Written Answers of 12 January 1999

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  British Library
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what requirements are placed on senior staff of the British Library to disclose shareholdings and other financial interests in the annual report of the Library. [63365]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  [holding answer 14 December 1998]: There are no requirements on senior staff at the British Library to publish these details in the Library's annual report. However, the Library holds a Register of Business Interests in which all staff are required to provide details of relevant financial interests or other relevant material benefit which they receive from sources external to the Library and which might be perceived as a conflict of interest.

  Art Collections
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list those public art galleries and museums which allow items from their collections to be displayed in(a) hotels and (b) other places where the general public does not have an automatic right of access. [64493]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Although we are aware that some museums and galleries lend items from their collections outside the museums community, we have no means of knowing all that do so: it is for the governing body of each museum and gallery to determine their own policy on loans of works of art or objects. The governing body will want to be satisfied as to the level of public access to the display.

  BBC (Funding)
  Ms Ryan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he will announce the membership of the panel looking at the future funding of the BBC; and if he will make a statement. [65562]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The panel will be chaired by Gavyn Davies and comprises the right hon. Lord Newton of Braintree, Lord Gordon of Strathblane, Sir Alan Budd, Rabbi Julia Neuberger, Helen Black, Ruth Evans, David Lipsey and Heather Rabbatts.

  This is an important review which aims to ensure the BBC's continuing ability to meet its public service obligations effectively, while, at the same time, ensuring that it retains the ability to operate effectively in a competitive marketplace.
  132
  I am pleased that Gavyn Davies has accepted my invitation to chair the panel. The panel members have the knowledge, authority and judgment to weigh the issues, and I am confident that they will do so impartially, without preconceptions and with the national interest in mind.

  The panel will be announcing shortly how it intends to take the review forward, including the taking of evidence.

  The panel will report to me by the end of July and I will then consult on its findings.

WALES

  Football Association
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the Chairman of the Sports Council for Wales concerning the receipt by the Football Association of Wales of a grant from the English Football Association and the conditions attached thereto; and if he will make a statement. [64987]

  Mr. Michael
  I have had no consultations with the Sports Council for Wales on this issue. It is entirely a matter for the two governing bodies involved.

  Finance
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate aggregate Government spending in Wales in each year between 1992–93 and 2001–02. [64502]

  Mr. Michael
  Identifiable General Government Expenditure in Wales between 1992–93 and 1996–97 is as shown:

  £ million

  1992–93

  11,438

  1993–94

  12,069

  1994–95

  12,556

  1995–96

  12,985

  1996–97

  13,496

  Source:

  Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses

  These figures include all General Government Expenditure that can be identified as being within Wales, but excludes items from which Wales may benefit even though the money is spent elsewhere (eg defence spending).

  A substantial part of identifiable General Government Expenditure consists of social security payments which form part of the new Annually Managed Expenditure total, for which forward allocations to the year 2001–02 are not available. The Welsh budget (a substantially smaller sum than identifiable General Government Expenditure) which includes the Departmental Expenditure Limit and Annually Managed Expenditure for the years 1998–99 to 2001 02 is as shown.

  £ million

  1998–99

  7,411.9

  1999–2000

  7,812.1

  2000–01

  8,223.4

  2001–02

  8,665.5

  133
  Note also that identifiable Government Expenditure (IGE) in Wales is not directly comparable with IGE in English regions—because some items can be identified in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland but not at a regional level within England.

  Estimates of all Government Expenditure for Wales, including an appropriate share of UK defence spending and other such items, were made in Government Expenditure and Revenue, Wales 1993–94 and 1994–95. These estimates were:

  £ million

  1998–99

  7,411.9

  1999–2000

  7,812.1

  2000–01

  8,223.4

  2001–02

  8,665.5

  No estimates have been made for later years.

  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate Government revenues derived from sources in Wales in each year between 1992–93 and 2001–02. [64501]

  Mr. Michael
  "Government Expenditure and Revenue, Wales 1993–94 and 1994–95", available in the Library of the House, gives the following estimates:

  1993–94: £9.3 billion

  1994–95: £9.9 billion.

  No estimates are available for other years.

  Bedlinog Schools
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list the dates of the visits by the office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools to Bedlinog Junior, Bedlinog Infants and Graig Bedlinog Infants schools to advise on the exercise of his powers under sections 35(1) and 167(1) of the Education Act 1996; [64769]

  (2) if he will list the dates upon which his professional advisers on school building visited Bedlinog Infants, Bedlinog Junior and Graig Bedlinog Infants schools in consideration of the exercise of his powers under sections 35(1) and 167(1) of the Education Act 1996. [64768]

  Bedlinog schools —class sizes and pupil-teacher ratios —September 1998

  Class sizes

  School

  Class

  Number of pupils

  Number of teachers

  Pupil-Teacher ratio

  Bedlinog Infants

  N/R

  18

  R/Y1/Y2

  22

  Total

  40

  12

  20:1

  Graig Bedlinog Infant

  N/R/Y1

  23

  Yl/Y2

  21

  Total

  44

  12.1

  20.95:1

  Bedlinog Junior

  Yrs 3–6

  25

  26

  25

  Total

  76

  23.8

  20:1

  1Including Head teacher

  2Head teacher teaches for 80 per cent. of his time.

  134
  Mr. Hain
  Since Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council's proposal to amalgamate the three Bedlinog schools on the site of the existing junior school attracted statutory objections, in accordance with sections 37 and 169 of the Education Act 1996, it fell to the Secretary of State to determine.

  In considering the proposal the Secretary of State sought the views of the Office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in Wales (OHMCI) and the Department's professional advisers on school building matters —Burgess Partnership.

  Bedlinog Junior, Bedlinog Infants and Graig Bedlinog Infants schools were inspected by independent inspectors under contract to OHMCI on 10–12 June 1996, 23–25 September 1996, and 4–6 March 1996 respectively. Given the generally satisfactory standards of achievement in the three schools, visits by HMI were not deemed necessary following the inspections. OHMCI provided the Department with advice on the educational merits of the LEA's proposal having considered the LEA's statement of case and all the objections.

  The Burgess Partnership did not visit the schools but assessed the LEA's technical report on the condition of the junior school building and the authority's response to objections relating to this particular issue. Their assessment was reported to the Secretary of State for his consideration along with all other evidence.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what estimate he has made of each of the current class sizes in(a) Bedlinog Junior, (b) Bedlinog Infants and (c) Graig Bedlinog Infants schools, Merthyr Tydfil; and what estimate he has made of each of these class sizes following the proposed reorganisation of the schools; [64771]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the teacher/pupil ratios at (a) Bedlinog Junior, (b) Bedlinog Infants and (c) Graig Bedlinog Infants schools; and what estimate he has made of the pupil/teacher ratio after the proposed reorganisation of the schools. [64770]

  Mr. Hain
  The following table provides details of class sizes and pupil-teacher ratios at each of the three schools at September 1998.

  The determination of class sizes and pupil-teacher ratios following the reorganisation of the schools will be matters for the head teacher and governing body. The school is expected to have around 162 pupils and 6 teachers.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Punishment Beatings
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list for the weeks ending (i) 19 December 1998, (ii) 26 December 1998,

  Shootings

  Assaults

  Date

  By Loyalist

  By Republican

  By Loyalist

  By Republican

  13 December to 19 December

  2

  1

  1

  1

  20 December to 26 December

  0

  0

  1

  0

  27 December to 2 January

  0

  0

  0

  1

  03 January to 9 January

  1

  2

  6

  5

  Total

  3

  3

  8

  7

  Note:

  Statistics may be subject to minor amendment

TREASURY

  Winter Deaths
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the excess winter deaths for each region within Great Britain for the last three years, and the forecasts for(a) this winter, (b) 1999–2000 and (c) 2000–01; and if he will list the estimated cost to the NHS as a result.[63411]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 14 December 1998]: 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. David Rendel, dated 12 January 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on the excess winter deaths for each region within Great Britain for each of the last three years, and the forecasts for (a) this winter, (b) 1999–2000 and (c) 2000–2001; and the estimated cost to the NHS as a result.
  The number of excess winter deaths in each region within Great Britain over the last three winters is given in the table below.

  Excess winter deaths by region, Great Britain, 1995–96 to 11997–98

  Region

  1995–96

  1996–97

  11997–98

  North

  2,490

  2,620

  1,800

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  4,040

  4,550

  2,510

  East Midlands

  2,930

  3,540

  2,050

  East Anglia

  1,600

  2,140

  1,080

  South East

  13,240

  16,450

  7,320

  South West

  4,140

  5,060

  2,270

  West Midlands

  4,160

  4,530

  2,490

  North West

  5,220

  5,960

  2,650

  Percentage of (a) all live births and (b) singleton live births: with a stated birthweight less than 2,500g England, regional offices and health authorities, 1995–1997

  Percentage

  1995

  1996

  1997

  All babies less than 2,500g

  Singletons less than 2,500g

  All babies less than 2,500g

  Singletons less than 2,500g

  All babies less than 2,500g

  Singletons less than 2,500g

  England

  7.3

  6.0

  7.3

  6.0

  7.5

  6.1

  Northern and Yorkshire

  7.7

  6.4

  7.4

  6.1

  7.9

  6.5

  Bradford HA

  8.8

  7.7

  8.7

  7.6

  9.1

  8.0

  County Durham HA

  7.3

  5.8

  7.2

  5.8

  7.8

  6.1

  East Riding HA

  6.9

  5.7

  7.5

  6.2

  8.2

  6.6

  136
  (iii) 2 January 1999 and (iv) 9 January 1999 the number of (a) punishment beatings and (b) shootings which took place in Northern Ireland; and how many in each category were committed by (1) Loyalists and (2) Republicans. [64212]

  Mr. Ingram
  The following table shows the number of casualties as a result of paramilitary style attacks for the period 13 December 1998 to 9 January 1999.

  Excess winter deaths by region, Great Britain, 1995–96 to 11997–98

  Region

  1995–96

  1996–97

  11997–98

  Wales

  2,440

  2,880

  1,330

  Scotland

  3,660

  3,640

  2,740

  1 Provisional

  The ONS defines excess winter mortality as the difference between the number of deaths during the four winter months (December to March) and the average of the number of deaths during the preceding autumn (August to November) and the following summer (April to July).

  It is not possible to forecast the figures for future winters as excess winter mortality is influenced by many factors such as temperature and the incidence of influenza which cannot be predicted.

  Information on the estimated cost to the NHS is not collected by the ONS or the Department of Health.

  Birth Statistics
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the percentage of low birthweight live births in each English health authority area broken down by(a) single and (b) all live births for the last three years. [64413]

  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. Jim Cousins, dated 12 January 1997:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on low birthweight live births.
  The information requested is shown in the attached table.
  137

  Percentage of (a) all live births and (b) singleton live births: with a stated birthweight less than 2,500g England, regional offices and health authorities, 1995–1997

