority can—having served notice on the owner—carry out works it considers urgently necessary for the building's preservation and recover its costs.

  My right hon. Friend has powers which are broadly similar to those of local authorities and which he can exercise where he considers that an authority has itself failed to take action. However, his policy is to treat them as reserve powers for use only in exceptional circumstances.

  My Department does not specifically monitor the performance of individual local authorities, but we would normally expect to look into cases where important buildings are reported to be at risk. Planning Policy Guidance Note 15: Planning and the Historic Environment urges all authorities to maintain and strengthen their commitment to stewardship of the historic environment, to reflect that commitment in their allocation of resources and to consider the use of their statutory powers wherever appropriate.

  Ministerial Engagements
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list his official engagements outside London planned for February. [69842]

  Mr. Prescott
  It is not the practice to give details of my forthcoming engagements.
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HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Devolved Powers
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the President of the Council what steps she proposes to take to ensure that announcements of Government policy on matters which will be devolved take into account the roles of the National Assembly for Wales and the Scottish Parliament. [68614]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Ministers are aware of the areas within their responsibility which will be devolved to the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales under the provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 and the Government of Wales Act 1998. Ministers are taking this into account in preparing and making announcements of Government policy.

  Oral Questions
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the President of the Council what was the total number of oral questions tabled to all departments, excluding the Scottish and Welsh Offices but including the Prime Minister in the last session; and what percentage were(a) on the Order of Business on the day in question and (b) actually answered orally. [69575]

  Mrs. Beckett
  26,625 oral questions were put down in the last session to all departments excluding the Scottish and Welsh Offices, but including the Prime Minister.

  7,437 or 27.9 per cent. were on the order of Business on the day in question and 3,149 or 11.8 per cent. were actually answered orally.

  Portcullis House
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what is the expected final cost of Portcullis House; when it is due to be completed; what is the cost of(a) furniture, (b) catering facilities, (c) exterior decoration and (d) interior decoration; how many (i) hon. Members, (ii) Parliamentary staff and (iii) ancillary staff will be accommodated in the new building; and if he will make a statement. [69103]

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  As previously reported, the forecast outturn cost of the project is £250m. In addition to the capital costs, this figure includes furniture and fittings, professional and construction management fees and VAT. In accordance with the brief agreed by the House in 1992, the building will provide accommodation for 205 hon. Members and at least as many Members' staff. The precise number will depend on individual hon. Members' working arrangements. At this stage figures for the number of ancillary staff, who will be mainly from the Serjeant at Arms and Refreshment Departments, are not available. The select committee and conference rooms will also be heavily used.

  Much of the furniture has yet to be purchased but the budget figures total £3.7m. These figures include the furnishing of the select committee and conference rooms and other communal areas including the refreshment and library facilities as well as the offices of hon. Members and their staff. The cost of the catering equipment, furniture and fittings is £2.4m. All the surfaces, both internal and external, are self-finished so there are no

  13
  costs that could be attributed to decoration. The building is due to be occupied early in 2001. Work remains on schedule.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Millennium Compliance
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the President of the Council, pursuant to her oral statement of 1 February 1998,Official Report,column 593, concerning the lack of insurance cover for travel on 1 January 2000, if she will list the relevant authorities examining the issue in each sector. [69573]

  Mrs. Beckett
  It is the responsibility of the transport industry to ensure that their transport services can be delivered without increased risk to the public over the Millennium. However, relevant public authorities are taking steps to ensure that this work is done. These include the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Civil Aviation Authority, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Rail Regulator, Railtrack, the Health & Safety Commission and the Highways Agency. These organisations are also working with relevant international organisations, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Maritime Organisation to look at the safety of international travel.

  The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and relevant regulators are also facilitating a programme of independent assessment of preparedness across the UK transport sector as part of a programme of work that is being led by Action 2000 through the National Infrastructure Forum. The first results from this work should be published in the Spring.

  1996

  1997

  1998

  County

  Officers

  Soldiers

  Officers

  Soldiers

  Officers

  Soldiers

  Avon

  1

  6

  0

  13

  0

  11

  Bedfordshire

  1

  0

  0

  3

  0

  7

  Berkshire

  2

  8

  0

  8

  0

  13

  Buckinghamshire

  0

  11

  0

  4

  0

  0

  County Durham

  0

  14

  0

  7

  1

  11

  Cambridgeshire

  0

  27

  0

  19

  0

  18

  Cheshire

  2

  18

  1

  24

  0

  26

  Cleveland

  0

  13

  0

  20

  0

  23

  Cornwall

  0

  6

  0

  7

  0

  10

  Cumbria

  0

  23

  0

  10

  0

  16

  Derbyshire

  0

  16

  0

  11

  0

  13

  Devon

  0

  39

  2

  40

  0

  34

  Dorset

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Essex

  0

  23

  0

  18

  0

  24

  Greater London

  1

  24

  1

  10

  0

  24

  Manchester

  0

  13

  0

  16

  0

  15

  Gloucestershire

  0

  5

  2

  7

  0

  8

  Hereford and Worcestershire

  0

  18

  0

  21

  1

  15

  Hampshire

  1

  35

  1

  41

  2

  50

  Hertfordshire

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Humberside

  0

  18

  1

  20

  0

  11

  Kent

  0

  31

  0

  24

  0

  20

  Lancashire

  0

  93

  0

  62

  0

  66

  Leicestershire

  0

  11

  0

  4

  0

  14

  Lincolnshire

  1

  34

  0

  28

  2

  23

  Merseyside

  2

  27

  0

  7

  0

  16

  Northern Ireland

  1

  15

  0

  12

  2

  20

  Norfolk

  0

  10

  0

  9

  0

  9

  Northampton

  0

  10

  0

  18

  0

  9

  14
  With respect to the availability of travel insurance over the Century date change, I understand that insurance cover remains available for both travel companies and transport companies, as well as for individual members of the public over the Millennium, although any policies may be subject to a number of specific Year 2000 related exclusions.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid Fund
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the cost to the Legal Aid Fund of paying Civil Court fees in(a) county court proceedings and (b) High Court proceedings in each of the last five years. [69227]

  Mr. Hoon
  Information on the amount paid for Civil Court fees is not available, as they are claimed as disbursements and the Legal Aid Board does not record these fees as a separate amount.

DEFENCE

  REME
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list by county the number of REME officers and regulars recruited in each of the last three years [69328]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The information shown in the table reflects the numbers of REME officers and soldiers recruited through the various Army and Armed Forces Careers Offices in each county, in each of the last three years; it does not necessarily reflect individual's areas of origin.
  15

  1996

  1997

  1998

  County

  Officers

  Soldiers

  Officers

  Soldiers

  Officers

  Soldiers

  Northumberland

  0

  13

  0

  8

  0

  8

  Nottingham

  1

  18

  1

  15

  3

  18

  Oxford

  1

  5

  0

  7

  0

  5

  Border Region

  0

  4

  0

  4

  0

  4

  Central Region

  0

  11

  0

  15

  0

  10

  Dumfries and Galloway

  0

  9

  0

  10

  0

  7

  Fife

  0

  17

  0

  13

  0

  11

  Grampian

  0

  8

  1

  6

  0

  8

  Highland

  0

  11

  0

  14

  0

  9

  Lothian Region

  0

  11

  1

  6

  0

  9

  Strathclyde

  2

  59

  1

  64

  0

  62

  Tayside

  0

  22

  0

  12

  1

  16

  Shropshire

  0

  7

  1

  9

  2

  6

  Somerset

  0

  16

  1

  14

  1

  9

  Staffordshire

  2

  14

  0

  8

  0

  12

  Suffolk

  0

  11

  0

  2

  1

  9

  Surrey

  1

  5

  1

  5

  0

  4

  Sussex

  1

  13

  1

  11

  0

  4

  Tyne and Wear

  0

  52

  1

  31

  0

  27

  Clwyd

  0

  13

  0

  7

  1

  13

  Dyfed

  0

  4

  0

  6

  0

  4

  Gwynedd

  0

  9

  0

  3

  0

  1

  Mid Glamorgan

  0

  7

  0

  9

  0

  5

  South Glamorgan

  0

  10

  2

  10

  1

  12

  West Glamorgan

  0

  14

  0

  14

  0

  10

  West Midlands

  0

  35

  0

  27

  2

  20

  Warwickshire

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Wiltshire

  0

  12

  0

  11

  0

  13

  Yorkshire

  1

  85

  2

  85

  3

  97

  Not recorded

  0

  31

  0

  10

  0

  12

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if HQ 101 Battalion REME was listed for closure in the first round of recommendations for the future of the Territorial Army proposed by HQ Land Command. [69346]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 17 December 1998,Official Report, column 657.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many REME regulars were recruited in the North West; how many REME recruits came from North Wales during each of the last five years; and how many of these were recruited via the cadets. [69329]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The information shown in the table reflects the numbers of REME soldiers recruited through Army and Armed Forces Careers Offices in the areas shown. It does not necessarily reflect individuals' areas of origin. The numbers shown as Ex-Cadet reflect those who are known to be former cadets and are included in the main total.

  North West

  North Wales

  Year

  Numbers

  Ex-cadet

  Numbers

  Ex-cadet

  1994

  71

  15

  3

  2

  1995

  115

  21

  28

  8

  1996

  151

  33

  22

  7

  1997

  109

  15

  10

  2

  1998

  125

  12

  14

  3

  The regions used are those defined in the publication "Regional Trends" published by the Office for National Statistics.
  16
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the cost to his Department of empty houses vacated by(a) officers and (b) other ranks moving from Chorley 101 REME to Queensferry. [69332]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Vacancies created by the departure of families moving with 101 Bn REME from the Preston area to North Wales are expected to be filled by families attached to other Army units in the Preston area. While there may, therefore, be some short term vacancies associated with this changeover, no costs in terms of long term voids are anticipated at this time.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date TAVRA North West was consulted about the decision to transfer HQ 101 Battalion REME to Queensferry. [69317]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The North West Territorial and Auxiliary Volunteer Reserve Association were consulted on this proposal on 12 October, at a meeting held at Headquarters Land.

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on(a) the Territorial Army's and (b) the cadets' role in recruiting regulars for the army; and if he will list the recruitment figures for regulars by region in each of the last three years. [69327]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Neither the Territorial Army nor the cadet forces have a specific role in recruiting to the regular Army. However, a number of members of both organisations go on to join the regular Army. The numbers of recruits to the regular Army, by region, in each of the last three years are as follows.
  17

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Region

  Total

  Ex TA/Cadet

  Total

  Ex TA/Cadet

  Total

  Ex TA/Cadet

  East Anglia

  618

  171

  551

  143

  518

  155

  East Midlands

  1,286

  393

  1,136

  274

  1,288

  287

  North West

  2,067

  458

  2,097

  442

  2.363

  408

  North

  1,701

  497

  1,703

  398

  1,848

  390

  South East

  2,632

  1,031

  2,158

  737

  2,395

  603

  South West

  1,168

  346

  1,168

  335

  1,308

  313

  West Midlands

  1,049

  308

  1,019

  304

  1,210

  290

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  1,649

  424

  1,599

  394

  1,887

  430

  Northern Ireland

  473

  135

  419

  122

  529

  122

  Scotland

  1,660

  426

  1,642

  400

  2,117

  491

  Wales

  813

  217

  922

  234

  1,047

  214

  Location not recorded

  393

  153

  87

  The regions are as defined in the publication "Regional Trends" published by the Office for National Statistics. The figures reflect numbers recruited by Army/Armed Forces Careers Office in the regions in question. They do not necessarily indicate individuals' region of origin.

  Compensation Claims
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Mid-Norfolk (Mr. Simpson) on 21 January 1999,Official Report, column 529, if he will list the year of submission of each claim for compensation on the grounds of (a) post-traumatic stress disorder and (b) physical injury, with the geographical region where it is alleged the injuries were sustained. [69607]

  Mr. Spellar
  The years in which my Department received the(a) post traumatic disorder claims and (b) physical injury claims to which my hon. Friend refers are set out in the table.

  Year claim submitted

  Post traumatic stress disorder claims

  Personal injury claims

  1979

  —

  2

  1985

  —

  3

  1988

  —

  4

  1989

  —

  3

  1990

  —

  19

  1991

  —

  39

  1992

  —

  51

  1993

  —

  90

  Battalion

  Police division

  Approximate district council boundaries

  Number of patrols 11 May-8 June 1998

  Number of patrols 9 November-7 December 1998

  3 Inf Bde

  Armagh Roulement Battalion1,2

  H

  Armagh, Newry and Mourne

  414

  308

  East Tyrone Roulement Battalion

  K

  Cookstown, Dungannon

  244

  123

  Ballykinler Battalion

  G

  Down, Ards, Newry and Mourne

  118

  6

  3 R Irish

  J

  Craigavon, Lisburn, Banbridge

  355

  300

  8 R Irish

  H

  Armargh

  470

  280

  8 InfBde

  Ballykelly Battalion

  N

  Limavady, Strabane

  22

  7

  Londonderry Battalion

  N

  Londonderry, Strabane

  127

  12

  Omagh Battalion3

  L

  Omagh, Dungannon, Fermanagh

  128

  133

  4 R Irish

  L

  Fermanagh

  229

  218

  5 R Irish

  O

  Magherafelt, Limavady, Colerain, Moyle, Larne, Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney

  27

  0

  18

  Year claim submitted

  Post traumatic stress disorder claims

  Personal injury claims

  1994

  10

  136

  1995

  16

  232

  1996

  40

  574

  1997

  39

  1,053

  1998

  43

  1,498

  1999

  7

  12

  Information regarding the geographical region where the alleged injuries were sustained could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Patrols (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many(a) foot and (b) mobile patrols were carried out in support of the RUC, broken down by approximate district council constituency between (a) 11 May and 8 June 1998 and (b) 9 November and 7 December 1998; [69884]

  (2) how many patrols were carried out by each battalion stationed in Northern Ireland broken down by police division and approximate district council constituencies between (a) 11 May and 8 June 1998 and (b) 9November and 7 December 1998. [69883]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  It is not possible to differentiate between foot and mobile patrols as many patrols are a combination of both. The information requested about patrols in general is set out in the table.
  19

  Battalion

  Police division

  Approximate district council boundaries

  Number of patrols 11 May-8 June 1998

  Number of patrols 9 November-7 December 1998

  39 Inf Bde

  Belfast Roulement Battalion

  B

  Belfast

  324

  0

  Holywood Battalion

  D

  North Down, Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey

  211

  0

  7 R Irish

  A and E

  Belfast, North Down, Castlereagh

  12

  0

  9 R Irish

  D and B

  Lisburn, Antrim

  81

  0

  1 Included the Drumadd Roulement Battalion whose Squadrons supported other battalions in 3 Infantry Brigade's are until 16–17 November 1998 when it was re-located to the mainland.

  2 Includes one company of the Province Reserve Battalion.

  3 Includes one company of the Rural Reinforcement Battalion for the period 11 May-8 June only. It was re-located to the mainland on 23 September 1998.

  A patrol is defined as any foot or mobile patrol in support of the RUC regardless of size or duration. Patrols conducted by the Army for local security around bases are not included.

  Some battalions operate in more than one Police Division.

  Police Divisions are not co-terminous with District Council boundaries. These delineations are therefore only approximate and in some cases a Council area may be covered by more than one Battalion, e.g Lisburn.

  Ministry of Defence Police
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on policing MoD areas 24 hours a day; what was his Department's budget for such policing for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98 and (d) 1998–99; what assessment he has made of such policing (i) nationally and (ii) in Gloucestershire; what discussions he has had with RAF Command Security about this issue; and if he will make a statement. [69505]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Ministry of Defence Police provide a civilian policing service to the Ministry of Defence and are available to provide a response 24 hours a day from police officers based at MOD establishments, mobile Area Police Teams, and other specialist services.

  My Department's expenditure on MOD police has been as follows:

  Year

  £ million

  1995–96

  134

  1996–97

  130

  1997–98

  134

  The forecast expenditure for 1998–99 is £137 million.

  The requirement for Ministry of Defence Police is kept under continual assessment both nationally across the Department and at individual Establishments and geographical areas of the Defence Estate. Gloucestershire is included in these assessments. RAF Command Security are fully involved in these discussions.
  20

  Armed Forces Pension Scheme
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which countries' armed forces pension schemes have been studied as part of the UK Armed Forces Pension Scheme Review announced on 23 September 1998. [67127]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  In undertaking the Review of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme the MOD will be looking at examples of good practice in other pension schemes. The Review is in its early stages and we have not yet finalised which foreign Armed Forces pension schemes we shall examine. We would, however, expect to consider the schemes of major NATO allies and other Western Armed Forces.

  ASTOR Programme
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the planned in-service date for the ASTOR programme; and what changes to that date have taken place since May 1997. [69026]

  Mr. Spellar
  The In Service Date, ISD, in May 1997 was 2003. Since then the bidders for the Airborne Stand-Off Radar, ASTOR, programme have been asked to review the feasibility of this in their bids for the Full Development and Production phase of the programme.

  The Department is currently in the process of evaluating bids, and it would, therefore, not be appropriate to make specific comments on any aspects of the bids at this time. On current plans we aim to announce a decision on the project in the spring, and award a contract later this year. The new ISD is dependent upon the selected bid.

  RN Naval Base Clyde
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 20 January 1999,Official Report,columns 460–61, on RN Base Faslane, on what date BP4 probes started to be used at RN Naval Base Clyde to monitor personnel leaving the reactor compartments of nuclear submarines. [69088]

  Mr. Spellar
  The BP4 probe has been in use at HM Naval Base Clyde for approximately 15 years.

  RN Base Faslane
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the radiation hotspots discovered in Ml 1 workshop at RN Base Faslane in 1989. [69466]
  21
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  No radiation "hotspots" were discovered in the M11 workshop in 1989.

  Future Engineer Tank
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Future Engineer Tank; and if he will list the project milestones. [68516]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 3 February 1999]: The Future Engineer Tank programme will provide the Army with modern armoured bridge launchers and engineer vehicles to support the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank. A number of potential solutions have been identified and the MOD plans to let feasibility study contracts with Vickers Defence Systems, Alvis Vehicles Ltd. and OBRUM in partnership with Marconi Electronic Systems (Land and Naval). Depending on the results of the feasibility study phase, which are expected to report next year, we expect to select one contractor to develop and manufacture both variants.

  We currently require an in service date of around 2004.

  RAF Dishforth
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the long-term future of RAF Dishforth. [69178]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  On current plans, RAF Dishforth will continue to be used both as a helicopter base and for training aircraft operating from RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

  Tornado
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the average flying hours in(a) 1997 and (b) 1998 for Tornado F3 aircraft in service with the RAF. [69383]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Tornado F3 aircraft each flew an average of 24.5 hours per month in 1997 and 21 hours in 1998.

  Canberra Aircraft
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the average flying hours in(a) 1997 and (b) 1998 of Canberra aircraft in service with the RAF. [69674]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Canberra aircraft each flew an average of 21 hours per month in 1997 and 17 hours in 1998.

  European Parliamentary Constituencies
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department adopted the European parliamentary constituencies as a geographical unit for decision making. [69378]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  My Department has not adopted the European Parliamentary Constituencies as a geographical unit for decision making.
  22

  Departmental Property
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list property owned by his Department which he plans to dispose of with outline proposals for(a) housing, (b) industrial use and (c) other uses, indicating the size of each site and the number of houses or premises projected. [69572]

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

  London Irish Rifles Company
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements have been made to assure the continuity of the London Irish Rifles Company. [69485]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The London Irish Rifles will form part of the new London Battalion, which is part of the new structure for the Territorial Army announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 17 November 1998,Official Report,columns 749–71. The London Battalion, which has yet to be given formal name, will have 6 companies with a total strength of some 658 volunteers. The intention is that the units that will make up the London Battalion will be able to retain their capbadge affiliations within the new structure, if they so wish.

  RAF Manston (Military Equipment)
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what investigations are taking place into an incident in May 1998 involving a cargo of military equipment flown from RAF Manston destined for South Africa which failed to reach its destination; and if he will make a statement. [68236]

  Mrs. Roche
  I have been asked to reply.

  The investigation of alleged breaches of United Kingdom export controls is a matter for HM Customs & Excise. It is not normal practice to comment publicly about the existence or nature of such investigations.

TREASURY

  Nicaragua
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Government have to write off the debt of Nicaragua with UK institutions. [68469]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 1 February 1999]: The UK has written off all aid loans debt to Nicaragua. We have also pledged that Nicaragua need make no debt service payment to the UK over the next three years, at which time Nicaragua is expected to qualify for debt write off under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what financial assistance has been given to Nicaragua in the relief effort since Hurricane Mitch; and what assistance he will provide in the future. [68468]
  23
  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 1 February 1999]: The UK has contributed £10 million to the trust fund set up by the International Financial Institutions for assistance to meet Nicaragua's multi-lateral debt service obligations and participated in an international debt relief package for Honduras and Nicaragua at the Paris Club, which will amount to over $100 million dollars of debt relief.

  Electronic Warfare
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of the Secretary of State for the Home Department of 25 January 1999,Official Report,column 75,on electronic warfare, what responsibilities of his Department for measures against information warfare will come within the lead responsibility of the Secretary of State for the Home Department. [68314]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Home Secretary's reply of 25 January set out his new responsibilities to co-ordinate action across government and to work with the private sector to ensure adequate protection for the UK's critical IT infrastructure. The responsibilities of individual Departments have not changed.

  In this context, HM Treasury has responsibility for the regulatory framework for the financial sector. Within this framework, the Financial Services Authority has operational responsibility for banking supervision, which includes ensuring that banks have sufficient systems and controls to protect themselves against the possibility of attack. The Bank of England oversees the UK payment systems industry.

  Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise have responsibility for ensuring the robustness of their systems against attack.

  Defence Pensions Expenditure
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list his latest estimates and forecast expenditure in cash terms for (i) defence superannuation less charges, (ii) civil superannuation less charges and (iii) pension increase payments for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99,(c)1999–00, (d) 2000–01 and (e) 2001–02. [68379]

  Mr. Milburn
  Latest figures for net pensions expenditure can be found in Supply Estimates 1998–99, Main Estimates (Cm 635, April 1998). Supply Estimates for 1999–2000 will be presented to Parliament in the Spring. Figures for historical figures are available in the Appropriation Accounts of the respective departmental votes.

  International Bodies (UK Contributions)
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the United Kingdom's net contribution to(a) the European Union, (b) NATO, (c) the United Nations,(d) the Council of Europe, (e) the WEU and (f) the OSCE in the latest year for which figures are available. [67119]
  24
  Mrs. Roche
  In 1997–98, the latest year for which figures are available, the United Kingdom's net contributions were:

  £ million

  Organisation

  1997–98 net contributions

  European Community Budget

  2,567

  NATO

  122

  United Nations

  82

  Council of Europe

  17

  WEU

  2

  OSCE

  6

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the United Kingdom's total financial contribution to the EU in 1997–98. [69165]

  Mrs. Roche
  The United Kingdom's net contribution to the EC Budget in 1997–98 was £2.6 billion.

  Comprehensive Spending Review
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will extend footnote 3 of Table A2 in the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review to cover the years 1993–94 to 1997–98. [68389]

  Mrs. Roche
  Outturn figures for the UK's net contribution are published each year in the Departmental Report of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Departments, the last being Cm 3917 of April 1998. The most current estimate of the figure for 1997–98 is £2.6 billion.

  Local Government Expenditure
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide latest estimates and forecasts for (i) local authority self-financed expenditure and (ii) Scottish non-domestic rate payments, for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000, (d) 2000–01 and (e) 2001–02. [68393]

  Mr. Milburn
  The latest estimate and forecasts of local authority self-financed expenditure are shown in the table.

  Local authority self-financed expenditure

  £ billion

  1997–98 estimated outturn

  13.7

  1998–99 estimated outturn

  14.5

  1999–2000 forecast

  15.5

  2000–01 forecast

  16.6

  2001–02 forecast

  17.9

  Scottish Non-Domestic Rates payments distributed to local authorities for 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000 are £1,326 million, £1,395 million and £1,441 million respectively.

  As of 1 July 1999, responsibility for Scottish non-domestic rates will be devolved to the Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish non-domestic rates yield for 2000–01 and 2001–02 will therefore depend on decisions by the Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament.
  25

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he would estimate the rates of child benefit for the first and subsequent children from April 1999 required to ensure that if a higher rate taxpayer in receipt of child benefit paid tax on it at(a) the higher rate or (b) the standard rate, the net cash amount of benefit received remained at the level already announced from April 1999; if he would further estimate (1) the gross annual programme cost of increasing child benefit to those levels and (2) what would be the net cost to the Exchequer of raising child benefit to those levels (i) with

  Rates of child benefit

  From April 1999

  First child (£)

  Subsequent children (£)

  Gross cost (£ billion)

  Net cost with no taxation (£ billion)

  14.40

  9.60

  —

  —

  (a) To give equivalent net cash amount when taxed at the higher rate of 40 per cent.

  24.00

  16.00

  5.5

  4.4

  (b) To give equivalent net cash amount when taxed at the basic rate of 23 per cent.

  18.70

  12.45

  2.4

  1.9

  If all child benefit payments to those mothers or lone fathers who were liable at the higher rate of 40 per cent. were taxable, the yield for 1999–2000 would be about £60 million with the child benefit rates at (a) and about £50 million with the child benefit rates at (b). Taxing child benefit for higher rate taxpayer recipients has no consequential effects on benefits.

  Customs and Excise
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many vacancies there were in operation posts of Customs and Excise in (i) South Wales, (ii) Newcastle-upon-Tyne and (iii) West Yorkshire in(a) January 1995, (b) January 1996, (c) January 1997, (d) January 1998 and (e) at the latest available date. [68815]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 3 February 1999]: The following figures show the vacancies filled during the periods in question.

  South Wales

  Newcastle/West Yorkshire

  January 1995

  1—

  32

  January 1996

  93

  117

  January 1997

  98

  164

  January 1998

  132

  29

  January 1999

  0

  2

  1 No figures available

  Scottish Consolidated Fund
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what powers of direction he will have over money transferred to the Scottish Consolidated Fund as a consequence of increased investment in specific, nominated projects in England and Wales; if such money would have to be used by the Scottish Parliament for identical projects in Scotland or for projects in the same departmental heading; and what monitoring role his Department would have over the use of such money. [68599]
  26
  no taxation and (ii) with higher rate taxpayer recipients paying tax on the benefit at the higher rate, taking into account the consequential effects on working families tax credit, income support payments and other means-tested benefits. [67795]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 3 February 1999]: The required rates of child benefit and the gross and net costs, are given in the table. The net costs take into account the consequential effects on income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit. Entitlement to Working Families Tax Credit is not affected by changes to child benefit rates.

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 3 February 1999]: The Scottish Parliament will have the maximum freedom to determine its own expenditure priorities within the funds allocated to it. Control and scrutiny of spending by Ministers of the Scottish Parliament will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament. The Treasury will continue to collect and publish information on spending in Scotland.

