Written Answers of 7 July 1999

NORTHERN IRELAND

  European Communities Working Groups
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the European Communities working groups which met over the last 12 months with a representative from her Department in attendance; if she will list the number of times each met; if she will indicate the nature of the Government's representation; and if she will make a statement. [88470]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Officials from my Department regularly attended European Communities working groups when matters of importance to Northern Ireland were being discussed. Occasionally my Department can be represented by officials from the United Kingdom's Permanent Representation to the European Union.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the subject and date of each written briefing prepared by her special advisers for all Labour Members since May 1997 and the total number and total cost to date of these. [89996]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Special Advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in the "Model Contract for Special Advisers". Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Model Contract sets out the role and duties of Special Advisers. As well as research for Ministers and reviewing papers, contributing to policy planning within the Department and preparing policy papers, speechwriting and liaison with outside interest groups, their role explicitly includes liaising with the Party and helping to brief Party MPs. Records are not held of when such briefings are given. Similar arrangements have applied under successive Governments.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Severn Trent Water
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will investigate the level of charges by Severn Trent Water for water at educational establishments; and if he will make a statement. [86870]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 14 June 1999]: This is a matter for Severn Trent Water. The Director General of Water Services has the general function of overseeing companies' use of their charging powers to ensure that there is no undue discrimination between different classes
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  of customer but he has no role in approving their detailed charges. The Water Industry Act 1999 will give the Secretary of State and the Director General new powers to approve charges schemes which should tackle this problem.

  Road Deaths
  Mr. Bradshaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) pedestrians and (b) cyclists have been (i) killed and (ii) seriously injured in accidents involving motor vehicles in each of the last five years. [89540]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The numbers of pedestrians and cyclists recorded as being killed and seriously injured in accidents involving motor vehicles are shown in the tables.

  Pedestrian casualties in accidents involving a motor vechicle

  Year

  Casualty Severity Fatal

  Serious

  1994

  1,119

  11,703

  1995

  1,032

  11,155

  1996

  995

  10,518

  1997

  967

  9,956

  1998

  904

  9,494

  Cyclist casualties in accidents involving a motor vehicle

  Year

  Casualty severity Fatal

  Serious

  1994

  159

  3,440

  1995

  189

  3,364

  1996

  186

  3,264

  1997

  170

  3,118

  1998

  145

  2,882

  Bicycle Accidents
  Mr. Bradshaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many pedestrians have been(a) killed and (b) seriously injured (i) in accidents involving bicycles ridden on pavements and (ii) by bicycles ridden on the road when the cyclist was at fault, in each of the last five years. [89538]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The party at fault in a road accident is not recorded on a national basis.

  However, the numbers of pedestrians recorded as being killed and seriously injured who were hit on the footway or verge by bicycles are shown in the table.

  Pedestrians hit by pedal cyclists on the footway or verge

  Year

  Casualty Severity Fatal

  Serious

  1994

  1

  30

  1995

  1

  36

  1996

  0

  23

  1997

  1

  36

  1998

  1

  23

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  The following table shows the numbers of pedestrians recorded as being hit while in the carriageway.

  Pedestrians hit by pedal cyclists in the carriageway

  Year

  Casualty severity Fatal

  Serious

  1994

  3

  68

  1995

  3

  62

  1996

  2

  63

  1997

  1

  54

  1998

  1

  45

  Mr. Bradshaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many cyclists have been(a) killed and (b) seriously injured in accidents on roads or cycle paths when the pedestrian was at fault in each of the last five years. [89539]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The party at fault in a road accident is not recorded on a national basis.

  However, the table shows the numbers of cyclists recorded as being killed or seriously injured on the carriageway or cycleway in accidents which involved a pedestrian and did not involve any motor vehicles. These numbers do not include casualties on cycleways which are segregated from the public road.

  Cyclist casualties in accidents involving a pedestrian and not

  involving a motor vehicle

  Year

  0

  14

  1995

  1

  19

  1996

  1

  15

  1997

  3

  15

  1998

  0

  14

  Council Housing
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the cost, at current prices in pounds per dwelling, of major repairs to council housing stock(a) by local authority, (b) by region and (c) nationally in each of the last five years. [89584]

  Mr. Raynsford
  A copy of the data available has been placed in the Library. The tables show the average expenditure per council dwelling receiving major renovation work (repairs and improvements costing more than £500 per dwelling) in each local authority, region and nationally. Every year, about 22 per cent. of council owned dwellings receive renovation work costing at least £500.

  Figures are presented for the years for which data are available centrally (1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98), at 1997–98 price levels. This information was not collected centrally before 1995–96.

  These figures are submitted to the Department by local authorities as part of the annual Housing Investment Programme round. Some local authorities did not supply detailed information of their expenditure on capital works.
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  Such LAs are excluded from this analysis: they have been removed from the LA listings and are not included in regional and national averages.

  Differences in average expenditure between regions do not only reflect different quantities of work completed, but also the significant variations in the costs of carrying out the same work in different regions.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the amount of(a) average management and maintenance allowances, (b) guideline rents and (c) the difference between (a) and (b) in pounds per dwelling per week and in thousands of pounds per annum, (i) for each local authority in England, (ii) for each region and (iii) nationally for 1998–99 and 1999–2000. [89585]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The information requested has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Empty Property Strategy
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many empty homes owned by(a) Government agencies and (b) local authorities were brought back into use in 1998 as a result of the developing empty property strategy promoted by his Department. [89678]

  Mr. Raynsford
  In general information is not collected centrally on the numbers of empty homes brought back into use. Instead data are collected on the numbers of vacant dwellings, which is the key outcome of action to reduce the number of empty homes. Figures for vacant dwellings in England at 1 April 1998 were published in Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Information Bulletin 189/99 on 2 March 1999 which has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the numbers of young, single homeless people in(a) the district council areas of (i) Easington, (ii) Durham City, (iii) Chester le-Street, (iv) Derwentside, (v) Wear Valley and (b) the boroughs of (i) Sedgefield, (ii) Darlington, (iii) Sunderland and (iv) Hartlepool. [89834]

  Mr. Raynsford
  None, but we are working up a methodology to allow local authorities to produce such estimates. There are real problems in attempting to measure the scale of youth homelessness, either nationally or locally. Few estimates of single homelessness break figures down by age. The term 'homeless' may also be used to represent a number of different levels of housing need. At one extreme, rough sleeping is the most visible and disturbing form of homelessness. But there are also young people accommodated in emergency night shelters, direct-access hostels, squats, bed-and-breakfast accommodation and longer-term hostels. Some people, especially the young will stay with friends and relatives on a temporary basis, sometimes under difficult and trying circumstances. Although there have been a number of estimates commissioned by the voluntary sector to assess the extent of youth homelessness they have not been able to overcome these inherent difficulties and have come up with widely differing estimates.
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  My Department has recently commissioned research into youth homelessness as part of the Youth Homelessness Action Partnership. One output from this research will provide a more reliable estimate of the numbers of young people affected by various types of homelessness. A tool-kit will also be produced which will be made available to local authorities and the voluntary sector to help them produce accurate figures locally.

  Market Research
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the title and purpose of each item of market and opinion research commissioned by or through his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997, stating in each case whether the results were published. [89698]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 5 July 1999]: The only central list of market and opinion research currently held in my Department is for research commissioned for information campaigns. The research is used to help ensure the effectiveness, appropriateness and value for money of such campaigns. Since May 1997, the following have been commissioned:
  1997–99

  Monthly road safety advertising quantitative tracking research

  1997

  Kill your speed campaign—pre-campaign quantitative research

  Child Road Safety "Hedgehogs" campaign—qualitative creative development research

  Drink Drive campaign—qualitative creative development research

  Radonx2014;qualitative strategic and creative development research

  Drinking Water Inspectorate—qualitative creative development research

  Drinking Water Inspectorate—quantitative awareness research

  New Leadership for London Green Paper popular leaflet—qualitative creative development research

  London Referendum—qualitative strategic and creative development research

  1998

  Review of 25 years of Drink Drive advertising—quantitative research

  are you doing your bit? Spring 1998 campaign—qualitative creative development research

  are you doing your bit? Spring 1998 campaign—quantitative pre-and post-campaign research

  are you doing your bit? Greener Vehicles 1998 campaign—quantitative pre- and post-campaign research

  are you doing your bit? Autumn 1998 refresher campaign—quantitative awareness research

  Child Road Safety campaign—quantitative tracking research

  Drink Drive campaign—qualitative strategic research

  Drink Drive campaign—qualitative creative development research

  Kill Your Speed campaign—qualitative creative development research

  London referendum—quantitative pre- and post-campaign research

  532 1999

  Sustainable Development—qualitative strategic development research

  are you doing your bit? campaign—qualitative creative development research

  Leaded Petrol—quantitative awareness research

  are you doing your bit? campaign—quantitative research into water usage habits

  Summer Drink Drive campaign—qualitative creative development research

  Cowboy Builders—qualitative creative development research

  Millennium Drink Drive campaign—qualitative creative development research

  1999–2000

  Monthly are you doing your bit? campaign—quantitative tracking research.

  Research results are not published. However, copies of quantitative research reports are available on request. In addition, the Department's Survey Control Unit is currently compiling a database of non-publicity surveys conducted since the merger of the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment in 1997. This will not include the Department's agencies and non-departmental public bodies, which are responsible for their own research.

  Drinking Water Inspectorate
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the ninth Annual report of the Drinking Water Inspectorate will be published. [90304]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Drinking Water Inspectorate will publish its ninth Annual Report on Wednesday, 7 July.

  The Inspectorate will also publish two leaflets for consumers. "How Good is the Drinking Water" will summarise the main points of the Report. "DWI Report on (Each) Water Company" will give brief details of the quality of drinking water supplied by individual water companies.

  Copies of the Report and leaflets will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Biotechnology
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 9 March 1999,Official Report, column 153, if the stakeholders' forum he intended to instigate has been superseded by the two commissions announced by the Minister for the Cabinet Office in his oral statement of 21 May 1999, Official Report, columns 1371–84, on biotechnology. [90066]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 6 July 1999]: The two Commissions announced by the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 21 May do supersede earlier proposals for a stakeholders forum. The Human Genetics Commission (HGC) will advise on applications of biotechnology in healthcare, and the impact of human genetics on people's lives; and the Agricultural and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) will cover the use of

  533
  biotechnology in agriculture and its environmental effects. The two bodies will include a wide range of interests including lay members, specialists in ethical matters, consumers and those with a knowledge of the industry. One of the functions of the Commissions will be to consult key stakeholders and the public in formulating their advice to Government.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the subject and date of each written briefing prepared by his special advisers for all Labour Members since May 1997 and the total number and total cost to date of these. [89981]

  Mr. Prescott
  [holding answer 6 July 1999]: Special Advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in the Model Contract for Special Advisers. Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Model Contract sets out the role and duties of Special Advisers. As well as research for Ministers and reviewing papers, contributing to policy planning within the Department and preparing policy papers, speech writing and liaison with outside interest groups, their role explicitly includes liaising with the Party and helping to brief Party MPs. Records are not held of when such briefings are given. Similar arrangements have applied under successive Governments.

  Red Routes
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to extend(a) the red route network and (b) the bus priority network to other cities. [89474]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The red route project and powers are exclusive to London. Elsewhere, it is primarily for local authorities to use their existing traffic management powers to give appropriate priority to buses. We look to them to do so, in the context of developing their local transport plans and bus strategies.

  Non-domestic Rates
  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to phase in the effects of the 2000 revaluation on non-domestic rate bills in England. [90495]

  Ms Armstrong
  I fully understand non-domestic ratepayers' concerns about the revaluation and their keenness to know, as early as possible, how they will be affected. They need time to plan ahead. However, we do not yet have complete information about the detailed effects of the revaluation, and will not do so for a while.