  Percentage

  1995

  1996

  1997

  All babies less than 2,500g

  Singletons less than 2,500g

  All babies less than 2,500g

  Singletons less than 2,500g

  All babies less than 2,500g

  Singletons less than 2,500g

  Gateshead and South Tyneside HA

  7.9

  6.5

  7.4

  6.3

  8.1

  6.9

  Leeds HA

  8.5

  6.8

  8.1

  6.6

  8.2

  6.9

  Newcastle and North Tyneside HA

  7.7

  6.4

  7.9

  6.7

  8.3

  6.7

  North Cumbria HA

  6.6

  5.3

  7.0

  5.4

  7.5

  5.6

  Northumberland HA

  7.3

  6.2

  6.0

  5.1

  7.1

  5.5

  Sunderland HA

  7.6

  6.5

  8.0

  6.6

  8.1

  6.7

  Tees HA

  7.8

  6.4

  7.3

  6.4

  7.6

  6.5

  Wakefield HA

  7.9

  6.7

  7.6

  5.8

  7.9

  6.5

  North Yorkshire HA

  6.5

  5.0

  5.5

  4.4

  6.6

  4.9

  Calderdale and Kirklees HA

  8.7

  7.5

  7.7

  6.1

  8.4

  7.0

  Trent

  7.3

  6.0

  7.3

  5.9

  7.6

  6.2

  Barnsley HA

  7.6

  6.7

  6.6

  5.7

  6.9

  5.6

  North Derbyshire HA

  5.9

  4.5

  6.1

  4.9

  6.5

  5.2

  South Derbyshire HA

  6.5

  5.3

  6.9

  5.7

  7.0

  5.7

  Doncaster HA

  7.5

  6.4

  6.8

  5.5

  8.8

  7.1

  Leicestershire HA

  8.0

  6.4

  8.2

  6.7

  8.2

  6.8

  Lincolnshire HA

  6.4

  5.1

  6.2

  5.1

  6.8

  5.6

  North Nottinghamshire HA

  8.0

  6.5

  8.0

  6.4

  8.9

  6.8

  Nottingham HA

  7.5

  6.0

  7.4

  5.8

  7.2

  5.9

  Rotherham HA

  8.0

  7.0

  7.1

  6.1

  7.3

  6.1

  Sheffield HA

  7.9

  6.5

  7.9

  6.5

  7.7

  6.4

  South Humber HA

  7.1

  5.9

  7.0

  5.6

  7.5

  6.2

  Anglia and Oxford

  6.8

  5.3

  6.9

  5.5

  7.0

  5.6

  Bedfordshire HA

  6.7

  5.5

  7.3

  5.9

  7.2

  6.0

  Berkshire HA

  6.9

  5.4

  6.8

  5.3

  7.1

  5.5

  Buckinghamshire HA

  6.8

  5.3

  6.7

  5.5

  7.2

  5.5

  Cambridge and Huntingdon HA

  6.8

  5.2

  6.5

  5.0

  6.2

  5.2

  East Norfolk HA

  7.3

  5.7

  6.7

  5.4

  6.7

  5.1

  Northamptonshire HA

  7.0

  5.6

  7.5

  5.9

  7.7

  6.2

  North West Anglia HA

  7.6

  6.3

  7.8

  6.3

  7.4

  6.1

  Oxfordshire HA

  5.7

  4.3

  6.2

  4.9

  6.3

  5.0

  Suffolk HA

  6.3

  4.9

  6.5

  5.3

  6.9

  5.5

  North Thames

  7.5

  6.1

  7.4

  6.1

  7.6

  6.2

  Hillingdon HA

  8.3

  6.4

  7.2

  5.9

  7.5

  5.9

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminister HA

  7.8

  6.2

  7.7

  5.5

  7.6

  5.7

  Enfield and Haringey HA

  7.9

  6.6

  7.7

  6.3

  8.2

  7.0

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest HA

  8.3

  6.8

  7.9

  6.4

  8.0

  6.3

  Barking and Havering HA

  6.2

  4.9

  6.8

  5.5

  7.4

  5.7

  Barnet HA

  7.8

  6.3

  7.5

  6.2

  7.9

  6.2

  Brent and Harrow HA

  8.6

  7.4

  9.0

  7.6

  8.7

  7.9

  Camden and Islington HA

  7.4

  6.6

  7.5

  6.8

  7.8

  6.7

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow HA

  7.7

  6.3

  7.7

  6.5

  7.8

  6.2

  East London and The City HA

  9

  7.7

  8.9

  8

  9.7

  8.6

  North Essex HA

  6.5

  4.9

  6.3

  5.1

  6.2

  4.9

  South Essex HA

  5.7

  4.5

  5.9

  4.4

  6.6

  5.1

  East and North Hertfordshire HA

  6.8

  5.3

  6.5

  5.1

  6.6

  5.0

  West Hertfordshire HA

  6.5

  5.1

  6.9

  5.4

  6.0

  4.6

  South Thames

  7.0

  5.6

  6.9

  5.6

  7.0

  5.5

  Bexley and Greenwich HA

  6.9

  5.6

  7.4

  6.1

  7.3

  6.0

  Bromley HA

  6.9

  5.5

  6.9

  5.4

  6.4

  5.0

  Croydon HA

  8.3

  6.3

  7.8

  6.4

  7.9

  6.2

  East Kent HA

  6.7

  5.3

  6.2

  5.0

  7.4

  5.7

  West Kent HA

  6.7

  5.4

  6.6

  5.2

  6.3

  5.1

  Kingston and Richmond HA

  5.7

  4.0

  5.9

  4.6

  6.2

  4.5

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham HA

  9.1

  7.7

  8.7

  7.6

  8.8

  7.3

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth HA

  7.1

  5.5

  6.9

  5.3

  6.7

  5.3

  East Surrey HA

  6.5

  4.6

  6.3

  4.8

  5.8

  4.5

  West Surrey HA

  6.4

  4.8

  5.7

  4.6

  6.2

  4.5

  East Sussex, Brighton and Hove HA

  6.4

  5.4

  6.7

  5.4

  7.1

  5.5

  West Sussex HA

  6.6

  5.2

  6.4

  5.1

  6.8

  5.3

  South and West

  6.7

  5.4

  6.8

  5.4

  6.7

  5.3

  North and Mid Hampshire HA

  6.2

  4.6

  7.2

  5.4

  6.2

  4.7

  Portsmouth and South East Hampshire HA

  6.9

  5.4

  6.7

  5.3

  6.4

  4.9

  Southampton and South West Hampshire HA

  7.1

  5.8

  6.8

  5.7

  6.6

  5.5

  Isle of Wight HA

  6.5

  4.6

  7.1

  5.6

  7.3

  6.3

  Somerset HA

  6.5

  5.3

  6.7

  5.2

  6.4

  5.2

  South West Devon HA

  6.6

  5.6

  6.7

  5.5

  7.4

  6.2

  Wiltshire HA

  7

  5.7

  6.6

  5.4

  7.4

  5.6

  Avon HA

  6.8

  5.6

  7.0

  5.4

  7.0

  5.6

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly HA

  6.8

  5.4

  6.7

  5.5

  5.8

  4.6

  138 139

  Percentage of (a) all live births and (b) singleton live births: with a stated birthweight less than 2,500g England, regional offices and health authorities, 1995–1997

  Percentage

  1995

  1996

  1997

  All babies less than 2,500g

  Singletons less than 2,500g

  All babies less than 2,500g

  Singletons less than 2,500g

  All babies less than 2,500g

  Singletons less than 2,500g

  Dorset HA

  6.3

  5.1

  6.5

  5.2

  6.8

  5.4

  North East Devon HA

  6.7

  5.3

  6.9

  5.6

  6.3

  4.9

  Gloucestershire HA

  6.9

  5.5

  6.5

  5.1

  6.8

  5.2

  West Midlands

  8.0

  6.7

  8.1

  6.7

  8.2

  6.7

  Birmingham HA

  9.5

  8.2

  9.2

  7.7

  9.4

  8.0

  Coventry HA

  8.7

  7.5

  9.7

  7.9

  8.7

  7.0

  Dudley HA

  7.9

  6.4

  8.5

  6.8

  8.3

  6.3

  Herefordshire HA

  6.4

  5.2

  6.8

  6.2

  6.9

  6.0

  Sandwell HA

  9.7

  8.3

  9.5

  8.1

  10.0

  8.9

  Shropshire HA

  7.1

  5.5

  7.0

  5.5

  6.7

  5.5

  Solihull HA

  6.6

  5.1

  8.5

  6.1

  7.2

  5.7

  North Staffordshire HA

  7.1

  6.0

  7.4

  6.2

  7.0

  5.8

  South Staffordshire HA

  6.6

  5.3

  7.0

  5.2

  6.5

  5.0

  Walsall HA

  8.8

  7.5

  9.1

  7.7

  10.1

  8.1

  Warwickshire HA

  6.9

  5.5

  6.3

  4.9

  6.7

  5.3

  Wolverhampton HA

  9.2

  8.2

  9.6

  8.6

  10.1

  8.5

  Worcestershire HA

  7.1

  5.6

  6.6

  5.5

  7.2

  5.7

  North West

  7.7

  6.4

  7.7

  6.4

  7.8

  6.6

  South Lancashire HA

  6.4

  5.1

  6.9

  5.9

  7.0

  5.5

  Liverpool HA

  8.3

  6.9

  8.5

  7.1

  7.7

  6.7

  Manchester HA

  9.9

  8.5

  9.2

  8.2

  9.2

  8.0

  Morecambe Bay HA

  7.4

  5.9

  7.3

  6.2

  6.2

  5.2

  St. Helen's and Knowsley HA

  7.9

  6.7

  8.0

  6.7

  8.1

  6.9

  Salford and Trafford HA

  8.0

  6.6

  7.8

  6.4

  8.3

  6.8

  Sefton HA

  7.1

  5.5

  7.2

  6.0

  7.6

  5.9

  Stockport HA

  6.9

  5.5

  6.3

  5.1

  6.1

  4.5

  West Pennine HA

  7.8

  6.7

  7.6

  6.7

  8.4

  7.5

  Bury and Rochdale HA

  8.3

  7.1

  8.2

  6.9

  8.6

  7.4

  North Cheshire HA

  5.5

  4.7

  6.6

  4.8

  6.2

  5.2

  South Cheshire HA

  6.5

  5.0

  6.4

  5.1

  6.6

  5.6

  East Lancashire HA

  8.7

  7.5

  7.7

  6.9

  8.3

  7.0

  North West Lancashire HA

  7.1

  6.0

  7.6

  6.5

  8.1

  6.8

  Wigan and Bolton HA

  8.2

  7.0

  8.3

  6.9

  8.7

  7.5

  Wirral HA

  6.6

  5.6

  7.6

  5.6

  7.0

  5.7

  Source:

  ONS

  Pre-Budget Report
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reasons underlie the deduction of income tax credits from the figure for net taxes and social security contributions in Table B9 of the Pre-Budget report, Cmnd 4076. [64639]

  Ms Hewitt
  Income tax reliefs such as MIRAS and other tax credits, including the Working Families Tax Credit, are part of the income tax system and are administered by Inland Revenue. As they reduce the receipts of Inland Revenue, they are netted off the figures for total tax receipts and social security contributions.

  EC Budget
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the United Kingdom's gross contribution to the EC budget for the latest available year was comprised of the proceeds of(a) agricultural levies and (b) customs duties; and what were the corresponding figures for the latest available years for (i) France, (ii) Germany and (iii) Italy. [64642]

  Ms Hewitt
  The percentages for the traditional own resources contributions of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy in respect of calendar year 1997 are set out in the table.
  140

  Percentage

  Duties on agricultural Products (formerly agricultural levies)

  Sugar and Isoglucose levies)

  Customs duties

  United Kingdom

  3.25

  0.76

  22.73

  France

  0.45

  2.19

  9.64

  Germany

  0.73

  1.35

  14.49

  Italy

  0.53

  1.06

  12.01

  Notes:

  1. Source of figures: the European Court of Auditors report on the 1997 EC Budget.

  2. Percentages relate to the Member States gross contributions, less traditional own resources collection costs, before account is taken of the UK's abatement. The gross contribution figures include adjustments to VAT and GNP contributions of earlier years.

PRIME MINISTER

  Mr. Dominic Lawson
  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will list the capacities in which Mr. Dominic Lawson has been employed by Her Majesty's Government or any agency acting on their behalf; and if he will make a statement; [64972]
  141
  (2) what public funds have been paid by Her Majesty's Government or anyone acting on their behalf into a bank or banks to Mr. Dominic Lawson; for what purposes; and if he will make a statement. [64973]

  The Prime Minister
  None.

  Teenage Pregnancies
  Mr. Alan Johnson
  To ask the Prime Minister when the Social Exclusion Unit will publish its report on, and recommendations for, reducing the numbers of teenage pregnancies. [64832]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Erdington (Mr. Corbett) on 7 December 1998,official report, columns 16– 17.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Prime Minister what is his policy towards the use of air miles awarded to Ministers who travel on official business paid for by public funds. [65072]

  The Prime Minister
  Paragraph 82 of the Ministerial Code makes clear that Air Miles and other benefits earned through travel paid for from public funds, other than where there are de minimis (for example, access to special departure lounges or booking arrangements which go with membership of regular flier clubs), should be used only for official purposes or else forgone. However, if it is impracticable to use the benefits for Government travel, there is no objection to Ministers donating them to charity if this is permissible under the terms of the airline's scheme and the charity is one chosen by the airline.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 15 December 1998,official report, column 459, on ministerial visits to Latin America, if he will list the (a) 12 countries referred to and (b) the Ministers concerned. [64736]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 11 January 1999]: The information is as follows:

  Argentina

  Lord Clinton Davis

  Baroness Blackstone

  Tony Lloyd MP

  The Right Hon. John Prescott MP

  Glenda Jackson, CBE, MP

  Belize

  Tony Lloyd MP

  Brazil

  Barbara Roche MP

  Tony Lloyd MP

  Baroness Blackstone

  The Right Hon. Peter Mandelson MP

  Lord Clinton Davies

  George Foulkes MP

  Nick Raynsford MP

  Chile

  Lord Clinton Davis

  Tony Lloyd MP

  142
  Columbia

  Tony Lloyd MP

  George Foulkes MP

  The Right Hon. Nick Brown MP

  Brian Wilson MP

  Costa Rica

  Tony Lloyd MP

  Ecuador

  The Right Hon. Nick Brown MP

  El Salvador

  Tony Lloyd MP

  Guatemala

  Tony Lloyd MP

  Mexico

  The Right Hon. John Morris QC, MP

  Tony Lloyd MP (x2)

  Panama

  The Right Hon. Robin Cook MP

  Uruguay

  Tony Lloyd MP.

  In addition, Tony Lloyd MP is returning from a visit to Peru today.

  All visits were in accordance with the rules set out in the ministerial code.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the ministerial visits undertaken to each South American and Caribbean country since 1997. [64823]

  The Prime Minister
  Ministers have made a number of visits to the countries of South America and the Caribbean since 1 May 1997 to strengthen our bilateral relations, promote British interests and play our leading role in international affairs.

  For the visits to South America I refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given today to the hon. Member for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Wilkinson).

  The information for Caribbean countries is as follows:

  Bahamas

  The Right Hon. Robin Cook MP

  Baroness Symons

  George Foulkes MP

  Barbados

  The Right Hon. Clare Short MP

  George Foulkes MP

  The Right Hon. Frank Dobson MP

  Cuba

  Baroness Symons

  Brian Wilson MP

  Grenada

  George Foulkes

  Guyana

  The Right Hon. Clare Short MP

  Jamaica

  Baroness Symons

  The Right Hon. Michael Meacher MP

  Trinidad

  Baroness Symons.

  EU (Nuclear Safety)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the measures proposed under paragraph 67 of the presidency conclusions of the Vienna European Council in respect of nuclear safety in the context of enlargement of the European Union. [64815]

  The Prime Minister
  The United Kingdom has a strong interest in ensuring the candidates for European Union membership apply adequate safety standards. The Conclusions of the 7–8 December General Affairs Council on nuclear safety in the context of enlargement, welcomed by Vienna, stress the need for the candidates to attain internationally accepted levels of safety as part of their pre-accession strategies and to meet commitments they have already made in this sector.

  The EU is already helping the candidates improve nuclear safety levels and to deal with the cost of early plant closure. This assistance will continue within the overall context of pre-accession assistance set out by the Accession partnerships, which are themselves due for revision later this year.

  Iraq
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Prime Minister to what extent each of his objectives in undertaking the bombing of Iraq jointly with the United States of America in December has been met; and on what basis he will consider undertaking similar attacks in future. [65281]

  The Prime Minister
  The objectives of Operation Desert Fox were to reduce Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and other military capabilities, and Iraq's ability to threaten its neighbours. We are ready to use force again if necessary, and will do so if Iraq tries to reconstitute its weapons of mass destruction or threatens its neighbours.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the French Government about the consequences for his policy of establishing a separate European defence identity of the American and British military action against Iraq. [65380]

  The Prime Minister
  None. We have, of course, briefed the French and our other EU partners on our recent actions in Iraq. The reasons for these are well understood.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister what response he gave to representations from the Government of Italy concerning the attack on Iraq. [65379]

  The Prime Minister
  I briefed Prime Minister D' Alema on our current thinking on Iraq on 18 December 1998 and we agreed to keep in touch on the issue.

  Sure Start Strategy
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Prime Minister what arrangements he proposes to make for the parliamentary accountability of the Sure Start strategy. [65651]

  The Prime Minister
  Sure Start is a vital element in the Government's work to improve services and other support for young children and their families. We have committed £540 million over the next three years, including £452 million in England, to achieving Sure Start's objectives. Sure Start is an interdepartmental strategy, and 144
  its success will require active partnership within Government and a continuing commitment to innovation. I want the arrangements for securing Parliamentary accountability for Sure Start both to be clear and to underline these principles.

  I have therefore decided that, in England:
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment will take the lead on Sure Start within the Cabinet, while my right hon. Friend the Minister for Public Health will have day-to-day responsibility for the policy and will chair the interdepartmental steering group of Ministers and officials which will take it forward and monitors progress;
  a new interdepartmental Sure Start Unit, based in the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE), will run the programme at official level, with its terms of reference and targets set by the steering group. Ms Naomi Eisenstadt, currently Chief Executive of Family Service Units, will take up her appointment as the head of the Sure Start shortly;
  subject to approval of the necessary Estimate, Sure Start expenditure for England will be carried on its own Vote. The Head of the Sure Start Unit will be an additional Accounting Officer within the DfEE. As is usual, the appointment as additional Accounting Officer will be made by the Treasury and a copy of the letter of appointment, setting out the respective roles and responsibilities of the additional Accounting Officer and the Permanent Secretary of the DfEE as Principal Accounting Officer, will be sent to the Comptroller and Auditor General and to the Clerk of the Committee of Public Accounts;
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment will be the Minister ultimately answerable to Parliament for Sure Start. But my right hon. Friend the Minister for Public Health will normally answer Parliamentary Questions on Sure Start in this House, and in the case of Oral Questions will do so during DfEE Question Time. The Government expect that the relevant Select Committees will normally wish to invite her to appear when they examine Sure Start. My noble friend the Baroness Hollis of Heigham, a member of the Sure Start steering group, will answer for the Government in another place.

