Written Answers of 15 February 1999

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Staff Travel
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will list the mileage rates currently applicable to staff, indicating what changes have been made to encourage staff to switch from cars to public transport and other less polluting forms of travel. [70961]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Commissioners follow Civil Service guidelines for mileage rates. A pedal cycle allowance of 6.6 pence per mile is also payable.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Commons Kitchens (Closure)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee what facilities will be available for hon. Members and their staff during the period of closure of the Commons kitchens; and for how long the kitchens will be closed. [70382]

  Mr. Dennis Turner
  The final phase (Phase F) of the House of Commons Refreshment Department Modernisation Programme, which was approved by the House in July 1994, will necessitate closure of the Department's main kitchens, (which service the Members' and the Strangers' Dining Rooms, the private dining rooms and the banqueting facilities), from the end of July 1999 until the end of February 2000.

  During this period, normal services will be maintained throughout the Refreshment Department's cafeterias and in the Members' Tea Room. The Members' Dining Room will continue to offer a Strangers' lunch service and a Members' evening service, although the menu will have to be considerably reduced to enable catering staff to transfer food from temporary kitchens which will be sited in Peers' Court. The Churchill Room will also remain available to Members and their guests for both lunch and dinner. It is hoped that the Pugin Room will continue to operate a normal service, although a final decision on this has yet to be made. All other bar services, including the Smoking Room will operate as normal.

  I do have to advice my hon. Friend that, unfortunately, the following services will not be available from the end of July until the new kitchens are operational in March 2000: the Strangers' Dining Rooms A, B, C and D. The Chess Room will also be closed. The Terrace Pavilion will not be available for any functions requiring food service, but its possible use for "drinks only" receptions remains under consideration.
  424
  Once the exact range of facilities that will be available has been finalised, I will write to all hon. Members to advise them of the services that it will be possible to provide.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list the total number of staff(a) in his Department and (b) in each of the agencies for which he is responsible and their location in (i) London, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) each of the English regions. [70475]

  The Attorney-General
  For the details regarding my Departments (The Crown Prosecution Service, Treasury Solicitor's Department, including the Government Property Lawyers Agency, the Serious Fraud Office and the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers) my hon. Friend is referred to the "Civil Service Statistics 1998", a copy of which is placed in the Library.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Attorney-General what steps he has taken to relocate staff in(a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible to the regions of the United Kingdom with the highest levels of unemployment; and what plans he has further to decentralise the location of his Department and its agencies. [70461]

  The Attorney-General
  The Crown Prosecution Service acts as the prosecuting authority for England and Wales. At present, its staff are based at CPS Headquarters, with premises in London and York, and at 13 Area Headquarters with 90 Branches throughout England and Wales. From 1 April 1999, following the recommendations in the Glidewell Report, the CPS is to be restructured into 42 Areas, aligned with police force areas. The 90 branches will remain in their present locations, subject to review in due course. There are no plans at present to relocate the Headquarters offices in London and York. Location of individual CPS offices is determined by reference to operational needs, including proximity to the courts and police served by that office.

  The Treasury Solicitor's Department has no current plans to relocate or decentralise staff.

  The Serious Fraud Office has no current plans to decentralise or relocate. It is considered that its strategic objectives are best served by working close by the other major organisations in the Criminal Justice System and the major financial institutions in the City of London.

  The small Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers operates as my private office and as such is required to be based in London.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Defence and Overseas Policy Committee
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many meetings of the Ministerial Committee on Defence and Overseas Policy she has attended since May 1997. [71053]
  425
  Clare Short
  I have attended four meetings of the Committee since May 1997.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if the Ministerial Committee on Defence and Overseas Policy discussed the issue of arms export licensing during those meetings that she attended. [71070]

  Clare Short
  The agenda for meetings of the Ministerial Committee on Defence and Overseas Policy cannot be revealed since this information falls within the exemption for internal discussion and advice under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the subjects discussed at the meetings of the Ministerial Committee on Defence and Overseas Policy which she attended. [71072]

  Clare Short
  The agenda for meetings of the Ministerial Committee on Defence and Overseas Policy falls within the exemption for internal discussion and advice under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information and therefore cannot be revealed.

  Security Sector Reform
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when proposals for her Department's involvement in security sector reform will be published. [71046]

  Clare Short
  My Department's policy approach to security sector reform is to be published on 9 March 1999, in conjunction with a speech I shall be giving on the subject at King's College, London. A copy of our policy paper will be placed in the Library.

  Biosafety Protocol
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what impact her Department has had in determining the Government's objectives in the forthcoming negotiations on the Biosafety Protocol in Colombia. [70937]

  Clare Short
  We are participating with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions in the current negotiations on the Biosafety Protocol. The Government's overall objective in the negotiations is to protect the environment and human health worldwide.

  We are working to ensure that the Protocol includes appropriate capacity building and financial assistance through the Global Environment Facility so that developing countries can protect their interests.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with developing countries regarding their interests in the forthcoming negotiations on the Biosafety Protocol in Colombia. [70938]

  Clare Short
  I have had no discussions with developing countries regarding their interests in the current negotiations on the Biosafety Protocol in Colombia.
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  Genetic Patenting
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate she has made of the revenues which would flow from developing to developed countries as a result of genetic patenting. [70932]

  Clare Short
  Given the large number of uncertainties in any such exercise, I can make no estimate of the revenues which would flow from developing to developed countries as a result of genetic patenting.

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will estimate the number of genetically modified crops available worldwide which could be substituted immediately for those crops currently grown by farmers in developing countries. [71171]

  Clare Short
  Subject to the approval of developing country Governments, genetically modified soybean, cotton, oilseed rape, maize, potato, tomato and tobacco could immediately replace existing crops. We have commissioned research on the potential impact on farmers in developing countries of the increased use of genetically modified crops. We will publish the results as they become available.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the genetically modified crops available worldwide which can be grown in developing countries. [70934]

  Clare Short
  Genetically modified crops which have been approved for commercial production in one or more countries and which could be grown in developing countries include soybean, cotton, oilseed rape, maize, potato, tomato and tobacco. However, my Department has commissioned research on the potential impact on farmers in developing countries of the increased use of genetically modified crops. We will publish the results as they become available.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate she has made of the proportion of genetically modified crops available worldwide which can be grown in developing countries. [70933]

  Clare Short
  All those genetically modified crops approved for commercial production in one or more countries could be grown in developing countries. We have commissioned research on the potential impact on farmers in developing countries of the increased use of genetically modified crops. We will publish the results as they become available.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what research her Department has undertaken into the possible social, economic and environmental consequences of the introduction of genetically modified crops into developing countries. [70935]

  Clare Short
  My Department is providing funding to the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to support research into the potential risks of introducing transgenic plants into traditional cropping systems. The project will examine
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  environmental and social risk in the case of pigeon peas grown by smallholder farmers in India. The outcome of this research will be made public.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 14 December 1998,Official Report, column 343, if she will list the expenditure not included in her answer incurred by (a) her agencies and non-departmental public bodies and (b) the Central Office of Information for relevant work carried out for her Department. [71005]

  Clare Short
  The answers are as follows:

  (a) Since May 1997 the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has spent around £1,000 advertising overseas awards tenable for British students. In 1997 and 1998, the Commonwealth Development Corporation spent around £340,000 on corporate advertising and staff recruitment.

  (b) None.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the expenditure incurred by her Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on(a) the setting up and (b) the operation of web sites, indicating the cases in which the expenditure has been above that budgeted; and if she will list for each web site (i) the topics covered, (ii) the current average number of hits per month and (iii) the estimated expenditure on each web site for each of the next three years. [70969]

  Clare Short
  DFID has a website which was set up at a cost of £10,000; maintenance of the site costs £10,000 per annum and development costs in the first year of operation—1998/99—are £3,500. The site covers:"Who we are", including basic data on the departmental structure, aims and personalities, links with other development related websites.
  "Working with us", including recruitment, projects in the pipeline, development awareness information, research programmes and details of funding schemes.
  "A closer look", including strategy papers, publications, project evaluation reports.
  "News Centre", including briefings; press releases, speeches, statements, public opinion research, and new items on the website.

  The average number of page hits each month is 124,000.

  Maintenance and development costs over the next 3 years are not planned to increase substantially over current levels. Costs so far have been within budget provision.

  The only other relevant body with its own website is the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC).

  The cost of setting up the CDC website was £11,500.
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  The topics covered are:
  Expertise: a summary of CDC's functions and methods
  Investment terms: summary of investment terms together with instructions on how to make an investment proposal.
  CDC Worldwide: summary of worldwide operations and world map.
  Press Releases: access to all the press releases issued in the last twelve months.
  Links: links to various sites, including the DFID web page, international financial institutions and various other organisations.
  Annual Report: the full contents of the 1997 Annual Report.

  The CDC does not maintain an accurate register of hits. Due to planned overhaul, estimated expenditure for the next three years is:

  1999: £30,000

  2000: £10,000

  2001: £10,000.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 14 December 1998,Official Report, column 343, if she will list the expenditure not included in her answer incurred (a) by task forces and review bodies, (b) by focus groups, (c) on market research and (d) for publications and publicity; and if she will list the bodies which incurred the expenditure. [710061]

  Clare Short
  The Department for International Development has no formal(a) task forces and review bodies or (b) focus groups, and since May 1997 has incurred no expenditure on (c) market research beyond the research included in my answer of 14 December 1998, Official Report, column 343.

  Since May 1997, the Department for International Development has (d) spent around £1 million on publications and publicity.

  Papua New Guinea
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement regarding(a) British and (b) EU aid to Papua New Guinea. [71484]

  Clare Short
  The UK has a small programme of development assistance focusing on education in the Pacific region. But the majority of UK development assistance to Papua New Guinea is provided through support for regional initiatives, such as the Pacific Community and the South Pacific Forum, and through the EU. Britain also contributed £140,000 in response to the July 1998 tidal wave disaster.

  During the period 1990–1995 Papua New Guinea received over 220 mecu under the first phase of the EC's Lome IV Convention. This is equivalent to about £180 million, of which the UK share was some £30 million. Under the second phase (1995–2000) the UK will have committed about £5 million to a programme worth 50 mecu (about £40 million) aimed at human resource and rural environment development.

  Staff Travel
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the mileage rates currently applicable to staff, indicating what
  429
  changes have been made to encourage staff to switch from cars to public transport and other less polluting forms of travel. [70957]

  Clare Short
  For official travel by private car the rates are:

  37p a mile at standard rate and

  23.8p a mile at public transport rate (where suitable officially provided transport or public transport is readily available).

  The use of private cars for official journeys by staff in my Department is minimal. A Departmental Green Transport Plan is currently being prepared which will detail what action will be taken by the Department to promote and support the Government's objective of reducing the impact of travel on the environment.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the British advisers supported by the British Government currently working for(a) the Government of Zimbabwe and (b) state-owned companies in Zimbabwe. [70578]

  Clare Short
  The British Government currently fund the following British advisers in:

  Department

  Advisers

  (a) the Zimbabwe Government

  Central Statistical Office

  Economic Statistics Adviser

  Forestry Commission

  Project Co-ordinator

  Ministry of Land and Agriculture

  Epidemiologist, Research Adviser (x2)

  Ministry of Defence

  Civil Adviser, Military Advisers (x9)

  Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs

  Legal Training Adviser

  Ministry of Industry and Commerce

  Private sector development consultant

  Ministry of Local Government and National Housing

  Project Support Officer (x2)

  Development in Practice (consultancy team)

  Ministry of Rural Resources and Water Development

  Water Quality Adviser

  Hydrologist Hydrological Systems Analyst

  Ministry of Public Service,

  Adviser to Public Service

  Labour and Social Welfare

  Commission

  Ministry of Transport and Energy

  Transport Research Adviser

  (b) State-owned companies

  None

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the parliamentary constituencies which she has visited in an official capacity in the past 12 months. [71346]

  Clare Short
  The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I have undertaken a number of visits to regions around the UK in the past 12 months as part of the Department for International Development's strategy of engaging the public in development. Records of official 430
  visits are not held on constituency basis as many will have taken in more than one constituency at a time. Since March 1998, the following cities or regions were visited:

  Bath;

  Belfast;

  Birmingham;

  Blackpool;

  Bradford;

  Carlisle;

  Cardiff;

  Chester;

  Durham;

  Edinburgh;

  Leeds;

  Manchester;

  Milton Keynes;

  Northampton;

  Oxford;

  Western Isles;

  York.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Staff Travel
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the President of the Council if she will list the mileage rates currently applicable to staff, indicating what changes have been made to encourage staff to switch from cars to public transport and other less polluting forms of travel. [70959]

  Mrs. Beckett
  No staff of the Privy Council Office currently claim car mileage allowances. Any such claims would be payable at a flat rate of 40 pence per mile for the first 4,000 miles in any year and 22.5 pence per mile thereafter. The policy of the department is not to provide higher differential rates for larger capacity engines.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Trunk Roads
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the trunk roads in England and Wales which have junctions less than two km apart where there is a 70 mph speed limit. [66846]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 21 January 1999]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Local Government Finance (Westminster and Kensington)
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the(a) grants and (b) other financial support given by his Department to (i) Westminster City Council and (ii) the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, other than

  431
  through the RSG settlement, in (1) 1997–98, (2) 1998–99 and (3) planned for 1999–2000; and for what purposes the funds were allocated. [70155]

  Grants and other financial support to Westminster City Council and the Royal Borough of Kensignton and Chelsea

  £000

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Westminster

  Kensington and Chelsea

  Westminster

  Kensington and Chelsea

  Westminster

  Kensington and Chelsea

  Grants

  PFI special grant1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  482

  0

  Single Regeneration Budget2

  417

  472

  1,468

  1,412

  1,249

  1,161

  Estate Action3

  9,000

  0

  5,860

  0

  2,301

  0

  City Challenge4

  0

  6,584

  0

  65

  0

  0

  Home Improvement Agency Grant5

  0

  47

  0

  47

  0

  19—

  Private Sector Renewal6

  632

  768

  564

  780

  675

  780

  Disabled Facilities Grant7

  28

  71

  66

  60

  90

  60

  Other Financial Support

  Basic Credit Approvals (BCAs)8

  2,789

  5,757

  3,256

  4,181

  4,479

  5,447

  Capital Challenge BCAs9

  0

  0

  1,220

  0

  1,792

  0

  Capital Challenge Supplementary Credit Approval10

  150

  0

  400

  0

  448

  0

  Cash Incentive Scheme11

  1,029

  600

  950

  233

  0

  0

  NDR Cost of collection allowance12

  2,330

  564

  2,316

  548

  2,412

  573

  Capital Receipts Initiative13

  2,039

  1,095

  6,618

  3,959

  7,176

  4,319

  Housing Revenue Account Subsidy14

  38,273

  22,489

  36,300

  22,126

  19—

  19—

  Air Quality Supplementary Credit Approvals15

  0

  21

  0

  36

  19—

  19—

  Transport Policies and Programme16, 17

  5,270

  2,218

  3,094

  2,142

  1818,477

  1,685

  1 Revenue support in respect of contracts let under the Private Finance Initiative.

  2 Grant to support regeneration initiatives carried out by local partnerships.

  3 Aims to transform estates by providing additional resources for local authorities to implement regeneration schemes.

  4 Grant to local authority-led partnerships to regenerate disadvantaged urban areas.

  5 Grant paid to local authorities towards the costs of home improvement agencies.

  6 Includes house renovation grants, group repairs and slum clearance.

  7 Grant towards the cost of adaptations to the dwellings of disabled people living in private dwellings.

  8 The amount of capital expenditure which an authority can finance by borrowing (or other forms of credit) is effectively limited by the credit approvals issued to it. Basic Credit Approvals (BCAs) can be used for any capital purpose.

  9, 10 Basic Credit Approvals and Supplementary Credit Approvals (used for specific capital projects) awarded under the Capital Challenge pilot scheme in a cross-cutting government initiative where local authorities were invited to identify and bid for their own local priorities across the full range of services.

  11 Supplementary Credit Approvals to support Cash Incentive Scheme grants to enable tenants to leave their Council home and buy in the private sector.

  12 The cost of collection allowance is in respect of the cost to local authorities of collecting the national business rate.

  13 Supplementary Credit Approvals allocated in respect of specific housing or housing related regeneration works.

  14 A specific subsidy regime to help local authorities meet council housing expenditure, including the cost of housing benefit for council tenants (rent rebates).

  15 To assist capital expenditure on statutory duties for air quality management under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995.

  16 To provide support towards expenditure on the construction and improvement of local roads, structural maintenance of bridges and carriageways, local safety schemes, London-wide bus and cycle priority networks and other schemes.

  17 Major schemes and principal carriageway works are supported by 50 per cent, grant and 50 per cent, credit approval. Remainder are entirely supported by credit approvals,

  18 Westminster is the lead authority for bridge projects in London. The 1999–2000 figure for Westminster includes £16.7 million for bridge strengthening, most of which will be redistributed to other London authorities during the coming financial year.

  19Not yet agreed.

  Missile Incidents (Roads and Railways)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) incidents have been reported of missiles being thrown from bridge parapets onto (i) motorways, (ii) other roads and (iii) railways and (b) how many such incidents have resulted in (1) death, (2) serious injury and (3) slight injury, in each of the last five years. [70270]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Records of the incidents of missiles being thrown from bridges on to motorways and trunk roads are not recorded specifically on the traffic accident forms completed by the police. Therefore a statistical database is not available to provide the
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  Ms Armstrong
  The information requested is given in the following table.

  information requested. The rate at which incidents involving serious injury occur on the roads for which the Highways Agency is responsible is thought to be up to three per annum in recent years according to the historic evidence of such incidents. None of these is believed to have resulted in fatalities. In some years there have been no reported injury accidents.

  Other roads are the responsibility of individual highway authorities.

  Records of the number of incidents where missiles have been specifically thrown from bridges on to the railway are not kept. However, since 1996–97 statistics of all incidents where the drivers' cab windows have been

  433
  damaged due to missiles being thrown (not specifically from bridges) have been reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR). During 1996–97 the total number of incidents was 468, of which 408 were malicious; during 1997–98 the totals were 619 and 512 respectively. Figures for previous years were not kept.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what engineering measures he proposes to protect the travelling public from missiles being thrown from parapets of bridges over(a) motorways, (b) other roads and (c) railways. [70272]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Departmental standard for the design of highway bridge parapets requires that they are 1.2 m high on road bridges over other roads and 1.5 m high on road bridges over railways. Parapets on bridges over railways are normally clad with a close mesh or steel panelling. Missiles thrown from bridges are usually isolated incidences that it is impossible to prevent completely.

  Where there is a repeated problem at a particular location then local measures such as raising the parapet height and using a solid infill to the parapet may help. The provision of CCTV cameras and police patrols may also be used in addition to these engineering measures.

  The Health and Safety Executive has published "Railway Safety Principles and Guidance" for the promoters of new railways of bridges which gives specific guidance on the height of bridge parapets. The guidance also states:
  "Where vandalism may be a problem, Parapets at least 1.8 m high or a totally enclosed structure may be necessary".

  With regard existing bridges, many may not meet these guidelines. In such cases, the Health and Safety Executive would expect railway infrastructure owners to assess each bridge on its own merits, and, where a problem with vandalism may exist, take reasonable practicable measures to help prevent such incidents from occurring.

  Road bridges not on the trunk road system are the responsibility of the appropriate highway authority.

  Legal Services
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list(a) the London barristers' 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. [70029]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]: This information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General appointed Philip Sales as First Junior Treasury Counsel (Common Law) and Jonathan Crow as First Junior Treasury Counsel (Chancery) to advise and represent the government in their important civil cases. In addition, the Attorney-General maintains at present two London panels of junior Counsel whom departments are expected to use for the rest of the government's civil litigation. The panels currently comprise 103 barristers from 42 different sets of chambers. The Attorney-General will shortly appoint a
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  third panel of very junior barristers. The Attorney-General's individual nomination is required before a barrister who is not on one of the approved panels can be instructed to appear for the government in litigation.

  Departments may use firms of solicitors in addition to the Treasury Solicitor and their departmental legal advisers, for example, where the relevant expertise lies in the private sector. The relationship is subject to the usual confidentiality which operates between lawyer and client.

  Water Provision Agreements
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has further to regulate water authorities in relation to the renegotiation of historic water provision agreements; and if he will make a statement. [70332]

  Mr. Meale
  The Government have no proposals affecting the provision of water and sewerage services under historic agreements. The Water Industry Bill, currently before Parliament, does not affect such agreements.

  The terms, enforcement and renegotiation of any existing agreements entered into between undertakers and customers are matters between the parties.

  Trains (Bicycles)
  Mr. Bradshaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he has to require train operating companies to make provision for the carriage of bicycles. [70536]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Existing franchises include a clause requiring Train Operators to provide, where practical, for the transport of bicycles on trains at reasonable charges (if any). The Objectives, Instructions and Guidance we issued to the Franchising Director in November 1997 (a copy is in the House Library) require him to discuss the provision of facilities for bicycles when operators are planning to order new rolling stock.

  Trains (Eastern Timetables)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has held with the train operating companies on their preparation of the Easter timetables; and when he expects the full Easter timetable for each of the rail companies to be available. [70384]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Accurate and timely timetable information is essential to encouraging greater use of the rail network. I look to Railtrack and train operators to ensure that information about Easter 1999 services is made available to the public accordingly in a timely and accurate manner. The Rail Regulator has recently published proposals to amend train operators' and Railtrack's licences to place an enforceable obligation on them to ensure passengers receive timely and accurate timetable information. Failure to comply could then result in enforcement action.
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  Millennium Contingency Measures
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what contingency measures his Department is planning for the first week of 2000 to meet any technical problems caused by the millennium bug in terms of(a) specialist advice and (b) staff overtime. [70595]

  Mr. Meale
  The Department and its Agencies have prepared outline Business Continuity Plans for the period up to and beyond the century date change. Detailed consideration of specific issues will be undertaken over the next few months.

  Council Tax Benefit Subsidy
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 4 February 1999,Official Report, column 716, on council tax benefit subsidy, if he will calculate the information requested using information on an authority 1998–99 taxbase and summarised by class of authority and by grouping with authorities with similar levels of benefit dependency. [70540]

  Ms Armstrong
  I do not expect authorities to spend above their guideline, but I have today placed in the Library of the House tables showing the reduction in council tax benefit subsidy on the assumptions specified, expressed both in cash and as a proportion of the authority's yield from council tax for standard spending. The tables also give the budgeted proportion of council tax yield accounted for by council tax benefit in 1998–99, and the data are provided in electronic form to enable any desired grouping of authorities.

  School Transport (Staffordshire)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what evidence the School Travel Advisory Group has received from Staffordshire County Council concerning its provision of school bus transport and the impact on school transport safety for children. [70538]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I am not aware that the School Travel Advisory Group has received evidence from Staffordshire County Council. The group's work will involve the collection of information and advice from a wide range of sources and I am sure that it would welcome evidence from Staffordshire County Council.

  Cars (Crash Testing)
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress in(a) developing offset crash testing of cars and (b) agreeing the appropriate height for side crash testing. [70929]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Both an offset frontal crash test and a side crash test with an appropriate barrier height have been agreed as part of the new EC Directives on 436
  frontal and side impact (96/79/EC and 96/27/EC), which took effect on 1 October 1998. These Directives represent a useful improvement over the original Commission proposals. Various aspects of the Directives are to be reviewed by 1 October 2000. We have commissioned new research to identify possible future development so that the UK can make an effective contribution to the review.

  Homelessness
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the current number of people sleeping on the streets in(a) London, (b) the south east of England and(c) other major cities in England. [70724]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The most reliable method of establishing the number of people sleeping rough is by undertaking a night time head count. In 1996 my Department published guidance to local authorities on how to conduct head counts of people sleeping rough using a standard methodology developed in partnership with experts from the voluntary sector and local authorities. DETR officials have worked in conjunction with the voluntary sector to encourage areas which consider they have a rough sleeping problem to conduct counts. Since 1996 local authorities have provided details of street counts which have been undertaken in their area within the Housing Investment Programme (HIP) returns.

  (a) London—Street counts in central London are co-ordinated by Homeless Network, the umbrella group representing homeless organisations in London, and have been undertaken on a regular basis since 1992. The most recent count in June 1998 found 373 people sleeping rough. Several other London boroughs have also undertaken counts, finding a total of 132 rough sleepers.

  (b) South east of England—The following table provides details of rough sleeper counts undertaken in local authorities in south east England.

  Street count

  Local Authority District

  County

  Date

  Number

  Slough

  Berkshire

  December 1997

  12

  Reading

  Berkshire

  November 1998

  13

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  Berkshire

  November 1997

  3

  Wycombe

  Buckinghamshire

  November 1997

  2

  Brighton and Hove

  East Sussex

  June 1996

  44

  Portsmouth

  Hampshire

  October 1997

  21

  Southampton

  Hampshire

  June 1998

  22

  Basingstoke and Deane

  Hampshire

  February 1998

  5

  Fareham

  Hampshire

  February 1998

  13

  Shepway

  Kent

  July 1996

  3

  Canterbury

  Kent

  June 1996

  11

  Oxford

  Oxfordshire

  July 1996

  39

  Guildford

  Surrey

  November 1997

  8

  Woking

  Surrey

  October 1997

  7

  Reigate and Banstead

  Surrey

  September 1995

  0

  Worthing

  West Sussex

  October 1997

  5

  Source:

  DETR 1998 HIP Operational Information Form Section IF
  437
  (c) Other areas in England—The table provides details of rough sleeper counts undertaken in other local authorities in England.

  Local Authority District

  County

  Street count Date

  Number

  Derby

  Derbyshire

  October 1997

  2

  Leicester

  Leicestershire

  June 1996

  20

  Northampton

  Northamptonshire

  September 1997

  13

  Nottingham

  Nottinghamshire

  July 1996

  14

  Luton

  Bedfordshire

  December 1997

  5

  Mid Bedfordshire

  Bedfordshire

  December 1997

  1

  Cambridge

  Cambridgeshire

  July 1997

  30

  Peterborough

  Cambridgeshire

  June 1997

  2

  Southend-on-Sea

  Essex

  1996

  0

  Colchester

  Essex

  December 1997

  0

  St. Albans

  Hertfordshire

  June 1998

  3

  East Hertfordshire

  Hertfordshire

  March 1998

  6

  Great Yarmouth

  Norfolk

  November 1997

  13

  Norwich

  Norfolk

  October 1997

  19

  Ipswich

  Suffolk

  December 1997

  7

  Liverpool

  Merseyside

  March 1998

  17

  South Tyneside

  Tyne and Wear

  June 1998

  1

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  Tyne and Wear

  March 1998

  2

  Sunderland

  Tyne and Wear

  February 1998

  0

  Manchester

  Greater Manchester

  July 1996

  31

  Oldham

  Greater Manchester

  July 1995

  3

  Tameside

  Greater Manchester

  February 1998

  1

  Bury

  Greater Manchester

  January 1998

  12

  Burnley

  Lancashire

  October 1997

  0

  Wyre

  Lancashire

  September 1997

  6

  Blackpool

  Lancashire

  July 1997

  15

  North Somerset

  Avon

  December 1997

  1

  Bath & North East Somerset

  Avon

  July 1996

  12

  Bristol

  Avon

  June 1998

  42

  Caradon

  Cornwall

  April 1998

  3

  Carrick

  Cornwall

  April 1998

  3

  Penwith

  Cornwall

  April 1998

  17

  Kerrier

  Cornwall

  March 1998

  3

  North Cornwall

  Cornwall

  March 1998

  0

  Restormel

  Cornwall

  March 1998

  10

  Mid Devon

  Devon

  October 1997

  9

  Plymouth

  Devon

  October 1997

  13

  Exeter

  Devon

  July 1997

  27

  Poole

  Dorset

  October 1997

  4

  Bournemouth

  Dorset

  August 1997

  44

  Weymouth and Portland

  Dorset

  May 1997

  3

  Cheltenham

  Gloucestershire

  December 1997

  1

  Gloucester

  Gloucestershire

  November 1997

  16

  Taunton Deane

  Somerset

  May 1997

  1

  Swindon

  Wiltshire

  December 1997

  17

  Worcester

  Hereford and Worcester

  1995

  20

  Redditch

  Hereford and Worcester

  March 1998

  0

  Newcastle-under-Lyme

  Staffordshire

  November 1997

  0

  Stoke-on-Trent

  Staffordshire

  November 1997

  20

  Warwick

  Warwickshire

  September 1997

  3

  Birmingham

  West Midlands

  November 1997

  56

  Kingston upon Hull

  Humberside

  November 1997

  0

  Hambleton

  North Yorkshire

  June 1997

  0

  Harrogate

  North Yorkshire

  March 1998

  1

  York

  North Yorkshire

  March 1998

  12

  Doncaster

  South Yorkshire

  September 1998

  8

  Barnsley

  South Yorkshire

  May 1998

  0

  Sheffield

  South Yorkshire

  April 1997

  15

  Leeds

  West Yorkshire

  October 1997

  8

  Bradford

  West Yorkshire

  September 1997

  2

  Wakefield

  West Yorkshire

  February 1996

  8

  Source:

  DETR 1998 HIP Operational Information Form Section 1F

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will 438
  estimate the current number of young persons aged (a) 16 to 18 years and (b) 18 to 25 years in hostel accommodation in London. [70725]

  Mr. Raynsford
  This information is not held centrally. The London Hostels Directory produced by Resource Information Services (RIS) provides details of over 26,000 bed spaces in a wide variety of hostels, shared houses and flats and other accommodation schemes. Some of these hostel schemes have a maximum age limit of 30 or under. Many other hostels in London will accept single homeless people from 18 to 65 years of age.

  Aviculture
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will amend the guidelines on avicultural purposes in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to ensure that birds bred or reared in captivity cannot be(a) sold for profit or personal gain, (b) used for medical experimentation and (c) used for any other purpose except the propagation of the species under English Nature approved conditions. [70906]

  Mr. Meale
  Licences to take birds for Avicultural purposes are issued only after consultation with English Nature. Conditions are imposed on these licences to ensure that the birds cannot be used for any other purpose. Birds can be sold only with the approval of the Department. There are no plans to amend the current procedure.

  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding the issuing of a licence to take 60 redwings from the wild for avicultural purposes; and if he will make a statement regarding their treatment and potential release. [70905]

  Mr. Meale
  My Department has received four representations concerning the licence to take sixty redwings. The licence issued was granted subject to the condition that the birds were taken solely for the purpose of aviculture.

  Road Speed Limits
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the advantages of introducing a national road speed limit of 30 mph through rural villages with the option of 20 mph speed limit in specific villages; and if he will make a statement. [70946]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government are currently engaged in a fundamental review of speed policy to take account of safety, the economy and the environment. The general issue of speed limits and, particularly, the effective management of speed on rural roads and through villages will be considered within the review.

  Flying Regulations
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the regulations governing the flying of civil aircraft while under the influence of drink or drugs; and if he will make a statement. [71050]
  439
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Yes. It is currently an offence for any person to act as a member of an aircraft's crew while under the influence of drink or drugs. However, there is no power for the police to require samples from someone suspected of committing an offence. While there is no evidence to suggest that alcohol or drug abuse by aircraft crew is a problem, it is our long-term intention to introduce legislation to set an alcohol limit for aircraft crew and to give the Police the power to require suspected offenders to provide samples for testing.

  Groundwater Regulations 1998
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish the guidance to the Groundwater Regulations 1998. [70422]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]: Draft guidance on the Groundwater Regulations 1998 will be published for consultation as soon as possible, and I will inform the House when it is available. Subject to resolving points which arise in consultation, a final version of the guidance is expected to be published in July. Later this month the Environment Agency will issue interim guidance dealing with making applications for authorisations under the Regulations. This will cover transitional arrangements which allow applications to be made prior to 1 April (when the main provisions come into force) and, in the case of activities conducted by the same person which are substantially the same as those previously undertaken, deemed approved until otherwise disposed of by the Agency.

  Seatbelts (Exemption)
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people have been granted exemption certificates from the wearing of seatbelts in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available. [70881]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The information is not collected. Certificates of Exemption From Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing are issued by medical practitioners to those patients who, in the opinion of the medical practitioner, should be exempt on medical grounds. There is no general requirement for this information to be sent to the Department.

  EC Directive 96/59/EC
  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the public consultation Regulations on the implementation of EC Directive 96/59/EC on the disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated triphenyls. [71424]

  Mr. Meacher
  I am publishing the draft Regulations today. The public consultation will last for a period of six weeks.

  A copy of the consultation documents have been placed in the Library of the House.

  London Underground
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what safety 440
  advice was received from station staff at Swiss Cottage about the advisability of continuing services on the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines of the London Underground on 7 February; and if this advice was followed. [71083]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Advice from the Jubilee line was that, by implementing passenger flow control (in essence restricting the numbers of people entering the station) in accordance with the Swiss Cottage Station Emergency Plans, it was considered both safe and feasible to keep stations open and the train service operating. Trains were held at Finchley Road southbound to ensure that trains were not delayed in tunnels, and train operators were accompanied by managers to enable a quicker response should problems arise.

  The Line Emergency Plan was put into operation by the Duty Operations Manager.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions between what hours on Sunday 7 February water penetrated the Jubilee and Metropolitan tube line tunnels between Finchley Road and Swiss Cottage on the London Underground; and to what depth. [71081]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The full facts of the incident have yet to be totally established. As is usual, a formal London Underground Incident Investigation Report is to be carried out.

  However, London Underground Limited (LUL) believe that a 150 mm diameter Thames Water water main burst above the LUL network. It is believed this burst occurred around 1600 hrs on 7 February 1999.

  Water entered over time into both the Jubilee and Metropolitan Lines. The major water ingress was on to the Metropolitan Line Southbound in the Finchley Road area. A maximum depth of approximately 1.2 m was evident along a length of tunnel of some 5 m. This depth of flooding lasted some 13 hours in total during Sunday 7 February and Monday 8 February 1999.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what safety procedures are in place in the event of water penetration into London Underground tunnels. [71082]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  LUL has significant procedures in place to deal with water penetration. Permanent pumping arrangements consist of in situ sumps, pumps and drains for clearing normal day to day ingress with sufficient additional design capacity to cover additional storm flows. In addition, research is ongoing to improve the technical knowledge required to deal with rising groundwater under London and various courses of action are being taken to deal with this.

  As regards flooding from burst water mains etc., remote sensing from permanent pump locations give automatic warnings to local control rooms and in many cases this is also linked direct to the specialist internal pumps contractor located with key emergency resource at Griffith House in the Edgware Road area. As these alarms are raised, together with any visual reports from operational staff, the incident becomes identified and logged at Line Control Centre. The Line Controller will alert the line's engineering services help desk (or line service centre)

  441
  who will initiate the necessary emergency call-outs. Depending on the severity, additional engineering experience remains available on a 24 hour Duty roster.

  In addition, special London Underground Safety Procedures are set out in the Incident Organisation Manual. This manual ensures provision for the safety of customers and employees and provides a fast and effective response to all types of incident with the objectives of containing the incident and minimising harm, loss of property and business and the potential loss of life.

  Waste Plants (Energy Generation)
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to encourage energy from waste plants to increase energy efficiency; [70766]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the definition used by his Department of an energy from waste plant. [70765]

  Mr. Meale
  Although there is no statutory definition of an energy from waste plant, the term can be applied to any technology which makes use of waste to supply useful heat and/or power. The waste can include municipal, industrial, commercial and agricultural waste, or sewage. Energy can be recovered through a number of different technologies, including incineration, pyrolysis, gasification, and anaerobic digestion.

  Energy from waste must be considered in the context of an integrated approach to waste management, and the Government support its use where economic and environmentally beneficial. Energy from waste schemes should be developed to the highest practicable levels of environmental protection and energy efficiency, as the Government will reflect in their forthcoming Waste Strategy, Climate Change Programme, and promotion of Combined Heat and Power.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to treat energy from waste plants on the same basis as other electricity and power generating bodies for rating purposes; [70764]

  (2) what plans he has to issue regulations with regard to the rating of energy from waste plants prior to the Coventry appeal case being heard by the House of Lords. [70763]

  Ms Armstrong
  The next revaluation of property for non-domestic rates will take effect on 1 April 2000. We are currently reviewing the way in which waste to energy plants are treated under non-domestic rates and we will introduce any changes on 1 April 2000.

  Signing Routes (M25)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many signs, and at what cost, are currently being installed by the Highways Agency to complete signing routes to the M25. [71075]
  442
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Paul Burstow, dated 15 February 1999:

  The Minister for Transport in London, Glenda Jackson, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the cost of the London Primary Route Network Signing project, and the number of direction signs which will he replaced.

  The estimated cost of the project, which involves the design and erection of some 5000 direction signs in the primary road network within the M25, is £27.4m (excluding VAT).

  You might be interested to know that the project is being carried out in three phases. The first two phases, which are both currently underway, cover east-London and south-west London. Work on the third phase covering north-west London is expected to start later this year. The whole project is expected to be completed by early 2001.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to relocate staff in(a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible to the regions of the United Kingdom with the highest levels of unemployment; and what plans he has further to decentralise the location of his Department and its agencies. [70466]

  Mr. Meale
  78 per cent. of my Department's staff, including agencies, are employed outside London following a number of relocation exercises over the years. The scope to decentralise more work will be kept under review.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the total number of staff(a) in his Department and (b) in each of the agencies for which he is responsible and their location in (i) London, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) each of the English regions. [70480]

  Mr. Meale
  Figures showing the number of staff for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, together with a regional breakdown of all Departmental staff, are given in the "Civil Service Statistics 1998", which has been placed in the Library.

  Community Transport Services
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to support the development of community transport services for the(a) elderly and (b) disabled. [70453]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My Department gives funding support for the Community Transport Association's Advice and Information Service which provides a valuable source of guidance to operators of community transport services. In addition, we have commissioned a national review of the role of community and voluntary transport operators to help our understanding of the changing role that they play in meeting the needs of elderly and disabled people as well as other groups. The report is due to be received by the Department later this month and we will be studying the findings and recommendations carefully.
  443

  Fuel Duty Rebate
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received concerning the extension of eligibility for fuel duty rebate to door-to-door services for disabled and elderly people. [70452]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We have received a considerable number of representations about this matter, on which the review of voluntary transport commissioned by the Department makes recommendations. The review's report will be published shortly and we will consider all its recommendations carefully.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 16 December 1998,Official Report, column 536, if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred (a) by task forces and review bodies, (b) by focus groups, (c) on market research and (d) for publications and publicity; and if he will list the bodies which incurred the expenditure. [71007]

  Mr. Meale
  The expenditure on publications incurred by DETR and not included in my previous answer is some £3,759,000 since 1 May 1997.

  The expenditure on research among focus groups was some £128,000. This figure was subsumed within the figure for public opinion research, contained in my answer of 16 December 1998.

  It is not possible to give a breakdown on expenditure incurred by task forces and review bodies without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 16 December 1998,Official Report, column 536, if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred by (a) his agencies and non-departmental public bodies and (b) the Central Office of Information for relevant work carried out for his Department. [71004]

  Mr. Meale
  The expenditure on research and advertising incurred by my Department's executive agencies is:

  £

  Agency

  Research

  Advertising

  Direct mail

  DVLA

  1124,000

  5,000,000

  2408,000

  DSA

  71,000

  15,000

  149,000

  MCA

  15,463

  87,403

  2,355

  Vehicle Inspectorate

  nil

  9,850

  nil

  VCA

  nil

  nil

  nil

  QE11

  nil

  23,863

  5,840

  Planning Inspectorate

  7,000

  nil

  nil

  Highways Agency

  60,000

  74,000

  nil

  1 Includes expenditure on public acceptance research on Statutory Off Road Notifications (SORN)

  2 Includes expenditure on mailings to support SORN

  The expenditure on research and advertising incurred by DETR sponsored NDPBs is not available centrally and cannot be provided without disproportionate cost.
  444
  The majority of the Department's research and advertising is placed through the Central Office of Information and therefore the expenditure for relevant work (other than mailings) carried out for the Department by the Central Office of Information is as provided in my answer of 16 December 1998.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the expenditure incurred by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on(a) the setting up and (b) the operation of web sites, indicating the cases in which the expenditure has been above that budgeted; and if he will list for each web site (i) the topics covered, (ii) the current average number of hits per month and (iii) the estimated expenditure on each web site for each of the next three years. [70973]

  Mr. Meale
  DETR's Website was launched in November 1997 at a cost of some £5,000. DETR's core Website includes the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, Marine Accidents Investigation Branch, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Vehicle Certification Agency, as well as two related sites, one providing air quality information and one with information aimed at local government. It also hosts several NDPBs—the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment, the Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards and the Disabled Person's Transport Advisory Committee. The cost of running these sites in the financial year 1998–99 is some £320,000. This is within budget.