  We therefore aim to publish in late September a consultation paper outlining options for handling the impact of the revaluation in England. We recognise the need in formulating the proposals for this consultation paper to take account of the views of business organisations. I am therefore convening a consultative forum of national bodies representing business interests to consider this issue and I expect the first meeting to be later this summer.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Attorney-General what guidance he has issued to the Crown Prosecution Service on the prosecution of asylum-seekers in transit in the United Kingdom who have been stopped for bearing false documents. [89672]

  The Attorney-Genera
  I have not issued specific guidance on this point. The Crown Prosecution Service has set up a multi agency group to look at policy in relation to this issue and will consider, inter alia, whether specific guidance to prosecutors should be issued. In these cases, as all others, Crown Prosecutors must apply the Code for Crown Prosecutors when making the decision to prosecute. This is a set of general principles requiring the prosecutor to apply an evidential and a public interest test to determine whether a prosecution should take place or not.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Cabinet Joint Consultative Committee
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many meetings of the JCC he has attended. [89278]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 5 July 1999,Official Report, column 362.

  "Your Right to Know" White Paper
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many submissions were made in the course of the consultation on the 1997 White Paper, "Your Right to Know"; and how many raised objections concerning the substantial harm test as set out in the White Paper. [89361]

  Mr. Straw
  572 pieces of correspondence received in response to the White Paper "Your Right to Know" were published in six volumes, under the title "Your Right to Know—Consultation Responses". Copies were placed in the Library and published on the Internet. Correspondence where the author requested confidentiality has not been published.

  31 of the published items of correspondence made explicit statements regarding the substantial harm test as set down in the White Paper. Of these, seven (23 per cent.) did not express an opinion as to the desirability or otherwise of the substantial harm test, five (16 per cent.) expressed an opinion in favour of substantial harm, and 19 (61 per cent.) raised objections.

  The five in favour of substantial harm were from the Canadian Information and Privacy Commissioner, the Chief Constable of Durham, Charter 88, the National Steering Committee of Nuclear Free Local Authorities and the Campaign for Freedom of Information.

  The 19 that raised objections about substantial harm were from a number of individuals and organisations including British Nuclear Fuels Plc, Coopers and Lybrand, British Energy, the Building Societies Commission, the

  535
  Commission for the New Towns, Lancashire County Council and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). No one particular interest group or sector dominated the correspondence, objections to substantial harm were received from members of the public and from organisations.

  Comments made include:
  "substantial harm, as a test, is unworkable";
  "British Energy's preferred approach is that harm would be caused or that there is a reasonable expectation of harm";
  "it is difficult to form an objective interpretation of any adjective such as 'substantial' in this context. It would be better to have no adjective because it is already difficult to run the public service really effectively, and if disclosure is likely to cause 'harm' then it is better not to disclose";
  "the proposals already recognise the need to supply a 'simple harm' test to disclosure of policy advice. It would not, therefore, seem to follow that it would be sensible to apply a 'substantial harm' test to the other categories, particularly those relating to law enforcement and safety issues";
  "the CBI believes the test governing disclosure should be one of 'Simple' harm and not 'substantial' harm…if the test is to be one of 'substantial harm' then we believe the competitiveness of business will be affected".

  Clearly, a significantly greater number of correspondents who commented on substantial harm saw difficulties with the test than saw it as unproblematical. This was one of the considerations taken into account when we decided, in preparing the draft Bill, to revisit this test and see whether it could be made more workable.

  Metropolitan Police Data
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many subject access requests have been received by the Metropolitan Police for each of the last three years; and what plans he has to use his powers under the Data Protection Act 1998 to restrict, at the request of the data subject, a subject access request to personal data which relate to criminal records. [89654]

  Kate Hoey
  The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police tells me that the number of subject access requests received by the Metropolitan Police for each of the last three years has been:

  1998: 24,984

  1997: 18,705

  1996: 13,896.

  The Data Protection Act 1998 makes provision for a new offence to deal with enforced subject access to certain types of record, including criminal records. Because of the close link with the introduction of criminal record checks, provided under Part V of the Police Act 1997, the new offence will not be brought into force before such checks can be undertaken. The Criminal Records Bureau is being established to enable these checks to be carried out.

  Work on the implementation and timing of Part V of the Police Act 1997 is being taken forward.

  Security Service
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons the figures regarding numbers of personal files held by M15 which he gave the House on 29 July 1998,Official Report, columns 251–54,
  536
  differ from those in the 1997–98 Annual report of the Intelligence and Security Committee; and whether the MI5 records held in microform are classified within the traffic light system. [89638]

  Mr. Straw
  The figures given by the Intelligence and Security Committee and those given in my reply on 29 July 1998 to my hon. Friend the Member for City of Chester (Ms Russell),Official Report, columns 251–54, are not incompatible. The Committee's breakdown of figures is different from that in my reply. In my reply, I said that the Security Service held approximately 440,000 files, 290,000 related to individuals who may have been the subject of an inquiry or investigation. The 290,000 was further broken down as: 230,000 closed files; 40,000 microfilmed; and 20,000 active files. In its report, the Committee gave the figures as 250,000 hard copy personal records with a further 40,000 on microfiche. It broke the 250,000 down as: 17,500 Green (ie Active) files; 97,000 Amber; 135,000 Red; and additionally, 3,000 temporary Green (Gens). Any minor variance in the figures is a result of rounding. All Security Service microfilmed records are closed and are categorised as Red in the traffic light system.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many records from the period 1909 to 1945 it is intended will be retained by MI5 under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958; on what grounds they are to be retained; how many of them are operational records; and what types of operational record they are. [89640]

  Mr. Straw
  The Security Service is currently engaged in reviewing its records from between 1939 and 1945. It will then begin the process of reviewing records from the inter-war period. The decision whether to keep or to destroy records that are no longer required for operational purposes is taken by the Security Service subject to the guidelines relating to the retention of material for historical purposes. I set out the criteria that are applied when deciding whether a record is likely to be of historical interest in my reply to the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) on 20 January 1998, Official Report, column 520. The decision as to which records should be released to the Public Record Office is taken by the Service in the light of an assessment of their sensitivity and the need to protect agents and methods of operation. Further information concerning operational records is not made public.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when the release to the Public Record Office of MI5 records from the period 1919 to 1939 will take place;[89639]

  (2) what reasons underlie the proposed time scale for the release of post-1945 MI5 records to the Public Record Office.[89641]

  Mr. Straw
  As I announced in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for City of Chester (Ms Russell) on 29 July 1998,Official Report, columns 251–54, the Security Service is currently reviewing its files relating to the period 1939–45, for release to the Public Record Office. When this work has been completed the Service will turn to the inter- and post-war years. Progress on this will be determined by the resources available to carry out this work.
  537
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons the Government refused the request by the Advisory Council on Public Records in 1998 to be allowed to consider the conditions under which MI5 records are released; and if the Government will review that refusal. [89642]

  Mr. Straw
  In July 1998, I invited the Advisory Council on Public Records to review the criteria employed by the Security Service to select files for permanent preservation on grounds of historical interest. The Advisory Council reported in December last year. I placed the report in the Library and announced the Government's response in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Reading, East (Jane Griffiths), 3 February 1999,Official Report, columns 619–20.

  During the course of the Advisory Council review the Chairman of the Council wrote to me to ask whether I would be prepared to extend the terms of reference to encompass issues relating to access to Security Service records. I replied that I was not then contemplating changing the arrangements under which external access to Security Service personal files which had not been released to the Public Record Office (PRO) was strictly limited to the Commissioners and Tribunals acting in pursuit of their functions. That remains the position. I did, however, agree that officials of the PRO with the necessary security clearance should be invited to examine files earmarked for destruction following review by the Security Service.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the extent of surviving Police Special Branch historical records; and for what reasons retention in Department, under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958, still applies to these records and to those of MI6. [89643]

  Mr. Straw
  The Public Records Act 1958 applies to the Metropolitan Police Special Branch, but not to Special Branches in other police forces. The inclusion of the Metropolitan Police reflects the relationship that continues to exist between the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Metropolitan Police Service.

  However, all Special Branches in England, Wales and Scotland operate under the published "Guidelines on Special Branch Work in Great Britain". Paragraph 20 of the Guidelines requires each Special Branch to maintain an effective system for:
  "the identification and destruction of information which can no longer be clearly related to the discharge of its functions".

  Because Special Branches need to meet local policing needs—as determined by their respective Chief Constables—as well as assisting the Security Service in carrying out its statutory duty under the Security Service Act 1989, they may need to keep records on individuals who, while ceasing to be of interest to the Security Service, remain of interest in a wider policing context. Decisions on the retention of such records are, therefore, an operational matter for the Chief Constable of the force concerned. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary does, however, reinforce the importance of ensuring that the Guidelines are adopted nationally as the basis for handling personal records.
  538
  With respect to the retention of Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) records under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 12 February 1998, Official Report, column 324.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when the release to the Public Record Office of M15 records from the period 1919 to 1939 will take place; [89625]

  (2) what reasons underlie the proposed time scale for the release of post-1945 M15 records to the Public Record Office. [89627]

  Mr. Straw
  As I announced in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for City of Chester (Ms Russell), 29 July 1998,Official Report, columns 251–54, the Security Service is currently reviewing its files relating to the period 1939–45, for release to the Public Record Office. When this work has been completed the Service will turn to the inter- and post-war years. Progress on this will be determined by the resources available to carry out this work.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons the Government refused the request by the Advisory Council on Public Records in 1998 to be allowed to consider the conditions under which M15 records are released; and if the Government will review that refusal. [89628]

  Mr. Straw
  In July 1998, I invited the Advisory Council on Public Records to review the criteria employed by the Security Service to select files for permanent preservation on grounds of historical interest. The Advisory Council reported in December last year. I placed the report in the Library and announced the Government's response in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Reading, East (Jane Griffiths), 3 February 1999,Official Report, columns 619–20.

  During the course of the Advisory Council review, the Chairman of the Council wrote to me to ask whether I would be prepared to extend the terms of reference to encompass issues relating to access to Security Service records. I replied that I was not then contemplating changing the arrangements under which external access to Security Service personal files which had not been released to the Public Record Office (PRO) was strictly limited to the Commissioners and Tribunals acting in pursuit of their functions. That remains the position. I did, however, agree that officials of the PRO with the necessary security clearance should be invited to examine files earmarked for destruction following review by the Security Service.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons the figures regarding numbers of personal files held by M15 which he gave the House on 29 July 1998,Official Report, columns 251–54, differ from those in the 1997–98Annual report of the Intelligence and Security Committee; and if M15 records held in microform are classified within the traffic light system. [89624]

  Mr. Straw
  The figures given by the Intelligence and Security Committee and those given in my reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for City of Chester (Ms Russell),
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  29 July 1998, Official Report, columns 251–54, are not incompatible. The Security Committee breakdown of figures is different from that in my reply. In my reply, I said that the Security Service held approximately 440,000 files, 290,000 related to individuals who may have been the subject of an inquiry or investigation. The 290,000 was further broken down as: 230,000 closed files;40,000 microfilmed; and 20,000 active files. In its report, the Committee gave the figures as 250,000 hard copy personal records with a further 40,000 on microfiche. It broke the 250,000 down as: 17,500 Green (ie Active) files; 97,000 Amber; 135,000 Red; and additionally 3,000 temporary Green (Gens). Any minor variance in the figures is a result of rounding. All Security Service microfilmed records are closed and are categorised as Red in the traffic light system.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the extent of the surviving Police Special Branch historical records; and for what reasons retention in Department under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958, still applies to these records and those of M16. [89629]

  Mr. Straw
  The Public Records Act 1958 applies to the Metropolitan Police Special Branch, but not to Special Branches in other police forces. The inclusion of the Metropolitan Police reflects the relationship that continues to exist between the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Metropolitan Police Service.

  However, all Special Branches in England, Wales and Scotland operate under the published "Guidelines on Special Branch Work in Great Britain". Paragraph 20 of the Guidelines requires each Special Branch to maintain an effective system for:
  "the identification and destruction of information which can no longer be clearly related to the discharge of its functions".

  Because Special Branches need to meet local policing needs—as determined by their respective Chief Constables—as well as assisting the Security Service in carrying out its statutory duty under the Security Service Act 1989, they may need to keep records on individuals who, while ceasing to be of interest to the Security Service, remain of interest in a wider policing context. Decisions on the retention of such records are, therefore, an operational matter for the Chief Constable of the force concerned. Her Majesty' s Inspectorate of Constabulary does, however, reinforce the importance of ensuring that the Guidelines are adopted nationally as the basis for handling personal records.