  My right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Public Health is writing today to the Chairman of the Committee for Public Accounts and the Chairmen of the Select Committees for Health and for Education and Employment, and the Government will liaise as necessary with the House authorities, to ensure that these arrangements work well and secure effective accountability for this innovative policy.

  My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales are accountable to Parliament for Sure Start and equivalent programmes in Scotland and Wales respectively.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  GCHQ
  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government plan to respond to the representations made on behalf of the 14 staff dismissed from GCHQ for refusing to give up their trades union membership. [65653]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  After discussions with the Council of Civil Service Unions and the TUC, I have decided to offer compensation for lost pension rights to the 14 staff dismissed from GCHQ for retaining their membership of the national Civil Service trades unions.
  145
  This decision reflects the principled stand which the 14 trade unionists took, to the point of dismissal, against the attempt to take away their basic trades union rights.

  The additional pensions benefits will be provided through a special scheme under the Superannuation Act 1972, which will be laid before Parliament once the details have been finalised.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Robert Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list(a) the (i) task forces, (ii) review panels and (iii) advisory groups his Department has, (b) the remit of each and (c) the members of each together with their principal employment and their level of remuneration. [62806]

  Mr. Mudie
  As the information asked for is lengthy, it has been placed in the Library.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the total expenditure and the breakdown of expenditure in his Department since May 1997 on(a) public opinion research, (b) television, radio and newspaper advertising and (c) direct mail. [63924]

  Mr. Mudie
  The figures for total expenditure by the Department since May 1997, in each of the categories stated above are as follows:

  Public Opinion Research

  May 1997 until present: £1,073,681.00

  Television, Radio and Newspaper Advertising

  May 1997 until present

  TV: £1,760,198

  Radio: £2,219,211

  Press: £4,480,116

  Total: £8,459,525

  Direct Mail

  May 1997 until present £25,084.

  Therefore the total spend on research, advertising and direct mail for the period May 1997 until present is £9,558,290 or an average of £477,914 per month.

  This compares with a total spend on research, advertising and direct mail for the previous financial year 1996–97 of £7,172,497 or an average of £597,708 per month.

  Ministerial Flights
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if the term average cost in respect of the costs of travel by Ministers in his Department in RAF and privately chartered aircraft refers to the average cost per passenger. [64775]

  Mr. Mudie
  No. The average cost refers to the average cost per trip and not the average cost per passenger.

  Local Authority Education Authorities (Chair)
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list all the local authority education authorities specifying in respect of each whether the chair of education is a man or a woman. [65316]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  This information is not collected by my Department.

  Millennium Bug Busters
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if Millennium bug busters who have completed a subsidised training course have an obligation to work in the United Kingdom. [64821]

  Mr. Mudie
  There is no requirement for Bug Buster trainees to work in the UK after they have completed their training.

  Foundation Courses
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will review the position of students who are required to attend a foundation course before taking up a university place who currently receive no grant for the year of their foundation course. [63358]

  Mr. Mudie
  Current legislation restricts mandatory awards to courses leading to a first degree, HND, DipHE and to courses of initial teacher training. We have decided broadly to carry forward this position for the new student support arrangements which are being introduced for the 1999–2000 academic year. However, students on foundation courses in further education will be eligible to apply for assistance through the new further education student support arrangements which will be introduced in September.

DEFENCE

  RN Hospital Haslar
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what non-military organisations currently use the RN Hospital Haslar site; [65298]

  (2) what investment has taken place in medical facilities at the RN Hospital Haslar in each of the last 10 years; [65300]

  (3) what discussions he had with the non-MoD users of the RN Hospital Haslar concerning his proposals for the hospital; [65299]

  (4) how many (a) doctors and (b) nurses are employed at RN Hospital Haslar; and what are their specialisms. [65301]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Secondary Care Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from C. G. Callow to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 12 January 1999:
  I am replying to your Questions to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning a number of issues at the Royal Hospital Haslar. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Secondary Care Agency.
  147
  Your Questions and my responses are as follows:

  What discussions has the Secretary of State for Defence had with non-MOD users of RH Haslar?

  Staffs in the SDR Implementation Team and from this Agency have spent some time discussing our proposals in detail with our colleagues in the NHS. In particular, they worked closely with the Portsmouth Health Authority and the Portsmouth Hospitals Trust. In addition, they have also consulted the NHS Executive through the MOD/NHS Liaison Group.

  The local population, including official bodies, will be consulted fully when the Portsmouth Health Authority present publicly their plans for the provision of secondary health care in the area.

  What non-military organisations currently use RH Haslar?

  Presently we have Gardner Merchant, Lasercare, NAAFI, Hampshire County Council, The League of Friends and Radio Haslar on the site.

  In addition, Portsmouth Health Authority, local GP Fundholding practices and other NHS referral agents provide patients.

  How many doctors and nurses are employed at RH Haslar and what are their specialisms?

  Our current records show the following strength details, including attachments:

  RN

  Army

  RAF

  Civilian

  Total

  Doctors

  A&E

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  Surgery

  3

  3

  2

  2

  10

  Anaesthetics

  6

  4

  4

  4

  18

  Medicine

  8

  3

  5

  2

  18

  ENT

  2

  0

  1

  0

  3

  Orthopaedics

  4

  1

  1

  1

  7

  Radiology

  2

  2

  2

  1

  7

  Pathology

  1

  1

  4

  4

  10

  Max Fax

  2

  1

  2

  0

  5

  Opthalmology

  1

  0

  0

  1

  2

  R&R

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Psychiatry

  1

  0

  0

  2

  3

  Obs & Gynae

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Paediatrics

  1

  1

  0

  0

  2

  Nuclear

  0

  0

  0

  2

  2

  Urology

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  Civ. Med. Practitioner

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  Specialist Registrars

  0

  7

  3

  0

  10

  Sen. House Officers

  9

  18

  6

  0

  33

  Pre. Reg. House Officers

  10

  12

  0

  0

  22

  Total

  50

  53

  30

  22

  155

  Nurses

  87

  129

  92

  67

  375

  What investment has taken place in medical facilities at RH Haslar?
  During the financial year 1997–98 capital expenditure of £0.939 million was incurred at the Hospital. This covered majored items of medical equipment, building projects, computer systems and vehicles such as ambulances. Unfortunately, prior to that year, it is not possible to separate accurately capital expenditure from the hospital's day-to-day running costs. However, we estimate that capital expenditure costs were approximately:

  £ million

  1996–97

  13.6

  1995–96

  7.8

  1994–95

  2.6

  1993–94

  3.0

  1992–93

  1.7

  1991–92

  1.7

  1990–91

  1.7

  1989–90

  1.6

  1988–89

  1.6

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the key targets for 1998–99 for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. [65478]

  Mr. Spellar
  Consistent with Treasury requirements, DERA is required to achieve a 6 per cent. return on capital employed.

  The Agency is required to keep any increase in the hourly manpower rates charged to MOD customers below the annual rise in the Retail Price Index. These manpower rates include overheads and depreciation but not direct contract costs.

  DERA will seek to increase income from work for non-MOD customers from the £106 million achieved in 1997–98 to £122 million in 1998–99.

  DERA will seek to increase the number of staff elected as Fellows of professional bodies by 10 per cent. from a baseline of 126 at the end of 1997–98 to 139 in 1998–99.

  DERA is required to achieve on time 90 per cent. of the agreed milestones on work for MOD customers.

  DERA has been set the target of maintaining at least the same score as last year, 655 points out of a possible 1,000, for overall satisfaction in the core questions in the annual customer satisfaction survey and, because of the particular significance of project management skills in the efficient delivery of scientific programmes, to achieve an improvement of 5 per cent. in the score for project management, from 596 points to 626, in the same survey.

  DERA will seek to increase the value of its contribution to projects jointly funded by DERA and industry by 10 per cent. from £38.3 million to £42.1 million. DERA will seek to achieve, over a period of 3 years, a 20 per cent. increase in the number of articles that appear in scientific and technical publications and which are subjected to scrutiny and validation by a panel of experts. Under this target, the increase would be from 4.8 publications to 5.8 publications per 100 professionals in DERA, with professionals being defined as all those staff who have a scientific, technical or other specialist background or training.

  DERA is required to increase by 50 per cent., from 16 to 24, over a period of three years, the number of its scientific teams that achieve the rating of "world-class" in DERA's technical assessment exercise. The latter involves both internal assessment and validation by outside experts form academia, industry and MOD.

  Royal Green Jackets
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in the last year the Royal Green Jackets have hosted breakfasts for charities or other organisations; and if he will list the organisations concerned. [64761]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Royal Green Jackets have not hosted breakfasts for any charitable or other organisation in the last year.

  Defence Intelligence and Security Centre
  Mr. Patrick Hall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre for 1998–99. [65635]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The role of the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre is to train the Armed Forces and other Intelligence agencies in intelligence and security disciplines and conduct after capture; to maintain an operational capability; and to contribute to effective and timely advice to the Armed Forces on appropriate intelligence and security matters. The Key Targets for the Agency for the 12 months from April 1998 are:

  Key Target 1:
  To meet 100% of operational taskings required by the Department to the standards agreed by the Director General of Intelligence and Geographic Resources.

  Key Target 2:
  To establish an effective quality evaluation methodology for training by March 1999 and establish the baseline for future improvements.

  Key Target 3:
  To deliver the training programme endorsed by the Defence Intelligence Training Policy Group within agreed resources.

  Key Target 4:
  To investigate measures of efficiency within Agency training Outputs.

  Key Target 5:
  To achieve a 2.5 per cent. improvement in efficiency.

  Atomic Weapons Establishment (Technical Papers)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a list of the papers produced by the Radiation Physics Division of the Atomic Weapons Establishment in its Plasma Physics Notes and Radiation Physics Department Technical Notes series of papers which are currently unclassified, indicating the title of each paper and the date on which each paper was produced. [65057]

  Mr. Spellar
  I have arranged for a list of unclassified papers from the relevant series to be placed in the Library of the House.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Black Shaheen
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when export licences for a stand-off weapon known as the Black Shaheen were granted. [62919]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 9 December 1998]: No licence has been issued for the export of the Black Shaheen missile or its sub assemblies, but we expect to licence the export of sub assemblies to France subject to the agreement and implementation of suitable technical safeguards.

  Export Licences
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will ensure that the licensed production of arms by British companies requires that(a) deals to license arms production overseas have to pass the same
  150
  checks as direct exports, including parliamentary reporting and (b) exports via UK licensed products overseas must require UK export licences. [64534]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 11 January 1999]: In its recent report on Strategic Export Controls, the Trade and Industry Committee recommended that the question of controls on licensed production overseas should be addressed in the Wassenaar Arrangement. We are currently considering this and the Committee's other recommendations and will be responding to the Committee in due course.

  The issue of controls on licensed production overseas has also been raised in a number of the responses to the White Paper on Strategic Export Controls and will therefore also be considered in our review of the White Paper proposals in the light of the results of the consultation.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what export licences have been applied for and granted since 1 May 1997 for military and dual use goods; and how many licences were refused. [64531]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 11 January 1999]: The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated and the following results were obtained. Between 2 May 1997 and 27 November 1998, decisions were made on 14,423 applications made in the same period for Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) or Open Individual Export Licences (OIELs) covering the export of goods subject to export control by being listed in Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, the so-called Military List; or of goods subject to export control by being listed in Schedule 2 to the Dual-Use and Related Goods (Export Control) Regulations 1996, as amended, or in Annex 1 to Council Decision No. 94/942/CFSP, as amended. Of these, 13,965 SIELs and 382 OIELs were issued, and 76 applications for SIELs were refused.

  In addition, goods may have been exported under certain Open General Export Licences; copies of all Open General Export Licences valid at any time during the period are in the Library of the House.

  This information should be considered in light of the answer given by my predecessor to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997, official report, columns 256–58.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the countries for which licences have been given for military and dual use goods since 1 May 1997, indicating the types of goods concerned. [64532]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 11 January 1999]: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd), to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Dr. Jones) on 14 July 1998, official report, column 149.

  Patents
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to simplify the process of registration of patents in the United Kingdom. [64643]
  151
  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 11 January 1999]: The Government's 1998 Competitiveness White Paper recognises the fundamental importance of intellectual property rights, including patents, to an innovative economy, and the need for such rights to be accessible. The Patent Office will therefore be continuing its drive to simplify its detailed rules and procedures to make it easier for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, to obtain patent protection. Building on steps it has already taken, for example in making patent application forms available on its web-site, the Office will be actively pursuing the possibilities for its customers to deal electronically. The Government will also be working with their European partners to simplify and harmonise the patent system in Europe, in particular in response to European Commission proposals expected following its Green Paper on the Community Patent and the Patent System in Europe.

  Food Retailing
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made by the OFT in its investigation into competition in food retailing; and if he will make a statement. [65074]

  Dr. Howells
  I understand that the Director General of Fair Trading hopes to complete preliminary investigations into supermarket profitability within the next couple of months. It is a matter for him how and when he makes his findings public.

  Export Controls
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy that arms brokering is made subject to licensed approval under the same criteria as those contained in the EU Code of Conduct. [64536]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 11 January 1999]: The White Paper on Strategic Export Controls, which was published on 1 July 1998, contains proposals to extend controls on trafficking and brokering in a number of areas. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), to my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Ms Jones) on 14 December 1998, official report, column 364, in which she set out the Government's proposals.

  A variety of views have been expressed on these proposals, with a number of respondents to the White Paper suggesting wider controls in this area than those which the Government have proposed. We are currently reviewing all the proposals contained in the White Paper in the light of the responses received.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what plans the Government have to legislate to implement the recommendations of the Scott report; [65001]

  (2) what plans the Government have to review licensing requirements for strategic arms exports. [65002]

  Mr. Wills
  The White Paper on Strategic Export Controls, which was published on 1 July 1998, contained the Government's proposals in response to the recommendations on strategic export controls made by 152
  Sir Richard Scott. It also contained a number of proposals for new licensing requirements, including the extension of controls on the trafficking and brokering of goods in certain circumstances, and the introduction of controls on the transfer of technology by intangible means.

