Written Answers of 9 June 1999

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the agreement which he has negotiated for the management of the farm-scale trials of genetically modified crops in 1999. [85924]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]All crops in the farm-scale evaluations are being grown in compliance with the conditions of the consents issued under Part B or Part C of Directive 90/220/EEC and, in addition, in accordance with the SCIMAC (Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops) guidelines. The SCIMAC code of practice together with the associated guidelines for growing newly developed herbicide tolerant crops was published by SCIMAC on 21 May 1999 and a copy has been placed in the Library.

  National Speed Policy
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make a statement on the Government's national speed policy review; [86053]

  (2) when the national speed policy review is to be concluded; when the Government plan to announce the findings of the national speed policy review; and when the Government plan to announce their proposals for changes to speed limits. [86055]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The speed policy review was launched in October 1998. This is considering how best policy can reflect the aims of the integrated transport policy white paper, whilst continuing to meet our road safety objectives. In its first stage the review is examining existing research and reviewing current practice and legislation. The second stage is now underway involving people and organisations outside government that can offer an informed opinion. The final stage will draw conclusions before a report is prepared for Ministers.

  The review will consider all aspects of speed management, including the role of speed limits. It is expected to be completed by the Autumn, when its findings will be published.

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many and what proportion of settlements of less than 3,000 in population have (i) no signed speed restrictions and (ii) a maximum speed limit of(a) 40 mph, (b) 30 mph and (c) 20 mph. [86114]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  This information is not held centrally as Local Traffic Authorities are responsible for setting speed limits on their roads.
  320
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many respondents to the consultation document, "Developing an Integrated Transport Policy: An Invitation to Contribute", recommended lower speed limits. [86054]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Of the 7,300 responses to the consultation document, "Developing an Integrated Transport Policy: An Invitation to Contribute", 827 recommended increased traffic calming measures and lower speed limits.

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations the Government have received in the course of the national speed policy review on the need to reduce speed limits in country lanes and in villages. [86056]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  A wide range of views on this issue have been received, both for and against the need to reduce such speed limits.

  Refrigerants
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy to change departmental refrigeration and air-conditioning systems to operate on not-in-kind refrigerants. [86164]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  It is DETR policy, in accordance with the model framework for greening government operations, not to purchase substances that contain CFCs or HCFCs where suitable alternatives exist. The specifications for the build and refurbishment of Eland and Ashdown House Victoria specifically excluded the use of ozone depleting gases.

  Drink-driving
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many road users were killed in drink-drive related accidents during the last year for which figures are available. [85690]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  In 1997, the most recent year for which estimates of drink-drive accidents are available, there were an estimated 550 alcohol-related road deaths (or fatalities). This is a revision of the provisional estimate of 540, based on more limited data, which was published in "Road Accidents Great Britain:1997".

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the main issues addressed in responses to his Department's consultation on "Combating Drinking and Driving: Next Steps". [85689]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Consultees made comments across the range of issues addressed in the consultation paper. Those issues most frequently raised were, in descending order, the lowering of the blood alcohol limit, police breath testing powers, penalties for a drink-drive limit and self-test breathalysers.

  British Rail Land (Battersea)
  Mr. Linton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when a decision will be made on the sale of British Rail land to the Dogs' Home, Battersea.[86241]
  321
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The British Railways Board was given permission on 20 May to dispose of its surplus land at Battersea to the Dogs' Home.

  Energy Efficiency
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many homes have benefited from Government-sponsored programmes of energy efficiency in each year since their establishment. [86206]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Department provides grants for improving the energy efficiency of homes through the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme and also funds the grant programmes operated by the Energy Saving Trust. The number of homes helped through each are detailed.

  Homes improved through the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme

  Year

  Number of homes improved

  1991–92

  167,849

  1992–93

  204,130

  1993–94

  270,148

  1994–95

  449,902

  1995–96

  623,963

  1996–97

  415,422

  1997–98

  419,935

  1998–99

  404,960

  Homes improved through DETR funded programmes operated by the Energy Saving Trust

  Programme

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Energy Efficiency Advice Centre

  109,954

  166,744

  181,599

  HECA Action1

  37

  31

  30

  Energy Service Companies1

  2

  7

  20

  Raising the Standard

  6,000

  9,000

  12,110

  Heating Controls

  16,725

  17,500

  n/a

  Cavity Wall Insulation

  30,000

  35,000

  22,747

  Pensioners Energy Plan

  48

  65

  25

  Total

  162,766

  228,347

  216,531

  1Grants to organisations rather than individual households

  The energy efficiency of many homes has also been improved through earlier Government programmes; the introduction of energy efficiency requirements within building regulations; and from broader programmes to promote energy efficiency including the Market Transformation Strategy and the high profile "Are You Doing Your Bit" campaign.