  With respect to the retention of Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) records under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 12 February 1998, Official Report, column 324.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many M15 records from the period 1904 to 1945 it is intended will continue to be retained by M15 under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958; on what grounds they are to be retained; how many of them are operational records; and what types of operational record they are. [89626]
  540
  Mr. Straw
  The Security Service is currently engaged in reviewing its records from between 1939 and 1945. It will then begin the process of reviewing records from the inter-war period. The decision whether to keep or to destroy records that are no longer required for operational purposes is taken by the Security Service subject to the guidelines relating to the retention of material for historical purposes. I set out the criteria that are applied when deciding whether a record is likely to be of historical interest in my reply to the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis), 20 January 1998,Official Report, column 520. The decision as to which records should be released to the Public Record Office is taken by the Service in the light of an assessment of their sensitivity and the need to protect agents and methods of operation. Further information concerning operational records is not made public.

  Prison Population
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of when the prison population will return to the level at May 1997. [89832]

  Mr. George Howarth
  No such estimates have been made. The latest projections of the future prison population were produced in May 1999 and a summary is included in the April "Prison Population Brief' which has been placed on the internet at http"//www/homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/index.htm.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the subject of LD 50 tests on animals; and if he will make a statement. [89724]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I have received a number of letters on this topic. The most recent correspondence is with the legal consultant to the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection. It would be inappropriate to make a statement at this time as the matter may come before the courts and I do not wish to anticipate or prejudice any such proceedings.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers in transit in the United Kingdom have been stopped from their onward journey and(a) prosecuted and (b) convicted for bearing a false document in (i) 1996, (ii) 1997, (iii) 1998 and (iv) 1999 to date. [89674]

  Mr. Boateng
  Details of the number of asylum seekers prosecuted and convicted cannot be identified separately from the information held on the Home Office Court Proceedings Database. I understand that many of the prosecutions relate to people whom the carrying companies refuse to carry. The Home Office will not necessarily be involved and no record is kept of the number of such cases.

  Civil Defence
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proposed changes to the distribution mechanisms for civil defence grants. [89960]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Home Office provides £14.038 million civil defence grant per annum to eligible local authorities in England and Wales as a contribution towards the cost incurred in meeting their civil defence duties. The grant is not intended to meet the full cost of their emergency planning services.

  The current system of grant distribution is based on a formula, agreed with the then Local Authority Associations in 1992, and largely based on a two-tier system of local government. The reorganisation of local government created new Unitary authorities in England and Wales, all with a responsibility for emergency planning and, consequently, access to civil defence grant. This reorganisation created numerous anomalies within the funding arrangements that could only be properly addressed by introducing a new mechanism.

  The sole avenue of consultation on this issue has been with the Local Government Association (LGA). Following discussions with the LGA a new three-tier grant distribution mechanism has been announced. The mechanism is based on the following rationale:
  all 178 grant eligible authorities will receive a basic allocation of £45,000 to ensure a minimum level of service, and the delivery of basic standards of preparedness;
  County Councils will receive an allocation of £10,000 for each of the District Councils within the County boundary in recognition of the service that a County must provide to constituent Districts; and
  remaining grant after the first two elements have been addressed will be allocated according to Bellwin thresholds. The Bellwin Scheme, operated by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, sets a level of expenditure above which central government may contribute to costs incurred by local authorities in responding to major incidents. The use of Bellwin acknowledges the relationship between population size and the workload of emergency planning teams in large areas.

  This new mechanism provides funds to all eligible authorities and now has the advantage of being clear, readily understood and equitable.

  To ensure protection to those areas where grant will reduce, the full impact of the new mechanism will be phased over one year, 2000–01, with no authority losing more than 10 per cent. of its current allocation.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has responded to Shropshire County Council's letter of 18 June regarding the proposed distribution mechanism for civil defence grants; and if he will make a statement.[89961]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Head of Emergency Planning replied to the letter from the Chief Executive of Shropshire County Council on 6 July.

  Sexual Offences
  Lorna Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the definitions in law of sexual offences. [90117]
  542
  Mr. Boateng
  The Sex Offences Review has been set up to review the law in England and Wales. Its remit is to recommend clear and coherent sex offences which protect individuals, especially children and the more vulnerable, from abuse and exploitation; to enable abusers to be appropriately punished; and to be fair and nondiscriminatory in accordance with the European Court of Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998. The review started in January this year and hopes to report at the end of the year.

  Compensation
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to decide whether compensation will be paid under the terms of section 133 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 to(a) Nicholas Mullen and (b) Gilbert Thomas Patrick McNamee. [90071]

  Mr. Straw
  I expect to be able to decide these applications by the end of August.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average time between receipt of applications for compensation for miscarriages of justice under the terms of section 133 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 and a decision by the Secretary of State as to whether compensation would be paid for each year from 1991 to date. [90072]

  Mr. Straw
  All applications for compensation for wrongful conviction are considered first under the provisions of section 133 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, and then, if those requirements are not met, under the ex-gratia arrangements announced by the then Home Secretary in his reply to the then hon. Member for Beaconsfield, 29 November 1985,Official Report, columns 689–90, by which I have agreed to be bound.

  The readily available information requested relates only to successful applications. The average time taken from the date of application to a decision to pay compensation under the statutory or ex-gratia arrangements, for applications decided in 1991–98, was as follows:

  Year

  Days

  1991

  153

  1992

  75

  1993

  100

  1994

  122

  1994

  122

  1995

  276

  1996

  309

  1997

  205

  1998

  37

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  "Sustainable Energy From Waste"
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to publicise his Department's "Sustainable Energy from Waste" pamphlet; and if he will make a statement. [89118]

  Mr. Battle
  The Department of Trade and Industry's pamphlet "Sustainable Energy from Waste" was published on 8 June at the annual conference and
  543
  exhibition of the Institute of Wastes Management in Torbay. It was very well received and is being distributed through the Energy from Waste Association and other relevant trade bodies and through companies and local authorities actively supporting energy from waste as an essential element of an integrated approach to sustainable waste management. The pamphlet complements three other publications produced under the Department's new and renewable energy programme: "An Introduction to Household Waste Management"; "Energy from Waste—Best Practice Guide"; and "Household Waste Management—Some Examples of Current Practice". The latter publication was jointly sponsored with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and all are available from the New and Renewable Energy Enquiries Bureau at ETSU, Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RA (tel: 01235 432450). On 30 June DETR published "A Way With Waste—A Draft Waste Strategy for England and Wales" for public consultation. This envisages that increased recycling and energy from waste will be vital in the next decade. During the month of June 1999 the "Sustainable Energy from Waste" pamphlet was the single most requested publication from the New and Renewable Energy Enquiries Bureau. It will be publicised further in issue 41 of "New Review", the magazine for renewable energy, which is expected to be published at the end of July and will also be available from the New and Renewable Energy Enquiries Bureau.

  Electricity Supply
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy that all homes within the United Kingdom should be connected to mains electricity by the end of 2002; and if he will make a statement. [89851]

  Mr. Battle
  Obviously it is desirable that the relatively small number of homes without mains electricity (less than 1 per cent. of the total UK housing stock) should enjoy such a service. Unfortunately, since the majority of these households are in remote areas, the costs involved can be significant. As is recognised in existing legislation, it would be unfair for existing customers to subsidise the cost of connection to bring down the price for new ones. However, in cases where a supply has been requested and a quote for the connection has been given, the charge can be subject to determination by the Director General of Electricity Supply. Some remote communities have benefited from EU fund assistance with the cost of connection.

  Energy Supplies (Millennium)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions Ministers have held regarding the maintenance of energy supplies over the millennium. [89858]

  Mr. Wills
  Action is being taken by my Department in co-ordination with the Cabinet Office, Action 2000 and the Regulator to monitor the progress being made by the energy sector to become millennium compliant. I am in regular contact with my colleagues to discuss progress.
  544
  Independent assessment has shown that the energy sector is well advanced in its compliance work and is on course for business as usual over the period of the millennium.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment the Government have made of the millennium computer compliance of systems relating to the(a) Channel Tunnel and (b) supply of electricity from the French power grid. [89855]

  Mr. Wills
  The Channel Tunnel has been assessed by the Independent Safety Authority as being 100 per cent. blue in Action 2000 terms—as having no substantive risk of material disruption. There were no significant failures during a full scale test of the systems at the beginning of July. However, the systems will continue to be monitored for compliance and existing contingency planning arrangements will be under constant review over the coming months.

  All control systems associated with the Anglo-French electricity Interconnector have successfully met all millennium compliance test criteria. Residual risks to Interconnector operation are currently being assessed and consideration is being given to part loaded operation over the millennium period to minimise the impact of unforeseen events.

  The total capacity of the Interconnector is 2x1,000MW circuits; the installed generating capacity in England and Wales is more than 65,000MW, and the typical peak demand over New Year's Eve is likely to be in the order of 37,000MW.

  The Government, Regulators and Action 2000 will continue to monitor the arrangements being made by those responsible for the provision of infrastructure services in seeking to ensure that it will be business as usual over the millennium period.

  Ilisu Dam
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library a copy of the tendering documents which were sent to those companies wishing to seek export credit assistance in respect of the proposed Ilisu Dam. [90122]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Export Credits Guarantee Department does not require companies seeking export credit assistance to produce the tender document issued by the prospective buyer and therefore no copy is available.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria the Export Credits Guarantee Department will apply in relation to the proposed Ilisu Dam. [90124]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Export Credits Guarantee Department will employ its normal underwriting criteria, to ensure that the provision of any support which it might give for this project involves an acceptable risk. Part of the underwriting process involves looking, with other Export Credit Agencies, at a range of issues, including the environmental and social aspects of the project. In this case, these include the resettlement of the local population and protection of cultural heritage. ECGD will also consider the economic and political risks involved.
  545
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library the terms of reference for the report he has commissioned into the proposed Ilisu Dam. [90123]

  Mr. Wilson
  The terms of reference will be placed in the Library along with the report as soon as it is available.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list those individuals, organisations, other Governments, other United Kingdom Government Departments and public bodies who are to be consulted(a) during the preparation of the report he has commissioned into the proposed Ilisu Dam and (b) before a decision is made to provide assistance in respect of the Dam under the Export and Investment Guarantees Act 1991. [90125]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) is consulting other Government Departments including DTI, DFID, FCO, HMT and DETR, both with regard to the preparation of the report and on the provision of support, and has commissioned work from an international environmental consultancy and an independent social development expert. ECGD is also consulting other export credit agencies including the Swiss, American and German agencies. ECGD has discussed with relevant Turkish Government departments and public bodies.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whom he has commissioned to prepare an independent report into the proposed Ilisu Dam; when the report was commissioned; when he expects it to be finished; and how much it will cost. [90126]

  Mr. Wilson
  An international environmental consultancy was commissioned to carry out an independent review of the Swiss commissioned Environmental Impact Assessment. Discussions regarding the commissioning of this report commenced in May 1999 and it is expected to be finalised shortly. The estimated cost will be around £5,000.

  Additionally, a field study is to be carried out by an independent social development expert to gauge the views of the local population. This report was commissioned in early June 1999. It is hoped that it will be carried out shortly. The estimated cost will be around £20,000.

  Brewing Industry
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment his Department has made of the effect of current takeover bids in the pub trade on the United Kingdom brewing industry. [89971]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 6 July 1999]: Where a merger qualifies for investigation under the Fair Trading Act 1973, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry decides, in the light of the independent advice of the Director General of Fair Trading, whether or not to refer the merger to the Competition Commission for investigation. All cases are considered on their individual merits.

  Tele-conferencing
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the growth of tele-conferencing in United Kingdom business; and if he will make a statement. [89929]
  546
  Mr. Wills
  The Department of Trade and Industry's recently published international benchmarking study, "Moving into the Information Age 1999", shows that UK businesses are making increasing use of `video-conferencing' (usage rose to 22 per cent. from 14 per cent. in the previous year), and lead the G7 countries in this area. No separate figures are collected for telephone conferencing.

  The Department is encouraging further use of `video-conferencing' through its Information Society Initiative, which encourages UK businesses to take better advantage of information and communications technologies to improve their performance.