  We are currently reviewing the White Paper proposals in the light of responses to it. The Government aim to introduce new primary legislation as soon as there is time in the legislative programme.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Pensions
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of pensioners will be dependent on means tests, once the Partnership in Pensions is fully operative. [64682]

  Mr. Timms
  The proposals in the Government's Green Paper "Partnership in Pensions" are designed to ensure that someone with a full working life, or years covered by credits, will receive a pension on retirement above the Minimum Income Guarantee.

  The proposals in "Partnership in Pensions" will promote behavioural changes through the spread of good value funded second pensions, improved pensions education, and the greater reward in retirement from moving from benefits to work. It is not possible to forecast the impact of complex behavioural changes over 50 years.

  With no allowance for behavioural change it is estimated that by 2050 the number of those receiving Minimum Income Guarantee will fall from approximately 1 in 3 pensioner households (rather than individual pensioners) to approximately 1 in 4 and fall further in later years.

  As an illustration of the possible impact of behavioural effects, if all those in work saved an additional 5 per cent., the figure would fall to approximately 1 in 5 in 2050.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on what take up rate for the stakeholder pension the figures of(a) £0.7 billion lost in lower National Insurance contributions through contracting out and (b) the extra state support of an initial £500 million are based. [65235]

  Mr. Timms
  As chapter 12 of the Green Paper on pensions "Partnership in Pensions" makes clear, the Department estimate that £0.7 billion would be lost in National Insurance revenue for every million people who contract out of the new State Second Pension scheme. This cost would be recouped in the long term because people would no longer receive the State Second Pension when they retire. The figure of £0.5 billion represents the net National Insurance revenue loss, after allowing for the return of some low earners to State Second Pension.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Denis Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the number of complaints referred to the Independent Case Examiner for the Child Support Agency indicating the number of complaints
  153
  which have (a) been upheld and (b) resulted in compensation payments being made in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [65036]

  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 Mr. Denis Murphy, dated 11 January 1999:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about Child Support Agency cases referred to the Independent Case Examiner.
  The Office of the Independent Case Examiner commenced work in April 1997. When the Agency responds to a complaint the client is provided with details on the services of the Independent Case Examiner to enable them to contact her directly.
  During the twelve month period to 30 November 1998, 1463 clients made applications to the Independent Case Examiner. Only about one third of applications received by the Independent Case Examiner result in a full investigation. There are a number of reasons for this; the required gateways for investigation may not be satisfied; or the case may fall outside the Independent Case Examiner's jurisdiction. Additionally an increasing number of complaints are resolved early following successful mediation, without the need for a full investigation.
  In the same period, the Independent Case Examiner issued 217 final reports following her investigation (some of these reports will relate to applications received prior to 1 December 1997 as the target for completion of a full investigation is 19 weeks). In 73 of these reports the complaint was fully upheld and in 132 the complaint was partially upheld. Of these 217 cases, 172 resulted in compensation being paid.
  Compensation payments are considered where a clear and unambiguous error by the Agency has resulted in distress or in actual financial loss to the client which is not recoverable through other means.
  We are committed to providing good quality customer service and are continuing to develop a close working relationship with the Independent Case Examiner and her staff, meeting regularly to identify ways in which our service to clients can be improved.
  This has led to the Agency's Business Units adopting a case study approach to cases handled by the Independent Case Examiner. This involves the Business Unit Manager and staff involved with the case identifying lessons learned, introducing improvements and good working practices and liaising with the office of the Independent Case Examiner.
  We have reviewed the way that we handle complaints and we have increased resources for our Client Helplines and the National Enquiry Line, extended our hours of opening to cover 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on Saturdays and completed trials to greatly improve and increase clients' opportunities to secure a face to face service. Through these measures our aim is to deal with clients' problems at an early stage and prevent problems escalating.
  I am confident that through closer liaison with the Independent Case Examiner and the action we have already taken we have started to address the problems we have in the way we deal with clients' complaints. Where we discover we have made mistakes or caused delay we will do everything in our power to put things right as quickly as possible and apologise to the clients concerned. I recognise that we have a long way to go to remedy our problems fully, but we expect clients to see continuous ongoing improvements by the end of 1998–99 and beyond.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many review claims have been(a) dealt with
  154
  by the Disability Unit, (b) disallowed and (c) overturned on appeal, (i) since 1 January 1997 and (ii) since the current review has been in operation. [64757]

  Mr. Timms
  The administration of Disability Living Allowance is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Ronnie Fearn, dated 11 January 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many review claims have been (a) dealt with by the Disability Unit, (b) disallowed and (c) overturned on appeal, (i) since 1st January 1997 and (ii) since the current review has been in operation.
  I have assumed your reference to the "current review" is a reference to the Benefit Integrity Project (BIP) which has been reviewing the entitlement of people receiving the higher rate mobility component with the higher or middle rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
  It may be helpful if I explain that more detailed statistical information is held about individual cases under the BIP than about general DLA cases, which are not individually tracked.

  Table A at Annex 1 contains information about DLA reviews and appeals dealt with outside the BIP. Table B, also at Annex 1, has information about BIP reviews and appeals. For the reasons stated in the previous paragraph, it is not possible to make a direct comparison between the two tables.

  You will also wish to know that any review may result in any one of the following outcomes:

  Disallowed—all benefit has been disallowed

  Reduced—level of award reduced

  Maintained—this upholds the previous decision given

  Award varied—benefit payable remains the same, but there has been a change to the components or length of award has changed

  Withdrawn—the review request has been withdrawn by the customer

  Defective—the review request was not signed and after returning it to the customer has not been received back at the Disability Benefits Directorate

  No grounds—no legal basis on which to look at the case again

  Allowed—the review has resulted in benefit award

  Increased—a component not previously awarded has been allowed

  Turning now to appeals, I must explain that, while the appeals figures quoted all relate to appeals following previous reviews, they do not necessarily relate to appeals against review decisions given during the same period. This is because of the time lag between a review decision being given, an appeal being made and submitted to Independent Tribunal Service and the appeal Hearing taking place. In other words, it is not possible to state exactly the number of successful appeals resulting from appeals against review decisions for the periods requested in your Question.
  You may find it helpful to know that statistical information about BIP, including details of reviews and appeals is, published on a monthly basis and is placed in the House of Commons Library.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Table A—Non BIP reviews and appeals

  Non BIP cases from I January 1997 to 31 October 1998

  Number of reviews decisions made

  646,249

  Number of reviews disallowed

  10,607

  Number of appeal decisions made

  77,474

  Number of appeal decisions overturned in the customer's favour

  24,883

  Source:

  DBD Resource and Assurance Group
  155

  Table B—BIP reviews and appeals

  Total BIP cases to 31 October 1998

  Number of review decisions made

  17,913

  Number of reviews totally disallowing benefit

  5,347

  Number of reviews resulting in the mobility component only being disallowed

  880

  Number of reviews resulting in the care component only being disallowed

  2,108

  Number of Appeals decisions made

  1,116

  Number of cases overturned resulting in the case being restored to the original award or to a higher rate

  305

  Note:

  Figures are provisional and subject to change

  Source:

  Statistical databases from BIP database

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the Disability Unit's(a) published targets and (b) current target attainment levels for processing review claims for the disability living allowance. [64759]

  Mr. Timms
  The administration of Disability Living Allowance is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Ronnie Fearn, dated 11 January 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the Disability Unit's (a) published targets and (b) current target attainment levels are for processing review claims for the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
  The Disability Benefits Directorate's published targets for 1998–1999 for clearance of DLA Reviews is 60 per cent. in 55 working days and 80 per cent. in 75 working days.
  The actual year to date achievement of DLA reviews clearances, as at November 1998, is 70 per cent. in 55 days and 86 per cent. in 75 days.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Mr. Denis Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications for disability living allowance were received by the Disability Benefits Unit in(a) 1996, (b) 1997 and (c) 1998; and what was the average length of time taken from the Unit receiving the application to the applicant being notified of the decision in each of the three years concerned. [65039]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Denis Murphy, dated 11 January 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many applications for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) were received by the Disability Benefits Unit in (a) 1996, (b) 1997 and (c) 1998: and what was the average length of time taken from the Unit receiving the application until the applicant being notified of the decision in each of the three years concerned.
  156
  The total number of DLA new claim applications and Special Rules new claim applications received by the Disability Benefits Directorate are shown at Annex A.
  The average length of time taken from receipt of the application until the applicant being notified of the decision for 1997 and 1998 is also shown at Annex A. I am unable to provide information for 1996 as system reports that provide the actual average clearance times were not in existence until the following year.
  The increase in time taken to clear new claims is the result of revised guidance given to Adjudication Officers on 9 February 1998 which has led them to seek supporting evidence in a higher number of cases. Time taken for evidence to arrive is included in the clearance time figures.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Number of DLA claims received and average clearance times

  DLA claims received

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Normal Rules (NR)

  482,521

  491,167

  437,531

  Special Rules (SR)

  28,190

  26,421

  23,828

  DLA claims average clearance

  Normal rules (NR)

  N/A

  32 days

  37 days

  Special rules (SR)

  N/A

  7 days

  8 days

  Source:

  DBD Resource and Assurance Group.

  Figures are provisional and subject to change.

  Welfare Benefit Advice
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the total amount spent on welfare benefit advice in Wales in each of the past 10 years; and if he will estimate the amount of additional benefit claimed as a result of this expenditure in each of the past 10 years. [64658]

  Angela Eagle
  This is an operational matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Chris Ruane, dated 11 January 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will estimate the total amount spent on welfare benefit advice in Wales in each of the past 10 years; and if he will estimate the amount of additional benefit claimed as a result of this expenditure in each of the past 10 years.
  One of the most important role of Benefits Agency (BA) staff is to provide advice and information on benefit matters to our customers. This is part of the normal every day service delivery process. Advice and information is provided on a daily basis by any member of staff who works in the benefit related field of operations. We do not, therefore, separate out the cost of providing this service, regarding it as an integral part of the overall approach we take to customer service.
  As the BA does not maintain discrete information on the provision of benefit advice and information, it is not possible to estimate an amount of additional benefit claimed as a result of this service.
  I am sorry that I cannot be more helpful in this instance.

  Pensions on Divorce
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will respond to the Social Security Committee's Fifth report of 1997–98, Pensions on Divorce HC869. [65652]

  Mr. Timms
  I have written today to the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood) in response to the Social Security Select Committee Report. A copy of the letter has been placed in the Library.

SCOTLAND

  Repeat Offenders
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what considerations he has given to the methods available for dealing with serious repeat offenders; and if he will make a statement. [65639]

  Mr. McLeish
  We are committed to taking all reasonable steps to protect the public from serious repeat offenders, many of whom may suffer from personality disorders. We have therefore decided to establish a committee to review the sentencing and treatment of serious violent and sexual offenders, including those with personality disorders, in Scotland. I am delighted that the hon. Lord MacLean, who is a Senator of the College of Justice, has accepted the Secretary of State's invitation to act as chairman of the committee. It will have the following terms of reference:To consider experience in Scotland and elsewhere and to make proposals for the sentencing disposals for, and the future management and treatment of, serious sexual and violent offenders who may present a continuing danger to the public. In particular:
  to consider whether the current legislative framework matches the present level of knowledge of the subject, provides the courts with an appropriate range of options and affords the general public adequate protection from those offenders;
  to compare practice, diagnosis and treatment with that elsewhere, to build on current expertise and research to inform the development of a medical protocol to respond to the needs of personality disordered offenders;
  to specify the services required by this group of offenders and the means of delivery;
  to consider the question of release/discharge into the community and service needs in the community for supervising those offenders.

  The membership of the Committee and its arrangements for taking evidence will be announced later.

HEALTH

  Social Services Authorities
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list all the local authority social services authorities specifying in respect of each whether the chair is a man or a woman. [65317]

  Mr. Hutton
  Local authorities are not required to inform the Department on the details of the chair, therefore the information requested is not available centrally.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Liquor Licensing
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Government expect to announce proposals to reform liquor licensing in England and Wales. [65090]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Our review of liquor licensing will produce proposals for change as soon as possible, consistent with the thoroughgoing nature of the exercise.

  Female Offenders
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the compliance of the practice of placing women under the age of 18 years in adult jails with the UK's responsibilities under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. [65009]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The United Kingdom has entered a reservation which allows the right not to apply Article 37 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child where mixing of children and adults in prison is deemed to be mutually beneficial, to allow for closeness to home or regime provision.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women aged 15, 16 and 17 years are currently imprisoned in adult women's prisons. [65006]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The currently available information relates to the population on the last day of November 1998 and is given in the table. Unsentenced 17-year-olds are held in prison accommodation. Those sentenced to detention in a Young Offender Institution are held in designated young offender accommodation within adult prisons.

  Population of 15, 16 and 17-year-old females in adult prisons on 30 November 19981

  Age

  Number

  15

  6

  16

  24

  17

  64

  1Provisional figures

  Crime Reduction Programme
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's plans for tackling crime. [65563]

  Mr. Straw
  The Government are committed to reducing crime, tackling its causes and ensuring proper punishment of those who break the law.

  We have already demonstrated our commitment by introducing tough new measures in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to deal with young offenders; drug misusers; sexual, violent and racist offenders; and those whose anti-social behaviour blights the lives of so many of our citizens. As part of our overall strategy, I also announced on 21 July 1998, official report, columns 913–16, that the Government were making available through the Comprehensive Spending Review £250m over the next three years for a new crime reduction

  159
  programme. In addition, extra resources were made available to the police, the Prison Service and probation services. The programme is based on concrete evidence of what is effective in reducing crime and tackling its causes.

  I have published today a briefing paper entitled "Reducing Crime and Tackling Its Causes" which sets out further details on the crime reduction programme and the range of initiatives which has been developed so far, including important projects on domestic burglary and targeted policing. I have placed copies of the paper in the Library.

  Domestic burglary is one of the most common crimes and causes enormous distress to victims. In addition to the measures in the crime reduction programme, therefore, I have decided to bring into force in December the provisions of section 4 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997. This provides for minimum sentences of three years for those convicted for a third time of this offence and will ensure that those who commit this crime repeatedly are severely punished.

  Special Constables
  Mr. Prior
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on the(a) current and (b) future use of special constables by the police force; [64963]

  (2) if he will estimate how many hours special constables, on average, work each week in (a) England and Wales and (b) Norfolk; what estimate he has made of future work loads; and if he will make a statement; [64960]

  (3) how many special constables are currently employed in (a) England and Wales and (b) Norfolk; what estimate he has made of the future employment levels; and if he will make a statement; [64961]

  (4) what estimate his Department has made of expenditure on special constables (a) in 1998–99 and (b) in each year of the planning period in (i) England and Wales and (ii) Norfolk; and if he will make a statement. [64964]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information required in respect of Norfolk Special Constabulary is as follows:

  (a) The average number of hours duty performed per special constable per week is 3.2 excluding time spent training.

  (b) Norfolk Constabulary currently has a strength of 342 special constables and the force seeks to sustain this level at least for 1999–2000.