  At the same time, schemes developed as part of the Standards of Performance set by the Director General for Electricity have also improved the energy efficiency of homes.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for introducing(a) energy efficiency and (b) renewable energy strategies at regional level. [86044]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]Our recent White Paper on sustainable development, "A better quality of life", announced that we wish to see sustainable development frameworks prepared in each English region by the end of 2000. We will be issuing guidance on the content and preparation of such frameworks. Renewable energy and energy efficiency are among the subjects which we are considering for inclusion in the frameworks.322
  Additionally, as indicated in the consultation paper, "New and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21 Century", recently published by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, renewable energy is a topic we will be considering in the context of our new proposals for Regional Planning Guidance, on which we have been consulting.

  Petrol
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent scientific evidence he has evaluated concerning the use of methyl teritary butyl ether in petrol in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [85870]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Use of Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in petrol can reduce exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide by 25 per cent. and hydrocarbons by 15 per cent. and has contributed to improvements in air quality through reducing the level of these pollutants. In response to concerns about possible contamination of groundwater by MTBE the Environment Agency conducted a pilot study in the Stour catchment to inform the design of future groundwater monitoring. No MTBE was detected in that catchment but MTBE will be included in a major R&D study commissioned by the Agency into the fate, transport and natural attenuation of chemicals in the sub-surface and groundwater environment. The study, which commences this week, will take some two years to complete.

  Empty Dwellings
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what changes to the council tax he intends to make to encourage owners of long-term empty dwellings to bring them back into use. [86487]

  Ms Armstrong
  One of the reasons why there is a hard core of unused empty dwellings is that the cost of owning them is relatively low. At present, there is no council tax at all for the owners of dwellings which require or are undergoing major repair works or structural alterations. Long-term empty properties create extra costs for councils because they can encourage vandalism, crime, accumulation of rubbish, vermin and a general nuisance. Exempt from council tax, the owners do not make a contribution towards these costs and they also benefit from other locally provided services like police and fire services.

  The Government do not believe this is justified where a dwelling has been exempt for more than a year. We have, therefore, amended the council tax regulations so that from 1 April 2000, any dwelling in England and Wales requiring or undergoing major repair works or structural alterations which has been exempt for more than a year, will be subject to the standard 50 per cent. council tax attracted by other unoccupied dwellings.

  Contaminated Land
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to provide financial support to English local authorities and to the Environment Agency to meet the capital costs of dealing with contaminated land. [86489]
  323
  Mr. Meale
  My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment announced on 22 July 1998 that £15 million would be available for this financial year, and each of the next two financial years. The Contaminated Land Supplementary Credit Approval programme provides support for English local authorities for the capital costs they incur in dealing with contaminated land. The programme also supports, in the form of additional grant-in-aid, the Environment Agency where it is carrying out works to deal with water pollution caused by contaminated land. This funding is in addition to the £50 million over the next three years to help local authorities with their responsibilities under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (inserted by section 57 of the Environment Act 1995) and to separate funds made available through Single Regeneration Budget and the Regional Development Agencies for regeneration projects.

  Authorities with on-going contractual commitments for projects funded in previous years have already received notification that support will continue to be available this year. I have agreed the programme for new projects to start this year and my Department has written today to the successful authorities and to the Environment Agency notifying them of the financial allocations which are being made.

  The Department will discuss the other bids with the authorities concerned and expects to make some further allocations. It will also decide new bids when they are received.

  The following table sets out the allocations which have been made so far this current financial year.

  Local Authorities

  Number of sites

  Total allocation(£)

  Ashford BC

  1

  36,500

  Bexley LB

  1

  50,000

  Blackburn/Darwen BC

  2

  40,000

  Bolton MBC

  1

  20,000

  Bristol City

  1

  25,697

  Bury MBC

  1

  5,500

  Calderdale MBC

  1

  20,000

  Chorley BC

  1

  196,000

  Crawley BC

  1

  355,500

  Croydon LB

  5

  79,000

  Cumbria CC

  1

  786,215

  Darlington BC

  1

  31,000

  Devon CC

  5

  775,500

  Dudley MBC

  4

  335,070

  Durham CC

  3

  56,500

  East Sussex CC

  2

  282,696

  Essex CC

  3

  140,500

  Gateshead MBC

  2

  1,205,000

  Gedling BC

  1

  14,000

  Gravesham BC

  1

  11,300

  £000

  Approved allocation for 1998–99

  Provisional outturn for 1998–99

  Present approved allocation for 1999–2000

  Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company and its subsidiaries

  27.21

  28.77

  29.79

  NI Roads Programme

  145.30

  147.7

  155.6

  324

  Local Authorities

  Number of sites

  Total allocation(£)