  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to establish a public service agreement between the Treasury and the Scottish Executive over moneys transferred to the Scottish Consolidated Fund; what will be the purpose of such an agreement; and what discussions he has had with the Scottish Office on this issue. [68430]

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 3 February 1999]: I have no plans to establish a public service agreement between the Treasury and the Scottish Executive.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the real terms annual percentage change in spending in(a) England and Wales and (b) Scotland between 1996–97 and 2001–02 on (i) education, (ii) health, and (iii) transport, broken down into (1) roads and (2) rail, (iv) housing, (v) police and (vi) local government. [68431]

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 3 February 1999]: The allocation of expenditure to the programmes listed (with the exception of police spending in Wales) will be matters for the National Assembly of Wales and the Scottish Parliament when they assume powers on 1 July.

  Smuggling (Tobacco and Alcohol)
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what work is being undertaken by HM Customs and Excise to include seizures at airports, EU diversion fraud and smuggling in freight containers originating outside the EU within the estimates of the revenue from(a) tobacco and (b) alcohol lost as a result of smuggling. [69532]
  27
  Dawn Primarolo
  HM Customs and Excise's current estimate of the annual revenue lost (excise duty and VAT) through the smuggling of tobacco products by air passengers is £50 million. This estimate is contained in a report laid in the House of Commons on 19 November 1998. There is no estimate of the revenue lost through smuggling by air passengers of alcoholic drinks, but this is not believed to be on a comparable scale.

  HM Customs and Excise are currently working with representatives of the trade and other interested parties to establish robust methodologies for the measurement of excise duty evasion as a whole. This work is in keeping with one of the recommendations of the report of the Alcohol and Tobacco Fraud Review, which was published in July 1998.

  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest estimate by HM Customs and Excise of the revenue lost on(a) tobacco and (b) alcohol products as a result of smuggling and bootlegging in the current financial year; and what are the final figures for the last financial year. [69531]

  Dawn Primarolo
  HM Customs and Excise estimates for the revenue lost (excise duty and VAT) through smuggling of alcohol and tobacco products are produced on a calendar year basis. Their most recent estimates are contained in a report laid in the House of Commons library on 19 November 1998.

  In 1998, Customs estimate that £1,000 million was lost through cross-Channel smuggling of tobacco products, and £220 million through such smuggling of alcoholic drinks. The equivalent estimates for 1997 are £790 million for tobacco products and £180 million for alcoholic drinks. Customs also estimate that the annual revenue currently lost through smuggling of tobacco products by air passengers is about £50 million.

  These estimates exclude any amounts for revenue lost through smuggling in very large freight consignments, for which Customs have not published any estimates.

  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further resources are planned for HM Customs and Excise to combat smuggling and bootlegging from sources(a) within and (b) outside the EU in addition to those already announced since May 1997. [69553]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Customs has been allocated £35 million under the Comprehensive Spending Review to tackle evasion of alcohol and tobacco duties. This includes over 100 additional front line staff, both at ports and inland, to combat the smuggling and distribution of illicit goods. The staff will not deal exclusively with goods from within or outside the EU; they will tackle fraudulent activity whatever the source. They will all be in post by 1 April.

  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions are taking place with customs authorities outside the EU to determine the amount of smuggled alcohol and tobacco products which originate outside the EU. [69529]

  Dawn Primarolo
  HM Customs and Excise are currently working with representatives of the trade and other interested parties to establish robust methodologies 28
  for the measurement of excise duty evasion as a whole. For measurement purposes, the split between EU and non-EU sourced smuggling is a secondary factor.

  Customs and Excise have contact with many non-EU customs authorities for operational purposes.

  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reasons seizures at airports, EU diversion fraud and smuggling in freight containers originating outside the EU are excluded from the official HM Customs and Excise estimate of the revenue lost on(a) tobacco and (b) alcohol products as a result of smuggling. [69528]

  Dawn Primarolo
  HM Customs and Excise's current estimate of the annual revenue lost (excise duty and VAT) through the smuggling of tobacco products by air passengers is £50 million. This estimate is contained in a report laid in the House of Commons on 19 November 1998. There is no estimate of the revenue lost through smuggling by air passengers of alcoholic drinks, but this is not believed to be on a comparable scale.

  Customs' published estimates of the scale of cross-Channel smuggling and smuggling by air passengers are based on statistical surveys of returning UK passengers conducted each year by Customs. Due to their hidden nature, and lower incidence, it is not practical directly to measure EU diversion fraud and smuggling in very large freight consignments by such means. However, HM Customs and Excise are currently working with representatives of the trade and other interested parties to establish robust methodologies for the measurement of excise duty evasion as a whole. This work is in keeping with one of the recommendations of the report of the Alcohol and Tobacco Fraud Review, which was published in July 1998.

  ECOFIN
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the(a) Ministers and (b) officials, indicating the departments represented, who were present at the ECOFIN meeting on 26 January. [69249]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]: There was no meeting of the Economic and Finance Council (ECOFIN) on 26 January. The Chancellor of the Exchequer attended a meeting of ECOFIN on 18 January, accompanied by a number of officials.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the EU countries which, at the ECOFIN meeting in Brussels on 26 January, declared(a) in favour and (b) against ecological tax reform; and if he will make a statement on the Government's policy. [69306]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]: The ECOFIN Council agreed at the meeting held on 1 December 1998 to mandate officials to continue work on a framework of energy taxation based on the draft Energy Products Directive. The meeting held on 26 January was a technical working group discussion on the draft Directive. Member States were not asked to say whether they were in favour or against ecological tax reform. The working group is expected to report back to ECOFIN in due course.

  The Government's position on the Energy Products Directive is that we favour some aspects of the proposal, such as higher minimum rates of tax on road fuels.
  29
  However, we could not accept, for social policy reasons, any obligation to impose new taxes on domestic fuel and power. Our attitude to new taxes on business use of energy will depend on the decisions we take in the light of Lord Marshall's report on 'Economic Instruments and the Business Use of Energy' which was published on 3 November 1998.

  Barnett Formula
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has(a) to review and (b) to alter the Barnett formula. [69238]

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]: I have no such plans.

  Financial Services Bill
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to announce a timetable for the setting up of the Joint Committee on the proposed Financial Services Bill; when the proposed Membership of the Joint Committee will be announced; what criteria will be used in proposing members; and when the proposed remit of the Joint Committee will be announced. [R] [69183]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]: The Joint Committee will be appointed after discussions through the usual channels and the necessary motions will be tabled soon.

  Counterfeit Euro Notes
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what evidence he has evaluated on the printing of counterfeit Euro notes in advance of their distribution; and if he will make a statement. [69196]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]: There is no specific evidence available at this stage of any counterfeit Euro notes. But police intelligence is constantly alert to the possibility of such activity. Moreover, there is a framework of international co-operation already in place to combat the counterfeiting of the Euro currency.

  Brazilian Parrots
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the letter of 28 October from the Financial Secretary to the hon. Member for Linlithgow (3/5658/98) concerning the Customs and Excise investigation into Lear's macaws and other parrots, what is the current position in respect of the Lear's macaws and their return to Brazil. [65406]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 21 January 1999]: The Lear's macaws and other parrots have been seized as they are suspected to be liable to forfeiture. They are being kept in secure accommodation pending civil condemnation proceedings.

  Pensions Mis-selling
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cases have been referred to the police for 30
  criminal prosecution as a result of pensions mis-selling in the last five years. [68806]

  Mrs. Roche
  None.

  Financial Services Industry
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of the European Court of Justice Ruling (C172/96) on the UK financial services industry; what estimate he has made of the cost of the ruling to HM Customs and Excise; and if he will make a statement. [68816]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The European Court of Justice ruled (C172/96) on 14 July 1998 that foreign exchange (forex) transactions are supplies for VAT purposes. This ruling will effect the extent to which financial institutions will be able to recover VAT on purchases relating to these transactions. In some cases, it will reduce the amount of VAT recoverable, but for those UK financial institutions with a wide range of non-EU, international customers it should increase the amount of recoverable tax. This is because these institutions will now be able to recover the VAT on forex transactions supplied to persons outside the EU where they were not previously able to do so. Some of these same institutions may also benefit if they apply the ruling to forex transactions which were made before 14 July 1998. The ECJ ruling will have no significant effect on the costs of HM Customs and Excise.

  Child Care Vouchers
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy that child care vouchers issued by employers should not be counted as part of an employee's taxable income; and if he will make a statement. [68964]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government have no plans to exempt employer-provided child care vouchers from tax as a benefit in kind. Help for child care costs will be available to those who need it most through the child care tax credit, which forms part of the Working Families Tax Credit, to be introduced from 5 October this year.

  New Deal (Young People)
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the oral answer to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) of 14 January 1999,Official Report,columns 430–31, on the New Deal for Young People, what assumptions in respect of savings in benefits and increased tax revenue from those funding work are made in his calculations of the cost per job; and if it is his intention to apply this methodology to other Government programmes. [66592]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 19 January 1999]: I warmly endorse the answers given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Employment, Welfare to Work and Equal Opportunities to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) on the New Deal for Young People on 14 January 1999, Official Report,columns 431–31. Expenditure on the New Deal is, as he said, money well spent. Early evidence suggests that the New Deal has speeded up the rate of exit from unemployment and the rate of entry into jobs amongst 18–24 year olds.
  31
  The Government's estimate of the average cost of jobs secured so far through the New Deal does not rely on assumptions in respect of savings in benefits and increased tax revenue. However, it does take general account of these factors when assessing the effectiveness of employment or other analogous programmes. As the New Deal increases sustainable employment and reduces structural unemployment, revenue would be gained and benefit outlay reduced as a result. This would contribute to the Government's Welfare to Work agenda, reducing dependency, maximising self-determination and contributing to the development of communities.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make available details of his travel arrangements for attending international meetings of finance ministers in September 1997. [70306]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  Details have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the cost of the chartered helicopter he used between the airport and his hotel in Mauritius when he attended the Commonwealth finance ministers meeting in September 1997; [69412]

  (2) what assistance the British High Commission in Mauritius gave in arranging to charter the helicopter used by the Chancellor of the Exchequer between the airport and the hotel during the Commonwealth finance ministers meeting in September 1997. [69413]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  [holding answer 1 February 1999]: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I am giving today to my hon. Friend the Member for Halton (Mr. Twigg), Official Report,column

  Windfall Tax (Agricultural Land)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to introduce a tax on windfall profits on the sale of agricultural land for development purposes. [69308]

  Dawn Primarolo
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be making his Budget statement on 9 March.

  Government Expenditure
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table showing both expenditure and per capita expenditure for(a) Northern Ireland, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) England for the years 1992–93 to 1998–99, analysed by the same programmes as Table 7.6B of Cm 3901. [69565]

  Mr. Milburn
  Tables showing identifiable General Government Expenditure (GGE) and identifiable GGE per capita, by territory and broad function, for the years 1992–93 to 1996–97 were published in Chapter 7 of the last edition of Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA) (Cm 3901). Tables for the years 1993–94 to 1997–98 will be published in PESA 1999–2000.
  32

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Colombia
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when her Department first made contact with the Pathfinders rescue organisation following the earthquake in Colombia. [69367]

  Clare Short
  My Department has not been contacted by the Association of Pathfinders in relation to the Colombian earthquake. The International Rescue Corps and RAPID UK, which are partners of the Association of Pathfinders, were in contact with my Department and undertook, independently, search and rescue work in Colombia. Both organisations were facilitated in their efforts in-country by the British Embassy in Bogota.

  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has to assist Colombia following the recent earthquake disaster. [69479]

  Clare Short
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) on 4 February 1999,Official Report,column 723.

  Technical Assistance Programmes
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of her Department's budget for 1997–98 was spent on technical assistance. [69478]

  Clare Short
  In 1997–98 DFID spent £676 million on technical co-operation (comprising capital-related TC, stand alone TC, grants and other aid in kind). This represented 65 per cent. of the Department for International Development's bilateral programme and 33 per cent. of total expenditure.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the technical assistance programmes that her Department funded in 1997–98. [69477]

  Clare Short
  Technical co-operation expenditure in 1997–98 was allocated regionally as follows:

  Country

  £ million

  Percentage

  Africa

  197

  29

  of which, South of the Sahara

  186

  28

  America

  62

  9

  Asia

  173

  26

  Europe

  87

  13

  Pacific

  5

  1

  Non-region specific

  152

  22

  Total

  676

  100

  33
  Technical co-operation (TC) currently comprises expenditure on capital-related TC, stand alone TC, grants and other aid in kind as follows:

  personnel

  training and scholarships

  knowledge generation (including technology development and research)

  support to the development work of the UK and international voluntary organisations

  grants to the British Council and for other development work by the UK institutions

  non-emergency appeals through multilateral agencies

  British Partnership and Heads of Mission Gift schemes

  funding of land and geological surveys in developing countries

  provision of books, equipment and other supplies in support of TC

  funding of evaluation of aid activities

  cost of certain pensions and related payments where the UK has taken over responsibility from the governments of developing countries.

  Know How Fund
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the budget of her Department from the Know How fund for 1999. [69068]

  Clare Short
  The Know How Fund budget for financial year 1998–99 is that published in the Departmental Report: £79 million.

  Future years are currently being considered in the Resource Allocation Round.

  The final figure will be published in the next Departmental Report in March 1999.

  Overseas Aid
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much was spent on overseas aid in 1997–98 by her Department in(a) India, (b) Pakistan, (c) Bangladesh, (d) Zimbabwe and (e) Kenya. [69166]

  Clare Short
  The Department for International Development bilateral programme expenditure in 1997/98 to the countries specified is given in the table.

  1997–98

  £ million

  India

  80.9

  Pakistan

  27.8

  Bangladesh

  38.9

  Zimbabwe

  12.2

  Kenya

  29.2

  Aid Debt
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much bilateral aid debt of developing nations has been cancelled by Her Majesty's Government since 1 May 1997. [69225]

  Clare Short
  In September 1997, as part of the Mauritius Mandate, we agreed to cancel the outstanding aid debts, worth £132 million, owed by those lower income Commonwealth countries that are committed to pursuing the international development targets, that are 34
  following sound policies which benefit the poor and promote responsive and accountable government, and that are bearing down on corruption. To date, under this initiative we have cancelled aid debts worth £29 million.

  In August 1997 we agreed a package of assistance to help the Government of Antigua and Barbuda with the costs arising from the influx of people from Montserrat following the volcanic eruptions there. This package included debt relief of £1.25 million.

  In addition, in the last two financial years, we have forgone repayments of aid loans totalling £38.8 million under debt relief agreements reached before May 1997.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of her Department's budget in the year 1997–98 was paid(a) directly to other Governments, (b) to non-Governmental organisations outside of the United Kingdom and (c) to the EU. [69226]

  Clare Short
  The information is as follows:

  (a) Amounts paid directly to recipient country governments (that is, financial aid, programme aid, aid and trade provision, and debt relief) totalled £257 million in 1997–98. This represented 25 per cent. of DFID's bilateral programme expenditure in that year (12 per cent. of total expenditure).

  (b) Payments to non-governmental organisations outside the UK are not separately identifiable in the statistics for 1997–98.

  (c) Our contribution to the EC in 1997–98 was £536 million which represented 56 per cent. of DFID's multilateral programme expenditure in 1997–98 (26 per cent. of total expenditure).

  Human Rights
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the countries with whom she has discussed their human rights record during the last 12 months. [69401]

  Clare Short
  Efforts to secure human rights, including economic and social rights, are an integral part of building sustainable development. These issues are part of my dialogue with all countries where we work.

  Street Children
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the countries in which her Department currently supports programmes to assist street children. [69389]

  Clare Short
  The main countries in which we are currently funding programmes to assist street children are listed. In addition to these country-specific initiatives, we support organisations with programmes for street children in a large number of countries. These include The Consortium for Street Children, UNICEF and the International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour of the ILO which, between them, cover all countries.

  Brazil

  Ecuador

  Kenya

  India

  South Africa

  35

  Russia

  India

  Tanzania

  Myanmar (Burma)

  Zambia

  Uzbekistan

  Kurdistan

  Bangladesh.

PRIME MINISTER

  Business Costs (EU Directive)
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the EU directives which he has identified as affecting business costs and which he is seeking to renegotiate. [69743]

  The Prime Minister
  The Government are committed to working with the Commission and other Member States to ensure that EC legislation does not impose unwarranted burdens on business.

  We are actively engaged in the SLIM initiative (Simpler Legislation for the Internal Market) which revisits specific EC rules to find ways of making them more effective and less burdensome on individuals and business. Under our Presidency of the EU, we secured agreement to reviews of EC legislation covering electromagnetic compatibility, insurance and social security. We are now participating in further reviews of dangerous substances, pre-packaging and company law legislation.

  The Government are also working to ensure that the impact of new EC legislation is properly assessed. For example, our Presidency of the EU saw the launch of a pilot European Business Test Panel, which consults business on specific proposals at an early stage in the legislative process. We are also seeking early implementation of the Business Environment Simplification Taskforce recommendations to reduce the administrative burdens on small firms. And the commission has now made a commitment to improve its business impact assessment system, known as the fiche d'impact.

  "This Morning" (Interview)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library a copy of the full transcript of his interview on ITV's "This Morning" programme on 1 February. [69995]

  The Prime Minister
  The transcript was provided by the programme. I have placed a copy in the Library.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received on the accuracy of the transcript of his interview on 1 February issued by his office to journalists on 2 February; and if he will make a statement. [69994]

  The Prime Minister
  None.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will establish a post of co-ordinator of the Government's policies in respect of the homeless. [69271]
  36
  The Prime Minister
  Government policy on homelessness is co-ordinated by my hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and Housing, in consultation with her colleagues, particularly my hon. Friends the Minister with responsibility for housing, transport and European affairs for Scotland, the Minister with responsibility for the environment and agriculture for Northern Ireland and the Minister responsible for housing in Wales. The problems of rough sleeping are particularly intense in London, where there is borough and district fragmentation and a large number of rough sleepers. We are creating a new single unit for the capital with a unified budget for tackling these issues including housing, health, employment and resettlement to link the work of central Government departments and agencies, local authority services, the voluntary sector and business, as recommended by the Social Exclusion Unit. My hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and Housing expects to announce the appointment of the new head of the London Unit shortly.

  Carers
  Kali Mountford
  To ask the Prime Minister when he intends to publish the Government's National Strategy for Carers. [69764]

  The Prime Minister
  The Government's National Strategy for Carers, "Caring about Carers", is being published today. It describes what we have done so far to support people who provide care for their relatives or friends who are sick, disabled, vulnerable or frail. The Government intend to ensure that all of our policies take account of the needs of carers the majority of who are women. We are also introducing some major new initiatives.

  I announced plans for a National Strategy for Carers, which I asked my hon. Friend the Member for Brent, South (Mr. Boateng), now the Minister of State, Home Office to lead, on 10 June 1998.

  The report of the National Strategy for Carers is the result of a consultative process, involving a large number of Government departments, carers' organisations, representatives of the National Health Service and of local authorities, other voluntary organisations which help to support carers and the people for whom they care, and a number of individual carers.

  Two-thirds of carers of working age are in paid employment, and the Government's family-friendly employment strategy will help them to combine paid work with their caring responsibilities. We propose to give carers, like all employees, the right to time off to deal with a family emergency. For those carers who cannot combine paid work with caring, perhaps because they need to care for a large part of each day, our policies are focused on proper support whilst caring and on enabling them to return to work when their caring responsibilities cease.

  The National Health Service and local authorities need to provide carers with information about services and to involve them in the planning of those services, so that carers' main needs are met better than they have been in the past. The Government's National Priorities Guidance

  37
  to health and local authorities will require those authorities to help carers to maintain their physical health and emotional wellbeing.

  We have already announced an extra £750 million over the next three years to promote independence through prevention of illness and disease and through rehabilitation. Carers and the people they care for will benefit from this.

  In addition, we are providing funding from within the Comprehensive Spending Review Plans, totalling £140 million over the next three years in England, to local authorities to enhance the provision of services which allow carers to take a break from their caring responsibilities. The new ring fenced special grant will total £20 million in 1999–2000, £50 million in 2000–01, and £70 million in 2001–02.

  The Government also intend, when Parliamentary time allows, to introduce new legislation to extend local authorities' powers to address carers' needs directly, which is frequently not possible at present.

  The Government wish to ensure that all carers have access to a support service in the area in which they live. Health and local authorities, acting together, will be asked to involve carers and their organisations in drawing up jointly agreed plans (for inclusion in their Joint Investment Plans) for provision for carers in their areas, including for carers' support services.

  We intend to trial a new question on carers for the 2001 Census. This should provide better information about the distribution of carers between local authority areas and on the numbers of young carers and those from minority ethnic groups.

  The Government are also announcing today that the scheme for reductions in council tax for disabled people will be changed from 1 April 2000, so that those who live in accommodation which is valued at band A and which has an extra room which they need because of their disability, or enough floor space to allow wheelchair circulation, should receive a reduction in council tax similar to that currently given for the other bands.

  The National Carers' Strategy also contains the Government's proposals to support young carers, including the provision of help for them in schools.

  It is the Government's intention to continue work to support carers and to monitor implementation of these new initiatives.

  Social Exclusion Unit
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list(a) the number of meetings of, (b) the membership of, (c) the budget of and (d) the issues addressed so far by, the Social Exclusion Unit. [69574]

  The Prime Minister
  The Social Exclusion Unit was established in December 1997. It currently consists of 29 permanent, seconded and temporary staff from a wide range of backgrounds inside and outside the Civil Service.

  Members of the Unit meet frequently with Ministers, officials from other departments, and people with a wide range of experience from outside Government.
  38
  To date, the Unit has completed projects on:

  Truancy and School Exclusion (report published May 1998)

  Rough Sleeping (report published July 1998)

  Neighbourhood Renewal (report published September 1998).

  The Unit is currently working on:
  Further policy formulation on the problems facing poor neighbourhoods, leading to the publication of a new national strategy on neighbourhood renewal to be unveiled in the year 2000.
  Reports to me on Teenage Parenthood and 16–18 year olds not in education, training and/or employment.

  The Unit's total budget for 1998–99 is £822,917.

  Professor Lawrence Freedman
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Prime Minister what are the(a) role and (b) responsibilities in the Cabinet Office of Professor Lawrence Freedman. [69490]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 3 February 1999,Official Report, columns 646–47.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Prime Minister when he next intends to raise Spain's closure of the Gibraltar frontier on 29 January with his Spanish counterpart. [69701]

  The Prime Minister
  The border between Gibraltar and Spain was closed on 29 January by a demonstration of Spanish fisherman and their sympathisers. We raised the matter with the Spanish authorities. This demonstration stopped on 30 January. We remain concerned that free movement across the border should be allowed, in conformity with EU obligations, and will continue to make this point to the Spanish authorities at every suitable opportunity.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Portadown
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland that sums have been identified for a boost package for Portadown linked to efforts to resolve the Drumcree crisis; and from which sources these sums are to be appropriated. [67778]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  No decisions have yet been taken about a package of measures for the Portadown area.

  Autism
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what assessment she has made of provision by health and social service boards in Northern Ireland of specialist placement for young persons and adults with autistic spectrum disorder; and if she will make a statement; [68556]

  (2) what assessment she has made of the provisions for children with autism; and if she will make a statement. [68557]

  Mr. McFall
  The Department of Health and Social Services has not made any assessment of provisions of specialist services for people with autism. However, the
  39
  Department of Health and Social Services Boards, together with the Department of Education, have supported a diagnostic scoping study commissioned by the Northern Ireland voluntary organisation Parents and Professionals and Autism (PAPA). The aims of the study are to evaluate the effectiveness of the current range of services for people with autism and make recommendations for the enhancement of service provision.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many young persons and adults with autistic spectrum disorder are provided with specialist services; and if she will make a statement. [68554]

  Mr. McFall
  The Department of Health and Social Services does not collect information on people with autistic spectrum disorder or the specialist services with which they are provided.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions she has had with representatives of health boards about the provision for treatment of children with(a) Kanners autism and (b) autistic spectrum disorder; and if she will make a statement. [68559]

  Mr. McFall
  The Department of Health and Social Services has not had any discussions with Health and Social Services Boards specifically about the provision of treatment of children with Kanners autism or autistic spectrum disorder. The special health and social needs of autistic children are provided by Trusts' learning disability and child health staff, as appropriate, and the Department is in regular contact with both Boards and Trusts about the provision of care in those specialties.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many children with autistic spectrum disorder in Northern Ireland are educated in schools or units which specialise in teaching children with autism; and if she will make a statement; [68555]

  (2) what plans she has to ensure that every child with autism in Northern Ireland receives a minimum of an hour's one-to-one teaching each day by a qualified teacher; and if she will make a statement. [68558]

  Mr. McFall
  Information on autistic children in Northern Ireland is not held centrally. However, the Education and Training Inspectorate estimate that some 265 children with autistic spectrum disorder are currently enrolled at those special schools which cater for children with severe learning difficulties. The training provided for the teaching staff in these schools includes training to assist them in teaching children with autism. Education and Library Boards may arrange for particular levels of teaching support to be provided for individual children in accordance with their special educational needs and I have no plans to specify the minimum provision to be made for children with autism at this time.

  Paramilitary Violence
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if she will list for the week ended 23 January the number of violent incidents involving paramilitary groups which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many involved(a) Loyalist and (b) Republican groups; [68725]
  40
  (2) if she will list for the week ended 23 January the number of (a) punishment beatings and (b) shootings which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many in each category were committed by (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups. [68724]

  Mr. Ingram
  Between 17 and 23 January 1999, there were 4 shooting incidents and 3 bombing incidents.

  The numbers of casualties as a result of paramilitary attacks are as follows:

  By Loyalists

  By Republicans

  Assaults

  4

  0

  Shootings

  2

  1

  Total

  6

  1

  Note:

  Figures may be subject to minor adjustment in the event of further information coming to light

  The figure for shooting incidents includes 3 separate incidents resulting in 3 casualties as a result of paramilitary attacks and the fourth incident is not yet attributable to any grouping.

  The bombing incidents reported are not yet attributable to any grouping; however, one has been claimed by the Orange Volunteers and two by the Red Hand Defenders.

  Prisoners (Early Release)
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the prospective release dates of all prisoners qualifying for early release under the Belfast Agreement. [69091]

  Mr. Ingram
  The information in respect of prospective release dates is shown in the list. It provides the calculated release dates in accordance with the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 for prisoners who have successfully applied to the Sentence Review Commission and who have received Substantive Determinations. Those listed with prospective calculated release dates falling after 28 July 2000 have a right to be released on that day. Details of individual prisoners names are not given for sensitivity and safety considerations. The information contained in the list is as at 4 February 1999.