  Working Time Regulations
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to help business to implement the Working Time Regulations. [90594]

  Mr. Byers
  Today, I wrote to a number of representative groups to consult on two deregulatory amendments to the Working Time Regulations. The proposed amendments draw on our experience of the Regulations being in force for their first year and reflect the concerns that have been raised with us in that period. The proposed amendments will relieve some significant administrative burdens on employers, without removing the protection that the Directive provides to workers. A copy of the consultation letter has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Unsolicited Faxes
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he and his Department(a) have taken and (b) plan to take to tackle the problem of unsolicited faxes. [90182]

  Mr. Wills
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer to the hon. Member for Faversham and Mid-Kent (Mr. Rowe) on 12 May 1999,Official Report, column 149.

  Libya
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what(a) advice and (b) assistance has been provided by his Department to delegations intending to visit Libya. [90099]

  Mr. Wilson
  Following the suspension of UN Sanctions in April, the Department has encouraged several private sponsors of trade missions to take forward their plans for taking business delegations to Libya this summer and autumn. However, up until now that encouragement has fallen short of formal endorsement of particular missions or offering financial assistance. Without a functioning Commercial Section in a British Embassy in Tripoli, British Trade International is currently unable to offer the full range of assistance which is usually associated with visits which receive full Government assistance. We are actively pursuing the re-establishment, at the earliest opportunity, of a fully operational commercial section.
  547
  In light of the welcome announcement by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary today, Official Report, columns 1033–43, on WPC Fletcher, I am able to outline the following staged approach to supporting trade promotion with Libya:
  British Trade International's desk officer for Libya will travel next week with a trade mission. This will enable us to handle with first hand knowledge business inquiries and a planned programme of presentations and promotional events around the country. British Trade International has already established a WebPage to make available information on Libya as it becomes available.
  We have invited sponsor organisations to apply for British Trade International support for trade missions in the period 2000–01. Officials are also discussing with other government departments their own plans for future trade missions and the possibility of Ministerial visits.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Air Passenger Duty
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding Air Passenger Duty. [89548]

  Janet Anderson
  We have had no discussions with the Chancellor specifically on Air Passenger Duty. However, I am aware of the industry's concerns and have passed these on to the Treasury.

  Archaeology
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he last met and when he next intends to meet(a) the British Archaeological Trust and (b) the Council for British Archaeology. [89406]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 2 July 1999]: My hon. Friend the Minister for Arts met the Council for British Archaeology on 17 November 1998. I have not yet met the British Archaeological Trust. Any future meetings with either body will be arranged as appropriate.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the subject and date of each written briefing prepared by his Special Advisers for all Labour Members since May 1997 and the total number and total cost to date of these. [89990]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 6 July 1999]: Special Advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in the Model Contract for Special Advisers. Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Model Contract sets out the role and duties of Special Advisers. As well as research for Ministers and reviewing papers, contributing to policy planning within the Department and preparing policy papers, speechwriting and liaison with outside interest groups, their role explicitly includes liaising with the Party and helping to brief Party MPs. Records are not held of when such briefings are given. Similar arrangements have applied under successive Governments

  Films
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many films supported by the National Lottery have been released through British-owned distributors; and what proportion this represents of the total number of Lottery-funded films. [89408]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 2 July 1999]: To date, 53 Lottery-funded feature films have already been released, await release or are in production/postproduction with assured distribution. Of these, 31 films have been or will be distributed by British-owned distributors. This represents 58.5 per cent. of that total.

TREASURY

  Pensions
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of people who are currently taking advantage of the option to drawdown capital from their pension fund rather than purchasing an annuity. [89462]

  Dawn Primarolo
  This information is not collected, but indications from pensions industry sources are that around 30,000 people may have income drawdown arrangements.

  Child Poverty
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart) of 24 June 1999,Official Report, column 457, what definition he used for a child in poverty; and, using that definition, what estimate he has made of the number of children in poverty (a) at present and (b) by the end of 2002. [90087]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 6 July 1999]: For the definition of child poverty, I refer the hon. Member to the written answer which the Economic Secretary gave to the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb) on 14 April 1999, Official Report, columns 244–45. The latest data on the number of children living in low income households can be found in "Households Below Average Income, 1979–1996/7", which is published by the Department for Social Security.

  Higher-rate Taxpayers
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the percentage of taxpayers who are higher-rate taxpayers(a) in each county in England and (b) in equivalent areas in (i) Scotland, (ii) Wales and (iii) Northern Ireland. [89812]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The table shows approximate estimates of the percentage of taxpayers who are subject to higher rate tax for 1996–97, the latest year for which these estimates are available. These estimates are based on a sample survey and the sample size is not large enough to allow separate estimates to be made for some unitary authorities in Scotland and Wales or for Northern Ireland areas other than Belfast.
  549

  Area

  Percentage of higher rate taxpayers

  England

  9

  North East

  Former County of Cleveland

  6

  Durham

  5

  Northumberland

  8

  Tyne and Wear

  4

  North West and Merseyside

  Cheshire

  9

  Cumbria

  6

  Greater Manchester

  6

  Lancashire

  6

  Merseyside

  5

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  Former County of Humberside

  6

  North Yorkshire

  8

  South Yorkshire

  5

  West Yorkshire

  6

  East Midlands

  Derbyshire

  6

  Leicestershire

  8

  Lincolnshire

  7

  Northamptonshire

  8

  Nottinghamshire

  6

  West Midlands

  Hereford and Worcester

  8

  Shropshire

  7

  Staffordshire

  5

  Warwickshire

  11

  West Midlands

  5

  Eastern

  Bedfordshire

  10

  Cambridgeshire

  11

  Essex

  11

  Hertfordshire

  14

  Norfolk

  6

  Suffolk

  7

  London

  12

  South East

  Berkshire

  15

  Buckinghamshire

  18

  East Sussex

  8

  Hampshire

  10

  Isle of Wight

  3

  Kent

  8

  Oxfordshire

  13

  Surrey

  18

  West Sussex

  11

  South West

  Former County of Avon

  8

  Cornwall

  5

  Devon

  5

  Dorset

  8

  Gloucestershire

  8

  Somerset

  6

  Wiltshire

  8

  Scotland

  7

  Aberdeen City Unitary Authority

  9

  Aberdeenshire Unitary Authority

  11

  Angus Unitary Authority

  10

  Argyll and Bute Unitary Authority

  11

  Dumfries and Galloway Unitary Authority

  3

  Dundee City Unitary Authority

  6

  550

  Area

  Percentage of higher rate taxpayers

  East Dumbartonshire Unitary Authority

  6

  East Lothian Unitary Authority

  7

  East Renfrewshire Unitary Authority

  14

  Edinburgh, City of Unitary Authority

  10

  Fife Unitary Authority

  6

  Glasgow City Unitary Authority

  3

  Highland Unitary Authority

  7

  Moray Unitary Authority

  6

  North Ayrshire Unitary Authority

  8

  North Lanarkshire Unitary Authority

  4

  Perth and Kinross Unitary Authority

  8

  Renfrewshire Unitary Authority

  6

  Scottish Borders, The Unitary Authority

  8

  South Ayrshire Unitary Authority

  8

  South Lanarkshire Unitary Authority

  7

  Stirling Unitary Authority

  7

  Rest of Country

  4

  Wales

  3

  Carmarthenshire Unitary Authority

  3

  Cardiff Unitary Authority

  6

  Conwy Unitary Authority

  6

  Flintshire Unitary Authority

  6

  Gwynedd Unitary Authority

  4

  Monmouthshire Unitary Authority

  5

  Powys Unitary Authority

  3

  Swansea Unitary Authority

  5

  The Vale of Glamorgan Unitary Authority

  7

  Wrexham Unitary Authority

  6

  Rest of country

  3

  Northern Ireland

  5

  Belfast

  6

  Rest of country

  5

  Note:

  'Rest of country' covers areas where sample sizes were too small to allow reasonable estimates to be made for individual areas.

  Personal Incomes
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the average personal income levels for each parliamentary constituency. [89713]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I regret that the information requested is not available.

  Sanitary Products (VAT)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on reducing the rate of VAT on sanitary products. [89965]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In the last two years Treasury Ministers have received almost three hundred letters and a few small-scale petitions on reducing the rate of VAT on sanitary products. There have also been two early-day motions on the subject.

  Drug Trafficking
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the latest period for which information is available, how many drug trafficking groups which deal primarily in Class A drugs were disrupted or dismantled by enforcement agencies; and if he will make a statement. [87445]
  551
  Dawn Primarolo
  The latest figures from HM Customs and Excise show that 131 and 104 drug trafficking groups were disrupted or dismantled in 1997x2013;98 and 1996–97 respectively. These do not identify Class A drugs separately.

  From the year 2000, all relevant agencies will be required to collect information showing the number of drug trafficking groups disrupted or dismantled each year, and will identify Class A drugs separately.

  National Savings
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what performance targets have been set for National Savings for 1999–2000. [90496]

  Ms Hewitt
  National Savings has as its declared aim to add value by helping to reduce the costs to the taxpayer of Government borrowing and by supporting Government savings policies. This is supported by two objectives:to market Government debt to retail investors so as to help to minimise the combined cost and risk of the total national debt and to contribute to the Government's funding needs;
  to promote Government savings policies among personal investors.

  In meeting these objectives the Agency will operate cost effectively and in a competitive and commercial manner that does not distort the savings market; and in a manner that benefits both Government and the retail saver–now and in future. During 1999–2000 National Savings will be set the following challenging targets:

  i. To work within the terms of the funding remit for 1999–2000;

  ii. Following the outsourcing of National Savings' operations, by 31 March 2000 to implement a productivity measure to monitor cost reductions;

  iii. No less than 97 per cent. of all customer sales documentation to be issued within the published time scales;

  iv. No less than 97 per cent. of all customer sales documentation to be 100 per cent. accurate;

  v. No less than 97 per cent. of all customer payments documentation to be issued within the agreed time scales;

  vi. No less than 97 per cent. of all customer payments documentation to be 100 per cent. accurate;

  vii. No less than 97 per cent. of after sales customer correspondence to be responded to within agreed time scales;

  viii. To introduce a new Pensioners Bond by mid July 1999;

  ix. To agree a new contract with POCL, by 30 September 1999, which secures improved commercial practice and enables development of a new relationship to incentivise value, service and cost competitiveness;

  x. To achieve IiP accreditation by 2000;

  xi. To make firm proposals for the resolution of the historic transaction accounting discrepancies by 31 October 1999;

  xii. To publish the first full set of audited product accounts by 31 December 1999.

  The funding remit sets out the costs and volume assumption that National Savings works to. The remit was published in the Debt Management report issued in March 1999.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  EU Chocolate Directive
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the European Commission's objections to the proposed comitology provisions of the proposed EU Chocolate Directive. [90091]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Commission objected to a part of the proposed Directive which limited its powers to make technical changes to the law. However, I am pleased to say that a new Presidency compromise has now received Commission support and I am hopeful that a Common Position will be achieved during the Finnish Presidency.

  Wild Boar
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to encourage individual identifications of wild boar on farms; and if he will make a statement. [89939]

  Mr. Rooker
  There are no plans to require that wild boar be individually identified on farms. Producers are free to do so if they want.

  Intervention Food Stocks
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the daily cost to the European Union for the destruction of intervention food stocks in the last year for which figures are available. [89833]

  Mr. Rooker
  Except in comparatively rare instances where they became damaged in store, intervention stocks of cereals, beef and milk products are sold back onto the market when circumstances permit.

  Special arrangements exist for recognised producer groups to withdraw from the market certain fish and fruit and vegetables subject to their meeting the required grading standards. Withdrawn fish stocks may be returned to the sea or denatured for use in the production of fish meal. Fruit and vegetable stocks are destroyed by biodegradation or composting but may also be provided free to non-profit making organisations where their use can be shown to be additional to the organisations' normal requirement.

  Unpublished EU figures 1 for the financial year ended 15 October 1998 show the total cost of compensation paid to producer groups as:

  £million

  Fruit and vegetables

  96.56

  Fish

  6.98

  Separate figures for the various means of disposal are not available.

  Figures for the UK are:

  £million

  Fruit and vegetables

  1.89

  Fish

  1.89

  553
  In the marketing year 1998–99 the UK supplied fruit and vegetables to the value of £14,100 to non-profit making organisations.

  Withdrawals occur on a seasonal basis and the daily cost could only be determined by assuming that the expenditure was spread evenly over the year.
  1 Source:EU Commission DGVI GI Data Ecu converted to UK £ using representative rate current at 31 December 1998.

  Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what qualifications are needed for membership of the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes; and if he will list the members of the committee. [89525]

  Mr. Rooker
  Members of the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) are appointed by Ministers so as to ensure that the Committee has a broad spectrum of relevant scientific expertise and knowledge at its disposal, including that in nutrition, microbiology, genetic modification, food technology, immunology, toxicology and allergy. In addition it has members with experience in consumer affairs and ethics.

  The membership of the ACNFP is currently as follows:

  Professor J. Bainbridge BSc, PhD, Grad. Cert. Ed. (Tech.), MOSFHT, FRSA—(Chair)

  Director of Science and Technology, University of Teesside

  Dr. M. J. Gasson BSc, PhD—(Deputy Chair)

  Head, Genetics and Microbiology Department, Institute of Food Research, Norwich

  Professor P. J. Aggett MSc, MB, ChB, FRCP(L)(E)(G) DCH Head of Lancashire Postgraduate School of Medicine and Health

  Dr. Philip Dale BSc, PhD

  Research Group Leader, Genetic Modification and Risk Assessment, John Innes Centre, Norwich

  Dr. J. Heritage BA, DPhil, MLBiol

  Senior Lecturer in Microbiology at the University of Leeds

  Professor D. A. Ledward MSc, PhD FIFST

  Professor of Food Science, University of Reading

  Reverend Dr. M. Reiss BSc, MA, PhD, FIBiol

  Senior Lecturer, Homerton College, University of Cambridge (ethical adviser)

  Mrs. E. Russell BSc

  Consumer Representative

  Professor I. Rowland BSc, PhD

  Professor of Human Nutrition at the University of Ulster; Head of Northern Ireland Centre for Diet and Health

  Professor T. A. B. Sanders BSc, PhD

  Head of Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kings College, London

  Professor H. Sewell MB, ChB, BDS, Msc, PhD, FRCP (L) (G), FRCPath, F. Med. Sci

  Head of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University HospitalMedical School, Nottingham

  554

  Dr. N. A. Simmons FRC Path. FIFST

  Emeritus Consultant in Microbiology, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital Trust, London

  Professor R. Walker PhD. CChem. FRSC FIFST

  Emeritus Professor of Food Science, University of Surrey

  Professor J. Warner MB, ChB, DCH, MRCP, MD, FRCP, MRCPCH, FRCPCH

  Professor of Child Health at University of Southampton

  Professor H. F. Woods BSc, BM, BCh, DPhil, FFPM, FRCP (London and Edin).

  Sir George Franklin Professor of Medicine, University of Sheffield (Chairman of the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment).

  Monsanto
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the trips, facilities, gifts and other offerings of a financial value provided by Monsanto to(a) Ministers and (b) civil servants in his Department since 1 May 1997. [88955]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 29 June 1999]: I am not aware of any trips, facilities, gifts or other offerings of a financial value being provided by Monsanto to Ministers or officials in this Department since 1 May 1997.

  Chemical Residues (Crops)
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the chemical residues retained as a result of crop treatment in(a) imported US genetically modified soya and (b) imported nonenetically modified soya. [88942]

  Mr. Rooker
  Two genetically modified (GM) types of soya are currently grown in the USA. One is tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate, and the other to the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium.

  Experimental studies indicate that two major residues may be found in glyphosate treated soya. The residues concerned are glyphosate itself and its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA). These two residues occur in both conventionally bred soya and genetically modified (GM) glyphosate tolerant soya. However, the levels of the metabolite AMPA are generally higher in GM crop.

  In the case of glufosinate-ammonium the major residue in conventionally bred varieties is glufosinate. In GM varieties the major components of the residue are glufosinate and a metabolite n-acetyl glufosinate.

  Slaughterhouses
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many invitations(a) he and (b) the Minister have received to visit slaughterhouses since their appointments; and how many each has visited. [88337]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  My hon. Friend the Minister of State has visited slaughterhouses on eight occasions since 1 May 1997.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Trial Postponements
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many trials have been (a) postponed and (b) rescheduled to fit in with the trial judge's social and holiday commitments in the last 12 months to date; and if he will make a statement. [89556]

  Mr. Vaz
  The information is not kept.

  Company Liability
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will take steps to ensure that companies are legally liable for injuries caused to overseas workers as a result of operational decisions taken in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [89350]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 2 July 1999]: Under English and Scots law companies are liable for injuries to their workers caused by their negligence. The courts decide in accordance with well established legal principles under each legal system whether claims may proceed in the English or the Scottish courts when it is alleged that the cause of injuries to overseas workers was operational decisions taken in the United Kingdom. The Government has no plans to legislate in this area.

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he plans to bring UK law into line with Article 2 of the 1968 Brussels Convention on court action against companies registered abroad [89349]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 2 July 1999]: Under Article 2 of the 1968 Brussels Convention on Jurisdiction and Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters, to which the United Kingdom is a party, a defendant is entitled to be sued in the courts of a member state of the European Union where he is domiciled. Once this basis of Jurisdiction has been established the courts of that state generally have no discretion to refuse to hear the case. However, this rule applies only to those cases falling within the scope of the Convention. In all other instances, and notwithstanding that jurisdiction has otherwise been established under English law, a court in England and Wales has a discretion to refuse to hear a case if in all the circumstances of that case it is satisfied that there is another jurisdiction which is clearly more appropriate to hear the case. The courts in England and Wales apply this long-established discretion in the interests of all the parties and the ends of justice and the Government has no plans to amend it.

  Mortgage Repossessions
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many court actions for mortgage repossessions were brought at Newton county court in each year since 1990. [89680]
  556
  Mr Vaz
  This question relates to Nelson county court. The numbers of mortage actions between 1990–98 were:

  Year

  Actions entered

  1990

  238

  1991

  286

  1992

  277

  1993

  203

  1994

  205

  1995

  235

  1996

  214

  1997

  180

  1998

  246

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidance has been issued to magistrates and crown courts on the trial and sentencing of asylum seekers who have been stopped in transit in the United Kingdom for bearing false documents. [89673]

  Mr. Vaz
  There are no guidelines for trials in these precise circumstances. Like any other criminal trial, such cases are subject to the relevant statutory provisions, rules of court, practice directions, and case law. There are also no guideline judgments reported on sentencing in these circumstances. Within the statutory sentencing framework laid down by Parliament, the nature and severity of penalties imposed by the courts are matters of judicial discretion. Guidance can however be found in recent decisions by the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), in particular in Ali Osman (1999) 1CR.APP.R.(S.) 230 and Daljit Singh (1999) 1CR.APP.R.(S.)490.

  Police Authority-Magistrates Court Committee Chairmen
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is his estimate of the number of people in England and Wales who are both chairman of a police authority and of a magistrates court committee where the areas of operation are approximately the same; and if he will make a statement. [89725]

  Mr. Vaz
  Of those areas where the magistrates courts committee is approximately the same as the police authority area, there is one area where the same individual is chairman of both the police authority and magistrates court committee.

CABINET OFFICE

  Women's Organisations (Consultation)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the women's organisations which have been consulted over proposed legislation by his Department during this session; and if their responses have been published. [87273]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The Government is committed to making sure that policies are inclusive and take full account of the needs and experience of all those affected by them. Guidelines on Policy Appraisals for Equal Treatment published in November 1998 commit policy makers to assessing how proposals affect different groups of people.
  557
  Application of guidance is the responsibility of individual Departments. Within this Department we are making use of consultation, research projects and desegregated statistics to identify the impact of policy upon women.

  The only piece of legislation that this Department is responsible for in the current session is the House of Lords Bill.

  Details of our consultation document "Reform of the House of Lords" were published in the Women's National Commission Briefing, which was issued to their 50 full and 33 associate members on 1 April 1999. Some requests for the document were received, but no further representations.

  The present under-representation of certain elements of our society within the House of Lords is an issue that needs to be rectified. As a first, self-contained, step we intend to remove the rights of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords. We are determined to remove the hereditary peers from the House of Lords because we simply do not accept, as a matter of principle, that in social, economic or, above all, by gender or ethnic origin the hereditary peers can reasonably be considered to be representative of the people of the country. Women are grossly under-represented in the House of Lords; they constitute just 2.5 per cent. of the hereditary peers.

  The Royal Commission on the reform of the House of Lords will report back at the end of this year with recommendations for wide-ranging reform of the House of Lords. It will address the role that a fully reformed House should fulfil and it will consider how to bring the best possible range of representatives into the second chamber, whether by direct or indirect election, nomination or a combination of these methods.

  A nominated, or partly nominated, chamber has the advantage of widening the possible range of representation. Gender, ethnicity, region, age—all these areas can be represented within a chamber that includes an element of nomination.

  Statutory Instruments
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what percentage of statutory instruments introduced by his Department into Parliament in(a) 1998, (b) 1992, (c) 1985 and (d) 1973 had the European Union as their legislative source. [89168]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The total number of statutory instruments (SIs) registered as General Instruments in 1998, 1992, 1985 and 1973 is listed in the table. I have indicated the number of SIs which were made by my Department and its predecessors to comply with European Community obligations.

  Year

  Number of SIs

  Number implementing EC obligations

  1998

  1,565

  0

  1992

  1,692

  0

  1985

  1,204

  0

  1973

  1,260

  0

  Older People (Public Services)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what estimate he has made of the number of older people who have received improved public services as a result of the first year of theBetterGovernmentforOlderpeopleProgramme; [90068]

  (2) how many copies of "Making it Happen", the report of the first year of the Better Government for Older People Programme have been produced; at what cost; and to whom unsolicited copies have been sent; [90063]

  (3) if he will list the improvements made to public services as a result of the first year of the Better Government for Older People Programme; [90067]

  (4) what was the cost to public funds of the first year of the Better Government for Older People Programme. [90069]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The Better Government for Older People Programme (BGOP) began in April 1998 and runs until April 2000. It is steered by a partnership led by the Cabinet Office and supported by Age Concern, Anchor Trust, the Carnegie Third Age Programme, Help the Aged, the Local Government Association and the Warwick University Local Authorities Research Consortium. It is an important part of the drive to modernise government so that public services are better equipped for the 21' Century. The Modernising Government White Paper sets as one of its targets that, by the end of the year 2000, older people should benefit from joined up services and integrated planning in at least half our local authorities.

  Older people represent a significant and growing proportion of the population. For example, there are currently 10.5 million people over state pension age in the UK. This figure is expected to have increased to around 15 million by 2040, by which date 24 per cent. of the UK's population—the highest percentage in the EU—will be 60 or over. All these people, and many others, are the potential beneficiaries of the BGOP Programme.

  Evaluation is an ongoing and integral part of BGOP. We will publish the results when the Programme comes to an end. Older people are already beginning to feel the benefit of improvements achieved at the local level by the 28 pilot projects, many examples of which are featured in "Making It Happen", the report of the first year of the BGOP Programme. But by far the biggest group of potential beneficiaries is those who will experience better-designed and delivered public services as a result of learning from the pilot projects.

  BGOP's Learning Network brings together older people, the pilots and other partners in the Programme as well as local authorities. Its role is to help examine what does and does not work in relation to public services used by older people. It will inform the development of good practice and new models for better service delivery in the future. It links, through the Cabinet Office and the Inter-Ministerial Group on Older People to central government.

  7,000 copies of "Making It Happen" have been printed at a cost of £9,925. Copies are being sent to all MPs, party leaders in the House of Lords, local authority chief executives, the pilot projects, all members of BGOP's Learning Network and others who have asked to be kept

  559
  informed of developments. We are doing this to spread good practice, raise awareness and keep Parliament informed about the Programme.

  As one of the six partner organisations steering the Programme, the Cabinet Office provides £51,000 per annum to support the work of the Programme's Core Team, which co-ordinates its activities. Other Departments making substantial contributions include £154,000 from the Home Office, £30,000 from the Department for Education and Employment and £30,000 from the Health Education Authority. Further contributions and support come from the other Programme partners, the 28 local authorities leading the pilots and their partner organisations. The programme raises additional funds from charging local authorities for membership of the Learning Network.