  Guildford BC

  4

  35,500

  Hackney LB

  1

  115,000

  Hampshire CC

  1

  35,000

  Herefordshire C

  1

  22,600

  Isle of Wight C

  1

  10,000

  Lancashire CC

  1

  25,000

  Lancaster City

  1

  71,653

  Leicester City

  6

  119,200

  Leicestershire CC

  2

  16,250

  Lewes DC

  1

  10,000

  Merseyside WDA

  2

  320,000

  Middlesbrough BC

  1

  301,000

  Newcastle City

  3

  319,450

  Northamptonshire CC

  2

  408,000

  North East Lincs C

  1

  44,000

  North Lincs C

  1

  1,187,200

  North Somerset C

  1

  18,000

  Northumberland CC

  4

  46,000

  Norwich City

  1

  24,000

  Nottingham City

  1

  304,000

  Oldham MBC

  2

  96,000

  Oxfordshire CC

  2

  392,000

  Plymouth City

  1

  265,085

  Portsmouth City

  1

  400,000

  Preston BC

  1

  266,250

  Rotherham MBC

  3

  219,407

  St. Helens MBC

  1

  165,000

  Sandwell MBC

  17

  73,660

  Sheffield City

  1

  150,000

  Shropshire CC

  1

  378,814

  Solihull MBC

  1

  179,247

  South Holland DC

  1

  2,500

  Surrey CC

  2

  11,100

  Tameside MBC

  2

  42,160

  Teignbridge DC

  2

  70,000

  Trafford MBC

  3

  150,000

  Warrington BC

  1

  242,806

  Wokingham DC

  1

  208,096

  Worcestershire CC

  2

  58,831

  Environment Agency

  9

  1,362,000

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Transport Funding
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes have been made by the Department of the Environment (N.I.) to the funding made available to(a) the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company and its subsidiaries and (b) the NI Roads Programme in (i) 1998 and (ii) 1999. [85958]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]The information for the financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000 requested is as follows:

  Business Development Service
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what key performance targets have been set for the Business Development Service to be achieved by April 2000. [86488]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The Business Development Service is an Executive Agency of the Department of Finance and Personnel. I have set a number of key performance targets for the Agency to achieve by April 2000, as follows:

  to maintain a level of at least 90 per cent. of customers to be satisfied with the services that they have received;

  to maintain a level of at least 90 per cent. of customers to be satisfied with the way in which services were provided to them;

  to achieve levels of efficiency savings in total running costs of 3 per cent. over the allocation for 1998–99;

  to demonstrate, on a notional basis and within the context of service level agreements (where these apply), that the Agency would recover the full cost of its operations from its customers; and

  to maintain systems of people development consistent with good human resource practice.

  Copies of the Agency's Strategic and Business Plans for 1999 to 2002 have been placed in the Library.

  Contract Compliance
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to her answer of 26 January 1999,Official Report,column 191, what advice was received by Ministers on the legal permissibility of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights' recommendations on contract compliance under European law; if she subsequently sought legal opinion on contract compliance; and if she will make a statement. [86137]

  Mr. Ingram
  My reply of 26 January indicated the input of legal advisers to consideration of the recommendations in the Standing Advisory Commission for Human Rights' report on employment equality of June 1997. Subsequent to publication of the Government's response to those recommendations in the White Paper, "Partnership for Equality" (CM 3890) in March 1998, the Secretary of State has not sought further legal opinion on contract compliance.

  West Midlands Police
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many members of the West Midlands police force have spent time on secondment with the RUC in the past 10 years; what was the average length of time spent on secondment; and what was the purpose of these placements. [86143]

  Mr. Ingram
  In the last 10 years, two members of the West Midlands police force have been seconded to the Royal Ulster Constabulary for a period of six months each. These placements were part of a Management Exchange with RUC officers for the career development of the individuals concerned.

  RUC Officers (Paramilitary Connections)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what powers are available to the Chief Constable of the RUC to take disciplinary action against officers joining or associating with paramilitary organisations; who is responsible for discipline among police officers from England and Wales serving in the RUC on secondment; and who has responsibility for informing her if a police officer on secondment to the RUC has paramilitary associations[86144]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Chief Constable's powers to take disciplinary action against a member of the RUC below the rank of Assistant Chief Constable are provided for in the Royal Ulster Constabulary (Discipline and Disciplinary Appeals) Regulations 1988.

  The Chief Constable, or Police Authority for senior officers, is responsible for the discipline of police officers from England and Wales on secondment with the Royal Ulster Constabulary. The Chief Constable is also responsible for the investigation of criminal matters and, except for senior officers, for police discipline.

  Barry Mason
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she has received a report of the evidence given in the course of the legal action against former chief superintendent Barry Mason of the West Midlands police that concluded on 22 April. [86145]

  Mr. Ingram
  Yes.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Claims Assessors
  Mr. Linton
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action he intends to take to investigate the activities of non-legally qualified claims assessors.[86390]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Lord Chancellor intends to establish a small committee to investigate the provision of legal advice by non-legally qualified persons who act as claims assessors, whose business is to process claims, on behalf of clients, arising as a result of death or personal injury. In particular, the committee will examine the sector's cost, standard, appropriateness and customer satisfaction. The committee will report its findings and make recommendations on whether any further control of this sector is needed in the public interest.