  (c) The force estimates its expenditure on special constables in 1998–99 will be £80,200.

  Until recently, the number of hours duty performed by special constables and the cost of the special constabularies have not been recorded by the police forces of England and Wales. However, the Special Constabulary Working Group 1995–96 recommended that this information should be identified and all forces should have in place systems to collect this data. Forces will be asked to provide the total number of hours duty performed by their special constables from 1998–99. Most forces expect special constables to perform an average of at least four hours per week. Many special constables do more.

  The costs of special constables vary considerably from force to force and it is not possible to estimate the overall expenditure. Special constables are funded from the

  160
  Police Grant and it is a matter for chief officers how they distribute funding to their special constabularies. In the light of the Working Group's recommendation and improved administration of their special constabularies, forces should be developing systems to identify the costs in future.

  As at 30 September 1998, there were 17,304 (provisional figure) special constables in England and Wales. The figure has dropped from 19,734 during the previous 18 months. The principle reason for the decline in numbers has been higher recruiting standards to reflect that special constables are being trained and deployed on a wider variety of duties than before including more "front line" duties. As a result, the recruiting criteria is now very similar to that for regular officers and consequently a large number of applicants who would previously have been accepted into the Special Constabulary are being rejected. In addition, forces have weeded out the special constables who wanted only to perform "soft" duties, e.g. fetes, carnivals, etc., and 13 per cent. of special constables who resign to join the regular service.

  We estimate that the decrease in numbers will soon level out and that numbers will slowly increase in the next few years. We do not believe in putting a national target on the number of special constables. It is for the chief officer of each force to decide whether a target figure is appropriate and what that figure should be.

  Today's special is a police officer trained to professional standards commanding full confidence of regular colleagues and the public. He or she is able to perform many of the duties of the regular officer and many specials are trained and deployed on specialist duties. We believe this is an excellent use of a valuable resource available to chief officers and support this continued development of the Special Constabulary for the foreseeable future.

  Road Traffic Offences
  Mr. Prior
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the penalties in respect of a conviction of a vehicle's registered keeper for failure to name the known driver of the vehicle following a road traffic offence. [64962]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government have no plans to increase the maximum penalty available for this offence, which is currently a fine of £1,000, discretionary disqualification from driving and three penalty points on the licence. I wrote to the hon. Member on 17 December 1998 with further details.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the total expenditure and the breakdown of expenditure in his Department since May 1997 on(a) public opinion research, (b) television, radio and newspaper advertising and (c) direct mail. [63926]
  161
  Mr. Morley
  Expenditure by MAFF, since May 1997 on(a) public opinion research, (b) television, radio and newspaper advertising and (c) direct mail has been as follows:

  (a)£405,000

  (b)£1,071,000

  (c)£1,100,000.

  Badgers
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he made of the research carried out by his Department's laboratories into the effect of trace element deficiencies in cattle resistant to TB, in reaching his decision to proceed with the cull of the badger population. [64981]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have no wish to kill badgers and considered all alternative approaches before concluding that the culling trial must be an integral part of our wide ranging programme to develop a sustainable science based policy to control TB in cattle.

  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of the compliance of the proposed randomised badger culling trial with the United Kingdom's obligations under the Berne Convention; [64802]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the Government's response to the recent decision of the Standing Committee of the Berne Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats to request the United Kingdom Government to postpone the randomised badger culling trial for one year. [64801]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government are considering the recommendation of the Standing Committee.

  Cattle (Food Chain)
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all cattle born after 1 August 1996 will be eligible to enter the food chain. [64698]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 11 January 1999]: Subject to meeting health and hygiene requirements, beef from all cattle which meet the requirements of the Fresh Meat (Beef Controls) (No 2) Regulations 1996 is eligible to enter the food chain. These Regulations are intended to prevent beef from cattle aged more than 30 months at the time of slaughter from being sold for human consumption unless the animal was certificated under the Beef Assurance Scheme, for which the age limit is 42 months, or the beef came from an animal born, reared and slaughtered in one of 14 countries which are exempt from the controls.

  The "over 30 month rule" was implemented following receipt of advice from the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC). The Committee identified, at its meeting on 9 November 1998, criteria whereby the controls on beef over thirty months of age could be reviewed in the future. It hopes to begin to address this at its meeting planned for March 1999. The Committee recognised that this would require careful study and would almost certainly need to be considered over several meetings.

  Animal Health
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of his discussions with the Home Office about possible criteria for further controls enabling his Department to take into account the treatment of animals in the country of destination before he issues official non-statutory health certification. [64986]

  Mr. Rooker
  BSE priorities have intervened and resources have not been available to progress this work but I hope that discussions with the Home Office will be resumed shortly.

CABINET OFFICE

  Women's National Commission
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the administrative arrangements within his Department relating to(a) the Women's National Commission and (b) the Women's Unit. [64091]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The Women's Unit (WU) supports the Ministers for Women in ensuring that the interests of women are taken into account throughout Government. The Women's National Commission (WNC) is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) which carries out an agreed annual work programme to help provide Government with the informed opinion of women through its member organisations which together represent more than 8 million women.

  The WU and WNC moved to the Cabinet Office following the Cabinet reshuffle last July.

  The Minister for Women, the right hon. Baroness Jay, carries Ministerial responsibility for the work of the Women's Unit and the Women's National Commission. The spokesperson in the House on women's issues is my right hon. Friend the Minister for Public Health.

  However, the Cabinet Office provides office accommodation and services for WU and WNC staff, the majority of whom are on loan to the Cabinet Office from a number of Whitehall departments. For line management purposes they report to Cabinet Office senior management.

  The Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office is the accounting officer responsible for WU and WNC expenditure. The Director of the Women's Unit holds delegated responsibility for the budget.

  The WNC has recently been subject to a quinquennial review and a report of the review's findings will be placed in the Library of the House shortly.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Local Transport Plans
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in what way he is encouraging local authorities to improve local transport plans. [63578]
  163
  Dr. Reid
  Local transport plans are the essential building blocks of the New Deal for Transport. The Government are providing an additional £700 million over the next three years to help ensure their effective implementation. We have also issued guidance to local authorities on how to prepare their plans.

  Provisional plans are due for submission this July, so this year will see us begin to deliver on the benefits of integrated transport at a local level.

  Public Transport (Barnet and Enfield)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement concerning public transport links between the major health service sites in Barnet and Enfield. [63579]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have had no previous representations on this matter. The provisions of suitable public transport access to health service sites should be given careful consideration by all health authorities and trusts, working in partnership with local councils and transport operators.

  Aircraft Noise
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the impact on health of noise from aircraft, with particular reference to night-time noise; and what plans he has to reduce permitted noise levels. [63580]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We have commissioned a research trial on the effect of aircraft noise on sleep disturbance, and research commissioned jointly with the Department of Health will include some study of the non-auditory health effects of aircraft noise. No research results are available for evaluation yet. We expect to publish a supplementary consultation paper on aircraft noise limits early in the new year.

  Air Quality
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to improve air quality. [63582]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Deputy Prime Minister and I hope to make an announcement tomorrow about the outcome of our review of the National Air Quality Strategy, and will set out our plans for improving air quality then.

  Non-unitary Authorities
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of the population of England now resides in non-unitary authority areas. [63583]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The provision of such statistics is the responsibility of the Office for National Statistics under my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. However, they advise that 46.2 per cent. of the population of England now reside in non-unitary authorities.

  Rural Bus Services
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what actions he has taken to encourage enhanced levels of bus services in rural areas. [63585]

  Dr. Reid
  We have made an additional £32.5 million a year available to English local authorities for new rural bus services. We have also announced support totalling £11.4 million for 46 projects in this year's rural bus challenge competition; there will be similar challenges in future years.

  Council Taxes (Shire Areas)
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions by how much he estimates council taxes in shire areas will increase over the next three years. [63586]

  Ms Armstrong
  Decisions on the level of council tax are a matter for each authority.

  M1
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of traffic congestion on the London to Northampton section of the Ml. [63588]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Traffic flows on the MI are continually monitored. Published stress levels show that north of Luton (Junction 10), the M1 generally operates satisfactorily. To the south of Luton the road experiences peak period congestion for at least half the days of the year.

  Brown-field Sites
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure his targets for brown-field sites will be met. [63589]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Our policy document, "Planning for the Communities of the Future", initiated a wide-ranging programme to help local planning authorities and developers bring forward more previously-developed sites for housing. This programme includes a full revision of the current national Planning Policy Guidance Note on housing (PPG3) to put far more emphasis on the use recycled land. A consultation draft of PPG3 will be issued shortly.

  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to encourage the building of homes on recycled urban land. [63600]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Our policy document, "Planning for the Communities of the Future", initiated a wide-ranging programme to help local planning authorities and developers bring forward more previously-developed sites for housing. This programme includes a full revision of the current national Planning Policy Guidance Note on housing (PPG3) to put far more emphasis on the recycling of land. A consultation draft of PPG3 will be issued in the New Year.

  Road User Charging
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the benefits of introducing road user charging. [63590]

  Dr. Reid
  Reducing congestion through road charging should improve travel times and reliability, reducing business costs and driver frustration; and reduce pollution, noise and nuisance.

  Local authorities will spend the revenues on improving local transport. Authorities will have to provide a detailed assessment of costs and benefits when submitting a charging scheme for approval.

  Train Services
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to improve the reliability and quality of rail passenger services. [63591]

  Dr. Reid
  On 26 November we agreed an action plan with all franchisees and Railtrack to improve performance. Measures include 800 new train drivers, 500 new vehicles, and a new national passenger survey. There will be a wider-ranging National Railway Summit next February to look at longer term improvements.

  Mr. Dennis Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking which will enhance the reliability and quality of passenger rail services. [63594]

  Dr. Reid
  The Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister for Transport in London and I met representatives of all franchisees and Railtrack on 26 November and agreed an action plan to tackle performance problems. Measures include 800 new train drivers, 500 new vehicles, a joint "hit squad" to identify and tackle the worst 50 blackspots, a national "trouble shooter" team to tackle punctuality problems, and a new national passenger survey to find out what passengers think about their rail services. A wider-ranging National Railway Summit will be held next February to build on the measures and action identified.

  Jacqui Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress is being made in improving passenger rail services. [63599]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Although a number of train operators have taken steps to improve performance levels, overall performance has continued to fall. When the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Transport and I met with passenger rail franchisees and Railtrack on 26 November we made it clear that current performance levels are unacceptable and that we expect to see progressive year on year improvements from the rail industry. An action plan to tackle short term performance problems was agreed at the meeting. There will also be a wide-ranging National Railway Summit next February to look at medium to longer term improvements.

  Integrated Transport Policy
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions by what criteria he intends to measure the performance of his integrated transport strategy; and if he will make a statement. [63592]
  166
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Our New Deal for Transport will have succeeded when we have a modern, integrated transport system that offers everyone more choice and a better quality of life. A range of indicators at national, regional and local level will be used to measure performance, as set out in the White Paper. In addition, we are setting up the Commission for Integrated Transport to monitor progress and advise on the development of new targets.

  Rate Support Grant Settlement
  Sir David Madel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to visit County Hall, Bedford, to discuss the 1999–2000 rate support grant settlement; and if he will make a statement. [63593]

  Ms Armstrong
  I currently have no plans to visit County Hall to discuss the provisional local government finance settlement 1999–2000. However, we have been consulting local authorities on our proposals and councils were able to request a meeting as part of that process. DETR Ministers will have met 72 authorities during the consultation period which ends today. Bedfordshire County Council did not request a meeting to discuss their representation.

  Council Tenants
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made in increasing the powers of council tenants to manage their own neighbourhoods. [63595]

  Ms Armstrong
  I intend shortly to consult on my proposals for a system of Tenant Compacts for all council tenants. The introduction of the Compacts is intended to provide increased scope for tenants to become involved, to the extent that they wish, in the management of their homes. They will be an important complement to the existing powers under the statutory Right to Manage. The role of tenants in housing and neighbourhood management is also being looked at through the work of the Government's Social Exclusion Unit.

  Neighbourhood Housing Allocation
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on Government policy in respect of neighbourhood housing allocation. [63596]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Housing Act 1996 requires local housing authorities to allocate housing on the basis of housing need. Specifically, households falling within certain prescribed priority categories must be given 'reasonable preference' in an authority's allocation scheme. These categories include families with dependent children, households with medical or welfare needs for settled housing and certain homeless people. Our policy is to encourage local authorities to have allocation policies which meet housing need in their areas, create sustainable communities and ensure efficient use of stock.

  BEST Bus Pensioners
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the delay in paying compensation to the BEST bus pensioners. [63597]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Discussions continue with the NBC pension trustees on achieving an out-of-court settlement of their claim for return of the BEST pensions surplus. We are giving high priority to achieving a just settlement without any unnecessary delay.

  A130
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to reach a decision on the PH bid for the A130 improvement scheme. [63598]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We are continuing to consider the Essex County Council proposals for the A130. We will announce our decision on the project as soon as possible.

  Beacon Status
  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress is being made on selecting councils for beacon status. [63601]

  Ms Armstrong
  We are working closely with the Local Government Association in developing the scheme for beacon councils, and will be consulting on our proposals shortly. We aim to invite applications for beacon status in the Spring.

  Houses in Multiple Occupation
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to reform the law relating to people living in houses in multiple occupation. [63602]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We will fulfil our commitment to introduce a national licensing system for houses in multiple occupation. We plan to consult on proposals for such a system early next year. We will also seek views on changes to the existing law.

  Road Networks
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to improve the condition of road networks; and if he will make a statement. [63581]

  Dr. Reid
  The Government have accepted a target to end the decline in condition of the motorways and trunk roads in England by 31 March 2002. We are also committed to restore the cuts in maintenance of English local authority principal roads.

  Our commitment is clear in decisions:
  to give first priority to maintenance in the Highways Agency's future investment plans; and
  to increase the principal road maintenance element of the local transport capital settlement from £80 million to £113 million (or by over 40 per cent.).

  City Challenge
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out his proposals for a successor to city challenge. [63584]

  Mr. Meale
  The successor to City Challenge is the Single Regeneration Budget which began in 1994. Following the Comprehensive Spending Review my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister set out details of a refocused SRB in his Housing and Regeneration Policy statement on 22 July 1998.

  EU Structural Funds
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have to agree criteria with the European Union for Objective 4 status relating to industries and areas adapting to industrial change. [64510]

  Mr. Wills
  I have been asked to reply.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment reached agreement with the European Commission on a programme to implement Objective 4 of the European Social Fund in all parts of Great Britain on 13 March 1998.

  Driving Licences
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of 18-year-olds hold(a) a provisional and (b) a full driving licence. [64507]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The proportion of 18-year-olds holding licences is 40.5 per cent. for provisional licences and 34.9 per cent. for full licences.