  15 February 1999

  21 February 1999

  1 March 1999

  13 March 1999

  14 March 1999

  15 March 1999

  15 March 1999

  24 March 1999

  28 March 1999

  1 April 1999

  3 April 1999

  13 April 1999

  13 April 1999

  15 April 1999

  17 April 1999

  23 April 1999

  26 April 1999

  30 April 1999

  41

  10 May 1999

  16 May 1999

  16 May 1999

  22 May 1999

  6 June 1999

  15 June 1999

  16 June 1999

  21 June 1999

  21 June 1999

  21June 1999

  10July 1999

  10 July 1999

  14 July 1999

  16 August 1999

  26 August 1999

  31 August 1999

  1 September 1999

  6 September 1999

  7 September 1999

  7 September 1999

  10 September 1999

  14 September 1999

  17 September 1999

  19 September 1999

  10 October 1999

  12 October 1999

  20 October 1999

  21 October 1999

  1 November 1999

  16 November 1999

  20 November 1999

  23 November 1999

  26 November 1999

  10 December 1999

  11 December 1999

  11 December 1999

  16 December 1999

  20 December 1999

  21 December 1999

  11 February 2000

  11 February 2000

  14 February 2000

  21 February 2000

  21 February 2000

  7 March 2000

  13 March 2000

  20 March 2000

  22 March 2000

  25 March 2000

  27 March 2000

  10 April 2000

  22 April 2000

  4 June 2000

  8 June 2000

  19 June 2000

  22 June 2000

  1 July 2000

  15 July 2000

  42

  15 July 2000

  24 July 2000

  31 July 2000

  29 August 2000

  20 September 2000

  5 October 2000

  5 October 2000

  8 October 2000

  22 November 2000

  1 December 2000

  1 December 2000

  1 December 2000

  1 December 2000

  7 December 2000

  8 February 2001

  19 February 2001

  16 March 2001

  24 March 2001

  17 April 2001

  26 May 2001

  8 June 2001

  9 June 2001

  16 June 2001

  21 June 2001

  23 June 2001

  23 July 2001

  24 July 2001

  25 July 2001

  27 July 2001

  12 August 2001

  25 September 2001

  25 September 2001

  25 September 2001

  1 October 2001

  21 October 2001

  21 October 2001

  22 October 2001

  4 November 2001

  12 November 2001

  14 November 2001

  24 December 2001

  12 February 2002

  13 March 2002

  13 March 2002

  29 April 2002

  12 June 2002

  25 June 2002

  8 July 2002

  28 August 2002

  18 November 2002

  11 March 2003

  13 March 2003

  8 April 2003

  25 July 2003

  6 August 2003

  10 November 2003

  2 December 2003

  7 February 2004

  43

  15 February 2004

  16 March 2004

  24 March 2004

  14 October 2004

  19 March 2005

  10 May 2005

  10 August 2005

  17 August 2005

  2 November 2005

  18 November 2005

  18 November 2005.

  Wild Animal Imports
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to bring Northern Ireland law into line with that of Great Britain regarding the import of wild animals. [69285]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]: A consultation paper setting out proposals for Northern Ireland legislation equivalent to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 was issued by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland on 5 February 1999. A copy has been placed in the Library.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Sports Organisations (Media Takeovers)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his policy on takeovers of sporting organisations by media organisations. [65634]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 14 January 1999]: The Director General of Fair Trading advises on mergers which qualify for investigation under the Fair Trading Act 1973. Where a merger raises concerns in respect of a particular market it can be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (MMC) for investigation. All cases are considered on their individual merits.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which papers relating to BSkyB' s takeover of Manchester United were brought to the attention of his predecessor, the right hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson); and what meetings his predecessor attended with(a) BSkyB and (b) Manchester United's management. [67287]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 27 January 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow), on 18 January 1999, Official Report,column 363,and to the reply to Question 65643 tabled by the Member for Buckingham, answered above.

  Mirror Group Flotation
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when he expects to publish the report of the inquiry into the flotation of the Mirror Group; [65587]

  (2) if he will publish an interim report into the inquiry on the flotation of the Mirror Group. [65586]
  44
  Mr. Byers
  The Inspectors have not completed their inquiries. No interim report has been prepared by them. It is important for the inspection to be completed as quickly as is possible and for a final report to be submitted. The publication of an interim report could delay the publication of a final report.

  Hollis Industries Plc
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which of his Department's Ministers had responsibility for his Department's inquiry into alleged accounting offences by Hollis Industries plc during the period from September to December 1998. [65592]

  Mr. Byers
  On 23 September 1998 my right hon. Friend the Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson) decided, after a discussion with the Permanent Secretary, that neither he nor any other DTI Minister should be involved in these inquiries and that they should be handled by officials. Ministers remained accountable to Parliament for any actions or decisions taken by officials.

  Gas Generation
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what economic appraisal he has made of the additional energy costs to British industry which would result from an extension of the moratorium in gas generation approvals after spring 2000. [69180]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]: As set out in paragraph 10.18 of the October 1998 White Paper, "Conclusions of The Review of Energy Sources for Power Generation and Government response to fourth and fifth Reports of the Trade and Industry Committee" (Cm 4071), the Government do not consider that the stricter policy on consents for gas-fired power stations will have an adverse impact on competitiveness. This conclusion will remain valid, both before and after Spring 2000, if the conditions for relaxing the policy have not been met.

  Former Ministers
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps were taken by his predecessor to ensure that the business affairs of the hon. Member for Coventry, North-West (Mr. Robinson) were investigated by his Department without ministerial involvement. [66451]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: On 23 September 1998, the former Secretary of State for Trade and Industry decided, after discussion with the Permanent Secretary, that neither he nor any other DTI Minister should be involved in the inquiries the Department was making following certain allegations relating to companies with which my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, North-West (Mr. Robinson) had been involved. No papers generated by the Department's inquiries, or concerning their substance, were at any time shown to my right hon. Friend the Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson).

  Export Licences
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department has taken to evaluate and audit the military, security and police
  45
  equipment exported to Saudi Arabia by British Aerospace which, under the A1 Yamamah agreement, is exempt from export licence requirement. [68330]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I have been asked to reply.

  Equipment supplied to Saudi Arabia under the A1 Yamamah programme is covered by contracts placed on British Aerospace by the Ministry of Defence. Prior to contract placement, the same criteria as those used for export licensing are applied when evaluating requirements.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the export licences granted to GKL Group for the export of armoured vehicles components and weapons to Indonesia since 1988. [68329]

  Dr. Howells
  Inquiries are being made under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Where confidential information is involved, the parties concerned may be asked if they consent to its disclosure, and this can take some time. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible, and place a copy of that letter in the Library of the House.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the military and paramilitary export licences granted to(a) Sky Air Cargo and (b) Occidental Airlines between 1 January 1996 and 1 January 1999, indicating the export category and country of destination in each case. [68238]

  Dr. Howells
  The export of specified military and paramilitary equipment is controlled under entries in the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, the so-called Military List. The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated, and no standard or open individual export licences covering goods with such ratings are recorded as having been issued to these companies between 1 January 1996 and 1 January 1999.

  This information should be considered in light of the answer given by the then Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997, Official Report,columns 870–71.

  Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry(a) resigned his directorships and (b) sold his share holdings in (i) Juniper Communications Ltd., (ii) Juniper Production Ltd., (iii) Kaizuka Films Ltd., (iv) Spring Communications Ltd. and (v) Attractions Ltd. [67865]

  Mr. Byers
  The Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry resigned his directorships and sold his shares in Juniper Communications Ltd., Juniper Productions Ltd., Kaizuka Films Ltd., and Spring Communications Ltd. on 16 July 1998. The completion of formalities in relation to the legal (ie. non beneficial) interest in the shares occurred on 14 January 1999. As set out in his statement of 29 January 1999, which was placed in the Libraries of both Houses, he and his wife have retained a limited 46
  financial involvement with Juniper Communications Ltd. He resigned as a director and sold all of his shares in Attractions Ltd. on 7 January 1999.

  Ministerial Office Attendance
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the days on which he attended his office between 23 December and 8 January. [67476]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 25 January 1999]: I attended when necessary.

  Commercial Lobbyists
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what rules or guidance his Department has to govern the(a) formal and (b) informal interaction between his civil servants and commercial lobbyists. [66216]

  Mr. Byers
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 27 July 1998,Official Report, column 4, in response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice).

  Electro-shock Batons
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) which Saudi Arabian organisation was identified as the end user on the 1993 trans-shipment licence granted by his Department for the transfer of electro-shock batons from the United States to Saudi Arabia via the United Kingdom; [68195]

  (2) how many electro-shock batons were shipped from the United States via the United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia under the trans-shipment licence that his Department granted in 1993; and if he will identify the company listed as the end user on the trans-shipment licence. [68196]

  Dr. Howells
  I refer my hon. Friend to the letter dated 1 August 1997 to her from the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd), in which he stated that this licence covered the transhipment of 90 batons. A copy of this letter was placed in the Library of the House. The stated end-user was the security staff of the Arabian Oil Company Ltd.

  Research Councils (Studentships)
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many research council funded studentships have been unfilled in(a) 1998–99, (b) 1997–98 and (c) 1996–97. [67156]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 26 January 1999]: Table 1 sets out the data for the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Medical Research Council (MRC), and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Table 2 sets out the data separately for the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) as the introduction of the four year "MPhys/ MSci" degrees at undergraduate level has affected take-up, and PPARC' s current policy has allowed carry over of unfilled studentships from year to year.
  47

  Table 1: Unfilled studentships

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Research council

  Provision

  Unfilled

  Provision

  Unfilled

  Provision

  Unfilled

  BBSRC

  740

  7

  740

  10

  740

  16

  EPSRC

  3,782

  219

  3,725

  376

  3,814

  558

  ESRC

  921

  0

  981

  8

  1,166

  24

  MRC

  340

  23

  351

  20

  350

  17

  NERC

  544

  13

  538

  3

  546

  6

  Total

  6,327

  262

  6,335

  417

  6,616

  621

  Notes:

  1. The figures show the number of new studentships made available each year which were not taken up.

  2. For BBSRC, the take-up figures are as at 1 January, for EPSRC 1 November, for ESRC 15 October, for MRC 30 September, and for NERC 31 July. The 1998–99 figures for BBSRC, EPSRC and MRC are provisional, as confirmation of the take-up of studentships may continue for several months yet, for example, in EPSRC's case until 31 March.

  Table 2: Research Studentships

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Research Council

  Provision

  Taken up

  Provision

  Taken up

  Provision

  Taken up

  PPARC

  150

  112

  158

  172

  167

  171

  Notes:

  1. The figures show the number of new research studentships awarded in each year and the number taken up. PPARC's policy has allowed carry over of unfilled studentships from year to year.

  2. PPARC also made provision of 15 advanced course studentships in 1996–97, all of which were taken up.

  Working Time Directive
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received concerning the implementation of the Working Time Directive in the mining industry. [68912]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Draft regulations to implement the Working Time Directive were published for consultation on 8 April. DTI Ministers received a couple of responses from the quarrying sector but have not received any representations from the coal mining industry in response to the consultation or since.

  Food Standards Agency
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what role will be played by the Minister with special responsibility for small firms in the Government's consultation with small businesses on the proposed levy for the Food Standards Agency. [68972]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 2 February 1999]: As Minister with responsibility for small firms I am concerned to ensure that the arrangements over the levy to recover some of the costs of establishing the Food Standards Agency are fair to the smaller businesses involved. My hon. Friend the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs takes a strong interest in the development of these proposals and will continue to be involved as they evolve.

  Power Stations
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the power stations with FGD, indicating their capacity and the cost of installation of FGD in each case at current prices. [69065]

  Mr. Battle
  There are two power stations currently fitted with FGD abatement: Drax, owned by National Power plc with current registered capacity of 3,945 MW, and Ratcliffe, owned by PowerGen plc with a current registered capacity of 2034 MW.
  48
  In the February 1995 prospectus for the sale of the Government's remaining shares in the two companies, National Power estimated the capital cost of installing FGD at Drax at about £650 million and PowerGen estimated the capital cost of installing FGD at Ratcliffe at about £250 million. These estimates were made at the time the FGD plant was being installed.

  In recent years, the cost of FGD plant has fallen. On 27 January 1999, Eastern Generation Ltd. applied for consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to retrofit FGD abatement to its 2012 MW plant at West Burton. In its original announcement of the project, Eastern Generation estimated the cost as being
  "in excess of £100 million".

  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimates he has made of the cost of electricity per KWh produced by(a) existing coal-fired power stations, (b) new CCGT gas-fired power stations and (c) existing coal-fired power stations with FGD. [69064]

  Mr. Battle
  The costs of electricity from gas-fired and coal-fired power stations were considered as part of the Government's Review of Energy Sources for Power Generation.

  The views of consultees and the Government's conclusions relating to new CCGT gas-fired stations and existing coal-fired stations, with and without FGD, are set out in paragraphs 5.38 to 5.41 of the Government's October 1998 White Paper "Conclusions of The Review of Energy Sources for Power Generation and Government response to fourth and fifth Reports of the Trade and Industry Committee" (Cm 4071).

  Protected Coal Market (Emissions)
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the impact on emissions of Government policies which have protected the market for coal. [69566]
  49
  Mr. Battle
  The White Paper of October 1998, "Conclusions of The Review of Energy Sources for Power Generation and Government responses to fourth and fifth Reports of the Trade and Industry Committee" (Cm 4071), set out the Government's programme of reform in the electricity market and introduced a stricter policy on consents for gas-fired stations to protect diversity and security of supply while the programme of reform was under way. The White Paper discussed the environmental aspects of the Government's policy in Chapter 9 (Achieving sustainable energy supplies). An environmental appraisal was provided as Annexe H.

  Redundancy Payments
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to review the issuing of statutory redundancy payments by his Department. [68033]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The responsibility for making a statutory redundancy payment lies in the first instance with the redundant employee's former employer. It passes to the National Insurance Fund, however, in cases where the former employer is insolvent or otherwise unable to meet it, for example by reason of severe financial difficulty. We keep this aspect of the employment rights legislation under review, but have no plans to change it at present. The Department' s Redundancy Payments Service processes applications for payment, working to performance targets published in its Service Charter and reviewed annually.

  Multilateral Agreement on Investment
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it is his policy to ensure that the MAI is negotiated in open session in the World Trade Organisation. [69487]

  Mr. Wills
  Negotiations on the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) are no longer taking place. The Government are now pursuing a long-held objective, shared by their EU partners, of placing the international investment issue on the agenda of the World Trade Organisation. However, any investment negotiation in the WTO would be a new negotiation, based on a new set of objectives to be established by consensus. The Government will continue to work within the WTO to achieve the maximum degree of openness on this and on other issues, and will keep the British public fully informed of their own actions.

  Civil Aircraft and Research Demonstration Budget
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to announce the Civil Aircraft and Research Demonstration budget. [69500]

  Mr. Battle
  Details of the allocations for all DTI budgets, including CARAD, will be announced when the Department publishes its Expenditure Plans Report in March.

  Company Closures
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when(a) Juniper Communications
  50
  Ltd, (b) Juniper Productions Ltd, (c) Kaizuka Films Ltd, (d) Spring Communication Ltd and (e) Attractions Ltd ceased trading. [68793]

  Mr. Byers
  Records at Companies House show that none of the 5 companies indicated has ceased trading, in the sense of being dissolved. However, 3 of them, Juniper Productions Limited, Kaizuka Films Limited and Spring Communications Limited, are currently dormant.

  Cassini Space Probe
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the potential environmental risks of NASA's Cassini Space Probe. [69215]

  Mr. Battle
  Before launch, NASA have commissioned two independent risk assessments, and scientists of the European Space Agency, of which the UK is a member, independently evaluated the mission. The spacecraft design meets demanding safety criteria set by the United Nations and independent US health and safety organisations.

  Vibration White Finger
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people in Wales are claiming compensation for suffering from vibration white finger; and if he will make a statement. [69537]

  Mr. Battle
  The total number of Vibration White Finger claims received by IRISC, the Department's claim handlers, from people in Wales is 6,286.

  I am pleased that the complex negotiations between the DTI, who inherited British Coal's liabilities, and the Plaintiff Solicitors Group, who represent the majority of the claimants, have produced an agreement on the compensation levels for miners suffering from VWF. The agreement announced in the High Court in Manchester on 22 January means an end to uncertainty for the some 31,000 ex-miners who have made claims to date. They can now look forward to receiving fair compensation which will be based upon a claimant's British Coal working history, age and the medical assessment of the level of damage caused by the use of vibrating tools.

  Dounreay
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to paragraph 12 of the Safeguards Office Review of The Nuclear Materials Accountancy Aspects of the UKAEA' s Dounreay Shaft Inventory report, what were(a) the number of man days expended on safeguards by Euratom inspectors and (b) the number of facility attachments, material balance areas and particular safeguards provisions applying to Dounreay. [69625]

  Mr. Battle
  A precise figure for the number of man-days expended by Euratom inspectors at Dounreay is not available because such information is not recorded routinely by the Safeguards Office. However, Euratom safeguards inspector presence at the site is essentially continual.
  51
  There are currently eight material balance areas at Dounreay. The particular safeguards provisions for the site are contained in a single document. In the early 1980s, the Prototype Fast Reactor (PFR) fuel cycle at Dounreay was designated for inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under the terms of the UK/ Euratom/IAEA safeguards agreement, at which time three facility attachments were agreed. No facilities at Dounreay are currently designated for inspection by the IAEA.

  Cashmere Export Industry
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to visit Leicester to meet representatives of the cashmere export industry. [69014]

  Mr. Wilson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has no plans to visit Leicester to meet representatives of the cashmere export industry at present. The Department of Trade and Industry does however understand the industry's concerns over the threatened US tariffs arising from the banana dispute. I can assure my hon. Friend that we are working hard with the European Commission to resolve this dispute, and will be pleased to meet hon. Members who wish to discuss the matter further.

  British Aerospace
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he met(a) the Chairman and (b) the Chief Executive of British Aerospace plc during 1998; and what subjects were discussed on each occasion. [68625]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 1 February 1999]: I did not meet the Chairman or Chief Executive of British Aerospace plc during 1998.

  Art Market
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he expects the draft Directive on artists' resale rights to be decided on at the next meeting of the Internal Market Council. [69277]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]: The draft Directive on artists' resale rights is expected to be on the agenda for the meeting of the Internal Market Council on 25 February. While a large majority of member states, unlike the United Kingdom, support the principle of harmonisation in this area, it is not yet clear whether it will be ready for agreement by then. The Government are continuing to make clear their opposition to this measure, and are working to try to minimise the damage it would do to the competitiveness of the UK's international art market.

  Minister for Science
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what action has been taken to avoid conflict of interest in respect of the biotechnology responsibilities of the Minister for Science and the Gatsby Trust Foundation; [66696]

  (2) what responsibility the Minister for Science has concerning matters which relate to the Gatsby Trust Foundation. [66694]
  52
  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 20 January 1999]: There is no such body as the Gatsby Trust Foundation. However, the Minister for Science established the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and has made substantial charitable donations to it. However, since his appointment as a Minister he has had no involvement in the Foundation's grant-making decisions. Furthermore, Lord Sainsbury wrote to the Trustees on 31 July 1998 asking them not to disclose or divulge to him any information regarding the investments of the Foundation while he is in Government.

  Lobby Companies (Ministerial Access)
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the lobby companies and their clients that had access to his predecessor, the right hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson), in his official capacity at meetings in the Department or at specially arranged meetings between July and December 1998. [67324]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 27 January 1999]: I am not aware of any such meetings.

SCOTLAND

  Retail Petrol Supplies
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many petrol filling stations closed in Scotland(a) in 1997 and (b) in the period 1 January to 30 June 1998. [68924]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Information on petrol filling station closures is not held centrally. The study "Petrol Stations in Rural Scotland", however, found that during the last six months of the study five closures occurred between late summer and late winter 1997. The study also reported that the number of petrol retail outlets across the UK reached a peak in the 1960s, following which there has been a gradual and continuing decline.

  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he and his officials have held with the Director General of Fair Trading since 1 January 1998 on the issue of retail petrol supplies in rural areas of Scotland; and what was the outcome of those discussions. [68922]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Officials at The Scottish Office have regular discussions with officials of the Office of Fair Trading, most recently about the allegations concerning Esso, about which I am writing to the OFT myself. The Office of Fair Trading has a duty to keep markets under review, with a view to identifying anti-competitive or monopolistic behaviour. I understand officials from the OFT are to meet representatives of Highlands and Islands Hydrocarbons Action Group in March, and will also shortly be meeting representatives of Esso.

  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many petrol filling stations in the Highlands and Islands enterprise area are supplied respectively by(a) Shell, (b) BP, (c) Esso and (d) other suppliers. [68921]
  53
  Mr. Macdonald
  Information obtained in 1997 for the purposes of the study "Petrol Stations in Rural Scotland" showed that the number of petrol filling stations in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Area supplied by Shell, BP, Esso and others is as follows:

  Number

  Shell

  33

  BP

  90

  Esso

  74

  Other

  61

  Total

  258

  Note:

  The information obtained related to local authority areas, and therefore includes all petrol stations in Argyll and Bute Council's area, some of which is outwith the area served by HIE.

  Source:

  Environmental Resources Management and Dr. R. Sidaway (1997) Petrol Stations in Rural Scotland. Commissioned by The Scottish Office Rural Affairs and Natural Heritage Division

  From 1 July 1999, assistance to industry will be a matter covered by the Scottish Parliament, but competition and energy policy will continue to be reserved to Westminster.

  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the retail petrol market in the Highlands and Islands enterprise area; and if he will make a statement. [68923]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Any assessment of competition in the retail petrol market in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area, or indeed elsewhere, is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading, but The Scottish Office itself examined aspects of the retail petrol market in the study Petrol Stations in Rural Scotland,published in July 1998. As a result, £400,000 a year over the next 3 years has been allocated to carrying out infrastructure work at remote petrol stations. This year, £240,000 of this support is going to the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area. I met with representatives of Esso myself on 3 February to discuss the present situation.

  From 1 July 1999, assistance to industry will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament, but competition policy and the activities of the OFT will continue to be reserved to Westminster.

  Prisoners (Offences)
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total number of offences by inmates referred to the police by prison governors in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [68546]

  Mr. McLeish
  Information concerning the number of offences referred to the police by prison governors is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

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

  Prisons (Drug Use)
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of reported drug use there were in prison establishments in Scotland(a) in each
  54
  of the last 12 months and (b) in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [68544]

  Mr. McLeish
  Figures on reported drug use in prison establishments in Scotland are available from the mandatory drug testing (MDT) programme. This includes samples taken as part of a random sample (10 per cent. of all prisoners each month); from prisoners suspected of misusing drugs; from prisoners known previously to have used drugs; from prisoners being assessed for specific opportunities, including open conditions and home leaves; and as part of reception testing of those recently admitted to prison.

  Interim figures for the financial year April 1998 to March 1999 are available for the period up to and including December 1998, and are shown in the table:

  Month/year

  Number tested

  Number positive

  Percentage positive

  1998

  April

  1,110

  328

  30

  May

  1,018

  312

  31

  June

  1,066

  320

  30

  July

  1,050

  322

  31

  August

  1,101

  339

  31

  September

  971

  270

  28

  October

  1,086

  271

  25

  November

  1,064

  289

  27

  December

  901

  242

  27

  Final figures for the financial year 1998–99 will be reported in the 1998–99 Scottish Prison Service Annual Report and Accounts. For the last three months of the financial year 1997–98, figures were as follows:

  Month/year

  Number tested

  Number positive

  Percentage positive

  1998

  January

  977

  319

  33

  February

  1,027

  311

  30

  March

  1,116

  333

  30

  Figures are not available prior to February 1996, the date from which mandatory drug testing was phased in across the Scottish prison estate.

  In the last two months of the financial year 1995–96, testing took place in two establishments. A total of 315 urine samples were taken, of which 135 returned positive, a rate of 43 per cent.

  In the financial year 1996–97, 4,855 samples were taken from prisoners, of which 1,654 returned positive results, a rate of 36 per cent.

  In the financial year 1997–98, 12,093 urine samples were taken from prisoners in the mandatory drug testing programme, of which 3,779 returned positive results, a rate of 31 per cent.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
  55

  Police (Manpower)
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many police officers per head of population there were in each police force and in total(a) on the last

  30 September 1998

  30 June 1998

  30 June 1997

  31 March 1992

  Central

  2.58

  2.54

  2.47

  2.36

  Dumfries and Galloway

  3.02

  2.97

  2.81

  2.60

  Fife

  2.44

  2.44

  2.43

  2.28

  Grampian

  2.30

  2.30

  2.23

  2.26

  Lothian and Borders

  3.01

  3.04

  3.06

  2.96

  Northern

  2.36

  2.33

  2.30

  2.37

  Strathclyde

  3.18

  3.18

  3.21

  2.95

  Tayside

  2.94

  2.93

  2.84

  2.69

  Total

  2.91

  2.91

  2.90

  2.74

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

  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many police stations there were, in each police force and in total(a) on the last date for which

  30 September 1998

  30 June 1998

  30 June 1997

  30 March 1992

  Central

  710

  700

  681

  645

  Dumfries and Galloway

  445

  437

  414

  385

  Fife

  850

  849

  847

  790

  Grampian

  1,214

  1,214

  1,180

  1,161

  Lothian and Borders

  2,641

  2,668

  2,689

  2,534

  Northern

  659

  653

  643

  653

  Strathclyde

  7,233

  7,228

  7,302

  6,763

  Tayside

  1,154

  1,149

  1,116

  1,053

  Total

  14,906

  14,898

  14,872

  13,984

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

  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those functions carried out by civilian staff in each police force; how many civilian staff were employed in each police force in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [69025]

  Mr. McLeish
  Civilian support staff in each police force are under the direction and control of the chief constable, who is responsible for the functions they perform. Guidance issued to chief constables in Police Circular No. 9/1996 distinguishes between tasks which do not require police powers and should normally be done only by support staff, and tasks which can be done mainly by support staff but require some contribution from police officers. I have arranged for a copy of this Circular to be placed in the Library of the House.

  The numbers of civilian staff requested are shown in the table.

  30 September 1998

  30 September 1997

  30 September 1996

  Central

  187

  183

  158

  Dumfries and Galloway

  176

  182

  127

  Fife

  247

  240

  234

  Grampian

  449

  419

  379

  Lothian and Borders

  972

  936

  936

  56
  date for which figures are available, (b) in May 1998, (c) in May 1997 and (d) in April 1992. [68548]

  Mr. McLeish
  The figures, to the nearest available dates, per thousand population are shown in the table.

  figures are available, (b) in May 1998, (c) in May 1997 and (d) in April 1992. [68547]

  Mr. McLeish
  The figures, to the nearest available date, are shown in the table.