  Advisory Board on Family Law
  Mr. Linton
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Advisory Board on Family Law intends to publish its second annual report. [86389]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Advisory Board on Family Law published its second annual report on 27 May and copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

TREASURY

  European Employment Pact
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy of the European Presidency's draft for a European Employment Pact, as discussed at ECOFIN on 10 May. [85524]

  Ms Hewitt
  The European Presidency text on a European Employment Pact as agreed at the Cologne Council has been placed in the Library this afternoon.

  HIPC Trust Fund
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with his counterparts in other G7 countries regarding their Governments' contributions to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Trust Fund; and if he will make a statement. [85719]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Chancellor has discussed the HIPC trust fund with all his G7 colleagues and will be discussing these issues further at the G7 in Frankfurt this weekend.

  Debt Burden
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what agreement was reached at the last G7 Finance Ministers' Meeting on reducing the debt burden of the poorest countries; and if he will make a statement. [85718]

  Ms Hewitt
  G7 Finance Ministers last met on 26 April. Paragraph 11 of their statement, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House, set out the conclusions of the meeting.

  The UK is continuing to argue for faster, deeper and wider debt relief.

  Recognised Overseas Investment Exchange
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to increase the fees Her Majesty's Treasury currently charges to applicants for Recognised Overseas Investment Exchange status or Recognised Overseas Clearing House status under sections 112 and 113 of the Financial Services Act 1986. [86617]

  Ms Hewitt
  The application fee will be increased to £33,000 and the periodical fee will be increased to £9,000 with effect from 1 July 1999.

  Diesel Fuel Prices
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how many pence per litre the price of a litre of diesel has risen since May 1997. [84914]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 21 May 1999]: The price of diesel in May 1997 was published in the DTI's 1998 Digest of Energy Statistics, table 8.12. The latest price, for April 1999, was published in a DTI press notice, "Statistical Press Release, Advance Energy Statistics", on 5 May 1999.

DEFENCE

  Kosovo
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement regarding the pay received by British soldiers who are on duty in and around Kosovo. [85650]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]: UK Service personnel deployed to the Balkans are paid in accordance with their rank, length of service and, in the case of other ranks, their trade, at rates recommended by the independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB). Where appropriate, personnel also receive additional pay in recognition of their specialist skills or service, ie flying pay or parachute pay, at rates also recommended by the AFPRB.

  The AFPRB make their recommendations on the basic pay of all members of the Armed Forces on the basis of broad comparability with the pay of civilian occupations of similar job weight and responsibility within the UK. To this basic pay is then added an additional element called the A-Factor' (currently 12 per cent. of basic pay) to reflect the differences between conditions of service experienced by members of the Armed Forces over a full career and conditions in civilian life, which cannot be taken directly into account in assessing pay comparability. Part of the AFPRB's considerations in determining the X-Factor includes the liability to serve from time to time in difficult and dangerous circumstances. The 'X-Factor' is paid continuously to all Service personnel, apart from the most senior officers, throughout their careers regardless of where they are serving, and it is pensionable. This mechanism is so constructed to ensure our continuing ability to recruit and retain personnel of the right calibre and reflects the fact that the UK's Armed Forces have an expectation of world wide deployment.

  RAF Quedgeley
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what planning permissions have been sought for RAF Quedgeley; and what is their current status. [85885]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]: The areas formerly known as Sites 2 and 4, which are located to the south of the Main Site, and Site 6, located close to the A38, have now been sold as land for storage purposes.

  No planning permission has yet been sought for Main Site, Quedgeley as this will be a matter for the Purchaser. However, my Department has made representation at the recent Gloucestershire County Structure Plan Examination in Public and has consulted on a regular basis with Gloucester City Council about proposed uses for the site.

  Equipment Budgets
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the overspend for the (i) land equipment budget, (ii) sea equipment budget and (iii) air equipment budget in the present financial year. [85916]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]: The Defence budget for the present financial year, 1999–2000, is not currently overspent in any main budget area.

  Royal Hospital, Haslar
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many letters he has received concerning the future of Defence Medical Services; and of these, how many opposed the closure of the Royal Hospital, Haslar. [85553]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]: My Department, including the Defence Secondary Care Agency, has received over 500 letters concerning the Defence Medical Services and the future of the Royal Hospital, Haslar. This figure includes letters to the Prime Minister and the Secretaries of State for Health and Transport which were passed to my Department for reply. The majority of these letters referred to the Royal Hospital, Haslar and all were opposed to its closure.

  Service Children's Education
  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Chief Executive of Service Children's Education for the financial year 1999–2000.[86700]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Chief Executive has been set the following Key Targets for 1999–2000:

  1. To meet the following percentage of pupils achieving Level 2 at the end of Key Stage 1 in:

  Reading: 87 per cent.

  Writing: 90 per cent.

  Spelling: 73 per cent.

  Mathematics: 91 per cent.

  2. To meet the following percentage of pupils achieving Level 4 at the end of Key Stage 2 in:

  English: 75 per cent.