  The overall cost of the Programme (including contributions from partner organisations) is estimated to be around £750,000 in the 1998–99 financial year. This represents an excellent investment in ensuring that older people receive in the future the improved public services they deserve.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the subject and date of each written briefing prepared by his Special Advisers for all Labour Members since May 1997 and the total number and total cost to date of these. [89986]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  Special Advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in the "Model Contract for Special Advisers". Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Model Contract sets out the role and duties of Special Advisers. As well as research for Ministers and reviewing papers, contributing to policy planning within the Department and preparing policy papers, speechwriting and liaison with outside interest groups, their role explicitly includes liaising with the Party and helping to brief Party MPs. Records are not held of when such briefings are given. Similar arrangements have applied under successive Governments.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the annual cost of reducing class sizes to 25 for all primary school children. [89375]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We have estimated that the cost would be around £3 billion, made up of about £1 billion a year for extra teachers and around £2 billion for the capital investment required. Eventual costs would depend on a range of factors affecting implementation, including the results of local consultation, the availability of existing accommodation and parental preference.

  Archaeology
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to develop NVQs in archaeological studies. [89401]
  560
  Mr. Mudie
  [holding answer 2 July 1999]The development and maintenance of NVQs is undertaken by National Training Organisations. Since April 1998 archaeology has been the responsibility of the Cultural Heritage NTO. It was previously covered by the environmental lead body, COSQUEC. The first NVQs, accredited in 1994, were removed in 1998 from the national framework by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) as there was very low take up.

  The Cultural Heritage NTO is waiting for the findings of an archaeological training needs study called "Profiling the profession", being undertaken by the Archaeological Training Forum, before making a new case for NVQs. The report is expected in autumn 1999.

  New Deal
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the effect of the national minimum wage on the costs to employers of New Deal recruits. [89422]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [holding answer 2 July 1999]From April 1998 to end of March 1999, the monthly average of New Deal participants entering jobs was 7,600. During April 1999, after the introduction of the national minimum wage, 12,400 entered jobs.

  As part of the national evaluations of New Deal for Young People and New Deal for the Long Term Unemployed we are carrying out a survey of participating employers. This will include questions on the wages being paid to New Deal employees (for example gross starting pay; hourly rate; most recent gross pay; whether or not the wages are the same as for the previous job holder and why not). Any references by employers to the national minimum wage and its impact will be recorded. The survey is taking place in the autumn of this year and will involve face-to-face interviews with 1,500 participating employers.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the numbers of participants in New Deal programmes who have not obtained a job after they have completed their participation. [89415]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [holding answer 2 July 1999]The information is available from the published Government Statistical Service statistics. They show that between January 1998 and April 1999 32,000 people left New Deal for Young People for known destination other than jobs. An additional 49,420 left for an unknown destinations. However, a recently published study reports on a survey of a sample of those leaving New Deal for unrecorded destinations between April and August 1998. Of all those who responded to the survey, 43 per cent. stated they had left New Deal to go into paid employment.

  Sure Start
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made with the Trailblazer Round of the Sure Start programme. [90595]

  Ms Jowell
  Today, my right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Education and Employment announced a further 30 Sure Start trailblazers. They are part of the first round
  561
  of a £450 million investment over 3 years in 250 local programmes across England. Sure Start will combine health care, good quality early learning and family support services to improve life chances of under fours in areas of disadvantage, so that children are ready to thrive at school.

  The 30 trailblazers announced today are based in:
  Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Bradford, Copeland, Derby, Doncaster, Enfield, Fenland, Great Yarmouth, Greenwich, Halton, Hastings, Knowsley, Mansfield, Newham, North East Lincolnshire, Norwich, Oldham, Penwith, Plymouth, Redcar and Cleveland, Sandwell, Sedgemoor, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford and Wrekin, Thurrock, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wolverhampton.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of (a) the cost of the climate change levy to his Department and (b) the savings from the reduction in national insurance contributions that will occur when it is introduced. [88861]

  Mr. Timms
  The net impact of the climate change levy and the associated reduction in the main rate of employers' National Insurance Contributions on the Department of Social Security will depend on the rates of climate change levy. The final rates of climate change levy will not be set until Finance Bill 2000.

  In addition, we are still considering a number of detailed issues on the tax treatment of different energy products which could have a significant impact in some instances. It is, therefore, not possible to give definitive figures about the impact of the climate change levy on the Department of Social Security.

  Tax-benefit Models
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will publish tax-benefit model tables under the system operating when the working families tax credit is introduced for a lone mother with two children aged under 11, where her earnings are(a) nil, (b) £3 per hour and (c) £3.60 per hour, where, if she is an earner, she works for (i) five hours, (ii) 10 hours, (iii) 15 hours, (iv) 20 hours, (v) 25 hours, (vi) 30 hours, (vii) 35 hours, (viii) 40 hours, (ix) 45 hours and (x) 50 hours, where she has to pay average council house rent and council tax, and where, if she is an earner, she has child care costs of (A) £20, (B) £30, (C) £40, (D) £50 and (E) £60; [89313]

  (2) if he will publish tax-benefit model tables under the existing system for a lone mother with two children aged under 11, where her earnings are (a) nil, (b) £3 per hour and (c) £.60 per hour, where, if she is an earner, she works for (i) five hours, (ii) 10 hours, (iii) 15 hours, (iv) 20 hours, (v) 25 hours, (vi) 30 hours, (vii) 35 hours, (viii) 40 hours, (ix) 45 hours and (x) 50 hours, where she has to pay average council house rent and council tax, and where, if she is an earner, she has child care costs of (A) £20, (B) £30, (C) £40, (D) £50 and (E) £60; [89297]

  (3) if he will publish tax-benefit model tables under the system operating when the working families tax credit is introduced for a married couple with two children aged
  562
  under 11, with average council house rent and council tax, where there is (a) no earner, (b) one earner on £3 per hour and (c) one earner on £3.60 per hour and where, if there is an earner, he works for (i) five hours, (ii) 10 hours, (iii) 15 hours, (iv) 20 hours, (v) 25 hours, (vi) 30 hours, (vii) 35 hours, (viii) 40 hours, (ix) 45 hours and (x) 50 hours. [89309]

  Angela Eagle
  The information has been placed in the Library.

  Cabinet Joint Consultative Committee
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many meetings of the JCC he has attended. [89281]

  Mr. Darling
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer from my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 5 July 1999, Official Report, columns 362–63.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 4 March 1999, Official Report, column 882, on disabled people, when he expects to take a decision on the need for a take-up campaign for disability benefits. [89378]

  Mr. Bayley
  We have no plans for a take-up campaign at the present time. However, the potential t
  ake-up of benefits is increased through greater public confidence about decisions on entitlement, and we continue to work with disability organisations to improve the administration of Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance, and to ensure that decisions about entitlement are right at the outset and are kept correct.

  Non-working Parents
  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the position under the social security system of women who stay at home in order to look after children. [89889]

  Angela Eagle
  We recognise the need to provide practical support to help parents do their best for their children. That is why we have put into place a series of measures which open up choices for parents, including the highest ever increase in Child Benefit, the New Deal for Lone Parents, the National Childcare Strategy and the Working Families Tax Credit (including the child care tax credit).

  In addition, our plans for the Second State Pension will build on safeguards already offered by the Home Responsibilities Protection scheme to help those whose work records are interrupted by caring responsibilities build up a worthwhile retirement income.

  For women who stay at home to look after their children access to contributory benefits is based on their own or, as appropriate, their husband's national insurance record and the ability to satisfy the benefit entitlement conditions. Income related benefits will be based on the needs and income of the family unit.

  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will take steps to support parents who remain at home to look after their children by paying a benefit directly to the parent. [89880]
  563
  Angela Eagle
  We have no plans to pay a benefit direct to a parent for remaining at home to care for a child other than the provisions already in place to support lone parents and parents of children with disabilities.

  We have a role in ensuring that all families have an adequate level of income, whether in work or out of work. We have put into place a series of improvements and changes to benefits which support all families and which target families with lower incomes in particular. We have increased Child Benefit by the largest ever amount, we are introducing the Working Families Tax Credit with its integral child care tax credit (and which can be paid directly to the carer where a couple choose) and we are bringing in the Children's Tax Credit from 2001 which will be worth up to £416 a year for taxpaying families with children.

  Housewives
  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to treat housewives as independent individuals for social security purposes. [89888]

  Angela Eagle
  Women are already treated as independent individuals for most contributory benefit purposes (apart from Widow's Benefit or where an addition for an adult dependant is being claimed). Within the income related benefits we target benefit on those in greatest need by looking at the family unit. A couple is treated as a single unit and benefit calculated on the basis of the couple's needs and resources.

SCOTLAND

  Vaccine Damage
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children in Scotland to date have received compensation under the Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979. [89160]

  Mr. Bayley
  I have been asked to reply.

  Sixty children who were vaccinated in Scotland have received payment under the Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979. Information on the number of children currently living in Scotland who have received payments under the Act is not available.

  The payments are neither compensation nor an interim payment. They are designed to ease the present and future burdens of those suffering from vaccine damage and their families.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  European Communities Working Groups
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the European Communities working groups which met over the last 12 months with a representative from her Department in attendance; if she will list the number of times each met; if she will indicate the nature of the Government's representation; and if she will make a statement. [88485]
  564
  Clare Short
  To answer the question in the format requested would be subject to the disproportionate cost rule. In general, UKREP attend most EC working group meetings. The need for DFID staff participation is decided according to the agenda for each meeting.

  Listed are the working groups with which DFID are most closely involved and the usual frequency of meetings:

  Working Group

  Frequency

  Development Co-operation

  Weekly

  ACPFIN

  Monthly

  Food Aid Post Lome

  Meeting about twice per week during current treaty negotiations. At other times meetings would be quarterly

  ACP Working Group

  Monthly

  GSP

  Quartely

  This Department also follows the outcome of a range of other working groups on subjects that have a bearing on DFID responsibilities, as below:

  Asia and Oceania

  Central Europe

  Eastern Europe and Central Asia

  Asia/Latin America

  Maghreb/Mashraq

  Western Balkans.

  In addition, DFID staff also attend a number of EC management committee meetings chaired by the Commission covering EC programme/project management issues including European Development Fund (EDF) and the Asia Latin America, Mediterranean, Phare, Tacis, Humanitarian Aid and Food Aid programmes.

  Sudan
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on what assistance the Government are giving to support a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Sudan. [90050]

  Clare Short
  We are pressing throughout the international system for more effort towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Sudan. We are working in particular with the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and with the IGAD Partners Forum.

  At the latest meeting of the IGAD Partners Forum on 10 March in Oslo, proposals for a special envoy and dedicated secretariat to maintain a sustained and accelerated peace negotiation were accepted in principle. We are pursuing the implementation of these proposals before the next IGAD peace talks take place between the Government of Sudan and the SPLA; these are scheduled for 18–23 July.

  Child Labour
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the countries with which her Department held discussions in 1998 with regard to the use of child labour for making goods imported into the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement. [89925]
  565
  Clare Short
  There have been no direct bilateral discussions, but throughout 1998 and 1999, the Government has actively participated in joint discussions with other members of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on the causes of child labour and how best to combat it. We have also continuously supported the ILO's International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC), and the adoption of the new International Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. The Convention, adopted by consensus at the International Labour Conference in June this year, aims to put an end to the intolerable exploitation of children in hazardous work, conditions of slavery, and practices similar to slavery.

  Coral and Mangrove Ecosystems
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the conclusions of the conference at London Zoo on 29 to 30 June relating to overseas dependent territories on the importance for poor people of coral and mangrove ecosystems. [89930]

  Clare Short
  The Conference considered environmental issues in the UK Overseas Territories and highlighted the diversity of natural resources in these small island states. Coral reefs and mangrove forests are among their more threatened environments. They directly provide a range of services important to poor people, including food, income, building materials, and tourist-related employment. Mangroves and coral reefs are often the only resources to which poor people have ready access. The Conference discussed the importance of controlling the exploitation of these ecosystems at sustainable levels by engaging the coastal peoples in their management, and helping to develop alternative livelihood options. We are actively engaged in supporting such programmes in UK Overseas Territories and other island states.

HEALTH

  Women's Organisations (Consultation)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the women's organisations which have been consulted over proposed legislation by his Department during this session; and if their responses have been published. [87189]

  Ms Jowell
  The Government are committed to making sure that policies are inclusive and take full account of the needs and experience of all those affected by them. Guidelines on Policy Appraisals for Equal Treatment published in November 1998 commit policy makers to assessing how proposals affect different groups of people.