  (i) The core Website publishes information covering the full range of the Department's responsibilities—aviation, construction, drinking water, environmental protection, housing, local government, London, local transport, mobility, planning, railways, regeneration, roads, road safety, shipping, wildlife and the countryside.

  (ii) Average monthly hits are 1.65 million.

  (iii) Estimated expenditure over the next three years: 1999–2000 £450,000; 2000–2001 £550,000; 2001–2002 £650,000.

  The Department also runs a Website for one NDPB, The British Government Panel on Sustainable Development. Its set-up costs were some £2,000 and annual running cost is estimated at £2,500.

  (i) This Website publishes its annual reports to the Prime Minister.

  (ii) Average monthly hits are 1,000.

  (iii) estimated expenditure over the next three years: 1999–2000 £3,000; 2000–2001 £3,500; 2001–2002 £4,000.

  Management of other DETR agency and NDPB Websites is devolved to these bodies. The following information is available.

  DETR Executive Agencies

  Highways Agency Website—set-up costs of some £32,000; annual running cost estimate at £15,000.

  (i) Publishes details of organisational structure and contact points, agency documentation, such as annual reports, information relating to individual road schemes, planned road improvements information, contractors information and a children's interactive section.

  (ii) Average monthly hits: 47,000.

  (iii) Estimated expenditure over the next three years: currently not finalised.

  445
  Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Website—set-up costs of some £1,600; annual running cost estimated at £1,000.

  (i) Publishes information on vehicle registration, driving licence information, answers to frequently asked questions, contact points, annual report and current consultation papers.

  (ii) Average monthly hits 93,500

  (iii) Estimated expenditure over the next three years: 1999–2000 £2,000; 2000–2001 £5,500; 2001–2002 £5,000.

  Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Sales of Marks Website—set-up costs of some £15,000; annual running cost estimated at £17,000.

  (i) Established to advertise and promote DVLA's sale of Marks scheme. The buying of selected registrations.

  (ii) Average monthly hits 690,000.

  (iii) Estimated expenditure over the next three years: 1999–2000 £60,000; 2000–2001 £60,000; 2001–2002 £60,000.

  Vehicle Inspectorate Website. Its set-up costs were some £200 and annual running cost is estimated at £1,200.

  (i) This Website publishes Who we are, What we do, MOT test, HGV and PSV tests information, Single Vehicle Approval, information on other types of testing, enforcement, accidents, defects and recalls.

  (ii) Average monthly hits are 1,000.

  (iii) Estimated expenditure over the next three years: 1999–2000 £1,200; 2000–2001 £1,200; 2001–2002 £1,200.

  Driving Standards Agency has no Website.

  Vehicle Certification Agency part of the DETR core site.

  Maritime and Coastguard Agency part of the DETR core site.

  Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre has no Website.

  Planning Inspectorate Website—set-up costs of some £1,300; annual running cost estimated at £1,500.

  (i) Publishes information concerning the work of the organisation and its objectives, subscription information for the Planning Inspectorate Journal; and information about the work of a Planning Inspector.

  (ii) Average monthly hits 500

  (iii) Estimated expenditure over the next three years: 1999–2000 £2,000; 2000–2001 £2,000; 2001–2002 £2,000.

  Information for all DETRs, NDPBs and Government Offices can be provided only at disproportionate cost. Information on the following major NDPB Websites is given:

  Environment Agency Website—set-up costs of some £2000,00; annual running cost estimated at £105,000.

  (i) Publishes state of the environment reports including Waste, radioactive substances, air quality and river quality. Guidance and information including flood defence, flood warning, waste information, water conservation, corporate information, board minutes, research and development programmes and summaries.

  (ii) Average monthly hits 850,000.

  (iii) Estimated expenditure over the next three years: 1999–2000 £350,000; 2000–2001 £1,000,000; 2001–2002 £1,000,000.

  Audit Commission Website—set-up costs of some £30,000; annual running cost estimated at £15,000.

  (i) Publishes a range of corporate information, publications catalogue, paid for subscription service for technical reviews, on-line local authorities performance indicators and directory of Audit appointments.

  (ii) Average monthly visitors 2,100.

  (iii) Estimated expenditure over the next three years: 1999–2000 £40,000; 2000–2001 £20,000; 2001–2002 £20,000.

  446
  Health and Safety Executive Website. Its set-up costs were nil and annual running cost is estimated at £6,000.

  (i) This Website publishes information relating to health and safety at work and general information on HSE's business, how to obtain publications and standards of performance.

  (ii) Average monthly hits are 190,000.

  (iii) Estimated expenditure over the next three years: 1999–2000 £6,000; 2000–2001 £6,000; 2001–2002 £6,000.

  Health and Safety Executive Commercial Website. Its set-up costs were £10,000 and annual running cost is estimated at £20,000.

  (i) This Commercial Website sells two HSE Books on the Year 2000 and is developing as an e-commerce site.

  (ii) Average monthly hits are 30,000.

  (iii) Estimated expenditure over the next three years: 1999–2000 £20,000; 2000–2001 £20,000, 2001–2002 £20,000.

  Annual Vehicle Emissions Test
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for the introduction of an annual emissions test for all cars. [71078]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  All cars have their exhaust emissions performance checked in the MOT test. Cars are tested annually from their third year of registration and we have no plans to change this arrangement.

  Hereford Bypass
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what planning guidance has been sought from his Department in respect of a planning application for a development on the route of the proposed Hereford bypass; and if he will make a statement. [71182]

  Mr. Caborn
  The A49 Hereford North-South Relief Road (the Hereford bypass) has been withdrawn from the national trunk road programme. However, the Secretary of State is aware that the Herefordshire Council wishes to continue to protect the bypass line for possible future Herefordshire Council road schemes. He currently has before him a planning appeal in respect of proposed development on the line of the route and the hon. Member will therefore understand that I cannot prejudice his consideration of that appeal by commenting further on the issue.

  Westfields Football Club
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation he had with(a) Herefordshire Council and (b) other parties concerning planning application SS 980 800 P.F., Westfields Football Club, Hereford; and if he will make a statement. [R] [71183]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Secretary of State was not consulted on the planning merits of this case. Only certain planning applications are referred to the Secretary of State, for example departures from the development plan for the area, for him to decide whether or not to exercise his powers of call in for his own decision. Applicants would, however, be referred to him only where the local planning authority was minded to approve the proposal. In this case I understand the application was refused. The Highways Agency was consulted and raised no objection but
  447
  directed that, if the application were approved, certain conditions aimed at protecting the interests of road safety on the A465 trunk road, should be included.

  The applicant has a right to appeal against the decision of the Herefordshire Council, which would come before the Secretary of State, and the hon. Member will understand, therefore, that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on this case.

  Local Authority Expenditure
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is his policy that local authorities should set each head of their budgets at the figure published by central Government as a standard spending assessment. [70930]

  Ms Armstrong
  No. It is for each authority to decide its spending priorities. Standard Spending Assessments are a means of distributing grant.

  Permanent Housing (Homeless)
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to restore the duty on local authorities to find permanent housing for the homeless; and if he will make a statement. [70890]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Shortly after taking office, the Government made regulations which require local housing authorities to give reasonable preference in the allocation of permanent social tenancies to people who are owed a main homelessness duty, that is, those who have been found to be unintentionally homeless and in priority need. We have also made an order which requires that, where authorities discharge this duty by assisting applicants to secure alternative accommodation for themselves, the authority must be satisfied that the accommodation will be available for at least 2 years. These measures have strengthened the position of homeless people and the Government are presently considering what other steps should be taken to ensure that they get the assistance and protection that they need.

  Vehicle Ownership
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) privately owned motor vehicles, (b) company cars and (c) commercial vans and lorries there were in the United Kingdom at the latest date for which figures are available. [70696]

  Dr. Reid
  According to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency files, at the end of September 1998 there were 23.43 million motorcars with a current licence in Great Britain, of which 2.43 million had a company address as the registered keeper.

  At the end of September 1998, there were 2.69 million licensed vehicles with some form of goods body type, the majority of which were light goods vehicles taxed within the private and light goods taxation group, but including 417,000 goods vehicles in tax classes 1 and 2, with revenue weight over 3.5 tonnes gross.
  448
  While vehicles pay excise duty according to their taxation class, determined on the basis of their construction and use, DVLA records, in general, contain no further information on the purpose for which vehicles are used. The degree to which the above goods vehicles are wholly or partially involved in commercial activity is not known.

  Comparable statistics for Northern Ireland are prepared by the Department of Environment (Northern Ireland). Figures taken from the Northern Ireland Transport Statistics report for the end of 1997, showed 583,000 licensed cars, and 68,000 vehicles with all form of goods body type, including 18,000 goods vehicles in tax classes 1 and 2, with revenue weight over 3.5 tonnes gross.

  Registered Social Landlords
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to extend the permissible additional purposes or objects of registered social landlords so that they can play a full part in regeneration activities; and if he will make a statement. [71642]

  Ms Armstrong
  We wish to ensure that Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) can fully engage in the government's wider social regeneration agenda. My Department is therefore consulting interested bodies on a draft of an Order which would extend the permissible additional purposes or objects of RSLs in England and Wales.

  The Order's broad purpose is to enable an RSL to provide services and amenities to people who are not resident in the RSL's property, so long as some of its own tenants benefit; and in certain circumstances to engage in regeneration activities such as the New Deal for Communities.

  Section 2 of the Housing Act 1996 specifies the bodies that are eligible for registration as non charitable social landlords. For two categories of body (a society registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 and a company registered under the Companies Act 1985) the section sets out conditions that must be satisfied for registration. In addition to the core purposes or objects, there are permissible additional purposes or objects.

  The draft Order proposes further permissible additional purposes or objects that such a body may have, namely:
  carrying out certain activities, including the provision of land, amenities or services, for persons who are not residents of the body, where any such activity is also being carried out for the body's own residents;
  where the body is managing certain accommodation, providing amenities or services for residents both of that accommodation and of other accommodation;
  where persons are benefiting from activities already referred to in or specified under Section 2, carrying out regeneration activities for the benefit of those persons, or for the benefit both of those persons and others.

  The proposed Order would substantially increase the range of activities that certain RSLs may undertake. RSLs will need to consider carefully the appropriate sources of funding for activities outside conventional housing management and the extent to which these activities could cause risks. Activities that support an RSL's core business

  449
  by helping to maintain sustainable communities may help lower costs and exposure to risk. But certain types of diversification may increase the sector's risk exposure and this raises difficult regulatory issues. To address this concern the Housing Corporation is today issuing a discussion paper on how it might develop its regulatory framework.

  Bus Fuel Rebate Scheme
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate expenditure on the bus fuel rebate scheme in each year from 1999–2000 to 2003–04. [71435]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Expenditure on fuel duty rebate for Great Britain as a whole is expected to be £270 million in the current financial year. Expenditure in future years will depend on the total of fuel consumed in operating eligible routes for which bus operators make claims for rebate, and on decisions still to be taken on the proportion of duty paid to be rebated in each year.

  Emissions (Pollutants)
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to improve the availability of information on emissions of polluting substances in England and Wales. [71707]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Environment Agency currently compiles an inventory of polluting substances emitted from processes subject to Integrated Pollution Control in England and Wales, the Chemical Release Inventory. Following an extended period of consultation, the Agency announced on 27 November 1998 that it was varying the authorisations of all IPC processes to require the provision of data on a more consistent basis. The Agency, in consultation with stakeholders, has developed a standard list of pollutants and reporting thresholds. All operations with processes subject to IPC will now have to report on their emissions of these substances where they exceed the thresholds. The Agency is also planning at a future date to extend the inventory to require other processes it regulates, such as landfill sites and sewage treatment works, to report on their emissions in the same way.

  The Agency has varied IPC authorisations to require information about emissions during 1998 to be provided in the new format. Where measured data are not available operators will be able to calculate or estimate their emissions. The Agency hopes to make the new emission database available in a searchable form on the Internet during the first half of 1999. The Agency has also announced that it is forming an advisory committee to advise on the development of the new database and keep the pollutants reported and thresholds under review.

  I welcome the improvements the Agency is making to the Chemical Release Inventory. The timely provision of comprehensive emissions data in a readily accessible format is necessary to secure the public's right to know about environmental pollution. I particularly welcome the fact that emissions data will be collected on a consistent basis from all 2,000 IPC processes and that the Agency has made an early start by collecting this data for 1998.
  450

  Older Drivers
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons drivers approaching the age of 70 years are asked for the country of their birth; what purpose such a question serves in determining a person's fitness to drive; and if he will make a statement. [71137]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The second EC Directive on the driving licence requires the holder's place of birth to be shown on the driving licence.

  Road Works (Central London)
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions who is responsible for co-ordinating road works in Central London. [70812]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 each London borough is responsible for co-ordination of its own works and statutory undertakers' street works in its area. We have issued a Code of Practice for the Co-ordination of Street Works which requires the street authority to co-ordinate the execution of works of all kinds in the streets for which it is responsible.

  School Playing Fields
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the Town and Country Planning (Playing Fields) (England) Direction 1998 in maintaining the number of school playing fields; and if he will estimate the number of school playing fields(a) which remain in use and (b) which were closed in each of the last five years. [70979]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Town and Country Planning (Playing Fields) (England) Direction 1998 came into effect on 23 December last year. No planning applications have been determined by the Secretary of State as a result of referral under the Direction.

  The remaining questions are matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, although I understand that his Department does not collect this information.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Arms Export Licences (Indonesia)
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 1 February 1999,Official Report, column 502, on export licences, if he will list the number of licences granted to Indonesia, by category, for the period from May 1997 to 10 May 1998. [69395]

  Dr. Howells
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the then Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett), on 2 December 1997,Official Report, columns 124–26, to the hon. Member for West Dorset (Mr. Baker); and the replies given by the then Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry, my hon. Friend the Member for

  451
  Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), of 8 April 1998, Official Report, columns 345–46,and 3 June 1998 Official Report, column 227, to my hon. Friend.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to publish the findings of the Renewable Energy Review; and if he will make a statement on targets for renewable energy generation beyond 2010. [66197]

  Mr. Battle
  I intend to issue a review document shortly. It will examine the status and prospects for renewables, and will suggest possible options for a future programme and invite comments in order to assist us in finalising our future policy.

  I am concerned to look up to and beyond 2010 for continued growth in renewables. A growing contribution from new and renewable energy is likely to be required for any future greenhouse gas reduction commitments, provide additional competition and diversity in the generation market, and a UK industry to supply home and export markets. It is not the case that any target represents an end in itself. It is a step along the way to achieving a sustainable energy supply.

  Former Secretary of State
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what procedures were put in place to ensure there was(a) no conflict of interest and (b) no appearance of conflict of interest when the former Secretary of State, the right hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson), met BAe during his period as Secretary of State. [66601]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 19 January 1999]: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandleson) gave to the hon. Member for Chichester (Mr. Tyrie) on 7 December 1998, Official Report, column 65.

  Research Establishments (Privatisation)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the previously publicly owned research establishments that have been privatised in the last 10 years, indicating their current owners. [69662]

  Mr. Battle
  Government owned research establishments transferred to the private sector in the last ten years are listed as follows:

  Establishment

  Current owners

  Date privatised

  Agricultural Development Advisory Service (ADAS)

  ADAS Consulting Ltd.

  April 1997

  Atomic Energy Authority (AEA)

  AEA Technology plc

  September 1996

  Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC)

  LGC (Teddington) Ltd.

  April 1996

  National Engineering Laboratory (NEL)

  TUV Product Service (UK) Ltd. and Siemens Holdings Ltd.

  November 1995

  Warren Spring Laboratory (WSL)

  AEA Technology plc

  September 1996

  452

  Establishment

  Current owners

  Date privatised

  Building Research Establishment (BRE)

  Foundation for Building Environment—consortium of management buyout and other bodies

  March 1997

  Transport Research Laboratory (TRL)

  Transport Research Foundation consortium of management buyout and other bodies

  March 1996

  Space Research Programmes
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the extent of current UK involvement in US and EU space research and programmes. [70199]

  Mr. Battle
  The UK pursues its space programme primarily in collaboration with the member states of the European Space Agency (ESA). In addition, researchers collaborate extensively, both directly and through ESA, with the United States and the EU.

  Collaboration with the European Union focuses on the Framework research programme into which Member States contribute. The four year Framework IV concluded in 1998. UK firms won some 16–17 per cent. of the available funding with a major part played by our strong academic community; small and medium-sized enterprises have been particularly successful. The UK space sector has especially benefited from the Centre for Earth Observation (CEO) and environment and climate programmes. For example, British firms took part in a project to determine how satellite technology can be used to complement Earth Observation and other sources of information on agriculture and forestry. There will be considerable opportunities under the Framework V programme and my officials are working to ensure that British companies are fully involved.

  Collaboration with the United States takes place in fields such as environmental science, space-based astronomy and planetary science.

  The UK also collaborates with the US through ESA programmes and through EUMETSAT, which provides operational weather systems. There is also strong collaboration between British and American scientists in the global change programme and participation in major NASA field experiments. The UK has provided instruments for several missions carried out as a partnership between ESA and NASA. Missions active at the moment are Ulysses, Cassini-Huygens and SOHO. The UK is also a strong contributor to the future missions FIRST, Planck Surveyor and the Next Generation Space Telescope, which will involve ESA partnership with NASA. The UK is the leading European user of the Hubble Space Telescope.

  Petrol Supplier (Four Star Petrol)
  Mr.Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has held with major petrol supplier on their plans and timetable for
  453
  withdrawal of four star petrol from sale at filling stations and for the reprovision of facilities for essential supplies; and if he will make a statement. [69759]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]: My Officials have had several meetings with the major petrol suppliers on this issue to ensure that suitable alternatives will be available to motorists.

  Plutonium Shipments (Japan)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many naval vessels are planned to provide protection for each shipment of plutonium fuel to Japan. [70661]

  Mr. Battle
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 18 January 1999,Official Report, columns 364–65.

  EU Structural Funds
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effects of the decline of the euro against sterling on payments of regional and other aid from the EU. [70618]

  Mr. Wills
  Allocations of funding by the Commission to Structural Funds programmes are made in Euro. Offers of grant from the programmes are made in sterling and budgets are managed to minimise the exchange rate risks to the Exchequer. The Government will meet all legitimate claims for Structural Funds grant payments.

  Engineering
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what initiatives his Department has taken since 1 May 1997 to support the engineering profession in the United Kingdom. [70703]

  Mr. Battle
  My Department has today agreed to provide funding of up to £175,000 p.a. for three years, with the possibility of support for a further two years thereafter subject to satisfactory progress, towards support for the promotion of engineering. This includes up to £425,000 p.a. specifically for the work being planned by Quinco, subject to individual projects satisfying my Department's approval procedures. The largest single item in the Quinco allocation is a sum of £250,000 p.a. towards the Engineering Image Campaign on which the Engineering Council has been working in partnership with EEF and EMTA. £75,000 p.a. is being set aside for existing projects established under the Action for Engineering initiative, of which the most notable of these is the Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics Network (SETNET).

  I have also agreed today to provide £34,000 to the Engineering Council towards the costs of producing an updated version of their Environmental Guidelines for Engineers, which highlight the importance of sustainable development.

  Since 1 May 1997, the Department has also provided funding for the Women Into Science and Engineering (WISE) Outlook Initiative Programme (£35,000).
  454

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what evidence he has obtained that employers offering low-paid work are cutting the hours of employees in advance of the introduction of the minimum wage. [70884]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I have received two letters giving details of employers who are cutting their workers' hours of work in advance of the introduction of the national minimum wage.

  Cigarette Lighters
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects the report of the findings of the recent European Commission investigation into imported cigarette lighters which purport to be refillable in order to circumvent the anti-dumping duty to be published. [70805]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Council Regulation resulting from the Commission's investigation was published as Council Regulation (EC) No 192–1999 of 25 January 1999 in the "Official Journal of the European Communities", No. L22 of 29 January 1999. The Regulation entered into force on 30 January 1999 and, broadly, extends the application of the anti-dumping duty on disposable, non-refillable lighters originating in China to such lighters originating in, or consigned from, Taiwan and to refillable lighters (of less than a certain value) originating in both China and Taiwan.

  Longbridge
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with BMW on the future of their investment in the United Kingdom. [70913]

  Mr. Battle
  Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and DTI officials have been maintaining close contact with BMW over the situation at Longbridge. Following last week's Board changes we understand that BMW's investment review of their medium car strategy is still underway and the company continues to look closely at Longbridge as a possible location. No immediate decision is expected.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the importance of Rover's Longbridge plant to manufacturing industry in the Midlands. [70912]

  Mr. Battle
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recognises that the plant plays a major role, though no specific estimate of its direct importance has been made. Longbridge currently employs around 14,000 people and a considerably larger number of jobs in the UK's component supply industry are likely to be reliant on the plant.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has had from the Birmingham Economic Development Partnership concerning the future of Rover's Longbridge plant. [70911]
  455
  Mr. Battle
  During my right hon. Friend's visit to Longbridge on 8 February, he had the opportunity to discuss some of the issues surrounding the future of the plant with members of the Birmingham Economic Development Partnership.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the future of Rover's Longbridge plant. [70910]

  Mr. Battle
  I welcome the confirmation given by BMW last year that the new Mini will be produced at Longbridge.

  BMW's review of future medium vehicle production at Longbridge is still underway and no decision is expected immediately. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the DTI are maintaining close links with BMW and will take every opportunity to represent the interests of Rover in an effort to secure the right investment outcome for the plant.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has had from the trade unions representing employees at Rover. [70914]

  Mr. Battle
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and his predecessor have both maintained close contact with unions at Rover over Longbridge. Most recently, my right hon. Friend took the opportunity to talk to both unions and management when he visited the plant on Monday 8 February. He was grateful to both groups for giving him their views on the present situation.

  Gas-fired Power Stations
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will announce his decision on British Sugar plc's application to build a new combined heat and power gas-fired power station. [71524]

  Mr. Battle
  I have today granted consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for a 70 MW gas-fired Combined Heat and Power station at the British Sugar factory in York. The station has also today been given planning permission and clearance (as a gas-fired station) under Section 14 of the Energy Act 1976. The decisions have been taken in accordance with the policy set out in the White Paper entitled "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's recent White Paper set out a stricter consents policy towards applications for new gas-fired power stations but indicated that the Government's concerns might be outweighed by the environmental and other benefits of CHP. The Government are of the view that this project falls within the description of CHP identified in the White Paper and the granting of Section 36 consent is consistent with the policy set out in it.

  German Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what discussions he has had with the German Government concerning the possibility of converting contracts for the reprocessing of German spent nuclear fuel into contracts for the conditioning, temporary storage, transport cask construction, transport to Germany 456
  and building of storage facilities in Germany of German spent nuclear fuel, German nuclear waste and German separated plutonium now at Sellafield; and if he will make a statement; [70487]

  (2) if his Department has undertaken a study of how contracts for the reprocessing of German spent nuclear fuel at Sellafield could be converted into contracts for dealing with German spent nuclear fuel, nuclear waste and separated plutonium now at Sellafield; and if he will make a statement. [70488]

  Mr. Battle
  The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and I have recently held discussions with members of the German government at which we reminded them that the United Kingdom government regard BNFL's contracts with the German utilities to be legally binding and we would expect them to be honoured.

  Since 1976 all new contracts for reprocessing of overseas spent fuel have contained options for return of wastes. The government intend that such options should be exercised and that wastes arising from reprocessing be returned to the country of origin.

  The construction of storage facilities for German spent nuclear fuel and nuclear waste in Germany is a matter for the German government.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list those nations which have(a) already signed and (b) declared an intent to sign, legally binding contracts with British Nuclear Fuels to purchase MOX fuel. [70489]

  Mr. Battle
  Contracts and contracted terms between BNFL and its customers for the supply of goods and services are normally matters for the parties concerned. BNFL have already supplied MOX fuel to customers in Switzerland, Germany and Japan from its MOX Demonstration Facility at Sellafield.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment his Department has made of the technical feasibility of returning spent nuclear fuel, nuclear waste and separated plutonium currently at Sellafield to Germany; and if he will make a statement on the technical studies undertaken. [70486]

  Mr. Battle
  The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and I have made it clear in our recent meetings with members of the German government that all waste arising from reprocessing, and all unreprocessed German spent fuel at Sellafield will be returned.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what studies his Department has undertaken of the availability of containers to transport German spent nuclear fuel, German nuclear waste and German separated plutonium now at Sellafield; and if he will make a statement of the results of them. [70485]

  Mr. Battle
  My Department has not undertaken a study of the availability of containers to transport German spent nuclear fuel, German nuclear waste and German separated plutonium now at Sellafield. All flasks for the transport of spent nuclear fuel are required to conform fully with the safety and security recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
  457

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reason the Government have decided to oppose attempts by(a) India and (b) other developing countries to ban the import of genetically modified organisms. [70997]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government have no intention of blocking attempts by India or any other country to ban the import of genetically modified organisms. Negotiations are under way to develop an international instrument (the Biosafety Protocol to the convention on Biological Diversity) which will cover transboundary movement of living modified organisms. It has been the Government's position throughout these negotiations that the protocol should contain clear provision allowing countries to withhold agreement to the importing, into their country, of genetically modified organisms where they consider such a measure is necessary. This must be based on sound scientific grounds, assessing the risk to the environment or to human health of environmental release.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Magistrates Courts
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on his policy on the amalgamation of magistrates' courts committee areas. [70590]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Lord Chancellor and I have made it clear on a number of occasions that we see many benefits accruing from the greater alignment of magistrates' courts committees with criminal justice agency boundaries. I refer the hon. and learned Member to my statement to this House of 29 October 1997,Official Report, columns 901–05.

  In particular, alignment will lead to an increased familiarity with each other's policies; improved co-ordination in the implementation of national and regional policies; improved relations between the chief officers of each agency; and the removal of duplication of effort and the speeding up of decision making at a strategic level. This is in addition to financial benefits which can be realised by the magistrates' courts committees concerned, all of which are likely to lead to a more effective, and more efficient, service.

  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the rate of case through-put in magistrates' courts in(a) urban and (b) rural areas.[70589]

  Mr. Hoon
  The data held on magistrates' courts are not available broken down by urban and rural areas. While an urban/rural breakdown is not available, magistrates' courts committees can alternatively be grouped into English metropolitan areas, English non-metropolitan areas, London and Wales.

  The Lord Chancellor's Department magistrates' courts Management Information System collects information on magistrates' courts activity. One of the indicators produced by the Management Information System is the number of completed weighted cases per sitting hour.
  458
  In 1997, for magistrates' courts committees in English metropolitan areas the completed weighted caseload dealt with per sitting hour was 10.4, for those in English non-metropolitan areas and also those in the London area the figure was 9.9 per hour, and for those in Wales the figure was 10.4 per hour. For comparison, the completed weighted caseload dealt with per sitting hour in all magistrates' courts in England and Wales was 10.1 per hour.

  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the savings or additional costs to public funds caused by(a) the public, (b) lawyers, (c) the police, (d) witnesses, (e) defendants and (f) magistrates' through the closure of magistrates' courts. [70591]

  Mr. Hoon
  Magistrates' courts are locally managed by magistrates' courts committees under the provisions of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997. Decisions concerning the location and number of magistrates' courts in their area are for the relevant MCC to determine. A local authority that contributes financially may appeal to the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure. In the event of an appeal, costs are only one factor to be considered. Other common themes are accessibility and facilities for all court users, workload, and the extra time and distance users may have to travel. In the absence of an appeal, however, the Lord Chancellor plays no part in the process.

  Court Buildings
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the new court buildings whose construction and refurbishment are being financed through the PFI if, he will list in each case, the annual cost to his Department; and if he will estimate in each case the cost of the same works on a wholly publicly funded basis. [70592]

  Mr. Hoon
  No contracts have yet been let for new courthouses under the PFI. Schemes under procurement include:

  (a) for the Court Service: Sheffield Family Court; Crown Court centres at Ipswich and Cambridge; and the Probate Records Centre; and

  (b) for magistrates' courts (procured by local authorities): courts at Hereford and Worcester (Worcester, Hereford, Kidderminster and Redditch); Humberside (Hull, Beverley and Bridlington); Derbyshire (Derby, Chesterfield and New Mills); and Manchester.

  As contracts are under negotiation it is not yet possible to provide details of annual charges, or estimates which will be used in assessing the value for money of bids.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the total number of staff(a) in his Department and (b) in each of the agencies for which he is responsible and their location in (i) London, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) each of the English regions. [70474]
  459
  Mr. Hoon
  The following table provides the required information on staffing numbers. The location of the Department's staff throughout England and Wales is detailed on a map, copies of which I have placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Staffing figures for the Lord Chancellor's Department and its Agencies as at 12 February 1999

  Lord Chancellor's Department1

  Court Service

  Public Trust Office

  London and South East

  England2

  5,553

  4,163

  544

  Wales

  425

  424

  0

  Scotland

  2

  2

  0

  Northern England

  411

  400

  0

  North-West England

  1,228

  1,210

  0

  Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire

  860

  859

  0

  East Midlands

  594

  594

  0

  West Midlands

  783

  781

  0

  East Anglia

  242

  242

  0

  South West England

  580

  580

  0

  Total

  10,678

  9,255

  544

  1 Including HQ, Agencies and Associated Offices.

  2 The standard report on staffing numbers does not differentiate between staff in London and the South East and the provision of this breakdown would, therefore, have incurred a disproportionate cost. However, it should be noted that all of the Public Trust Office staff are located in central London.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he has taken to relocate staff in(a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible to the regions of the United Kingdom with the highest levels of unemployment; and what plans he has further to decentralise the location of his Department and its agencies. [70460]

  Mr. Hoon
  None. This Department is already a national employer with staff located all over England and Wales, including many areas with higher levels of unemployment.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the parliamentary constituencies which he has visited in an official capacity in the past 12 months. [71335]

  Mr. Hoon
  Paragraph 79 of the Ministerial Code makes it clear that Ministers should inform hon. Members in advance of planned visits to their constituencies. Ministers in the Department undertake visits to all parts of the country, but records of official visits are not held on a constituency basis.

  Staff Travel
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the mileage rates currently applicable to staff, indicating what changes have been made to encourage staff to switch from cars to public transport and other less polluting forms of travel. [70958]
  460
  Mr. Hoon
  The current staff mileage rates for the Lord Chancellor's Department, the Court Service and the Public Trust Office are:

  Standard rate of motor mileage allowance per mile

  Up to 4.000 miles

  Over 4,000 miles

  Up to 1000cc

  28p

  17p

  1001 to 1500cc

  35p

  20p

  1501 to 2000cc

  45p

  25p

  Over 2000cc

  63p

  36p

  Public transport rate of motor mileage allowance: 25.5p per mile. Cycle mileage allowance rate: 6.7p per mile.

  The current staff mileage rates for HM Land Registry are:

  Standard rate of motor mileage allowance per mile

  Up to 4,000 miles

  Over 4,000 miles

  All cc

  40p

  22.5p

  Public transport rate of motor mileage allowance: 25.7p per mile

  Cycle mileage allowance rate: 6.2p per mile

  The current staff mileage rates for the Public Record Office are:

  Standard rate of motor mileage allowance: 40 per mile

  Public transport rate of motor mileage allowance: 23.8 per mile

  Cycle mileage allowance rate: 6.2p per mile

  The current passenger supplement rates per mile for the Lord Chancellor's Department and its executive agencies are:

  First passenger: 2p

  Further additional passenger(s): 1p per passenger

  These rates are currently being reconsidered in the light of the Government's environmental policies, with a view to encouraging greater use of public transport.

  The Government have set targets to have green transport plans in place for all headquarters buildings and main agency and government office buildings by March 1999, and for all other key buildings by March 2000. The aim of these plans will be to identify practical measures, tailored to the circumstances of individual sites, aimed at promoting greener travel.

SCOTLAND

  Dr. Arpad Pusztai
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the terms of Dr. Arpad Pusztai' s retirement from the Rowett Institute preclude him from(a) discussing his recent research work and (b) pursuing similar research elsewhere. [70050]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The terms of Dr. Pusztai's employment required that disclosure of any information or data collected in the course of his employment required the approval of the Director of the Rowett Research Institute. The same restrictions apply after employment has ceased. The Institute is encouraging Dr. Pusztai to prepare his results for publication through the standard channels of peer reviewed scientific journals.
  461
  Dr. Pusztai is free to pursue similar research elsewhere.

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

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department have a statutory base; and which are subject to investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner. [69916]

  Mr. Dewar
  The information is as follows:

  Executive NDPBs with a statutory base

  Accounts Commission for Scotland

  Crofters Commission

  Deer Commission for Scotland

  Highlands and Islands Enterprise

  National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland

  National Galleries of Scotland

  National Library of Scotland

  National Museums of Scotland

  Parole Board for Scotland

  Royal Botanic Garden

  Scottish Agricultural Wages Board

  Scottish Children's Reporter Administration

  Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board

  Scottish Council for Educational Technology

  Scottish Enterprise

  Scottish Environment Protection Agency

  Scottish Further Education Funding Council

  Scottish Higher Education Funding Council

  Scottish Homes

  Scottish Hospital Endowments Research trust

  Scottish Legal Aid Board

  Scottish Medical Practices Committee

  Scottish Natural Heritage

  Scottish Qualifications Authority

  Scottish Tourist Board

  Scottish Water and Sewerage Customers Council

  Executive NDPBs subject to investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner

  Crofters Commission

  Deer Commission for Scotland

  Scottish Arts Council

  Scottish Environment Protection Agency

  Scottish Homes

  Service expenditure: expended/planned 1995–96 to 2001–02

  £ million

  Service

  Final Outturn 1995–96

  Provisional Outturn 1996–97

  Provisional Outturn 1997–98

  Budget Estimate 1998–99

  GAE1 1999–2000

  GAE1 2000–01

  GAE1 2001–02

  Education

  2,621

  2,474

  2,440

  2,438

  2,528

  2,573

  2,609

  Social Work

  1,112

  1,102

  1,105

  1,108

  1,074

  1,089

  1,096

  Police

  650

  657

  688

  680

  698

  706

  709

  Fire

  164

  164

  167

  171

  174

  178

  180

  Leisure and Recreation

  338

  320

  303

  286

  225

  3—

  3—

  Environmental Services

  64

  58

  53

  53

  56

  3—

  3—

  Housing2

  23.9

  20.4

  18.7

  15.7

  15.3

  14.9

  14.6

  1 GAE: Grant Aided Expenditure

  2 Housing: The figures above are final outturn figures up until 1998–99 which are estimates. The figures covering the final 3 years in the table show planned expenditure

  1 Not available

  462

  Scottish Legal Aid Board

  Scottish Medical Practices Committee

  Scottish Natural Heritage

  Scottish Sports Council

  Scottish Tourist Board

  In addition, the following executive NDPBs will shortly be brought within the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary Commissioner:

  Accounts Commission for Scotland

  National Galleries of Scotland

  National Library of Scotland

  National Museums of Scotland

  Parole Board for Scotland

  Royal Botanic Garden

  Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland

  Scottish Agricultural Wages Board

  Scottish Children's Reporter Administration

  Scottish Community Education Council

  Scottish Council for Educational Technology

  Scottish Further Education Funding Council

  Scottish Further Education Unit

  Scottish Higher Education Funding Council

  Scottish Qualifications Authority

  Scottish Screen

  Scottish Water and Sewerage Customers Council

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

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what totals at constant prices have been expended or are planned in the Comprehensive Spending Review for Scottish local authority revenue expenditure in the years from 1995–96 to 2001–02 for(a) education, (b) social work, (c) police, (d) fire, (e) housing, (f) environmental services and (g) recreation and leisure services. [69717]

  Mr. McLeish
  The table shows local authority outturn figures and estimates for 1995–96 to 1998–99 for current expenditure on the various services (excluding loan and leasing charges). Local authority plans for the period covered by the CSR are not known yet and the table shows Government estimates of Grant Aided Expenditure for these years; all figures are at constant prices.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
  463

  Edinburgh College of Art
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will delay a decision about possible major changes in the status of Edinburgh College of Art until the Scottish Parliament has time to consider it. [69738]

  Mrs. Liddell
  There is no submission at present before the Secretary of State seeking approval for a change in the status of Edinburgh College of Art.

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

  Specialist Colleges
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the future status of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, the Glasgow School of Art and the Edinburgh College of Art. [69739]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Secretary of State has not received any proposals for a change in the status of these institutions.

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

  Teachers
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which councils have been unable to provide supply teachers to schools on occasions when they were needed to provide cover because of sickness or absence of teachers on in-service training in the(a) last and (b) current session. [69732]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Scottish Office does not at present have the information requested. However, we are aware that some local authorities are having difficulty in maintaining adequate numbers of supply teachers to provide cover and will shortly be undertaking work to obtain information from authorities on the demand for and deployment of supply teachers. The Planning Group on Teacher Supply, which is chaired by the Scottish Office and includes representatives from the education authorities, teacher education institutions, General Teaching Council and the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, will be considering how this information can best be taken into account in teacher work force planning.

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

  Public Consultations
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish his Department's collation and assessment of responses to each of the Government's public consultations. [69775]

  Mr. Dewar
  Where it is appropriate to do so, my Department publishes an assessment of responses received to public consultations. A recent example is contained in Annex D to the Report of the Consultative Steering Group (CSG) on the Scottish Parliament.

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

  Roads Budget
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the increase in the Roads Department 464
  budget in Scotland in the current financial year over the previous financial year in (a) cash and (b) percentage terms. [70265]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The motorway and trunk road budget for the year from 1 April 1999 is £162.8 million (net), an increase of £10.1 million (6.6%) over this year.

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

  Roads Review
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to publish the results of the Roads Review in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [70266]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The consultation period on the Government's proposed framework for the appraisal of trunk road investment in Scotland ended on 16 October 1998. The responses have now been analysed and some useful suggestions from respondents incorporated into the appraisal framework. We are now considering the best way forward and the outcome of the review will be announced as soon as is practicable.

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

  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the specialist units which provide services to chronic fatigue syndrome/ME patients in Scotland. [70164]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The information requested is not available in the form requested. The detailed planning and provision of health services, including those for patients diagnosed with chronic syndrome or ME, is a matter for Health Boards and NHS Trusts.

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

  Scottish Parliament Building
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the projected capital cost for the Scottish Parliament Building of(a) furniture, (b) catering facilities, (c) exterior decoration and (d) interior decoration; what is the total estimated cost of the building; and how many (i) MSPs, (ii) Parliamentary staff and (iii) ancillary staff will be accommodated in the new building. [69102]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]: The budget for the construction of the new Parliament building at Holyrood continues to be estimated at £50 million excluding fees and VAT. The cost of interior and exterior decoration is included in this figure, as is the provision of catering facilities and kitchen accommodation. The cost of furniture cannot be calculated until the final designs are completed. The building will accommodate 129 MSPs and around 300 Parliamentary staff. The number of ancillary staff will depend on the terms of any contracts which are in place when the Parliament moves to Holyrood.

  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals have been put forward by(a) his Department and (b) the City of Edinburgh Council to cope

  465
  with the additional traffic which will be generated by the new Scottish Parliament building and large developments nearby. [69712]

  Mr. Dewar
  The Scottish Office and the City of Edinburgh Council, together with LEEL, Historic Scotland and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, are currently considering traffic management issues in the Holyrood area. In the light of a study by Halcrow Fox Associates, possible options for roads in the area include closing the bottom of Holyrood Road and traffic calming Horse Wynd. A further study is presently under way which will help inform proposals relating to improving access to the area by means other than by car.

  Nurses (Pay)
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what finance was provided for the increase of nurses' pay in Scotland in 1999–2000 in the Comprehensive Spending Review; and what the cost of the actual increase approved is estimated to be. [69715]

  Mr. Galbraith
  While no specific funds were provided for nurses' pay in the Comprehensive Spending Review, the outcome provided sufficient funds to meet the full costs of the nurses pay award. The cost of the actual increase approved for nurses' pay is estimated to be £49 million.

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

  Vaccine Damage
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what powers the Scottish Parliament will have to amend the Vaccine Damage Payments Acts 1979. [69737]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The subject matter of the Vaccine Damage Payments Scheme is a reserved matter under the Scotland Act 1998. The scheme for payments under the Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979 is being reviewed by the Department of Social Security, and when this is concluded consideration will be given to the appropriateness of devolving the legislation as it affects Scotland.

  Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions proceedings have taken place under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998; and if he will make a statement. [70304]

  Mr. McLeish
  There are currently no records in the centrally held database of court proceedings of any proceedings in Scottish courts under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998. Any such proceedings that do arise will be included in the annual statistics on court proceedings. The 1998 figures are expected to be published later on this year.