  Mathematics: 75 per cent.

  Science: 80 per cent.

  3. To meet the following percentage of pupils achieving Level 5 at the end of Key Stage 3 in:

  English: 81 per cent.

  Mathematics: 70 per cent.

  Science: 70 per cent.

  4. To meet a three year rolling average percentage of Year 11 pupils in SCE achieving five or more higher (A*–C*) grades in GCSE of 46 per cent.

  5. To meet a three year rolling average of subject entries achieving passes at grades A-C at A level of 57 per cent.

  6. To achieve as a minimum a "satisfactory" standard in each OFSTED school inspection.

  7. To respond in full to customers seeking educational advice from SCE(UK) within the following timescales:

  91 per cent. within 10 working days of receipt remainder within 20 working days of receipt

  8. To develop an Agency Efficiency Index by 2000–01.

  9. To achieve index of satisfaction with SCE within the Army Spouses Continuous Attitude Survey above 360 overall.

  Nuclear Weapons
  MS Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to ensure the future integrity of the UK's nuclear weapon stockpile in the absence of underground weapon stockpile in the absence of underground weapon testing. [86701]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I announced in the Strategic Defence Review that for as long as the United Kingdom has nuclear forces we will ensure that we have a robust capability to underwrite the integrity of our nuclear wareheads without recourse to nuclear testing.As part of 330
  that I have approved investment in the US National Ignition Facility (NIF). This will guarantee the United Kingdom access to a high-powered laser, which is a key element of our stewardship programme. Participation in the NIF will be a joint venture under the auspices of the 1958 UK/US Mutual Defence Agreement.

  Defence Analytical Services Agency
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency for financial year 1999–2000. [86702]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Key Targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency for Financial Year 1999–2000. The targets build on the progress already made by the Agency since it formed in 1992 and are as follows:

  Delivery of customer service and quality

  The majority of the Agency's business is covered by Service Level Agreements with customers, which set out the targets for timeliness and quality of work. For the parts of the business where Service Level Agreements are inappropriate, project agreements are in place. The Agency is committed to a continual improvement in the range and quality of the services it provides to customers. Key Targets are:

  (a) To meet at least 95 per cent. of the timeliness and quality targets set in Service Level Agreement and project agreements.

  (b) To have at least 90 per cent. of customers saying they are at least satisfied with the timeliness, quality of work and helpfulness of staff in the Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey covering all aspects of business.

  (c) To have at least 25 per cent. of customers who received DASA services in 1998–99 and 1999–2000 report an improvement in those services in the Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey.

  (d) To develop corporate information on civilian personnel and make it available to civilian personnel managers by March 2000.

  Efficiency and business excellence

  The Agency plans to make efficiency savings in 1999–2000 as well as meeting the additional demands placed on it by new Departmental studies and initiatives. The Agency is committed to continual improvement and is using the Business Excellence Model as a means of driving this forward. Key Targets are:

  (a) To achieve a British Quality Foundation validated score of 500 points or more against the Business Excellence Model.

  (b) To achieve Investors in People re-accreditation by the end of March 2000.

  (c) To deliver efficiency savings with a value of 1 per cent. of the initial running cost allocation, as the first instalment of a programme to achieve 10 per cent. efficiency savings over 3 years.

  AS90 Howitzer
  Dr.Ladyman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made with regard to placing a contract for the Extended Range Ordnance and Modular Charge System for the AS90 howitzer. [86703]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I am pleased to announce that a contract for the final development and production of extended range barrels and a new Modular Charge System for the AS90 self-propelled gun has been placed with Marconi Electronic Systems. This programme will extend the range and increase the effectiveness of AS90, and will
  331
  provide a significantly enhanced artillery capability for the British Army. The contract will sustain about 50 jobs with Marconi at Barrow-in-Furness and at the Royal Ordnance factory in Nottingham, which will manufacture the extended range barrels. The Modular Charge System will be supplied by Somchem of South Africa. The total value of the contract with Marconi is around £75 million.

  Learning Forces Initiative
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress towards establishing the Learning Forces Initiative announced in the Strategic Defence Review. [86704]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  In April Standard Learning Credits were introduced which increased by 25 per cent. the financial assistance available annually for Service personnel to undertake education for personal development. Enhanced Learning Credits will be introduced next year. This major new scheme will provide a substantial source of funding for personal development both during service in the Armed Forces and for up to 10 years thereafter.