  30 September 1998

  30 September 1997

  30 September 1996

  Northern

  272

  256

  252

  Strathclyde

  1,910

  1,878

  1,736

  Tayside

  372

  348

  331

  Total

  4,585

  4,442

  4,153

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

  Prison Visitors (Drug-related Offences)
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many visitors to prisons were arrested for drug related offences in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [68543]

  Mr. McLeish
  All prisons face the risk of prisoners visitors seeking to bring illegal drugs into establishments, and take a variety of measures to prevent it. Appropriate action is taken where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion, and any visitor who is caught is referred to the police. Records are not, however, maintained by the Scottish Prison Service of the number of arrests which arise from such action.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
  57

  Prisoner Activities
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the level of purposeful activity per week undertaken by prisoners, broken down into(a) education, (b) training, (c) work and (d) rehabilitation programmes in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [68545]

  Mr. McLeish
  The information requested is not available centrally in the detail sought. Figures for the number of prisoners engaged in work are recorded and provided in the Scottish Prison Service Annual Report and Accounts. The numbers involved in vocational training are collected separately. The figures are shown in the table:

  Year

  Average daily number of convicted prisoners employed

  Percentage of prisoners employed involved in training

  1993–94

  4,146

  12.5

  1994–95

  4,094

  12.0

  1995–96

  3,982

  11.3

  1996–97

  4,001

  13.8

  1997–98

  3,932

  10.1

  Targets for participation in rehabilitation programmes were first set for the Scottish Prison Service in 1996. In 1996–97, 381 prisoners completed cognitive skills programmes and 67 completed sex offender programmes. In 1997–98, 635 prisoners completed cognitive skills programmes and 91 completed sex offender programmes.

  The Scottish Prison Service is developing a computerised management information system for regime activity to support continuous improvement in prisoner programmes and other opportunities. From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Police Stations
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many police stations there were, in each

  £

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Average case costs

  Criminal

  882

  958

  957

  1,000

  1,073

  Civil

  1,011

  1,176

  1,425

  1,583

  1,685

  Advice and Assistance

  87

  90

  92

  97

  99

  Annual change in cash terms

  Criminal

  n/a

  +76

  -1

  +43

  +73

  Civil

  n/a

  +165

  +249

  +158

  +102

  Advice and Assistance

  n/a

  +3

  +2

  +5

  +2

  Annual change in real terms

  Criminal

  n/a

  62

  -28

  13

  46

  Civil

  n/a

  149

  209

  111

  59

  Advice and Assistance

  n/a

  1

  0

  2

  0

  These figures illustrate that average case costs for the three main categories of legal aid show a rising trend even when inflation is discounted. We are determined to address value for money while maintaining access to justice.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
  58
  police force and in total (a) on the last date for which figures are available, (b) in May 1998, (c) in May 1997 and (d) in April 1992. [68549]

  Mr. McLeish
  The figures requested for 1992 are shown in the table. The number of police stations is no longer collected centrally.

  Number of police stations at 31 December 1992

  Central

  23

  Dumfries and Galloway

  25

  Fife

  56

  Grampian

  77

  Lothian and Borders

  60

  Northern

  92

  Strathclyde

  199

  Tayside

  50

  Total

  591

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

  Speed Cameras
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average(a) capital cost and (b) annual running cost of a new speed camera. [69021]

  Mr. Macdonald
  A fixed site camera of the type used on trunk roads in Scotland costs around £52,000, including installation. Police forces administer the operation of these cameras and information on running costs is not held centrally.

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

  Legal Aid
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average annual cost of a legal aid case in each of the last five years; what was the annual change in(a) real and (b) cash terms; and if he will make a statement. [69022]

  Mr. McLeish
  The information is set out in the table.

  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total expenditure on legal aid in each of the last five years; what was the annual change in expenditure in cash and real terms; and if he will make a statement. [69023]

  Mr. McLeish
  The information is set out in the table.
  59

  £ million

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Total expenditure on legal aid cases

  124.418

  132.052

  133.36

  143.149

  145.065

  Change in cash terms

  n/a

  +7.634

  +1.308

  +9.789

  +1.916

  Change in real terms

  n/a

  +5.774

  -2.466

  +5.514

  -1.761

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

  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the current eligibility criteria for receiving legal aid; and if he will make a statement. [69024]

  Mr. McLeish
  Advice and assistance on matters of Scots law is available without contribution to any applicant in receipt of income support, income-based Job Seeker's Allowance and family credit. It is also available without contribution to any applicant whose disposable income (in respect of the 7 days up to and including the date of application) does not exceed £72 and whose disposable capital does not exceed £1,000. Advice and assistance is also available subject to a contribution to any applicant whose disposable income is between £72 and £172 and whose disposable capital does not exceed £1,000.

  Assistance by Way of Representation (ABWOR) is a form of advice and assistance available in criminal proceedings and in certain non-criminal proceedings such as mental health tribunals and failure to obey a court order. Solicitors can provide ABWOR if an applicant satisfies the advice and assistance financial tests.

  Civil legal aid is available subject to applicants satisfying the statutory tests of financial eligibility, probable cause and reasonableness. It is available without contribution to any applicant in receipt of income support or income-based Job Seeker's Allowance. It is also available without contribution to applicants whose annual disposable income and capital do not exceed £2,625 and £3,000 respectively. Applicants with an annual disposable income between £2,625 and £8,571 and disposable capital between £3,000 and £8,560 must pay a contribution.

  Summary criminal legal aid is granted by the Scottish Legal Aid Board and solemn criminal legal aid is granted by the courts.

  No formal means test is applied to an applicant for criminal legal aid. Instead, it must be demonstrated that the accused could not meet the expenses of his defence without causing undue hardship to himself or his dependants. In addition, applicants for summary criminal legal aid must be able to demonstrate that it is in the interests of justice that it be awarded.

  We are committed to ensuring access to justice, effective targeting and value for money from the legal aid budget.

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

  Fixed Penalty Speeding Fines
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money has been raised by fixed 60
  penalty speeding fines; and what was the annual cost of administering them in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [69020]

  Mr. McLeish
  Information on the amount raised by fixed penalty speeding fines and on the administration costs is not available in the form requested. However, £3.2 million was received by district courts in Scotland in 1997–98 for fixed penalty notices for endorsable traffic offences, which included speeding offences.

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

  National Strategy for Carers
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with the Government's National Strategy for Carers. [70302]

  Mr. Dewar
  The Government's National Strategy for Carers is being published today. It describes what the Government have done so far to support carers and how we can improve the quality of life for the many carers in our society by ensuring that the needs are identified and met. It focuses on how carers can be informed, involved and empowered, and how employers can help carers combine paid work with their caring responsibilities. It sets out what carers should be entitled to expect from service providers and how they can be helped by services in the neighbourhood in which they live. The strategy details proposals to support young carers.

  The report is the result of a consultative process, involving a large number of Government departments, carers organisations, individual carers, representatives of the National Health Service and local authorities, other voluntary organisations which help to support carers and the business sector.

  The National Health Service and local authorities need to provide carers with information about services which can support them in their caring role. They also need to involve carers in the planning and provision of services so that carers' needs are met better than they have been in the past.

  Local authorities in Scotland have been allocated over £1 billion for social work this year, of which £5.1 million is specifically to provide respite and assist carers. Authorities will have an additional £51.3 million in 1999–2000 to meet their social work responsibilities and are expected to use some of these resources to improve services to carers; £5 million will be available to local authorities implementing the recommendations of the Action Plan to modernise community care, a key element of which is supporting carers.

  The Government will also be consulting on proposals that time spent caring will entitles carers to a second pension (by 2050, up to an extra £50 per week in today's terms).
  61
  We intend to trial a new question on carers for the 2001 Census. This should provide better information about the distribution of carers between local authority ares and on the numbers of young carers and those from minority ethnic groups.

  Consideration will be given to extending New Deal to help carers return to work and special help for disabled children, technology to help carers and housing and transport.

  Legislation reducing council tax for disabled people will be introduced. The Government also intend to introduce legislation in England to allow local authorities to address carers' needs more directly than is possible at present, as the Minister of State, Home Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Brent, South (Mr. Boateng), has announced today. We would hope such legislation will be introduced in Scotland.

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

  It is our intention to continue work to support carers and to monitor implementation of these new initiatives.

  Infectious Salmon Anaemia
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will assist salmon farmers in the Highlands and Islands to meet the costs of eradicating Infectious Salmon Anaemia; and if he will make a statement. [70303]

  Mr. Dewar
  Infectious Salmon Anaemia is potentially a very serious disease and the Government remain determined to eradicate this present outbreak in Scotland. That is the best outcome we can achieve, both for the salmon farmers and for wild salmon stocks. The salmon farming industry must recognise its responsibilities to deal effectively with this outbreak.

  The Government have put in place various measures to eradicate ISA, and further measures will be announced shortly when an interim report by a joint Scottish Office/Industry Working Group is completed. I welcome the co-operation of the industry.

  I recognise that this eradication programme is imposing significant costs on the industry, particularly for farms where ISA is confirmed. The Government continue to take the view that, in principle, it is for the fish farming industry to meet costs arising from measures taken to control the spread of serious fish diseases. Salmon farming, however, provides very valuable employment in the Highlands and Islands, and the continuing uncertainty, which is undermining confidence in the industry and among investors, presents a serious threat to the economic well-being of the region. In these circumstances I have agreed to enable financial aid to be provided through Highlands and Islands Enterprise to the industry. Up to £9 million will be available over 3 years, on a pound for pound matching basis for contributions from industry funds, to help individual farmers meet costs arising under the ISA eradication programme from new outbreaks of ISA. The detailed terms for such assistance will need to be settled. That offer of assistance is subject to approval by the European Commission under the usual state aid rules. No aid will be paid without the Commission's approval.
  62
  The assistance will be limited to a period of 3 years, and within that time salmon farmers will need to put in place alternative financial arrangements. We shall keep the eradication programme under regular review.

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

  Legal Services
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list(a) the London banisters' chambers and (b) the London solicitors' firms that have performed services for his Department (i) since 1 May 1997 and (ii) in the equivalent period preceding that date, indicating the remuneration paid in each particular case. [70035]

  Mr. McLeish
  No such services were provided.

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

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many complaints he has received about the CSA since 1 January. [68020]

  Angela Eagle
  Last month the Child Support Agency received around 2,500 complaints from individuals and hon. Members. My Ministerial colleagues and I have also received 106 letters from hon. Members, over the same period, though not all of these relate to operational issues.

  Personal Advisers
  Ms Blears
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what training will be provided to personal advisers working for the new deal for the disabled. [68023]

  Mr. Bayley
  The Personal Adviser Service is currently being piloted in six areas, with a further six planned to start in April. All Personal Advisers in the first six areas are trained to provide advice, guidance and counselling to disabled people to help identify and overcome their barriers to employment.

  Savings (Retirement)
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the difficulties faced by those on low and modest incomes in providing for their retirement. [68025]

  Mr. Timms
  Our Green Paper "A new contract for welfare: Partnership in Pensions" recognised the difficulties in saving for retirement faced by those on low and modest incomes.

  This is why we are proposing a new State Second Pension which will give more help to those with low earnings (up to £9,000), as well as carers and the long-term disabled with broken work records due to long-term disability.

  From April 1999, the new minimum income guarantee will ensure a decent income in retirement for all.
  63

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he is taking to ensure that all eligible pensioners claim the minimum income guarantee. [68028]

  Mr. Timms
  We are planning action to invite claims to the Minimum Income Guarantee at key points when entitlement may arise because a higher amount becomes payable—when a pensioner reaches the age of 75 and 80, or when he or she is awarded Attendance Allowance.

  Later in the year, we plan to run a national publicity campaign which will be designed to get the message over to as wide an audience as possible that the Minimum Income Guarantee is an entitlement.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many families in the north-west at present receive family credit. [68029]

  Angela Eagle
  The latest information available is for August 1998 when there were 118,900 families in the North West receiving Family Credit.

  Notes:

  1. Figures are based on a 5 per cent. sample of Family Credit awards and as such are subject to a degree of sampling error.

  Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest hundred and may not sum due to totals.

  Source

  Family Credit 5 per cent. sample of awards.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the number of families who are currently in receipt of(a) £0–£4.99, (b) £5–£9.99, (c) £10–£19.99, (d) £20–£29.99, (e) £30–£39.99, (f) £40–£49.99, and (g) £50 or above a week in family credit; and if he will provide corresponding estimates for the proposed working families tax credit. [69493]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the tables.

  Number of families receiving Family Credit by range of award, August 1998

  Thousand

  £ per week

  All families

  All cases

  782.5

  Under £5

  11.7

  £5–£9.99

  15.7

  £10–£19.99

  44.0

  £20–£29.99

  55.1

  £30–£39.99

  68.3

  £40–£49.99

  75.5

  £50 and over

  512.2

  Note:

  Numbers are rounded to the nearest thousand and may not sum to the total.

  Source:

  Family Credit 5 per cent. sample of awards

  Number of families receiving working families tax credit by range of award, 2000–01

  Thousand

  £ per week

  All families

  All cases

  1,240

  Under £5

  30

  £5–£9.99

  50

  64

  Number of families receiving working families tax credit by range of award, 2000–01

  Thousand

  £ per week

  All families

  £10–£19.99

  130

  £20–£29.99

  110

  £30–£39.99

  80

  £40–£49.99

  90

  £50 and over

  750

  Notes:

  1. Estimates are based on a combination of the Family Credit 5 per cent. sample of awards and the 1995–96 Family Resources Survey. They are consistent with Pre-Budget Report forecasts.

  2. Estimates do not include any behavioural changes arising from the introduction of the credit.

  3. Estimates have assumed that any future increases in the credits or threshold are exactly offset by an increase in earnings of WFTC recipients.

  4. Estimates are rounded to the nearest 5,000.

  Housing Benefit
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he intends to take to reform the administration of housing benefit. [68031]

  Angela Eagle
  We are taking forward a wide-ranging review of Housing Benefit with the aim of simplifying and improving both the benefit itself and the way in which it is delivered. In the meantime, we have in place several measures to drive forward better delivery of Housing Benefit including the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate's programme of visits to local authorities, improved communications between the Benefits Agency and local authorities through the use of IT, and extra funding and support for local authorities to operate the verification framework.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to review the operation of housing benefit. [68041]

  Angela Eagle
  We are taking forward a wide-ranging review of housing benefit in consultation with local authorities and other interested parties. The aim of the review is to simplify and improve both the benefit itself and the way in which it is delivered.

  Active Modern Service Programme
  Mrs. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on progress on the active modem service programme. [68032]

  Angela Eagle
  Significant progress has been made within the Active Modem Service Programme. In recent weeks we have selected a private sector partner; Affinity, who will work with us to develop new IT systems. These new systems will enable us to deliver improved Social Security services and deliver our welfare reform programme. Working in partnership with the Department of Education and Employment and Employment Services, we have begun development of a single gateway to the welfare system to help people back to work. Finally, we have started to evaluate the modem service prototypes, piloted in Camden and Lewisham. Both these pilots successfully tested the provision of an integrated service to customers and we are using the lessons learnt to feed into our plans.
  65

  Pensions (Disabled People)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to improve the pensions of long-term disabled people. [68034]

  Mr. Timms
  Currently, those who are in receipt of certain disability benefits can earn credits towards their basic state retirement pension.

  The Pensions Green Paper published in December set out our proposals to extend the new State Second Pension to long term disabled people with broken work records. They will receive flat-rate credits subject to a simple contribution test. This will represent a significant improvement in the financial position of disabled people in retirement.

  Poorest Pensioners
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the support available for the poorest pensioners. [68035]

  Mr. Timms
  From April 1999 we are introducing a £2.5 billion package of measures to help tackle pensioner poverty over the next three years. This package includes a minimum income guarantee, delivered through income support, for the poorest pensioners and an annual payment towards winter fuel costs for all eligible pensioner households.

  Lone Parents
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures his Department is taking to assist lone parents to find work. [68037]

  Angela Eagle
  The Government are committed to providing viable choices for lone parents who, in the past, were written off to a life on benefit.

  The New Deal for Lone Parents which was launched nationally on 26 October offers all lone parents on Income Support, for the first time, a personal adviser service to help them overcome the barriers to employment. The programme provides support and advice on training needs, jobsearch, better-off in-work calculations, child care and in-work support for those who need it. Current progress under the programme suggest that our approach is in tune with what lone parents want: the vast majority of lone parents who attend an initial interview decide to participate in the programme.

  In addition to this, the Working Families Tax Credit will make work pay and the National Childcare Strategy will also help lone parents move into work: the Childcare Tax Credit under the Working Families Tax Credit will provide more support towards helping parents with child care costs; and a total investment of £470 million in the National Childcare Strategy, including £170 million from the Lottery for new out of school child care—to ensure that good quality affordable child care is available in every neighbourhood.

  Pensions Green Paper
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received in response to the Government's Green Paper "Partnership in Pensions" (Cm 4179). [68038]
  66
  Mr. Timms
  Our Pensions Green Paper has attracted a great deal of interest. We have already received a number of written responses and expect to receive many more by the closing date of 31 March.

  State Pensions
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the impact of the Government's proposed pensions reforms upon marginal savers. [68039]

  Mr. Timms
  The reforms outlined in "A New Contract for Welfare: Partnership in Pensions" should, through better quality and less expensive second pensions and more state support to reduce reliance on means tested benefits, increase the returns to voluntary saving.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he is taking to increase financial security for retired people. [68043]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government's objectives are to provide security for those who cannot provide for themselves and to make it easier for people who can save, to do so. We have announced, in the Pensions Green Paper, that we will be replacing SERPS with a new State second pension for those on low incomes, or those who are unable to work because of caring responsibilities or disability. We also propose new stakeholder pension schemes, designed to help those on middle and higher incomes make provision for their retirement.

  From April, we will introduce a new minimum income guarantee for pensioners of at least £75 a week for single people, and £116.60 for couples. We have announced that, as resources allow, over the long term, our aim is that it should rise in line with earnings so that pensioners can share in the growing prosperity of the nation. Those pensioners who are not able to build up an adequate pension during their working lifetime will be able to receive the minimum income guarantee.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what increase in the basic state pension would be required to take it to the level of the EU average. [68044]

  Mr. Timms
  This information is not available. Because of the diverse nature of state pension schemes in European countries, it is not possible to make meaningful calculations of the sort requested.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to increase the over-80 age addition to the basic state pension. [68027]

  Mr. Timms
  We have no plans to increase the 25p age addition.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost of(a) increasing the basic state pension to £75 for all single pensioners and (b) providing income support to guarantee pensioners an income of at least £75 per week; and if he will make a statement. [69503]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer my right hon. Friend the then Minister of State, Department of Social Security gave the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn),Official Report, columns 624–25.
  67
  The estimated costs to Income Support of guaranteeing eligible pensioners an income of at least £75 per week, as outlined in the Comprehensive Spending Review package of measures for poorer pensioners, is £265 million.

  Notes:

  1. The estimate is based on increasing all the pensioner premium rates in April 1999 by £3.10 for single pensioners and £4.95 for pensioner couples, over and above uprating in line with prices. The April 1999–2000 rates of the single/couple personal allowance and the corresponding pensioner premium are as follows:

  Income Support pensioners in receipt of the Ordinary Pensioner premium, those aged 60–74, singles—£75.00, couples—£116.60.

  Income Support pensioners in receipt of the Enhanced Pensioner premium, those aged 75–79, singles—£77.30, couples—£119.85.

  Income Support pensioners in receipt of the Higher Pensioner premium, those aged 80+, singles—£82.25, couples—£125.30.

  2. The estimate is based on Departmental forecasts and uses the 1995–96 Family Resources Survey. The cost is at 1999–2000 prices and benefit levels, assumes existing levels of take up, and has been rounded to the nearest £5 million.

  Child-raising Costs
  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to assist parents with the costs of raising children. [68040]

  Angela Eagle
  From next April the largest ever increase in Child Benefit of £2.95 for the first or eldest child will be payable to all families, a similar increase in the family premium will ensure the poorest families see the benefit of the increase. This is in addition to the extra £2.50 a week for children under 11 paid through the income-related benefits from November 1998.

  A Green Paper published last year set out our proposals for a new, simpler and more transparent system of child support to ensure that more lone parents receive the maintenance which their children are due.

  We also plan to extend the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (worth £35.85 a week) to 3 and 4-year-old severely disabled children. This will also provide access for them and their families to the Motability Scheme.

  We consider that helping parents to work is the best form of assistance; the Working Families Tax Credit from October 1999 will provide more generous help to low income families.

  Departmental Spending
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received regarding the level of his Department's planned total spending for(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000 and (i) 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [68042]

  Mr. Darling
  The Government's spending plans, which were announced as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, have been generally welcomed as desirable, prudent and sensible, concentrating increases in the priority areas. Under these plans, spending on Social Security benefits will grow for this Parliament at less than half the rate of the previous Parliament.
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  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals he has to introduce changes to jobseeker's allowance. [68009]

  Angela Eagle
  A large-scale research programme to evaluate Jobseeker's Allowance is being conducted and will conclude later this year. The findings from that programme will enable us to consider what changes might need to be made. In the meantime, we will consider changes to Jobseeker' s Allowance where problems occur or when a reason for amendment is identified.

  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received in respect of the payment of jobseeker's allowance to employees made redundant when their employer goes into receivership. [69000]

  Angela Eagle
  We have received a number of letters on this matter. Since it came to our attention we have been working to simplify the complex legislation in this area. We are currently considering proposals for changes to the relevant benefit rules.

  Carers
  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what additional support he plans to provide to carers. [68021]

  Mr. Bayley
  The Government are committed to supporting carers in their valuable role. Many people with caring responsibilities are not able to make adequate provision for their retirement. Those carers who are in receipt of Invalid Care Allowance, Home Responsibilities Protection because they care for someone receiving Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance and those who receive Child Benefit whilst their youngest child is under 5 will receive flat-rate credits to the new State Second Pension, helping to lift them above the Minimum Income Guarantee in retirement.

  Means-tested Benefits (Pensioners)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will update his estimates, based on the Family Resources Survey 1996–97 of receipt of means-tested benefits and liability for income tax among pensioners consistent with his answer of 5 November 1997,Official Report, columns 249–50. [68150]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not currently available. Information on liability for income tax is not directly available from the Family Resources Survey. We need to refine the raw data further before we can provide the information. We anticipate that we will be able to do so after February 1999.

  Disability Living Allowance (Constituent's Appeal)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when Mr. Price of Coalpit Heath, a constituent, can expect the appeal against the withdrawal of his Disability Living Allowance lodged on 27 October 1998 to be heard. [68585]
  69
  Mr. Bayley
  The administration of claims to Social Security benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Steve Webb, dated 4 February 1999:

  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking when Mr Price of Coalpit Heath, can expect the appeal against the withdrawal of his Disability Living Allowance (DLA) lodged on 27 October 1998 to be heard.

  I should explain that the Agency aims to prepare cases for appeal within 30 days. This has not happened in Mr Price's case and our service, in this instance, has clearly been unsatisfactory. I apologise for this.

  Part of the process of preparing an appeal is a re-appraisal of all the evidence, including that submitted in support of the appeal. In Mr Price's case, that evidence included a statement from Mr Price's General Practitioner which you sent to the Disability Benefits Unit on 16 November 1998.

  This re-appraisal has now taken place and I can tell you that Mr Price's DLA has been re-awarded at the previous rate from 10 July 1998 for an indefinite period. Mr Price is being advised accordingly.

  Clearly, in these circumstances the appeal will not need to go ahead. Should Mr Price want any more information about this, or any other aspect of his DLA award, the operational team leader, Colin Schools, on telephone number 01253 331019, will be pleased to assist.

  May I thank you for drawing this to my attention.

  Departmental Responsibilities
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what responsibilities which his Department had prior to the Comprehensive Spending Review are to be(a) discontinued by his Department, (b) transferred to another department, (c) transferred to an executive agency and (d) added to his Department over the period 1998–99 to 2001–02. [68398]

  Mr. Timms
  The following changes in responsibilities relate to this Department. They demonstrate our commitment to rationalising functions across Government in order to modernise service delivery and to implement policy as effectively as possible.The Contributions Agency will transfer from DSS to the Inland Revenue from April this year. Responsibility for policy on National Insurance contributions is also to transfer to the Inland Revenue, but the date for this has not yet been set.
  Family Credit and Disability Working Allowance will be replaced from October 1999 by Working Families Tax Credit and Disabled Person's Tax Credit; these will be the responsibility of the Inland Revenue. At the same time the Family Credit Unit will transfer to the Inland Revenue.
  From April 1999, DSS funding provision for asylum seekers is being transferred to the Home Office. This is the precursor to new Home Office support arrangements for asylum seekers.
  Responsibility for administration of Social Security, child support and vaccine damage payment appeals will be transferred to a new Departmental Executive Agency.
  Existing DSS resettlement provision for London is to be combined with provision from other Departments within a new London body in April 1999. It is proposed that the remainder of the DSS resettlement programme be transferred to the programmes of the DETR (principally the Housing Corporation)
  70
  in England and to the Scottish and Welsh Offices. This is consistent with the Social Exclusion Unit's proposals for a joined-up approach in its report on Rough Sleeping.
  The Women's Unit and the Women's National Commission (NDPD) transferred to the Cabinet Office at the end of July 1998.

  NIRS2
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants have been affected adversely by the introduction of NIRS2 computer system; and if he will break down this total by each claimant group. [68820]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer my right hon. Friend to the Written Answers I gave to the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. Rendel) on 4 November 1998 Official Report, columns 603–06, and to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, North (Ms Walley) on 18 January 1999, Official Report, columns 368–69.

  180,000 Retirement Pensioners and 30,000 Widows Benefit recipients are currently in receipt of initial awards or emergency payments. Up to 20,000 Incapacity Benefit recipients may be affected, of whom 8,000 have been referred to Income Support. There are currently 36,000 Jobseeker's Allowance interim payments being made.

  In some of these cases, the amounts being paid will be correct, but in many cases they will be less than the amount due. All will be reviewed once the NIRS2 system is fully operational.

  Young Homeless
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to assist young, homeless persons. [69599]

  Angela Eagle
  This Department supports organisations which provide temporary accommodation and an active resettlement programme for single homeless people under Section 30 of the Jobseekers Act 1995. All of the projects receiving Section 30 funding cater for young people aged 18–25, and 35 per cent. cater for 16–17 year olds.

  In the current financial year, over £13.2 million is available in revenue funding to enable projects to operate on a break-even basis and over £5 million in capital to build new hostels or to refurbish existing buildings. This supports over 4,200 bed spaces, with nearly 300 more being developed. Provision has increased in recent years, particularly for women, people under the age of 25 and those with specific problems, such as drugs and alcohol.

  The Social Exclusion Unit's report on Rough Sleeping recommended that the Department's resettlement provision for London be combined with provision from other Departments within a new London body, from April this year. It is proposed that the remainder of the Department's resettlement programme be transferred to the programmes of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (principally the Housing Corporation) in England and to the Scottish and Welsh Offices. This better co-ordinated approach is intended to reduce the number of rough sleepers, including young people sleeping rough, by two thirds by 2002.
  71
  Income related benefits, including Housing Benefit when accommodation is found, are available to young homeless people, subject to the normal conditions of entitlement.

  This Department is represented on the Ministerial Committee on Rough Sleeping, chaired by my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Local Government.

  Benefits for pregnant women under 18

  Benefits

  Qualifying criteria

  Jobseekers Allowance

  Certain unemployed young people in prescribed groups, such as those at the end of the Child Benefit Extension Period can get JSA, as can those who can demonstrate that they would suffer severe hardship if JSA was not paid. Young people who are estranged from, or living apart from, their parents for good reasons (including the possibility of abuse) are one of the groups who can get JSA while looking for work or training.