  Healthcare Waste Disposal
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list designated sites in Scotland licensed for the landfill disposal of healthcare waste. [69206]
  466
  Mr. Macdonald
  Information on sites in Scotland licensed for the landfill disposal of healthcare waste is not held centrally. Information about all waste management licences is available on public registers held by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the forecast costs to the Lanarkshire health trusts of the disposal of waste by category of disposal(a) in the current financial year and (b) in each of the projected financial years for which figures are available. [69209]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 9 February 1999]: In formulating their forecast costs, the Lanarkshire NHS Trusts have properly anticipated the increasing cost of compliance with more stringent EU legislation governing the disposal of clinical waste. However, the increases in operational efficiency through the use of new technologies should see these costs falling. The forecast costs to the Lanarkshire NHS Trusts are as follows:

  £000

  1998–99

  411

  1999–2000

  425

  2000–09

  1434

  1 per annum

  Gaelic
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the progress of the European Language Initiative in compiling its Gaelic-English dictionary for the public sector; what organisations are involved in the process of compilation; to what extent the project will contribute to the development of Gaelic terminology for the Scottish Parliament; when he expects the project to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [69720]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 10 February 1999]: The Scottish Office gave a grant of £10,000 in March 1998 to The European Language Initiative for the initial phase of development work on their Gaelic-English dictionary. The initial phase is now complete. Funding for the rest of the project is currently being sought. The project will be carried out in co-operation with a number of Gaelic organisations. It will be for the Scottish Parliament itself to decide the place of Gaelic in the proceedings of the Parliament.

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

  Student Support
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on changes in the student support and tuition fee arrangements for Scottish domiciled students in academic year 1999–2000. [71876]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I am today publishing the main rates of loans and grants which will be available to students in full-time higher education in 1999–2000; and the level of tuition fees. I am also publishing the rates for those postgraduate courses which do not attract student loans, together with the rates for the various supplementary grants payable to eligible undergraduate and vocational postgraduate students.
  467
  The total support available to undergraduate students in 1999–2000 will be 2.5 per cent. higher than in 1998–99, thus maintaining its value in real terms. Postgraduate maintenance grants and supplementary grants will also be increased by a similar amount.

  These changes are consistent with those for England and Wales announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment. Details have been placed in the Library.

  Student Nurses
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many student nurses there are in(a) the Argyll and Clyde Board and (b) Scotland as a whole; and if he will make a statement. [69798]

  Mr. Galbraith
  As at 31 march 1998, there were a total of 7,059 student nurses training in Scotland. Of this number, 898 students receive their training at the University of Paisley.

  The training of nurses is no longer directly linked to individual Health Board areas, but through contracts let by the Scottish Office with 7 providers in the tertiary education sector. The contract with the University of Paisley covers training formerly provided within the Argyll and Clyde and Ayrshire and Arran Health Boards.

  The supply of and demand for nurses in Scotland are assessed annually, taking account of employers' expectations over a 5 year horizon. This year the intakes to nurse training courses will be increased in accordance with the findings of last year's assessment. A new assessment for 1999 is about to be launched.

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

  Cataract Operations
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cataract operations were carried out in 1998 in(a) the Argyll and Clyde Health Board area and (b) Scotland as a whole. [69800]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Information on the number of cataract operations carried out in NHS hospitals in Scotland during 1998 is not yet available. Provisional figures for the period 1 January to 30 September 1998 show that the number of cataract operations performed in Scotland was 13,936, of which 1,179 were undertaken in the Argyll and Clyde Health Board area.

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

  After-school Care Clubs
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to introduce arrangements to monitor the management of after school care clubs for secondary school pupils. [71361]

  Mr. Galbraith
  We intend to issue shortly a consultation paper on the regulation of child care (including after school care clubs) and of early education. From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament: it will be for Scottish Ministers to consider 468
  how best to take forward any administrative consequences in the light of consultation responses and for the Scottish Parliament to consider any legislative consequences.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  English National Stadium Development Company
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the gender balance on the Board of the English National Stadium Development Company. [69350]

  Mr. Banks
  The current Members of the Board are all male. Members are not appointed by Government; nevertheless we are keen to promote the role of women at all levels within sport, and for the Football Association and the English National Stadium Trust to take this into account in considering future appointments.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport who appointed the Chairman and members of the Board of the English National Stadium Development Company; and on what dates. [69347]

  Mr. Banks
  The members of the Board of the English National Stadium Development Company are appointed by The Football Association (FA) and the English National Stadium Trust. The FA appoints seven members; the Trust appoints five members. The Chairman is elected by the Board members. Members were formally appointed on 12 January 1999 when the Development Company was constituted as an FA subsidiary.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what remuneration is paid to the members of the Board of the English National Stadium Development Company; and from what sources. [69348]

  Mr. Banks
  Members received no remuneration.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which sports individual members of the Board of the English National Stadium Development Company represent. [69349]

  Mr. Banks
  Board Members do not represent individual sports. Their primary responsibility is to the English National Stadium Development Company, in accordance with their duties as Director of the Company. The FA nominations have a football background and interest. The Trust nominations have a variety of interests, including in golf, tennis, rugby league and football.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the auditing arrangements for the expenditure of the Board of the English National Stadium Development Company. [69351]

  Mr. Banks
  The English National Stadium Development Company is currently appointing professional auditors. In addition, the conditions of Lottery grant include provisions for independent monitoring by consultants appointed by the English Sports Council, a requirement for the Development Company to provide full details of the way it spends its money, the right for the English Sports Council to audit the Development Company at any time and the right for the National Audit Office to review Development Company accounts and records.
  469

  World Athletics Championship (2003)
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 25 January 1999,Official Report, column 64, if he will list the organisations which make up the London 2003 Consortium. [70154]

  Mr. Banks
  The 2003 Bid Consortium is a committee of individuals set up under the auspices of UK Athletics. The Consortium is chaired by Len Hatton, Chair of Sport Z, and its membership comprises Bill Glad, ex-international athlete, ex-IAAF Executive Officer; Adrian Metcalfe, ex-international athlete, Chair of API Television, UK Sports Council Member; and John Boulter, ex-international athlete. David Moorcroft, Chief Executive Officer of UK Athletics is also closely involved.

  Musicworks
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for culture, Media and sport if he will make a statement on the future of Musicworks. [69633]

  NDPD

  Admit the public to all meetings

  Hold public meetings

  Have lay or consumer board members16

  Operate a form of appeal or complaints procedure

  Statutory requirements

  Arts Council of England

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  No

  British Library

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  British Museum

  No

  No

  1Yes

  Yes

  No

  British Film Institute

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  British Tourist Authority

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  Broadcasting Standards Commission

  No

  9Yes

  10Yes

  11Yes

  12No

  Crafts Council

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  No

  English Heritage

  No

  No

  5Yes

  Yes

  No

  English Sports Council

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  No

  English Tourist Board

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  No

  Football Licensing Authority

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  Geffrye Museum

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  No

  Historic Royal Palaces

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Horniman Museum

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  No

  Imperial War Museum

  No

  Yes

  2Yes

  Yes

  No

  Library and Information Commission

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Millennium Commission

  No

  19No

  No

  Yes

  No

  National Film and Television School

  13No

  No

  No

  14No

  No

  National Lottery Charity Board

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  New Millennium Experience Co. Ltd.

  No

  17Yes

  18No

  Yes

  20Yes

  Museum of London

  No

  No

  6Yes

  Yes

  No

  Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Museums and Galleries Commission5

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  National Gallery

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  National Heritage Memorial Fund

  No

  Yes

  No

  15Yes

  No

  National Maritime Museum

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside

  No

  3No

  No

  Yes

  No

  National Museum of Science and Industry

  No

  Yes

  7Yes

  Yes

  No

  National Portrait Gallery

  No

  No

  4No

  Yes

  No

  Natural History Museum

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  NESTA

  No

  No

  No

  No

  No

  NOF

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  No

  Public Lending Right

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Royal Armouries

  No

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England)

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  Sir John Soane's Museum

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Tate Gallery

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  UK Sports Council

  No

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Victoria and Albert Museum

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  Wallace Collection

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Notes:

  1The British Museum say that all their Board Members are visitors and users. Those Trustees that sit on the External Relational and Public Services Committee have particular responsibility for consumer interests including disability issues.
  470
  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]: While this is primarily a matter for the London Arts Board and Musicworks other core funders, I am aware that Musicworks has experienced a range of difficulties, including the accumulation of debt, which have resulted in the closure of the project. I understand also that the potential for another arts organisation with similar charitable objectives to acquire Musicworks facilities continues to be explored, with the intention of securing the building, and donor investment in its refurbishment, to the benefit of the local community.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department(a) admit members of the public to all board or committee meetings, (b) hold public meetings, (c) have lay or consumer representatives on their boards and (d) operate some form of appeal or complaints procedure; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69975]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The following table gives the information required:
  471
  2The Imperial War Museum say that none of its Board is a museum professional: all are "lay" and may ask questions as consumers.

  3The NMGM have agreed in principle to hold one open meeting a year beginning in 1999

  4The National Portrait Gallery do not allow non-Trustees to attend Board meetings.

  5English Heritage advise that one Commissioner has been a recipient of a grant and can be described as a "consumer". As not all Commissioners are experts in the fields they represent they can be described as lay members.

  6The Museum of London say that its Board is made up of people from a wide number of backgrounds who include people with lay or consumer representation.

  7The National Museum of Science and Industry say that the Board is composed of individuals appointed by Government selected from those with interests and expertise which will assist and advise the Museum both with regard to visitors and care of the collections. These unpaid individuals provide a wide range of scientific, visitor, management and educational experience.

  8The English Tourist Board holds three public meetings with Regional Tourist Boards annually which are also open to the industry and public.

  9Members of the public who are complainants on fairness in broadcasting are invited to attend Commission hearings in which their complaint is being considered. However, meetings of Commission members are not usually open to the general public.

  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which of the advisory non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his requirement. [69965] Department(a) admit members of the public to all board or committee meetings (b) hold public meetings

  NDPB

  Admit the public to meetings

  Hold public meetings

  Lay or consumer board members

  Statutory requirement

  Advisory Committee for the Public Lending Right

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites

  No

  No1

  No2

  No

  Advisory Committee on the Government Art Collection

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Advisory Council on Libraries

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art

  No3

  No3

  Yes4

  No

  Royal Fine Art Commission

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Theatres Trust

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Treasure Valuation Committee

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  Football Taskforce

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  1 The ACHWS holds annual meeting with licensees of designated wreck sites.

  2 The ACHWS' membership is balanced to reflect the wider range of interests involved in the area of underwater archaeology, including sport divers.

  3 An annual meeting of the Advisory Council on the Export of Works of Art is held, at which all interested bodies are represented (public institutions and the trade).

  4 The Committee includes representatives with consumer expertise.

  Sports Venues (Disabled Access)
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has made to the Football Trust requesting additional resources to be made available to football clubs to make provision for disabled people; and if he will make a statement. [70223]

  Mr. Banks
  I welcomed the Football Task Force's report on Improving Facilities for Disabled Supporters, and wrote to the Football Trust about the recommendations in the report relating to improving access to football grounds for disabled people.

  At the Trust's meeting of 25 January, the Trustees agreed to amend Trust grant aid policy to include further specific requirements for clubs to provide access and facilities for disabled people, as recommended in the Task Force report. I welcome this development.

  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to make provision for(a) increasing the capacity of sports venues in order to increase their ability to accommodate disabled people and (b) improving parking and other transport facilities for disabled people at sports grounds; and if he will make a statement. [70222]

  Mr. Banks
  Disabled people's access to services—including sports venues—will be improved by implementation of the later rights in Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The first stage will 472
  and (c) have lay or consumer representatives on their boards; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69965]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The following table gives the information required:

  come into force from October when service providers will have to take reasonable steps to change any practice, policy or procedure which makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service; provide an auxiliary aid or service which would enable disabled people to use a service; and overcome physical barriers which make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service by providing the service by a reasonable alternative method. From 2004, service providers will also have to consider tackling physical barriers by taking reasonable steps to remove them; alter them, or provide a reasonable means of avoiding them.

  In addition, I have taken steps to implement the practical recommendations made in the Football Task Force's Report on Improving Facilities for Disabled Supporters, published last July, which fall to Government. These relate to amending the Approved document (AD) for Part M of the Building Regulations to require all new stadia, new stands and extensions to existing facilities to provide wheelchair spaces in accordance with the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds; to drawing up a sliding scale for the numbers of designated seats for people who are ambulant disabled or visually/hearing impaired within new stands and stadia, and amending Part M accordingly; and to extending the future role of the Football Trust to improve disabled facilities at grounds.
  473
  Any changes to the Building Regulations require statutory consultation and will be based on the advice of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions intends to use the comprehensive review of British Standard BS 5810 Code of Practice for access for the disabled to buildings and its supporting research, once it has been completed, as a basis for developing proposals through the Building Regulations Advisory Committee to revise the AD for Part M. In the interim, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions has taken the immediate step of including references to the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds in the current revision to the AD to extend Part M to new housing. This will draw the guidance to the attention of interested parties. The review of BS 5810 includes access for the ambulant disabled and when the Green Guide is next updated the standard will be taken on board.

  I fully support all the practical recommendations made in the Task Force's report. These include proposals concerning seating arrangement, parking and access at football grounds. In November, I wrote to the bodies identified in the report as having a role to play in implementing the recommendations. I have been encouraged by the positive responses I have received.

  The Task Force's recommendations provide an excellent assessment of what has been achieved in the provision of facilities for disabled supporters at football grounds, and where improvement can still be made. They are equally applicable to other sports stadia and I commend them to all those involved in sports stadia management in this country.

  Local Government Finance
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the(a) grants and (b) other financial support to (i) Westminster City Council and (ii) the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, other than through the RSG settlement in (1) 1997–98, (2) 1998–99 and (3) planned for 1999–2000 given by his Department; and for what purposes the funds were allocated. [70156]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  My Department has not provided, and I have no plans to make, any direct grants or financial support to Westminster City Council or the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

  Civil Service Pay Awards
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the average percentage increase in salaries of non-industrial civil servants, excluding members of the senior civil service, in his Department for 1998–99; and to what extent the pay awards were staged. [69520]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 9 February 1999]: The average percentage increases in salaries of non industrial civil servants, excluding members of the senior civil service, for 1998–99 was 4 per cent. within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and approximately 3.7 per cent. within the Royal Parks Agency.

  The pay awards were not staged.
  474

  Tobacco Sponsorship
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what efforts he is making to assist arts organisations affected by the proposed ban on tobacco sponsorship to find replacement funding. [70351]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 10 February 1999]: Through negotiation, the Government have ensured that the EC Tobacco Advertising Directive provides a reasonable time for arts and sports organisations to adapt to its provisions. The Government's White Paper "Smoking Kills", published last December, was accompanied by a consultation document which invites comments on the possible impact of legislation. The Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts has been invited to make representations on behalf of its members, and arts organisations may also do so on an individual basis.

  Views expressed in the consultation exercise, which ends on 28 February, will inform decisions taken on the extent to which specific assistance should be offered to arts organisations.

  Millennium Contingency Measures
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what contingency measures his Department is planning for the first week of 2000 to meet any technical problems caused by the millennium bug in terms of(a) specialist advice and (b) staff overtime. [70593]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  My Department is in the process of preparing a contingency plan for the millennium bug problem. However, no decision has yet been made on the need for specialist advice or the level, if any, of staff overtime, for the first week.

  St. Dunstan's
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the Government will provide funding for St. Dunstan's charity for blind ex-servicemen and women. [70537]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for West Dorset, (Mr. Letwin) on 9 November 1998, Official Report, columns 77–78.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Paramilitary Organisations (Assaults)
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what advice she has received from the Chief Constable of the RUC on(a) UVF, (b) IRA and (c) UDA involvement in serious assaults carried out since 1 May 1998. [63168]

  Mr. Ingram
  In the period 1 May 1998 to 31 January 1999 there have been 74 Loyalist and 52 Republican assaults. The Chief Constable of the RUC is on record as stating that he has no doubt that members of all these paramilitary organisations have been involved in attacks. We do not, however, have records attributing attacks to individual organisations.

  Note:
  475
  Figures are subject to minor adjustment (due to further information coming to light) and refer to "assaults" as distinct from "shootings".

  Andrew Kearney
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the RUC has evidence to indicate IRA involvement in the killing of Andrew Kearney in Belfast in July 1998. [63167]

  Mr. Ingram
  There is no firm evidence to indicate the involvement of a specific group with the killing of Andrew Kearney.

  Intimidation
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been forced by intimidation to leave their homes in Northern Ireland since 1 May 1998; and if she will make a statement. [63172]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Northern Ireland Housing Executive holds responsibility for housing those people who claim to be homeless as a result of intimidation, and assesses entitlement to housing under the homelessness legislation. Its Chief Executive has advised me that, from 1 May 1998 to 31 December 1998, a total of 1,358 applicants have been awarded A I (I) priority status by the Housing Executive as a result of intimidation.

  Prisoner Releases
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners applied to the Prison Sentence Review Commission for an accelerated release date by 31 December 1998; in how many cases the Commission made a determination; and for unsuccessful applications, what reasons were given. [69617]

  Mr. Ingram
  Statutory responsibility for these matters lies with the Sentence Review Commissioners. I have asked the joint Chairmen, Sir John Blelloch and Mr. Brian Currin, to arrange for a reply to be given.
  476
  Letter from Sir John Blelloch to Mr. Kevin McNamara, dated 11 February 1999:

  You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for information concerning applications made under the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998. In her answer the Secretary of State advised that, as statutory responsibility for this matter lay with the Sentence Review Commissioners, I would reply.

  I can advise that, up until 31 December 1998, 544 prisoners have applied to the Sentence Review Commissioners for a declaration that they are eligible for release in accordance with the provisions of the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998. Of these, 372 prisoners have received substantive determinations advising that their applications had been successful. There have been no substantive determinations advising that the applicant had been unsuccessful.

  A copy of this letter will be placed in the library of the House of Commons.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will(a) list the profile of the politically motivated prison population in Northern Ireland by location, status and perceived affiliation and (b) estimate the number of prisoner releases for each perceived affiliation projected for each quarter up to 30 September 2000. [69618]

  Mr. Ingram
  Table A shows the perceived paramilitary affiliations of prisoners at HMP Maze.

  Table A

  Number

  Loyalists

  UVF

  47

  LVF

  16

  UDA

  53

  Total

  116

  Republican

  PIRA

  77

  INLA

  26

  Total

  103

  Information is held in relation to the perceived paramilitary association of prisoners, where applicable, for management purposes. With the exception of HMP Maze where links are more clearly defined, this information is based on a combination of factors including the offence, sympathies and associates. No information is held on the political affiliations of any prisoner.

  Table B shows a total of 79 prisoners whose cases have been deemed to meet the requirements of the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 by the Sentence Review Commission and who have been given Substantive Determinations with release dates up to end September 2000. It includes only those prisoners whose perceived affiliation is to organisations which have not been specified under Section 3 of the 1998 Act. This is drawn from information received by the Secretary of State as at 5 February 1999 from the Sentence Review Commissioners, to whom prisoners apply for early release. The 1998 Act also provides that, if circumstances permit, prisoners with release dates falling after the second anniversary of the coming into force of that Act (on 28 July 1998) who have served two years or more in prison will be released on that anniversary. Those prisoners are not shown in Table B.
  477

  Table B

  1999 Quarter

  2000 Quarter

  1

  2

  3

  4

  1

  2

  3

  Total

  Loyalist

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  LVF

  0

  1

  1

  0

  2

  0

  0

  4

  PIRA

  4

  8

  2

  9

  7

  1

  6

  37

  Rep Sym

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Republican

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  RHC

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  UDA

  3

  4

  7

  2

  1

  2

  0

  19

  UFF

  0

  0

  2

  0

  1

  0

  0

  3

  UVF

  1

  4

  1

  3

  0

  3

  0

  12

  Grant Total

  9

  19

  14

  14

  11

  6

  6

  79

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many persons given early release from prison under the Belfast Agreement have been charged with an offence since their release. [68867]

  Mr. Ingram
  [pursuant to his reply, 2 February 1999, c. 556]: One person released under the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 was charged with an offence on 2 February 1999.

  Police Complaints
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate she has made of the number of investigations which will be conducted by the office of the Police Complaints Ombudsman over its first three years of operation. [69606]

  Mr. Ingram
  A working group which comprises my officials and representatives of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints, Royal Ulster Constabulary, Police Authority of Northern Ireland and police representatives is currently considering a wide range of issues including this one.

  In examining the number of cases the working group will take into consideration factors such as current complaint rates, the impact of the preliminary investigation in sifting cases out at an earlier stage, the relaxation of the restriction on resolving complaints by informal resolution and the extent to which the Police Ombudsman should refer cases to the RUC to investigate. The working group will also have to consider to what extent enhanced public confidence in the new system will encourage more complaints. The Ombudsman designate, when appointed, will also be asked for his or her views.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the main stages in an investigation conducted by the Independent Commission for Police Complaints; what is the average time taken to complete each stage; and how many complaints have been processed and completed over each of the last three years. [69604]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Independent Commission for Police Complaints does not conduct investigations of complaints; rather, its role is to provide oversight of police investigations, as set out in the Police (Northern Ireland) Order 1987.
  478
  During 1996, the Commission processed and completed two thousand six hundred and ninety nine (2,699) complaint cases. The figures for 1997 and 1998 were two thousand three hundred and thirty five (2,335) and two thousand three hundred and eighty three (2,383) complaint cases respectively.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will provide a breakdown of the forecast of the annual budget of the office of the Police Complaints Ombudsman; and how many staff will be employed at what salary grades for the first three years of its operation. [69605]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Government's initial estimate produced for the purpose of advertising the post of Police Ombudsman is a staff of about 60 and a budget of around £3 million. There are a number of variables which affect both the budget and staffing which are still to be settled. These are being considered in working groups which include my officials and representatives of the RUC and the Independent Commission for Police Complaints. In addition, we will be consulting the Police Ombudsman when appointed.

  Until this work has been completed I will not be able to produce a budget forecast or more precise details on staffing.

  The Government are, however, committed to making the necessary resources available for the office of Police Ombudsman.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the main stages in an investigation conducted by the Complaints and Discipline Department of the Royal Ulster Constabulary; what is the average time taken to complete each stage; and how many complaints were processed and completed in each of the last three years. [69622]

  Mr. Ingram
  Appendix II of the 1997 Annual Report of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints, copies of which were laid before the House, contains a detailed chart showing the main stages in an investigation (HMSO, ISBN 0–10–250698–1).

  The number of complaints cleared in each of the last three years is:

  Year

  Number1

  1996

  4,835

  1997

  5,433

  1998

  25,127

  1 Complaints relating to the same incident can be made by a number of complainants, or complainants may make a number of complaints. These are all recorded as separate complaints.

  2 The 1998 figure is provisional.

  Average timescales for stages of investigation of complaints are not kept as the time taken very much depends on individual cases. The information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The time is dependent on a number of factors, such as the complexity of the case, the number of witnesses and police involved. Also, if there are related criminal proceedings against the complainant, the investigation cannot be regarded as complete until such charges are disposed of at court and disciplinary aspects then considered and, if appropriate,

  479
  dealt with. The following table gives such information as is available and indicates the length of time taken for the 5,127 complaints cleared in 1998:

  Time

  Number

  Percentage

  0–3 months

  1,662

  32

  3–6 months

  1,048

  20

  6–12 months

  1,278

  25

  12–24 months

  965

  19

  24–36 months

  135

  3

  over 36 months

  39

  1

  Total

  5,127

  The issue of timescales is something raised by Dr. Hayes in his report (HMSO ISBN 0–337–03077–4) and is being considered by the working groups dealing with the implementation of the new Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

  HMP Maze
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what response the Northern Ireland Prison Service made to Her Majesty's Inspector of Prisons report on HMP Maze; and if she will place a copy of the response in the Library. [69621]

  Mr. Ingram
  Her Majesty's Inspector of Prisons Report on HMP Maze has been fully considered, and those recommendations whose implementation were appropriate in the changed circumstances, have now been implemented, or are in the process of implementation.

  Both I and the Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service responded publicly in statements to the press, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  Press Releases
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many press releases were issued by the Northern Ireland Police Authority between 10 February 1998 and 31 December 1998; and how many of these notices were posted on the Police Authority Internet web site. [69619]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Police Authority has issued 45 press releases between 10 February 1998 and 31 December 1998. None of these releases has been placed on the Police Authority's Internet web site.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many press releases were issued by the Northern Ireland Prison Service between 31 May 1997 to 31 December 1998; and how many of these notices were posted on the Prison Service internet web site. [69620]

  Mr. Ingram
  26 press releases on prisons matters were issued between 31 May 1997 and 31 December 1998. All were posted on the Prison Service website which is accessed through nio.gov.uk.

  Terrorist Suspects (Arrest Warrants)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many warrants for the arrest of terrorist suspects issued by the RUC have been 480
  outstanding (a) for more than 10 years, (b) for five to 10 years, (c) for one to five years and (d) since 10 April 1998. [69880]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]: The information requested is not maintained in a manner which permits its retrieval without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Drumcree
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Orange parades, marches or disturbances have occurred in the vicinity of Drumcree in each month since June 1998; how many of these were legal parades; how many deaths or injuries can be associated with these disturbances; what was the additional financial cost of policing during the six months from July to December 1998; how many properties and vehicles have been damaged in the area; how many arrests have been made; in how many cases charges have been brought; and how many convictions have been secured. [69882]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]: There have been 75 Orange Order parades or marches since June 1998. Of these, 38 were legal. The table shows the breakdown by month:

  Number

  1998

  July

  18

  August

  33

  September

  6

  October

  4

  November

  6

  December

  6

  1999

  January

  2

  Total

  75

  It is not possible to assess the total number of injuries accurately. However, 72 police officers have been injured, including 1 fatality, Constable O'Reilly. 47 criminal injury claims have been submitted, including 2 by military personnel. During the period July to December 1998, the additional costs incurred in respect of the police presence have been approximately £0.4m per month.

  There have been 27 recorded incidents of damage to property and 11 to vehicles.

  There have been 132 arrests, 58 people charged and 33 convicted. 80 prosecutions are pending, including 28 being reported for illegal marches.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the expenditure incurred by her Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on(a) the setting up and (b) the operation of web sites, indicating the cases in which the expenditure has been above that budgeted; and if she will list for each web site (i) the topics covered, (ii) the current average number of hits per month and (iii) the estimated expenditure on each web site for each of the next three years. [70967]
  481
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information is as follows.

  (a) Expenditure incurred setting up the NICS Web Service.
  The initial set up costs for the current NICS Web Service amounted to £8,500 capital expenditure in 1997. Staff costs associated with the set up are not available.

  (b) Expenditure incurred in the operation of the web site.
  The expenditure incurred in 1998–99 will be £226,700 broken down as follows:

  Maintenance £7,300;

  Connection to the Internet Service Provider (ISP) £26,900;

  Ongoing development £137,500; and

  Capital £55,000.

  (i) The topics covered by the NICS Web service are as follows: Schedule of organisations/topics hosted by NICS Web Service

  Agri-Food Development Service

  The New Northern Ireland Assembly

  Business Development Service (BDS)

  Central Adjudication Services (CAS)

  Child Support Agency (CSA)

  Community Information Network Northern Ireland (CINNI)

  Construction Service

  Citizen's Charter for Northern Ireland

  Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment

  Northern Ireland Economic Council

  CREST

  DANI—Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland

  DED—Department of Economic Development

  DENI—Department of Education for Northern Ireland

  DFP—Department of Finance and Personnel

  DHSS—Department of Health and Social Services

  DOE—Department of the Environment

  DOE—Central Statistics and Research Branch

  Directory of Business Information for Northern Ireland

  Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI)

  Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA)

  Environment and Heritage Service

  Economic Council, Northern Ireland

  European Division—Department of Finance and Personnel

  Economics Division—Department of Finance and Personnel

  Fair Employment Commission for Northern Ireland

  Forensic Science Unit of Northern Ireland

  Northern Ireland Forum for Political Dialogue

  General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland

  quote>Glens of Antrim Rural Community Development Association

  Government DIRECT—for business Northern Ireland

  Government Purchasing Agency

  Greenmount College of Agriculture and Horticulture

  Health and Personal Social Services (HPSS)

  Health and Safety Division

  Housing Executive

  Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland (IDB)

  Industrial and Research Technology Unit (IRTU)

  Information Systems (IS) Services

  Innovation Relay Centre for Northern Ireland

  Land Registers of Northern Ireland

  Local Enterprise Development Unit (LEDU)

  Local Government Audit Office—Local Authority Performance Indicators

  482

  Local Government Staff Commission for Northern Ireland

  (Northern Ireland) Millennium Company

  North Antrim Community Network

  Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA)

  Northern Ireland Housing Executive

  Northern Ireland Court Service

  Northern Ireland Office (NIO)

  Northern Ireland Railways (NIR)

  NICVA—Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action

  NICO—N.I. Public Sector Enterprises

  NIEC—Northern Ireland Economic Council

  Office For The Regulation of Electricity and Gas (OFREG)

  Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland

  The Northern Ireland Ombudsman

  Peatland Park, DOE Environment Service

  Police Authority for Northern Ireland (PANI)

  Police Insignia Collectors Association (PICA)

  Planning Service

  Probation Board for Northern Ireland

  Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI)

  Public Sector Enterprises (NICO)

  Rate Collection Agency (RCA)

  Regional Information Branch

  Roads Service

  Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC)

  Social Security Agency (SSA)

  Sports Council for Northern Ireland

  Springvale Training

  Statistics for the Northern Ireland Public Service Web

  Strabane District Council

  The New Northern Ireland Assembly

  Telecommunications Branch—BDS

  Trading Standards

  Training and Employment Agency (TEA)

  Training Services

  Northern Ireland Tourist Board

  Urban Traffic Control Centre

  Valuation and Lands Agency (VLA)

  Water Service

  Training and Employment Agency "What Next?"

  (ii) The current average number of hits per month for all NICS sites is 1.72 million.

  (iii)The estimated expenditure on the NICS web service for the next 3 years is as follows:

  Year

  £

  2000

  247,000

  2001

  247,000

  2002

  247,000

  Individual Departmental/NDPB expenditure is not available.

  Bloody Sunday Inquiry
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations she has received concerning the working practices of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry; and if she will make a statement. [69796]
  483
  Marjorie Mowlam
  I have received some letters about the Inquiry in general which have raised issues of concern by members of the public. However, as the Inquiry is independent, its working practices are a matter for it to decide for itself; therefore, it would not be appropriate for the Government to comment.

DEFENCE

  Young Recruits
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the compliance of the practice of recruiting men and women aged under 18 years to the armed forces with the United Kingdom's responsibilities under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. [67215]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The UK is playing a full and active role in negotiations to agree an Optional Protocol to the UNCRC, which seeks to raise the minimum age of recruitment and for participation in hostilities. We consider that our current recruitment and deployment policies are in line with the principles that are being sought internationally.

  Legal Services
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the London barristers' 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. [70028]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]: My Department does not hold its records in a way that makes retrieval of this information in the format requested possible without incurring disproportionate cost.

  My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General appointed Philip Sales as First Junior Treasury Counsel (Common Law) and Jonathan Crow as First Junior Treasury Counsel (Chancery) to advise and represent the government in its important civil cases. In addition, the Attorney-General maintains at present two London panels of junior Counsel whom departments are expected to use for the rest of the Government's civil litigation. The panels currently comprise 103 barristers from 42 different sets of chambers. The Attorney-General will shortly appoint a third panel of very junior banisters. The Attorney-General's individual nomination is required before a barrister who is not on one of the approved panels can be instructed to appear for the government in litigation.

  Departments may use firms of solicitors in addition to the Treasury Solicitor and their departmental legal advisers, for example where the relevant expertise lies in the private sector. The relationship is subject to the usual confidentiality which operates between lawyer and client.
  484

  Armed Forces (Combat)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many individuals under the age of 18 years in the British Armed Forces have been in combat in the past five years. [69755]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Sir Charles Masefield
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what restrictions were placed by his Department on the former Head of Defence Export Services, Sir Charles Masefield, in respect of his subsequent professional involvement in defence-related industries. [70601]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Sir Charles Masefield's appointment with GEC was approved without restriction, under the Government's Business Appointment Rules. He continues to be bound by these rules for two years from his last day in Crown service.

  Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on which days the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition will be open to(a) overseas customers, (b) the Press and (c) the public. [70386]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I understand from the organisers that they are planning a press afternoon on 13 September 1999. The exhibition will be open to overseas customers and the press from 14 September, when it formally opens, until its closing date on 17 September 1999. The exhibition will not be open to the public.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries from which buyers will be invited to the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition being held in Chertsey and London Docklands from 14 to 17 September. [70385]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We are still considering the list of countries to be invited. We expect to invite delegations from about 50 countries.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if hon. Members will be invited to attend the forthcoming Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition. [70390]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Other than official invitations to foreign delegations, the issue of invitations is a matter for the exhibition organisers, Spearhead Exhibitions Ltd. However, MOD officials intend to discuss with them plans for inviting hon. Members to the exhibition.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who will be opening the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition. [70389]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  On current plans, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence will open the exhibition.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visitors are expected at the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition. [70388]
  485
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Defence Systems and Equipment Exhibition is the first in a new series of international exhibitions to be run in the UK. It will be organised by a private company, Spearhead Exhibitions Ltd. Spearhead estimate attendance at this year's exhibition will be in the order of 20,000 visitors.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which ships from(a) the Royal Navy and (b) overseas navies will be participating in the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition. [70391]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Subject to operational constraints, we hope to have two Royal Navy ships, a Type 23 Frigate and a Sandown Class Mine Countermeasures Vessel, at the exhibition. I understand that the exhibition organisers have extended invitations to a number of navies around the world to send vessels.

  Departmental Cash and Running Costs Limits
  Ms Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on changes to Class 1 cash limits and the defence operating costs limit for 1998–99.[71326]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The Government have decided that, subject to Parliamentary approval of the Spring Supplementary Estimates, an addition of £310,104,000 should be made to the Defence budget in the current year. This will cover increased costs in 1998–99 due to slippage out of 1997–98 and costs of unprogrammed overseas operations, including those in the Former Yugoslavia, including the United Kingdom's contribution to the OSCE-led Verification Mission in Kosovo (KVM), the supporting KVM Extraction Force based in Macedonia, and on-going air operations over Iraq, including the United Kingdom's contribution to Operation Desert Fox. The figure includes full take up of the Ministry of Defence's entitlement to End Year Flexibility of £225,104,000 in respect of the Defence budget underspend in 1997–98. This figure is £56,617,000 lower than the figure announced by the Chief Secretary on 14 July 1998,Official Report, columns 132–36, under the Operating Costs and Capital equipment schemes which had been assessed on the provisional outturn for the Defence budget at the time. In the event, the final outturn for 1997–98 was higher than forecast.

  The Supplementary Estimate will also provide for changes in the general pattern of expenditure, including adjustments between the PE equipment and Defence Operating Costs programmes; for the transfer of provision to the Home Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in respect of MOD's contribution to jointly funded programmes; and the withdrawal of net accounting arrangements for the recovery of VAT on Contracted Out services.

  Because of the adjustment between the equipment and operating costs programmes and the incidence of costs in respect of ongoing military operations in the Former Yugoslavia and Iraq, the additional funding will be drawn onto Class 1, Vote 1 and Class 1, Vote 2, with only a token Estimate being taken on Class 1, Vote 3 to reflect a realignment of Estimates provision within the Vote. The
  486
  Class 1, Vote 3 cash limit will be reduced to reflect the realignment of funding to the operating costs programme. The cash limit changes will be as follows:

  £000

  Class 1

  Current cash limit

  Change

  Revised cash limit

  1

  10,713,809

  171,983

  10,885,792

  2

  4,669,236

  357,975

  5,027,211

  3

  6,856,925

  -219,854

  6,637,071

  Defence budget

  22,239,970

  310,104

  22,550,074

  The impact of these changes on the Defence Operating Costs Limit (DOC) is as follows:

  £000

  Class 1

  Current cash limit

  Change

  Revised cash limit

  1

  10,713,809

  171,983

  10,885,792

  2

  4,669,236

  357,975

  5,027,211

  3

  715,769

  -17,569

  698,200

  Defence budget

  16,098,814

  512,389

  16,611,203

  As the increase in the Defence budget cash limit will be met from the Reserve, which is part of the Government Control Total, it will not add to the planned total of public expenditure in the current year.

  Decorations
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future of the Territorial Decoration. [R] [70752]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Medals for the Reserve Forces are currently under review and an announcement will be made when the Review is complete.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to have a medal struck for British military personnel who served in Egypt protecting the Canal Zone between 1951 and 1954. [70925]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Government have no plans to consider the retrospective institution of an award for service in the Suez Canal Zone during the period 1951–54.

  The Under-Secretary of State carried out a comprehensive review of all extant historical documents on the subject in 1998 and concluded that he could find no grounds for reopening the case to award a medal for service in the Canal Zone between 1951 and 1954. Ministers have seen no new evidence that would enable them to recommend to the Honours and Decorations Committee that they overturn their policy of non-retrospection or any of the decisions made at the time and in subsequent reviews, several of which have taken place since 1990.

  Trident (Millennium Compliance)
  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of reports that the US
  487
  Defense Department hopes to have resolved millennium bug problems in relation to the Trident missile system by 15 December. [70647]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]: Like us, the US Defense Department is managing a vigorous programme to eliminate any effects of the Y2k problem from its systems. Specifically, the mission critical sub-systems of the Trident II (D5) Strategic Weapon System, as operated by the Royal Navy, have already been certified as Y2k compliant; the UK was notified of this in December 1998.