  Training Group Defence Agency
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the Training Group Defence Agency for financial year 1999–2000. [86705]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Key Targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the Training Group Defence Agency for the Financial Year 1999–2000 as follows:

  Key Target 1—Quantity of Output (ab initio Flying Training) The number of RAF aircrew trainees graduated as follows:

  KT1a—Number of trainees graduating from ab initio flying training

  Performance level

  Fast-Jet Pilots

  59

  Multi-Engine Pilots

  46

  Rotary Wing Pilots

  33

  Fast-Jet Navigators

  24

  Multi-Engine Navigators

  11

  Rotary Wing Navigators

  14

  Airman Aircrew

  78

  The number of RAF trainees who graduate from the following courses:

  KT1b—Quantity of output(ab initio ground training)

  Performance level

  Officer Training

  282

  RAF Tradesman Training

  1,827

  RAF Regiment Gunner Training

  395

  The number of training places provided on the following RN, Army, RAF refresher, CFS and Foreign and Commonwealth flying courses:

  KT1c—Quantity of output flying(other customers and refresher training)

  Performance level

  Flying Training—RN, Army, RAF Refresher and CFS

  819

  Flying Training Courses—F&C

  83

  332
  Number of training places provided on Ground courses:

  KT1d—Quantity of output ground(pre-employment and career development training)

  Performance level

  RAF Pre-employment and Career

  Development Training

  25,417

  Key Target 2—Quality of Output

  To achieve a rating of satisfactory in the Agency's customer satisfaction matrix for the quality of 100 per cent. of graduate trainees.

  Key Target 3—Efficiency

  To deliver 2.36 per cent. efficiency savings from allocated budget.

  Key Target 4—Development of Output Costings and Unit cost measurement

  To provide full output costings and associated unit cost and efficiency measures by April 2000.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Drug Orders
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug treatment and testing orders he has forecast to be made in his financial plans for the first full year of their operation. [85766]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Our current best estimate of the unit cost of a Drug Treatment and Testing Order (DTTO) is £6,400. On that basis, the funds allocated should allow probation services to fund treatment and testing of approximately 6,000 offenders sentenced to DTTOs in 2001–02. The pilot evaluation report will provide accurate information on the unit cost and, therefore, the number of DTTOs that can be made each year.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of a drug treatment and testing order imposed in the three pilot areas. [85769]

  Mr. George Howarth
  As at June 1999, the average length of a Drug Treatment and Testing Order in

  (a) Croydon is 16.8 months;

  (b) Gloucestershire is 12.9 months; and

  (c) Liverpool is 12.9 months.

  London River Police
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what will be(a) the establishment and (b) actual numbers of officers in post of the London River Police on 1 January 2000; and if he will make a statement.[86036]

  Kate Hoey
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that the target strength for the Thames Division on 1 January 2000 will be 89 officers and that he expects that number to be in post then. At the moment the strength is 101.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the staffing requirement of the London River Police over the Millennium public holiday; and if he will make a statement. [86037]
  333
  Kate Hoey
  The deployment of officers in the Thames Division of the Metropolitan Police is an operational matter for the Commissioner. He tells me that during the Millennium public holiday he expects that the full strength of the Division, 89 officers, will be deployed on a 24-hour shift pattern. The deployment of resources will be kept under review, and altered as necessary if new events related to the Millennium are planned.

  Criminal Records Bureau
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to amend Part V of the Police Act 1997 regarding the Criminal Records Bureau; what time scale he envisages for reform; and if he will make a statement. [85904]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Protection of Children Bill, currently before Parliament, aims to amend Part V of the Police Act 1997 so as to permit the Criminal Records Bureau to act as a "one stop shop" for criminal record information and information contained in the Department for Education and Employment's List 99 and the Department of Health's Consultancy Index.

  I have no plans for other amendments to Part V.

  CRE Annual Report
  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to make available the Commission for Racial Equality's 1998 annual report; and if he will make a statement. [86621]

  Mr. Straw
  I have arranged for copies of the Commission for Racial Equality's 1998 report which is being published today to be placed in the Library.

  The report demonstrates the Commission's commitment to making racial equality a reality in Britain and shows how it is playing a positive role to promote the importance of equal opportunities.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the support arrangements for the families of asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement. [86622]

  Mr. Straw
  The Government are determined to deliver an immigration and asylum system which is fairer, faster and firmer. The Immigration and Asylum Bill is key to achieving this goal. The new arrangements contained in the Bill will provide a coherent national support system for asylum seekers, including families with children.

  The Bill has been carefully scrutinised by a Special Standing Committee which took evidence as well as considering it clause by clause. I am very grateful to all the hon. Members who took part in this Committee. In the light of issues raised, I am making the following changes:

  I have today tabled amendments to the Immigration and Asylum Bill to make clear that the Home Secretary will be under a new duty to meet the accommodation and essential living needs of destitute asylum seeker families. The assistance they receive in this way will be comparable to what would otherwise be available under section 17 of the Children Act 1989. All other safeguards for children contained in that Act will continue to apply. Linked with
  334
  the commitment we have already made to provide 24 hour emergency cover for such families, these measures will ensure that the children of asylum seekers receive the same kind of protection as other children enjoy.

  I have also reviewed the balance between cash and vouchers in the resources to be made available to asylum seekers for living expenses, and have concluded that a cash allowance of £10 per person per week is justifiable for both adults and children. This would mean that, at the present illustrative support rates, a family of four would receive £40 per week in cash, and a further £50 of spending power by way of vouchers.