  Income support

  Those incapable of work by reason of pregnancy, and those within 11 weeks of their expected week of confinement and up to 7 weeks following the date on which the pregnancy ends;

  Social fund maternity payments

  Awarded to recipients of Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Family Credit or Disability Working Allowance (or, if under 19, be a member of a family where one of these benefits has been awarded) who make the claim within the prescribed time limits

  Housing Benefit

  Young people who live independently and have a liability to pay a commercial rent are entitled to claim Housing Benefit, irrespective of whether they are pregnant. If entitled they will receive the normal under 25 personal allowance (currently £39.85)

  Council Tax Benefit

  As there is no liability for Council Tax from anyone under 18, Council Tax Benefit is not paid to this group

  Statutory Maternity Pay

  (a) that she must have been continuously employed by her employer for at least 26 weeks into the 15th week (the qualifying week) before her expected week of childbirth and to have stopped work for that employer;

  (b) that her normal weekly earnings for the period of 8 weeks ending with the qualifying week are not less than the lower earnings limit for the payment of national insurance contributions;

  (c) that she is pregnant and has reached or been confined before reaching the start of the 11 th week before the expected week of childbirth.

  Maternity Allowance

  (a) that she is pregnant and has reached, or has been confined before reaching the start of the 11th week before the expected week of childbirth;

  (b) that she has been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks immediately preceding the expected week of childbirth;

  (c) that she has actual paid employed earners and/or self employed earners national insurance contributions for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks immediately preceding the expected week of childbirth;

  (d) that she is not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay for the same week in respect of the same pregnancy.

  Special dietary provision

  Qualifying criteria

  Welfare foods

  All pregnant women in families entitled to income support or an income-based jobseeker's allowance are entitled to receive milk tokens which may be exchanged for seven pints (or four litres) of cows' milk per week. Vitamin supplements are also available free of charge

  Pensioners (Benefit Take-up)
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the numbers of pensioners currently receiving(a) housing benefit, (b) council tax benefit and (c) income support. [69817]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is in the table.

  Income support, housing benefit, and council tax benefit pensioner recipients—May 1997

  Benefit

  Thousand

  Income Support

  1,720

  Housing Benefit

  1,853

  Council Tax Benefit

  2,646

  Notes:

  1. The Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit figures have been recently revised and supersede any previously released figures.
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  Pregnant Women
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list(a) the benefit arrangements for pregnant women below 18 years of age, (b) the special dietary provisions organised by social services for pregnant women and (c) the criteria for eligibility for (a) and (b). [69668]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the tables.

  2. Figures at May 1997, the latest date for which figures for all three benefits are available.

  3. Sample size 5 per cent.

  4. Figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  5. Pensioners are defined as single people aged 60 or over, or couples where one or both members is aged 60 or over.

  6. Information refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple.

  7. The information excludes second adult rebate cases.

  8. There is an overlap in the figures as many people receive Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

  Source:

  1. Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiry, May 1997.

  2. Housing Benefit Management Information System, annual 1 per cent. Sample inquiries for recipients with and without Income Support/Jobseeker's Allowance (Income-based), taken at the end of May 1997.
  73
  At August 1998, the most recent date for which information on Income Support recipients is available, there were 1,651 thousand pensioners receiving Income Support.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  BBC Funding Review Panel
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the BBC Funding Review Panel will consider the concession for the blind; and if he will make a statement. [69101]

  Janet Anderson
  The review panel will consider the concession for blind people together with the other current concessionary arrangements.

  Independent Radio Stations
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many independent radio stations catering principally for the Muslim community operate in the United Kingdom. [69060]

  Janet Anderson
  There are no full term independent local radio stations catering specifically for the interests of the Muslim faith. However, some independent radio stations which provide services for Asian communities, such as Sunrise Radio in Bradford and Asian Sound Radio in East Lancashire, operate in areas with a high Muslim population, and their service is expected to reflect this. In addition, the Radio Authority issues short term Restricted Service Licences which enable stations to broadcast during special events such as religious festivals.I understand the Authority licensed thirteen such short-term services for the most recent Ramadan festival.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received concerning the running of independent radio stations in the Greater London area; and if he will make a statement. [69061]

  Janet Anderson
  From time to time, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State receives representations about various aspects of the operation of individual radio stations. These include concerns about programme content and management of the licences. Under the provisions of the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996, the Radio Authority is responsible for the award and regulation of all independent radio licences in the UK.

  Millennium Dome (Catering)
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if applicants for contracts for catering facilities at the Dome were interviewed by a panel which included a person who was not employed by the New Millennium Experience Company; [69085]

  (2) what tendering procedure was used for the catering facilities in the vicinity of the Dome; [68179]

  (3) what steps were taken by the NMEC to ensure that interviews for catering contracts were conducted by the same panel; [68175]
  74
  (4) what external legal advice was taken by the NMEC before commencing the tenders procedure for catering contracts. [68174]

  (5) if all applicants for catering facilities at the Dome were interviewed by the same panel. [67269]

  Janet Anderson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) adopted a competitive tendering process for procuring a range of catering services. The NMEC had previously sought general advice from Treasury Solicitors about public procurement rules and regulations to satisfy itself that the processes it was implementing to procure goods, works and services across the project reflected the competitive principles of public sector procurement. The interviewing panel comprised three voting and one independent members. The aim of the panel was to bring the bidders to a position where they were all on an equal footing given that the nature and the content of each bid varied. Consequently, therefore, the questions put to each bidder were framed differently depending on the written material provided by them. Of the three voting members, all were present at all interviews. The independent non-voting members varied and included the NMEC's Deputy Operations Director and the Chair of the NMEC Catering Review Group.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if visitors to the Millennium Dome will be able to purchase food free of Genetically Modified Organisms. [67484]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 25 January 1999]: Visitors to the Millennium Experience at Greenwich will be able to purchase a wide variety of foods including food free of Genetically Modified Organisms.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what provision there is for(a) Chinese food, (b) halal food and (c) kosher food at the Dome; [68183]

  (2) what is his policy on the provision of ethnic food at the Dome. [67268]

  Janet Anderson
  The New Millennium Experience Company's policy is to provide as wide a range of catering services and food types as possible at the dome recognising the varied tastes which the anticipated 12 million visitors will have. Ethnic cuisine and food meeting some religious needs will be available. Foods from around the world will be showcased in the Global Food Court and elsewhere within the Dome.

  Millennium Experience (Catering)
  Dr. Ladyman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if he will list the procedures that were followed in respect of advertising, tendering and awarding the concession for supplying ice cream in the Millennium Experience and if similar procedures were used in respect of other concessions; [67668]

  (2) to whom the concession for the supply of ice cream in the Millennium Experience has been granted. [67667]

  Janet Anderson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) has made no announcement about the supply of ice cream to the Dome. Since its establishment in 1997 the NMEC has been openly seeking private sector support for the project and, as a result, companies across all
  75
  sectors of the economy have been free to approach NMEC with proposals. Very many have done so including those in the confectionary/ice cream sector. Where NMEC consider that such approaches hold a serious prospect of achieving commercial support which will not adversely impact on the integrity of the Millennium Experience, discussions are entered into. This was the case with approaches received from confectionary/ice cream suppliers where NMEC considered that their Official Supplier category of sponsorship support might be achievable. Official Supplier sponsorship is a well-established practice across major events and visitor attractions where there is a requirement or opportunities for enhancing commercial income.

  Departmental Responsibilities
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what responsibilities which his Department had prior to the Comprehensive Spending Review are to be(a) discontinued by his Department, (b) transferred to another department, (c) transferred to an executive agency and (d) added to his Department over the period 1998–99 to 2001–02. [68399]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Comprehensive Spending Review did not result in the discontinuation or transfer of any DCMS responsibilities to other Government Departments or to executive agencies. A number of executive functions which prior to the Review were undertaken by the Department are being transferred to relevant NDPBs. These are:funding of the Pairing Scheme to the Arts Council of England;
  funding of the Sportsmatch scheme to the English Sports Council;
  funding for the Heritage Grant Fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund to English Heritage;
  funding for the Royal Society of Arts Art for Architecture scheme to the new national body for architecture;
  management responsibility for a number of central London statues and for Marble and Wellington Arches to English Heritage;
  some executive functions relating to underwater archaeology will be transferred to English Heritage, subject to a legislative opportunity. Administrative responsibility for the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites will also be transferred out of the DCMS, in discussion with the heritage agencies of the other Home Counties, and the devolved administration once established;
  subject to Parliamentary approval, management responsibility for Parliament and Trafalgar Squares will be transferred to the Greater London Authority when it is established;
  subject to agreement on the transfer of funding, responsibility for the maintenance of Marlborough House will transfer from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions to DCMS on 1 April 1999;
  the Department has agreed to take over responsibility from the Ministry of Defence for that part of the Public Meteorological Service related to basic weather forecasts that are provided for the BBC.

  Millennium Dome (Safety)
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Health and Safety Executive regarding public safety at the Millennium Exhibition in Greenwich. [64649]
  76
  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 11 January 1999]: The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) are in regular discussions with the Health and Safety Executive and other relevant authorities regarding public safety at the Millennium Experience.

  Millennium Dome (Trade Unions)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to include a display relating to the history of trade unions in the United Kingdom in the Millennium Dome. [64807]

  Janet Anderson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) has no plans to include a specific display on the history of trade unions in the Dome.

  Millennium Dome (Sponsorship)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the total amount of sponsorship raised for the Millennium Dome by IMG. [67485]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 25 January 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to the hon. Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) on 14 December 1998, Official Report, column 363.

  Millennium Dome (Access)
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what arrangements have been made to ensure that the Millennium Dome is fully accessible for disabled people. [67251]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 25 January 1999]: The Access Advisory Group was the first advisory group to be established by the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC). It held its first meeting in June 1997 and considers accessibility and special needs issues in relation to the Dome. Members are drawn from a range of voluntary sector organisations covering physical, sensory and learning disabilities, mental health issues and the needs of older people. The group is chaired by Mr. David Phillips of Holiday Care Service.

  The NMEC aims to provide for the needs of people with disabilities in an exemplary fashion, taking full account of advice from the experts on the Advisory Group. The Group has advised the Company on a wide range of accessibility issues including transportation, parking, the natural and built environment, displays and facilities, on-site information and promotional materials, ticketing arrangements, and disability awareness training.

  Parking will be available for Orange Badge holders on a pre-booked basis, close to the Dome entrance. There will be landtrains available; there will be level, ramped or list access to all areas, displays and features; and there will be wheelchairs available for those who require them. Suitable toilets will be available at each of the six service cores in the Dome and elsewhere around the site.

  Millennium Dome (Spirit Zone)
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on progress in securing a sponsor for the Spirit Zone of the Dome. [68178]
  77
  Janet Anderson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) are making good progress towards securing support for the Spirit Zone from a number of sources.

  New Millennium Experience Company
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the membership of the Board of the NMEC and their remuneration. [68180]

  Janet Anderson
  Details of the New Millennium Experience Company's (NMEC) Board membership are set out in the Company's Annual Report and Financial Statements 1997–98, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House. Non-executive Board members receive no remuneration. Details of remuneration applicable to the executive Board members (the Chief Executive, the Managing Director and the Finance Director) are in the Annual Report.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what has been the cost of legal advice given to the NMEC. [68176]

  Janet Anderson
  As is normal practice across the public and private sector, the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) retains legal advisors and, as necessary, seeks specialist legal advice in order to satisfy itself that its legal duties and obligations are met in all aspects of the Millennium Experience project. As is also normal practice, the company has its own in-house legal team. Details of the contractual arrangements with legal advisors and payments made are commercially confidential.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the contract for legal advice to the NMEC was awarded to Sharpe Pritchard and Co.; and what tendering procedure was used. [68177]

  Janet Anderson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) does not have a contract with Sharpe Pritchard for legal advice. Sharpe Pritchard are contacted as a parliamentary reporting service providing relevant extracts to the NMEC from the Official Report.

  Millennium Dome (Waste)
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what arrangements have been made for the disposal of waste generated by the Millennium Exhibition at Greenwich. [64650]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 11 January 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Mid-Norfolk (Mr. Simpson) on 1 February 1999, Official Report,column 455.

  Heritage Lottery Fund
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of Lord Rothschild's statement at the time of the publication of the 1996–97 Annual Report of the Heritage Lottery Fund relating to the reduction of lottery funding for purposes related to heritage. [69161]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  When the Lottery was launched in 1994, the good causes were expected to receive around £9 billion in total over the first licence period, that is 78
  £1.8 billion for each of the five good causes, including heritage. When we raised that forecast to £10 billion, we were able to provide £1 billion for the New Opportunities Fund without affecting the expectations of the original good causes. We now expect the Lottery to raise £10.6 billion for the good causes over the licence period, which ends in September 2001. £200 million of the extra £600 million will be shared equally between the heritage, the arts, sport and charities, with the balance of £400 million going to the New Opportunities Fund. The Heritage Lottery Fund can therefore now count on receiving at least £1.85 billion in total during the present licence.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 3 February that, following the reduction in the percentage income shares to the heritage, the arts, sport and charities from 16⅔ per cent. to 5 per cent. for thirteen weeks from 15 February in order to provide the extra revenue for the New Opportunities Fund, each is guaranteed to receive 16⅔ per cent. for the remainder of the licence period. This is in addition to the undertaking we have already given that these good causes are each gauranteed 16⅔ per cent. of Lottery proceeds after the current licence expires. These guarantees give the Heritage Lottery Fund a clear financial framework within which to plan its future spending and operate the new strategic approach to Lottery distribution we have introduced.

  Ministerial Flights
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which Ministers in his Department made use of(a) RAF and (b) chartered aircraft between 1 October 1998 and 31 January 1999; and if he will list the dates, destinations and costs of such flights. [69077]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]: Neither I nor any of my Ministers have made use either of an RAF aircraft or of a chartered aircraft.

  Holidays
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many holidays were taken in the United Kingdom by British residents in(a) 1994 and (b) 1998. [69392]

  Janet Anderson
  United Kingdom residents took an estimated 62.8 million holidays in the United Kingdom in 1994, according to the UK Tourism Survey. Short holiday trips, of 1–3 nights, accounted for fractionally over 50 per cent. of all holidays. The latest figures currently available from this annual survey are for 1997. They show an estimated 70.8 million holidays in the UK, 13 per cent. more than in 1994. Short holiday trips accounted for 53 per cent. of all UK holidays in 1997. The number of short holidays taken in the UK increased by 18 per cent. between 1994 and 1997.

  Figures for 1998 are expected to be available in late Spring.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government
  79
  have taken in the past two weeks to draw to the Spanish Government's attention their obligations under the European Community treaties in respect of the border with Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [69700]

  Ms Quin
  The Ambassador in Madrid has raised this issue on several occasions recently with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have made it clear to the Spanish authorities that we look to them to allow movement across the border in conformity with EU obligations.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what military equipment has been licensed for export by UK companies to Indonesia since 1 May 1997. [69491]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The Government are soon to publish their Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls. They will list by country of destination the number of export licences issued in each equipment category, and give details of the military equipment for which licences have been granted.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence he has evaluated on the alleged use against civilians of arms exported from the UK to Indonesia. [69760]

  Mr. Fatchett
  No formal mechanisms exist at present for systematically monitoring the use of British defence equipment once it has been exported. We will not however issue licences for the export of equipment where we judge there is a clearly identifiable risk that the equipment might be used for internal repression.

  Arms Embargoes
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the Orders in Council relating to arms embargoes circulated to British embassies and high commissions by his Department between 1979 and 1997. [69922]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  From 1979 to 1997, it was not normal practice to circulate copies of Orders in Council or summaries of them to British Embassies and High Commissions. It was the practice instead to circulate copies of the relevant UN Resolutions. Since July 1998 all FCO Departments and Posts overseas and all Whitehall Departments have been sent details of the scope and provisions of all new sanctions, including arms embargoes.

  Burma
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy with regard to the participation of representatives of the Government of Myanmar in European Union-ASEAN discussions. [69483]

  Mr. Fatchett
  As an ASEAN member, Burma is entitled to be represented at EU/ASEAN bloc-to-bloc meetings. The next meeting, of Foreign Ministers, is due to take place in March in Berlin. The UK believes that the level of Burmese representation should be in keeping with the spirit of the EU Common Position, which reflects 80
  the EU's concern about the appalling human rights and political situation in Burma. We continue to make this position clear to our EU Partners.

  Arms Control
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what position was taken by the United Kingdom representatives at the General Affairs Council on 25 and 26 January on proposals tabled by the German Government on arms control. [69482]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  As there was no prospect of consensus on the Presidency's proposal concerning the Code of Conduct on Arms Exports, the UK did not intervene. Our position is that this issue should be considered during the annual review of the operation of the Code, which is due to take place towards the end of the German Presidency, in the light of experience.

  Georgia
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to mark the accession of Georgia to full membership of the Council of Europe. [69260]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Georgia has yet formally to accede to the Council of Europe (CoE).

  The CoE Committee of Ministers is to consider the recommendation of the CoE Parliamentary Assembly that Georgia be invited to become a full member of the organisation, but with the requirement that Georgia meets certain specified commitments with stipulated timescales.

  We shall support a decision endorsing the Assembly's recommendations.

  Pakistan
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the actions of the Pakistan Government to limit the press freedom of the Daily Jang newspaper. [69894]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We are following developments in this case. I expect to raise the issue with the Minister of Information when I visit Pakistan on 8–10 February.

  Angola
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to work through the UN to ensure that Dr Jonas Savimbi is prosecuted for crimes against humanity. [69386]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The major responsibility for the break down of the peace process lies with Jonas Savimbi, but military action is not going to result in an acceptable resolution of the present crisis. The only way forward is for both the warring parties to return to the negotiating table. I would not wish to take any measures which might undermine prospects for a negotiated settlement.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement in respect of the Government's policy towards UNITA. [69385]
  81
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Our policy is to urge UNITA to fulfil its obligations under the Lusaka Protocol. It is their failure to do so which has led to the breakdown in the peace process and for which Mr. Savimbi must bear the main responsibility. But military action is not going to result in an acceptable solution of the present crisis. The only way forward is for both warring parties to return to the negotiating table. UN sanctions against UNITA were designed to encourage UNITA to fulfil its peace process obligations. The Government enforce all UN sanctions.

  UN 661 Sanctions Committee
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library the published minutes of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 661 Sanctions Committee. [69398]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Security Council Committee established by resolution 661(1990) concerning the situation between Iraq and Kuwait does not publish minutes of its meetings. It does however produce an annual report.

  I have arranged for copies of the latest of these reports to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Arms Exports
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the factors underlying the delay in publishing the first annual report on arms exports. [69399]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We regret the delay in publishing the first annual report on the UK's strategic export controls, and will publish the report as soon as possible.

  Putting the report together has involved the careful checking and compilation of a vast amount of data. This process has been particularly time-consuming because the databases of the departments concerned which were in place during the period covered by the annual report were not designed to produce the necessary information. In addition, it became clear at a late stage of the process that there were significant inaccuracies in HM Customs and Excise data relating to the value of arms exports to individual countries, and this has had to be re-checked.

  Private Military Companies
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to introduce regulation of private military companies in the United Kingdom. [69394]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Government are still examining this issue. No final decision has yet been taken.

  EU Funds
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the amounts paid by the EU to(a) Republic of Ireland, (b) Spain, (c) Portugal and (d) Greece in 1997–98. [69164]

  Ms Quin
  The EC budget year is the calendar year. According to the European Commission's report "Financing of the European Union" COM(98) 560,82
  deposited in the House Library on 26 October 1998 (Batch list 121), expenditures from the EC budget on these Member States in 1997 were:

  (a) Republic of Ireland: £6,071 million (8,605.8 mecu)

  (b) Spain: £7,974 million (11,303.6 mecu)

  (c) Portugal: £2,680 million (3,799.6 mecu)

  (d) Greece: £3,915 million (5,550.2 mecu).

  Ministerial Visits (Central Europe)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received from United Kingdom embassies about the numbers and occasions of visits by ministers from other EU states who are comparable in rank to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to(a) Poland, (b) Hungary, (c) the Czech Republic, (d) Slovenia and (e) Estonia, since each of these countries submitted their formal applications for membership of the EU. [67060]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 26 January 1999]: British Embassies in Central Europe keep the FCO regularly informed of significant events in their host countries. However we do not keep detailed records of all visits by trade and other Ministers from EU countries to Central Europe. To provide a full answer to the question would necessitate disproportionate cost. I am listing details of those visits for which we do hold records.

  The FCO and the DTI recognise the importance of the trade relationship with EU applicant states in Central Europe. Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary are priority markets under the joint DTI/FCO Export Forum Initiative. The DTI and FCO collaborate in export and investment promotion activities in all of these countries, including ministerial contact.

  Poland—Visits by other EU member state trade ministers (since 5 April 1994)

  M. Dondoux, French Minister of Trade, March 1998

  Hungary—Visits by other EU member state trade ministers (since 31 March 1994)

  No records

  Czech Republic—Visits by other EU member state trade ministers (since 17 January 1996)

  No records

  Slovenia—Visits by other EU member state trade ministers (since 10 June 1996)

  Ms Anneke van Dok van Weele, Netherlands Minister of Foreign Trade, September 1996

  Mr. Bjoern von Sydow, Swedish Trade Minister, September 1996

  Mr. Johan Ole Norrback, Finnish Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade, October 1997

  Mr. Piero Fassino, Italian Minister of Foreign Trade, January 1999

  Estonia—Visits by other EU member state trade ministers (since 24 November 1995)

  Mr. Anders Sundstrom, Swedish Minister of Industry and Commerce, May 1997

  Mr. Leif Pagrotsky, Swedish Minister for Trade, October 1997

  Mr. Antti Kalljomaki, Finnish Minister for Trade and Industry, December 1997

  Mr. Leif Pagrotsky, Swedish Minister for Trade, May 1998.

  83

  Swathi Pankhania
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has received concerning the case of Swathi Pankhania, born on 18 March 1973, currently being dealt with in Bombay; [67234]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 25 January 1999, Official Report, column 147, concerning Swathi Pankhania of Leicester, Ref S787788, when the decision will be made in this case. [69314]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The position on this case was set out in a letter dated 25 January 1999 from the Migration and Visa Correspondence Unit to my hon. Friend. We expect medical formalities to be completed around the middle of February.

  Kyoto Protocol
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage the United States to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. [67967]

  Mr. Prescott
  I have been asked to reply.

  It is important that all countries who agreed the Kyoto Protocol on climate change sign and ratify it, but it is particularly important that the US, as the world's largest emitter, should do so. Under the chairmanship of the UK, all G8 countries agreed last spring to sign the Protocol within a year; and the US did so during the Buenos Aires Climate Change Conference in November. The UK continues to play a significant role in international negotiations to finalise the rules on how the Protocol will operate, with the aim of promoting early ratification by all countries, including the US.

  I met Vice-President Al Gore on January 30, and climate change was among the matters discussed.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what assistance the British Embassy in Bangkok gave in arranging to charter a helicopter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer during his attendance at the ASEM conference in September 1997; and what the cost was of the charter; [68709]

  (2) what assistance Diplomatic posts in South Africa gave in arranging a charter flight for the Chancellor of the Exchequer in September 1997 to Bangkok from (a) South Africa and (b) Madagascar; and what the cost was of the flight. [68708]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  [holding answer 1 February 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I am giving today to my hon. Friend the Member for Halton (Mr. Twigg), Official Report, column 31.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Public Safety Radio Communication Project
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent advice he has given to 84
  local fire authorities concerning participation of the Fire Service in the Public Safety Radio Communication Project. [69007]

  Mr. George Howarth
  A letter was sent to Chief Fire Officers on 11 January 1999 which advised them on developments in the strategy for replacing fire service main scheme radio systems, including possible take-up of the Public Safety Radio Communications project. The proposals had previously been agreed by the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council at its meeting on 17 November 1998. I have placed a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Female Prisoners
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total female prison population by category and in total(a) on 1 May 1997 and (b) at the latest available date. [69219]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information requested is available for the last day of the month and is given for appropriate month ends in the table.

  Population of females in prisons in England and Wales on 30 April 1997 and 31 December 1998, by type of custody

  Type of custody

  30 April 1997

  31 December 1998

  Untried

  387

  444

  Convicted unsentenced

  205

  237

  Sentenced:

  Young offenders

  249

  310

  Adults

  1,734

  2,051

  Fine defaulters

  9

  3

  Non-criminal prisoners

  26

  21

  Total

  2,610

  3,066

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list his current planning projections of the future female prison population. [69174]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information requested is available in Home Office Statistical Bulletin 1/99 "Projections of long-term trends in the prison population to 2006" published on 20 January 1999. The Bulletin details three alternative scenarios which project a total female prison population by 2006 of:

  a) 3,900 (if custody rates increase by 1 per cent. and sentence lengths increase annually by 2 per cent.)

  b) 3,600 (if custody rates increase by 1 per cent. but sentence lengths remain at 1998 levels)

  c) 3,100 (if custody rates and sentence lengths remain at 1998 levels).