  Defence Establishments (Wales)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the defence establishments in Wales, indicating the number of people employed at each; and if he will make a statement. [70915]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Bay of Gibraltar
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list his Department's(a) official papers, (b) documents and (c) maps and charts which refer to the Bay of Gibraltar as the Bay of Algeciras. [71371]

  UK based permanent civilian personnel

  Government office regions

  All Great Britain

  London

  Wales

  Scotland

  North East

  North West

  Merseyside

  MoD Total1

  96,406

  9,655

  5,092

  9,686

  591

  1,577

  942

  MoD Non-Agency

  38,144

  5,604

  879

  2,769

  521

  654

  160

  Agencies

  UK Hydrographic Office

  776

  1

  —

  4

  —

  —

  —

  Meteorological Office

  2,016

  68

  34

  166

  21

  35

  —

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency

  10,972

  1,453

  370

  301

  —

  60

  —

  Military Survey

  733

  647

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  RAF Maintenance Group Defence Agency

  4,390

  3

  3,317

  3

  —

  1

  —

  Service Children's Education

  10

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Duke of York's Royal Military School

  103

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Queen Victoria School

  70

  —

  —

  70

  —

  —

  —

  Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation

  1,489

  —

  1

  360

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Analytical Services Agency

  118

  43

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Postal and Courier Service

  328

  246

  9

  6

  —

  —

  —

  Army Base Repair Organisation

  2,598

  3

  17

  147

  —

  5

  —

  Defence Animal Centre

  62

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Secondary Care Agency

  717

  117

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Ministry of Defence Police

  3,570

  252

  33

  866

  —

  98

  8

  Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre

  158

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Naval Recruiting and Training Agency

  1,226

  112

  8

  13

  11

  4

  11

  RAF Training Group Defence Agency

  2,124

  20

  180

  41

  5

  19

  14

  Army Training and Recruitment Agency

  4,488

  40

  135

  120

  6

  12

  3

  Logistic Information Systems Agency

  187

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Communications Service Agency

  520

  178

  5

  20

  1

  3

  —

  Defence Estates Organisation

  1,073

  19

  16

  72

  8

  —

  —

  Naval Bases and Supplies Agency

  7,554

  —

  41

  3,222

  2

  15

  12

  RAF Logistics Support Services

  368

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  RAF Signals Engineering Establishment

  580

  —

  —

  59

  —

  —

  —

  Disposal Sales Agency

  64

  60

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Clothing and Textile Agency

  508

  2

  —

  2

  —

  1

  —

  Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency

  3,326

  3

  17

  35

  1

  281

  —

  Defence Transport and Movements Executive

  101

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Army Technical Support Authority

  805

  460

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  488
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Ministry of Defence holds many thousands of official papers, documents, maps and charts concerning Gibraltar. A review to determine whether they refer to the Bay of Gibraltar or the Bay of Algeciras could be carried out only at disproportionate cost. I understand that both terms have been used in official papers, documents, maps and charts from my Department.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the parliamentary constituencies which he has visited in an official capacity in the past 12 months. [71341]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Paragraph 79 of the Ministerial Code makes it clear that Ministers should inform hon. Members in advance of planned visits to their constituencies. Ministers in this Department undertake visits to all parts of the country but records of official visits are not held on a constituency basis.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the total number of staff(a) in his Department and (b) in each of the agencies for which he is responsible and their location in (i) London, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) each of the English regions. [70482]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  At 1 July 1998, the latest date for which comprehensive data are available, the number of UK regular forces and UK based permanent civilian personnel was as follows:
  489

  UK based permanent civilian personnel

  Government office regions

  All Great Britain

  London

  Wales

  Scotland

  North East

  North West

  Merseyside

  Defence Dental Agency

  147

  8

  4

  1

  1

  4

  —

  Medical Supply Agency

  236

  1

  —

  7

  —

  —

  —

  Pay and Personnel Agency

  853

  —

  —

  —

  —

  257

  —

  Defence Bills Agency

  706

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  705

  Defence Codification Agency

  111

  —

  —

  110

  —

  —

  —

  Naval Manning Agency

  99

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Intelligence and Security Centre

  130

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Army Personnel Centre

  1,062

  8

  —

  1,049

  —

  —

  —

  Ships Support Agency

  2,305

  1

  25

  156

  —

  —

  —

  RAF Personnel Management Agency

  237

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency

  108

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Vetting Agency

  335

  175

  —

  7

  1

  2

  2

  Medical Training Organisation

  101

  7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Specialist Procurement Services

  798

  110

  —

  71

  13

  125

  27

  UK based permanent civilian personnel

  Government office regions

  Yorks & Humberside

  East Midlands

  West Midlands

  Eastern

  South East

  South West

  MoD Total1

  3,154

  2,815

  8,522

  6,683

  24,102

  23,587

  MoD Non-Agency

  1,472

  1,448

  1,874

  3,916

  7,309

  11,538

  Agencies

  UK Hydrographic Office

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  766

  Meteorological Office

  45

  42

  29

  66

  1,446

  64

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency

  —

  19

  1,826

  371

  4,358

  2,214

  Military Survey

  —

  —

  —

  —

  85

  1

  RAF Maintenance Group Defence Agency

  —

  9

  1,013

  41

  —

  3

  Service Children's Education

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  7

  Duke of York's Royal Military School

  —

  —

  —

  —

  103

  —

  Queen Victoria School

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1,125

  3

  Defence Analytical Services Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  10

  65

  Defence Postal and Courier Service

  3

  —

  7

  14

  28

  15

  Army Base Repair Organisation

  157

  4

  1,034

  178

  209

  844

  Defence Animal Centre

  —

  59

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Secondary Care Agency

  135

  —

  —

  5

  450

  10

  Ministry of Defence Police

  77

  21

  172

  419

  1,014

  610

  Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre

  —

  —

  —

  158

  —

  —

  Naval Recruiting and Training Agency

  1

  5

  5

  2

  814

  240

  RAF Training Group Defence Agency

  227

  463

  593

  47

  193

  322

  Army Training and Recruitment Agency

  895

  56

  122

  101

  2,001

  997

  Logistic Information Systems Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  186

  1

  Defence Communications Service Agency

  17

  —

  —

  1

  105

  190

  Defence Estates Organisation

  64

  10

  297

  255

  165

  167

  Naval Bases and Supplies Agency

  —

  313

  —

  1

  2,086

  1,862

  RAF Logistics Support Services

  —

  —

  1

  364

  1

  —

  RAF Signals Engineering Establishment

  —

  106

  —

  415

  —

  —

  Disposal Sales Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Defence Clothing and Textile Agency

  —

  —

  —

  154

  345

  4

  Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency

  33

  113

  1,236

  26

  1,262

  319

  Defence Transport and Movements Executive

  —

  —

  5

  —

  96

  —

  Army Technical Support Authority

  —

  96

  111

  1

  124

  12

  Defence Dental Agency

  12

  4

  7

  12

  69

  19

  Medical Supply Agency

  3

  1

  1

  1

  29

  193

  Pay and Personnel Agency

  —

  —

  144

  —

  —

  452

  Defence Bills Agency

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Codification Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Naval Manning Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  97

  —

  Defence Intelligence and Security Centre

  —

  18

  —

  108

  —

  —

  Army Personnel Centre

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  1

  Ships Support Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  86

  2,037

  RAF Personnel Management Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  234

  Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  59

  48

  Defence Vetting Agency

  4

  6

  2

  5

  60

  71

  Medical Training Organisation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  94

  —

  Specialist Procurement Services

  9

  21

  43

  22

  79

  278

  490

  491

  UK based regular forces

  Government office regions

  All Great Britain

  London

  Wales

  Scotland

  North East

  North West

  Merseyside

  MoD Total1

  162,007

  7,385

  3,245

  14,208

  1,415

  1,511

  224

  MoD Non-Agency

  135,012

  6,773

  1,015

  12,514

  1,377

  1,375

  181

  Agencies

  UK Hydrographic Office

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Meteorological Office

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency

  310

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Military Survey

  292

  27

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  RAF Maintenance Group Defence Agency

  2,268

  —

  1,764

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Service Children's Education

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Duke of York's Royal Military School

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Queen Victoria School

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Analytical Services Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Postal and Courier Service

  201

  201

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Army Base Repair Organisation

  9

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Animal Centre

  110

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Secondary Care Agency

  1,429

  14

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Ministry of Defence Police

  6

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre

  317

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Naval Recruiting and Training Agency

  3,258

  64

  15

  143

  9

  10

  8

  RAF Training Group Defence Agency

  3,907

  17

  356

  42

  10

  16

  25

  Army Training and Recruitment Agency

  7,396

  51

  67

  318

  16

  23

  10

  Logistic Information Systems Agency

  42

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Communications Service Agency

  818

  34

  18

  55

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Estates Organisation

  4

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Naval Bases and Supplies Agency

  2,295

  1

  —

  840

  —

  —

  —

  RAF Logistics Support Services

  528

  3

  —

  5

  —

  61

  —

  RAF Signals Engineering Establishment

  325

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Disposal Sales Agency

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Clothing and Textile Agency

  19

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency

  375

  —

  —

  —

  —

  24

  —

  Defence Transport and Movements Executive

  81

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Army Technical Support Authority

  271

  7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Dental Agency

  573

  36

  10

  48

  3

  2

  —

  Medical Supply Agency

  27

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Pay and Personnel Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Bills Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Codification Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Naval Manning Agency

  178

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Intelligence and Security Centre

  395

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Army Personnel Centre

  239

  —

  —

  227

  —

  —

  —

  Ships Support Agency

  445

  —

  —

  15

  —

  —

  —

  RAF Personnel Management Agency

  214

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency

  181

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Vetting Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Medical Training Organisation

  475

  154

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Specialist Procurement Services

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  UK based regular forces

  Government office regions

  Yorks & Humberside

  East Midlands

  West Midlands

  Eastern

  South East

  South West

  MoD Total1

  12,092

  6,957

  4,694

  16,258

  49,587

  44,431

  MoD Non-Agency

  10,526

  5,847

  2,458

  14,098

  39,147

  39,692

  Agencies

  UK Hydrographic Office

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  Meteorological Office

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency

  —

  —

  —

  31

  96

  181

  Military Survey

  —

  —

  —

  —

  265

  —

  RAF Maintenance Group Defence Agency

  —

  4

  467

  30

  —

  3

  Service Children's Education

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Duke of York's Royal Military School

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Queen Victoria School

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Analytical Services Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Postal and Courier Service

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Army Base Repair Organisation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  9

  —

  Defence Animal Centre

  —

  110

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Secondary Care Agency

  217

  —

  —

  129

  936

  132

  492

  493

  UK based regular forces

  Government office regions

  Yorks & Humberside

  East Midlands

  West Midlands

  Eastern

  South East

  South West

  Ministry of Defence Police

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre

  —

  —

  —

  317

  —

  —

  Naval Recruiting and Training Agency

  8

  5

  118

  9

  2,112

  757

  RAF Training Group Defence Agency

  295

  884

  981

  22

  750

  509

  Army Training and Recruitment Agency

  975

  16

  324

  427

  3,993

  1,175

  Logistic Information Systems Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  42

  —

  Defence Communications Service Agency

  46

  —

  —

  81

  314

  270

  Defence Estates Organisation

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  Naval Bases and Supplies Agency

  1

  —

  —

  1

  595

  857

  RAF Logistics Support Services

  —

  2

  —

  436

  2

  19

  RAF Signals Engineering Establishment

  —

  60

  —

  265

  —

  —

  Disposal Sales Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Clothing and Textile Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  19

  —

  Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency

  —

  —

  189

  —

  103

  59

  Defence Transport and Movements Executive

  —

  —

  15

  —

  66

  —

  Army Technical Support Authority

  —

  —

  115

  —

  149

  —

  Defence Dental Agency

  24

  29

  23

  49

  241

  108

  Medical Supply Agency

  —

  —

  1

  2

  1

  23

  Pay and Personnel Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Bills Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Defence Codification Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Naval Manning Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  178

  —

  Defence Intelligence and Security Centre

  —

  —

  —

  354

  41

  —

  Army Personnel Centre

  —

  —

  —

  —

  12

  —

  Ships Support Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  117

  313

  RAF Personnel Management Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  214

  Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  77

  104

  Defence Vetting Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Medical Training Organisation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  321

  —

  Specialist Procurement Services

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1 Covers UK regular forces and UK based permanent civilian personnel counted in the official Ministry of Defence civil service figures. Excludes Gurkhas and recalled reservists specially mobilised for service in the former Yugoslavia, UK based casual civilian personnel, and UK based permanent civilian personnel whose salaries are paid for, or re-imbursed by, other non Ministry of Defence organisations (such as NATO and USAF).

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the expenditure incurred by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on(a) the setting up and (b) the operation of web sites, indicating the cases in which the expenditure has been above that budgeted; and if he will list for each web site (i) the topics covered, (ii) the current average number of hits per month and (iii) the estimated expenditure on each web site for each of the next three years. [70975]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  It is the policy of the MOD to make information widely available to the public in an accessible form, subject to necessary security restrictions. As part of this policy, the Ministry of Defence maintain a number of publicly accessible internet web sites. Topics covered range across the full business activities of the Department, including defence policy and operations, defence research, meteorological and hydrographic information, defence standards, and Service recruitment. We do not hold figures for the average monthly number of accesses, or "hits", to MOD web sites. However, the most recent month's figures are given for each site for which this information is available centrally. Unless otherwise stated, these figures cover the period 1 January 1999 to 31 January 1999.

  The main sites currently available are:

  Ministry of Defence(http://www.mod.uk): 845,615

  Royal Navy (http://www.roval-navy.mod.uk): 425,397

  Army (http://www.army.mod.uk): 3,090,2701

  Royal Air Force(http://www.rafmod.uk): 1,049,812

  494

  Royal Auxiliary Air Force (http://www.rauxaf.mod.uk)

  DERA (http://www.dra.hmg.gb)

  Atomic Weapons Establishment (http://www.awe.co.uk)

  Met Office (http://www.meto.gov.uk)

  Hydrographic Office (http://www.hydro.gov.uk)

  MOD Directorate of Standardisation (Http://www.dstan.mod.uk)

  Joint Air Transport Evaluation Unit

  (http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/avenue/xjy87/index.htm)

  1Covers period from 1 January 1999 to 7 February 1999

  In addition, some Non Departmental Public Bodies, such as Service museums, maintain their own web sites, independent of the MOD.

  The costs of setting up and operating these sites, and of individual future budgets, are not held centrally or in the form requested, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  RAF Manston
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) military and (b) civilian aircraft movements there were at RAF Manston in each of the past five years for which figures are available; how many of the civilian movements related to gliders and light aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [70810]
  495
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Details of aircraft movements at RAF Manston have been collated since August 1994. The figures are as follows:

  Civil

  Year

  Military

  Light a/c

  Heavy a/c

  Total

  1994 (August to December)

  5,061

  19,819

  656

  25,536

  1995

  17,450

  45,071

  1,332

  63,853

  1996

  10,680

  42,528

  848

  54,056

  1997

  7,598

  33,921

  1,177

  42,696

  1998

  6,760

  29,108

  2,110

  37,976

  With the exception of a gliding squadron whose movement figures are not recorded, no military aircraft are based at RAF Manston. The number of military movements reflects principally the use made of the station by air experience flights and visiting detachments from the University Air Squadron.

  Royal Navy Ships (Personal Mail)
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what delays have occurred over the last two months in delivering personal mail to the crews of Royal Navy ships stationed in the Gulf. [71185]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  There is no record, in the quality of service checks carried out by the Defence Postal and Courier Service Agency, of any delay in the last two months to personal mails to the crews of Royal Navy ships stationed in the Gulf.

  Once received from the Post Office, all personal mail addressed to the crews of Royal Navy ships stationed in the Gulf is dispatched via scheduled commercial aircraft to British Forces Post Offices established at Kuwait and Bahrain and to accredited shipping agents at Dubai.

  During the last two months, all mail on hand in the UK for the Gulf area has been dispatched six days a week to Kuwait, five days a week to Bahrain, and three days a week to Dubai. Over the Christmas and New Year holidays there were no mails on hand to dispatch on 25, 26 and 27 December 1998 and on 1 January 1999.

  The Defence Postal and Courier Services Agency, which has responsibility for the dispatch of forces' mail worldwide, has a Customer Care Unit that investigates individual inquiries regarding the delivery of mails. During working hours, any inquiry may be made on the Customer Care Helpline, which offers a Freephone service.

  I am aware that The Sun newspaper published an article on this matter on 12 February, and I would like to clarify the position. HMS Cumberland arrived in Durban, South Africa on 21 December and sailed on 7 January 1999. All Christmas mail was dispatched to the Ship in Durban safely and on time. HMS Cumberland then docked in Mombasa on 16 January and sailed on 22 January 1999. Unfortunately 15 bags of mail, dispatched to the Ship via Nairobi failed to arrive before she sailed from Mombasa, due to security problems in Nairobi and transport problems between Nairobi and Mombasa. The mail caught up with the ship in Bahrain when she docked there on 1 February.
  496

  Countryside
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much land held by his Department he estimates would fall within the definition of open country as set out in the consultation document "Access to the Open Countryside" of February 1998. [71638]

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

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Geraint Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action is being taken to prevent illegal asylum seekers attempting to enter the United Kingdom hidden in vehicles. [69123]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We will tackle the problem of illegal immigration. We are developing increased European and international co-operation to crack down on traffickers. Increased liaison between British and French border authorities is already paying dividends in preventing 2,000 illegal immigrants in the last six months from embarking for Dover. Seven traffickers are being prosecuted by the French as a direct result of information provided by the Immigration Service. The Immigration and Asylum Bill contains several important provisions, including a civil penalty which will apply to drivers of vehicles found transporting clandestine entrants to Britain.

  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to relieve the pressure on accommodation for asylum seekers in London and the south-east. [69136]

  Mr. Beard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to relieve the pressure on accommodation for asylum seekers in London and the south-east. [69142]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  As a result of court decisions arising out of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, Local Councils have faced an unacceptable burden in dealing with asylum seekers. Councils like Dover and Kent deserve great praise for their handling of these issues. Next year, the new Immigration and Asylum Bill will place responsibility on a Government Agency to provide for asylum seekers and to end the disproportionate pressure on Dover and other areas of Kent, as well as London. In the meantime, the Local Government Association is setting up a non-statutory dispersal scheme and the Government have provided extra funding for it.

  Licensing Laws
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to announce changes to the UK licensing laws, with particular reference to the law relating to Sunday dancing. [69124]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We are considering industry proposals to relax the restrictions on commercially organised dancing on Sundays. I hope to be able to announce our conclusions soon.
  497

  Voluntary Organisations
  Mrs. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action the Government have taken to support the work of voluntary organisations. [69125]

  Kate Hoey
  The Government have developed a new spirit of partnership with the voluntary sector. The published Compacts on relations between Government and the voluntary and community sector have put this relationship on a formal footing for the first time. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced on 21 January that the Voluntary and Community Unit of the Home Office will be expanded and strengthened into the Active Community Unit to reflect our growing relationship with the sector.

  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken to support and promote the work of voluntary organisations in relation to crime prevention in local neighbourhoods. [69131]

  Mr. Boateng
  Voluntary organisations have an important role to play in crime prevention and reduction work. That is why the Order under section 5 of the Crime and Disorder 1998 Act requires that a wide range of voluntary bodies be invited to participate in the work of the crime and disorder reduction partnerships. Additionally, my Department funded the work of Crime Concern to produce and publish "Reducing Neighbourhood Crime—A Manual for Action".

  Probation Services (Amalgamation)
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy in respect of the amalgamation of probation services. [69126]

  Mr. George Howarth
  "Joining Forces to Protect the Public", published last August, included proposals to align probation areas and police force boundaries. Implementation would reduce the number of probation areas from 54 to 42. We are carefully considering the replies received and expect to announce decisions about the future re-organisation soon.

  Crime and Disorder Strategies
  Mr. Paul Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on plans to establish local crime and disorder strategies. [69127]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Crime and Disorder Act 1998, which received Royal Assent on 31 July 1998, lays a duty upon the local authority and police in every area to formulate and implement a strategy for the reduction of crime and disorder. The strategies—covering a period of three years—must be produced by 1 April 1999.

  Local Partnership Crime Audits
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the completion rate of local partnerships' crime audits. [69128]
  498
  Mr. Boateng
  There is no formal deadline for the completion of audits. The crime and disorder strategies—which follow on from the audits and must be the subject of wide local consultation—have to be completed by 1 April 1999. I am encouraged by the commitment I see on the part of the local crime reduction partnerships to completing the tasks set for them in a timely and effective way.

  Police Pensions
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about his proposals for reforming police pensions. [69129]

  Kate Hoey
  Following our consultation document of last year on police pensions, work is in hand on detailed proposals for the pension arrangements for new entrants to the service and for changes to the medical retirement procedures. We plan to publish our proposals in the Spring. They will be published in advance of implementation to allow for full consultation with the interested parties.

  Liquor Licensing
  Ms McCafferty
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to reform the system of liquor licensing. [69130]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I announced last May a comprehensive review of liquor licensing legislation. We aim to produce proposals by early next year for a simpler and more effective system.

  Crime and Disorder Act 1998
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations he has had with magistrates regarding implementation of the provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 which relate to young offenders; and if he will make a statement. [69132]

  Mr. Boateng
  Consultation with magistrates, including through the Magistrates' Association, is an important element in taking forward implementation of the youth justice provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act. Through the White Paper "No More Excuses" and a range of draft guidance documents, the Government have sought views on the timing and process of implementation. Through the participation of the courts in 15 areas in pilots of new court orders for dealing with young offenders and of measures to reduce delay, magistrates are also playing a key role in helping to identify effective practice under the new provisions ahead of national implementation.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost to (i) the police service, (ii) the Court Service, (iii) the probation service and (iv) other agencies of implementing the provisions in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. [70611]
  499
  Mr. Straw
  The Explanatory and Financial Memorandum to the Crime and Disorder Bill published on 17 November 1997 set out the estimated resource implications of the Act. The last composite estimates compiled by my Department were produced on 10 August 1998 and are given in the following table:

  £000

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Home Office

  9,137

  27,866

  52,742

  73,542

  Probation Service

  1,337

  3,028

  29,104

  49,104

  Other

  7,800

  24,838

  23,638

  24,438

  Prison Service

  2,100

  5,070

  5,060

  5,160

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  3,674

  20,731

  31,895

  33,218

  Magistrate Courts

  -1,251

  -81

  7,390

  6,871

  Crown Court

  1,338

  5,074

  7,578

  8,082

  Legal Aid

  3,587

  15,739

  16,928

  18,266

  Crown Prosecution Service

  753

  2,519

  3,219

  2,319

  Local Authorities

  1,811

  3,247

  15,066

  15,066

  Total

  17,475

  59,434

  107,983

  129,306

  The costs and savings of the Act can be accurately determined only after the completion of the pilots in respect of the youth justice provisions, drug treatment and testing orders, the Narey measures and the television links to courts.

  The Act is intended to deal more effectively with offending behaviour and to reduce crime. This should in time produce savings across the criminal justice system and a wide range of public services.

  Metropolitan Police (Disciplinary Procedures)
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the internal disciplinary procedures of the Metropolitan police. [69133]

  Kate Hoey
  The disciplinary arrangements for officers of the Metropolitan Police are set out in the Police (Discipline) Regulations 1985, which apply to officers throughout England and Wales. Officers who breach any part of the Disciplinary Code, which appears as Schedule 1 to the Regulations, are likely to face disciplinary proceedings.

  Under new arrangements being implemented from 1 April 1999, there will be a Code of Conduct to replace the present Discipline Code.

  Fire Service (London)
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received recently from the Fire Service in London. [69135]

  Mr. George Howarth
  In December, the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority wrote to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary about the Authority's financial position and its recent review of fire cover. We have also seen the representations which the Authority made to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions about the provisional local government finance settlement for 1999–2000.
  500

  Tobacco and Alcohol Smuggling
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on co-operation between police and Her Majesty's Customs on tobacco and alcohol smuggling and bootlegging. [69137]

  Mr. Boateng
  The primary responsibility for countering smuggling and the evasion of duty rests with Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, but there are well established arrangements to ensure close co-operation between the police service and Her Majesty's Customs to combat these and other criminal activities.

  Unauthorised Camping
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has made in agreeing operational guidelines with the Association of Chief Constables to deal with unauthorised camping. [69138]

  Mr. Boateng
  Discussions have been held with representatives of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) with a view to strengthening current operational guidelines on dealing with unauthorised camping. I understand that revised draft guidelines will be considered by ACPO Council at their meeting of 28 April.

  Attacks on Teachers
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department will issue guidelines to ensure that all police forces pursue incidents of attacks on teachers. [69139]

  Mr. Boateng
  In December 1997, the Home Office and the Department for Education and Employment issued a joint guidance document to the police and education services entitled "School Security: Dealing with Troublemakers".

  This deals with the safety of pupils and staff and provides guidance on the roles of schools and the police in dealing with assaults.

  Licensing Hours (New Year's Eve)
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to announce his response to the consultation on new year's eve licensing hours. [69140]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The closing date for comments on our proposals was last Friday, 12 February. We shall consider them and announce our intentions as soon as we can.

  Passport Fees
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on passport fees. [69141]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The United Kingdom Passport Agency does not keep figures for representations received on passport fees. However, the number of complaints received is minimal. The United Kingdom passport fee is one of the lowest in the world and represents good value for money.
  501

  Police (Parliamentary Questions)
  Mr. Horam
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many parliamentary questions he received from hon. Members about police forces outside London in the calendar year 1998. [69895]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Home Department received 139 Parliamentary Questions concerning issues relating to police forces outside London in the calendar year 1998.

  Millennium Celebrations (Costs)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a special allocation of funds, above their normal revenue budgets, to the police and fire services to cover the additional costs arising from the millennium celebrations. [70307]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government's plans allow police spending to increase in 1999–2000 by £186 million (2.7 per cent.) to over £7.1 billion. Police authorities will be able to increase their spending power by achieving the 2 per cent. efficiency target which has been set and re-investing the savings in front-line policing. It is the Government's general expectation that the additional costs arising from millennium celebrations should be met from within police budgets.

  Central Government revenue support for the fire service in England is provided through the revenue support grant system. Funding pressures for the fire service in England and Wales, including those which may result from the Millennium, were identified by the local authorities' Fire Service Expenditure Forecasting Group under the Central Local Partnership arrangements. These pressures were taken into account in the Comprehensive Spending Review.

  Drugs Prevention
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the expenditure on his Department's drugs prevention initiatives, in cash and real terms, in each of the last three years; what is the planned cash and real terms spending in each of the next three years; and if he will make a statement. [70324]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Home Office expenditure on the Drugs Prevention Initiative and its successor body, the Drugs Prevention Advisory Service, over the period is as follows:

  £ million

  Cash

  Real terms

  1996–87

  5.9

  6.2

  1997–98

  6.0

  6.1

  1998–991

  5.8

  5.8

  1999–2000

  6.3

  6.1

  2000–01

  6.3

  6.0

  2001–02

  6.3

  5.9

  1 Estimated

  In addition, from 1999–2000 the Home Office Drugs Prevention Advisory Service will disburse Drug Action Team Development funding, on behalf of the United Kingdom Anti Drugs Co-ordination Unit. This funding, of £5 million in each year, is provided on a shared basis
  502
  by the Home Office, the Department of Health, the Department for Education and Employment and Customs and Excise.

  Police Overtime
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total expenditure on police overtime in each of the last three years, per police force, and in total; what are the rates for(a) overtime pay and (b) standard pay; and if he will make a statement.[70323]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information is not held centrally on the total expenditure on police overtime and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The provisions for determining police officers' rates of pay for overtime are contained in Regulation 28 of the Police Regulations 1995. The standard rates of pay are:

  Pay (Constable to Superintendent)

  Pay point

  Annual salary with effect from 1 September 1998 (£)

  London salaries

  Constable

  On commencing service

  1

  16,056

  —

  On completion of initial training perid

  2

  17,964

  —

  On completion of 2 years' satisfactory service

  3

  19,029

  —

  4

  19,533

  —

  5

  20,211

  —

  6

  20,859

  —

  7

  21,540

  —

  8

  22,161

  —

  9

  22,722

  —

  10

  23,460

  —

  11

  24,321

  —

  12

  25,410

  —

  Sergeant

  1

  24,525

  —

  2

  25,410

  —

  3

  26,295

  —

  4

  27,189

  —

  5

  27,774

  —

  6

  28,605

  —

  Inspector and Chief Inspector

  1

  31,719

  33,171

  2

  32,655

  34,104

  3

  33,588

  35,037

  4

  34,518

  35,970

  First Chief Inspector point

  5

  35,454

  36,909

  6

  36,183

  37,638

  7

  36,918

  38,370

  1—

  37,650

  39,102

  1—

  38,307

  39,759

  Superintendent

  1

  241,484

  —

  2

  42,783

  —

  3

  44,085

  —

  4

  45,387

  —

  5

  46,833

  —

  6

  348,390

  —

  7

  49,236

  —

  8

  50,310

  —

  9

  51,495

  —

  1 Only applicable to those chief inspectors who were at the penultimate and maximum point of the scale on 31 August 1994

  2 Min. of Range 1

  3 Max. of Range 1 and min. of Range 2

  503

  Pay (ACPO ranks)

  Officers appointed on a fixed term basis with effect from 1 September 1998 (£)

  Officers not appointed on a fixed term basis with effect from 1 September 1998 (£)

  Assistant Chief Constable

  62,259–71,466

  59,292–68,064

  Designated deputies ACC (D)

  80 per cent, of the basic salary of their chief or £71,466, whichever is higher

  80 per cent, of the basic salary of their chief or £68,064, whichever is higher

  Chief Constable

  Population band

  up to 500,000

  74,616–85,335

  71,058–81,267

  500,001–1,000,000

  78,432–92,232

  74,700–87,840

  1,000,001–2,000,000

  85,335–99,129

  81,267–94,410

  Over 2,000,000

  94,434–106,569

  90,036–101,613

  Chief Constables of Greater Manchester, Strathclyde and West Midlands

  97,848–110,430

  93,297–105,291

  Metropolitan Police

  Commander

  62,259–71,466

  59,292–68,064

  80 per cent. of the basic salary of Assistant Commissioner

  80 per cent of the basic salary of Assistant Commissioner

  Designated Commander Assistant Commissioner

  93,945–99,129

  90,036–94,410

  Deputy Commissioner

  104,682–112,509

  99,570–107,016

  City of London

  Commissioner

  85,335–99,129

  81,267–94,410

  Assistant Commissioner

  80 per cent, of the basic salary of Commissioner or 71,466 whichever is higher

  80 per cent, of the basic salary of Commissioner or 68.064 whichever is higher

  Speeding Fines
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much was raised from speeding fines in each Policy Authority area in Wales in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement; [70336]

  (2) how much revenue was raised from speeding fines in the UK in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement; [70335]

  (3) how much was raised from speeding fines in each county of Wales in 1997–98; what was the average per county; and if he will make a statement; [70333]

  (4) what percentage of revenue raised from speeding fines related to speeding offences caught on cameras in 1997–98; and if he will make a statement. [70334]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information on the amount of revenue raised from speeding fines is not available.

  However, information available to me shows that the amounts shown in the table were ordered to be paid in fines in England and Wales and for the four Welsh police forces. Information by individual Welsh county is not readily available, nor is a breakdown to show which fines
  504
  had been ordered to be paid following speeding offences detected by automatic camera. Figures are not yet available for 1998, and those for 1997 are provisional.

  As the majority of speeding offences are dealt with by way of fixed penalty notices, figures for the number of notices issued are also included in the table. The penalty for speeding offences is £40.

  Not all fines or fixed penalties will have been paid.

  Total amounts ordered to be paid in fines for speeding offences and number of fixed penalties issued for speeding offences England and Wales 1993–1997

  Total amount ordered to be paid in fines for speeding offences

  Number of fixed penalty notices issued for speeding offences

  1993

  Dyfed-Powys

  54

  4,664

  Gwent

  175

  3,400

  North Wales

  148

  6,302

  South Wales

  84

  4,548

  Total England and Wales

  12,475

  394,758

  1994

  Dyfed-Powys

  54

  5,275

  Gwent

  148

  2,251

  North Wales

  154

  6,548

  South Wales

  79

  4,162

  Total England and Wales

  11,676

  472,470

  1995

  Dyfed-Powys

  60

  5,823

  Gwent

  120

  2,610

  North Wales

  142

  8,143

  South Wales

  71

  4,191

  Total England and Wales

  12,512

  530,172

  1996

  Dyfed-Powys

  90

  3,681

  Gwent

  258

  4,286

  North Wales

  166

  8,833

  South Wales

  95

  11,161

  Total England and Wales

  12,904

  595,052

  1997 (provisional)

  Dyfed-Powys

  95

  6,708

  Gwent

  372

  5,263

  North Wales

  163

  9,145

  South Wales

  233

  22,227

  Total England and Wales

  15,523

  712,324

  Policing (European Union)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research his Department has undertaken on the relative levels and methods of policing in European Union countries; and if he will make a statement. [70321]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Home Office Police Research Group carried out a major review of the size and structure of overseas police forces for the Sheehy Inquiry into Police Responsibilities and Rewards in 1993. The report "Approaches to Rank Structure and Pay in Police Forces: an International Survey" covered the size, rank and career structure, pay and retirement regulations in 14 countries, including many in the European Union. No research on the relative levels and methods of policing in European Union countries has been commissioned by the Home
  505
  Office since, although we do maintain good links and regularly exchange information on policing with our European Union partners.

  Fire Services Expenditure
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each fire authority in the United Kingdom(a) the SSA per head of population and (b) the actual spending per head of population in each year from 1992 to date. [70268]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Figures detailing the fire standard spending assessment per head for all local authorities in England, for the financial years 1992–93 to 1998–99, are available in the relevant Standard Spending Assessment (SSA) Handbook—copies of which are in the Library.

  Figures for the 1999–2000 provisional fire standard spending assessment per head were given in an answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth (Mr. Jenkins) on 11 January 1999, Official Report, columns 87–88. The final figures, which show only minor differences, will be published in the SSA Handbook for 1999–2000 in due course.

  In Wales, standard spending assessments are not identified by service block.

  Tables have been placed in the Library which give the spending figures on the fire service in England and Wales for the years 1992–93 to 1997–98.

  Financial provision for the fire services in Scotland and Northern Ireland is the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Northern Ireland.

  Criminal Activity
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will conduct research to assess the extent of criminal activity among those who have no income from social security benefits or from any other formal source. [70598]

  Mr. Boateng
  The 1998–99 youth life styles survey examines rates of self-reported offending among young people aged between 12 and 30. A proportion of these will not be in education, employment or training and so will not have any formal source of income.

  The Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate are currently conducting the survey. Information will be available later in 1999.

  Closed Circuit Television
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has commissioned into the effectiveness of CCTV in detecting crime. [70403]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Home Office Police Research Group study "CCTV in Town Centres: Three Case Studies" has shown that closed circuit television (CCTV) can be effective in reducing crime and the fear of crime, when used as part of a wider strategy.
  506
  The Home Office keeps under review the research literature on CCTV and we will be assessing the evaluations of effectiveness produced by the schemes which received funding under the CCTV Challenge Competition as they become available.

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to encourage further investment in closed circuit television systems intended to reduce crime. [70751]

  Mr. Boateng
  Over 170 closed circuit television (CCTV) schemes will receive funding this year under the CCTV Challenge scheme.

  In addition, as part of the £250m crime reduction programme, at least £50m will be invested over the next three years in 500 local projects to tackle domestic burglary. The first 60 of these projects are currently being developed to start in April, and some may include CCTV as part of their approach.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate (Liverpool)
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to create a unit to respond to hon. Members inquiries at Liverpool IND. [70402]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  There are no proposals to create a Member of Parliament's inquiry unit at Liverpool Immigration and Nationality Directorate.

  Animals (Medical Research)
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been commissioned or evaluated by his Department on the development of techniques which would replace the use of animals in medical research; and if he will make a statement. [70666]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Details of projects funded by the Home Office, and their results, are published in the annual reports of the Animal Procedures Committee, which are laid before Parliament as required by section 20(5) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The Animal Procedures Committee advises on the sponsoring of work aimed at developing or promoting the use of alternatives which replace animal use, reduce the number of animals used or refine the procedures to minimise suffering. The budget for this has been increased by 42 per cent. to £259,000 in 1998–99.

  Decisions are still to be made on the projects to fund in the next financial year.

  This is not the only money spent by the Government on alternatives: other Departments also fund relevant work as an integral part of scientific research. Industry, too, spends millions of pounds each year on the search for and development of alternatives.

  The United Kingdom Government continue to support the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods through contributions to the European Union. It is the Centre's task to monitor and co-ordinate research into alternatives and to develop the processes of validation.
  507

  Re-offenders
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the re-offending rates of (i) persistent young offenders and (ii) all young offenders. [70614]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government have no information about re-offending rates. Information is available about re-conviction rates. Persistent young offenders (as defined in joint Home Office/Lord Chancellor's Department Circular "Measuring Performance to reduce delays in the youth court system") have not been routinely identified in the past in data used to produce re-conviction rates. Plans are in place to do so in future.

  Reconviction rates are available for all young offenders. The table sets out the percentage of those aged 10–17 convicted of a standards list offence in 1994 who were re-convicted for such an offence within two years, across a range of disposals.

  Percentage

  Disposal

  Age at sentence 10–17

  Conditional discharge

  58

  Fine

  66

  CYP1 supervision order

  79

  Probation

  87

  Community service order

  74

  Custodial sentence2

  81

  Attendance centre order

  72

  1 Children and Young Persons Act 1969

  2 Excludes detentions under section 53 of the Persons Act 1963

  The Government have embarked upon a radical restructuring of the youth justice system, including reforms to the youth court and range of new sentencing options. The system as a whole has been given a new statutory aim—to prevent offending by children and young persons. The new court disposals that have been introduced, including the action plan and reparation orders and the new custodial sentence, the detention and training order will all have a clear focus on rehabilitation and preventing future offending and re-offending.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost of implementing his target of halving the time from arrest to sentence for persistent young offenders. [70612]

  Mr. Boateng
  The pledge to halve the time from arrest to sentence for persistent young offenders is aimed at reducing unnecessary delay and improving efficiency. Experience in those areas running fast tracking schemes indicates that the initiatives are generally cost neutral and, in some cases, have already resulted in savings through increased efficiency.

  The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 introduced a range of measures which will help to deliver the pledge by strengthening the ability of the court to manage cases and making procedural changes to ensure delays are avoided. The costs or savings of these measures—which cover both youth and adult cases—will be assessed following the pilots which are now in progress.
  508
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from (i) youth courts and (ii) other agencies about the implementation of fast-tracking for persistent young offenders. [70613]

  Mr. Boateng
  We are in regular contact on this issue with practitioners from all of the youth justice agencies, including the courts, through correspondence and attendance at youth justice seminars and conferences. The responses to a Home Office survey of all youth court areas in England and Wales conducted in April 1998 indicated that 160 youth court areas now have a fast tracking scheme. A further survey this year has yet to be completed, but is already confirming that the number of schemes continues to grow.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide a breakdown, for each of the last three years, of the sentencing decisions made in respect of (i) persistent young offenders and (ii) all young offenders.[70619]

  Mr. Boateng
  The sentencing decisions in respect of persistent young offenders (as defined in joint Home Office/Lord Chancellor's Department Circular "Measuring Performance to reduce delays in the youth court system") have not been routinely identified in the past, but plans are in place to do so in future. Information is collected about all young people aged 10–17 sentenced for indictable offences by type of sentence or order. The following table contains a breakdown for each of the last three years for which figures are available.

  Persons aged 10 to 17 sentenced for indictable offences by sex and type of sentence or order—England and Wales

  Persons/year

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Total number of persons sentenced

  42,166

  44,302

  46,301

  Absolute or conditional discharge

  14,066

  14,160

  14,457

  Fine

  4,641

  4,671

  5,016

  Probation order

  1,594

  1,879

  1,996

  Supervision order

  8,064

  8,539

  8,728

  Community service order

  2,667

  2,799

  2,972

  Attendance centre order

  4,981

  4,880

  4,943

  Combination order

  775

  1,020

  1,279

  Curfew order

  —

  10

  47

  Young offender institution

  4,326

  4,979

  5,358

  S53 CYP Act 1933

  401

  635

  748

  Otherwise dealt with

  651

  730

  777

  Total immediate custody

  4,326

  4,979

  5,358

  Total community sentences

  18,081

  19,127

  19,945

  source:

  CCJU (RDS) IOS 110–99.xls

  Firearms Compensation
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list by each firearm compensation category and by each police area, the outstanding claims which have not been settled in terms of(a) numbers and (b) amounts; [70575]

  (2) what is the total amount paid out to date in firearms compensation since 1997. [70574]

  Mr. Boateng
  £72.8 million has been paid so far in compensation. Detailed information about the number, category and value of claims outstanding in each police area is not readily available. Overall, there are around
  509
  10,000 claims awaiting payment offers under Option C of the schemes, the great majority of which will have received payments under other options. The aim remains to make offers on the outstanding claims by the end of March.

  Louise Woodward
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what requests he has received from the U.S. court in respect of the enforcement of its order that Louise Woodward should not profit from her conviction. [70572]

  Mr. Boateng
  As a matter of policy, we do not normally comment on the fact or substance of requests from other governments for mutual legal assistance in relation to criminal matters. The recent out-of-court settlement of private civil proceedings brought in the United States against Ms Woodward by the parents of Matthew Eappen, which is reported to have included undertakings not to profit from any sale of the story in relation to this case, could not be the subject of such a request.

  Au Pairs
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the effect on the numbers of au pairs coming to the United Kingdom of the decision by the Department for Education and Employment to include them within the minimum wage provisions; and what representations his Department has made about the matter to the Department for Education and Employment. [70374]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have been in contact with my colleagues at the Department of Trade and Industry, who are responsible for the National Minimum Wage provisions. I have made no study of the kind referred to by the hon. Member.

  Owen Oyston (Police Interviews)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek a report from the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester on the reasons for police interviews of women in connection with the conviction of Owen Oyston for rape in the last six months. [70720]

  Mr. Boateng
  I understand that witnesses were contacted by the Greater Manchester Police following the service of a subpoena on the Chief Constable requiring him to disclose material from the criminal proceedings for the purposes of a civil action against Mr. Oyston. Officers contacted witnesses to advise them of the civil proceedings and to seek their consent to the disclosure of their statements. Officers have not taken statements or conducted interviews on behalf of the plaintiff to the civil action.

  Prisoners (Early Release)
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) in how many cases since 1991 discretionary power has been exercised for the release on compassionate grounds of(a) long-term and (b) life prisoners; [70392]
  510
  (2) what criteria he applies in the exercise of his powers under section 36(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 regarding the release of prisoners on compassionate grounds under licence. [70393]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Following the coming into force of section 30 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 on 1 October 1997, the release on compassionate grounds of life prisoners is considered under that Act. Section 36(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 now applies only to determinate sentence prisoners.

  Prison Service records show that 54 determinate sentence prisoners (including long term) and 18 life sentence prisoners were released on compassionate grounds between the implementation of section 36 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991, in October 1992, and the end of 1998.

  When considering compassionate release on medical grounds, the Secretary of State applies the following criteria in all cases:
  the prisoner is suffering from a terminal illness and death is likely to occur soon; or the prisoner is bedridden or similarly incapacitated; and
  the risk of re-offending is past; and
  there are adequate arrangements for the prisoner's care and treatment outside prison; and
  early release will bring some significant benefit to the prisoner or his/her family.