  Application of the guidance is the responsibility of individual Departments. The Department is in regular contact with a wide variety of voluntary organisations within the health and personal social services field, seeking views on such matters as relevant aspects of proposed legislative change and the development of general policy, including those organisations receiving funding from the Department. Although some of these organisations seek to focus exclusively upon women's issues, the large majority would reflect the more generic views of their members, including often a significant proportion of women. We are currently funding and are
  566
  in regular contact with the Women's Aid Federation of England on matters of mutual interest in relation to issues of domestic violence, while we would also expect to take the views of a wide range of organisations active in the field of young or elderly people, for example, with a substantial number of women among their membership.

  Cancer Services
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the Excellence and Equity in Cancer Care Strategy, published by the All-Party Group on Cancer. [89263]

  Mr. Denham
  The themes in the All-Party Group's five pledges on the excellence and equity in Cancer Care Strategy reflect the issues raised at the cancer seminar in Downing Street in May at which the Prime Minister announced a plan of action to tackle cancer and save lives. The Government are committed to improving quality of and access to cancer services and a comprehensive programme of work is in hand to tackle the issues raised at the Downing Street meeting.

  Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total(a) annual budget and (b) staffing of the Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service. [89366]

  Mr. Denham
  The total annual budget of the Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service for 1999–2000 is £558,000.

  The total staffing of the Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service is currently 6.5 whole-time equivalents.

  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what performance targets have been agreed with the Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service in relation to processing(a) inquiries and (b) applications. [89368]

  Mr. Denham
  The contract for the provision of a centralised service processing all applications seeking entry to pre-registration nursing and midwifery diploma courses was negotiated in accordance with a detailed specification, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many applications the Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service deals with each year. [89367]

  Mr. Denham
  The number of applications varies from year to year. The number of applications differs to the number of applicants. This is because each applicant can submit up to and including four applications for different higher education institutions. The figures for applications and applicants are:

  Applications

  Applicants

  1997–98

  50,026

  20,088

  1998–991

  94,952

  33,803

  1These are the latest figures for 1998–99. Final figures are not yet available.

  Source:

  Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service

  Drug Tariff
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the increase in the drug tariff to the NHS, in actual and percentage terms, of(a) Thyroxine tablets (100 mcg) per 1000, (b) Erythromycin tablets (250 mg) per 500,

  Prices in drug tariff in May 1998 and May 1999, and movement in price

  May 1998 (p)

  May 1999 (p)

  Change (p)

  Actual percentage increase

  Chlordiazepoxide capsules 10mg (500 pack)

  684

  2300

  1616

  236

  Erythromycin tablets 250mg EC (100 pack)

  412

  1100

  688

  167

  Thyroxine tablets 100mcg (1,000 pack)

  299

  4489

  4190

  1401

  Warfarin tablets 5mg (500 pack)

  2186

  4570

  2384

  109

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the control of drug tariff prices to the NHS for(a) generic drugs and (b) branded drugs.

  Mr. Denham
  Reimbursement prices for medicines may or may not be listed in the Drug Tariff, and are the actual or averaged list prices of one or more versions of the drugs concerned. For generics, list prices are set by the market. Branded prices are governed by the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme.

  Medicinal Drugs
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what (i) percentage and (ii) amount of the NHS budget was spent on medicinal drugs in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [89675]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is provided in the tables.

  Total expenditure on National Health Service drugs

  Total NHS expenditure on drugs, medicines and listed appliances

  £billion

  Year

  Total

  1993–94

  3.7

  1994–95

  4.0

  1995–96

  4.4

  1996–97

  4.7

  1997–98

  5.2

  Total NHS expenditure on drugs, medicines and listed appliances

  as a percentage of total NHS expenditure

  Year

  Percentage

  1993–94

  11.8

  1994–95

  12.1

  1995–96

  12.7

  1996–97

  13.3

  1997–98

  13.7

  Fluoridation
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list his Department's reviews of the effects on health of fluoridation of water; and what have been the results of these reviews. [89825]
  568
  c Warfarin (5mg) tablets per 500 and (d) chlordiazepoxide (10 mg) capsules per 500 between May 1998 and May 1999; and if he will make a statement. [89692]

  Mr Denham
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Mr. Denham
  Relevant reviews conducted by, for, or with the participation of, the Department of Health or its predecessors, are as follows:Forrest J. R., Longwell J., Stones H. H., Thomson A. M. (1953). The fluoridation of domestic water supplies in North America as a means of controlling dental caries. Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO), London.
  Ministry of Health, Scottish Office, Ministry of Housing and Local Government (1962). The conduct of the fluoridation studies in the United Kingdom and the results achieved after five years. Reports on Public Health and Medical Subjects No. 105. HMSO, London.
  Department of Health and Social Security, Scottish Office, Welsh Office, Ministry of Housing and Local Government (1969). The fluoridation studies in the United Kingdom and the results achieved after eleven years. Reports on Public Health and Medical Subjects No. 122. HMSO, London.
  Working Party on Fluoridation of Water and Cancer (1985). Fluoridation of water and cancer: a review of the epidemiological evidence. HMSO, London.
  Evaluations by the Committee on Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment, in 1983, 1984 and 1990.
  Evaluations by the Committee on Mutagenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment, in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1990 and 1995.
  Medical Research Council Working Group on fluoridation of drinking water-link with osteoporosis, 1993.
  Panel on Dietary Reference Values of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy (1994). Dietary reference values for food energy and nutrients for the United Kingdom. Report on Health and Social Subjects No. 41; sixth impression. HMSO, London.
  Subgroup on Bone Health, Working Group on the Nutritional Status of the Population of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (1998). Nutrition and bone health: with particular reference to calcium and Vitamin D. Report on Health and Social Subjects No. 49. The Stationery Office, London.

  In addition, the Department and the Medical Research Council support research as appropriate. The Department also monitors and assesses the extensive published research conducted by others, and the many reviews commissioned by other groups, including the World Health Organisation. We agree with the conclusions of Sir Donald Acheson's Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health (conducted for the Department, and published in 1998) that
  "Fluoridation of the public water supply has been shown to reduce caries … [and] … should decrease inequalities in dental caries … The balance of scientific evidence is against harmful effects on health of fluoridation."
  569
  However, we are not complacent and in the Public Health White Paper published on 6 July we announced that we have commissioned an up-to-date scientific review of fluoride and health. If the review confirms that the health benefits of fluoridation are considerable and that there are no significant risks, we intend to introduce an obligation on water companies to fluoridate where there is strong local support for doing so.

  Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many acute beds there are currently at Broomfield hospital, Chelmsford; and how many there will be in October. [900021]

  Mr. Denham
  There are currently 568 acute beds at Broomfield hospital, including intensive care, cardiac care and the burns unit. The current ward closure proposals, which form part of the development plan for Mid Essex Hospital Services National Health Service Trust, will be discussed fully at a public meeting being held on 22 July 1999 at 7.30 pm in the Social Hall at St. John's hospital, Chelmsford. Until this meeting has taken place, it would not be appropriate to comment on the future provision of acute beds at Broomfield hospital.

  Residential and Nursing Homes
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish his response to the report of the Centre for Policy on Ageing on national required standards for residential and nursing homes for older people. [90070]

  Mr. Hutton
  We are currently considering the Centre for Policy on Ageing's report setting out their proposals for national regulatory standards for older people in care homes. We will be issuing the CPA's proposed standards to a wide range of organisations and individuals for consultation nationally in the summer.

  We will carefully consider all the comments we receive on the CPA's report before finalising and publishing the standards and the arrangements for implementing them.

  Skin Disorders
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the incidence of skin disorders is(a) overall and (b) in each region. [89570]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information is not available in the form requested. However, the number of admissions to National Health Service trust hospitals in England from 1995–96 to 1997–98 where a primary diagnosis has been recorded for skin disorder is shown in the tables.

  Admissions for skin disorders: NHS trusts hospitals in England 1995–96

  Regional health authority

  Admissions

  Northern

  14,245

  Yorkshire

  21,844

  Trent

  22,521

  East Anglian

  9,302

  North West Thames

  14,255

  North East Thames

  15,331

  South East Thames

  14,327

  South West Thames

  12,497

  Wessex

  10,623

  Oxford

  13,557

  South Western

  14,930

  570

  Admissions for skin disorders: NHS trusts hospitals in England 1995–96

  Regional health authority

  Admissions

  West Midlands

  22,311

  Mersey

  11,216

  North Western

  24,186

  England

  221,145

  Notes:

  1. Figures are grossed for both coverage and unknown/invalid clinical data

  2. Ordinary Admissions and Daycases combined. ICD 10 codes used are, L00-L99, Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissues

  Source:

  Department of Health, Hospital Episode Statistics (HES)

  Admissions for skin disorders: NHS trusts hospitals in England 1996–97 to 1997–98

  Admissions

  Regional offices

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Northern and Yorkshire Regional

  35,385

  29,706

  Trent Regional Office

  20,740

  23,704

  Anglia and Oxford Regional Office

  17,416

  21,447

  North Thames Regional Office

  26,754

  28,973

  South Thames Regional Office

  26,755

  24,019

  South and West Regional Office

  25,245

  26,237

  West Midlands Regional Office

  21,827

  22,659

  North West Regional Office

  35,916

  38,174

  Not known

  —

  129

  England

  210,038

  215,048

  Notes:

  1. Figures are provisional, no adjustments have yet been made for shortfalls in data, (ie the data is ungrossed)

  2. Ordinary Admissions and Daycases combined. 1CD 10 codes used are, L00-L99, Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissues

  Source:

  Department of Health, Hospital Episode Statistics (HES)

  Smallpox
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the retention of samples of smallpox-related material. [88274]

  Ms Jowell
  [pursuant to her reply, 6 July 1999, c. 494]: The recently published report by the United States of America Institute of Medicine presents strong arguments for the retention of smallpox stocks, which we accept. Since the eradication of naturally occurring smallpox over 20 years ago, very few people have been immunised against smallpox. It is vital before the virus stocks are destroyed that investigations of the genetic structure and pathogenesis of smallpox are carried out to ensure that we have all the information we need to protect the population should smallpox re-emerge as a threat in the future. We are advised that this work requires the retention of the smallpox vaccine stocks and that their retention will also allow the development of effective anti-viral treatments and new vaccines.

  We will be working with the World Health Organisation to develop and take forward research on these issues.

WALES

  European Elections
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the arrangements for the European elections in Wales. [88536]
  571
  Mr. Michael
  None. I would not expect to do so as that is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

  Match Funding (Objective 1)
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he next intends to meet the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss match funding for Objective 1 for west Wales and the valleys from January 2000. [88537]

  Mr. Michael
  I expect to meet my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury soon to discuss a range of financial issues.

  Agricultural Sector
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he next intends to meet the chairman of the Assembly Economic Committee to discuss the performance of the agricultural sector. [88538]

  Mr. Michael
  Responsibility for this matter lies with the Assembly but it may help the right hon. Gentleman to know that this matter lies with the Assembly Committee for Agriculture and the Rural Economy.

  Election Turnout
  Mr. Syms:
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met Assembly Secretaries to discuss moves to increase turnout at elections. [88539]

  Mr. Michael
  As Secretary of State I have had no such meetings.

  Young Unemployed
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on measures to help the young unemployed in Wales. [88540]

  Mr. Michael
  Since the New Deal was launched across Wales in April 1998, there has been a 44 per cent. reduction in the number of 18–24 olds who have been unemployed for six months or more. During its first year the New Deal has helped 5,400 young people in Wales into sustained employment; 1,200 are undertaking full-time education or training and a similar number are gaining valuable work experience on the Environment Task Force and Voluntary Sector options.

  From 1 July, these measures will be taken forward by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in partnership with the National Assembly for Wales.

  Structural Change (Economic Activity)
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his plans to encourage structural change in economic activity in Wales. [88541]

  Mr. Hain
  As Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales I had responsibility for this matter until 1 July.

  We continued to pursue the objectives identified in Pathway to Prosperity-our new economic agenda for Wales. We asked the Welsh Development Agency to develop a Wales Entrepreneurship Action Plan; we strengthened Business Connect; established the Rural
  572
  Partnership; made RSA more accessible, improved the flow of capital and advisory services to companies. Our aim in doing all this was to encourage and support more growth and development in existing companies and create more new enterprises.