  Rural Action Scheme
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if his rural action scheme will continue beyond 31 March 1999; and if he will make a statement. [64671]

  Mr. Meale
  Rural Action for the Environment was established with funding from the Rural Development Commission, the Countryside Commission and English Nature to cover the scheme's initial three-year development phase until 31 March 1995. Following the successful completion of this phase, the three agencies extended their funding until 31 March 1999. By that point it was expected that Rural Action would no longer need to rely on Government funding.

  Two of the funding agencies—the Rural Development Commission and the Countryside Commission—are due to merge on 1 April to form the Countryside Agency. Both they and, provisionally, English Nature have agreed to commit sufficient funds in 1999–2000 to support the monitoring and advisory costs of the Rural Action county networks which help administer the scheme. This will help to safeguard Rural Action by putting it in the best possible position to bid for project funding, while allowing the new Countryside Agency, together with English Nature, time to consider the scheme and make a decision on its longer term future.

  I welcome this approach.

  Domiciliary Care
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the calculation of the sparsity factor in the social services elderly domiciliary care standard spending assessment is made on an enumeration district basis. [64575]

  Ms Armstrong
  The measurement of sparsity for small areas minimises the extent to which sparsity is obscured through the grouping together of sparsely populated areas with more densely populated areas. Enumeration districts are the smallest areas for which the data enables population sparsity to be calculated consistently for all local authorities.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the City of Westminster is to be allocated money for sparsity within the social services elderly domiciliary care standard spending assessment sub-block. [64576]

  Ms Armstrong
  Standard spending assessments (SSAs) are calculated in a consistent way by applying the same formula to all relevant local authorities. Four of the City of Westminster's 631 enumeration districts are sparsely populated. It therefore receives a very small amount by reference to the sparsity indicator in the formula. The amount within the social services domiciliary care Standard Spending Assessments (SSAs) is some £1,500, which represents 0.0006 per cent. of the total SSA for Westminster City Council.

  Elderly Residential Care
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which local authorities he consulted prior to the provisional standard spending assessment settlement concerning the decision not to include those in residential care, nursing homes and long stay hospitals when counting the number of people aged 65 years or over for the purposes of calculating the social services elderly residential care standard spending assessment; and what their responses were. [64578]

  Ms Armstrong
  The Standard Spending Assessment (SSA) Sub-group is the forum for discussions between local government and Government Departments about possible changes to SSA formulae.

  Details of options for changes to the personal social services formula are set out in the Report of the SSA Sub-group for 1999/2000. Records of discussions with local government representatives on the appropriate client base for the elderly residential social services formula can also be found in the Sub-group reports for 1997–98 and 1998–99. Copies of these reports of the Sub-group are in the Library and are also available to local authorities on the internet.

  Emissions
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimates he has made of the emissions of(a) CO2 (b) SO2, (c) NOx, (d) fine particulates, (e) black smoke and (f) radiation created by the use of coal as a fuel for electricity generation; and what reductions in these emissions would be achieved by the use of gas as an alternative to coal. [65332]
  170
  Mr. Meale
  The following table provides estimates of the emissions created by the use of both types of fuel in 1996:

  Coal

  Natural Gas

  Emissions in tonnes per GWh if electricity generated (1996)

  CO2

  224

  116

  SO2

  8.22

  0.003

  NOx

  2.64

  0.33

  Fine particulates (PM 10)

  0.20

  —

  Black smoke

  13.2558

  —

  Radiation

  15 to 25

  15 to 25

  1Radiation measured in MBq per GWh

  The extent to which gas can realistically be regarded as an alternative to coal-fired generation depends on a range of factors which are discussed in the Government's Review of Energy Sources for Power Generation. There, the Government set out proposals for achieving diverse, secure and sustainable supplies of energy at competitive prices. The Government also proposed that further abatement equipment be installed to reduce certain emissions from coal-fired stations.

  Freight Train Derailment (Barry)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the Health and Safety Executive to publish the report of its investigation into the freight train derailment at Barry on 27 December 1997. [65265]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) intend to publish the results of its investigation into this incident before the end of January.

  Equal Opportunities Guidance
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will place DETR Centre's Guidance on Equal Opportunities in the Library; [64927]

  (2) if he will place a copy of his Department's Policy Appraisal for Equal Treatment in the Library. [64867]

  Mr. Meale
  I have placed a copy of this in the Library.

  Performance-related Pay
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his Department's objectives are in providing performance-related pay. [64922]

  Mr. Meale
  The Department's objective in providing performance-related pay is to reward staff in a way which takes account of their performance.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what studies of appraisal systems have been carried out in his Department and the former Departments of Transport and Environment in the past five years. [64921]
  171
  Mr. Meale
  The following studies have been carried out in the past five years:Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions-an Investigation of the 1997/98 Appraisal System, Pearn Kandola, December 1998.
  Evaluation of the New Staff Appraisal Systems in the former Departments of Environment and Transport, Institute of Employment Studies, October 1997.
  Staff Appraisal: Report of the Working Group—part of the internal review of the Department of the Environment, 1995.
  Evaluation of Staff Reporting Bias in the Department of Transport, Civil Service College, October 1995.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the basis for the 4/5ths equality rule used by personnel management in his Department. [64923]

  Mr. Meale
  The 4/5ths rule is used as a preliminary "rule of thumb" indicator to check for statistically significant variations between groups.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what internal specialist advice was used to help(a) draw up the specification and (b) evaluate the tenders for the study into the differential performance markings in DETR (C). [64916]

  Mr. Meale
  The specification was cleared with the Department's procurement policy advisers. A copy of the draft specification was also sent to the Trade Union Side prior to issue for comment. Tenders were evaluated by Personnel Management against the criteria set out in the specification.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if DETR (c) operates, formally or informally, a system of quotas for staff performance markings. [64918]

  Mr. Meale
  No. As part of the standard setting procedure to promote consistent standards of marking across DETR(C), we published an indicative set of marks based on the previous year's results as a guideline for standard setting officers in the 1998 appraisal round. These indicative marks are intended as a guide rather than a "quota" to be achieved and contribute to a process of "norming" designed to ensure that the system is fair. The final decision on individual performance marks rests with reporting officers applying the criteria in the appraisal guidance.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many DETR (c) staff are in post in each DETR (c) building, excluding the Government Offices, broken down by(a) grade, (b) gender, (c) ethnicity, (d) part/full time working and (e) disability. [64805]

  Mr. Meale
  DETR(C) staff are based in approximately 50 buildings. Detailed breakdowns for each building cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate costs.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many standard-setting meetings took place as part of the 1998 appraisal round in DETR (C); what records are kept of 172
  the outcomes of such meetings; and if individual civil servants' performance markings are discussed in such meetings. [64917]

  Mr. Meale
  About 160 Standard Setting Meetings took place at the end of the reporting year. Records of the outcomes were kept to make comparisons between the performance marks agreed at the meeting and those eventually recorded. The purpose of the standard setting process it to promote fair and consistent standards across DETR(C) and a fundamental part of meeting this purpose requires the discussion of individual performance.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what were the appraisal performance markings awarded to civil servants in 1998 in(a) each agency associated with his Department and (b) each traffic area office broken down by (i) grade, (ii) gender, (iii) ethnicity, (iv) part/full time working and (v) disability; [64803]

  (2) if the Cabinet Office's 4/5s rule used to check for potential adverse impact has been applied to civil servants' performance markings in the 1998 report round in each of his Department's agencies (a) MCA, (b) DVLA, (c) VI, (d) QEII, (e) PINS, (f) DSA, (g) VCA and (h) HA. [64825]

  Mr. Meale
  Staff in Traffic Area Offices are part of DETR(C) and are therefore included in the DETR(C) data already provided. With regard to executive agencies, I have asked Agency Chief Executives to reply separately for their respective agencies.

  Letter from Avil Beynon to Mr. John McDonnell, dated 12 January 1999:
  1. DVLA's Chief Executive has asked me to respond to your request for a breakdown of 1998 staff appraisal marks in the Agency. I attach tables listing the following information:

  Gender/Working Pattern/Disability: Table A

  Gender/Working Pattern/Ethnicity: Table B

  Gender/Grade/Working Pattern: Table C

  2. In accordance with Cabinet Office guidance, where the numbers in any category falls below 5, the data has not been disclosed to protect the privacy of individual members of staff. Table A and Table B do not therefore provide a breakdown of performance by grade for disabled and ethnic staff. To do so would reveal individual performance marks. In Table C, where the spread of representation is below 5, the data is referred to as X.
  3. 1998 Annual Staff Reports (ASRs) have yet to be completed for Administrative Officers, Administrative Assistants and equivalent grades and so the figures supplied are for 1997 ASR markings for these grades. Excluded from the figures is a large number of permanent, fixed term and casual staff recruited in the period December 1997 to December 1998 who have yet received a formal appraisal report.
  4. Although the four-fifths rule has not been used as a guideline to check for any potential adverse impact, the Agency is in the process of harmonising the annual performance reporting systems. In future, this will help produce better analyses of the system and identify any potential Equality Proofing difficulties associated with performance appraisal.
  173

  ASR analysis—disabled staff—DVLA 1997/98 Table A

  Male box markings

  Full time

  Part time

  All grades

  1

  2

  3+

  3

  3-

  4

  5

  1

  2

  3+

  3

  3-

  4

  5

  Totals

  —

  7

  —

  32

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  ASR analysis—disabled staff—DVLA 1997/98 Table A

  Female box markings

  Full time

  Part time

  All grades

  1

  2

  3+

  3

  3-

  4

  5

  1

  2

  3+

  3

  3-

  4

  5

  Totals

  —

  19

  —

  34

  —

  —

  2

  —

  6

  —

  7

  —

  —

  —

  ASR analysis—Ethnic origin—DVLA 1997/98 Table B

  Male

  Full time

  Part time

  All grades

  1

  2

  3+

  3

  3-

  4

  5

  1

  2

  3+

  3

  3-

  4

  5

  Totals

  —

  6

  1

  23

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  ASR analysis—Ethnic origin—DVLA 1997/98 Table B

  Female

  Full time

  Part time

  All grades

  1

  2

  3+

  3

  3-

  4

  5

  1

  2

  3+

  3

  3-

  4

  5

  Totals

  —

  12

  —

  30

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  10

  —

  —

  —

  ASR analysis—by staff numbers—DVLA 1997/98 Table C

  Male box markings

  Full time

  Part time

  Grade

  1

  2

  3+

  3

  3-

  4

  5

  1

  2

  3+

  3

  3-

  4

  5

  AA

  2

  90

  —

  169

  —

  1

  1

  —

  2

  —

  33

  —

  —

  —

  SGB2

  —

  6

  —

  45

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  TYP

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  AO

  4

  141

  —

  267

  —

  1

  —

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  PERSEC

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  SGBI

  —

  8

  —

  6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  SM3

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  SOGD

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  EO

  —

  60

  —

  67

  —

  —

  —

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  —

  —

  SPS

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  ALIB

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  SM2

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  CO4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  SOGC

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  PTO

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  HEO

  —

  48

  —

  40

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  SOGB

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  SE0

  1

  17

  9

  6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  SPTO

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  GRD7

  —

  8

  4

  4

  —

  —

  —

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  GRD6

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  MED

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Totals

  9

  396

  15

  606

  0

  4

  1

  0

  3

  1

  36

  0

  1

  0

  ASR analysis—by staff numbers—DVLA 1997/98 Table C

  Female box markings

  Full time

  Part time

  Grade

  1

  2

  3+

  3

  3-

  4

  5

  1

  2

  3+

  3

  3-

  4

  5

  AA

  2

  276

  —

  361

  —

  2

  3

  —

  90

  —

  223

  —

  2

  —

  SGB2

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  TYP

  —

  15

  —

  6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  —

  10

  —

  —

  —

  AO

  17

  408

  —

  462

  —

  1

  —

  1

  65

  —

  190

  —

  1

  —

  174 175

  ASR analysis—by staff numbers—DVLA 1997/98 Table C

  Female box markings

  Full time

  Part time

  Grade

  1

  2

  3+

  3

  3-

  4

  5

  1

  2

  3+

  3

  3-

  4

  5

  PERSEC

  —

  12

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  SGB1

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  SM3

  —

  6

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  SOGD

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  EO

  2

  122

  —

  91

  x2014;

  —

  —

  —

  17

  —

  18

  —

  1

  —

  SPS

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  ALIB

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  SM2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  CO4

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  SOGC

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  PTO

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  HEO

  1

  43

  —

  32

  —

  —

  —

  X

  X

  —

  X

  —

  X

  X

  SOGB

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  SEO

  —

  6

  2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  SPTO

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  GRD7

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  GRD6

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  MED

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  Totals

  22

  896

  4

  957

  0

  3

  3

  1

  181

  0

  442

  0

  4

  0

  Letter from Maurice Storey to Mr. John McDonnell, dated 12 January 1999:
  I have been asked by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions to reply to your questions about staff report marks in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
  The enclosed schedule provides annual staff report mark details broken down by grade and gender for the report round ending 30 June 1998. Grade breakdowns by ethnicity, part/full time

  MCA summary of all grades

  Box 1

  Box 2

  Box 3

  Box 4

  Pay band/grade

  male

  female

  male

  female

  male

  female

  male

  female

  Pay Band A

  AA/CWA/TYP/SGB2

  0

  0

  16

  41

  79

  95

  1

  0

  Pay Band B

  PS/AO/WO/SM3

  0

  6

  52

  39

  120

  36

  0

  0

  Pay Band C

  AIO/AD01/ADO(WM)(SM)/SO/SWO

  0

  1

  117

  10

  85

  17

  0

  0

  Pay Band D

  IO/HEO/DO/HPTO/MS2

  2

  1

  27

  11

  32

  5

  0

  0

  Pay Band E

  SIO/SE0/IC/SPTO/MS1/SSO

  2

  1

  48

  0

  49

  3

  0

  0

  Pay Band F

  PPTO/G7/PI

  2

  1

  31

  2

  17

  3

  0

  0

  Pay Band G

  Grade 6

  1

  0

  5

  0

  6

  0

  0

  0

  Total

  7

  10

  296

  103

  388

  159

  1

  0

  Ethnic minorities (all grades)

  0

  0

  7

  2

  4

  2

  0

  0

  Part/full time workers (all grades)

  0

  1

  3

  27

  9

  38

  0

  0

  Box 1

  Box 2

  Box 3

  Box 4

  Disabled (all grades-no gender)