  In the White Paper, "Fairer, Faster and Firmer" the Government set a target of delivering, by April 2001, most initial asylum decisions within two months and most appeals in a further four months. In respect of families with children, I have decided to bring forward this target to April 2000. From that date, our aim will be to deliver initial decisions on new asylum applications in such cases in an average of two months. Average waiting times for appeals are already below four months. Our intention is to maintain this for the future for all categories of cases. If we cannot achieve these targets for families with children, we will not bring these applications into the new support arrangements in April 2000. We will only do so when we are satisfied that the targets for these cases can be met. For those people who remain on the support arrangements for more than six months through no fault of their own, we shall be introducing an additional discretionary payment to assist with the cost of any replacement items they may need.

  These changes, together with the other amendments that I am tabling today, will strengthen the Bill and ensure that the Government's objectives are achieved.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received the annual report for 1998 of the Complaints Audit Committee of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate; and if he will make a statement. [86623]

  Mr. Straw
  A copy of the report has been placed in the Library. It is a useful and informative document and I am grateful to the Committee for its comments and its recommendations which will all be followed up. The report also includes details of the broadening of the Committee's terms of reference to encompass quality of service issues.

  Pelargonic Acid Vanillyamide
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the scientific references used to ascertain the safety of pelargonic acid vanillyamide, as a replacement for CS spray. [85856]

  Mr. Boateng
  I am aware of no published reports relating to the safety of pelargonic acid vanillyamide (PAVA), although some private research on the subject has been commissioned by Hertfordshire Constabulary. The Home Office Police Scientific Development Branch considers that the information currently available is not sufficient to allow the use of PAVA as an incapacitant in the United Kingdom at present.

  Pre-inquest Disclosure
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 May 1999,Official Report, column 434, what guidance has been issued to the police on pre-inquest disclosure to relatives of the deceased. [86139]

  Mr. Straw
  On 28 April 1999, a Home Office circular was issued to Chief Officers of Police advising them, where there has been a death in police custody, to make arrangements for the pre-inquest disclosure of documentary evidence to interested persons.

  The guidance advises Chief Officers that there should be as great a degree of openness as possible, and that disclosure of documentary material to interested persons before the inquest hearing should be normal practice in cases of death in police custody and death arising from fatal road crashes involving the police. The guidance also states that in all cases, Chief Officers will want to consider whether there are compelling reasons why certain documents, or parts of documents, may not be disclosed. But there should always be a presumption in favour of openness. A copy of the circular has been placed in the Library.

  Firearms
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were(a) killed and (b) injured by (i) hand guns, (ii) air guns, (iii) shot guns, (iv) rifles over .22 calibre, (v) rifles of .22 calibre, (vi) submachine guns and (vii) other firearms in each of the last five years indicating how many of the deaths and injuries were (a) accidental, (b) non-accidental and (c) self-inflicted by legally held firearms. [85866]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information obtained from the Office for National Statistics shows the following number of accidental deaths by shooting, broken down by the available type of gun for the years 1994 to 1998:

  Accidental deaths by shooting, England and Wales, 1994–98

  Hand gun

  Shot gun

  Military firearm

  Other firearm

  Total

  1994

  2

  4

  1

  3

  10

  1995

  1

  6

  —

  5

  12

  1996

  —

  3

  —

  4

  7

  1997

  1

  4

  —

  1

  6

  1998

  1

  5

  1

  1

  8

  Information is not available on the number of accidental injuries caused by firearms.

  Deaths and injuries caused by the use of firearms crime are as follows:

  Notifiable offences recorded by the police in which firearms caused injury, England and Wales, 1993–97

  Hand gun

  Shot gun

  Air/weapon

  Other firearm

  Total

  Fatal injury

  1993

  35

  39

  —

  —

  74

  1994

  25

  36

  —

  5

  66

  1995

  39

  28

  1

  2

  70

  1996

  30

  17

  —

  4

  49

  1997

  39

  16

  —

  59

  336

  Notifiable offences recorded by the police in which firearms caused injury, England and Wales, 1993–97

  Hand gun

  Shot gun

  Air/ weapon

  Other firearm

  Total

  Other injury

  1993

  358

  180

  1,578

  158

  2,274

  1994

  292

  143

  1,591

  149

  2,175

  1995

  260

  118

  1,409

  199

  1,986

  1996

  249

  87

  1,212

  384

  1,932

  1997

  275

  55

  1,194

  389

  1,913

  Source:

  Home Office

  Figures for 1998 are not yet available.

  Information obtained from the Office for National Statistics shows the following number of suicides by shooting, broken down by the available type of gun for the years 1994 to 1998:

  Suicides1 by shooting, England and Wales, 1994–98

  Hand gun

  Shot gun

  Military firearm

  Other firearm

  Total

  1994

  4

  80

  —

  80

  164

  1995

  3

  68

  1

  88

  160

  1996

  1

  72

  2

  70

  145

  1997

  —

  59

  —

  57

  116

  1998

  3

  65

  —

  61

  129

  1Includes also cases where an open verdict was recorded where the harm was likely to have been self-inflicted but where there was insufficient evidence to prove that the deceased deliberately intended to kill themselves

  Information is not available on the number of self-inflicted injuries caused by firearms.