  In the case of determinate sentence prisoners, compassionate release may be considered where tragic family circumstances exist, in which case the criteria are as follows:
  the circumstances of the prisoner or the family have changed to the extent that if he/she served the sentence imposed, the hardship suffered would be of exceptional severity greater than the court could have foreseen; and
  the risk of re-offending is past; and
  it can be demonstrated beyond doubt that there is a real and urgent need for the prisoner's permanent presence with his/her family; and
  early release will bring some significant benefit to the prisoner or his/her family.

  In addition, in the case of all determinate sentence prisoners the following factors are considered:
  whether temporary release under the Prison Rules could significantly reduce the prisoner's and/or family's suffering;
  the length of the sentence still outstanding; the effect on the overall sentence passed by the court if early release is granted; and any remarks which the trial judge made on sentencing which may have a bearing on the question of release;
  the wishes of the prisoner and his/her family and the level of benefit which would derive to the prisoner and/or the family from permanent release; and
  in medical cases, the diagnosis and prognosis; in particular whether there is a specific estimate of life expectancy; and the degree of incapacitation.

  The Secretary of State may also release a determinate sentence prisoner if he is satisfied that other exceptional circumstances exist.

  Special Constables
  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to introduce payments for special constables. [70947]
  511
  Mr. Boateng
  None. A pilot scheme was conducted in Dorset between 1991 and 1993 whereby special constables who performed 125 hours duty in a six month period qualified for a bounty payment of £200. The results of the scheme were inconclusive and the Police Service did not consider that a bounty should be mandatory for special constables.

  During its review of 1995–96, the Special Constabulary Working Group received evidence suggesting that the overwhelming majority of special constables valued their voluntary status highly and did not want this to be changed. As a result, the Group concluded that a bounty should not be paid to special constables and recommended that the regulation enabling the discretionary payment of a limited bounty should be repealed. We agree with this recommendation and the relevant regulation will be repealed later this year.

  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to recruit more special constables. [70952]

  Mr. Boateng
  We support the police forces' recruitment campaigns by holding a Specials Week during which I and a number of my ministerial colleagues attend events held by forces around the country to highlight and promote the service provided by special constables. To complement these activities, some forces are supported with local press and radio advertising costing £500,000. In addition, the Home Office has produced a recruitment video, a series of posters, and a recruitment brochure for the forces.

  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of special constables currently serving in each police authority area; and what is the cost. [70953]

  Mr. Boateng
  The provisional figures for the number of special constables in post in each police force area in England and Wales on 30 September 1998 are:

  Area

  Number

  Avon and Somerset

  584

  Bedfordshire

  175

  Cambridgeshire

  308

  Cheshire

  416

  City of London

  69

  Cleveland

  136

  Cumbria

  210

  Derbyshire

  355

  Devon and Cornwall

  916

  Dorset

  303

  Durham

  159

  Dyfed-Powys

  237

  Essex

  590

  Gloucestershire

  245

  Greater Manchester

  567

  Gwent

  114

  Hampshire

  747

  Hertfordshire

  267

  Humberside

  289

  Kent

  565

  Lancashire

  465

  Leicestershire

  350

  Lincolnshire

  233

  Merseyside

  463

  Metropolitan

  1,214

  Norfolk

  351

  Northamptonshire

  262

  512

  Area

  Number

  Northumbria

  360

  North Wales

  336

  North Yorkshire

  302

  Nottinghamshire

  530

  South Wales

  360

  South Yorkshire

  266

  Staffordshire

  558

  Suffolk

  402

  Surrey

  226

  Sussex

  415

  Thames Valley

  587

  Warwickshire

  323

  West Mercia

  499

  West Midlands

  784

  West Yorkshire

  590

  Wiltshire

  176

  Total

  17,304

  The costs of special constabularies are not collected centrally.

  Asylum Cases
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce a requirement that the officer signing a decision on an asylum case states their grade. [70732]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  No. The letter to applicants already makes it clear that in law the decision is that of the Secretary of State. No useful purpose would be served by specifying the grade of the officer signing that letter.

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the Civil Service grade of the staff who make decisions to deport under (i) section 3(5)(a), (ii) section 3(5)(b) and (iii) section 3(5) of the Immigration Act 1971. [70730]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Decisions to serve a notice of intention to deport are taken by trained staff at the appropriate grade, depending on the complexity of the issues raised. This will normally be either executive officer, or administrative officer for the most straightforward cases, although more complex cases may be dealt with by senior caseworkers at senior or higher executive officer grades. Where a notice is served by the Immigration Service under delegated authority, authorisation is given at Inspector level.

  Airline Liaison Officers
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria he uses to assess the appropriate locations for the postings of airline liaison officers. [71060]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Airline liaison officer locations are selected primarily on the basis of the number of inadequately documented passengers departing from or passing in transit through overseas airports. In addition, due account is taken of other relevant factors: personal safety; the agreement of the host governments; and the co-operation of other bodies including airlines and airport authorities.
  513
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what records are kept of action taken by other Governments as a result of assistance given by airline liaison officers. [71061]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Airline liaison officers do not provide direct assistance to other governments on cases involving individual passengers who are not adequately documented for travel to the United Kingdom. They do provide information to the appropriate authorities on the activities of facilitators and racketeers involved in human smuggling and records are kept of the outcome when it is known.

  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to which locations further airline liaison officers have been posted since 27 July 1998; and to what additional locations he plans to post further officers during 1999. [71063]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Since 27 July 1998, airline liaison officers have been posted to Bahrain, Bangkok, Dubai, Istanbul and Pretoria. An officer will be posted to Moscow towards the end of April. By the end of 1999 we plan to have posted up to nine more officers. Final decisions on the exact locations of these additional posts have yet to be made.

  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimates he has made of the number of prospective passengers who have not travelled to the United Kingdom in the past 12 months as a result of the work of airline liaison officers.[71062]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  In 1998, airlines operating from the five locations where airline liaison officers were based refused carriage to 2,095 prospective passengers who were not adequately documented for travel to the United Kingdom.

  Mounted Police
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those police authorities that have disbanded their mounted divisions since 1990. [70886]

  Mr. Boateng
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Bloodhounds
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the bloodhound in helping to track down suspects and detect criminal activity. [70885]

  Mr. Boateng
  In April 1998, the Policing and Reducing Crime Unit at the Home Office supported an application under the Police Research Award Scheme from Essex Police to purchase and train two Bloodhound and two German Shepherd puppies. The proposal was to train the puppies in an alternative tracking method known as scent discrimination. This method depends on the dog tracking the individual scent of the person rather than the scent of the ground disturbance they have left.

  The results of the study are being analysed at the moment and a full report will go to all Police Forces as soon as the analysis is complete, which is expected within three months.
  514

  Essex Police
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received over the future use of motor-cycles by the Essex Police Force; and if he will make a statement; [71038]

  (2) if he will make a special grant to the Essex Police Force to enable the mounted section to be retained; [71041]

  (3) what representations he has received over the future of the mounted section of the Essex Police Force; [71039]

  (4) if he will make additional grants to the Essex Police Force to prevent cuts in services; and if he will make a statement. [71040]

  Mr. Boateng
  Funding of Essex Police in 1999–2000 will increase by £4.6 million (2.9 per cent.) to £163 million. This increase is above the national average. The allocation of resources within the Essex Police is a matter for the Chief Constable and the police authority, as are the use of motorcycles and the mounted section.

  I received one representation from the Essex Police Authority about the proposed funding settlement for 1999–2000, which included reference to the consequences of the settlement for the mounted section and the future use of motorcycles by the Essex Police. I understand from the Chief Constable that his proposal to disband the mounted section is based upon their limited operational contribution to the modern day to day policing of Essex. Similarly, the continued use of motorcycles is under consideration as part of the force's drive for improved efficiency.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers were serving in the Essex Police Force on 31 December(a) 1992, (b) 1997 and (c) 1998; and what is the projected figure for 1999 excluding officers in that part of the Metropolitan Police area to be transferred to Essex. [71037]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information on police numbers is collected at the end of March and September. The figures for the period requested are set out in the table.

  Total officer strength

  30 September 1992

  2,929

  30 September 1997

  2,944

  30 September 1998

  2,903

  Ministers have no direct control over police numbers. Under legislation passed by the previous Government in 1994, it is for the individual chief constables to determine the number of police officers in their force, on the basis of the resources made available to them. It is not, therefore, possible to provide a projection of the force's strength for 1999.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the total number of staff(a) in his Department and (b) in each of the agencies for

  515
  which he is responsible and their location in (i) London, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) each of the English regions. [70477]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer my hon. Friend to "Civil Service Statistics 1998", a copy of which is in the Library.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to relocate staff in(a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible to the regions of the United Kingdom with the highest levels of unemployment; and what plans he has further to decentralise the location of his Department and its agencies. [70463]

  Mr. Straw
  Thirty-six posts were relocated from central London to Merseyside over the period January to August 1997.

  The new Criminal Records Bureau will be established in Merseyside in 2000–2001 under the management of the United Kingdom Passport Agency and will employ up to 1,200 staff.

  A total of 31,574 Home Office staff (59.7 per cent.) are located outside London and the South East (including 30,244 (66.5 per cent.) Agency staff).

  Cassini Space Probe
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contingency plans he has for dealing with the effects of premature re-entry of the space probe Cassini. [70455]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Home Office is the lead government department for satellite incidents. Arrangements are in place to track satellites and advise local authorities and emergency services of any possible impact in the United Kingdom so that local response arrangements can be activated.

  Current advice is that the space probe Cassini is unlikely to collide with Earth and is still less likely to hit this country.

  My officials will, however, continue to monitor the situation.

  Immigration and Nationality Cases
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigration and nationality cases are currently being held in a work in progress store; and how many of these have been outstanding for more than(a) six months, (b) one year and (c) two years. [71369]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Since 7 December 1998, outstanding immigration cases have been moved to a central Work in Progress Store, from where they will be allocated to caseworkers. New cases, and older cases which were deemed to require early consideration, are stored in a case allocation unit, awaiting allocation to caseworkers.

  There are currently 104,356 cases held in the Work in Progress Store. Of these, 71,987 have been outstanding for more than six months; of these 50,150 have been outstanding for more than one year; and of these, approximately 37,500 have been outstanding for more than two years.
  516
  There are currently 12,736 cases held in the Cases Allocation Unit, of which 3,670 were awaiting action as at 4 December 1998.

  In addition, there are approximately 92,000 citizenship applications, Of these, approximately 70,000 have been outstanding for more than six months; of these, 46,000 have been outstanding for more than one year; and of these, 3,000 have been outstanding for more than two years.

  (Work in Progress is a broad term which may include work to be completed more easily and expeditiously than the more intractable claims.)

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest date by which immigration and nationality cases currently in a work in progress store are planned to be passed to a case management unit. [71368]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Our plans for dealing with Immigration and Nationality Directorate casework backlogs are set out in the Government's White Paper "Fairer, Faster and Firmer—A Modern Approach to Immigration and Asylum". Cases in the Work in Progress Store will be actioned consistent with those commitments.

  Police Authorities (Legal Costs)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which police authorities in England Wales are currently funding in whole or in part the legal costs of serving or former police officers facing criminal charges. [71427]

  Mr. Boateng
  This information is not collected centrally. The funding of legal costs of police officers involved in criminal proceedings is entirely a matter for police authorities.

  Racial Crime (Police Response)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the police response to crimes with a racial element. [69134]

  Mr. Boateng
  Several assessments have been made recently of this vital area of policing.

  The Home Office Police Research Group's report "Policing Racially Motivated Incidents", published in November 1997, found variations in recording and processing procedures between forces, difficulties in applying the concept of racial motivation and poor understanding of relevant legislation. Of the cases where there was potential for further action, only just over a third resulted in a charge or caution.

  The thematic report of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) on police/community and race relations, "Winning the Race", which was published in October 1997, also registered concerns about levels of awareness within forces of what constituted a racial incident, about recording practices and procedures and about the quality of the police response to racial incidents. HMIC are currently completing their report of a follow-up inspection to assess progress.
  517
  Findings from the British Crime Survey published in April 1998—"Ethnicity and Victimisation: Findings from the 1996 British Crime Survey"—showed a considerable gap between crime incidents perceived to be racially motivated by victims and the number of incidents recorded by the police. While various factors mean that an exact match between the two sets of figures could not be expected, under-recording by the police appears to be a significant factor.

  The Association of Chief Police Officers issued a good practice guide on the police response to racial incidents in April 1998 responding to those concerns and have set up a working group to consider further improvements, including standardising core recording requirements. A protocol has been agreed with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure consistency in identifying cases with a racial motivation. We welcome the setting up of the Racial and Violent Crime Task Force in the Metropolitan Police Service.

  The report of the Inquiry into matters arising from the death of Stephen Lawrence is expected shortly. The Inquiry's terms of reference require it to identify the lessons to be learned from the investigation and prosecution of racially motivated crime. We expect the Inquiry's report to provide a clear guide to further progress.

  Expenditure on setting up website1

  Operation of website: cost per year (current)

  Topics covered

  Current average number of hits per month

  Estimate expenditure for next 3 years: cost per year

  Home Office

  £250

  1£7,500

  The work of the Home Office

  2350,000

  1£12,500

  Fire Service College

  3£4,000

  Nil so far

  The work of the Fire Service College

  Not available

  Not yet decided

  Forensic Science Service

  Less than £25,000

  Not more than £60,000

  The work of the Forensic Science Service

  31,600

  £150,000 first 2 years, then less than £100,000 p. a.

  Prison Service (Prison Enterprise Services only)

  3Within the range £4,950 to £40,918

  Included in setup costs

  Sales Catalogue

  155

  Not available

  UK Passport Agency

  £900

  £1,740

  The work of the UK Passport Agency

  317,600

  £1,740

  Commission for Racial Equality

  £1,000

  £5,000

  Racial equality race issues

  32,500

  £10,000 in the first year then as current costs

  National Criminal Intelligence Service

  £700

  £500

  Organised crime, criminal intelligence

  33,000

  £3,000

  Police Information Technology Organisation

  £12,000

  Included in setup costs

  Police information technology

  37,700

  1999–2000: £12,000

  2000–01: £5,000

  2001–02: £5,00

  Youth Justice Board

  £250

  Not in operation for more than a year

  The work of the Youth Justice Board

  Not available yet

  3£1,000

  1 Does not include staff costs

  2 Approximate figure

  3 Exact figure commercial in confidence

  518

  Voluntary Organisations (Crime Prevention)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the role of voluntary organisations as partners in combating crime and disorder. [69211]

  Mr. Boateng
  I believe that voluntary organisations have a vital role to play in tackling crime and disorder. This view is reflected in the fact that a wide range of voluntary bodies must be invited to participate in the work of the local crime and disorder reduction partnerships established by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Furthermore, guidance issued by the Home Office emphasises the importance of the voluntary sector's contribution to the crime and disorder audits and strategies which the local partnerships are currently engaged in producing.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the expenditure incurred by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on(a) the setting up and (b) the operation of web sites, indicating the cases in which the expenditure has been above that budgeted; and if he will list for each web site (i) the topics covered, (ii) the current average number of hits per month and (iii) the estimated expenditure on each web site for each of the next three years. [70971]

  Mr. Straw
  The table gives the information available for each of the websites of my Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies. Figures are approximate where indicated. In no case was the expenditure higher than budgeted.
  519
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 16 December 1998,Official Report, column 604, if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred by (a) his agencies and non-departmental public bodies and (b) the Central Office of Information for relevant work carried out for his Department. [71010]

  Mr. Straw
  The total expenditure incurred:(a) by Home Office agencies is as follows:

  £

  Prison Service

  5,000

  Fire Service College

  46,045

  Passport Agency

  1118,000

  Forensic Science Service

  250,000

  1 Figure for April 1997 to end December 1998

  Figures on publicity expenditure for all 34 Home Office Non Departmental Public Bodies can be obtained only at disproportionate expense.

  (b) by the Central Office of Information is: £2,290,233.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the parliamentary constituencies which he has visited in an official capacity in the past 12 months. [71336]

  Mr. Straw
  The constituencies I have visited in the course of my official duties in the past 12 months are listed in the table:

  Date

  Constituency

  25 February 1998

  Derby, South

  3 March 1998

  Enfield, Southgate

  7 March 1998

  Southport

  10 March 1998

  High Peak

  11 March 1998

  Feltham and Heston

  20 March 1998

  Blackburn

  2 April 1998

  Salford

  21 April 1998

  North-East Hampshire

  28 April 1998

  Birmingham, Perry Barr

  28 April 1998

  Birmingham, Edgbaston

  29 April 1998

  Southwark, North and Bermondsey

  30 April 1998

  Elmet

  11 May 1998

  Oxford, West and Abingdon

  12 May 1998

  Mole Valley

  12 May 1998

  Oxford, West and Abingdon

  19 May 1998

  Portsmouth, South

  20 May 1998

  Bournemouth, West

  16 July 1998

  Worcester

  21 July 1998

  Mitcham and Morden

  23 July 1998

  Windsor

  1 September 1998

  Swansea, East

  1 September 1998

  Swansea, West

  1 September 1998

  Aberavon

  3 September 1998

  Birmingham, Lady wood

  3 September 1998

  West Bromwich, West

  3 September 1998

  Burton

  3 September 1998

  Newcastle-under-Lyme

  8 September 1998

  Uxbridge

  8 September 1998

  Ealing, Southall

  9 September 1998

  Lewisham, East

  15 September 1998

  Henley

  15 September 1998

  Bristol, West

  16 September 1998

  Bristol, East

  16 September 1998

  Bristol, West

  22 September 1998

  Tyne Bridge

  520

  Date

  Constituency

  22 September 1998

  Leeds, Central

  8 October 1998

  Coventry, South

  13 October 1998

  Erith and Thamesmead

  27 October 1998

  Blackpool, South

  19 November 1998

  Ashfield

  19 November 1998

  Bolsover

  19 November 1998

  Hyndburn

  25 November 1998

  Chingford and Woodford Green

  12 January 1999

  Camberwell and Peckham

  18 January 1999

  Falmouth

  22 January 1999

  Cardiff, Central

  22 January 1999

  Cardiff, South and Penarth

  22 January 1999

  Oxford, West and Abingdon

  28 January 1999

  Eastleigh

  1 February 1999

  Harrogate and Knaresborough

  Additionally, I have visited a number of constituencies in central and inner London in the normal course of my duties.

  A number of minor or incidental meetings and engagements may also have been undertaken in other constituencies to and from the engagements specified above. We do not have a complete record of these.

  Persistent Young Offenders
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons the upper limit to nullify the effects of unusually lengthy cases used in the time intervals surveys conducted by the Lord Chancellor's Department was not used in the calculation of his benchmark figure of 142 days from arrest to sentencing for persistent young offenders; and if he will estimate the impact on that figure of using such a limit. [70811]

  Mr. Boateng
  The benchmark figure of 142 days from arrest to sentence in persistent young offender cases was calculated on the basis of a special exercise, which drew a sample of cases from the Police National Computer (Phoenix). Phoenix does not exclude cases on the basis of their length. The Government's pledge is to halve the time from arrest to sentence for all persistent young offenders. A minority of cases may be protracted for reasons outside the control of case management, such as the illness of the defendant or a key witness. However, it is essential that unnecessary delay should be removed from all cases, regardless of their complexity or the exceptional circumstances that may arise. For that reason, the Government consider it appropriate for the benchmark figure to be based on all cases.

  Non-domestic Animals (Welfare)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure that(a) chimpanzees and (b) other non-domestic animals in private ownership are not maltreated. [70887]

  Mr. George Howarth
  All non-domestic animals in private ownership 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 animal.

  In addition, there is legislation for the keeping of these animals in certain circumstances. The Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925 gives local authorities and

  521
  the police the power to enter at all reasonable times and inspect any premises in which performing animals are kept for training or exhibition, and to inspect those animals.

  The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 makes it an offence to keep certain animals, listed in a Schedule to the Act, without a licence from the local authority. Before issuing a licence the authority should be satisfied that suitable standards of health, welfare and accommodation for the animal will be provided.

  Under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, all zoos must be licensed by the local authority. Inspections are carried out to ensure that the standards of accommodation, staffing or management are adequate for the proper care and well-being of the animals.

PRIME MINISTER

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) how many of the special advisers appointed since 1 May 1997 were known personally by the Minister for whom they worked prior to their appointment; [69653]

  (2) how many of the special advisers appointed between I May 1992 and 30 April 1997 were known personally by the Minister for whom they worked prior to their appointment. [69655]

  The Prime Minister
  Special Advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in the "Model Contract for Special Advisers". Their appointments are made personally by the appointing Minister, on behalf of the Crown. As is the case with appointments under the previous Administration, special advisers will often have worked with or have been known to the appointing Minister before appointment. Their appointment terminates automatically when there is a change of Government.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Prime Minister what was the total cost incurred by his predecessor in the financial year 1996–97 for the use of RAF and chartered aircraft. [69379]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]: The total cost incurred by my predecessor in the financial year 1996–97 for the use of RAF and chartered aircraft was £233,872. This is part of the total expenditure of £7.8 million on overseas visits by Ministers under the previous Administration for 1996–97 and compares with expenditure of £6.1 million by this Government in the year 1 May 1997 to 31 March 1998.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Prime Minister how many of the people listed in his answer of 19 November 1998,Official Report, columns 743–44, as accompanying him to Washington in February 1998 were (a) ministers, (b) permanent career civil servants, (c) temporary civil servants, special advisers and political appointees, (d) journalists paying their own fares, (e) businessmen paying their own fares and (f) others. [70233]
  522
  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 9 February 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Lichfield (Mr. Fabricant) on 13 March 1998, Official Report, columns 366–67. No journalists or businessmen accompanied me on the visit. I also refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley, Central (Mr. Illsley) on 10 February 1999, Official Report, columns 283–84.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Prime Minister how many of the people listed in his answer of 19 November 1998,Official Report, columns 743–44, as accompanying him to the G7 summit and UN General Assembly in June 1997 were (a) ministers, (b) permanent career civil servants, (c) temporary civil servants, special advisers and political appointees, (d) journalists paying their own fares, (e) businessmen paying their own fares and (f) others. [70232]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 9 February 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs (Mr. Flight) on 4 July 1997, Official Report, column 293. Seventeen journalists accompanied me on the visit and paid their own fares. No businessmen attended.

  I also refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley, Central (Mr. Illsley) on 10 February 1999, Official Report, columns 283–84.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Prime Minister how many of the people listed in his answer of 19 November 1998,Official Report, columns 743–44, as accompanying him to Japan in January 1998 were (a) ministers, (b) permanent career civil servants, (c) temporary civil servants, special advisers and political appointees, (d) journalists paying their own fares, (e) businessmen paying their own fares and (f) others. [70234]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 9 February 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith) on 17 February 1998, Official Report, columns 523–24. Nineteen journalists accompanied me on the visit and paid their own fares.

  I also refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley, Central (Mr. Illsley) on 10 February 1999, Official Report, columns 283–84.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Prime Minister when he plans to provide a substantive answer to the question from the hon. Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton of 25 January 1999, regarding ministerial Concorde flights (Ref. 67984). [71190]

  The Prime Minister
  I did so on 10 February 1999,Official Report, column 283.

  Ministerial Committee on Defence and Overseas Policy
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the members of the Ministerial Committee on Defence and Overseas Policy and publish the agendas of its meetings; and if he will make a statement on the circumstances under which other Ministers may be invited to participate in its meetings. [71052]
  523
  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Midlothian (Mr. Clarke) on 21 October 1998,Official Report, columns 1123–35. Other Ministers are invited to attend meetings as and when business requires.

  In accordance with long-standing practice adopted by previous Administrations I do not propose to publish the agendas of the Committee's meetings. These documents fall within the exemption for proceedings of Cabinet and Cabinet Committees under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Security Services
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to allow members of the security services to plead a public interest defence in respect of any disclosure they may make. [70903]

  The Prime Minister
  The Government naturally keep legislation under review in the light of changing circumstances. However, they have no plans to undertake a formal review of the Official Secrets Act 1911.

  The introduction of a public interest defence would mean that an officer in the security and intelligence agencies would be able to disclose sensitive information. Only after the information was released, and any damage done, would anyone else be able to make judgment on whether, in fact, the disclosure was in the public interest. There are clearly difficulties with such a proposal.

  Staff of the security and intelligence agencies have, since 1987, been able to raise any concerns they have with the Staff Counsellor.

  Iraq
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister what contacts took place during his visit to Amman on 8 February between Her Majesty's Government and Members of the Iraqi delegation; and if he will make a statement. [71426]

  The Prime Minister
  No contacts took place.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 25 January 1999,Official Report, column 24, on Iraq, when (a) the paper circulated by the Russians and (b) the French proposals will be discussed in the Security Council; and if he will make a statement. [69991]

  The Prime Minister
  The French and Russian proposals were discussed in the Security Council on a number of occasions during January.

  On 30 January, the Security Council reached consensus on the next steps on Iraq when it agreed to establish panels to consider three crucial issues: weapons of mass destruction; the humanitarian situation; and Prisoners of War and other Kuwaiti property. The panels are expected to report back to the Security Council by mid-April.

  Internal Market
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister what percentage of total EU directives in force is currently under review under the Simpler Legislation for the Internal Market. [71147]
  524
  The Prime Minister
  The Simpler Legislation for the Internal Market programme (SLIM) is aimed, as its name implies, at Single Market legislation. On 31 December 1998, 1193 Single Market Directives had been transposed into the domestic law of all Member States. This figure includes all Single Market Directives adopted and still in force since the beginning of the European Economic Community. Beginning in May 1996, SLIM reviews have covered around 3.25 per cent. of this legislation, in 14 different areas of activity.

  The most recent two phases of SLIM have included reviews of electromagnetic compatibility, insurance, social security and company law legislation.

HEALTH

  Noise-induced Hearing Loss
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department is undertaking to assess the effects of noise-induced hearing loss on natural hearing deterioration through aging. [67479]

  Mr. Hutton
  None. The Department funds research and development to support its work on policy development and evaluation in health and social care. The Department also manages the National Health Service research and development levy which is used to support research and development of relevance to the National Health Service in hospitals, general practice and other health care settings, and to fund the NHS research and development programme. In addition, the Medical Research Council (MRC)—which receives most of its income via grant-in-aid from the Office of Science and Technology in the Department of Trade and Industry—funds medical research as part of the Government's funding of the science and engineering base. The MRC also funds basic research including the study of molecules and cells, genetics and infections and immunity (£158 millions per annum) which will inform research in this area.

  Details of projects directly funded by the Department or supported through the NHS research and development levy can be found on the National Research Register (NRR). This is available in the Library and most medical libraries on CD Rom, and on the Internet: http://www.doh.gov.uk/nrr.htm. The NRR also contains many details of projects/trials funded by the MRC and other funders.

  Public Consultations
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish his Department's collation and assessment of responses to each of the Government's public consultations. [69773]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department carefully analyses the responses to all consultation exercises it undertakes, and decisions are taken in the light of this assessment. We explain how decisions reflect our assessment of responses, but the decision to publish those assessments is made on a case-by-case basis.
  525

  Breast Feeding
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what financial provision he has made for the promotion of breast feeding in the current financial year. [70148]

  Ms Jowell
  In England, the financial provision for the promotion of breastfeeding during 1998–99 is £140,000. This includes publicity expenditure on promoting breastfeeding and grants awarded under Section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 to voluntary organisations concerned with promoting breastfeeding. It does not include the incidental expenditure of those attending meetings to discuss the promotion of breastfeeding either within the Department or the National Health Service.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department publish(a) the minutes of meetings, (b) the agendas of meetings and documents for those meetings and (c) a register of members' interests; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69956]

  Ms Jowell
  Of the Department's seven executive non-departmental public bodies, the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (CCETSW), the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (ENB) and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) publish the minutes of meetings. In none of these cases is this under a statutory requirement.

  CCETSW and ENB publish the agendas of meetings and documents for those meetings. In neither case is this under a statutory requirement.

  CCETSW, ENB, HFEA, the National Biological Standards Board, the National Radiological Protection Board and the Public Health Laboratory Service Board publish registers of members' interests in line with the commitment given in Quangos: Opening the doors (Cabinet Office, July 1998). The Medical Practices Committee will be publishing a register shortly. In none of these cases is this under a statutory requirement.

  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department(a) admit members of the public to all board or committee meetings, (b) hold public meetings, (c)have lay or consumer representatives on their boards and (d) operate some form of appeal or complaints procedure; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69974]

  Ms Jowell
  Of the Department's seven executive non-Departmental public bodies, the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (CCETSW) and the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (ENB) admit members of the public to all board or committee meetings. In neither case is this under a statutory requirement.

  CCETSW, ENB, and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) hold public meetings. In none of these cases is this under a statutory requirement.
  526
  CCETSW, ENB, HFEA and the Medical Practices Committee (MPC) have lay or consumer representatives on their boards. Only HFEA does so under a statutory requirement. We have included those bodies which have members with consumer expertise, even if there is not a dedicated consumer place.

  CCETSW, ENB, HFEA, MPC, the National Biological Standards Board, the National Radiological Protection Board and the Public Health Laboratory Service Board all operate some form of appeal or complaints procedure. In none of these cases is this a statutory requirement.

  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department have a statutory base; and which are subject to investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner. [69914]

  Ms Jowell
  All of the Department's seven executive non-Departmental public bodies have a statutory base. These are: the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (CCETSW), the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (ENB), the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the Medical Practices Committee (MPC), the National Biological Standards Board (NBSB), the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) and the Public Health Laboratory Service Board (PHLSB).

  CCETSW, HFEA and MPC are already subject to investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner. ENB, NBSB and NRPB will soon be subject to investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner as they are due to be brought within his jurisdiction shortly by means of an Order in Council which goes before the Privy Council this month. PHLSB is subject to the jurisdiction of the Health Service Commissioner and is therefore excluded from the Parliamentary Commissioner's jurisdiction.

  NHS Consultants
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what written and oral representations or submissions he or his Department have received since May 1997 concerning NHS consultants working outside the NHS; and if he will make a statement on their contents. [70327]

  Mr. Denham
  Ministers and officials have received written and oral representations from many individuals, organisations and trust managers about National Health Service consultants. Departmental officials have also talked to a range of individuals and organisations in preparing to open negotiations with the British Medical Association on a new consultant contract, and these discussions have generated a variety of ideas and opinions. Negotiations opened in December.

  Some representations have expressed concern about the time consultants spend on private practice and questioned their commitment to the NHS. Others have emphasised their hard work and dedication. Most consultants work very hard for the NHS. We are alert, however, to the possibility of conflicts of interest where consultants work outside the NHS. We want to modernise their contracts to ensure that the skills and commitment of consultants are priorities and goals of the NHS and through this to resolve any apparent conflict of interest between private and NHS work.
  527

  Research (Human Tissue)
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the use of human tissue in drug research; and if he will make a statement. [70621]

  Ms Jowell
  The use of human tissue in drug research can provide valuable information, in combination with information from other studies, when assessing the quality, safety and efficacy of medicinal products. The use of human tissue in drug research, along with other screening tests, may also help pharmaceutical companies to select a drug from a range of developmental drugs for further development.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the institutions funded by the Government to carry out research using human tissue. [70622]

  Ms Jowell
  It is likely that each National Health Service provider, medical school, and some universities and other research institutes in receipt of research funding or research support funding will be undertaking research using human tissue (including blood and cells). The precise list would change all the time as research is commissioned and ceases. It is likely to include all large teaching hospitals and medical schools at most times.

  Details of projects directly funded by the Department or supported through the NHS research and development levy can be found on the National Research Register (NRR). This is available in the Library and most medical libraries on CD Rom, and on the Internet: http://www.doh.gov.uk/nrr.htm. The NRR also contains many details of projects/trials funded by the Medical Research Council and other funders.

  NHS Pay System
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish proposals to modernise the NHS pay system. [71710]

  Mr. Denham
  We have today published the paper "Agenda for Change—Modernising the NHS Pay System" which gives details of our proposals. Copies are available in the Library.

  North and East Devon Health Authority
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 9 February 1999,Official Report, column 166, concerning the judgment in R. v. North and East Health Authority, when he will complete his assessment of the implications of the case. [71408]

  Mr. Hutton
  We expect to complete our assessment following the decision on appeal.

  Contraceptives
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines he has issued to general practitioners on the prescription of contraceptives to under-16 year olds. [70454]

  Ms Jowell
  Guidance on contraceptive services for young people, including those under 16, is contained in the Department's circular Health Circular (86)1/,528
  Health Circular (Family Practitioner) (86)1/, Local Authority Circular (86)3, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to relocate staff in(a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible to the regions of the United Kingdom with the highest levels of unemployment; and what plans he has further to decentralise the location of his Department and its agencies. [70464]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department has a total of 4,896 staff, of whom 51 per cent. are based outside of London in some 40 offices throughout England. The Department underwent a major relocation exercise in 1993 when staff, mainly from London, were relocated to Leeds to establish the National Health Service Executive which now employs 652 people in Leeds. Around 50 staff in the NHS Estates Agency relocated from London to Leeds at the same time. The NHS Pensions Agency relocated to Fleetwood from Canons Park, London, in 1967. There are currently no plans for further relocation.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the total number of staff(a) in his Department and (b) in each of the agencies for which he is responsible and their location in (i) London, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) each of the English regions. [70478]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is in the table. The Department has no employees in Scotland or Wales.

  Department (excluding Agencies)

  Medical Devices Agency

  Medicines Control Agency

  NHS Estates Agency

  NHS Pensions Agency

  Total

  East

  Midlands

  29

  0

  1

  0

  0

  30

  Eastern

  5

  0

  6

  1

  0

  12

  London

  1,760

  128

  482

  2

  0

  2,372

  Merseyside

  16

  0

  0

  0

  0

  16

  North East

  122

  0

  0

  1

  0

  123

  North West

  165

  8

  5

  0

  489

  667

  South East

  230

  10

  10

  4

  0

  254

  South West

  133

  0

  0

  0

  0

  133

  West Midlands

  252

  0

  0

  3

  0

  255

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  892

  0

  4

  138

  0

  1,034

  Total

  3,604

  146

  508

  149

  489

  4,896

  Cold-related Illnesses
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the increase in admissions to hospital for cold-related illnesses during the winter months and the effect of this on the availability of hospital beds. [70448]

  Mr. Hutton
  The National Health Service came under intense pressure over the Christmas and New Year period as a result of flu and flu-like illness and respiratory disease. The Emergency Services Action Team will be identifying lessons to be learned for next winter and also feeding these into the National Beds Inquiry we have set up within the Department.
  529
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the costs to the National Health Service of treating cold-related illnesses; and what measures he is taking to reduce these costs. [70451]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information is not collected on the cost to the National Health Service of treating cold-related illnesses. Information on treatments and costs are based on the treatment undertaken and not on the range of causes of the illness or disease.

  The Department supports campaigns aimed at reducing the incidence of illness. One project which is related to cold conditions is "Keep Warm, Keep Well". As there are many influences on cold-related illness, this programme also involves the Departments of Social Security and the Environment, Transport and the Regions. The campaign is backed by Age Concern, England, Help the Aged and Neighbourhood Energy Action.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what(a) support and (b) advice his Department has offered to health authorities in respect of treating illnesses caused by cold and damp conditions in the home; [70449]

  (2) what analysis his Department has made of (a) the extent of illness caused by cold and damp housing and (b) the cost to his Department of treating such illness. [70450]

  Ms Jowell
  The introduction of Health Improvement Programmes, through the White Paper "The new NHS", will bring all local players together to develop cross cutting plans to tackle the whole range of factors that cause ill health, of which cold and damp conditions in the home is one. These proposals encourage health authorities to take an overarching approach to addressing the health needs of their populations and are designed to produce overall improvements in health and reductions in inequalities.

  The Government recognise that cold and damp housing and poor housing conditions generally can contribute to ill health. However, poor health can be influenced by a large number of causes other than housing. Poverty, unemployment and unhealthy lifestyles are examples of interacting factors that can have at least as great an effect. Therefore, it is not possible to establish or quantify links between specific housing conditions and ill health. As a result, nor is it possible to make estimates of National Health Service expenditure on ill health related to specific housing conditions.

  Web site

  Department1

  MDA

  MCA

  NHSPA

  NHS Estates

  Setup costs (£000)

  8

  2

  —

  32

  —

  Operation costs 1998–99 (£000)

  210

  2—

  5

  14

  0.5

  Average monthly hits

  1,011,300

  24,800

  2,200

  31,100

  25,000

  Estimated expenditure 1999–2001 (£000)

  410

  —

  —

  20

  —

  Estimated expenditure 2000–01 (£000)

  11

  —

  —

  14.5

  —

  Estimated expenditure 2001–02 (£000)

  12

  —

  —

  14.5

  —

  1 The central Department internet site home page address is www.doh.gov.uk; the MDA is www.medical-devices.gov.uk; the MCA is www.open.gov.uk/mca/mcahome.htm; the NHSPA is www.nhspa.gov.uk

  2 This excludes the cost of the Department's CCTA foundation membership which partly covers web hotelling costs for the Department and MDA as well as other services

  3 The NHSPA internet site was launched on 23 December 1998, and this figure only reflects the first month of operation

  4 This is an estimated figure and may be amended in the light of Modern Government and Freedom of Information proposals in the future

  530

  Wheelchairs
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend the NHS wheelchair voucher scheme to cover powered wheelchairs. [71134]

  Mr. Hutton
  An evaluation of the powered wheelchair and voucher scheme initiatives was commissioned last year from the York Health Economics Consortium. The evaluation is expected to be completed in the spring. Any decision to extend the voucher scheme to include powered wheelchairs will be taken in the light of the consortium's recommendations.

  Mr. Rodney Ledward
  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to announce his decision on the holding of a public inquiry into the causes, consequences and implications of the conduct of Mr. Rodney Ledward. [71315]

  Mr. Denham
  We have decided to conduct an independent inquiry into the performance of Mr. Rodney Ledward. We shall make an announcement shortly on the terms of reference and membership of the inquiry panel.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the expenditure incurred by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on(a) the setting up and (b) the operation of web sites, indicating the cases in which the expenditure has been above that budgeted; and if he will list for each web site (i) the topics covered, (ii) the current average number of hits per month and (iii) the estimated expenditure on each web site for each of the next three years. [70970]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department's internet site has information on a wide range of topics covering the Department's activities and policies including Departmental responsibilities and objectives, press releases, Ministerial team details, Chief Medical Officer information, and the full text of all Departmental circulars and some Departmental publications. The Medical Devices Agency (MDA) Internet site includes information on reporting adverse incidents and Year 2000 and medical devices. The Medicines Control Agency (MCS) internet site covers its structure and functions together with electronic copies of some publications. The NHS Pensions Agency (NHSPA) internet site targets over 11,000 NHS employers on the co-administration of the pension scheme. The NHS Estates web site also includes information on its structure and functions and the text of some circulars. Statistical data concerning the cost and usage of the web sites are as follows:
  531
  The following information is available on the Department's non-departmental public bodies web sites on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), National Radiological Protect Board (NRPB), Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) and National Biological Standards Board (NBSB)):

  Web site

  FEA

  NRPB

  PHLS

  NBSB

  Setup costs (£000)

  6

  —

  22

  4

  Operation costs 1998–99 (£000)

  —

  —

  —

  2

  Average monthly hits

  3,500

  20,000

  110,000

  13,500

  Estimated expenditure 1999–2000 (£000)

  10

  —

  —

  2

  Estimated expenditure 2000–01 (£000)

  3

  —

  —

  2

  Estimated expenditure 2001–02 (£000)

  3

  —

  —

  2

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 16 December 1998,Official Report, column 560, if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred by (a) his agencies and non-departmental public bodies and (b) the Central Office of Information for relevant work carried out for his Department. [71009]

  Ms Jowell
  The information requested is given in the table.

  £ million

  Estimated expenditure (since 1 May 1997)

  (a) Non-departmental public bodies—public opinion research, television, radio and newspaper advertising

  0.45

  (b) The previously supplied total expenditure for television, radio and newspaper advertising during 1997–98 (£2.08 million) was all for work supplied by Central Office of Information. The total estimate for this work in 1998–99 has not yet been produced.

  —

  Diet (Mortality)
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish details of the risks of mortality assessed by his Department from the consumption of foodstuffs associated with incidence of cancer and cardiovascular illness for (i) men and (ii) women aged(a) 20, (b) 30,(c)40, (d) 50, (e) 60 and (f) 65 years. [70088]

  Ms Jowell
  The detailed information on risk of mortality from cancer and cardiovascular disease that is associated with the consumption of individual foods is not available in the form requested. It is the balance of foods making up the whole diet that is important in determining 532
  risk rather than individual foods. Independent expert advice to Government on the Nutritional Aspects of Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease has been published in reports by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy in 1998 and 1994 respectively. These reports are available in the Library.