  0

  3

  3

  0

  Letter from Maurice Newey to Mr. John McDonnell, dated 12 January 1999:
  Further to Mr. Meale's Written Answer on this, I am pleased to provide the information requested for Civil Servants in the Vehicle Inspectorate. 707 reports have been received so far.
  Table 1 shows these broken down into the various categories used in our Equal Opportunities monitoring process. Table 2–5 show the markings given by Vehicle Inspectorate Pay Band (explained in the Notes to the Tables) for the different categories of staff.
  176
  working and disability have not been provided where individuals might be identified as this would be contrary to Cabinet Office guidance on the confidentiality of staff records.
  An analysis of the Agency's performance markings did not reveal any material adverse impact on MCA staff and it was not necessary therefore to apply the Cabinet Office's 4/5ths rule.
  Performance marking standards continue to be monitored by the Agency's personnel branch to detect any potential adverse impact on staff.
  In accordance with Cabinet Office guidance, we have not given information in 2 categories, where numbers total less than 5 and where individuals might be identified.
  The Vehicle Inspectorate does not apply the Cabinet Office 4/5ths rule of thumb to its performance appraisal markings. For declared ethnic minority and disabled staff, the numbers are just too small to enable us to make any meaningful or reliable comparisons with other groups—though we are trying to improve the reliability of our

  177
  employee database to support our very robust Equal Opportunities policies in these areas. These are already particularly effective in our employment of women, who now make up well over 30% of our workforce and who increasingly are reaching middle and senior level management positions in the Inspectorate. Generally speaking,

  Table 1 Equal opportunities breakdown of reports returned in 1998 reporting year

  Band

  Total

  Male

  Female

  Disabled

  White

  Non-participant

  Ethnic minorities

  Part-time

  Full-time

  1

  98

  68

  30

  1

  62

  36

  0

  30

  68

  2

  235

  119

  116

  6

  179

  53

  3

  36

  199

  3

  212

  190

  22

  6

  182

  24

  6

  2

  210

  4

  117

  98

  19

  0

  107

  10

  0

  7

  110

  5

  32

  29

  3

  0

  31

  1

  0

  0

  32

  6

  10

  8

  2

  0

  10

  0

  0

  0

  10

  7

  3

  3

  0

  0

  3

  0

  0

  0

  3

  Table 2 Performance markings by pay band and ethnic origin

  White

  Non-participant

  Band

  Total

  1

  2

  3

  1

  2

  3

  4/5

  1

  98

  1

  31

  30

  1

  16

  17

  2

  2

  235

  10

  120

  49

  4

  34

  15

  0

  3

  212

  15

  113

  54

  3

  12

  9

  0

  4

  117

  8

  66

  33

  1

  5

  4

  0

  5

  32

  3

  21

  7

  0

  1

  0

  0

  6

  10

  1

  6

  3

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Note:

  In line with Cabinet Office Guidelines on confidentiality, it is not possible to provide performance markings for other Ethnic Minority categories, as numbers are less than 5.

  Table 3 Performance markings by pay band and gender

  Male

  Female

  Band

  Total

  1

  2

  3

  4/5

  1

  2

  3

  1

  98

  2

  29

  35

  2

  0

  18

  12

  2

  235

  5

  71

  43

  0

  9

  85

  22

  3

  212

  15

  116

  59

  0

  3

  11

  8

  4

  117

  7

  60

  31

  0

  2

  11

  6

  5

  32

  2

  20

  7

  0

  *

  *

  0

  6

  10

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Note:

  *Denotes category totalling less than 5, disregarded under Cabinet Office guidelines for safeguarding the identities of individuals.

  Table 4 Box markings by pay band and working hours

  Part time

  Full time

  Band

  Total

  1

  2

  3

  1

  2

  3

  4/5

  1

  98

  0

  18

  12

  2

  29

  35

  2

  2

  235

  2

  25

  9

  12

  131

  56

  0

  3

  212

  0

  1

  0

  18

  126

  67

  0

  4

  117

  1

  4

  2

  8

  67

  35

  0

  5

  32

  0

  0

  0

  3

  22

  7

  0

  6

  10

  0

  0

  0

  1

  6

  3

  0

  Table 5 Total—all bands

  Disabled staff

  Total

  1

  2

  3

  13

  0

  10

  3

  Note 1 Vehicle Inspectorate Pay Bands

  Band 1 Tester, Administrative Assistant, Handyperson, Typists

  Band 2 Administrative Officer, Assistant Vehicle Examiner, Personal Secretaries

  Band 3 Executive Officer, Traffic Examiner, Professional and Technical Officer (PTO), Senior Personal Secretaries

  178 from reports received so far, a higher proportion of women employees are currently gaining Box 1 and 2 performance markings than their male counterparts.Please do not hesitate to let me know if you need any further information.

  Band 4 Higher Executive Officer, Higher PTO, Senior Traffic Examiner

  Band 5 Senior Executive Officer, Senior PTO

  Band 6 Principal/Unified Grade 7

  Band 7 Grade 6/Director

  Note 2 Key to VI Performance Marking Scale

  Box 1 Outstanding

  Box 2 Significantly above normal requirements

  Box 3 Meets normal requirements

  Box 4 Some improvement necessary

  Box 5 Unsatisfactory

  179
  Letter from Marcus C. Buck to Mr. John McDonnell, dated 12 January 1999:
  I have been asked by the Secretary of State for the Department of Environment and Transport and the Regions, to provide information regarding the Staff Appraisal Markings for the Centre.
  The enclosed schedule details the combined Staff Appraisal Markings for the Centre. It was not possible, (if we are to compile with the Cabinet Office's ruling regarding confidentiality of individuals personal details) to show the information broken down by grade or ethnicity.
  The centre does not use the "Four Fifth's Rule". Appraisal forms are audited by the Human Resources Department to ensure fairness and the non-use of discriminatory comments or implications of.

  All grades/job bands combined

  Box 1

  Box 2

  Box 3

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  All staff

  —

  2

  14

  16

  7

  7

  Note:

  Unrecorded (did not qualify for an Appraisal marking for 98) Male 4, Female 3

  Letter from Derek Harvey to Mr. John McDonnell, dated 12 January 1999:
  I attach a table of data for the Vehicle Certification Agency in response to your Parliamentary questions concerning the above.
  It has not been possible to provide a gender or ethnicity breakdown in paybands 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 because, in line with Cabinet Office guidelines, data relating to staff's personal details, when the numbers in any category fall below five, may not be disclosed in order to protect the privacy of individual members of staff.
  I can confirm that the four-fifths rule has not been used to check for potential adverse impact.
  You will also wish to note that there were no disabled or part-time staff in VCA at the time of the 1998 ASR round, hence no separate columns in the table.

  Analysis of pay system

  Gender

  Ethnicity

  Box

  Mark

  m

  f

  w

  o

  Pay band 1

  Box 1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Box 2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Box 3

  10

  5

  5

  —

  —

  Total

  11

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Pay band 2

  Box 1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Box 2

  10

  6

  4

  —

  —

  Box 3

  12

  7

  5

  12

  —

  Total

  23

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Grade: All staff combined. Period 1 January 1997 to 31 December 1997

  Box 1

  Box 2

  Box 3

  Box 4

  Ethnic origin

  male

  female

  male

  female

  male

  female

  male

  female

  White

  2

  3

  574

  74

  431

  69

  2

  2

  Ethnic minorities

  1

  —

  3

  2

  10

  14

  —

  —

  Unrecorded non-participant

  —

  1

  23

  18

  92

  57

  4

  —

  Total

  3

  4

  600

  94

  533

  140

  6

  2

  Part-time

  —

  —

  1

  8

  8

  21

  —

  —

  Disabled

  —

  —

  6

  —

  3

  1

  —

  —

  180

  Analysis of pay system

  Gender

  Ethnicity

  Box

  Mark

  m

  f

  w

  o

  Pay band 3

  Box 1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Box 2

  6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Box 3

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Pay band 4

  Box 1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Box 2

  14

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Box 3

  13

  13

  —

  13

  —

  Total

  28

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Pay band 5

  Box 1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Box 2

  10

  10

  —

  10

  —

  Box 3

  3

  3

  —

  3

  —

  Total

  13

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Pay band 6

  Box 1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Box 2

  2

  2

  —

  2

  —

  Box 3

  3

  3

  —

  3

  —

  Total

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Pay band 7

  Box 1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Box 2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Box 3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  88

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Note:

  1. w/o = White/Other

  Letter from Bernard Herdan to Mr. John McDonnell, dated 12 January 1999:
  As Alan Meale promised in his written reply of December 1998, I am now responding to your Parliamentary Question about the 1998 appraisal performance markings for staff in this Agency.
  As part of the 1998 Pay Agreement with the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) it was agreed that the settlement date of the annual pay negotiations would change in 1999 to 1 August rather than 1 April. It was also agreed that the annual performance reporting cycle would be brought into line with the new settlement date.
  A revised annual report timetable has been agreed with PCS which means that all 1998 reports on DSA staff have been delayed until the first half of 1999. I am therefore unable to provide you with the information you requested for 1998 but I have attached details of appraisal performance markings for all DSA staff relating to the 1997 cycle.
  181
  Letter from Bernard Herdan to Mr. John McDonnell, dated 12 January 1999:
  As Alan Meale promised in his written reply of December 1998, I am now responding to your Parliamentary Question about the application of the Cabinet Office's 4/5ths rule to 1998 performance marking for staff in this Agency to check for potential adverse impact.
  The 4/5th rule has not been applied in respect of staff in DSA. As you may know the rule is a guideline only, and is not a statistical test. It does not give an assurance that any differences are statistically sound nor prove discrimination one way or the other. However as part of the 1998 Pay Agreement with the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), we have agreed that a full equality proofing exercise will be carried out, jointly between DSA and PCS, on all staff performance reports completed on DSA staff in 1999. Meetings with PCS are scheduled for January 1999 for the equality proofing exercise to commence. The exact method of analysis, which might well include the 4/5th rule as a benchmark, will be agreed between both sides in normal negotiations.

  Planning Inspectorate Grade AA/DS/SGBI&2

  Ethnicity

  Disability

  Part time

  Performance mark

  Male

  Female

  m

  f

  m

  f

  m

  f

  1

  1

  1

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2A

  6

  8

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2B

  8

  22

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  3

  14

  11

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  4

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  5

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Total in Grade

  29

  42

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Grade AO/PS

  Ethnicity

  Disability

  Part time

  Performance mark

  Male

  Female

  m

  f

  m

  f

  m

  f

  1

  2

  4

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2A

  13

  24

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2B

  28

  44

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  10

  3

  20

  30

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  5

  4

  1

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  5

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Total in Grade

  64

  102

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Grade EO/TM/SPS/Planning assistants

  Ethnicity

  Disability

  Part time

  Performance mark

  Male

  Female

  m

  f

  m

  f

  m

  f

  1

  —

  4

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2A

  11

  8

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2B

  24

  27

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  5

  3

  22

  6

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  4

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  5

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Total in Grade

  57

  45

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1included within grade totals

  Note:

  *=less than 5 people in group

  Grade HEO

  Ethnicity

  Disability

  Part time

  Performance mark

  Male

  Female

  m

  f

  m

  f

  m

  f

  1

  —

  1

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2A

  6

  6

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2B

  10

  5

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  3

  7

  3

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  182
  Letter from C. J. Shepley to Mr. John McDonnell, dated 12 January 1999:
  The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked me to reply to your Questions in which you asked:

  1. whether, in the 1998 report round, we applied the Cabinet Office's "4/5ths rule" to the performance markings of Inspectorate staff; and

  2. what were the appraisal performance markings awarded to Inspectorate staff broken down by (i) grade, (ii) gender, (iii) ethnicity, (iv) part time/full time working and (v) disability.

  The answer to your first question is "no".
  In answer to your second question I attach a table showing a breakdown of the 1998 performance markings for Inspectorate staff. Where there are fewer than 5 people in the ethnic minority, disability or part-time categories we have suppressed the information in order to maintain the confidentiality of personal information.
  183

  Grade HEO

  Ethnicity

  Disability

  Part time

  Performance mark

  Male

  Female

  m

  f

  m

  f

  m

  f

  4

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  5

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Total in Grade

  23

  15

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Grade SEO

  Ethnicity

  Disability

  Part time

  Performance mark

  Male

  Female

  m

  f

  m

  f

  m

  f

  1

  1

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2A

  2

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2B

  9

  1

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  3

  5

  1

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  4

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  5

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Total in Grade

  17

  2

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Grade G6/7 (grades combined to preserve anonymity)

  Ethnicity

  Disability

  Part time

  Performance mark

  Male

  Female

  m

  f

  m

  f

  m

  f

  l

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2A

  3

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2B

  3

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  3

  2

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  4

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  5

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Total in Grade

  7

  —

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1Included within grade totals

  Grade: Housing and planning inspector

  Ethnicity

  Disability

  Part time

  Performance mark

  Male

  Female

  m

  f

  m

  f

  m

  f

  1

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2

  17

  2

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  3

  20

  4

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  4

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  5

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Total in Grade

  37

  6

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Grade: Senior housing and planning inspector

  Ethnicity

  Disability

  Part time

  Performance mark

  Male

  Female

  m

  f

  m

  f

  m

  f

  1

  2

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2

  99

  7

  *

  *

  5

  *

  8

  *

  3

  24

  5

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  4

  1

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  5

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Total in Grade

  126

  12

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Grade: Principal housing and planning inspector

  Ethnicity

  Disability

  Part time

  Performance mark

  Male

  Female

  m

  f

  m

  f

  m

  f

  1

  3

  1

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  2

  30

  2

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  3

  1

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  4

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  5

  —

  —

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Total in Grade

  34

  3

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1Included within grade totals

  184 185
  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. John McDonnell, dated 12 January 1999:
  I refer to your written Parliamentary Questions, Nos 64803 and 64825, which were tabled for answer by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions. I have been asked to reply to you with regard to information relating to the Highways Agency.
  In reply to PQ 64803 we are in the process of completing the Agency's annual exercise which monitors the way in which appraisal and performance marks have been awarded. We expect to have this work completed by the end of January and I hope you will agree that it would be best that I should write to you again when the information is available.
  In reply to PQ 64825 we use our own formula to determine whether there is any potential adverse impact on a particular group. This involves comparing the mean average performance mark for each group which we round up or down to the nearest whole number. If a particular group has a lower whole number than another group, this would merit further investigation.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many civil servants in each grade in DETR (C), broken down by(a) gender, (b) ethnicity, (c) part/full time working and (d) disability, will be paid performance-related pay if it is agreed to make a second-stage payment based on performance markings arising from the 1998 appraisal round. [64924]

  Mr. Meale
  If it is decided that the 1998 Settlement is to be differentiated according to performance then all staff with a C marking will get at least 2.8 per cent. whilst all those with a B2 will get 3.4 per cent.; all those with a B1 will get 4.0 per cent. and all those with an A will get 4.6 per cent., subject to an increase of at least 3.5 per cent. inclusive of any element for restructuring, which also formed part of this year's settlement.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what the performance markings for civil servants in DETR (C) in each grade were in 1998, broken down by(a) gender, (b) ethnicity, (c) part/full time working and (d) disability; [64926]

  (2) what were in each grade the promotability markings awarded in the 1998 appraisal round for civil servants in DETR (C), broken down by gender, race and disability.[64920]

  Mr. Meale
  The performance and promotion data from the 1997–98 appraisal round analysed by my Department have been placed in the Library. In some areas it has not been possible to produce detailed breakdowns by grade without potentially revealing the identity of individual members of staff. In these cases data fields have been marked 'X' to maintain the confidentiality of individual staff records.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what equal opportunity training civil servants in DETR(C) received before the introduction of the present appraisal system. [64919]

  Mr. Meale
  Awareness of equal opportunities issues and avoiding discrimination and bias forms an integral part of the Department's training courses. Both former Departments' appraisal systems were introduced with 186
  training programmes covering equal opportunities issues, as did the refresher training for all staff in the new DETR(C) appraisal system.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions where were in each of the last five years the performance markings of civil servants in the predecessor bodies to DETR(C), broken down by(a) grade, (b) gender, (c) ethnicity, (d) part/full time working and (e) disability. [64925]

  Mr. Meale
  This information, relating to appraisal systems which have now been superseded, cannot be provided in the format requested without incurring disproportionate costs.