  These projections take into account the effect of Home Detention Curfew which came into effect on 28 January 1999. A copy of the bulletin which shows in table 1 the projected female prison population under each scenario by year is available in the Library and on the Home Office Web Site http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/index.htm.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women were sentenced to imprisonment for offences involving possession, supply or trafficking of controlled drugs in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available. [69176]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information is given in the table.
  85

  Receptions of sentenced females into prisons in England and Wales by principal drugs offence, 1992–1998

  Offence

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  19981

  Unlawful supply

  63

  70

  72

  136

  144

  186

  227

  Possession with intent

  42

  55

  61

  83

  142

  223

  276

  Possession

  41

  38

  40

  54

  95

  120

  103

  Unlawful import/export

  128

  132

  112

  122

  187

  210

  216

  Other drug offences

  2

  3

  2

  9

  7

  11

  12

  Total

  276

  298

  287

  404

  575

  750

  834

  1 Provisional figures.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women were held in prison in each member state of the European Union(a) in absolute terms and (b) in proportion to the size of their population for each of the last 10 years for which figures are available. [69177]

  Female prison population1 within the European Union, by member state, 1992 to 1997

  Number of female

  rate per 100,000 general female

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  England and Wales2,3

  1,577

  1,561

  1,811

  1,979

  2,262

  2,675

  6

  6

  7

  7

  9

  10

  Northern Ireland

  47

  36

  42

  30

  32

  30

  6

  4

  5

  4

  4

  4

  Scotland2

  158

  171

  177

  175

  189

  184

  6

  6

  7

  7

  7

  7

  Austria4

  338

  341

  335

  345

  367

  413

  8

  8

  8

  8

  9

  10

  Belgium2

  404

  348

  385

  382

  378

  360

  8

  7

  7

  7

  7

  7

  Denmark

  179

  178

  171

  219

  191

  160

  7

  7

  6

  8

  7

  6

  Finland5

  102

  111

  112

  127

  141

  134

  4

  4

  4

  5

  5

  5

  France6

  2,081

  2,100

  2,183

  2,256

  2,165

  2,166

  7

  7

  7

  8

  7

  7

  Germany

  —

  2,803

  2,712

  2,698

  2,768

  3,212

  —

  7

  6

  6

  7

  8

  Greece

  282

  300

  327

  —

  187

  209

  5

  6

  6

  —

  4

  4

  Ireland (Eire)

  30

  34

  36

  36

  48

  13

  2

  2

  2

  2

  3

  1

  Italy

  2,508

  2,775

  2,347

  2,172

  2,098

  2,034

  9

  9

  8

  7

  7

  7

  Luxembourg

  22

  16

  19

  29

  26

  —

  11

  8

  9

  14

  12

  —

  Netherlands7

  322

  339

  391

  —

  424

  491

  4

  4

  5

  —

  5

  6

  Portugal

  659

  795

  840

  —

  1,281

  1,470

  13

  16

  16

  —

  25

  29

  Spain8

  3,200

  4,300

  3,997

  3,865

  —

  4,002

  16

  22

  20

  19

  —

  20

  Sweden

  199

  234

  290

  330

  321

  297

  5

  5

  7

  7

  7

  7

  1 At 1 September

  2 Average population

  3 Includes prisoners held in police cells

  4 At 31 August

  5 At 1 January

  6 Metropolitan and overseas departments

  7 At 30 September

  8 At 31 December

  Source:

  Calculated from data in the Council of Europe S. PACE using population estimates supplied by the ONS.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the population of female prisoners in each of the past 10 years; and what estimate he has made of the figures for each of the next five years. [69262]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Information on the average female prison population (up to 1997) is published in "Prison Statistics England and Wales" (table 1.4 of the 1997 edition), a copy of which is in the Library. Information on the projected female prison population by alternative scenarios is given in table 1 of Home Office Statistical Bulletin 1/99 "Projections of long term trends in the prison population to 2006" published on 20 January 1999, a copy of which is in the Library and on the Home Office Web Site http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/index.htm.
  86
  Mr. George Howarth
  The available information is given in the table. It should be noted, however, that comparisons between penal statistics from different countries may be misleading due to differences in criminal justice systems, the types of sanctions available to the judicial authorities and the length of prison sentences imposed by the courts and served by offenders.

  Information on the average female prison population in England and Wales is given in the table. The figures are for the central scenario—higher and lower scenarios are possible.

  Average population of females in prisons in England and Wales, 1989–1998 (actual) and 1999–2004 (projected)

  Year

  Average population (Actual)

  Year

  Average population (Projected)

  1989

  1,767

  1999

  3,200

  1990

  1,597

  2000

  3,400

  1991

  1,561

  2001

  3,500

  1992

  1,577

  2002

  3,500

  1993

  1,561

  2003

  3,500

  1994

  1,811

  2004

  3,500

  1995

  1,979

  —

  —

  1996

  2,262

  —

  —

  1997

  2,675

  —

  —

  1998

  3,105

  —

  —

  87

  Animals Act 1911
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation amending the Animals Act 1911 to make it an offence to keep an animal in a situation where it was likely to be caused suffering. [69387]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The law places the responsibility for taking care of animals on their owners or keepers, who may not cause them harm, intentionally or through neglect. Under the Protection of Animals Act 1911, it is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal.

  Since the mistreatment of animals can take many forms, the 1911 Act has been widely drawn to apply to any situation of unnecessary suffering. There are no plans at present to amend the 1911 Act to make it an offence of being likely to cause unnecessary suffering.

  Prisons (Illegal Drugs)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on reducing the supply of illegal drugs in prisons. [69179]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Government are committed to the reduction of illegal drug use in prison. Our strategy is set out in "Tackling Drugs in Prison", which we launched in May 1998. Following the Comprehensive Spending Review, the Prison Service will receive an extra £76 million over the next three financial years for its implementation.

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many visitors to prisons were found to be in possession of illegal drugs in each of the last three years for which figures are available; how many were referred to the police; what action was taken in respect of those not referred to the police; and if he will make a statement. [68958]

  Mr. George Howarth
  All visitors to prisons who are found in possession of illegal drugs are referred to the police.

  In the last three years, the numbers of visitors arrested in connection with possible drug related offences are:

  1996: 1,312

  1997: 1,176

  1998: 1,086.

  The Prison Service does not record what action was subsequently taken by the police.

  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on Monday 25 January, Official Report, column 80, that he is to provide Governors with a new power to ban visitors for a specified time if they are caught bringing drugs into United Kingdom prisons.

  Racist Attacks (Greater Manchester)
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the most recent figures for recorded racist attacks in Greater Manchester; and what measures he proposes to deal with this kind of crime. [69173]
  88
  Mr. Boateng
  There were 624 recorded racial incidents in Greater Manchester in 1997–98. These are incidents recorded under the Association of Chief Police Officers' definition of a racial incident."Any incident in which it appears to the reporting or investigating officer that the complaint involves an element of racial motivation; or any incident which includes an allegation of racial motivation made by any person".

  Incidents included here are wider than the normal definition of a crime in the crime statistics and include low level harassment.

  A breakdown of the number of incidents recorded by the police in each police area in 1997–98 is given in the Home Office publication "Statistics on Race and the Criminal Justice System" 1998, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 introduced new statutory offences for racial crime which came into force on 30 September 1998. These correspond to the existing main offences which deal with violence against the person (except those which carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment), criminal damage and offences of harassment. They include a test that there was either racial motivation or any aggravating evidence or racial hostility in connection with the offence and provide the courts with higher maximum penalties to reflect the racial aspect to the crime.

  The introduction of specific racial offences will send out a strong message to society that such crime is unacceptable and will be dealt with very seriously by the courts.

  Social Exclusion
  Mr. Plaskitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the role of the voluntary sector in addressing social exclusion. [69160]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government regard partnership with voluntary and community organisations as crucial in combating social exclusion. Many such organisations have unique experience and knowledge of areas of need and opportunity. The voluntary sector is represented on the membership of seventeen of the eighteen Policy Action Teams set up following the Social Exclusion Unit report, "Bringing Britain Together".

  Trans-sexual Prisoners
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the planned timetable for the drawing up of guidelines and consultation on the treatment of transsexual prisoners; what consultation is planned with non-convicted transsexual persons; who is to be responsible for drawing up of the guidelines; and if the guidelines will cover prisoners on remand; [69230]

  (2) what guidelines are provided to prison service clinicians in respect of the treatment of transsexual prisoners. [69231]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Prison Service's Directorate of Health care is currently drawing up guidelines for the care, management and treatment of prisoners with gender dysphoria. The Directorate expects to begin consultation on a second draft of these guidelines
  89
  shortly and will set a timetable for their completion and issue in the light of the outcome. The Parliamentary Forum on Transsexualism and the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, both of which have previously contributed to the development of these guidelines, will be amongst those invited to comment on the second draft. The guidelines, which will refer to both convicted and unconvicted prisoners, will supersede the current arrangements whereby prison staff seek advice from the Directorate of Health Care as required.

  Swathi Pankhania
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to reply to the letters from the hon. Member for Leicester, East dated 7 December 1998 and 25 January 1999, concerning Swathi Pankhania of Rushey Mead, Leicester (Home Office ref. S787788). [69229]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  A reply will be sent to my hon. Friend shortly.

  Electronic Warfare
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which Cabinet Committees are currently responsible for considering information warfare issues; and if that will change following his answer of 25 January 1999,Official Report, column 75. [68315]

  Mr. Straw
  As I said in my answer of 25 January 1999, I will be taking lead responsibility for the new work on protection against electronic attack and will consult my Ministerial colleagues as required. There are no immediate plans to change the Terms of Reference of any Cabinet Committee.

  Asylum Seekers
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the costs(a) to central Government and (b) to local authorities in (i) 1998–99 and (ii) 1999–2000, under interim funding arrangements for asylum seekers, in respect of (1) single adults, (2) families and (3) unaccompanied children. [68578]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Asylum seekers who claim asylum at their port of entry may be entitled to income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit. Other asylum seekers may seek support from local authority social services departments. Local authorities are able to reclaim some of their expenditure by way of special grant from central government.

  The information is not available in the form requested. But the information which is available was contained in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in his reply to the right hon. Member for Horsham (Mr. Maude) on 4 February 1999, Official Report, column 726.

  Police Firearms
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many machine action weapons, shotguns and other firearms are currently held by United Kingdom police forces; what percentage of police personnel are trained in the use of each category of weapon; what plans are in place to increase the stock 90
  of such weapons by category, by (a) purchase, (b) lease hire or loan and (c) other arrangements; and if he will make a statement. [68946]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information on the number of firearms held by police forces in England and Wales is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The number of firearms held by police forces in Scotland is as follows:

  Police force

  Handgun

  Shotgun

  Rifle

  Other

  Total

  Central Scotland

  41

  4

  9

  16

  70

  Dumfries and Galloway

  45

  4

  13

  22

  84

  Fife

  42

  4

  6

  10

  62

  Grampian

  72

  13

  8

  31

  124

  Lothian and Borders

  123

  14

  14

  29

  180

  Northern

  89

  15

  30

  20

  154

  Strathclyde

  256

  14

  34

  54

  358

  Tayside

  87

  19

  32

  21

  159

  Total

  755

  87

  146

  203

  1,191

  The number of firearms held by the Royal Ulster Constabulary is as follows:

  Firearms

  Number

  Pistols/Revolvers

  15,016

  Machine action weapons

  3,457

  Shotguns

  31

  Sniper rifles

  44

  Arrangements for the purchase and storage of firearms are operational matters for chief officers of police. I understand from the Association of Chief Police Officers that there are no plans for any significant increase in the number of weapons held in England and Wales. Similarly, there are no plans to increase the stocks in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

  Based on the most recently available figures, 5.3 per cent. of police officers in England and Wales and 4.63 per cent. of police officers in Scotland are trained in the use of firearms. This reflects the policy of using a small number of highly trained officers for firearms operations. Training reflects the range of weapons officers may need to use in dealing with firearms incidents.

  All Royal Ulster Constabulary officers are trained in the use of handguns, and approximately 50 per cent. in the use of semi-automatic firearms. Shotgun and sniper rifle training involves very small numbers of officers.

  Deportations
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons(a) were deported and (b) voluntarily left the UK pending deportation in January. [68795]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Information on removals and voluntary departures resulting from deportation action is not yet available for January 1999.

  Table 5.3 of the Home Office statistical bulletin "Control of Immigration: Statistics, United Kingdom, First Half 1998", a copy of which is in the Library,

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  contains information on the numbers of persons who were removed or departed voluntarily as a result of deportation action in 1995, 1996, 1997 and the first half of 1998.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 2 February 1999,Official Report, columns 546–47, on deportation orders, in respect of how many deportation orders made in (a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) 1996 deportation was not enforced because it was no longer appropriate. [69918]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Some 160 of the deportation orders made in 1994 have not been enforced on the ground that deportation is no longer appropriate. The figures for 1995 and 1996 are 170 and 140 respectively.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 2 February 1999,Official Report, columns 546–47, on deportation orders, if he will make it his policy to collect easily accessible information on the number of persons in custody or otherwise detained who are the subject of deportation action; and if he will make a statement. [69919]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Information is currently collected on people who are detained under Immigration Act powers in prisons and detention centres. This will include people refused entry on arrival at a port and illegal entrants, as well as those who are subject to deportation action. However, those subject to deportation are not identified separately; and the figures do not include people still completing custodial sentences who are subject to deportation action, as the latter are not held under Immigration Act powers.

  There is no pressing operational need to collect centrally separate information about the number of people in prison custody or otherwise detained who are subject to deportation action. However, the Immigration Service is currently in discussions with the Prison Service about the collection of data on foreign nationals in prison and will consider the desirability of including details of prisoners subject to deportation when new information systems are introduced.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances it is the policy of the Government that people serving prison sentences and who are the subject of deportation action should be released from custody prior to deportation. [69845]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  A prisoner is expected to complete his sentence before being deported.

  It is our practice to complete the necessary administrative action associated with deportation before the person concerned has completed his sentence so that deportation can take place on release from custody.

  Where it is not possible to do this for legal reasons such as an outstanding appeal, or where the person is not immediately removable for other reasons, consideration is given to whether they should be detained under Immigration Act powers or whether they can be granted temporary release.

  In deciding whether or not a particular individual should be detained, we apply the same criteria as are applied in other immigration cases. These criteria were set
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  out in Chapter 12 of the White Paper "Fairer, Faster and Firmer—A Modern Approach to Immigration and Asylum", which was published last year.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if prison governors are informed of which prisoners in their charge are the subject of deportation action. [69846]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Governors should be aware of those prisoners who have been recommended for deportation by a court. In other cases, the police are required to notify the Immigration and Nationality Directorate where someone has been convicted of an offence of violence against the person, a drugs offence or an immigration offence or any other offence where a custodial sentence of 12 months or more has been imposed. Where it is decided to initiate deportation action in those cases, the Governor is asked to serve the notice informing the prisoner that the Secretary of State intends to deport him. The Governor will also be informed of cases where a deportation order has already been made—on other grounds—against someone who is serving a custodial sentence.

  Immigration
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 1 December 1998,Official Report, column 131, on immigration, if he will make it his policy to collect information on the number of cases in which he exercises his discretion to grant leave to remain in the United Kingdom to foreign nationals resident in the United Kingdom on the grounds of compassionate circumstances. [69917]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  No. There is no operational need to collect these data so the public expense of collecting the information could not be justified.

  Circuses (Winter Quarters)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Brigg and Goole (Mr. Cawsey) of 25 January 1999,Official Report, column 75, what plans he has to extend animal welfare legislation to circus animals in winter quarters. [69494]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Circus animals in winter quarters are protected by the Protection of Animals Act 1911, under which it is a criminal offence to ill-treat or cause any unnecessary suffering to any captive or domestic animal, and by the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925. We are still studying the all party group for animal welfare's report on circus animals.

  Police (Millennium Celebrations)
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional resources he has made available to the Metropolitan Police to ensure public safety and public order and to prevent crime at the time of the Millennium celebrations; and if he will make a statement. [69609]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The need to make adequate provision for both planned and contingency policing related to the Millennium celebrations in London is being taken fully into account in budget estimates for the
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  Metropolitan Police, for 1999–2000, which the Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District in consultation with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, is preparing for the Home Secretary's approval.

  My right hon. Friend announced, in a reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Salford (Ms Blears) on 2 December 1998, Official Report, columns 194–97, that the Metropolitan Police should continue to receive additional funding in recognition of its distinct national and capital city functions which, in the next financial year, include policing related to Millennium celebrations; that he proposes that a special payment should therefore be made to the Metropolitan Police over and above that available through the principal police grant formula; and that he has set the amount of this special payment at £176 million. My right hon. Friend announced a funding allocation of £1,744 million for the Metropolitan Police for 1999–2000 in a reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Reading, West (Mr. Salter), Official Report, columns 618–19. The final grant allocations for 1999–2000 as set out in the Police Grant Report, including the additional special payment of £176 million for the Metropolitan Police, were approved by the House on 4 February.

  Circus Animals
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what rules govern the treatment of circus animals; how he monitors the treatment of such animals; and if he will make a statement. [69499]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) on 4 February 1999,Official Report, column 761.

  Home Detention Curfew Orders
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners released on home detention curfew on or since 28 January have been returned to custody to date(a) as a result of offending and (b) for other reasons. [70021]

  Mr. George Howarth
  As of 7 February, 392 prisoners have been made subject to Home Detention Curfew. Four of these prisoners have had their licences revoked and been recalled to prison. Two of these recalls were as a result of a failure to comply with the curfew conditions. One recall was due to an inability to monitor the prisoner's whereabouts and one was in order to protect the public from serious harm. One of the two prisoners recalled for failing to comply with the curfew condition has been charged with a further offence.

  Provisional Police Grants
  Mr. Day
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the provisional police grants announced in December 1998. [69204]

  Mr. Boateng
  I received 40 written representation on the provisional police grant allocations announced on 2 December 1998. I also met representatives from seven police authorities.
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  Holloway Prison
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish the results of the inquiry into the events at Holloway Prison on 13 August 1998. [69259]

  Mr. George Howarth
  An internal Prison Service inquiry into a series of incidents connected to the non-issue of medication to prisoners at Holloway prison has been completed. The Prison Service does not normally publish the findings of internal investigation reports.

  The inquiry did, however, recognise some serious shortcomings in the management of medication which have now been addressed. The area manager and the governor are currently instituting a series of changes to ensure the effective delivery of medical services at the prison.

  Drugs
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the percentage of people who have used(a) cannabis, (b) cocaine and (c) heroin in each of the past 10 years. [69261]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Figures for the percentage of people in the general population aged 16 to 59 using drugs during the last year, across England and Wales, are available on a reliable basis only from the 1994 and 1996 British Crime Surveys. These figures are given in the table. Equivalent findings from the 1998 British Crime Survey will become available when the report on the drugs component of the Survey is published later this year.

  Table: Percentage of respondents aged 16–59 in the 1994 and 1996 British Crime Survey who used drugs in the last year

  Drug

  1994

  1996

  Cannabis

  8

  9

  Cocaine

  1—

  1

  Crack

  1—

  1—

  Heroin

  1—

  1—

  1 Denotes less than 0.5 per cent.

  Committee for Infrastructure Protection
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Committee for Infrastructure Protection; and if he will list its members and terms of reference. [69559]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I am not aware of the specific committee to which the hon. Member refers. I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary gave in a reply today to the hon. Member for Beckenham (Mrs. Lait),Official Report, column 89.

  Prisons (Passive Drug Dogs)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy on providing passive drug dogs in prisons; and what is the cost of keeping each dog. [69635]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The use of passive drug dogs is an important element in the Prison Service's strategy for tackling the supply of illegal drugs into prisons. There are currently 34 passive drug dogs across the service,
  95
  with around 50 additional dogs planned over the next three years. The annual cost of keeping each dog is approximately £2,087.

  Press Complaints Commission
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will legislate to place the Press Complaints Commission Code of Practice on a statutory basis; and if he will include a provision banning discrimination to be exhibited in published material relating to a group of people. [68920]

  Janet Anderson
  I have been asked to reply.

  No. The Government prefer effective self regulation overseen by the Press Complaints Commission to any form of statutory regulation.

WALES

  Hip Replacements
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the average cost of a hip replacement operation in Wales in the last year for which figures are available. [69217]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  A figure specifically for the average cost of a hip replacements in Wales is not readily available.

  The costing system in Wales groups hip replacement procedures with other similar surgery.

  The 1997–98 average cost across all Welsh NHS Trusts for the relevant group was £3,686.

  In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.

  SSSIs (Damage)
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to introduce measures to reduce the incidence of damage to sites of special scientific interest in Wales. [69393]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The consultation paper 'Sites of Special Scientific Interest—Better Protection and Management' set out a number of measures that might improve the protection of SSSIs. Responses to that consultation are being considered.

  In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.

  Sheepmeat
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his assessment of the prospects for sheepmeat production. [69540]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  I anticipate a marked increase in sheepmeat production following a heavy carry-over of the 1998 lamb crop into the 1999 season coupled with producers retaining ewes which would otherwise have been culled out.
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  An industry-led Action Plan for the Lamb and Beef sectors will be published shortly, with the support of the Welsh Office and the Welsh Development Agency.

  In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.

  Cervical Smears
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many women received cervical smear tests in the last year. [69545]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  228,994 women resident in Wales received cervical smear tests during 1997–98, of which 216,673 were in the programme's target age group of 20 to 64 years.

  In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.

  Beef Farming
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the prospects for beef farming. [69539]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The long term future of the beef sector will depend to a large degree on the outcome of the negotiations on the Agenda 2000 proposals. If the current proposals are agreed, they will provide for a significant reduction in beef prices together with an increase in direct payments to producers to compensate for the reduction in prices. This will provide the sector with the opportunity to become more market orientated and may boost consumption. It is clear that reform of the regime is essential in the light of the structural surplus that currently exists in the beef sector. In the continuing negotiations on the Agenda 2000 proposals we will be seeking to ensure that all member states play their part in bringing beef production into line with consumption. I believe that, with planning and re-valuation of their costs structure, Welsh beef producers, where they can utilise their natural advantages such as an abundance of grass, good breeding stock and a wealth of technical expertise at their disposal, should be in a position to succeed.

  An industry-led Action Plan for the Lamb and Beef sectors will be published shortly, with the support of the Welsh Office and the Welsh Development Agency.

  In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.

  Dairy Producers
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he proposes to assist dairy producers in Wales. [69538]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The long term future of the dairy sector will depend to a large degree on the outcome of the negotiations on Agenda 2000. The current legal authority for milk quota is due to expire on 31 March 2000. The commission's Agenda 2000 proposals for the reform of the CAP dairy regime include: the extension of the milk quota regime from 2000 until 2006; a 15 per cent. cut in support prices over the first four years of that period; the introduction of direct payments; dairy cow premiums, to
  97
  compensate producers for the price cuts; and an overall increase of 2 per cent. in the amount of quota at Community level.

  An industry-led Action Plan for the dairy sector will be published shortly, with the support of the Welsh Office and the Welsh Development Agency.

  In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.

  Meet the People Meetings
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the cost of each of his Meet the People meetings; and how many(a) civil servants and (b) members of the public attended each meetings. [69268]

  Mr. Michael
  The information about the number of members of the public attending meetings under my Meet the People initiative is set out in the table. These meetings give the public the opportunity to speak directly to me about the work of my Department and about devolution issues. They have shown that people in various parts of Wales are interested enough to turn out on wet winter

  Unitary authority area

  Location

  Members of the public1

  Date and time of event

  Newport

  Newport

  35

  Friday 4 December 6 p.m.

  Swansea

  Swansea

  50

  Thursday 10 December 6 p.m.

  Neath Port Talbot

  Neath

  100

  Thursday 10 December 7.30 p.m.

  Torfaen

  Croesyceiliog

  110

  Friday 11 December 3.30 p.m.

  Vale of Glamorgan

  Barry

  5

  Saturday 12 December 10.30 a.m.

  Wrexham

  Wrexham

  25

  Thursday 17 December 7.30 p.m.

  Flintshire

  Mold

  14

  Friday 18 December 6.30 p.m.

  Rhondda Cynon Taff

  Pontypridd

  40

  Monday 18 January 7 p.m.

  Pembrokeshire

  Haverford west

  90

  Thursday 21 January 7 p.m.

  Blaenau Gwent

  Ebbw Vale

  55

  Friday 22 January 7 p.m.

  Merthyr Tydfil

  Merthyr Tydfil

  20

  Thursday 28 January 7 p.m.

  Caerphilly

  Pontllanfraith

  55

  Monday 1 February 6 p.m.

  Conwy

  Llandudno

  80

  Thursday 4 February 7 p.m.

  1 Approximate figures

  Pendy Plastics
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he plans to take to assist the employees of Pendy Plastics (Mainetti) of Deeside Industrial Park who are to be made redundant; and if he will make a statement. [69612]

  Mr. Hain
  As always when redundancies are announced my Department and its agencies are available to assist, where possible, those that will be affected by redundancy.

  A meeting has been arranged for Tuesday 9 February with the company's Personnel Department. This will include representatives from the WDA, Flintshire County Council and the Employment Service who will be the initial contact point for those made redundant. CELTIC will also give advice and guidance as necessary and have asked the Employment Service to ensure that all those persons made redundant are registered for training.

  The WDA is already in contact with other companies in the area who use similar manufacturing techniques, to ascertain whether they have vacancies requiring those skills, and all effort will be made to match workers to vacancies.
  98
  evenings to ask their questions. It has been clear from the questions and the discussion that those attending include people with interests in the business sector, local government, trade unions and voluntary organisations as well as members of the general public.

  I have been accompanied by my private secretary and, with the exception of the public meeting in Newport, which was the first in the series of meetings, one official has attended to make the necessary arrangements. A press officer has attended 6 meetings.

  The support provided by my Department is given as part of its normal duties and has been met from within existing resources. The only additional cost incurred by my Department up to and including 4 February, which covers the first 13 meetings, is £490. This relates almost exclusively to the provision of facilities, principally translation facilities, for the public meetings in Wrexham and Llandudno.

  The meetings have provided an excellent opportunity to discuss both all-Wales issues and matters of local concern. Even the smallest meetings have been positive and lively, with individuals raising a series of issues. I have found them both challenging and rewarding.

  Everything possible is being done to help those affected by redundancy.

  In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.

  Epilepsy
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidelines are issued by his Department to(a) health and (b) education authorities in Wales in relation to the provision of services and support needed by people suffering from epilepsy; and if he will make a statement. [69671]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  On 15 June 1995, the Chief Medical Officer for Wales issued to the NHS in Wales a report on 'Health Care for People with Epilepsy in Wales' (PM(95)). This report made a number of recommendations, gives useful background information and is a resource for staff involved in purchasing and providing care for this group of patients.

  In December 1997, a Welsh Office Circular `Supporting Pupils with Medical Needs' was issued to all Directors of Education in Wales together with an accompanying Good Practice Guide. The Guide contained

  99
  a section describing the different types of epilepsy, its control and what can be done in the event of a pupil suffering a seizure.

  In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.

  National Assembly
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what meetings have taken place in the past three months between his Department's ministers and other Government departments on the powers of the Welsh Assembly; and what the outcome was in each case. [69257]

  Mr. Michael
  Discussion of how the powers of the Secretary of State for Wales will transfer to the Welsh Assembly and the implications for other Government Departments arises frequently in meetings within Government.

  All such discussions provide positive opportunities to prepare the ground for the transfer of powers. As far as the formal process is concerned, on 12 November last year, I published a draft of the Transfer of Functions Order which will determine the powers to be transferred to the National Assembly. Since then there have been a number of meetings at official and Ministerial level as well as comments from outside Government. These all help to inform the final draft Order which I hope will be ready to be laid later this month. I and my officials are also consulted on any Government Bill which makes provision for Wales. Some Bills confer powers directly on the Assembly.

  Education Expenditure
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total expenditure on primary and secondary education in Wales expressed as a proportion of the GDP of Wales; and what was the proportion in May 1997. [68609]

  Mr. Hain
  Public expenditure on primary and secondary education in Wales including early years and special education, is budgeted to be around £1,124 million in 1997–98 and £1,196 million in 1998–99. Expressed as a proportion of the 1997 GDP for Wales, the latest available, the figures are 4.1 and 4.3 per cent. respectively.

  Capital expenditure is not available in the required detail for the period in question and has therefore been excluded.

  In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.

  Aquaculture
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if commercial aquaculture ventures are eligible for EU aquaculture development grants in Wales; and what changes to procedures relating to the availability and administration of these grants his Department has introduced for the coming year. [68840]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Commercial aquaculture projects in Wales are eligible for EU grants under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG), and the administration of the FIFG scheme will be unchanged for the coming year.
  100
  I am currently considering applications for aquaculture grant against the competing priorities under other grant schemes and budgets.