  Smoking
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cigarettes per day are smoked by the average smoker. [70692]

  Ms Jowell
  In England, in 1996–97, the average number of cigarettes smoked by adult smokers aged 16 and above was 15 a day.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many adults in the United Kingdom were(a) cigarette smokers and (b) smokers of other tobacco products at the latest date for which figures are available. [70693]

  Ms Jowell
  The latest data relate to 1996–97, and show that amongst adults aged 16 and over in the United Kingdom:(a) 28 per cent. were cigarette smokers; (b) 3 per cent. were cigar smokers, and 1 per cent. were pipe smokers. Cigar and pipe smoking is mostly confined to men.

  Dentistry
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations from hon. Members he has received about the implementation of the investing in dentistry scheme; how many hon. Members have sought meetings with him; and how many have taken place. [70882]

  Mr. Denham
  We have received 70 letters from hon. Members. I have not had any requests from hon. Members to meet me to discuss the investing in dentistry initiative.

  Medical Staff (Violent Attacks)
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to deal with violent attacks on nurses, doctors and other medical staff. [69120]

  Mr. Denham
  Violence to staff in the National Health Service is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The Government are planning a cross-government drive to reduce the incidence of violence against staff. This has the firm support of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. and noble Friend the Lord Chancellor and my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General. The campaign will be backed up by national guidelines for action, including prevention, prosecution, sentencing, good practice and challenging targets. The overarching message of this campaign will be that violence against NHS staff is unacceptable and the Government are determined to stamp it out.
  533

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Pensions
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimates he has made, for each of the next five decades, of the increased cost to the National Insurance Fund of the increased rebates advocated in A New Contract for Welfare: Partnership in Pensions. [64949]

  Mr. Timms
  The estimated additional cost of the extra rebates because of State Second Pension is as follows:

  £ billion(1998–99 prices)

  2010

  2020

  2030

  2040

  2050

  Cost

  0.9

  1.4

  2.1

  2.9

  4.1

  The introduction of Stakeholder Pension schemes is expected to lead to higher levels of contracting out. It is estimated that for every million people who contract out, £0.7 billion would be lost in National Insurance contributions.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the real cost to an employee on average earnings of the restoration of the earnings link to the basic state pension for(a) 2000, (b) 2010, (c) 2020,(d) 2030, (e) 2040 and (f) 2050, based on a growth in national income and average earnings of 1.5 per cent. per annum; and if he will estimate for the same years the real costs as they would be if the basic state pension was linked to prices and in the absence of the minimum income guarantee. [69193]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]: The information is in the table.

  Weekly contributions required by employees on average earnings to meet the cost of price and earnings upratings of national insurance fund benefits

  Price uprating of benefits and earnings limits

  Earnings uprating of benefits and earnings limits

  Year

  £ per week

  Percentage of all earnings

  £ per week

  Percentage of all earnings

  2000

  29

  7.5

  30

  7.6

  2010

  33

  7.3

  37

  8.1

  2020

  34

  6.4

  46

  8.7

  2030

  35

  5.7

  61

  9.9

  2040

  32

  4.5

  73

  10.2

  2050

  29

  3.5

  84

  10.1

  Notes:

  1. The information is in constant 1998–99 price terms. However, costs can be met in a number of ways and the liability would not necessarily fall on employees.

  2. Estimates assume 1.5 per cent. real earnings growth.

  3. Means-tested benefit offsets have not been taken into account as they do not constitute part of the National Insurance Fund.

  Source:

  Estimates have been provided by the Government Actuary's Department

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what will be, in each of the next five decades,534
  the gross and net public expenditure costs of the proposals outlined in A New Contract for Welfare: Partnership in Pensions. [64948]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 11 February 1999,Official Report, column 376, which gives the gross and net public expenditure costs for State Second pension compared to SERPS. The public expenditure costs arising from the introduction of Stakeholder Pension schemes would be dependent on the level of take-up. The estimated cost of guaranteeing eligible pensioners an income of at least £75 a week is £265 million in 1999–2000.

  Child Support Agency
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many absent parents in each of the last three years filed returns with the Child Support Agency stating that they were self-employed. [70430]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Faith Boardman to Ms Rosie Winterton, dated 11 February 1999:

  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the self employed non-resident parents dealt with by Child Support Agency.

  I am not able to provide all of the information in the precise format that you have requested, but have provided as much as is available.

  Information relating to the number of self employed non-resident parents who have had a maintenance assessment is produced by the Analytical Services Division of the Department of Social Security.

  The Department of Social Security Analytical Services Division publish quarterly a summary of statistics relating to child support; the latest report was published today and shows that at November 1998 36,500 maintenance assessment cases referred to self employed non-resident parents. The full report is available in the House of Commons library. Information for previous years and comparisons with the total live and assessed caseload are shown in the table attached.

  We acknowledge that cases where the non-resident parent is self employed can be more difficult to progress, especially where the non-resident parent does not wish to co-operate. The key to assure early co-operation is by personal contact with our clients. By approaching clients at the initial stages of their assessment we aim to build a better relationship with them, address their concerns promptly and provide an improved level of service.

  We have recently completed a pilot study in the South Western Business Unit, looking at how best to process self employed cases. Trials using dedicated staff dealing exclusively with the self employed have shown a marked reduction in processing time and an increase in the collection of maintenance. We intend to have specific sections, supported by accountants where necessary, in each of the other 5 front line Business Unit by March 1999 to deal exclusively with self employed customers.
  535
  The Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill published on 10 February 1999 contains a provision which allows the Inland Revenue to pass information about the earnings of a self employed non-resident parent where the Agency enquiries have failed to establish the facts. This will allow assessments to be made in a number of the most difficult cases.

  Additionally, we have increased resources for our Client Helplines and the National Enquiry Line, extended our hours of opening to cover 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 5.00pm on Saturdays and carried out trials to greatly improve and increase clients' opportunities to secure a face to face service.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Maintenance assessments for self employed non-resident parents

  November 1996

  November 1997

  November 1998

  Live and assessed caseload

  545,900

  694,500

  864,400

  Self Employed cases

  21,100

  28,900

  36,500

  The impact of the introduction of the national minimum wage (nmw) on the distribution of gross weekly earnings of the main earner

  Gross Earnings £ per week

  Above NMW level—no change in Family Credit (FC)

  Below NMW level but on maximum FC. Earnings rise—no change in FC

  Below NMW level. Earnings rise. FC falls (but by less than the increase in earnings)

  Below NMW. Earnings rise—float families above the levels at which FC is payable

  Total

  Under £40

  25,500

  3,500

  5,000

  1,500

  37,500

  £40—£79.99

  118,000

  61,000

  70,500

  5,500

  256,000

  £80—£119.99

  113,000

  —

  60,000

  8,500

  182,000

  £120—£159.99

  94,000

  —

  35,000

  5,000

  134,000

  £160—£199.99

  93,500

  —

  12,000

  2,500

  108,000

  £200—£249.00

  70,000

  —

  2,500

  2,500

  75,000

  £250—£299.99

  16,500

  —

  —

  500

  16,500

  £300+

  2,000

  —

  —

  —

  2,000

  Total

  532,500

  65,000

  185,000

  26,000

  811,000

  Notes:

  1. Estimates based on a 5 percent. Sample of FC recipients and the1995–6 Family Resources Survey up rated to 1999–2000 prices, Estimates calibrated to 1999–2000 FC forecast assuming FC continues throughout the year.

  2. Eetimates assume no restoration of earnings differentials above the minimum wage and no employment effects.

  3. Analysis shows that partners earnings may laso increase on introduction of the minimum wage.

  4. Estimates rounded to nearest 500. Totals may not sum owing to rounding.(—) indicated a figure of less than 250.

  Pneumoconiosis
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many working miners are in receipt of a disability pension for pneumoconiosis; [69930]

  (2) how many former mineworkers are in receipt of a disability pension for pneumoconiosis; and how many cases were made an award in the last year for which figures are available. [69929]

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

  At 5 April 1997 there were approximately 7,700 awards' of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) in payment in respect of pneumoconiosis (prescribed disease D1) where the attributable industry was coalmining. In the 1997–98 year there were 229 new awards2 for pneumoconiosis made where coal was the attributable agent. It is not known how many of these people may still be employed in the industry.
  536

  Maintenance assessments for self employed non-resident parents

  November 1996

  November 1997

  November 1998

  Self Employed cases as % of live and assessed caseload

  4%

  4%

  4%

  Minimum Wage
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the effect of the introduction of the minimum wage on the number of family credit claimants where the main earner has gross weekly earnings of(a) under £40, (b) £40 to £79.99, (c) £80 to £119.99, (d) £120 to £159.99, (e) £160 to £199.99, (f) £200 to £249.99, (g) £250 to £300 and (h) £300 and over. [69750]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  1 Figures based on a 10 percent. Sample of IIDB assessments in Gb, which includes and adjustment for late statistical returns.

  2 Figure form 100 percent. Data fo new diagnoses.

  source:

  DSS (Analytical Services Division).

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many posthumous awards were made for pneumoconiosis in the last year for which figures are available broken down by(a) age, (b) degree of disability and (c) coalfield area. [69931]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Vibration White Finger
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many former mineworkers are in receipt of a disablement assessment for vibration white finger; and in how many cases an assessment was made in the last year for which figures are available; [69926]
  537
  (2) how many former mineworkers are in receipt of a disablement pension for vibration white finger; and how many pensions were awarded for the disease in the last year for which figures are available. [69927]

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

  At 5 April 1997 there were approximately 1,000 awards1 of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) in payment due to vibration white finger, where the attributable industry was coalmining.

  In the year 1997–98 there were 183 assessments2 made where coalmining was the attributable industry, above the disablement threshold for payment (14 per cent.) which would have resulted in payment of benefit. There were 2,175 new assessments2 which were below the disablement assessment threshold for payment (14 per cent.). Some of

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit—newly diagnosed awards of asbestos-related diseases in the period 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998

  All

  Men

  Women

  All Occupations

  1,030

  1,008

  22

  Corporate managers

  2

  2

  0

  General managers

  1

  1

  0

  Physical, mathematical and engineering science professionals

  3

  3

  0

  Other professionals

  1

  1

  0

  Physical and engineering science associate professionals

  17

  17

  0

  Life science and health associate professionals

  1

  0

  1

  Teaching associate professionals

  1

  0

  1

  Office clerks

  4

  2

  2

  Personal and protective services workers

  6

  4

  2

  Extraction and building trades workers

  280

  279

  1

  Metal, machinery and related trades workers

  301

  299

  2

  Precision, handicraft, printing and related trades workers

  52

  51

  1

  Other craft and related trades workers

  38

  35

  3

  Stationary plant and related trades workers

  97

  96

  1

  Machine operators and assemblers

  43

  37

  6

  Drivers and mobile plant operators

  69

  69

  0

  Sales and services elementary occupations

  14

  12

  2

  Agricultural, fishery and related labourers

  2

  2

  0

  Labourers in mining, construction, manufacturing and transport

  97

  97

  0

  Armed forces

  1

  1

  0

  Notes:

  1. Figures are not available by occupation or attributable agent for the total numbers of people receiving benefit related to asbestos.

  2. Asbestos related diseases that are prescribed for the purpose of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit are Pneumoconiosis (prescribed disease D1), where the attributable agent is asbestos, Diffuse mesothelioma (prescribed disease D3), Carcinoma of the lung (prescribed disease D8) and Bilateral diffuse pleural thickening (prescribed disease D9). The table shows the new diagnosis for benefit purposes of these asbestos-related diseases, which have attracted an award of benefit in the 1997–98 year, by gender and occupation.

  Source:

  DSS (Analytical Services Division). Figures based on 100 per cent. data.

  Electron Microscopes
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the accuracy of electron microscopes employed for purposes of assessing the presence of asbestos fibres in lung tissue; and if he will make a statement. [70185]

  Mr. Bayley
  This Department does not use electron microscopes for assessing the presence of asbestos fibres 538
  these may have been aggregated with another prescribed disease, but would not in themselves have attracted a benefit award. It is not known how many of these people may still be employed in the mining industry.

  1 Figure based on a 10 per cent. sample of IIDB assessments in GB, which includes an adjustment for late statistical returns.

  2 Figures from 100 per cent. data on new diagnosis.

  source:

  DSS (Analytical Services Division)

  Asbestosis
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) men and (b) women, broken down by occupation, (i) are in receipt of a disablement pension for asbestosis and (ii) were made an award in the last year for which figures are available. [69932]

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

  in lung tissue. The accurach of electron microscopes is a matter for the providers of any such microscopy service.

  Special Medical Boards (Correspondence)
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on how many occasions hon. Members have written to his Department about individual findings of special medical boards since 1986. [70181]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is not available.
  539

  Bronchitis and Emphysema
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claims have been received from former mineworkers claiming for chronic bronchitis and emphysema since(a) 13 September 1993 and (b) April 1997; and how many awards were made over the period broken down by (i) age, (ii) degree of disability and (iii) coalfield area. [69934]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out as follows.

  Claims to industrial injuries disablement benefit for chronic bronchitis and emphysema received between 13 September 1993 and 31 March 1996, by BA area directorate

  Benefits Agency directorate

  Claims received

  Anglia

  27

  Chilterns

  24

  South London and Wessex

  —

  West Country

  163

  East London and Essex

  43

  South East

  507

  Wessex

  1

  East Midlands

  6,266

  Midlands and South West

  680

  West Mercia

  3,870

  Wales

  10,354

  Merseyside

  539

  Greater Manchester

  355

  Lancashire and Cumbria

  2,377

  Tyne Tees

  7,540

  South Yorkshire and Humberside

  7,202

  North and West Yorkshire

  3,103

  Glasgow and Paisley

  252

  North, Central and West Scotland

  1,954

  Awards of industrial injuries disablement benefit for chronic bronchitis and emphysema by percentage disability between 13 September 1993 and 31 March 1996

  13 September 1993 to 1 October 1994 Percentage disability

  2 October 1994 to 31 March 1996 Percentage disability

  Benefits Agency directorate

  14–24

  25–34

  Over 34

  14–19

  20–25

  Over 25

  Anglia

  0

  0

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Chilterns

  0

  3

  1

  0

  0

  0

  South London and Wessex

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  West Country

  1

  0

  2

  0

  3

  0

  East London and Essex

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  South East

  4

  3

  25

  0

  0

  2

  Wessex

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  East Midlands

  38

  52

  521

  5

  16

  104

  Midlands and South West

  3

  2

  50

  0

  0

  1

  West Mercia

  22

  43

  315

  4

  8

  17

  Wales

  203

  223

  891

  4

  48

  161

  Merseyside

  5

  18

  26

  0

  0

  1

  Greater Manchester

  4

  8

  19

  0

  1

  0

  Lancashire and Cumbria

  18

  25

  104

  1

  3

  6

  Tyne Tees

  33

  83

  467

  2

  7

  48

  South Yorks and Humberside

  57

  96

  620

  3

  15

  87

  North and West Yorkshire

  61

  65

  294

  1

  3

  23

  Glasgow and Paisley

  0

  2

  6

  0

  0

  0

  North, Central and West Scotland

  3

  12

  45

  0

  0

  4

  East Scotland

  1

  10

  83

  1

  1

  7

  Total Great Britain

  453

  645

  3,472

  21

  105

  461

  Source

  DSS (Analytical Services Division) data from Benefits Agency "BREM" and Central Data Unit. 100 per cent. data, which are provisional and subject to amendment.
  540

  Claims to industrial injuries disablement benefit for chronic bronchitis and emphysema received between 13 September 1993 and 31 March 1996, by BA area directorate

  Benefits Agency directorate

  Claims received

  East Scotland

  2,484

  Total Great Britain

  47,741

  Source

  DSS (Analytical Services Division). data from Benefits Agency "BREM" and Central Data Unit. 100 per cent. data, which are provisional and subject to amendment.

  Claims to industrial injuries disablement benefit for chronic bronchitis and emphysema between 1 April 1996 and 31 December 1998 by BA area directorate

  Benefits Agency directorate

  / April 1996 to 1 April 1997

  9 April 1997 to 31 December 1998

  East London and Anglia

  7

  22

  Chilterns

  2

  15

  London South

  12

  721

  West Country

  12

  93

  Mercia

  524

  11,137

  West Midlands

  31

  978

  Wales

  693

  7,950

  North West Coast

  65

  819

  Greater Manchester

  97

  1,408

  Yorkshire

  605

  8,045

  Tyne Tees

  279

  5,216

  West of Scotland

  34

  1,514

  East of Scotland

  94

  4,007

  Total Great Britain

  2,455

  41,925

  Note

  The Benefits Agency area directorates were reorganised with effect from April 1996.

  Source

  DSS (Analytical Services Division) data from Benefits Agency "BREM" and Central Data Unit. 100 per cent. data, which are provisional and subject to amendment.
  541

  Awards of industrial injuries disablement benefit for chronic bronchitis and emphysema between I April 1996 and 31 December 1998 by BA area directorates

  1 April 1996 to 31 March 1997 Degree of disability

  1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998 Degree of disability

  1 April 1998 to 31 December 1998 Degree of disability

  Benefits Agency directorate

  14–19%

  20–25%

  Over 25%

  14–24%

  25–34%

  Over 34%

  14–19%

  20–25%

  Over 25%

  East London and Anglia

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Chilterns

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  London South

  1

  0

  0

  18

  10

  45

  2

  20

  47

  West Country

  0

  0

  2

  4

  4

  15

  1

  0

  9

  Mercia

  2

  14

  69

  137

  192

  1,733

  7

  35

  477

  West Midlands

  0

  0

  2

  7

  17

  109

  1

  1

  10

  Wales

  4

  11

  39

  207

  264

  1,178

  37

  108

  474

  North West Coast

  2

  0

  5

  36

  24

  80

  3

  9

  56

  Greater Manchester

  1

  12

  5

  20

  33

  154

  10

  24

  86

  Yorkshire

  2

  5

  77

  82

  153

  1,105

  6

  109

  489

  Tyne Tees

  0

  1

  11

  94

  185

  828

  17

  39

  237

  West of Scotland

  0

  0

  0

  39

  48

  189

  12

  6

  20

  East of Scotland

  0

  1

  5

  38

  120

  527

  16

  36

  242

  Total Great Britain

  12

  44

  215

  682

  1,050

  5,964

  112

  387

  2,147

  Notes:

  1. Details of age and coalfield are not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  2. It is not known how many of these people may still be employed in the industry.

  3. Details are provided by the Benefits Agency (BA) Area Directorates; it should be noted that the number of (and area covered by) these Directorates altered in April 1996.

  Source

  DSS (Analytical Services Division) data from Benefits Agency "BREM" and Central Data Unit. 100 per cent. data, which are provisional and subject to amendment.

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many posthumous awards for chronic bronchitis and emphysema have been made to former mineworkers since 13 September 1993 broken down by (i) age, (ii) degree of disability and (iii) coalfield area. [69887]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mesothelioma
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) men and (b) women broken down by occupation are in receipt of a disablement pension for mesothelioma. [69928]

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

  Industrial Injuries Benefit—Current assessments of diffuse mesothelioma at 5 April 1997 by the industry attributable to the disease

  Thousand

  All assessments

  Men

  Women

  All Industries

  0.7

  0.7

  —

  Agriculture, hunting and forestry

  —

  —

  —

  Fishing

  —

  —

  —

  Mining and quarrying

  —

  —

  —

  Manufacturing

  0.3

  0.3

  —

  Electricity, gas and water supply

  —

  —

  —

  Construction

  0.2

  0.2

  —

  Wholesale and retail trade

  —

  —

  —

  Hotels and restaurants

  —

  —

  —

  Transport, storage and communication

  0.1*

  0.1*

  —

  Financial intermediation

  —

  —

  —

  Real estate renting and business activities

  0.1*

  0.1*

  —

  Public administration and defence;

  compulsory social security

  —

  —

  —

  Education

  —

  —

  —

  542

  Industrial Injuries Benefit—Current assessments of diffuse mesothelioma at 5 April 1997 by the industry attributable to the disease

  Thousand

  All assessments

  Men

  Women

  Health and social work

  —

  —

  —

  Other community, social and personal activities

  —

  —

  —

  Private households with employed persons

  —

  —

  —

  Extra-territorial organisations and bodies

  —

  —

  —

  Notes:

  1. Figures based on a 10 per cent. sample of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit assessments in GB, which include an adjustment for late statistical returns.

  2. The convention '—' means nil or negligible, and an asterisk indicates that a figure may be too small to be statistically reliable.

  3. Details of occupation are not recorded on Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit current mesothelioma assessments data.

  Source

  DSS (Analytical Services Division)

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many posthumous awards for mesothelioma were made for(a) men and (b) women, broken down by occupation, who have died in the last year for which figures are available. [69933]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Pensioners (Tax and Benefits)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners(a) pay income tax and receive a means-tested benefit, (b) pay income tax but do not received a means-tested benefit, (c) do not pay income tax but do receive a means-tested benefit and (d) do not pay income tax and do not receive a means-tested benefit and if he will break down the total by (i) sex, (ii) marital status and (iii) five year age bands. [69695]
  543
  Mr. Timms
  The information is in the tables.

  Thousand

  Single male pensioners

  Single female pensioners

  Pensioner couples

  All pensioner benefit units

  Pensioners paying income tax and receiving a means-tested benefit

  60–64

  10

  30

  20

  70

  65–69

  10

  20

  10

  40

  70–74

  20

  20

  10

  40

  75–79

  10

  20

  *

  30

  80+

  10

  20

  *

  30

  Total

  60

  110

  40

  210

  Pensioners paying income tax and not receiving a means-tested benefit

  60–64

  90

  170

  840

  1,100

  65–69

  110

  140

  520

  770

  70–74

  100

  160

  350

  610

  75–79

  60

  100

  190

  360

  80+

  80

  120

  140

  340

  Total

  440

  690

  2,040

  3,170

  Pensioners not paying income tax and not receiving a means-tested benefit

  60–64

  90

  140

  170

  400

  65–69

  80

  220

  170

  480

  70–74

  80

  360

  160

  600

  75–79

  70

  370

  150

  590

  80+

  120

  570

  130

  820

  Total

  440

  1,660

  780

  2,880

  Pensioners not paying income tax and receiving a means-tested benefit

  60–64

  30

  30

  110

  170

  65–69

  40

  130

  270

  440

  70–74

  40

  210

  310

  560

  75–79

  40

  200

  200

  430

  80+

  50

  310

  150

  510

  Total

  200

  880

  1,040

  2,110

  Notes:

  1. Figures are given to the nearest 10,000 pensioner benefit units, although not necessarily accurate to that degree.

  2. Figures of less than 5,000 pensioners are denoted by '*'.

  3. Figures should be treated with caution since taxpaying status is not directly measured by the Family Resources Survey, but has been modelled to the 1997–98 tax system.

  4. Pensioner benefit units are defined as single people aged 60 or over and couples (married or cohabiting) where at least one partner is aged 60 or over.

  5. Taxpaying pensioner benefit units are defined as those where at least one individual in the benefit unit is modelled as liable to income tax.

  Source:

  The estimates are based on the 1995–96 Family Resources Survey and replicate those given in the answer of 5 November 1998, Official Report, columns 249–50. We anticipate that estimates based on the

  Financial redress for maladministration paid for each of the principle benefits administered by the Department of Social Security in 1997–98

  Type of benefit/ allowance

  Total number of successful claims

  Compensation paid for loss of statutory entitlement £

  Compensation paid for actual financial loss £

  Compensation paid for delay £

  Compensation paid for consolatory payments £

  Sickness Benefit

  59

  29,177

  329

  29,009

  1,180

  Invalidity Benefit

  262

  69,280

  9,581

  89,877

  2,400

  Incapacity Benefit

  578

  138,874

  18,285

  129,306

  2,235

  Retirement Benefit

  796

  641,169

  23,421

  212,668

  5,600

  Widows Benefit

  186

  150,324

  5,382

  70,424

  150

  Attendance Allowance

  103

  35,743

  3,793

  21,540

  400

  Disability Living Allowance

  357

  114,726

  24,946

  46,203

  3,735

  Invalid Care Allowance

  110

  64,265

  474

  15,749

  1,325

  Severe Disablement Allowance

  1,856

  43,793

  572

  311,694

  0

  Industrial Injury Disablement Benefit

  125

  107,813

  10,786

  47,078

  1,250

  Reduced Earnings Allowance/Severe Hardship Allowance

  43

  58,940

  8,956

  23,002

  0

  544
  1996–97 Family Resources Survey will be available after February 1999, as stated in the answer of 8 February 1999, Official Report, column 68.

  Pensioner Claimants (Benefits)
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what financial provision he expects to make in the financial year 1999–2000 for(a) administration of income support and (b) means-testing of social security benefits in relation to pensioner claimants. [70257]

  Angela Eagle
  Expenditure on the administration of Income Support for all client groups for 1999–2000 is estimated by the Benefits Agency to be £259.6 million. Of this total, it is estimated £71.3 million will be expenditure on the administration of pensioner cases.

  Estimated programme expenditure for the main means-tested benefits claimed by pensioners for the period 1999–2000

  £ billion

  Benefit

  Amount

  Income Support (Minimum Income Guarantee)

  4.0

  Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit

  5.5

  Notes:

  1. The figures on administrative costs exclude payment for postage, encashment charges, accommodation costs office service contracts, computer infrastructure charges and other central service costs. Information on these overheads apportioned by benefit is not routinely available.

  2. Figures on programme expenditure are consistent with those published in the November 1998 Pre-Budget Report.

  3. For the purposes of Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, the term "pensioner" refers to a single person aged 60 or over, or a couple where one or both members is aged 60 or over.

  Benefits (Maladministration)
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list, for each of the principal benefits administered by his Department,(a) the number of claims for financial redress for maladministration, (b) the number of such claims which were successful and (c) the amount of compensation paid in each of the categories (i) loss of statutory entitlement, (ii) actual financial loss, (iii) delay and (iv) consolatory payments, for each of the last 10 years. [70195]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.
  545

  Financial redress for maladministration paid for each of the principle benefits administered by the Department of Social Security in 1997–98

  Type of benefit/ allowance

  Total number of successful claims

  Compensation paid for loss of statutory entitlement £

  Compensation paid for actual financial loss £

  Compensation paid for delay £

  Compensation paid for consolatory payments £

  Child Benefit

  1,649

  105,321

  15,157

  2,426

  150

  Family Credit

  307

  116,451

  4,989

  1,861

  0

  Income Support

  2,088

  241,618

  344,511

  293,113

  8,705

  Jobseekers Allowance

  654

  21,237

  60,820

  1,105

  490

  War Pensions Allowance1

  82

  2,655

  1,217

  13,581

  100

  1Information relating to War Pensions Allowance is available in UK form only

  Notes:

  1. Departmental special payment arrangements were reviewed in 1996, and new categories of consolatory payments were introduced from April 1997. Data have been provided for 1997–98, which is the only complete financial year since the change.

  2. Previous statistical data did not separately identify different categories of ex-gratia payments.

  3. The number of claims made for financial redress for maladministration for previous years is unknown. Details are held only of those which were successful. However, fuller information is now being collected and will be available for the 1998–99 financial year, and future years.

  Special Medical Boards (Respiratory Diseases)
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the address of each special Medical Boarding Centre for Respiratory Diseases in the United Kingdom. [70175]

  Mr. Bayley
  The address of each Medical Boarding Centre where Respiratory Disease (RD) examinations are carried out is as listed. Claimants who are unable to travel are seen at their own home.

  South West
  Bournemouth Medical Services Examination Centre (MSEC)

  20–28 Cotlands Road

  Bournemouth

  Dorset

  Bristol MSEC

  Disability Benefit Centre

  Government Buildings

  Flowers Hill

  Brislington

  Bristol

  Exeter MSEC

  Unit 4

  Ground Floor

  Killerton House

  Park 5

  Harrier Way

  Exeter

  Gloucester MSEC

  Cedar House

  Spa Road

  Gloucester

  Plymouth MSEC

  Argosy House

  Longbridge Road

  Plympton

  Truro MSEC

  Pydar House

  Pydar Street

  Truro

  546
  Swindon MSEC

  Spring Gardens West

  Princes Street

  Swindon

  Wales

  Cardiff

  Government Buildings

  St. Agnes Road

  Gabalfa

  Cardiff

  Swansea

  4th Floor

  Grove House

  3 Grove Place

  Swansea

  Bangor

  Ty Clwyder

  The rear of 339 High Street

  Bangor

  Wrexham

  Ty Maylor

  15–17 Grosvenor Road

  Wrexham

  Scotland

  Glasgow MSC

  Corunna House

  29 Cadogan Street

  Glasgow

  Inverness MSEC

  2 Baron Taylor Street

  Inverness

  Aberdeen MSEC

  Atholl House

  86–88 Guild Street

  Aberdeen

  Edinburgh MSEC

  44 York Place

  Edinburgh

  547

  Dundee MSEC

  The Vine

  Magdalene Yard Road

  Dundee

  Yorkshire

  Barnsley MSEC

  Joseph Locke House

  Heelis Street

  Barnsley

  Bradford MSEC

  43 Cheapside

  Bradford

  Doncaster MSEC

  Crossgate House

  Wood Street

  Doncaster

  Huddersfield MSEC

  Crown House

  Southgate

  Huddersfield

  Halifax MSEC

  Crossfield House

  St. James Road

  Halifax

  Keighley MSEC

  Worthy House

  Low Street

  Keighley

  Hull MSEC

  Stanley Street

  Springbank

  Hull

  Scarborough MSEC

  Arundel Place

  Scarborough

  Leeds MSC

  Government Buildings

  Otley Road

  Lawnswood

  Leeds

  Sheffield MSEC

  Queen Street

  Sheffield

  Pontefract MSEC

  Hirst Yard

  Newgate

  Pontefract

  York MSEC

  St. Denys Road

  York

  North West

  Manchester MSC

  Albert Bridge House

  Bridge Street

  Manchester

  548
  North East

  Newcastle MSC

  Arden House

  Regent Centre

  Regent Farm Road

  Gosforth

  Newcastle

  Sunderland MSEC

  2nd Floor

  60 The Bridges

  Sunderland

  Durham MSEC

  Elvet House

  Hallgarth Street

  Durham

  East Midlands

  East Midlands

  Stoke MSEC

  Ridgehouse Drive

  Festival Park

  Stoke on Trent

  Nottingham MSEC

  Chaddesdon House

  77 Talbot Street

  Nottingham

  Chesterfield MSEC

  Beetwell House

  Beetwell Street

  Chesterfield

  South East

  Euston MSEC

  Euston Road

  London

  Canterbury MSEC

  Nutwood House

  Chaucer Road

  Canterbury.

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the number of(a) applications for and (b) awards of disablement benefit for (i) chronic bronchitis and (ii) emphysema since 13 September 1993 in respect of coal miners (1) for the United Kingdom as a whole and (2) for each of the regional special medical boarding centres for respiratory diseases. [70179]

  Mr. Bayley
  Information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the tables.

  New claims to industrial injuries disablement benefit for coal miners suffering from chronic bronchitis and emphysema received between 13 September 1993 and 31 March 1996, by BA area directorate

  Benefits Agency Directorate

  Claims received

  Anglia

  27

  Chilterns

  24

  South London and Wessex

  —

  West Country

  163

  East London and Essex

  43

  549

  New claims to industrial injuries disablement benefit for coal miners suffering from chronic bronchitis and emphysema received between 13 September 1993 and 31 March 1996, by BA area directorate

  Benefits Agency Directorate

  Claims received

  South East

  507

  Wessex

  1

  East Midlands

  6,266

  Midlands and South West

  680

  West Mercia

  3,870

  Wales

  10,354

  Merseyside

  539

  Greater Manchester

  355

  Lancashire and Cumbria

  2,377

  Tyne Tees

  7,540

  South Yorks and Humberside

  7,202

  North and West Yorkshire

  3,103

  Glasgow and Paisley

  252

  North, Central and West Scotland

  1,954

  East Scotland

  2,484

  Total Great Britain

  47,741

  Source:

  DSS (Analytical Services Division) data from Benefits Agency 'BREM' and Central Data Unit. 100 per cent. data, which are provisional and subject to amendment

  New claims to industrial injuries disablement benefit for coal miners suffering from chronic bronchitis and emphysema between 1 April 1996 and 31 December 1998 by BA area directorate

  Benefits Agency Directorate

  Claims received

  East London and Anglia

  29

  Chilterns

  17

  London South

  733

  West Country

  105

  Mercia

  11,661

  West Midlands

  1,009

  Wales

  8,643

  North West Coast

  884

  Greater Manchester

  1,505

  Yorkshire

  8,650

  Tyne Tees

  5,495

  West of Scotland

  1,548

  East of Scotland

  4,101

  Total Great Britain

  44,380

  Source:

  DSS (Analytical Services Division) data from Benefits Agency 'BREM' and Central Data Unit. 100 per cent. data, which are provisional and subject to amendment

  Industrial injuries disablement benefit Number of special medical boardings during the year and number of awards for pneumoconiosis relating to the coal agent

  Great Britain

  1988

  1989

  1990

  Medical boarding centre

  Boardings

  Awards

  Boardings

  Awards

  Boardings

  Awards

  All Boards

  1,042

  299

  1,061

  339

  896

  344

  Cardiff

  228

  47

  278

  73

  155

  46

  Swansea

  126

  27

  102

  19

  103

  30

  Glasgow

  41

  10

  41

  14

  34

  11

  Stoke on Trent

  79

  18

  74

  24

  50

  23

  Sheffield

  338

  119

  364

  147

  358

  150

  Manchester

  89

  29

  99

  30

  57

  28

  Newcastle

  126

  45

  96

  29

  126

  50

  London

  15

  4

  7

  3

  13

  6

  Great Britain

  1991

  1992

  1993

  Medical boarding centre

  Boardings

  Awards

  Boardings

  Awards

  Boardings

  Awards

  All Boards

  1,083

  379

  1,104

  383

  1,122

  395

  Cardiff

  181

  49

  190,

  58

  182

  58

  Swansea

  112

  18

  108

  21

  82

  22

  550

  Awards of industrial injuries disablement benefit for coal miners suffering from chronic bronchitis and emphysema between 13 September 1993 and 30 September 1997 by special medical board

  Medical Boarding Centres (GB)

  Number of awards (assessments of 14 per cent, or more disability)

  Swansea

  323

  Bristol

  16

  Cardiff

  1,944

  Glasgow

  308

  Edinburgh

  51

  Stoke on Trent

  398

  Leeds/Sheffield1

  1,607

  Manchester

  240

  Newcastle

  1,493

  London

  6

  Total Great Britain

  6,386

  Notes:

  1. The special medical boarding centre at Sheffield transferred to Leeds in 1996.

  2. Figures are not available separately for chronic bronchitis and emphysema, because they are prescribed as one disease (PD D12) for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

  3. Claim figures for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for chronic bronchitis and emphysema are not available for each of the boarding centres but are provided for Great Britain and for the Benefits Agency (BA) Area Directorate. These areas changed boundaries at April 1996 and this is reflected in the tables.

  4. Details of special medical boards are not available for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit claims data and are available only for awards data until 30 September 1997.

  Source:

  DSS (Analytical Services Division) 100 per cent. data.

  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) applications for and (b) awards of disablement benefit in respect of coal miners suffering from pneumoconiosis there were for (1) the United Kingdom as a whole and (2) each of the special medical boarding centres for respiratory diseases in each year from 1988 to 1997. [70184]

  Mr. Bayley
  Information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the tables.
  551

  Great Britain

  1991

  1992

  1993

  Medical boarding centre

  Boardings

  Awards

  Boardings

  Awards

  Boardings

  Awards

  Glasgow

  62

  19

  41,

  6

  44

  10

  Stoke on Trent

  70

  31

  55

  17

  69

  27

  Sheffield

  424

  174

  521

  221

  502

  205

  Manchester

  63

  28

  64

  24

  51

  12

  Newcastle

  158

  54

  112

  34

  177

  58

  London

  13

  6

  13

  2

  15

  3

  Great Britain

  1994

  1995

  Medical boarding centre

  Boardings

  Awards

  Boardings

  Awards

  All Boards

  1,563

  583

  n/a

  384

  Cardiff

  153

  56

  n/a

  58

  Swansea

  89

  19

  n/a

  17

  Glasgow

  18

  5

  n/a

  4

  Edinburgh

  23

  6

  n/a

  5

  Stoke on Trent

  89

  47

  n/a

  17

  Sheffield

  462

  274

  n/a

  217

  Manchester

  63

  28

  n/a

  21

  Newcastle

  648

  141

  n/a

  43

  London

  18

  7

  n/a

  2

  Great Britain

  1996

  1997 1 January to 30 September only

  Medical boarding centre

  Boardings

  Awards

  Boardings

  Awards

  All Boards

  n/a

  322

  n/a

  148

  Bristol

  n/a

  3

  n/a

  2

  Cardiff

  n/a

  46

  n/a

  40

  Swansea

  n/a

  25

  n/a

  8

  Glasgow

  n/a

  7

  n/a

  5

  Stoke

  n/a

  14

  n/a

  20

  Leeds

  n/a

  172

  n/a

  25

  Manchester

  n/a

  22

  n/a

  14

  Newcastle

  n/a

  33

  n/a

  33

  London

  n/a

  —

  n/a

  1

  Notes:

  1. Figures are not available specifically for the coal mining industry, but are available for Great Britain, where coal has been the attributable agent for pneumoconiosis.

  2. Figures are not available on applications by special medical boarding centre. They are available up to 1994 for applications that reach the examination stage.

  Source:

  DSS (Analytical Services Division) 100 per cent. data.

  Disablement Benefit
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the number of(a) applications for, and (b) awards of disablement benefit in each of the years 1988 to 1997 for (1) the United Kingdom as a whole and (2) each of the special medical boarding centres for respiratory diseases for (i) asbestosis, (ii) mesothelioma, (iii) lung cancer alone, (iv) lung cancer with accompanying bilateral diffuse pleural thickening, (v) lung cancer with accompanying unilateral diffuse pleural thickening, (vi) lung cancer with pleural plaques, (vii) bilateral diffuse pleural thickening alone, (viii) unilateral diffuse pleural thickening alone and (ix) pleural plaques alone. [70183]

  Mr. Bayley
  Information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available has been placed in the Library.
  552

  Special Medical Boards
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the criteria for appointment to the special medical boards for respiratory diseases. [70176]

  Mr. Bayley
  Doctors appointed to special medical boards for respiratory diseases must hold full registration with the General Medical Council. They must have not less than five years' post-registration experience in a clinical field relevant to disability assessment, and have successfully completed an appropriate training course in disability analysis, assessment of disablement arising from industrial injuries and prescribed industrial diseases, and in interpretation of chest x-rays and relevant pulmonary function tests.

  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give for each year since 1985 the number of(a) appeals and (b) successful appeals against decisions of special medical boards for respiratory diseases. [70182]

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

  Appeals heard and decided

  Year

  Total

  Decided in appellant's favour

  Percentage in appellant's favour

  1991

  469

  158

  33.7

  1992

  690

  185

  26.8

  1993

  881

  291

  33.0

  1994

  1,001

  321

  32.1

  1995

  1,178

  277

  23.5

  1996

  1,302

  448

  34.4

  1998

  1,096

  280

  25.5

  Notes:

  1. Data for the years 1985 to 1990 are not available.

  2. Data for central collection in 1997 were not provided by the Medical Regions owing to internal re-structuring within ITS.

  Source:

  The Medical Appeal Tribunals which have been registered with the Independent Tribunal Service (ITS).

  Benefit Payments
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what plans he has to consult those involved in the issue of tackling domestic violence on the question of split benefit payments; [70535]

  (2) what plans he has to pay benefits so that men receive payments in respect of their entitlements only and women receive payments in respect of the entitlements of themselves and their children. [70539]
  553
  Angela Eagle
  We have commissioned research into the current financial roles and responsibilities of couples on benefit to determine whether any changes to the existing arrangements for paying benefit are needed to support Welfare to Work. The final report on this research will be published.

  We have no plans to consult with any organisation tackling domestic violence at this stage, but it may be appropriate to do so in the future.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he has taken to relocate staff in(a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible to the regions of the United Kingdom with the highest levels of unemployment; and what plans he has further to decentralise the location of his Department and its agencies. [70459]

  Angela Eagle
  Over many years this Department has had a policy of locating offices in the regions of the United Kingdom with the highest levels of unemployment. The Benefits Agency has relocated work from London to three processing centres in Glasgow, Makerfield and Belfast; and when the Child Support Agency was set up, its six processing centres were located in areas of high unemployment.

  There are no immediate plans for further decentralisation.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the total number of staff(a) in his Department and (b) in each of the agencies for which he is responsible and their location in (i) London, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) each of the English regions. [70473]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is available in the "Civil Service Statistics 1998", which is placed in the Library of the House.