  Rural Action
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that Rural Action continues beyond its current funding cut off date of 31 March 1999. [64831]

  Mr. Meale
  Rural Action for the Environment was established with funding from the Rural Development Commission, the Countryside Commission and English Nature to cover the scheme's initial three-year development phase until 31 March 1995. Following the successful completion of this phase, the three agencies extended their funding until 31 March 1999. By that point it was expected that Rural Action would no longer need to rely on Government funding.

  Two of the funding agencies—the Rural Development Commission and the Countryside Commission—are due to merge on 1 April to form the Countryside Agency. Both they and, provisionally, English Nature have agreed to commit sufficient funds in 1999–2000 to support the monitoring and advisory costs of the Rural Action county networks which help administer the scheme. This will help to safeguard Rural Action by putting it in the best possible position to bid for project funding, while allowing the new Countryside Agency, together with English Nature, time to consider the scheme and make a decision on its longer term future.

  I welcome this approach.

  Packaging Waste Regulations
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the recovery targets under the packaging waste regulations for 1999. [65266]

  Mr. Meacher
  Proposals for changing the recovery targets were included in the recent consultation paper, the Review Of The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997, published on 30 July 1998. I have had further advice from the Advisory Committee on Packaging, on this and on other issues covered in the review, as set out in Sir Peter Parker's letter to me on 22 December 1998, copies of which I am placing in the Library.

  Basking Sharks
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will propose the inclusion of the basking shark in Appendix II of CITES; and if he will make a statement; [65354]
  187
  (2) if he will set out the current timetable relating to CITES, indicating the deadlines for extending inclusion to the basking shark; [65342]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the removal of the EU reservation in respect of the Bern Convention's listing of basking sharks in the Mediterranean; [65370]

  (4) if he will make a statement on the impact of the Barcelona Convention on the status of the basking shark. [65369]

  Mr. Meale
  The next CITES Conference is due to be held from 10 to 20 April 2000. The text of proposals to amend the appendices has to be communicated to the CITES Secretariat at least 150 days before the meeting, ie by 12 November 1999.

  My Department is giving active consideration to the case for including the basking shark on Appendix II of CITES. A proposal prepared by Wildlife and Countryside Link has recently been sent to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee for their assessment as the Government's scientific advisers.

  The UK is not a Party to the Barcelona Convention. The European Community reservation in respect of addition of the basking shark to Appendix II of the Bern Convention is due to be reconsidered when the Natura 2000 network is completed and there is a prospect of amending the annexes to the Habitats Directive.

  Marine Pollution
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make a statement on the phrase, "historic levels", in paragraph 15 of the Sintra statement issued by the ministerial meeting of the OSPAR Commission; [65292]

  (2) what proposals he has to reduce concentrations in the marine environment of man-made radioactive substances. [65293]

  Mr. Meacher
  To meet our obligation under the OSPAR radioactive substances strategy the UK must, by 2020, reduce discharges to levels which will add negligible amounts to historic concentrations of radioactive substances in the marine environment. The ultimate aim is concentrations of man-made radioactive substances close to zero.

  My department and the regulatory authorities will be working closely with the nuclear operators who will be producing 20 year strategies for implementing these discharge reductions.

  The term "historic levels" refers to concentrations of radioactive substances in the marine environment, resulting from past discharges into the sea, which have yet to decay naturally to zero.

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what estimate he has made of the impact of(a) the 6 per cent. fuel duty escalator, (b) full take up of local transport measures in areas greater than 25 km2, (c) full take up of local transport measures in London and in 1/3 of all areas greater than 25 km2 and (d) strict enforcement of 70 mph
  188
  speed limit on national traffic levels in the models used to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions savings given in the table on page 38 of the UK Climate Change Programme; [64995]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the number of cities which could reduce their road traffic carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent. as described in paragraph 2.59 of the New Deal for Transport; and what changes to traffic levels, based on 1990 levels, such reductions would imply (a) in those cities and (b) nationally; [64989]

  (3) what forecast he has made of the levels of traffic reduction which would occur in (a) the urban areas concerned and (b) nationally if local authorities in cities at least the size of Southampton acted to reduce road traffic carbon dioxide by 0.8 MtC by 2010, as set out in paragraph 114 of the UK Climate Change Programme. [64994]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The UK Climate Change Programme Consultation paper and "A New Deal For Transport: Better for Everyone", published last year, presented estimates of the environmental savings which could potentially be achieved through the introduction of a package of local transport measures which were outlined in "A New Deal For Transport". These estimates included only those measures where the impact could be easily quantified, which included central area cordon charges and complementary public transport improvements. Other measures in "A New Deal for Transport" which are less easy to quantify would add to these savings.

  The estimates were derived using the 1997 National Road Traffic Forecasts framework in conjunction with information on the potential impact of the transport measures derived from more specific local transport models. The analysis suggested that savings of up to 20 per cent. in road traffic carbon dioxide emissions could be made in the centre of the busiest cities. Nationally, this translates into a saving of 0.3 to 0.8 MtC by 2010 depending on the number of cities in which the packages of measures were introduced.

  These estimates were presented relative to a baseline which incorporated the expected impact of the 6 per cent. fuel duty escalator. It is estimated that the continuation of this policy for the lifetime of the current parliament could reduce national traffic levels by 2 per cent. compared with what they would otherwise have been in 2010.

  If there was full take up of the package of local transport measures in urban areas greater than 25 km2 (such as cities the size of Southampton or larger) it is estimated that this could reduce national traffic levels by a further 2 per cent. on the forecast level by 2010, and by around 20 per cent. in the centre of the urban areas concerned. Alternatively, if the measures were only introduced in London and a third of urban areas greater than 25 km2 national traffic could be expected to be reduced by around 1 per cent. on its forecast level. The traffic, and carbon dioxide, reduction which could be expected in specific individual cities would depend on the exact form in which the measures were introduced, and on the particular characteristics of each city and its population. It is therefore not possible to estimate the precise number of cities where savings of 20 per cent. could be achieved.
  189
  The Climate Change Programme Consultation paper also presents an estimate for the potential carbon dioxide savings which could be achieved through the strict enforcement of 70 mph speed limits. The analysis underlying this estimate was based on survey information of the extent and severity of speeding, and an assessment of the emissions saving from reducing such activity. The analysis could not be used to predict what impact the enforcement of speed limits would have on traffic levels.

  The answer I gave the hon. Member on 3 November 1998, official report, column 458, indicated that my Department will be undertaking further analysis of the impact of the New Deal policies on road traffic—taking into account information from local authorities on what measures they plan to introduce—in the context of preparing reports under the Road Traffic Reduction (National Targets) Act 1998.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what level of traffic, expressed as a percentage of traffic levels in 1990, has been assumed to calculate the 22 to 27 per cent. reduction in forecast road traffic carbon dioxide emissions by 2010 referred to in paragraph 2.26 of the New Deal for Transport. [64990]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The reduction in road transport carbon dioxide emissions of 22 to 27 per cent. which was presented in "A New Deal For Transport: Better for Everyone" was estimated relative to energy projections which were published by the Department for Trade and Industry in 1995. The reduction includes the impact of a number of policy measures including the 6 per cent. fuel duty escalator, the EU Strategy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from new cars, and the potential impact of those local transport measures which were quantified in A New Deal for Transport. In addition, the figures were also influenced by the switch to the use of the 1997 National Road Traffic Forecast modelling framework as a tool for estimating transport carbon dioxide emissions.

  Using the National Road Traffic Forecasts model, it is estimated that with these policies in place traffic would grow by 37 per cent. by 2010 relative to 1990 vehicle kilometre levels. This analysis assumes that the improvements in energy efficiency which arise from the EU Strategy to reduce carbon dioxide from cars would not lead to offsetting increases in vehicle use. As indicated in my answer to question number 64989, further analysis on the impact of the measures contained within A New Deal for Transport on traffic levels is planned.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the amount which road traffic levels would need to be reduced in order to reduce road traffic carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent. by 2010, on 1990 levels. [64991]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The publication of the Climate Change Programme Consultation paper in October 1998 began the national debate on how to meet our legally binding Kyoto target, and how we can move beyond this towards a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Part of this national debate will focus on how specific sectors of the economy, including the transport sector, can contribute towards meeting our climate change targets.
  190
  Carbon dioxide levels could be reduced from the transport sector in a number of ways, each having different implications for traffic levels. Until it is clear how the transport sector will contribute to meeting our climate change targets it is not possible to provide an overall assessment of how traffic levels will be affected by the contribution.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the reduction in carbon dioxide from(a) road freight transport and (b) private car use on a 1990 base by 2010; and what proportion of this reduction would be (i) as a result of improvements in engine efficiency and (ii) from reductions in the number of lorry-kilometres travelled. [64992]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Forecasts of the change in carbon dioxide emissions from different parts of the road transport sector can be made using the National Road Traffic Forecasts modelling framework which was published in 1997. This model can be used to split changes in emissions over time between changes in underlying energy efficiency and vehicle use, but only from a base year of 1996.

  Assuming that fuel duty is increased by 6 per cent. per annum in real terms for the lifetime of the current Parliament, and that no other policies are introduced, between 1996 and 2010 it is forecast that total carbon dioxide emissions from cars will grow by 6 per cent. This growth is made up of two counterbalancing effects. Over the period, vehicle kilometres are forecast to increase leading to a growth in carbon dioxide emissions of up to 28 per cent. This is offset by improvements which are forecast in the underlying energy efficiency of vehicles which is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 22 per cent.

  It is forecast that carbon dioxide emissions from road freight between 1996 and 2010 will increase by around 3 per cent. This change is made up of a forecast improvement in underlying energy efficiency of up to 18 per cent., which is offset by an expected increase in vehicle use of up to 22 per cent. This analysis is based on the assumption that the efficiency of Heavy Goods Vehicles improves by one per cent. per year.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what changes in traffic levels, expressed as a percentage of 1990 levels, was assumed in order to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions forecast for 2010 from road traffic given in paragraph 127 of the UK Climate Change Programme. [64993]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The forecast of carbon dioxide emissions from road traffic given in the Climate Change Programme Consultation paper was estimated using the National Road Traffic Forecasts which were published in 1997. This forecast does not include the impact of the policies which were outlined in A New Deal for Transport. Relative to total traffic levels in 1990, the central forecasts predict that total vehicle kilometres will grow by 40 per cent. by 2010.

  Traffic Congestion
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what
  191
  assessment his Department has made of the consequences for congestion of the introduction of night-time rules for mobile workers in the EU Working Time Directive. [64982]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The European Commission's draft proposal was published only in December. We will examine it thoroughly taking into account the effects on road transport and congestion and seek to ensure in negotiations on the draft directive that sensible and balanced decisions are reached.

  Heavy Goods Vehicles
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the relative damage caused to roads by(a) 38 tonne lorries, (b) 40 tonne lorries and (c) 44 tonne lorries with standard axle arrangements. [64983]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  As indicated in the recent White Paper on the future of transport, "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone", 38 tonne, 5 axle lorries and 44 tonne, 6 axle lorries, both with drive axle weights of up to 10.5 tonnes, cause about the same amount of road wear. 40 tonne, 5 axle lorries, which have an 11.5 tonne drive axle weight, cause about a third more wear than the aforementioned.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many 44 tonne lorries are licensed to operate on United Kingdom roads. [64984]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The number of vehicles licensed to operate at 44 tonnes on combined transport operations at 30 September 1998 was 2,560. This figure does not include a number of vehicles licensed under Section 44 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to carry abnormal and indivisible loads, and which may operate at weights at or above 44 tonnes.

  New Deal (Liverpool)
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress is being made on the New Deal for communities in Liverpool. [63564]

  Mr. Caborn
  We have received an outline bid on behalf of the Kensington Partnership Forum for New Deal for Communities support. The bid covers parts of the 192
  Smithdown and Kensington Wards of the City. No decisions has yet been reached on which of the 17 Pathfinder bids will progress to the next stage. I expect to make an announcement shortly.

  Bus Companies
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received in the last 12 months about bus company mergers and take-overs. [63408]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Mergers and take-overs in the bus industry are chiefly matters for the competition authorities. However I do receive such representations from time to time, including the letter of 26 October last from my hon. Friend.

  London Underground
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made towards the injection of private capital into the infrastructure of London Transport Underground. [63563]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We are making very good progress, as my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 14 December 1998,official report, columns 623–34, during the second reading debate on the Greater London Authority Bill. Work is now under way to restructure London Underground in preparation for a competition to be held for the private sector to operate and invest in the upgrading of the Underground's infrastructure, into an operations company, which will remain in the public sector, and three infrastructure divisions. Subject to bids for the infrastructure divisions representing Best Value for the public sector they will transfer to the private sector for the duration of the Public-Private Partnership.

  Opencast Mining
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received concerning planning permission for opencast mining at Avenue Cokeworks, Wingerworth, Derbyshire. [63577]

  Mr. Caborn
  Since 1 May 1997 my right hon. Friend has received six representations from local pressure groups and 11 representations from members of the public requesting that the planning application be called in.

  Afghanistan: Support for NGOs
  Afghanistan: Support for NGOs
  Sure Start
  Sure Start
  Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly
  Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly
  Crime
  Crime
  BSE Cull
  BSE Cull
  Tallow Stocks: Destruction
  Tallow Stocks: Destruction
  Armenia and the British Council
  Armenia and the British Council
  Gibraltar
  Gibraltar
  GCHQ: Dismissed Staff
  GCHQ: Dismissed Staff
  EU and UK: New Jobs
  EU and UK: New Jobs
  Flora and Fauna: Extinct Species
  Flora and Fauna: Extinct Species
  Spray from Heavy Vehicles
  Spray from Heavy Vehicles
  Stonehenge
  Stonehenge