  In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Over 30 Months Scheme
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cattle are waiting for slaughter under the over thirty month scheme; and what is the average duration of such waits. [69489]

  Mr. Rooker
  In most areas of the country farmers are able to arrange for their OTMS animals to be slaughtered within a fortnight of booking with an abattoir or market. Abattoir slaughterings are currently averaging 17,000 animals a week in the UK, which would imply that there are only around 34,000 animals waiting to be slaughtered. An emergency service exists for the expeditious slaughter on-farm of animals which, in the opinion of a veterinary practitioner, require immediate slaughter.

  Levy Scheme
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 3 February 1999,Official Report, column 691, how many (a) charitable, (b) voluntary and (c) other not-for-profit food outlets are currently subject to licensing. [69996]

  Mr. Rooker
  Charitable, voluntary or other not-for-profit status is not recorded as part of the registration procedure and so details of the number of premises falling into these categories are not available. There are no licensing requirements specifically for such premises.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the sale of fruit, crisps and other snacks at break times in schools will qualify a school for paying the flat rate levy proposed in support of the Food Standards Agency. [70011]

  Mr. Rooker
  The requirement to pay the proposed levy would depend on whether the premises concerned was required to register with the local authority under the Food Premises (Registration) Regulations 1991. These regulations make an exemption for premises which are concerned with the supply of beverages, or of biscuits, potato crisps, confectionery or other similar products and which are ancillary to a business (which may include a school) whose principal activity is not the sale of food.

  Badger Culling Scheme
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Government's badger culling scheme has measures in place(a) to record badger population densities and (b) to estimate the proportion of badgers culled. [68606]

  Mr. Rooker
  There are no validated methods for establishing badger populations from field evidence of badger activity. The Department is currently finalising contracts for research in this area, which will build on
  101
  data collected during the randomised culling trial. Culling efficiency during the trial is being monitored and will be audited, and the data will subsequently be reviewed in the light of research. However, the trial has been designed to test practical options and has such statistical power that it is not necessary to know precise culling efficiencies.

  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Government's badger culling scheme has been audited by external auditors. [68605]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 2 February 1999,Official Report, column 602.

  Food Standards Agency
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he will take to ensure the presence of scientific experience on the Governing Council of the Food Standards Agency. [68918]

  Mr. Rooker
  The members of the Agency will be appointed to bring together a reasonable balance of relevant skills and experience. Candidates will be selected for their ability to contribute effectively to that balance and for their personal qualities. We envisage that it will be essential for some members to have relevant scientific experience.

  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to ensure that the Food Standards Agency has sufficient funds for scientific research. [68824]

  Mr. Rooker
  Budgets for food safety and standards research currently funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and relevant research funded by other Departments, including the Department of Health, will be transferred to the Agency at the outset. It will be for the Agency to decide priorities for expenditure within the overall funds available to it.

  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to monitor the competence of the inspectorate attached to the Food Standards Agency and the adequacy of its staff resources. [68925]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Agency will have direct responsibility for meat hygiene inspection through the Meat Hygiene Service (which will be a separate executive arm of the proposed Agency), and for dairy hygiene inspections carried out by the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency. Other food hygiene inspections will continue to be the responsibility of local authorities. The draft Food Standards Bill provides powers for the Agency to monitor the performance of enforcement activities, including its own enforcement authorities, and to report on its conclusions. In monitoring enforcement performance, the Agency would be expected to have regard to the adequacy of the relevant staff resources.

  Intervention Stocks
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 27 January 1999,Official Report, column 304, on intervention stocks, for what reason the information is not available. [68965]
  102
  Mr. Rooker
  Member States participating in the EU Surplus Food Scheme are obliged to notify the European Commission of the eligibility criteria which they apply. The UK Government announced last year that the EU Surplus Food Scheme would not be operated in the UK; thus the issue of eligibility criteria does not arise here.

  Member States who do participate in the Scheme are obliged to notify the European Commission of the eligibility criteria which they apply. The Commission does not publish this information.

  Beef (Compensation)
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if new entrants into farming will be eligible for the per cow compensation for the beef sector. [69019]

  Mr. Rooker
  The £120 million aid package announced by my right hon. Friend on 16 November 1998,Official Report, columns 624–40, included a £30 million increase in the funding of Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances (HLCAs) for cattle in 1999, an extension to the Calf Processing Aid Scheme (CPAS) until the end of March 1999, and £48.3 million in agrimonetary compensation to the suckler cow sector.

  New entrants to farming will be eligible for HLCA and CPAS payments, as long as they comply with the scheme rules, but not for agrimonetary compensation, since this was the second tranche of compensation for exchange rate revaluations affecting the beef sector during 1997 and had, under EU rules, to be paid on the basis of production in the 12 months prior to the revaluations.

  In order to respect the conditions set by the EU—and also to ensure that the money reached affected beef producers promptly—the first tranche of compensation was paid to producers who received Suckler Cow Premium in 1996. Payments under the second tranche also had to be made to beef producers who were affected by 1997 revaluations.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what data he has collated on the results of the tests which have been carried out in the United Kingdom for detecting the presence of genetically modified organisms in food or food ingredients. [69289]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]: Enforcement of food labelling regulations, including legislation requiring the labelling of foods and food ingredients which contain genetically modified organisms, is the responsibility of Local Authorities.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the methods which are currently used in the United Kingdom for determining the origin, nature and quantity of genetically modified organisms present in food or food ingredients; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of these methods. [69288]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]: There are two types of methods which have been developed for the detection of foods and food ingredients containing genetically modified material; those based on the

  103
  polymerase chain reaction which can be used to detect novel DNA, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods which can detect novel proteins.

  These methods are currently being validated at the European level by the EC Joint Research Centre.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will pursue with the European Commission the payment of subsidies to more farm animals in Italy last year than were known to exist; and what will be the financial consequences for the United Kingdom of the overpayment. [69194]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]: Commission auditors are responsible for checking that member states have paid CAP subsidies according to the rules and the UK fully supports the Commission in this work. Any sums wrongfully paid by member states have to be repaid by them to the EU budget.

  Farming (East Sussex)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the state of the farming industry in East Sussex. [67911]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]: The farming industry in East Sussex is currently suffering the effects of a depressed market for beef, sheep and pigmeat and has seen farming incomes fall by 35 per cent. in real terms between 1997 and 1998. In a county where over 40 per cent. of agricultural land is permanent grassland, so reflecting the importance of livestock, and where some two thirds of the land comprises the Sussex Downs and the High Weald, areas of outstanding national beauty which rely on current fanning practices, this fall in market prices is understandably of concern.

  The County benefits from Environmentally Sensitive Area status for the South Downs and farmers can seek financial assistance for work to enhance the environment under Ministry schemes such as the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, the Habitat Scheme, the Farm Woodland Scheme and the Organic Aid Scheme. Payments to the farming industry in East Sussex in 1997 under MAFF schemes totalled around £16.2 million. Figures are not currently available for 1998.

  The Government recognise the importance of a sustainable, competitive and profitable industry and an attractive and viable countryside for the future. My noble Friend Lord Donoughue visited East Sussex on 3 February to listen to the views of representatives of farming interests.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Education Standard Spending Assessment
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list in respect of each local education authority in England the underlying increase in the provisional education standard spending assessment in 1999–2000 in cash terms, as a percentage, and as a percentage per pupil. [69844]
  104
  Ms Estelle Morris
  The table sets out the information requested for the education SSAs for 1999–2000, which were finalised on 1 February. Some 85 per cent. of the total is allocated on the basis of pupil numbers with the remainder allocated on the basis of population and resident pupil numbers. This has two main effects in creating local variations around the national increases. First, the percentage increase for a given local authority will generally be higher than the national increase if its pupil numbers have risen more quickly than the national trend. Second, authorities with above average increases in pupil numbers will tend to see their overall education SSA per pupil rise by less than the national average rate because the 15 per cent. of the SSA which is not based on pupil numbers will not rise in line with the pupil numbers, and this has a consequential effect on the year-on-year change in the overall level of education SSA per pupil.

  Final Education SSAs for 1999–2000

  LEA

  Education SSA (£ million)

  Change (£ million)

  Change (%)

  SSA per pupil change (%)

  City of London

  0.8

  0.0

  1.7

  7.7

  Camden

  87.4

  4.0

  4.8

  4.7

  Greenwich

  126.2

  6.0

  5.0

  5.4

  Hackney

  103.6

  5.0

  5.0

  5.1

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  63.2

  3.4

  5.7

  4.9

  Islington

  91.7

  4.2

  4.7

  5.4

  Kensington and Chelsea

  40.2

  2.7

  7.1

  5.9

  Lambeth

  111.4

  6.9

  6.6

  5.0

  Lewisham

  127.5

  6.9

  5.7

  5.1

  Southwark

  124.2

  7.8

  6.7

  5.4

  Tower Hamlets

  145.6

  8.0

  5.9

  5.7

  Wandsworth

  98.2

  4.9

  5.3

  5.0

  Westminster

  66.8

  4.3

  6.9

  5.4

  Barking and Dagenham

  84.3

  5.2

  6.6

  4.5

  Barnet

  135.9

  7.4

  5.8

  4.2

  Bexley

  105.9

  6.0

  6.0

  4.1

  Brent

  123.1

  5.8

  4.9

  4.3

  Bromley

  125.8

  7.5

  6.3

  4.3

  Croydon

  140.4

  8.0

  6.1

  4.5

  Ealing

  129.4

  7.0

  5.7

  4.5

  Enfield

  139.3

  8.0

  6.1

  4.4

  Haringey

  110.6

  7.5

  7.2

  4.6

  Harrow

  81.1

  3.5

  4.5

  4.6

  Havering

  99.0

  4.5

  4.8

  4.3

  Hillingdon

  107.9

  5.6

  5.5

  4.3

  Hounslow

  107.1

  5.4

  5.3

  4.7

  Kingston upon Thames

  53.4

  2.7

  5.2

  4.7

  Merton

  66.3

  3.2

  5.1

  4.6

  Newham

  156.6

  10.3

  7.0

  4.3

  Redbridge

  118.4

  8.6

  7.9

  3.5

  Richmond upon Thames

  52.5

  2.8

  5.7

  4.2

  Sutton

  78.8

  4.6

  6.2

  4.2

  Waltham Forest

  111.1

  7.0

  6.8

  4.1

  Birmingham

  506.0

  23.3

  4.8

  5.3

  Coventry

  136.1

  6.1

  4.7

  5.2

  Dudley

  120.4

  6.5

  5.7

  5.1

  Sandwell

  136.0

  6.4

  4.9

  5.2

  Solihull

  88.0

  5.5

  6.7

  4.9

  Walsall

  124.6

  6.8

  5.8

  5.0

  Wolverhampton

  111.9

  5.7

  5.4

  5.0

  Knowsley

  85.2

  4.0

  5.0

  5.3

  Liverpool

  238.3

  9.3

  4.1

  5.6

  St. Helens

  76.5

  3.0

  4.1

  4.9

  Sefton

  122.2

  6.1

  5.2

  4.9

  Wirral

  148.7

  6.8

  4.8

  4.9

  Bolton

  117.5

  6.0

  5.4

  5.2

  Bury

  71.5

  3.9

  5.8

  5.2

  Manchester

  207.7

  9.6

  4.9

  5.9

  Oldham

  108.6

  5.3

  5.1

  5.1

  Rochdale

  96.9

  5.1

  5.6

  5.1

  Salford

  95.2

  4.6

  5.1

  5.4

  105

  Final Education SSAsfor 1999–2000

  LEA

  Education SSA (£ million)

  Change (£ million)

  Change (%)

  SSA per pupil change (%)

  Stockport

  104.4

  5.5

  5.5

  5.4

  Tameside

  95.6

  5.4

  6.0

  5.3

  Trafford

  91.1

  6.5

  7.7

  5.7

  Wigan

  125.3

  6.3

  5.3

  5.2

  Barnsley

  87.4

  4.4

  5.3

  5.3

  Doncaster

  136.1

  6.2

  4.7

  5.2

  Rotherham

  116.1

  6.6

  6.0

  4.8

  Sheffield

  195.0

  11.1

  6.0

  5.1

  Bradford

  233.8

  9.5

  4.2

  5.0

  Calderdale

  88.2

  5.0

  6.0

  4.9

  Kirklees

  164.3

  8.3

  5.3

  5.0

  Leeds

  292.4

  14.8

  5.3

  5.2

  Wakefield

  129.0

  6.5

  5.3

  5.1

  Gateshead

  78.3

  3.4

  4.6

  5.1

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  111.0

  5.0

  4.7

  5.0

  North Tyneside

  77.6

  3.4

  4.6

  5.0

  South Tyneside

  68.8

  3.4

  5.1

  5.2

  Sunderland

  129.1

  5.7

  4.6

  5.3

  Isles of Scilly

  1.2

  0.0

  0.8

  7.9

  Cambridgeshire

  190.0

  11.3

  6.3

  5.2

  Cheshire

  263.8

  13.8

  5.5

  4.9

  Cornwall

  189.8

  11.1

  6.2

  5.1

  Cumbria

  195.5

  10.0

  5.4

  5.1

  Devon

  243.8

  15.9

  7.0

  4.1

  Essex

  524.1

  29.2

  5.9

  4.0

  Gloucestershire

  214.8

  12.7

  6.3

  5.0

  Herefordshire

  61.1

  4.1

  7.3

  4.3

  Worcestershire

  198.2

  10.9

  5.8

  3.9

  Hertfordshire

  446.5

  23.6

  5.6

  4.1

  Kent

  553.5

  29.7

  5.7

  4.1

  Lancashire

  468.5

  25.3

  5.7

  5.0

  Lincolnshire

  250.7

  15.3

  6.5

  4.8

  Norfolk

  286.5

  17.4

  6.5

  4.8

  Northamptonshire

  257.8

  14.8

  6.1

  5.0

  Northumberland

  129.3

  6.3

  5.2

  4.9

  Nottinghamshire

  296.0

  16.4

  5.9

  4.7

  Oxfordshire

  217.4

  10.2

  4.9

  4.2

  Shropshire

  100.8

  5.7

  6.0

  5.1

  Somerset

  175.6

  10.9

  6.6

  5.2

  Suffolk

  250.3

  14.1

  5.9

  4.8

  Surrey

  358.3

  21.1

  6.3

  4.2

  Warwickshire

  187.6

  10.1

  5.7

  5.2

  West Sussex

  269.2

  15.5

  6.1

  3.7

  North Yorkshire

  219.7

  13.6

  6.6

  4.9

  Bedfordshire

  161.0

  7.4

  4.8

  4.1

  Buckinghamshire

  193.6

  10.4

  5.7

  3.7

  Derbyshire

  272.4

  15.6

  6.1

  4.9

  Dorset

  135.3

  9.2

  7.3

  4.3

  Durham

  203.4

  9.6

  4.9

  5.1

  East Sussex

  174.3

  10.1

  6.2

  4.2

  Hampshire

  446.8

  24.9

  5.9

  4.2

  Leicestershire

  228.2

  13.6

  6.3

  4.8

  Staffordshire

  323.1

  18.2

  6.0

  5.0

  Wiltshire

  159.1

  10.1

  6.8

  4.5

  Isle of Wight

  53.2

  2.6

  5.1

  4.0

  Bath and North East Somerset

  62.3

  3.3

  5.6

  4.8

  Bristol

  134.2

  7.0

  5.5

  5.4

  North Somerset

  68.0

  3.6

  5.6

  4.9

  South Gloucestershire

  93.8

  6.3

  7.2

  5.0

  Hartlepool

  42.6

  2.2

  5.4

  5.1

  Middlesbrough

  68.5

  3.1

  4.8

  5.2

  Redcar and Cleveland

  66.2

  2.9

  4.6

  5.3

  Stockton-on-Tees

  82.1

  4.5

  5.8

  4.9

  Kingston-upon-Hull

  114.8

  5.2

  4.8

  5.2

  East Riding

  121.3

  7.4

  6.5

  5.0

  North East Lincolnshire

  73.0

  3.1

  4.5

  5.3

  North Lincolnshire

  65.0

  3.2

  5.2

  5.3

  York

  60.3

  3.5

  6.1

  5.3

  Luton

  87.6

  4.3

  5.2

  4.3

  Milton Keynes

  92.7

  4.3

  4.9

  3.9

  Derby

  96.8

  5.3

  5.8

  5.0

  Poole

  50.0

  3.2

  6.9

  3.9

  Bournemouth

  55.8

  3.3

  6.3

  4.2

  106

  Final Education SSAsfor 1999–2000

  LEA

  Education SSA (£ million)

  Change (£ million)

  Change (%)

  SSA per pupil change (%)

  Darlington

  39.7

  2.2

  6.0

  5.0

  Brighton and Hove

  82.8

  4.9

  6.3

  4.0

  Portsmouth

  72.8

  4.1

  6.0

  4.3

  Southampton

  87.4

  5.0

  6.1

  4.0

  Leicester

  134.9

  5.6

  4.3

  5.1

  Rutland

  11.6

  0.4

  3.8

  5.3

  Stoke on Trent

  99.5

  3.9

  4.1

  5.2

  Bracknell Forest

  41.6

  2.0

  5.1

  3.9

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  51.1

  2.4

  4.8

  4.1

  West Berkshire

  60.9

  3.5

  6.1

  3.8

  Reading

  48.0

  2.7

  5.9

  4.2

  Slough

  59.0

  3.3

  5.9

  3.8

  Wokingham

  58.5

  3.0

  5.4

  3.9

  Peterborough

  78.9

  2.5

  3.2

  5.0

  Halton

  59.4

  2.5

  4.5

  5.5

  Warrington

  78.5

  4.6

  6.2

  4.9

  Plymouth

  107.7

  5.9

  5.8

  4.0

  Torbay

  49.9

  3.4

  7.3

  3.9

  Southend

  68.9

  3.9

  6.1

  3.9

  Thurrock

  60.5

  3.9

  6.8

  3.8

  Medway Towns

  118.0

  6.0

  5.3

  4.1

  Blackburn

  70.7

  2.7

  4.0

  5.5

  Blackpool

  52.8

  3.4

  6.9

  4.6

  Nottingham City

  116.7

  6.1

  5.5

  5.1

  The Wrekin

  66.2

  3.9

  6.2

  5.1

  Swindon

  73.3

  5.7

  8.5

  4.0

  England

  20,414.0

  1,100.0

  5.7

  4.7

  Notes

  1. The cash and percentage change figures take account of local authority changes of function and new arrangements for funding music and student support services.

  2. The education SSA per pupil figures have been derived by dividing the 1999–2000 SSA and the adjusted 1998–99 SSA by the total number of pupils aged 4 and over included in the relevant SSA calculations for that financial year.

  3. The answer spells out the main reason why variations in the percentage increase in the SSA are negatively correlated with variations in the percentage increase per pupil figures. But an LEA would also receive an above average increase in overall SSA per pupil if:

  (a)other data on population used in the calculations are increasing, relative to the national trend, while pupil numbers are static; or

  (b)the growth in pupil numbers is concentrated in the post-16/secondary sectors which attract more SSA credit than younger children because they are more expensive to educate.

  Standards Fund
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list(a) the budget for the Standards Fund for each year between 1998–99 and 2001–2002 and (b) the expenditure committed to date under the fund for each of those years. [70012]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  For 1998–99 the Standards Fund budget and expenditure committed is £625.5m. For 1999–2000 Local Education Authorities have been offered allocations from a Standards Fund budget totalling £843m. The expenditure committed for 1999–2000 will be known once Authorities have responded to those offers and to allocations yet to be made. These figures include grant contributed by the Department and contributions from Local Education Authorities. The Standards Fund programme is reviewed annually and decisions about the budget for 2000–2001 will be made in due course.
  107

  Foreign Students
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many non-UK resident EU students are attending English as a foreign language courses in further education colleges in the United Kingdom. [69634]

  Mr. Mudie
  The number of non-UK resident EU students attending English as a foreign language courses in further education sector colleges in England in 1996–97 was 6,100.

  The numbers of such students studying in other parts of the United Kingdom are a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales, for Scotland and for Northern Ireland respectively.

  Ofsted
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will set out the budget for Ofsted for the next three financial years. [69639]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Total provision for Ofsted is as follows:

  1999–2000: £96 million

  2000–2001: £105 million

  2001–2002: £107 million.

  Education Budgets (Administrative Costs)
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the administrative costs for each of the last five years, as a percentage of the total budget, for(a) the Higher Education Funding Council, (b) the Further Education Funding Council and (c) training and enterprise councils, expressed as the national average figure, for that proportion of their responsibilities which is comparable with the responsibilities of the FEFC and the HEFC. [67670]

  Mr. Mudie
  [holding answer 28 January 1999]: The information that my hon. Friend has requested is listed in the table. The three figures are not comparable because of differences in responsibilities between TECs, the HEFCE and the FEFC. Accordingly, as with HEFCE and FEFC, TEC percentages have been calculated on total administrative costs and budgets. The percentage figure for TECs is much higher than either of the others because TECs are themselves directly involved in local business support and economic development.

  Percentage

  Year

  HEFCE

  FEFC

  TECS

  1993–94

  0.37

  0.92

  12

  1994–95

  0.35

  0.82

  11

  1995–96

  0.33

  0.79

  12

  1996–97

  0.37

  0.74

  12

  1997–98

  0.29

  0.76

  13

  Grammar Schools (Kent)
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the grammar schools in Kent that OFSTED has identified as not performing adequately; and if he will make a statement. [69481]
  108
  Ms Estelle Morris
  This is a matter for HM Chief Inspector of Schools and I have asked Chris Woodhead to write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of his letter in the Library.

  Pupils (Examinations)
  Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list for each of the last 10 years for(a) England and (b) Wales how many pupils (i) left state education without having been entered for any CSE/GCSE or equivalent examination and (ii) were entered for such examinations in (1) one, (2) two, (3) three, (4) four and (5) five or more subjects; and how many such entrants failed to qualify in each subject paper they sat. [69092]

  Mr. Mudie
  The information requested on GCSE achievements for the last ten years for England is shown in the following table. The figures are based on maintained mainstream schools (excluding special schools) and relate to all 15 year old pupils (at the start of the academic year) whether they left school or not.

  The information for schools in Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  GCSE achievements of 15 year old pupils in maintained mainstream schools—England—1989–98

  Number attempting subjects

  Number that failed some subjects

  Percentage failing to achieve all subjects

  1988–89

  Did not attempt

  37,170

  —

  —

  Attempted 1 subject

  12,240

  3,290

  26.9

  Attempted 2 subjects

  13,460

  6,570

  48.8

  Attempted 3 subjects

  14,890

  8,160

  54.8

  Attempted 4 subjects

  21,040

  11,280

  53.6

  Attempted 5 or more subjects

  471,680

  27,370

  5.8

  1989–90

  Did not attempt

  35,930

  —

  —

  Attempted 1 subject

  11,150

  2,100

  18.8

  Attempted 2 subjects

  12,700

  4,070

  32.0

  Attempted 3 subjects

  15,060

  6,500

  43.5

  Attempted 4 subjects

  17,530

  7,480

  42.7

  Attempted 5 or more subjects

  444,550

  19,850

  4.5

  1990–91

  Did not attempt

  31,970

  —

  —

  Attempted 1 subject

  8,460

  1,770

  20.9

  Attempted 2 subjects

  9,670

  3,360

  34.7

  Attempted 3 subjects

  9,750

  4,380

  44.9

  Attempted 4 subjects

  14,600

  6,510

  44.6

  Attempted 5 or more subjects

  434,450

  16,630

  3.8

  1991–92

  Did not attempt

  25,343

  —

  —

  Attempted 1 subject

  7,598

  3,018

  39.7

  Attempted 2 subjects

  7,393

  3,709

  50.2

  Attempted 3 subjects

  8,921

  5,047

  56.6

  Attempted 4 subjects

  11,825

  6,565

  55.5

  Attempted 5 or more subjects

  426,639

  18,818

  4.4

  1992–93

  Did not attempt

  19,973

  —

  —

  Attempted 1 subject

  6,453

  2,486

  38.5

  Attempted 2 subjects

  6,228

  3,242

  52.1

  Attempted 3 subjects

  7,289

  4,342

  59.6

  Attempted 4 subjects

  9,514

  5,749

  60.4

  Attempted 5 or more subjects

  417,702

  18,121

  4.3

  109

  GCSE achievements of 15 year old pupils in maintained mainstream schools—England—1989–98

  Number attempting subjects

  Number that failed some subjects

  Percentage failing to achieve all subjects

  1993–94

  Did not attempt

  20,866

  —

  —

  Attempted 1 subject

  5,311

  2,606

  49.1

  Attempted 2 subjects

  4,519

  3,018

  66.8

  Attempted 3 subjects

  5,394

  3,598

  66.7

  Attempted 4 subjects

  7,757

  4,961

  64.0

  Attempted 5 or more subjects

  433,079

  18,507

  4.3

  1994–95

  Did not attempt

  23,178

  —

  —

  Attempted 1 subject

  5,174

  2,555

  49.4

  Attempted 2 subjects

  4,082

  2,866

  70.2

  Attempted 3 subjects

  5,116

  3,576

  69.9

  Attempted 4 subjects

  7,284

  4,802

  65.9

  Attempted 5 or more subjects

  473,945

  20,430

  4.3

  1995–96

  Did not attempt

  23,050

  —

  —

  Attempted 1 subject

  5,678

  2,593

  45.7

  Attempted 2 subjects

  4,093

  2,769

  67.7

  Attempted 3 subjects

  5,079

  3,314

  65.2

  Attempted 4 subjects

  7,383

  4,555

  61.7

  Attempted 5 or more subjects

  488,776

  18,550

  3.8

  1996–97

  Did not attempt

  22,084

  —

  —

  Attempted 1 subject

  5,346

  2,609

  48.8

  Attempted 2 subjects

  3,838

  2,550

  66.4

  Attempted 3 subjects

  4,652

  3,126

  67.2

  Attempted 4 subjects

  6,774

  4,300

  63.5

  Attempted 5 or more subjects

  485,409

  18,150

  3.7

  1997–98

  Did not attempt

  18,204

  —

  —

  Attempted 1 subjects

  5,790

  2,641

  45.6

  Attempted 2 subjects

  4,715

  2,960

  62.8

  Attempted 3 subjects

  5,393

  3,021

  56.0

  Attempted 4 subjects

  7,629

  3,826

  50.2

  Attempted 5 or more subjects

  476,157

  11,682

  2.5

  Higher Education
  Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list for each of the last 10 years for(a) England and (b) Wales how many students entered higher education; and of these, how many (i) dropped out before completing courses and (ii) failed their final examinations. [69090]

  Mr. Mudie
  The numbers of students who entered higher education between 1988–89 and 1997–98 are shown in the table.