  Incapacity Benefit (Appeals)
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if the piloted changes to the composition of appeal tribunals for incapacity benefit are to be introduced nationally; [70558]

  (2) what is the current average time before appeals are heard by appeal tribunals in relation to incapacity benefit. [70559]

  Angela Eagle
  The current average delay in hearing all appeals, including those on Incapacity Benefit, is seven months. This is clearly unacceptable and we are committed to improvements. Changes will be introduced in the second half of this year, under the provisions of the Social Security Act 1998.

  One change will be to move away from the rigid requirement of a three person tribunal in every case to a more flexible approach, where the tribunal will be made up of people with the expertise to consider the issues in each appeal. Appeals on Incapacity Benefit will be heard by a lawyer and a doctor.

  We will be bringing the necessary regulations to the House shortly.
  554
  During the passage of the Social Security Bill through the Lords, we introduced an amendment at the request of the President of the Independent Tribunal Service, His Honour Judge Michael Harris, to allow the early introduction of flexible tribunal composition in Social Security appeal tribunals. Judge Harris has used this power to allow appeals on Incapacity Benefit to be heard by a lawyer, assisted by a doctor. This has allowed him to test out the arrangements for more flexible tribunal composition.

  Early indications are that the new flexibility appears to be working well. Tribunal chairmen operating the new arrangements are reporting overall improvements in service as a result of the change. There is no evidence to suggest that the percentage of appeals upheld has been affected by the introduction of the new arrangements.

  Pensions Schemes
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) personal pension plans and (b) occupational pension schemes are currently held in the United Kingdom. [70694]

  Mr. Timms
  There are 10 million personal pension plans, but some plan holders have more than one plan. There were 155,367 occupational pension schemes in the United Kingdom as at March 1998. There are about 10.5 million people of working age in Great Britain who are members of occupational pension schemes.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the number of individuals who will be affected by the abolition of the employee entry rate in national insurance contributions; and what will be the average cost per individual. [70689]

  Mr. Timms
  Some 20 million people will pay an average of nearly £70 a year less in National Insurance contributions as a result of the abolition of the employee entry fee in April 1999.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 17 December 1998,Official Report, columns 718–79, (1) if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred (a) by task forces and review bodies, (b) by focus groups, (c) on market research and (d) for publications and publicity; and if he will list the bodies which incurred the expenditure; [71032]

  (2) if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred by (a) his agencies and non-departmental public bodies and (b) the Central Office of Information for relevant work carried out for his Department. [71033]

  Mr. Timms
  Task forces and review bodies do not incur any expenditure other than staffing costs, which are met from within existing Departmental running costs.
  555
  This Department's Headquarters expenditure on focus groups in general e.g. exploring attitudes of specific clients and/or staff groups, is as follows:

  £

  Year

  Amount

  1997–98

  110,000

  1998–991

  190,000

  1Estimated

  The cost of publications and other publicity not included in the previous answer is as follows:

  Total spend for year 1997–98

  Business unit

  Total publicity cost (£)

  Benefits Agency

  2,693,476

  Contributions Agency

  1,079,857

  Child Support Agency

  305,083

  War Pensions Agency

  -

  Headquarters

  1,858,917

  Estimated spend for the year 1998–99

  Business unit

  Total estimated publicity cost (£)

  Benefits Agency

  3,409,579

  Contributions Agency

  1,585,888

  Child Support Agency

  238,984

  War Pensions Agency

  —

  Headquarters

  4,446,979

  Non-departmental bodies do not incur expenditure on the items listed in my previous Answer.

  Information for the Central Office of Information is not available as it is not possible to disaggregate the expenditure on relevant work carried out by the Central Office of Information from the total amount spent on publicity.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the expenditure incurred by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on(a) the setting up and (b) the operation of web sites, indicating the cases in which the expenditure has been above that budgeted; and if he will list for each web site (i) the topics covered, (ii) the current average number of hits per month and (iii) the estimated expenditure on each web site for each of the next three years. [70964]

  Angela Eagle
  The Department and its agencies use the Internet as one of a variety of methods to communicate with the public. The DSS website is updated regularly and includes separate webpages for the individual agencies and others. The website covers numerous topics and contains over 3,000 pages providing a range of information on benefits, complaints procedures and corporate documentation such as press releases, Ministerial speeches and Agency business plans.

  Average number of hits per month on departmental websites

  Agency

  Number

  Benefits Agency

  294,018

  Contributions Agency

  166,578

  Child Support Agency

  66,945

  556

  Average number of hits per month on departmental websites

  Agency

  Number

  Information Technology Services Agency

  15,608

  War Pensions Agency

  10,190

  Headquarters

  295,417

  Analytical Services Division

  14,272

  Lone Parent Information Service

  55,688

  Pensions Information

  57,972

  Working Benefit Information

  17,646

  Other corporate information

  288,969

  Central Adjudication Service

  17,870

  Independent Case Examiner

  592

  Industrial Injuries Advisory Council

  105

  Pensions Advisory Service (OPAS)

  4,744

  Women's National Commission

  5,699

  Total

  1,312,313

  £000

  Estimated set up costs

  20

  Current web service delivery costs1

  27

  Estimated expenditure: web service delivery costs1

  1999–2000

  28.4

  2000–01

  29.8

  2001–02

  31.3

  Estimated expenditure: DSS staff costs1

  1999–2000

  210

  2000–01

  220.5

  2001–02

  231.5

  1 These costs are available only for the Department as a whole and are borne by the Information Technology Services Agency who undertake a corporate role with respect to DSS Internet service provision

  Pensions Statements
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the annual pension statements proposed in the Green Paper "Partnership in Pensions" will include details of the predicted level of the minimum income guarantee at individuals' retirement age, and of predicted benefits receivable therefrom. [71305]

  Mr. Timms
  No. As outlined in the Green Paper, the purpose of the proposed statements is to give individuals simple, clear and understandable details of their current and projected State and private pension rights.

  Income Support
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assumption was made about the number of pensioners and pensioner units in 2050 for the purpose of his estimates of the proportion likely to be receiving income support. [71480]

  Mr. Timms
  The estimates made of the proportion of pensioner units likely to be receiving Income Support in 2050 have been based on 1992-based population projections by marital status in 2022, from the Government Actuary's Department (GAD). These have been adjusted to 2050 using 1996-based population projections of the
  557
  number of individuals from GAD. The assumed number of pensioner units in 2050 is approximately 11 million, with approximately 14.5 million individuals over state pension age.

  Notes:

  1. A pensioner unit is defined as a single pensioner at State pension age or above, or a couple in which the head is state pension age.

  2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 0.5 million.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if a person has earnings of £9,000 per annum or less throughout their lifetime, retires in 2050 on the basic state pension and the state second pension, and lives for a further 20 years, at what point they will start to need income support to top up their income. [71157]

  Mr. Timms
  Our aim is that the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) should move in line with earnings over the long-term, as resources allow, but not necessarily in each single year. Consequently, it is not possible to answer the question with any precision.

  On the assumption that the person referred to has no other sources of income or capital, and that the MIG moves in line with earnings between now and 2050 and for each single year following 2050, he or she would become eligible for Income Support some 5 years after reaching State pension age.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the increase in the number of pensioners receiving income support in March 2002 resulting from the minimum income guarantee, assuming that the guarantee is uprated in line with(a) prices and (b) average earnings. [71482]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is not available in the form requested. Such information as is available is as follows.

  Uprating the Minimum Income Guarantee by prices using the Rossi index (RPI less housing costs) would not result in any new pensioner cases floating onto the Minimum Income Guarantee.

  The increase in the number of pensioners receiving Income Support (IS) assuming the Minimum Income Guarantee is uprated in line with earnings is estimated to be 40,000 in 2000–01 and 90,000 in 2001–02.

  Notes:

  1. The estimates are based on Departmental forecasts of the number of pensioners on IS consistent with the CSR.

  2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10,000.

  3. The future estimates of the ROSSI and earnings indices are based on Treasury forecasts.

  4. "Pensioners" in this reply refers to single people aged 60 or over, or couples where one or both members is aged 60 or over.

  NIRS2
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the saving to the Exchequer as a result of delays to and underpayment of benefits following problems with the new NIRS2 computer system. [71382]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is not available. The difference between the actual initial and emergency payments made to date and the eventual full awards for Retirement Pension, Widows Benefit, Incapacity Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance currently cannot be calculated.
  558
  The figure will be available only when all claims have been reviewed and underpayments or overpayments are known.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many extra staff his Department(a) has had to employ and (b) expects to employ in future to deal with backlogs as a result of delays in the implementation of the NIRS2 system; and what estimate he has made of the cost of employing the extra staff. [71383]

  Mr. Timms
  The Department has to date not had to employ any extra staff as a result of the delays in their implementation of the NIRS2 system. However, both the Benefits Agency and the Contributions Agency are continuously reviewing the situation with regard to dealing with the backlogs and will employ extra staff only if deemed necessary.

  Fraud
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish the New Fraud Strategy, in response to the consultation on the Green Paper "Beating Fraud is Everyone's Business" (Cm 4012). [71309]

  Mr. Timms
  We will be publishing the strategy shortly.

  Second Pension
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the state second pension will be calculated by reference to each year's earnings. [71483]

  Mr. Timms
  Yes.

  Welfare to Work
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security at what intervals under the single gateway proposals(a) single mothers and (b) other claimants will be required to attend for interview as a condition of receiving benefit. [71304]

  Angela Eagle
  Interviews will be required both as part of the initial claiming process and on the occurrence of specified events thereafter. These events will be prescribed in Regulations in relation to each client group.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the parliamentary constituencies which he has visited in an official capacity in the past 12 months. [71347]

  Mr. Darling
  The information is in the table.

  Date

  Constituency

  5 May 1998–6 May 1998

  Belfast, West

  12 May 1998

  Regent's Park and Kensington, North

  14 May 1998

  Brighton, Pavilion

  20 May 1998

  Croydon, Central

  10 June 1998

  South Holland and The Deepings

  22 June 1998

  Newcastle

  24 June 1998

  Eastwood; Paisley, South; Glasgow, Kelvin; Glasgow, Rutherglen; East Kilbride

  1 July 1998

  Meriden

  559

  Date

  Constituency

  1 July 1998

  Hornsey and Wood Green

  1 July 1998

  Dudley, South

  16 July 1998

  Torfaen

  22 July 1998

  Cambridge

  23 July 1998

  Vauxhall

  29 July 1998

  Southwark, North and Bermondsey

  23 September 1998

  Lewisham, West

  24 September 1998

  North- East Fife

  25 September 1998

  Eastwood

  1 October 1998

  Blackpool, North and Fleetwood

  3 October 1998

  Edinburgh, Central

  13 October 1998

  Glasgow, Kelvin

  26 October 1998

  Croydon, Central

  6 November 1998

  Dundee, West

  13 November 1998

  Dundee, West

  27 January 1999

  Hastings and Rye

  10 February 1998

  Southwark, North and Bermondsey

  Note:

  The period between 5 May 1998 up to 1 July 1998 were visits made by my right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for Social Security.

WALES

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what overseas visits he has made since his appointment; and what the cost was of each visit. [69275]

  Mr. Michael
  I have made one overseas visit since my appointment, which was to Brussels on 7 and 8 January to meet European Commissioners at the invitation of Commissioner Neil Kinnock. I was accompanied by my Principal Private Secretary and the total cost was £762.

  Welsh Joint Education Committee
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on restructuring the Welsh Joint Education Committee; and if he will make a statement. [69707]

  Mr. Hain
  In addition to a meeting with WJEC representatives on 13 May 1998, my right hon. Friend has received a small number of letters on this matter. We have the highest regard for the work of the WJEC. The qualifications it offers have an enviable reputation built on high standards maintained over many years. I expect that the WJEC will continue to make an important contribution towards raising educational standards in Wales.

  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the meetings held between his Department and representatives of the Welsh Joint Education Committee since May 1998. [69708]

  Mr. Hain
  My right hon. Friend met the Chairman, the Senior Vice Chairman and the Chief Executive of the WJEC on 13 May 1998.

  Departmental Officials
  Mr. Robert Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list(a) the names of officials in his Department who are currently on secondment from private companies, (b) the companies by which they are employed and (c) their current responsibilities. [70043]
  560
  Mr. Michael
  Central records are held on three such secondments but it is not our policy to identify individuals:

  Company

  Current responsibilities

  BT

  To provide assistance with the development of a programme to promote information and communication technologies in Wales

  King Sturge

  To provide assistance with the development and assessment of PFI (private finance initiative) contracts supported by the Department

  Barclays Bank

  Switchboard Operator

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the number of people in each of the various stages of the New Deal; and what assessment he has made of the impact of the New Deal on the unemployment count. [70067]

  Mr. Hain
  The latest statistics published by the Department for Education and Employment show that 7,900 young people were on the New Deal for 18–24s in Wales at the end of November 1998.

  Within this total, 4,300 young people were in the Gateway and almost 3,400 were on an option, of whom about: 1,000 were in a subsidised job; 600 were in the Environment Task Force; 400 were in the Voluntary Sector Option; and 1,400 were in Full-Time Training and Education.

  A further 200 people had completed their option and were receiving additional assistance to secure jobs as part of the Follow-through arrangements.

  Between January and November 1998, almost 2,700 unemployed young people left the New Deal in Wales for an unsubsidised job. Between April 1998, when the New Deal for 18–24s was introduced throughout Wales, and October 1998 (the latest available data) unemployment amongst the client group fell by 34 per cent.

  Goods Vehicles
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his assessment of the effect of allowing vehicles with an 11.5 tonne drive axle weight unrestricted access to trunk roads in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [69675]

  Mr. Hain
  The decision to allow 11.5 tonne drive axle vehicles unrestricted access to UK highways prompted the major programme of assessment and strengthening of structures which started in 1989.

  All structures not known to be capable of safely carrying 11.5 tonne drive axle vehicles have been assessed and those needing immediate attention have already been strengthened at a total cost of about £25 million. The remaining trunk road supporting structures that still require strengthening will be strengthened over the next 5 years. In the meantime, they will be allowed to remain in unrestricted use but subject to an enhanced regime of regular inspection.
  561
  The trunk road network in Wales will become a responsibility of the National Assembly.

  Private Patients
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will instruct NHS hospitals in Wales to restrict the numbers of non-urgent treatments of private patients. [70049]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  NHS trusts already have considerable autonomy to determine the scope of any private practice. The proportion of patients treated privately in NHS hospitals in Wales is very low, approximately 0.5 per cent. of all NHS treatment.

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

  Crickhowell House
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what will be the total expenditure on Crickhowell house to make it ready for the National Assembly. [70381]

  Mr. Michael
  The costs of making ready Crickhowell house are included in the estimate for establishing the Assembly stated in the Financial Memorandum to the Government of Wales Act 1998. Actual figures will be published as soon as they are available.

  Local Education Authorities
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of people employed by the local education authorities of Wales, indicating separately(a) professional and (b) ancillary employees. [70918]

  Mr. Hain
  Information in the form requested is not available centrally. However, data on teachers and other people employed by local education authorities in 1998 are shown in the following table:

  Teachers (a)

  Education Others (b)

  Full-time

  25,114

  9,180

  Part-time

  3,649

  28,885

  Total

  28,763

  38,065

  Notes:

  (a) Provisional figures for January 1998, collected by Welsh Office. Includes all teachers and lecturers employed by local education authorities and educational psychologists. Excludes teachers employed in Grant Maintained schools.

  (b) Figures produced by the Local Government Management Board as at September 1998. Includes school transport staff; youth and community workers; nursery assistants; administrative, secretarial and clerical staff in the education service; school caretakers; canteen and school playing field staff; non-teaching staff employed on careers guidance; library staff employed by libraries either located in or serving education establishments.

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

  Mining
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are employed in the mining industry in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [70916]
  562
  Mr. Hain
  According to estimates from the Coal Authority there were 1,235 people employed in coal mining in Wales at September 1998.

  The Office for National Statistics' Annual Employment Survey suggests that, at September 1996, there were less than 100 people employed in other mining activities in Wales.

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

  Education Action Zones
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will begin consultations regarding the implementation of education action zones. [71149]

  Mr. Hain
  We expect this to be a matter on which the National Assembly for Wales will decide in due course.

  Welsh Language
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with headteachers and governors of schools in Monmouth regarding the compulsory teaching of Welsh at Key Stage 4; and if he will make a statement. [71166]

  Mr. Hain
  In accordance with statutory requirements, the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales (ACCAC) consulted the headteacher and the governing body of Monmouth Comprehensive School on the proposal to lift the exemption from teaching Welsh to pupils at Key Stage 4 from September 1999. ACCAC considered the case put forward by the school and concluded that there were not sufficient grounds to warrant the further extension of the exemption granted in 1990. Accordingly, ACCAC recommended, in January 1998, that the exemption be lifted and that Welsh should be made a compulsory subject at Key Stage 4 from 1999.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave careful consideration to ACCAC's report and the case put forward by the school. He accepted ACCAC' s recommendation and published, for comment, a draft Order giving effect to it. A copy of the draft Order was sent to the headteachers and governing body of Monmouth Comprehensive School. After careful consideration of the points made to him in response to the publication of the draft Order, my right hon. Friend concluded that no matters of substance arose which were not dealt with in ACCAC' s report. An Order giving effect to ACCAC's recommendation came into force on 20 November 1998. This will bring Monmouth Comprehensive School into line with all other nonWelsh-speaking schools in Wales as regards the teaching of Welsh to pupils at Key Stage 4 from September 1999.

  Housing Renovation
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make available to local authorities in Wales his estimate of the minimum finance which each authority might expect to receive for housing renovation and repair, out of the all Wales fund for which initial bids are invited by 15 February; and if he will make a statement on the guidance which he plans to give to local authorities on the preparation of 1999–2000 housing budgets in advance of decisions on the total finance which will be available to them from his Department. [71354]
  563
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  I cannot estimate the amount of resources which will be allocated to individual local authorities until their bids have been considered. I do not issue guidance on the preparation of housing budgets as these are matters for individual local authorities.

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

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales by what date he plans to inform local authorities in Wales of their allocation from the all Wales fund for housing renovation for which they have been invited to bid; by what date the final bids have to be submitted by local authorities; and if he will list the criteria on which these bids will be assessed. [71351]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  I intend to issue decisions on the allocation of the resources by the beginning of the next financial year. Final detailed bids must be with my Department by 12 March 1999. The criteria for assessment of bids will depend on the nature and priority of the scheme involved. Details are set out in my Department's letter of 25 January, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

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

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the total cost of renovations and repairs needing to be done to the housing stock of Wales(a) in the public rented sector, (b) in the voluntary rented sector and (c) in the private sector. [71352]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The latest estimates of the costs of repair are from the 1993 Welsh House Condition Survey. The available information is given in the following table.

  The 1997–98 Welsh House Condition Survey is being completed. Information from this survey will be available later this year.

  Estimated total cost of repair of occupied first homes, by tenure, 1993

  Tenure

  Total repair cost (£ million at 1993 prices)

  Rented from local authorities or Development

  Board for Rural Wales

  244

  Rented from housing associations

  13

  Rented from private landlords

  153

  Owner occupied

  863

  All tenures

  1,273

  Following the transfer of powers, these issues will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  National Assembly
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to lay a draft Order making provision for the elections to the National Assembly for Wales; and if he will make a statement. [71682]
  564
  Mr. Michael
  I am laying before the House today a draft of the National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) Order 1999; a draft will similarly be laid in another place. An earlier draft was subject to extensive consultation with political parties and other interested groups last year. Powers to make the Order are derived from section 11 of the Government of Wales Act 1998. It is subject to Affirmative Resolution procedure.

  The draft Order makes comprehensive provision for elections to the National Assembly—my intention has been to produce an instrument which can be read without requiring reference to provisions in earlier legislation. The draft therefore incorporates, with modifications to fit the circumstances of the Assembly, provisions from the Representation of the People Acts 1983 and 1985, together with statutory instruments made under those Acts and other legislation, among the matters dealt with in this way are registration of voters, polling and counting arrangements, absent voting, voting offences, campaign offences and election petitions. The draft Order also, however, takes account of the new requirements of the Registration of Political Parties Act 1998 in relation to party nomination procedures and the use of party emblems on ballot papers, and the recommendations of the Neill Committee on the limitation of political parties' campaign expenditure at the all-Wales level.

  For the assistance of the House I am making arrangements for a summary guide to the draft Order to be placed in the Libraries as soon as possible. Copies of illustrative examples of the ballot papers proposed for use in both the constituency and the regional elections have today been placed in the Libraries of the House. The format of the ballot papers takes account of comments received from focus groups of voters who were consulted on various designs; the ballot paper for the regional elections will contain the names of the candidates on each registered party's list, in accordance with undertakings given during the passage of the Government of Wales Act.

  I propose, if both Houses of Parliament are content with the draft, to make this Order next month. The first formal stage of the elections process under the Order is publication of notices of elections. This is scheduled to take place no later than 26 March 1999.

  Staff Travel
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the mileage rates currently applicable to staff, indicating what changes have been made to encourage staff to switch from cars to public transport and other less polluting forms of travel. [70960]

  Mr. Michael
  The Welsh Office rates of mileage are as follows:

  Pence per mile

  Cars with engine capacity

  Up to l500cc

  1501cc–2000cc

  Over 2000cc

  Up to 4,000 miles

  35

  45

  48

  Over 4,000 miles

  20

  25

  32

  565
  The over 2000cc rate has been frozen at the rates shown for the previous two financial years to reflect Departmental policy on green housekeeping.

  Pence per mile

  Motorcycles

  Up to 125cc

  Over 125cc

  Up to 4,000 miles

  14.6

  22.1

  Over 4,000 miles

  6.1

  9.0

  Rates reflect third party fire and theft insurance. A higher rate may be claimable when officers are able to obtain comprehensive insurance cover, as follows:

  Higher rates

  Pence per mile

  Pence per mile

  Up to 4,000 miles

  16.2

  25.3

  Over 4,000 miles

  6.1

  9.0

  Pedal Cycles: 6.0 pence per mile

  Public Transport Rate: 23.8 pence per mile.

  The Welsh Office green transport plan will be announced in March. It will contain further measures to encourage staff to use greener forms of travel.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 17 December 1998,Official Report, column 690, if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred by (a) his agencies and non-departmental public bodies and (b) the Central Office of Information for relevant work carried out for his Department. [71034]

  Mr. Michael
  (a) NDPB's expenditure cannot be broken down into categories requested. The total expenditure up to January 1999 is £10,382,005. Expenditure by CADW is not readily available. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  (b) Expenditure incurred through the Central Office of Information on public opinion research, advertising and direct mail is included in the figures given for the previous answer.

  The total spent through COI during the period May 1997–November 1998 was £1,448,809. This includes the expenditure on the above, plus other forms of publicity work undertaken by my Department during the period.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 17 December 1998,Official Report, column 690, if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred (a) by task forces and review bodies, (b) by focus groups, (c) on market research and (d) for publications and publicity; and if he will list the bodies which incurred the expenditure. [71035]

  Mr. Michael
  No additional expenditure had been incurred by(a) task forces and review bodies, (b) focus groups, or (c) on market research.

  (d) In addition to the expenditure on public opinion research, TV, radio, press advertising and direct mail given in my previous answer, my Department has spent £2,713,930 on publications and other forms of publicity in the period May 1997–November 1998.
  566
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the expenditure incurred by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on(a) the setting up and (b) the operation of web sites, indicating the cases in which the expenditure has been above that budgeted; and if he will list for each web site (i) the topics covered, (ii) the current average number of hits per month and (iii) the estimated expenditure on each web site for each of the next three years. [70962]

  Mr. Michael
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the parliamentary constituencies which he has visited in an official capacity in the past 12 months. [71345]

  Mr. Michael
  Since my appointment I have visited the following parliamentary constituencies in Wales:

  Alyn and Deeside CC

  Blaenau Gwent CC

  Cardiff, Central BC

  Cardiff, South and Penarth BC

  Cardiff, West BC

  Carmarthen, West and South Pembrokeshire CC

  Ceredigion CC

  Clwyd, South CC

  Conwy CC

  Cynon Valley CC

  Delyn CC

  Islwyn CC

  Montgomeryshire CC

  Neath CC

  Newport, East CC

  Newport, West CC

  Pontypridd CC

  Preseli Pembrokeshire CC

  Rhondda CC

  Swansea, East BC

  Swansea, West BC

  Torfaen CC

  Vale of Clwyd CC

  Vale of Glamorgan CC

  Wrexham CC

  Ynys Mon CC.

  Carers
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if additional funding in the form of a ring-fenced grant will be made available to Welsh local authorities to provide the means for carers to have a break from their caring responsibilities. [70954]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The Welsh local government revenue settlement is not hypothecated. We are consulting widely with carers, their representatives and local authorities about how the National Strategy for Carers, announced by the Deputy Prime Minister on 8 February 1999, should be implemented in Wales. Final decisions will be taken by the National Assembly for Wales.
  567
  Following the transfer of powers, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Teachers
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many whole-time equivalent teachers were employed in Wales on 31 January 1999. [71152]

  Mr. Hain
  Information on teachers employed in schools is collected annually in January. Results for 1999 are not yet available. As at January 1998, there were 26,135 whole-time equivalent qualified teachers employed in schools in Wales.

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

  Pierhead Building
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the annual running costs of the Pierhead building. [71299]

  Mr. Michael
  The estimated annual running cost for the Pierhead Building is about £220,000.

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many Key Stage 1 pupils were in classes with more than 30 pupils in each of the last five years. [71298]

  Mr. Hain
  As I informed the hon. Member in my replies of 3 February 1999,Official Report, column 609, and 10 February 1999, Official Report, column 250, information on the number of pupils in classes of 30 or more was not collected before 1998. In January 1998, 30,734 Key Stage 1 pupils were in classes of over 30 pupils.

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

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the average class size is in the Bridgend County Borough; and what it was in May 1997. [71294]

  Mr. Hain
  The latest available information shows that the average class size of registered classes in primary schools in Bridgend County Borough Council was 28.7 as at January 1998. Comparable information is not available for May 1997.

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

  Individual Learning Accounts
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made in setting up individual learning accounts; and if he will make a statement. [71150]

  Mr. Hain
  Building on the work of the development projects in the West Wales and North Wales TEC areas, a small number of Individual Learning Accounts, supported by TEC resources, will start to become available from 1999. This is in advance of the launch of the National Framework in the year 2000.

  Following the transfer of powers, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.
  568

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the changes in administrative costs to the NHS in Wales consequent upon the reorganisation of NHS trusts this year and over the next four years. [71170]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  A new configuration of NHS trusts in Wales will be in place from 1 April 1999. The net savings (costs) in running costs for the first 5 years have been estimated as follows:

  Year

  £000

  1999–2000

  (4,860)

  2000–01

  3,100

  2001–02

  6,320

  2002–03

  6,620

  2003–04

  6,740

  These figures are indicative as total costs depend on exact details of redundancies which are yet to be established. Therefore, 1999–2000 costs may be reduced.

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

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Teachers (Attacks)
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions his Department has held with police forces on the investigation of incidents of attacks on teachers. [69118]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Following the fatal stabbing of London head teacher, Philip Lawrence, in December 1995, the Working Group on School Security was established. The group continues to meet regularly to discuss a wide range of issues with security implications for schools, and includes representatives from the police and the Home Office.

  The Department also worked closely with the police and the Home Office on the production of guidance on "School Security: Dealing With Troublemakers", which was issued in December 1997. This promotes close co-operation between schools and local police to create effective local partnerships, and encourages schools to adopt a system of recording and reporting all incidents.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the parliamentary constituencies which he has visited in an official capacity in the past 12 months. [71337]

  Mr. Blunkett
  My Department does not hold records of official visits on a constituency basis and we could supply this information only at disproportionate cost.

  Building Works (VAT)
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many grant maintained-foundation schools with basic need capital building projects starting after 1 April will have building works which are liable for VAT; how these building projects
  569
  will be funded after August; how payments will be made to individual schools, with particular reference to the role of local education authorities in passing on funding to schools; and what arrangements are in place for grant maintained-foundation schools to reclaim VAT paid on these projects; [71357]

  (2) how many grant maintained-foundation schools have basic need capital building projects starting after 1 April; in how many of these cases the funding will be provided directly to the school via the Funding Agency for Schools; what is the estimated cost of those projects for which funding will be provided directly to the schools via the Funding Agency for Schools; and what proportion of these costs (a) relate to new buildings and (b) involve no element of VAT on the building works. [71356]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Until 31 March 1999, responsibility for the progress of basic need capital projects in grant-maintained schools remains the responsibility of the Funding Agency for Schools (FAS). I have written to the Chairman of the FAS, asking him to write to my hon. Friend, and will arrange for a copy of the reply to be placed in the Library.

  In a recent letter to all grant-maintained schools, which was prepared jointly by the Funding Agency for Schools and the DfEE officials, the FAS explained that, between 1 April 1999 and 31 August 1999, the Department will assume responsibility for the payment of capital grant in respect of such projects. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State intends later this year to lay Regulations under Schedule 32 to the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, which will give him the powers to pay grant after 31 August 1999 to foundation schools and other former grant-maintained schools for capital projects committed before 1 September 1999. That letter also explained that where the Department agrees to pay grant on work which attracts VAT which cannot be reclaimed, the level of grant allowed will reflect this. Liability for VAT will depend on the nature and purpose of the building works.

  Decisions about when refunds of VAT can be claimed from HM Customs & Excise are for the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

  New Deal (Hertfordshire)
  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people have entered the New Deal for long-term unemployed people aged over 25 years in Hertfordshire since 29 June 1998; and how many have(a) left to enter unsubsidised jobs, (b) left to enter subsidised work, (c) returned to jobseekers' allowance and (d) entered education or training opportunities and work-based training for adults. [70247]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Foster to Mr. Richard Page, dated 11 February 1999:

  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has asked Leigh Lewis to reply direct to your questions about New Deal for those
  570
  aged over 25 years in the Hertfordshire area. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to Mr. Lewis as Chief Executive of the Agency. I am replying in his absence.

  The latest Government Statistical Service figures to the end of November 1998 show that, 330 long-term unemployed people aged 25 or over in the Employment Service Hertfordshire Unit of Delivery have entered New Deal, since its inception in June 1998. Of those entering the New Deal advisory process, 17 have found unsubsidised work; 3 have found subsidised work; 1 has entered an Education and Training opportunity; and 1 has begun Work Based Training for Adults. Only one person has subsequently returned to claim Jobseekers Allowance.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people have entered the New Deal for the young unemployed in Hertfordshire; how many have left to enter unsubsidised work; and how many have transferred to other benefits. [70248]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Responsibility for the subject has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Foster to Mr. Richard Page, dated 11 February 1999:

  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has asked Leigh Lewis to reply direct to your question about New Deal for 18–24 year old participants in Hertfordshire. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to Mr. Lewis as Chief Executive of the Agency. I am replying in his absence.

  The latest Government Statistical Service figures to the end of November 1998 and Provisional Management Information to the end of December 1998 show that, 702 young people in the Employment Service Hertfordshire Unit of Delivery have entered New Deal for 18–24 year olds. Of those leaving Gateway by Immediate Destination 185 have found unsubsidised work; 12 have found subsidised work; and 38 have moved onto other benefits.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Teachers (Pensions)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if provision exists for teachers to take early retirement without the need for schools to top up their pensions, on the occasions when such teachers are prepared to accept actuarially reduced pensions; and if he will make a statement. [71138]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There is no current provision in the Teachers' Pensions Regulations for teachers to take an actuarially reduced pension at their own request. Whether such a provision should be introduced was included in the Terms of Reference of the Working Group undertaking the Long Term Examination of the Teachers' Pension Scheme. I anticipate receiving the Working Group's report and recommendations on this question in the very near future.

  Design Technology Graduates
  Mrs. Roe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many students are(a) currently taking a postgraduate certificate in education in design technology and (b) in their fourth year of a B.Ed design technology course. [70442]
  571
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The following table shows registrations to design and technology postgraduate initial teacher training in England in 1998–99. Information on registrations to the fourth year of an undergraduate design and technology initial teacher training course in 1998–99 is not available.

  Table I: Actual and forecast registrations to design and technology postgraduate initial teacher training (ITT) course in England, in 1998–99

  Registrations

  Actual1

  502

  Forecast2

  44

  Assumed total

  546

  ' Actual registrations represent those students who registered between 1 August and 14 October 1998.

  2 Forecast registrations represent those students whom the ITT provider forecasts to register between 15 October 1998 and 31 July 1999. Therefore, registrations to Open University and Mary vale Institute, whose ITT course commence in January, are included in forecast registrations.

  Source:

  TTA recruitment survey, 1998–99

  The most recent data available on the number of registrations in the final year of both postgraduate and an undergraduate design and technology initial teacher training course in England are as follows:

  Final-year trainees registered on a design and technology initial teacher training course, by level, in England 1996–97

  Final-year trainees

  Postgraduate

  606

  Undergraduate

  584

  Total

  1,190

  Source:

  TTA Survey under the Framework for the Assessment of Quality and Standards in ITT

CABINET OFFICE

  Civil Servants (Misconduct)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the offences or acts of misconduct

  Cabinet Office agencies, NDPBs and other associated web sites

  Name

  Content of site

  Expenditure Initial and running costs

  Estimated expenditure over the next 3 years

  Hits per month (average)

  10 Downing Street (www.no-10.gov.uk)

  The full range of the Government's activities, including current news, live broadcasts, discussion forums, and the history of No 10 and past Prime Ministers

  The cost to my Department of redesigning the 10 Downing Street web site was £27,048. The running costs for the site are met by the budget of the Prime Minister's Office and separate figures are not identifiable.

  Not separately identifiable.

  900,000

  Cabinet Office (www.cabinet-office.gov.uk)

  The site provides a wide range of information, for example, cabinet and its committees, ministerial responsibilities, pan Government programmes, guidance, codes and best practice

  Not separately identifiable. Expenditure is part of the wider Cabinet Office Communications and publications activities

  Not separately identifiable.

  60,700

  Direct Access Government (www.open.gov.uk/gdirect)

  This web site is a one-stop-shop providing access to the regulatory guidance and forms commonly required by businesses.

  Not separately identifiable.

  £70,000 to upgrade the web site—excludes running costs.

  243,900

  572
  under which a civil servant in his Department could have his pension removed or reduced; and how often this has happened during the last five years. [70786]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The rules of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) provide that Civil Service pension benefits may be withheld in whole or in part if a serving or former civil servant is convicted of:one or more offences under the Official Secrets Act 1911 to 1989 for which the person concerned has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of at least 10 years or has been sentenced on the same occasion to two or more consecutive terms amounting in the aggregate to at least 10 years; or
  an offence in connection with any employment to which the PCSPS applies, being an offence which is certified by a Minister of the Crown either to have been gravely injurious to the State or to be liable to lead to serious loss of confidence in the public service.

  In addition, forfeiture of pension benefits where a person is convicted of treason is provided for in the Forfeiture Act 1870.

  In the last five years there has been one case of forfeiture of pension involving a serving or former civil servant.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the expenditure incurred by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on(a) the setting up and (b) the operation of web sites, indicating the cases in which the expenditure has been above that budgeted; and if he will list for each web site (i) the topics covered, (ii) the current average number of hits per month and (iii) the estimated expenditure on each web site for each of the next three years. [70977]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  My Department fully supports the open government initiative and the Internet forms an integral part of our overall communications, publications and information strategy.

  The Cabinet Office, its Agencies and NDPBs, and the Central Office of Information are responsible for a total of sixteen web sites, the details of which are given in the table.
  573

  Cabinet Office agencies, NDPBs and other associated web sites

  Name

  Content of site

  Expenditure Initial and running costs

  Estimated expenditure over the next 3 years

  Hits per month (average)

  Central IT Unit (www.open.gov.uk/citu)

  This web site features guidance on electronic government

  The Central IT Unit web site was set up at a cost of £14,000. The operational charges for 1998–99 are £20,000. Both are within budget

  £20,000 per year

  Not available

  Central Communications and Telecommunications Agency (www.ccta.gov.uk)

  This site contains details of the services that CCTA offers and guidance on technological issues

  The estimated cost of maintaining CCTA's own web site is under £5,000 per year. The estimated marginal cost of initially establishing the CCTA web site is under £10,000.

  Estimated expenditure on this web site for 1999–2000 is around £20,000.

  46,600

  CGIS (www.open.gov.uk)

  CGIS hosts information from around 130 public sector organisations and units, plus the Royal Household. It is one of the largest public sector web sites in Europe.

  The set-up costs for this site were under £50,000. Estimated operational costs for 1998–99 are £330,000.

  Estimated expenditure on this web site for 1999–2000 is around £595,000. Figures are not yet available for 2000–02.

  22.95 million

  Her Majesty's Stationery Office (www.hmso.gov.uk)

  The HMSO web site was set up in 1996 following a decision by Ministers to publish all new Acts and Statutory Instruments on the Internet. The site describes HMSO and its responsibilities

  There were no charges to Government in setting up the site. Maintenance charges for calendar year 1998 were £8,299.

  Estimated charges for 1998–99 are £9,174. Costs of up to £19,756 have been allocated for 1999–2000.

  44,600

  Central Office of Information COI site (www.coi.gov.uk/coi)

  COI's role and performance; description of COI's services; frequently asked questions; an extensive guide to the use of the web.

  —

  £64,000 (total).

  Included in figure of 1.2 million (below)

  Government Press Release site

  Press Releases from 54 Government sites.

  Set up costs were £32,000. Upgrade costs were £28,500 and this year's operational costs are estimated at £82,500.

  £176,500 (total).

  1.2 million

  British Monarchy Site (www.royal.gov.uk)

  Information on the British Monarchy.

  Set up costs were £38,000. This year's operational costs are estimated at £44,000.

  Estimated expenditure over the next three years is expected to be in line with current costs. However, the popularity of the site has prompted a review of its scope and this may result in changes to planned operational costs.

  11.2 million

  Civil Service College (www.open.gov.uk/college)

  This site contains a full directory of courses offered by the College.

  The Civil Service College web site was set up, at no charge to Government, in 1995. The operational charges for 1997–98 were £7,050 and this year is £1,175—both within budget.

  £1,175 per year.

  16,500

  The Buying Agency (www.open.gov.uk/tba)

  The site covers a basic overview of The Buying Agency's operations, their Year 2000 programme and details of their suppliers who claim to be year 2000 compliant. The site occasionally promotes events such as the Public Sector Expo.

  The Buying Agency's web site was developed in-house but costs are not separately identifiable. The Agency pays £3,000 operational costs per year.

  £3,000 per year.

  2,200

  Womens National Commission (www.thewnc.org.uk)

  The WNC web site covers: the remit of the WNC, how it works, some of the key issues with which it is concerned and a list of the membership and the publications. It also has cross references to the web sites of some of the member organisations.

  The direct cost to the WNC is setting up of the WNC web site was around £30 for the registration of the name. The design costs were met centrally by DSS where the WNC was located until October 1998. The cost of operating the site is still being met centrally through the DSS IT budget.

  Costs will be met centrally by Cabinet Office and are not separately identifiable.

  Not known

  574 575

  Cabinet Office agencies, NDPBs and other associated web sites

  Name

  Content of site

  Expenditure Initial and running costs

  Estimated expenditure over the next 3 years

  Hits per month (average)

  Committee On Standards In Public Life (www.open.gov.uk/cspl)

  The web site includes: background information on the work of the Committee; information on individual Committee Members; the Register on Interests of Committee Members; a list of Committee Publications; abstracts of Committee Publications; and links to other relevant web sites.

  The web site for the CSPL was set up in May 1997. The cost of establishing and maintaining the web site to date is £2,500. The web site was redesigned in 1998 at a cost of £3,888. All costs were met from within the Committee's budget.

  Budgeted at less than £1,000 per year

  4,400

  Public Appointments Unit (www.open.gov.uk/pau)

  The purpose of the Directory is to provide an open, public record of key public appointments made by Government departments. It contains details of appointments made to executive NDPBs, advisory bodies, public corporations, nationalised industries and NHS bodies.

  The Public Appointments Unit's Directory of Appointments was launched in January 1997. The cost of setting up the web-site was £7,000. The current cost of operating the site is £10,000 per year.

  Total estimated expenditure for the next three years is likely to be around £24,000.

  4,000

  Property Advisers To The Civil Estate (www.property.gov.uk)

  PACE'S web site details its structure and services

  There were minimal setting up charges and the annual connection charge currently stands at £14,000 per year.

  £14,000 per year.