  Since last Thursday these responsibilities have passed to the National Assembly for Wales.

  Child Care Strategy
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he plans to meet the Assembly Secretary for Health and Social Services to discuss the funding of the child care strategy for Wales. [88542]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  I have no such plans. This is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will meet the Assembly Secretary for Health and Social Services to discuss funding the child care strategy for Wales. [88545]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Neither I nor my right hon. Friend has such plans. This is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

  Further Education
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he plans to meet the Assembly Secretary for post-16 Education and Training to discuss funding to increase access to further education in Wales. [88543]

  Mr. Hain
  I have had discussions with the Secretary for Post 16 education and training but this is now a matter for the National Assembly.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will meet the Assembly Secretary for Post-16 education and training to discuss funding to increase access to further education in Wales. [88549]

  Mr. Hain
  I have had discussions with the Secretary for Post-16 education and training but this is now a matter for the National Assembly.

  Economic Regeneration
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to meet the chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Assembly to discuss economic regeneration in former mining areas. [88544]

  Mr. Hain
  I have no such plans. This is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales. I am pleased that the Welsh Coalfield Communities will be included in the £50 million Coalfields Regeneration Trust, set up in March.

  New Deal
  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he next plans to meet the Secretary of State for Education and Employment to discuss the New Deal in Wales. [88546]

  Mr. Hain
  I have no such plans. This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in partnership with the National Assembly for Wales.

  Broadcasting
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to meet the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to discuss broadcasting in Wales. [88547]

  Mr. Michael
  I have no such plans. This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and in future he will involve the National Assembly for Wales in his deliberations.

  GPs
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the National Assembly on measures to encourage more general practitioners to practise in the valleys of south Wales. [88548]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  I have had no such discussions. This is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

  Livestock Industry
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the prospects for the Welsh livestock industry. [88550]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  As Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State I had responsibility for this matter until 1 July. We took a number of initiatives, either unilaterally or jointly with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to address the difficulties faced by the livestock sector. We provide:

  Over £12 million aid for Welsh cattle and sheep farmers in December 1997.

  Almost 15 million extra for HLCA claimants in Wales in November 1998.

  Publication in March 1999 of industry-led Action Plans for the Lamb and Beef, Dairy and Organic sectors.

  Complete deferral for this year of the Specified Risk Material inspection costs-a saving of £2.5 million for Welsh farmers.

  Since last Thursday these responsibilities have passed to the National Assembly for Wales. The First Secretary and his Cabinet colleagues will be happy to brief Members of the House of Commons on the Assembly's work.

  School Funding
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he plans to have discussions with the Assembly Secretary for Education up to age 16 about funding of schools in Wales. [88532]

  Mr. Hain
  I have had discussions with the Education Secretary on this and other matters but this is now a matter for the National Assembly.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what arrangements he has made for the translation of press releases from Government Departments into the Welsh language. [89679]

  Mr. Michael
  This is a matter for individual Departments. In the past, I made clear the willingness of my Department to advise on such matters. I have written to colleagues underlining the importance of this matter,574
  and the advice which is available to Departments from the Welsh Language Board. I am pleased to see that a number of Departments have prepared Welsh language schemes which set out their policy on the use of Welsh in press notices.

  Beef Export Ban
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with representatives of livestock farms in Wales to discuss progress on the lifting of the beef export ban. [88529]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  I have had many such discussions. Beef farmers in Wales have paid a heavy price for the incompetence of the previous Government. I have been pleased to support my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in sorting out this mess.

  This is now a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

DEFENCE

  United Kingdom Hydrographic Office Defence Agency
  Ms Dan Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office Defence Agency for the financial year 1999–2000. [90524]

  Mr. Spellar
  The key targets set for the UK Hydrographic Office in 1999-2000 are as follows:

  To process and promulgate priority safety information within stated timescales from receipt of data.

  To achieve 100 per cent. of the endorsed and funded Defence Programme to cost, quality and timeliness targets as defined in Tasking Authorisation Forms (TAFs).

  To meet short-notice Defence operational requirements within agreed timescales.

  To achieve, by 31 March 2001, 85 per cent. of commercial orders for standard paper navigational charts despatched in full within six working days of receipt, while fulfilling Defence requirements for standard paper navigational charts.

  To break even taking one year with another.

  To achieve an average Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) during the plan period of 7.5 per cent.

  To achieve efficiency savings of 13.5 per cent. of controllable costs (based on controllable costs for FY95-96) by 31 March 2001.

  Duke of York Royal Military School
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Duke of York Royal Military School for the financial year 1999–2000. [90573]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Chief Executive of The Duke of York's Royal Military School has been set the following key targets for 1999–2000:

  To achieve 100 per cent. of GCSE passes at grades A* to G.

  To achieve 5 or more GCSE passes at grades A* to C; 1999–2000 target is 86 per cent.

  To achieve 88 per cent. of A level passes at grades A to E.

  To achieve 3 or more A level passes at grades A to E; 1999–2000 target is 80 per cent.

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 7 July. [88554]

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

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the subject and date of each written briefing prepared by his special advisers for all Labour Members since May 1997 and the total number and total cost to date of these. [89983]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer 6 July 1999]: Special Advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in the Model Contract for Special Advisers. Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Model Contract sets out the role and duties of Special Advisers. As well as research for Ministers and reviewing papers, contributing to policy planning within the Department and preparing policy papers, speechwriting and liaison with outside interest groups, their role explicitly includes liaising with the Party and helping to brief Party MPs. Records are not held of when such briefings are given. Similar arrangements have applied under successive governments.

  Balkans (EU Appointments)
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made on EU appointments in connection with the Balkans region; and if he will make a statement. [90120]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We fully supported the candidature of the right hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Ashdown) for the post of the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative in Kosovo. The UNSG has now appointed Mr. Bernard Kouchner to the post: he will have our full support as he carries out his important duties. Mr. Joly Dixon, a UK national working for the European Commission, has been appointed Deputy Special Representative responsible for reconstruction in Kosovo.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to reply to the letter written by the hon. Member for Totnes on 29 May about Mr. and Mrs. Michael Perkins of Chillington, Kingsbridge, South Devon. [90105]

  Mr. Hoon
  The hon. Member's letter to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary was received in the Foreign and Commonwealth office on 18 June. My noble Friend the Under-Secretary will reply shortly.
  576
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to reply to the letters to him dated 15 March, 22 April and 27 May, with regard to Mrs. J. Otakoro, from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton. [89957]

  Mr. Hoon
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary replied to my right hon. Friend's letters on 8 June 1999.

  Qualified Majority Voting
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Gainsborough (Mr. Leigh) of 22 June 1999,Official Report, columns 354–55, on qualified majority voting, when the decision to hold a European Union Inter-Governmental Conference in 2000 was made; what are the main headings and items to be considered at that conference; and what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to publicise the conference. [89393]

  Ms Quin
  The decision to hold an Inter-Governmental conference (IGC) in 2000 was made at the Cologne European Council on 3–4 June. The items to be considered are set out in the Presidency conclusions, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister reported on the decision to hold the Conference in his Statement to the House of 8 June 1999,Official Report, columns 463–79. The Government will ensure that Parliament is kept fully informed of developments in the IGC.

  Internal Histories
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 15 June 1999, Official Report, column 116, for what reason the titles of internal histories remain classified; what the level of classification is; and how many internal histories exist. [89808]

  Mr. Hoon
  Titles of internal histories less than 30 years old which have not yet been cleared for release or publication remain confidential, because to disclose such information would be premature in relation to publication plans under Exemption 10 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  The level of classifications vary and include up to Secret. The number of internal histories held by the FCO is not recorded centrally. So far 15 have been identified.

  European Budget
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 22 February 1999,Official Report, column 197, concerning activities authorised under lines 3706 and 3708 of the EU budget, when he will deposit the substantive reply in the Library. [89810]

  Ms Quin
  I wrote to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Borders (Mr. Maclean) on this subject on 22 March. Through an administration error, copies of my letter were not deposited in the Libraries of each House at the time. I have now arranged for copies to be sent.

  Debriefing (Ambassador)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions
  577
  Ministers from his Department have debriefed ambassadors from British business; if such ambassadors are required to declare this position in meetings with foreign representatives of Government; if Government policy is discussed; and if he will make a statement. [89821]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Ambassadors for British Business attended a working meeting with Ministers in July 1998.

  When making appointments for the Ambassadors for British Business our overseas posts make clear to interlocutors their status.

  The Ambassadors for British Business are provided with briefing on British government policy for them to use as they feel appropriate. They are, however, free to express their own views during their Ambassador for British Business engagements. The objective of their role is to promote the UK's wider British Commercial interests drawing on their own experience and expertise.

  Ethiopia and Eritrea
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action his Department is taking to encourage a settlement of the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea and a cessation of the deportations between the two countries; and if he will make a statement. [89861]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We have made frequent and regular representations to the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea, at all levels, both bilaterally and through the European Union. Our message has been clear: both sides must stop fighting immediately and implement the OAU Framework peace proposals.

  We have urged both sides to respect the rights of civilian populations. The Ethiopian Government have assured us that their policy of expulsion of Eritreans has now stopped. The Eritrean Government maintain that the Ethiopians leaving Eritrea have done so voluntarily. I discussed the situation with OAU Secretary-General Salim Salim on 28 May and underlined our continued support for the OAU Framework peace proposals.

  Turkey
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ensure that when a Minister of his Department next visits Turkey he or she discusses with the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Turkey the lack of response to letters that have been sent to him by the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, regarding the decision taken by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Mrs. Loizidou v. Turkey; and if he will make a statement. [89817]

  Ms Quin
  We continue to make clear to Turkey, including in the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers' Deputies, the need to respect the European Court of Human Rights' judgment in the case of Loizidou v. Turkey. We supported the decision of the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers to write to the Turkish Foreign Minister on 22 June requesting clarification from 578
  Turkey on how it intends to implement the judgment. We look forward to his response, and will be interested to hear what progress is being made on the issue when we next meet at Ministerial level.

  Burma
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to improve the conditions of ethnic minorities in Burma. [89937]

  Mr. Hoon
  We take every opportunity to try to improve the conditions of ethnic minorities in Burma. We raise concerns both here and in Rangoon directly with the regime, most recently about repression in Kayah and Chin States. We are also active in international forums, for example co-sponsoring UN resolutions which put pressure on the regime to improve the human rights situation. We were instrumental in the adoption of a resolution by the International Labour Conference on 17 June which stated that Burma's behaviour, notably the continued use of forced labour (a major burden on ethnic minorities), was incompatible with ILO membership. And we support the work of the Burma Consortium for those who have fled regime repression.

  Kashmir
  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what influence he is bringing to bear on behalf of the UK Government to stop the violence in Kashmir. [89893]

  Mr. Hoon
  As longstanding friends of Pakistan and India, we are deeply concerned by the continuing fighting in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir following armed infiltration across the Line of Control. My right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary and I, and our High Commissions in Islamabad and New Delhi, have urged both countries to work to lower tensions and to refrain from action which might escalate the fighting. We have reinforced our concerns in the EU statements of 27 May and 24 June and the conclusions on G8 Foreign Ministers on 31 May and heads of Government on 19 June.

  MOX Shipments
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 29 June 1999, Official Report, column 116, on MOX shipments, if he will place that advice in the Library. [89814]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Government's position on this matter was recently re-examined by the DTI in the course of preparing a response to a letter on the same subject which my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Burden) sent to my colleague the Minister for Energy and Industry. The Minister's reply to my hon. Friend for Northfield sets out the detailed conclusions reached and reflects the advice of the UK Safeguards Office. This was the same advice as that on which I based my earlier statement. A copy of that reply has now been placed in the Library.

  Fire Regulations: European Directive
  Fire Regulations: European Directive
  Schools: Religious Education
  Schools: Religious Education
  Historic Steam Vehicles: European Directive
  Historic Steam Vehicles: European Directive
  London Underground Penalty Fares
  London Underground Penalty Fares
  Airport Transport and Access Consultation: Responses
  Airport Transport and Access Consultation: Responses
  Transport Council, 17 June
  Transport Council, 17 June
  Rail Travel
  Rail Travel
  Appeal Hearings: Photocopying and Fax Facilities
  Appeal Hearings: Photocopying and Fax Facilities
  Poet Laureate
  Poet Laureate
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