  HE entrants 1 to English and Welsh institutions 1988–89 to 1997–98

  Year

  English institutions 2

  Welsh institutions 2

  1988–89

  300,300

  16,200

  1989–90

  322,000

  18,000

  1990–91

  348,700

  18,900

  1991–92

  401,800

  21,700

  1992–93

  443,900

  25,300

  1993–94

  470,800

  26,100

  1994–95

  503,900

  30,500

  110

  HE entrants 1 to English and Welsh institutions 1988–89 to 1997–98

  Year

  English institutions 2

  Welsh institutions 2

  1995–96

  528,200

  33,800

  1996–97

  530,300

  33,700

  1997–98

  541,500

  33,000

  1 Includes enrolments by home and overseas students onto the first year of undergraduate courses, full-time and part time

  2 Excludes the Open University but includes all other higher education and further education institutions

  The available information on drop-out consists of UK level full-time and sandwich first degree drop-out rates published in the Departmental Report. The table shows these drop-out rates for the same 10 year period.

  UK1 full-time and sandwich first degree drop-out rates

  Percentage

  Year

  Drop-out2

  1988–89

  14

  1989–90

  16

  1990–91

  15

  1991–92

  17

  1992–93

  17

  1993–94

  317–18

  1994–95

  317–18

  1995–96

  318–19

  1996–97

  n/a

  1997–98

  n/a

  1 The institutional coverage of the drop-out rates is restricted to the former UFC universities in the UK and former polytechnics in England.

  2 Drop-out covers all those leaving degree courses because of exam failure, ill health, personal and other reasons. It includes those switching to a lower level course but it excludes students transferring between degree courses or subjects.

  3 Ranges are given because the introduction of a new data source made it difficult to measure drop-out accurately.

  Drop-out covers those who leave full-time and sandwich first degree courses for various reasons including exam failure but students who failed their final examinations are not separately identified. The drop-out rates relate to a narrower range of courses and have a different institutional coverage than the entrant figures shown.

  The Department is currently working with the higher education funding bodies in the UK to develop a method of calculating drop-out rates which can be applied to all UK higher education institutions and which takes into account the non-traditional routes that some students follow. These routes may include changing courses or institutions, repeating years or leaving higher education for a year or more before continuing their studies.

  Efficiency Gains
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to express efficiency gains as a percentage of his departmental budget; and if he will make a statement. [69631]

  Mr. Mudie
  I refer the hon. Member to the publication "Public Services for the Future: Modernisation, Reform, Accountability" (Cm 4181) which is available in the Library. This includes the Department for Education and Employment's Public Service Agreement, which describes the Department's objectives and resources and
  111
  contains our specific efficiency and performance targets, including an annual efficiency gain of 2½ per cent. in running costs.

  Nurses (Work Permits)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many work permits issued for nurses in each of the last five years were(a) newly admitted one year work permits, (b) one year work permit renewals and (c) new work permits of over one year duration. [68577]

  Ms Hodge
  For the information requested at points(a) and (c) I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 18 January 1999, Official Report,column 349.

  The information requested at (b) is not available as work permit records do not link applications for renewal of a permit with the period for which the permit was originally approved.

  Remploy (North Staffordshire)
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions he has had with Remploy about their factories in North Staffordshire. [69059]

  Ms Hodge
  There have been no discussions between my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and Remploy about their factories in North Staffordshire.

  However, I am aware that Remploy management recently informed the workforce and unions in the three Remploy factories in Stoke, Trentham and Newcastle under Lyme of their intention to look into the feasibility of merging the three factories onto one site. I am told that two of the factories are in poor structural condition, and the third does not provide the necessary scope to expand operations. An important aim from any merger would be to provide a more modern facilities with a better working environment for the disabled employees.

  I understand that there would be full consultation with the workers and trade union representatives on each site if the project looked feasible. If there was a merger, all existing disabled employees would be guaranteed a job at the new site and help with transport as necessary.

  Early Education (Hampshire)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the participation rate of three-year-olds in early education in Hampshire. [69461]

  Ms Hodge
  The information is not available in the form requested. There were 559 three-year-olds in maintained nursery and primary schools in the Hampshire Local Education Authority area in January 1998. In addition, the Government have set a target to double the national participation rate of three-year-olds in free early education places to 66 per cent. by 2002, using the maintained voluntary and private sectors.

  Childcare Unit
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the budget of the Childcare Unit. [69232]
  112
  Ms Hodge
  The Childcare unit is taking forward work on the National Childcare Strategy. Some £470 million has been allocated to support the National Childcare Strategy in England from April 1998–2003, of which £300 million comes from the Department for Education and Employment budget.

  The Childcare Unit's running cost budget for 1998–99 is £824,000.

  Teacher Assessment
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many external assessors his Department estimates will be needed to implement his proposals for teacher assessment set out in the Green Paper; and how many teacher assessments an external assessor will be expected to conduct on average in an academic year; [69637]

  (2) who will be the employer of the external assessors referred to in his Department's proposals for teacher assessment set out in the recent Green Paper; and who will determine their rates of pay. [69638]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The independent external assessors will not be involved in the annual appraisal cycle, but will work with the headteacher, confirming his or her judgments made on the assessments at the new threshold and ensuring that a robust pay policy exists in the school which properly rewards good teaching. We are consulting on the role of the assessors, and will make further announcements in due course.

  Education SSA (Southampton)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the increase in the standard spending assessment for education for Southampton Education Authority in the last three years for which figures are available. [69470]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The following table sets out the information requested in cash and percentage terms after allowing for local authority changes of function.

  Underlying increase over previous year

  Year

  £ million

  Percentage

  1999–2000

  5.0

  6.1

  1998–99

  5.7

  7.5

  1997–98

  1.8

  2.5

  Grants (Devon)
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what grants have been made, or are planned to be made, by his Department to Torbay Council in(a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000. [69366]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The table sets out the allocations for 1998–99 to Torbay through the education standard spending assessment system, the Standards Fund, Annual Capital Guidelines, the New Deal for Schools and the money to reduce infant class sizes. Figures for 1999–2000 are also set out where announcements have already been made. Torbay's share of the money for the New Deal for Schools and the reduction of infant class sizes in 1999–2000 will be announced in due course.
  113

  £ million

  Programme

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Education SSA

  46.7

  49.9

  Standards Fund

  1.0

  2.4

  Annual Capital Guidelines

  1.3

  1.6

  New Deal for Schools

  0.6

  1—

  Reduction of Infant Class Sizes (Capital)

  0.2

  1—

  1 To be announced

  Notes:

  1. The Standards Fund allocations include the LEA contribution to the programme.

  2. Annual Capital Guidelines represent loan sanction, the repayment of which generates SSA cover through the Capital Financing SSA.

  Infant Class Size Plan
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list for each local education authority in the most recent round of bids under the infant class size plan(a) the amount bid for and (b) the amount allocated. [68810]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  No allocations have yet been made. Class size plans are the subject of continuing discussions between the Department for Education and Employment and local education authorities, and thus the funding proposals associated with them may change.

  Nursery Places
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he plans to extend Government funding of nursery places to three-year-olds. [68324]

  Ms Hodge
  The Government have set a target to double the participation of three-year-olds in free early education places to 66 per cent. by 2002. In 1999–2000, the Government are making available £40 million to the 50 Local Education Authority areas with greater social need to bring forward the first 47,000 places, which will be found in all sectors and described in each Authority's Early Years Development and Childcare Plan. Over the following two years an additional £350 million will be available to expand places across all Local Education Authority areas.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidelines he has issued to local authorities in informing parents of three and four-year-olds of their rights of access to local provision of nursery places. [68325]

  Ms Hodge
  The Government have issued guidance to Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships about what information they should provide to parents about early education and child care. In every LEA area there is an early education place for all four-year-olds whose parents want one; expansion of places for three-year-olds will begin in 50 LEA areas from September 1999.

  Grants and Awards
  Yvette Cooper
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the grants and awards that require bids from applicants which his Department is responsible for administering and awarding(a) nationally and (b) that people and groups within
  114
  Wakefield Metropolitan District are eligible to bid for; if he will publish the deadlines for these applications; and if he will produce this list on a regular basis. [69089]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  A list of specific grants for education managed by the Department for Education and Employment for 1999–2000 which require bids from local education authorities, and the deadlines for those bids, are listed in the table. All local education authorities, including Wakefield Metropolitan District Council, are able to bid for these grants. This list will be produced as and when requested, normally grant programmes represented by these bids are revised annually.

  Grant

  Deadline

  The Standards Fund Programme (as set out in DfEE Circular 13/98)

  16 November 1998

  Protecting and expanding local education authority music services

  15 January 1999

  New Deal for Schools Phase 3

  22 January 1999

  Reduction in Class Size (Revenue)

  30 October 1998

  Reduction in Class Size (Capital)

  20 November 1998

  Independent/State School Partnerships

  5 February 1999

  Voluntary Aided Schools Capital Grants

  19 October 1998

  Education Action Zones

  16 April 1999

  Education SSA (Leicestershire)
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from Leicestershire schools about Leicestershire's education standard spending assessment for 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [69471]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We have received a number of representations from Leicestershire schools welcoming the underlying 6.3 per cent. increase in the education SSA for Leicestershire, but criticising the decision not to change the distribution formula. The Government will carry out further research over the next few years designed to improve the fairness of the current formula.

HEALTH

  Nursing Care (Funding)
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to provide guidance to health and local authorities regarding the funding of nursing care as a result of the R-v-North and East Devon Health Authority, ex parte Pamela Coughlan judgment. [66383]

  Mr. Hutton
  We understand North and East Devon Health Authority have submitted an application for leave to appeal against the judgment ex parte Coughlan. We will consider the need for guidance to health and local authorities once the result of the application is known.

  Expenditure (London)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the NHS Executive for London plans to allocate the capital budget for 1999–2000; and on what basis. [64934]

  Mr. Denham
  Initial capital allocations for 1999–2000 will be notified to National Health Service trusts and health authorities in February. Further allocations will be made throughout the year following approval of business
  115
  cases. Allocations will be made in accordance with the priorities set out in Health Service Circular 1998/214, copies of which are available in the Library.

  ME
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the number of people in Britain diagnosed as suffering with chronic fatigue syndrome; and how many are receiving, or have received, specialist treatment for their condition. [67010]

  Ms Jowell
  The information is not available in the form requested. A number of definitions, disease descriptions or diagnostic criteria have been proposed to describe chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis. However, there is no general agreement as to which should be used. This makes the results from studies on the prevalence of CFS/ME difficult to interpret and there is no agreement on the incidence of the illness.

  There is no information available on outpatient appointments. However, figures for CFS/ME for ordinary admissions and daycases in NHS trusts in England, for financial years 1995–96 to 1997–98 are shown in the table.

  The National Health Service provides a considerable number of services to which sufferers from CFS/ME have access, because of the wide range of symptoms people with CFS/ME can experience they are seen within a wide range of hospital specialties. Under the present system it is for health authorities and general practitioners to plan and arrange the services available to people in their care, following an assessment of their needs.

  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  Year

  FCEs

  1995–96

  705

  1996–971

  600

  1997–981

  650

  1 Figures for 1996–97, 1997–98 are provisional, no adjustments have yet been made for shortfalls in data (i.e. the data are ungrossed)

  Notes:

  1. Ordinary admissions and daycases combined—finished consultant

  episodes (FCEs) by primary diagnochronic/post viral fatigue syndrome in NHS trusts in England.

  2. ICD1 10 code used is G93.3.

  3. An FCE represents a complete period of inpatient treatment under the care of an individual hospital consultant and in about 95 per cent. of cases represent a complete spell in hospital.

  Source:

  Department of Health, Hospital Episode Statistics

  Nurses (Pay)
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the impact on voluntary sector organisations which employ nurses of the proposed public sector pay award for nurses. [69010]

  Mr. Denham
  The Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions allied to medicine makes recommendations on the remuneration of groups within their remit employed in the National Health Service.
  116
  Voluntary organisations are responsible for assessing, determining and reviewing their own running costs and it would be inappropriate for the Department to become involved in that process.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which establishments have paid a regular lead to nursing staff in each year since 1970; what was the annual value of the lead; what was its purpose; and if he will make a statement. [69054]

  Mr. Denham
  National terms and conditions for nursing staff include a range of leads and allowances paid under certain circumstances. Details of all such allowances were set out in Annex 1 of our 1998 evidence to the Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine, copies of which are available in the Library. This included information on the current national rate of payment and a brief description of conditions for payment. Further information on conditions for payment is in the Nursing and Midwifery Staffs Negotiating Council Handbook. The value of leads and allowances each year from 1970 can be found in the Advance Letters issued to the National Health Service, copies of which have been placed in the Library. All NHS bodies which employ nurses on national contracts pay these leads and allowances, if qualifying conditions are met. Since 1994 employers have had the flexibility to increase leads and allowances locally which some NHS trusts have done. In their sixteenth report for 1999, laid before Parliament by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health, the Review Body recommended that London allowance and on-call and stand-by allowance should be increased and urged NHS trusts to increase relevant leads and allowances. The national rate of London allowance will increase by 15.4 per cent. from 1 April 1999 and on-call and stand-by allowance will also be increased by 19 per cent. from 1 April 1999.

  HIV-Aids
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment in 1997–98; and how much was spent on HIV/AIDS research in 1997–98 on projects wholly and partly funded by his Department. [69167]

  Ms Jowell
  In 1997–98 health authorities in England were allocated £199.3 million for the treatment and care of HIV/AIDS patients. This amount was not ring-fenced to allow health authorities flexibility to spend more or less in the light of local circumstances. The Department does not routinely collect information on the amount actually spent on HIV/AIDS services.

  In 1997–98, local authorities were provided with £13.7 million as a contribution towards the cost of community care services for people with severe HIV and AIDS. The AIDS support grant scheme operates on a 70:30 basis with local authorities providing at least 30 per cent. of the total spent. The Department also made available £1.5 million to the voluntary sector through the Section 64 general scheme to provide care, support services and information to people affected by HIV and AIDS.

  In 1997–98 health authorities in England were allocated £52.3 million which was ring-fenced for HIV Prevention activities and in the same year £4.6 million was spent on national health promotion campaigns and initiatives.
  117
  Departmental expenditure on HIV/AIDS research in 1997–98 was £117,000 for wholly funded work and around £1.275 million on partly funded research. The National Health Service research and development levy is also used to support research and development in health care settings. Project details are not held centrally and some further HIV/AIDS work may be supported by this route.

  Waiting Times
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of patients waiting for more than 12 months for treatment in each year during the past 20 years. [69163]

  Mr. Denham
  The number of patients who had been waiting more than 12 months for hospital admission at the end of march and the end of September in each of the last 20 years (1978–98) is set out in the table.

  Ordinary

  Day case

  Admissions Total

  September 1978

  158,308

  —

  n/a

  March 1979

  185,195

  —

  n/a

  September 1979

  197,532

  —

  n/a

  March 1980

  196,983

  —

  n/a

  September 1980

  187,993

  —

  n/a

  March 1981

  180,774

  —

  n/a

  September 1981

  180,905

  —

  n/a

  March 1982

  175,554

  —

  n/a

  September 1982

  192,902

  —

  n/a

  March 1983

  198,546

  —

  n/a

  September 1983

  205,920

  —

  n/a

  March 1984

  194,614

  —

  n/a

  September 1984

  189,546

  —

  n/a

  March 1985

  171,197

  —

  n/a

  September 1985

  160,227

  —

  n/a

  March 1986

  161,326

  —

  n/a

  September 1986

  164,682

  —

  n/a

  March 1987

  162,273

  —

  n/a

  September 1987

  184,580

  24,860

  209,440

  March 1988

  182,161

  25,764

  207,925

  September 1988

  192,591

  27,338

  219,929

  March 1989

  193,952

  29,359

  223,311

  September 1989

  187,528

  30,588

  218,116

  March 1990

  175,777

  32,083

  207,860

  September 1990

  172,025

  30,715

  202,740

  March 1991

  145,109

  24,652

  169,761

  September 1991

  134,661

  23,860

  158,521

  March 1992

  69,000

  11,585

  80,585

  September 1992

  66,821

  13,760

  80,581

  March 1993

  45,195

  11,682

  56,877

  September 1993

  54,317

  16,705

  71,022

  March 1994

  46,404

  18,104

  64,508

  September 1994

  44,858

  17,483

  62,341

  March 1995

  21,750

  10,444

  32,194

  September 1995

  19,815

  8,123

  27,938

  March 1996

  3,686

  890

  4,576

  September 1996

  10,733

  4,260

  14,993

  March 1997

  20,732

  10,476

  31,208

  September 1997

  35,583

  22,083

  57,666

  March 1998

  40,170

  27,853

  68,023

  September 1998

  37,760

  25,720

  63,480

  Note:

  Before September 1987 figures relate to ordinary (overnight) admissions; the numbers of people waiting for day cases were not collected before this date.
  118

  Prostheses Users
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the cost of extra contractual referrals(a) in total and (b) for prostheses users in each year since 1994–95. [69222]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information on extra contractual referrals (ECRs) outturn expenditure has been collected by health authorities since 1994–95. Actual outturn expenditure figures (unaudited) for ECRs are available from 1994–95 through to 1997–98 and forecast outturn figures for 1998–99. The figures are:

  Year

  £ million

  1994–95

  386

  1995–96

  438

  1996–97

  494

  1997–98

  530

  1998–99

  1495

  1 forecast outturn

  Information on ECRs for prostheses users is not collected centrally.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how his Department calculates the cost-benefit ratio of out of area referrals for prostheses users whose own limb centre cannot meet their individual needs for comfort, capability and cosmesis; [69223]

  (2) how many extra contractual referrals were made (a) in total and (b) for prostheses users in each year since 1994–95. [69221]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is not collected centrally or validated, but it may be available at health authority level for individual health authorities.

  Disablement Services
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if disablement service users are involved in assessing the effectiveness of mechanisms to address the variations in access to, and quality of, disablement services; [69169]

  (2) what representations he has received about the effectiveness of mechanisms to address the variations in access to, and quality of, disablement services; [69153]

  (3) what mechanisms are in place to help ensure consistent access to, and the quality of, disablement services; [69170]

  (4) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of mechanisms to address the variations in access to, and quality of, disablement services; [69151]

  (5) how his Department assesses the effectiveness of mechanisms to address the variations in access to, and quality of, disablement services. [69152]

  Mr. Hutton
  In carrying forward the programme of modernisation set out in our White Paper "The new NHS" we are aiming to reduce inequalities in the provision of health services, including services for disabled people, raise the quality of the services provided and involve users and carers more directly in the decisions made about those services. We have received representations from emPOWER, the charity consortium of users of prosthetics, orthotics, wheelchairs and electronic assistive
  119
  technologies, about improving services for disabled people. We have discussed the issues with them and will be taking their views into account in the development of policies and services for disabled people.

  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will access the benefits of establishing a disablement services national service framework to help ensure consistent access to, and quality of, disablement services; [69168]

  (2) what representations he has received calling for a disablement service national service framework. [69154]

  Mr. Hutton
  A rolling programme of National Service Frameworks (NSFs) was launched in April 1998. The initial programme of work is taking forward established frameworks on cancer and paediatric intensive care and developing frameworks for coronary heart disease and

  List of Health Authority and National Health Service Trust appointments which expired in 1998 and for which no appointment had been made by 1 February 1999

  Region/Body

  Number of Chairs

  Number of Non-Executives

  Eastern

  Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Horizon NHS Trust

  0

  1

  West Herts Community Health NHS Trust

  0

  1

  North West

  Chester and Halton Community NHS Trust

  1

  2

  Christie Hospital NHS Trust

  1

  2

  Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology NHS Trust

  1

  2

  Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Manchester Health Authority

  0

  1

  Mancunian Community Health NHS Trust

  1

  1

  Oldham Hospital and Community Services NHS Trust

  0

  2

  Tameside and Glossop Community and Priority Services NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Warrington Community NHS Trust

  0

  2

  Wirral Hospital NHS Trust

  1

  1

  Northern and Yorkshire

  Calderdale and Kirklees Health Authority

  0

  1

  North Cumbria Health Authority

  0

  2

  London

  BHB Community Healthcare NHS Trust

  0

  1

  City and Hackney Community Services NHS Trust

  0

  2

  Croydon Community Health NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Enfield Community Care NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust

  0

  2

  King's Healthcare NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust

  0

  1

  North Middlesex Hospital NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Pathfinder Mental Health Services NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Trent

  Central Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Grantham and District Hospital NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Leicestershire Health Authority

  0

  1

  Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, University Hospital NHS Trust

  0

  2

  South East

  East Surrey Health Authority

  0

  2

  South West

  Bath Mental Healthcare NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Gloucestershire Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Gloucestershire Royal NHS Trust

  1

  0

  Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust

  0

  1

  West Midlands

  Birmingham Heartlands and Solihull (Teaching) Hospitals NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Walsall Community Health NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Total

  6

  45

  120
  mental health. There will usually be only one new NSF a year and the next two NSFs will be for older people (spring 2000) and diabetes (spring 2001).

  The charity consortium emPOWER has asked us to consider the establishment of a disablement services NSF and we discussed this idea with them at a recent meeting. Any proposal for the establishment of a disablement services NSF will be considered alongside other proposed potential subjects for an NSF.

  NHS Trusts (Appointments)
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the NHS Trust and Health Authority appointments which were not made by the due date and which remained outstanding on 1 February. [69495]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is shown in the table.
  121

  NHS Hospital Beds
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the level of provision of beds in NHS hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [69742]

  Mr. Hutton
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced last September the establishment of a national inquiry into hospital beds. Once the inquiry is completed, its findings will be published.

  Doctors and Dentists (Pay)
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he plans to implement in full the recommendations in paragraph 2.34 and 2.35 of the report of the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration; and if he will make a statement. [69923]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, South-East (Dr. Iddon) on 1 February 1999,Official Report,columns 524–25. It gave the Government's response to these two pay review body recommendations to allocate an extra £50 million a year from 2000–01 to reward individual consultants for increases in workload and intensity of work.

  Our negotiations with the profession on a new consultant contract are covering these issues. We will consider the recommendation very carefully in the context of the negotiations, and are willing to make an investment in rewards and incentives if the negotiations deliver a better service for patients. We will, therefore, decide on the level of any extra funding for future years, and how such funding might be allocated, when the negotiations are complete.

  Nurses (Working Hours)
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence he has obtained concerning the extent to which inflexibility in working hours deters nurses from taking up employment in the National Health Service. [69636]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Health Service Executive ran a one-off survey in January 1998 to follow-up the 1995 Office of Population Censuses and Surveys report "Qualified Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors", which identified ways in which qualified nurses who had left nursing could be attracted back into the profession. The results from this survey, which include the impact of working practices, will be released shortly.

  Viagra
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he is giving to doctors about the prescribing of viagra; and if he will make a statement. [69501]

  Mr. Denham
  The advice about Viagra contained in Health Service Circular 1998/158 stands. We will make a further announcement following careful consideration of all comments received during the six week consultation period on drug treatments for impotence which we announced on 21 January 1999.
  122

  Eastbourne District General Hospital
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the number of nursing staff currently employed at Eastbourne District General Hospital; and if he will make a statement. [69381]

  Mr. Denham
  The East Sussex Brighton and Hove Health Authority has a duty to ensure that the quality of care for those living in Eastbourne is satisfactory and are presently in discussion with Eastbourne District General Hospital on whether additional resources can be released in 1999–2000 to help raise the established numbers of nursing staff to average levels.

  Food Standards Agency
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is his estimate of the number of(a) retail businesses and (b) catering businesses which will be liable for the proposed Food Standards Agency levy which employ (a) fewer than 10 people and (b) fewer than 100 people; [68969]

  (2) what is his estimate of the number of premises proposed to be liable for the payment of the Food Standards Agency levy which have (a) fewer than 10 employees and (b) fewer than 100 employees. [68968]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 2 February 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  There are about 175,000 retail food premises and about 340,000 catering premises in the United Kingdom, but data on the number of people they employ are not collected centrally. However, data on premises in which food represents the majority activity of business indicate that around 80 per cent. of premises employ fewer than 10 people, and around 99 per cent. employ fewer than 100 people. The Government will be seeking updated information on the number of premises liable for the levy from local authorities as part of the consultation process.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the proposed levy to fund the Food Standards Agency will be imposed on individual schools. [68975]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer on 2 February 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  Retail and catering premises required to register under the Food Premises (Registration) Regulations 1991, as amended (and equivalent Northern Ireland regulations), including those within schools, would be required to pay the proposed levy.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason the Government concluded that it would be more complex and costly to operate a levy to fund the Food Standards Agency which was confined to large food retailers. [68977]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 2 February 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  The entire food industry stands to benefit from greater consumer confidence, and therefore the Government propose to collect the levy from registered food premises at the final point of sale to the consumer. We believe that a flat rate fee, at the modest level proposed, represents a simple and transparent way of collecting the levy.
  123
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the proportion of the total yield of the proposed levy for the Food Standards Agency which will come from small businesses. [68979]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 2 February 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  This depends on the definition of 'small business' used. Under most standard definitions, a significant majority of food premises would fall within this category.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what efforts have been made to quantify in financial terms the benefits which the proposed Food Standards Agency will bring to its stakeholders. [68980]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 2 February 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  The principal benefits of the Food Standards Agency will be the protection of public health and greater consumer confidence. These benefits cannot be quantified in purely financial terms.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons the proposed levy to fund the Food Standards Agency will apply to premises dealing only in fresh fruit and vegetables. [68981]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 2 February 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  The Government believe that the entire food industry stands to benefit from the Food Standards Agency and therefore proposes that all retail and catering premises required to register under the Food Premises (Registration) Regulations 1991, as amended (and equivalent Northern Ireland regulations), should make a contribution to the additional costs of the Agency. The only exception proposed is for premises whose only food sales are wrapped confectionery, soft drinks, crisps and similar wrapped products.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the proposals for a levy on businesses to pay for the proposed Food Standards Agency has been considered by the Better Regulation Task Force; and if he will make a statement. [68982]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 2 February 1999]: I have been asked to reply.
  124
  The proposals have been considered by the Better Regulation Unit, which supports the Better Regulation Task Force. The views of the Better Regulation Task Force are being sought as part of the current consultation, and any comments they make will be taken into account as part of this exercise.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when considering criteria for determining exemptions to the Food Standards Agency levy which premises the Government regarded as exceptionally vulnerable to the effects of the charge. [68978]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 3 February 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  No distinct categories of premises were identified as exceptionally vulnerable.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason the consultation draft of the Food Standards Bill provides that the levy on food premises may be different in different areas. [68976]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 2 February 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  The provisions in the draft Bill are enabling provisions, which have been drafted so as to allow flexibility to modify the details of the levy and the level at which it is set in secondary legislation, as necessary, subject to the approval of Parliament.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the level of the proposed Food Standards Agency levy upon business will be the same in all parts of the United Kingdom. [68970]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 2 February 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  The Government's intention is that the levy should apply in all parts of the UK in a consistent way.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his estimate of the number of businesses for which a flat rate levy of £90 for the Food Standards Agency would create significant problems. [68971]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 2 February 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  A £90 annual levy equates to a levy of £1.73 a week. I do not anticipate that businesses will find that sum difficult to afford, but we hope to get more information on this through the consultation process currently underway.

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