  100

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Genetically Modified Food
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps the Government have taken to prevent the patenting of genes used for manufacture of food products. [69011]

  Mr. Battle
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Patents Act 1977 sets down the requirements which must be met to obtain patents for inventions in all fields of technology. Under this Act it is possible to patent genes for use in any manufacturing sector; the food sector included. However, the mere discovery that a gene exists in nature, when there has been no technical step, is not patentable. During negotiations on a recently adopted EC Directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions (98/44/EC), the United Kingdom Government ensured that the Directive does not extend what is patentable in this area.

  The Directive also confirms that patent rights are granted without prejudice to other legislation. Thus, if a patented gene is used in the manufacture of food products, its use is subject to all other legislation which controls such acts, including those laws protecting human and animal health and the environment.

  Beam Trawlers
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will give producer organisations an allocation of effort for beam trawlers for the 1999 fishing year; and if he will make a statement on the factors which have given rise to delay. [69865]
  576
  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]: As I explained during the Fisheries debate on 15 December 1998, Official Report, column 829, a first meeting with the industry was held earlier that day on possible modifications to the beam trawl effort allocation arrangements introduced last year. During those discussions the industry raised a number of points with us and asked for certain illustrative figures to be prepared as the basis for further talks. This work involves updating the fleet segmentation and looking at other detailed technical issues. The Producer Organisations concerned understand what is involved and that it is not possible to provide definitive figures at the start of the fishing year. We will convene a further meeting soon.

  Date-based Export Scheme
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many abattoirs have indicated that they are prepared to be dedicated to the date-based export scheme. [70631]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]: A small number have expressed an interest, but we have not at this stage asked for formal applications. It would be premature to do so before the Commission have carried out their inspection, which they must do before a date can be set for the resumption of exports.

  Departmental Asset Sales
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the items sold by his Department, its agencies and associated public bodies from those listed in the National Assets Register of November 1997; if he will give in each case the amount of money realised; if he will estimate the total cash raised from such sales to date; and if he will make a statement. [70414]
  577
  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]: In the time available, it is possible to provide only information relating to disposals of land and buildings. These are listed in the table.

  £

  Property

  Sale price

  Government Buildings, Crosby Road, North Yorks

  11

  Government Buildings, Alphington Road, Exeter Devon

  5,916,008

  Tangley Place, Worplesdon, Guildford, Surrey

  863,000

  Litley Court, Hampton Park Road, Hereford

  527,000

  130 Hyndford Road, Lanark, Scotland

  225,000

  Pocklington Industrial Estate, Pocklington, East Yorks

  325,000

  357 Station Road, South Leigh, Oxon

  67,000

  1 The buildings at Crosby Road which were erected at Government expense in the 1950s, were in need of replacement. Various options were considered including a new build by Government, a Private Finance Initiative arrangement, and a private developer scheme. A variation of the last of these options involving the sale of the site to the developer and a lease back after modern replacement buildings had been erected, offered best value for money for the Exchequer.

  The total income received from the disposals listed above is £7,923,009.

  We aim to dispose of a further 20 properties over the next two years or so.

  Bovine TB
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for controlling TB in cattle in the areas outside the study areas identified by Professor Bourne for the duration of that study. [70633]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for East Devon (Sir P. Emery) on 11 February 1999, Official Report, columns 418–19.

  Meat Hygiene Service
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has made contingency plans to deal with the consequences of disruption to the services offered by the Meat Hygiene Service in the event of industrial action; and if he will make a statement. [68319]

  Mr. Rooker
  Contingency plans were drawn up to minimise the effect of industrial action by Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) staff on Tuesday 2 February. Food safety, public health and animal welfare were fully protected. The MHS strictly enforced meat hygiene, specified risk material and animal welfare Regulations in all licensed plants whether or not they were able to operate on the day of strike action.

  The decision by UNISON to call strike action by its Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) members at the present time is very disappointing. MHS staff have a vital role to play in ensuring the highest hygiene and animal welfare standards are applied within plants. The MHS pay offer is fair and equitable. Indeed, the total value of the offer is on par with the current average civil service settlements.

  The MHS is continuing negotiations with UNISON with the involvement of ACAS to seek to resolve the dispute at the earliest opportunity.

  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken by the Government to assist a resolution of the current abattoir inspectors' dispute. [70198]
  578
  Mr. Rooker
  The decision by UNISON to call strike action by its Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) members at the present time is very disappointing. MHS staff have a vital role to play in ensuring the highest hygiene and animal welfare standards are applied within plants. The MHS pay offer is fair and equitable. Indeed, the total value of the offer is on par with the current average civil service settlements.

  The negotiation to pay is delegated to officials. The MHS is continuing negotiations with UNISON with the involvement of ACAS to seek to resolve the dispute at the earliest opportunity.

  Genetically Engineered Animal Feed
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the current procedures for approving genetically engineered animal feeds; if ACRE has sole responsibility for assessing applications; and who will take such decisions in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) the European Union. [70347]

  Mr. Rooker
  In addition to meeting requirements applicable to all animal feeds, a GM feeding stuff requires approval for commercial use following the procedures set out in Directive 90/220/EEC. This Directive has the objective of ensuring that the product does not cause harm to animals, human health or the environment. The applicant must submit a dossier of the required information to one Member State who takes the lead for that product, and assesses the information and the potential risks. Once content, the lead Member State forwards the dossier to the Commission with an opinion. Other Member States then consider the dossier and are free to require further information. A collective decision on whether to give EU wide approval for the product is then decided by qualified majority voting.

  In the United Kingdom, the dossiers are considered by DETR in consultation with MAFF and the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Offices. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires that formal advice on the safety of GM animal feed is sought from the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE). In addition, the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) also advises MAFF Ministers on implications for the safety of food. In the near future, there will be an important role for the new Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs, liaising as necessary with ACRE and the ACNFP. Advice is also sought from interests in other Departments and English Nature. The final decision is made by the Secretaries of State and the Minister of Agriculture acting jointly.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he will take to ensure that genetically engineered animal feed is labelled as such. [70348]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Ministry is pressing the Commission to forward to the Council its proposal on novel feeds, to include labelling of GM materials.

  Farm Incomes
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the total farm income for Cumbria for each of the last five years for which figures are available. [70570]
  579
  Mr. Rooker
  Estimates of Total Income From Farming for counties within England are only available for 1995 and 1996. These estimates are calculated by apportioning Total Income from Farming in England according to areas of crops and numbers of livestock.

  Total Income From Farming in Cumbria is estimated to have been £155 million in 1995 and £143 million in 1996.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the change in gross terms in total farm income for Cumbria for the latest year for which figures are available. [70573]

  Mr. Rooker
  Total Income from Farming in Cumbria in 1996 is estimated to have been 7.7 per cent. lower than it was in 1995. Estimates for 1997 and 1998 are not yet available. These estimates are calculated by apportioning Total Income From Farming in England according to areas of crops and numbers of livestock.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the net farm income for each farm sector in Cumbria for the last five years. [70569]

  Mr. Rooker
  Net farm income estimates are based on the Farm Business Survey. The sample size is not sufficient to provide reliable estimates of net farm income by farm types at County level.

  Food Standards Agency
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what powers will be available to the Food Standards Agency to enforce food labelling regulations. [70814]

  Mr. Rooker
  Enforcement of food labelling regulations will continue to be carried out by existing relevant authorities (in general, this is carried out at the local level). The Food Standards Agency will have powers under the Food Safety Act 1990 to issue Codes of Practice to local enforcement authorities, and to provide guidance on labelling and other enforcement matters. The Agency will also have powers to take over enforcement from local authorities, where appropriate.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what powers the Food Standards Agency will have to regulate the activities of local authorities with regard to enforcement of food hygiene and labelling regulations. [70815]

  Mr. Rooker
  The provisions in the draft Food Standards Bill would enable the Food Standards Agency to set standards for the enforcement of food law, and audit local authority enforcement activity against those standards. The aim of these powers is to promote food law enforcement that is of a consistently high standard between local authorities.

  It is also proposed that the Agency will have powers under the Food Safety Act 1990 to issue Codes of Practice to local authorities, and to provide other guidance on enforcement matters.
  580

  Salmonella
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to investigate the incidence of salmonella in chickens sold in supermarkets. [70883]

  Mr. Rooker
  Government funded surveillance of UK-produced chickens on retail sale has clearly shown that the proportion with Salmonella has been falling steadily over the years. The Department of Health intends commissioning a further survey later this year to establish the current position.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to relocate staff in(a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible to the regions of the United Kingdom with the highest levels of unemployment; and what plans he has further to decentralise the location of his Department and its agencies. [70470]

  Mr. Morley
  Since May 1997 we have established the British Cattle Movement Service at Workington, Cumbria which created around 300 jobs. Altogether 70 per cent. of all permanent staff in MAFF and its Agencies work outside London in about 150 different locations. Any further office moves will be considered on their merits.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Weapons Inspectors (Iraq)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many(a) members of the staff of his Department and (b) persons otherwise attached to his Department have served with the UN weapons inspectors in Iraq since 1991. [67018]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 25 January 1999]: (a) Fourteen FCO employees have served with the UN weapons inspectors in Iraq since 1991.

  (b) The FCO recruits, administers and, in most cases, pays for all UK-supplied personnel serving with the UN weapons inspectors in Iraq (including UNSCOM and IAEA). The FCO has supplied 286 such personnel (in addition to the 14 FCO employees) since 1991. These individuals come from the Armed Forces, other Government departments, industry and universities.

  Private Military Companies
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his officials have had with representatives of private military companies since the guidelines following the Legg report were introduced; and if he will list the companies concerned. [69353]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Private military companies include companies engaged in a wide range of activities.
  581
  On 24 July 1998, interim guidance was issued to all FCO officials on contacts with private military companies. This was intended to direct FCO officials on their contacts with such companies, and to guard against subsequent misinterpretation. We are in the process of preparing more detailed guidance in consultation with other Whitehall departments. We intend to make this available to Parliament and to companies or individuals who request it.

  Since the introduction of the interim guidance, officials have reported contacts with a range of companies on a range of issues. Most of these contacts have been initiated by the companies themselves and have been of a routine nature. It is not our intention to publish names or details.

  Government Communications Headquarters
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 1 February 1999,Official Report, column 493, if he will break down the costs of the compensation into that paid in relation to (a) the impact on pensionable pay on retirement of the decision and (b) the loss of pensionable service. [69380]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]: GCHQ officials are in contact with the Council of Civil Service Unions about the details of the compensation packages for each of the fourteen ex-GCHQ employees. GCHQ intend to finalise those packages, in consultation with the Council of Civil Service Unions, as soon as possible.

  Legal Services
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [70031]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]: Legal services are performed for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by London banisters in the following main situations:

  (a) domestic litigation including judicial review and personnel cases;

  (b) international litigation, for example before the International Court of Justice;

  (c) litigation before the European Commission and Court of Human Rights for which FCO Legal Advisers are agents for the Government, though in almost all such cases the policy lead and financial responsibility falls to another Government department;

  (d) advisory work.

  Apart from the ECHR cases, no central records are kept and it would not be possible without disproportionate time and expense to provide an accurate response to the hon. Member's questions. It is, however, thought that the numbers of cases in categories (a), (b) and (d) are very
  582
  small. It is also thought that there have been few, if any, cases in which the London solictor's firms have been instructed

  So far as ECHR cases are concerned, there are as of 21 January 1999 some 184 current cases. Counsel are not instructed in every case. Some 22 different London Counsel are currently instructed (some on more than one case) from 12 different banisters' chambers. As indicated, fees almost always for payment by other Government departments.

  My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General appointed Philip Sales as First Junior Treasury Counsel (Common Law) and Jonathan Crow as First Junior Treasury Counsel (Chancery) to advise and represent the Government in its important civil cases. In addition, the Attorney-General maintains at present two London panels of junior Counsel whom departments are expected to use for the rest of the Government's civil litigation. The panels currently comprise 103 banisters from 42 different sets of chambers. The Attorney-General will shortly appoint a third panel of very junior barristers. The Attorney-General's individual nomination is required before a banister who is not on one of the approved panels can be instructed to appear for the Government in litigation.

  Departments may use firms of solicitors in addition to the Treasury Solicitor and their departmental legal advisers, for example where the relevant expertise lies in the private sector. The relationship is subject to the usual confidentiality which operates between lawyer and client.

  Arms Brokers
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the German Government's proposals on the regulation of arms brokers in the EU; and what plans he has in this respect. [70338]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We welcome the German Government's decision to raise with EU partners the question of controls on trafficking and brokering in strategic goods. This is in line with the recommendation in the Trade and Industry Committee's Report on Strategic Export Controls of December 1998 (HC 65) that the benefits and potential pitfalls of some multilaterally agreed form of licensing or registration of arms dealers be explored within the EU.

  The German proposals differ in a number of respects from the Government's proposals for controls on trafficking and brokering as set out in the White Paper on Strategic Export Controls presented to Parliament by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in July 1998 (Cm 3989). The Government are reviewing the White Paper proposals in the light of comments by respondents to the White Paper, and will also take into account the progress of discussions in the EU.

  Strategic Arms Report
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the annual report on Strategic Arms to be published. [70337]
  583
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The report will be published as soon as possible.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the mileage rates currently applicable to staff, indicating what changes have been made to encourage staff to switch from cars to public transport and other less polluting forms of travel. [70939]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The information is as follows:

  FCO staff are entitled to claim the following mileage rates, expressed in pence per mile

  Pence per mile

  Private cars

  Public Transport rate (for duty travel in the United Kingdom)

  24.8

  Standard rate (for duty travel when official or public transport is not readily available) Up to 4,000 miles per year

  39.5

  Over 4,000 miles per year

  22

  Leave rate (for travel to or from Overseas Posts on leave or compassionate or serious domestic hardship journeys)

  16.3

  Motor cycles

  Public Transport rate only

  Up to 4,000 miles per year

  18.5

  Over 4,000 miles per year

  7.5

  Cylces

  Public Transport rate only

  5.6

  The FCO will comply with published Government targets to have green transport plans, aimed at promoting greener travel, in place for its London headquarters estate by 31 March 1999 and for its provincial site by 31 March 2000. The practical measures which will be identified in the FCO's green transport plan do not currently include a review of mileage rates.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the total number of staff(a) in his Department and (b) in each of the agencies for which he is responsible and their location in (i) London, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) each of the English regions. [70479]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I refer my hon. Friend to "Civil Service Statistics 1998", which is placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to relocate staff in(a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible to the regions of the United Kingdom with the highest levels of unemployment; and what plans he has further to decentralise the location of his Department and its agencies. [70465]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The FCO has under three and a half thousand staff working in the UK at any one time—in central London, Croydon and Milton Keynes. We have no 584
  plans for decentralisation. The FCO also has a small Agency, Wilton Park Conference Centre, in Sussex.

  The British Council moved part of its HQ to Manchester in 1992; it also has offices in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast and regional officers in a number of cities around the UK.

  The BBC World Service is based in Central London, except for BBC Monitoring, which is based in Reading.

  Ethiopia and Eritrea
  Miss Begg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's implementation of the non-binding arms embargo against Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNSCR 1227) and on the steps taken to publicise the ban. [71645]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  In light of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1227 the Government have banned exports from the UK to Ethiopia and Eritrea of all goods and technology on the Military List, which forms Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994. The Government have also set in hand action to amend the Order so that a licence is required for all transhipments of such goods through the UK to either country and, given the embargo, no such licences will be issued. The Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories have been asked to take appropriate action to enforce the ban in their own jurisdictions.

  The Government are also pressing for the EU to adopt 5.6 a mandatory arms embargo.

  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will be issuing a press release on the embargo. An updated version of the list of all UK policy commitments on the application of strategic export controls, including arms embargoes, will be placed in the Library of the House. The FCO has already issued guidance on the ban to Departments in London, Posts overseas and other Whitehall Departments.

  Bahrain
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the role of Her Majesty's Government in the appointment of a former serving officer in the British Army in a leading security role on behalf of the Government of Bahrain. [71303]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The UK Government received a request from the Government of Bahrain in 1966 for help in recruiting a successor to the Head of the Bahraini Special Branch. Ian Henderson informed us that he wished to be considered for the post. We passed on his request to the Bahrainis, whose decision it was to appoint him.

  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will introduce an embargo on the export of arms to Bahrain. [71302]
  585
  Mr. Fatchett
  There are no plans to introduce such an embargo.

  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent to which human rights are violated by the Government of Bahrain; and what action he has taken to increase respect for human rights in Bahrain. [71300]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We take seriously any abuse of human rights wherever it might occur. I regularly raise our concerns about the provision of human rights in Bahrain with Bahraini Ministers and officials. I welcomed Bahrain's ratification of the Convention Against Torture and its agreement to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to monitor prison conditions in Bahrain. I have also urged Bahrain to communicate more with human rights NGOs, including Amnesty International.

  Iraq
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 10 February 1999,Official Report, column 288, what (a) categories and (b) quantities of humanitarian assistance have been given to (i) Kurdish groups in northern Iraq and (ii) Shia groups in southern Iraq. [71428]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Since 1991, HMG have donated over £73 million in bilateral aid to Iraq, in addition to giving aid via the EU. We have an aid programme for northern Iraq of some £3 million a year, which focuses on village rehabilitation, provision of medical supplies and assistance for mines-affected communities. Projects are being directed through the Kurdistan Children's Fund and Kurdish Life Aid, among others.

  Our £7 million programme for Baghdad-controlled Iraq includes £2 million for the International Committee of the Red Cross and £2 million for the rehabilitation of water and sanitation infrastructure. In January, we also approved £540,000 for the rehabilitation of hospitals and increased the water and sanitation project by a further £211,000 to help rehabilitate water networks. We also delivered supplies of food and medicines to hospitals in early 1998, but nothing has been delivered since June, when the Iraqi authorities banned all further delivery of food and medicines outside the "oil for food" programme.

  We also have a programme of assistance to Iraqi refugees in Iran, many of whom fled from the marshlands of southern Iraq. In 1997–98 we gave over £540,000 for Iraqi refugees. This focuses on the provision of emergency supplies and primary health care for refugees living in camps.

  Ministerial Engagements
  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the public engagements of the Minister of State, the right hon. Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett), on 1 February. [70649]
  586
  Mr. Fatchett
  My public engagements for Monday 1 February were as follows:

  The hon. Alexander Downer MP, Australian Foreign Minister

  Host meeting for London based Heads of Mission—Millennium Celebrations

  Speech at Royal United Services Institute

  Andrew Miller MP Israeli Ambassador

  New Zealand High Commissioner

  Dr. Chris Gambel, Director, Chatham House

  Dinner with Next Century Foundation.

  Yugoslavia
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the steps taken by the Government to implement the requirement in UNSCR 1160 for UN member states to prevent arming and training for terrorist activities in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. [71549]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (United Nations Sanctions) Order 1998 implemented in UK law the ban on the sale of arms and related material to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia imposed by Security Council Resolution 1160. In order to ensure that we have done everything possible to prevent UK nationals from providing training for terrorist activities in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, an amending Order was made on 10 February by the Privy Council to make it an offence to provide training or training facilities likely to assist the carrying out of acts of terrorism there. This is the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (United Nations Sanctions) (Amendment) Order 1999.

  On the same date, there were also made the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (United Nations Sanctions) (Dependent Territories) (Amendment) Order 1999; the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (United Nations Sanctions) (Channel Islands) (Amendment) Order 1999; and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (United Nations Sanctions) (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 1999. These Orders contain similar provisions.

  Hong Kong
  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of the People's Republic of China concerning the independence of the Hong Kong legal system. [71316]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have regularly made clear to the Chinese Government our views on the independence of the judiciary, including through the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group. We have recently made it clear that any move to restrict the independence of the judiciary would be a matter of serious concern.

  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the status of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal. [71317]
  587
  Mr. Fatchett
  The 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong stipulates that"the power of final judgement of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be vested in the Court of Final Appeal".

  In the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region it is provided that a Court of Final Appeal shall be established with the power of final adjudication vested in it. The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal was established by local ordinance in time for the return of sovereignty over Hong Kong to China.

  Gibraltar
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in resolving the fishing dispute in British waters around Gibraltar. [71381]

  Ms Quin
  We reached an understanding with the Spanish Government in October on the situation that prevailed from 1991 to 1997, when fishing in British waters around Gibraltar took place in moderation and the fishermen respected the authority of the Gibraltar law enforcement agencies. We agreed with the Spanish Government that we should revert to that situation. We nevertheless faced continuing difficulties on the water. On 27 January a Spanish fishing vessel was arrested. Fishermen demonstrated at the border on 29 January, preventing movement through it. We protested to the Spanish authorities about this. The fishermen and the Chief Minister of Gibraltar reached agreement on 3 February that satisfied them both, building on the understanding we had reached with Spain. These new arrangements have been working well in practice. We hope that they succeed in sorting out a problem that was causing difficulties in the region and in relations with Spain. We have always taken the view that any lasting solution to this problem must involve dialogue and cooperation at the local level.

  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions he is taking to reduce the queues at the Gibraltar-Spanish frontier. [71380]

  Ms Quin
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary spoke on the telephone to the Spanish Foreign Minister on this subject on 11 February. The Embassy in Madrid has also raised it on several occasions recently with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have made it clear to the Spanish authorities that such delays are unjustifiable and unacceptable and that we look to them to allow movement across the border in conformity with EU obligations. We have also drawn the situation to the attention of the President of the European Commission.

  European Parliament Building, Strasbourg
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the estimated cost of the new Parliamentary building in Strasbourg for the European Parliament; what is the United Kingdom's contribution; and if he will make a statement. [67687]

  Ms Hewitt
  I have been asked to reply.

  According to the European Parliament, the cost of the new Parliamentary building in Strasbourg is currently estimated to be some 400 million euros. The European Parliament will have the option to purchase the new building under the terms of its lease and I understand it does
  588
  intend to exercise this option. This cost of purchase would be borne by the European Parliament's administrative budget, within the limit on annual resources set by the EC budget. The UK's contribution to the new Parliament building, after taking account of the effect of the abatement, will be around 5 per cent. of the total, i.e. broadly around 20 million euros.

TREASURY

  Channel Islands and Isle of Man
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with other EU ministers about the tax status of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. [66125]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: There have been no discussions on the tax status of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what powers the Government have to influence the tax regimes of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. [66122]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The UK Government are discussing harmful tax competition issues with the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man and expect that they will play a full and constructive part in international initiatives on this subject. Legislation on taxation matters has always taken the form of laws enacted by the island legislatures.

  Tax Havens
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the dependent territories of each member state of the European Union which are tax havens. [66126]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The OECD Report "Harmful Tax Competition: An Emerging Global Issue" recommended the establishment of a Forum to implement the Report and that the Forum should produce a list of tax havens on the basis of the factors identified in the Report by October 1999. It would not be appropriate to anticipate the outcome of that exercise.

  Fraud
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money within the EU budget was spent on tackling fraud in each of the last 10 years. [66123]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: Total spending to combat fraud and financial mismanagement is not separately identified in the EC budget. For example, administration spending is classified according to its type (pay, stationery etc.) rather than aim (anti-fraud etc.). However, payment appropriations for a number of budget lines that relate primarily to the fight against fraud and financial mismanagement are given in the following table. In addition, the entire budget of the European Court of Auditors—amounting to some 66 million euros in 1999—is directed at cutting out fraud and financial mismanagement in the EC budget.
  589
  It should be noted that the Community's effectiveness in tackling fraud is not just about the amounts that are spent on anti-fraud measures in the EC budget. Expenditure in the EC budget on such measures should

  Payment appropriations 1990–99

  Budget

  Heading

  19901

  19911

  19921

  19931

  19941

  19951

  19961

  19971

  19981

  19992

  item

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Budgeted

  Budgeted

  A-2554

  Conferences, congresses and meetings in connection with the activities of the associations of European Lawyers for the protection of the financial interests of the Community

  —

  —

  0.1

  0.2

  0.2

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  A-3530

  Unit to co-ordinate action against fraud

  0.2

  0.0

  0.1

  0.3

  0.1

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  A-3531

  Controls, studies, analyses in connection with the fight against fraud

  3.1

  3.9

  1.1

  2.6

  3.1

  2.9

  3.4

  3.7

  2.8

  2.8

  A-3532

  Combating fraud in the textile sector

  —

  0.0

  —

  0.1

  0.6

  0.3

  0.4

  0.4

  0.5

  0.5

  A-354

  Tax harmonisation and computerised customs network for fraud prevention

  1.4

  1.2

  0.9

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  A-355

  European documentation, co-ordination and study network to control of cross border crime and fraud

  —

  —

  0.1

  0.2

  0.4

  —

  0.1

  —

  —

  —

  A-4530

  Expenditure in support of the Unit to co-ordinate action against fraud

  —

  0.1

  0.2

  0.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  A-4531

  Expenditure in support of controls, studies, analyses in connection with the fight against fraud

  —

  0.7

  3.2

  2.1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  A-454

  Tax harmonisation and computerised customs network for fraud prevention

  —

  1.0

  3.1

  1.4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  B1–360

  Measures to combat fraud affecting the European Agriculture Guidance and Guarantee Fund—Guarantee Section

  —

  8.7

  8.3

  54.4

  66.3

  51.3

  24.7

  36.8

  45.0

  38.0

  B-3820

  Measures to control and combat fraud

  16.4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  B-3821

  Other forms of inspection in agriculture

  2.9

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  B2–121

  Measures to combat fraud affecting the European Regional Development Fund

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  B2–13I

  Measures to combat fraud affecting the European Social Fund

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  B2–150

  Action against fraud in the field of structural policy

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.5

  0.5

  0.8

  0.8

  B2–301

  Measures to combat fraud affecting the Cohesion Fund

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.2

  0.2

  0.1

  0.3

  0.3

  B2–511(0)

  Inspection in agriculture

  —

  22.8

  27.2

  17.7

  11.1

  8.1

  12.8

  11.5

  20.0

  15.0

  B2–5111

  Other forms of inspection in agriculture

  —

  3.2

  3.1

  0.5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  B2–519

  Campaign against fraud in agriculture

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.2

  0.8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  B5–910

  General measures to combat fraud

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3.4

  4.6

  4.4

  4.4

  B6–910

  Actions to combat fraud in the area of research

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.0

  0.0

  —

  —

  —

  B7–650

  Measures to combat fraud in the co-operation sector

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.0

  —

  —

  —

  B8–2510

  Inspection in agriculture

  —

  0.1

  0.3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  B8–2511

  Other forms of inspection in agriculture

  —

  2.1

  4.1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  24.0

  43.8

  51.7

  79.5

  81.9

  64.4

  45.9

  58.0

  74.3

  62.2

  1 Figures given to nearest 0.1 million ecus.

  2 Figures given to nearest 0.1 million euros.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost will be of the working families tax credit in its first year. [70277]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The total cost of the Working Families Tax Credit in 2000–01, the first full year of the credit, is estimated to be about £4.3 billion.

  Legal Services
  Mr. Raney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [70038]
  590
  be seen alongside the work Member States put into combating fraud, which is where most impact can be made.

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]: The detailed information requested either is the subject of confidentiality or could not be provided expect at unreasonable cost (or both).

  My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General appointed Philip Sales as First Junior Treasury Counsel (Common Law) and Jonathan Crow as First Junior Treasury Counsel (Chancery) to advise and represent the government in their important civil cases. In addition, the Attorney-General maintains at present two London panels of Junior Counsel whom departments are expected to use for the rest of the government's civil litigation. The panels currently comprise 103 banisters from 42 different sets of chambers. The Attorney-General will shortly appoint a third panel of very junior banisters. The Attorney-General's individual nomination is required

  591
  before a barrister who is not on one of the approved panels can be instructed to appear for the government in litigation.

  Departments may use firms of solicitors in addition to the Treasury Solicitor and their departmental legal advisers, for example, where the relevant expertise lies in the private sector. The relationship is subject to the usual confidentiality which operates between lawyer and client.

  Euro Notes
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which euro notes(a) have been and (b) are planned to be printed in the UK. [70604]

  Ms Hewitt
  As part of the Bank of England's involvement in various aspects of Euro preparatory work, they are participating in a pre-production trial for Euro notes. The printing trials of the Euro 5 and 20 are complete and the printing trial for the 50 is under way. There are no other Euro notes planned for trialing in the UK. Notes printed as part of the trial are for analytical and comparative purposes only and will not be issued.

  Euro Exchange Rate
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has made to the European Bank and to the Euro X committee about the exchange rate of the euro. [70616]

  Ms Hewitt
  None.

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Kemp
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of people who will benefit financially in the first year from the introduction of a national minimum wage within(a) the Northern Region and (b) the city of Sunderland. [70370]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Fraser Kemp, dated 15 February 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on the introduction of the national minimum wage.
  The precise information you requested is unavailable. However, estimates of the proportion of people who are currently earning below the minimum wage for (a) the North East Region and (b) the Sunderland Local Authority District are available. These have been placed in the House of Commons Library under the title of "New Earnings Survey (NES) 1998—National Minimum Wage Distribution Tables".

  Duty Free
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the additional full-year yield to the Exchequer which will result from the abolition of the system of duty-free goods; and if he will make a statement. [70441]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]: It is not possible to predict with any degree of certainty the additional revenue which will result from the abolition of duty-free sales within Europe. Estimates are sensitive
  592
  to a whole range of assumptions about the nature of the successor regime and the post-abolition marketing strategies of the duty-free operators. There is insufficient certainty on either of these points to make meaningful predictions at this stage.

  Beer Duty
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the proceeds to the Treasury, exclusive of VAT, of(a) each penny of beer duty and (b) total beer duty for each of the last 10 years for which figures are available. [70904]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The information requested is as follows:

  £ million

  Year

  Proceeds per penny 1

  Duty receipts

  1989

  108

  2,105

  1990

  109

  2,226

  1991

  104

  2,282

  1992

  103

  2,376

  1993

  102

  222,230

  1994

  105

  2,500

  1995

  106

  2,646

  1996

  104

  2,606

  1997

  107

  2,682

  1998

  104

  2,698

  1 The figures for proceeds of a penny per pint have been calculated assuming average strengths.

  2 The system for charging beer duty changed in June 1993. This led to a reduction in receipts of approximately £200 million.

  VAT
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what evidence he has obtained of non-charging of VAT by businesses whose potential VAT receipts are of a scale which would oblige VAT registration. [70788]

  Dawn Primarolo
  First, I must make it clear that only those traders whose taxable turnover exceeds £50,000 are required to register for VAT.

  The Government are very concerned about those traders who under-declare their true takings to avoid paying VAT or to avoid VAT registrations. Additional staff are being devoted to this work to counter fraud, avoidance and non-compliance. Within the UK there are now 135 outfield staff deployed regionally in Shadow Economy Teams whose prime function is to tackle traders fraudulently avoiding paying VAT, including failing to register for VAT. An additional objective of this activity is to provide a level playing field for the legitimate trade. The teams also liaise with and work closely with other Government Departments.

  This year these teams have identified 2,5901 unregistered traders who should have been registered and an additional £17.1 million' revenue.

  I To 30 November 1998: latest figures available for 1998–99.

  Unemployment (Cambridgeshire)
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many 18 to 24-year-olds were registered as unemployed and claiming benefit in the Cambridge travel-to-work area in (i) April 1997, (ii) April 1998 and (iii) October 1998. [70424]
  593
  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Andrew Lansley, dated 15 February 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on those registered unemployed and claiming benefits in the Cambridge travel-to-work area (TTWA).
  The information you have requested is derived from the monthly claimant count of people claiming unemployment-related benefits (i.e. Jobseeker's Allowance or National Insurance credits). Essentially, all people who were claiming these benefits on the count day are counted.
  The data you have requested for those age 18–24 in the Cambridge TTWA is given below and are not adjusted to take account of seasonal factors.
  Cambridge TTWA: Claimant count age 18–24 year olds:

  April 1997: 1,018

  April 1998: 818

  October: 1998: 786.

  Self-employed Persons
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate for each of the last five years how many people were self-employed, broken down by(a) occupation and (b) region. [70432]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Ms Rosie Winterton, dated 15 February 1999:

  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on the self-employed.

  The data requested is set out in the attached tables and relates to Labour Force Survey estimates based on people who reported that they were self-employed in their main job.

  Thousand

  Spring

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Self-employed people, by occupation UK, not seasonally adjusted

  All self-employed1

  3,301

  3,355

  3,286

  3,335

  3,257

  Managers and administrators

  801

  851

  768

  816

  803

  Professional occupations

  367

  393

  400

  397

  420

  Associate professional and technical occupations

  365

  347

  375

  407

  418

  Clerical and secretarial occupations

  110

  106

  120

  107

  107

  Craft and related occupations

  976

  959

  934

  921

  859

  Personal and protective services

  108

  118

  123

  135

  129

  Selling

  144

  126

  122

  126

  128

  Plant and machine operatives

  222

  249

  241

  239

  215

  Other occupations

  201

  200

  194

  185

  180

  Self-employed people, by Government Office Region

  Not seasonally adjusted

  United Kingdom

  3,301

  3,355

  3,286

  3,335

  3,257

  North East

  91

  98

  87

  95

  93

  North West (GOR) and Merseyside

  321

  324

  339

  335

  298

  594

  Thousand

  Spring

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  North West (GOR)

  276

  268

  289

  290

  247

  Merseyside

  45

  55

  50

  45

  51

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  232

  260

  258

  252

  248

  East Midlands

  222

  212

  216

  211

  223

  West Midlands

  264

  280

  258

  111

  263

  Eastern

  336

  350

  343

  342

  331

  London

  443

  443

  431

  430

  464

  South East (GOR)

  538

  531

  537

  560

  520

  South West

  362

  376

  353

  361

  334

  England

  2,810

  2,873

  2,820

  2,863

  2,775

  Wales

  181

  161

  160

  153

  160

  Scotland

  225

  235

  225

  231

  234

  Northern Ireland

  84

  86

  81

  88

  88

  1 Includes people who did not state their occupation

  Source:

  Labour Force Survey, Office for National Satistics

  Wages (Paisley)
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate how many(a) men and (b) women working (i) part-time and (ii) full-time in Paisley, South earn less than (1) £3 per hour, (2) £3.60 per hour and (3) £2.50 per hour; and in each case what is the percentage of the total number involved. [71431]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Douglas Alexander, dated 15 February 1999:

  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on earnings in Paisley South.

  The New Earnings Survey (NES) can provide earnings data for small geographical areas. However, the release of NES data is restricted to figures which are derived from a sufficiently large sample of employees, and which have an acceptable level of accuracy. Estimates of the number of men and women in Paisley South who earn less than the levels quoted cannot be provided, because the small sample size produces unreliable statistics. I have therefore provided data for Renfrewshire in the attached table. These are based on the 1998 NES, the latest for which data are available.

  The NES is based on a one per cent. sample of employees in the PAYE system and is therefore likely to under-represent relatively low paid staff earning below the tax threshold and in particular those who work part-time.

  New Earnings Survey, April 1998 Employees on adult rates, whose pay for the survey pay-period was unaffected by absence. Hourly earnings excluding overtime payments

  Percentage earning

  Less than £2.50

  Less than £3.00

  Less than £3.60

  Renfrewshire

  Full-time males

  0.0

  0.5

  3.5

  Part-time males

  1—

  1—

  1—

  All males

  0.0

  0.5

  3.8

  Full-time females

  1.7

  1.7

  4.3

  Part-time females

  1—

  1—

  1—

  All females

  1.9

  1.9

  9.2

  All full-time employees

  0.6

  1.0

  3.8

  All part-time employees

  1—

  1—

  1—

  All employees

  1.0

  1.2

  6.5

  1 Denotes that a reliable estimate is not available

  595

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the total number of staff(a) in his Department and (b) in each of the agencies for which he is responsible and their location in (i) London, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) each of the English regions. [70456]

  Ms Hewitt
  I refer my hon. Friend to the "Civil Service Statistics 1998", which is available in the Libraries of the House. Total numbers of staff in Departments and Agencies are provided but a regional breakdown is provided for Departmental staff only.

  Gaming Duty
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average increase in the income to the Treasury per transaction arising from the increase in gaming duty announced in the 1998 Budget. [70656]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No such estimate is available.

  Private Health Care
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the annual average levy on a private healthcare insurance scheme as a result of the extension of insurance premium tax to such schemes in the 1997 Budget. [70678]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Insurance Premium Tax has applied to private medical insurance since the tax was introduced in 1994. The current rate is 4 per cent. In 1997, the legislation was amended to apply IPT again to a few insurance schemes that had been repackaged to benefit from the exemption for long-term policies. This protected £70 million tax revenue potentially at risk and removed a distortion of competition.

  Fuel Duty
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) domestic households and (b) businesses have been affected by the changes in fuel and gas oil duty announced in the 1997 and 1998 budgets; and in each case what has been the average cost. [70680]

  Ms Hewitt
  This information is not available.

  Corporation Tax
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many businesses have been affected, and by what average amount, as a result of the reduction in the(a) main and (b) small firms rate of corporation tax in the 1997 and 1998 budgets. [70674]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The reductions in the main rate of corporation tax will benefit some 40,000 companies and the reductions in the small companies' rate will benefit some 360,000 companies. The full effect of the April 1997 rate cuts will occur only in payments made in 1999–2000 and similarly the full effect of the small companies' rate cut in April 1999 will occur only in payments made in 2000–01. The 1 per cent. cut in the main rate in April 1999 will start to have an effect from 1999–2000 as these companies will by then be partly paying tax in quarterly instalments.
  596
  The expected average gain for each type of company as a result of the tax cuts is given for each budget in the tables:

  1997 Budget

  £

  Average reduction in payment per company in:

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Cut in main rate from 33 per cent, to 31 per cent, on 1 April 1997

  35,000

  49,000

  Cut in small companies' rate from 23 per cent, to 21 per cent, on 1 April 1997

  500

  700

  1998 Budget

  £

  Average reduction in payment per company in:

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Cut in main rate from 31 per cent, to 30 per cent, on 1 April 1999

  7,500

  25,000

  27,500

  Cut in small companies' rate from 21 per cent, to 20 per cent, on 1 April 1999

  neg

  250

  350

  Pensions
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the average annual cost to(a) a personal pension plan and (b) an occupational pension scheme as a result of the abolition of ACT credits; [70683]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the average increase in contributions which will have to be made to (a) a personal pension plan and (b) an occupational pension scheme in order to maintain the value at maturity they would have attained had not ACT credits been abolished. [70682]

  Ms Hewitt
  It is for pension providers and their contributors to decide what pension contributions should be paid after taking many factors into account.

  Company Cars
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average number of company cars owned or leased per company in the United Kingdom. [70697]

  Ms Hewitt
  I regret that the information requested is not available.

  Simon de Danser
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the boarding of the Simon de Danser by Customs and Excise officials. [70891]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, West (Valerie Davey) on 11 February 1999,Official Report, column 357.
  597

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he proposes to answer the four parliamentary questions tabled by the hon. Member for Maldon and East Chelmsford on 14 January for answer on 18 January. [71087]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have done so today.
  598

  Ice Cream Sales
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the annual revenue from VAT on ice cream sales by mobile ice cream vendors. [71130]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The annual revenue from VAT on the sale of ice cream eaten away from the home is approximately £20 million. It is not possible to separate the amount from mobile vendors.

  Gypsy Caravan Sites
  Gypsy Caravan Sites
  West Coast Main line
  West Coast Main line
  Transport Safety Review
  Transport Safety Review
  Sudan
  Sudan
  Zimbabwe: IMF Loan
  Zimbabwe: IMF Loan
  TUC Budget Submission
  TUC Budget Submission
  Opinion Polls: Government Spending
  Opinion Polls: Government Spending
  The "Amsterdam"
  The "Amsterdam"
  Mentally Disordered Offenders
  Mentally Disordered Offenders
  Prisoners: Visitors and Drugs
  Prisoners: Visitors and Drugs
  Harbour Porpoises
  Harbour Porpoises
  River Forth Special Protection Area
  River Forth Special Protection Area
  Scottish Parliament
  Scottish Parliament
  Former Soviet Union Republics: Military Assistance
  Former Soviet Union Republics: Military Assistance
  Oral Health: Ethnic Communities
  Oral Health: Ethnic Communities
  Community Health Councils: Budget
  Community Health Councils: Budget
  NHS Pay System
  NHS Pay System
  Breast Screening Programme
  Breast Screening Programme
  Meat Hygiene Service and State Veterinary Service
  Meat Hygiene Service and State Veterinary Service
  BSE: Number of Cases
  BSE: Number of Cases
  Warfarin
  Warfarin
  Forestry in England
  Forestry in England
  Rescue Dogs: Quarantine
  Rescue Dogs: Quarantine
  Rhizomania Containment Policy
  Rhizomania Containment Policy
  South Yorkshire: Economy
  South Yorkshire: Economy
  Data Protection: EU-US Relations
  Data Protection: EU-US Relations
  Copyright Law
  Copyright Law
  Cryptography
  Cryptography
  Science Enterprise Challenge
  Science Enterprise Challenge