  Only in the case of the fatal injuries caused by the use of firearms in crime is any information held as to whether the firearm was legally held or not. The results of a special survey covering the years 1992 to 1994 showed that in cases where it was known whether the firearm was legally held or not, (151 cases out of 196) in 23 cases (15 per cent.) the firearm was legally held.

SCOTLAND

  Forestry Commission Research Agency
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what targets have been set for the Forestry Commission Research Agency for the current financial year. [86712]

  Dr. Reid
  The Forestry Commission Research Agency in has been set the following targets:To achieve a customer satisfaction rating of at least 95 per cent.
  To increase the output of peer-reviewed scientific papers submitted and subsequently accepted for publication by 8 per cent. on the 1998–99 target.
  To achieve a 2 per cent. real reduction in the weighted average unit cost of support services and to hold weighted average charge for a researcher day at 1998–99 levels.
  To achieve an operating surplus of at least £450,000.

  Copies of the agency's Business Plan, which contains more detail about these targets, have been placed in the Library.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Remploy
  Dr. Naysmith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what targets he has set Remploy in its 1999–2000 Annual Performance Agreement. [86330]

  Ms Hodge
  I have, on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, written to the Chairman of Remploy approving the 1999–2000 Annual Performance Agreement between the Department and the Company. This agreement covers the year from 1 April 1999. It has been negotiated by the Chief Executive of the Employment Service on behalf of my right hon. Friend. The targets are:the average number of disabled people employed by Remploy Ltd. will be 10,150
  the average number of disabled people employed under the Interwork scheme will be 3,800
  the average number of progressions will increase to 400
  Remploy Ltd. will keep within a total unit cost target (operating deficit per disabled worker) of £9,700
  Remploy Ltd. will reduce its factory operating deficit to a maximum £81.0 million.

  I have today arranged for the text of the Annual Performance Agreement to be placed in the Library.

HEALTH

  Government-funded Research Programme
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the Government-funded research programme, showing(a) the research organisation, (b) the funding and (c) the research details; and if he will make a statement. [85697]

  Ms Jowell
  The Government fund health and medical research in a number of ways.

  Number of examining medical practitioner's (EMP) examinations and complaints in Manchester—September 1998–April 1999

  Month

  Number of EMP exams

  Number of complaints

  Doctor's manner

  Content and length of examination, clinical findings

  September 1998

  1,391

  0

  0

  0

  October 1998

  1,129

  1

  0

  1

  November 1998

  2,172

  7

  2

  7

  December 1998

  1,994

  7

  4

  7

  January 1999

  1,993

  11

  7

  11

  February 1999

  1,962

  11

  1

  9

  March 1999

  2,191

  25

  11

  53

  April 1999

  1,813

  18

  11

  15

  Total

  14,645

  80

  36

  103

  Notes:

  1. Figures are provisional and subject to change

  2. Some complaints will have been made on more than one issue

  Source:

  Medical Services

  338
  The Department funds research and development to support its work on policy development and evaluation in health and social care. The Department also manages the National Health Service research and development levy which is used to support research and development of relevance to the National Health Service in hospitals, general practice and other health care settings, and to fund the NHS research and development programme. In addition, the Medical Research Council (MRC)—which receives most of its income via grant-in-aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry—funds medical research as part of the Government's funding of the science and engineering base.

  The research commissioned involves many different research organisations. The precise list would change as research is commissioned and ceases but most medical schools and many universities, NHS providers and other research organisations are likely to be involved.

  Details of projects directly funded by the Department or supported through the NHS R&D levy can be found on the National Research Register (NRR). This is available in the Library on CD Rom, and on the Internet: http://www.doh.gov.uk/nrr.htm. The NRR also contains many details of projects/trials funded by the MRC and other funders. The Department spent approximately £489 million on health and social care research in 1998–99. Details about the MRC can be found in their Annual Report, copies of which are available in the Library.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Examining Medical Practitioners
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many examinations have been carried out by examining medical practitioners in the Greater Manchester area since January 1998; how many complaints have been made about(a) the examinations and (b) the examining medical practitioners; and what were the nature of the complaints. [85488]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. The information that is available is included in the following table.

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many children living in Shrewsbury and Atcham fall into the eldest child category for purposes of calculating the number who qualify for child benefit. [85655]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of Child Benefit is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 8 June 1999:
  Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many children living in Shrewsbury and Atcham fall into the eldest child category for purposes of calculating the number who qualify for child benefit.The information requested is not readily available, by region, to identify the number of children who qualify for the higher rate of Child Benefit payable for the eldest child. These figures could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, data will soon become available which it is hoped will enable the production of such figures, by Parliamentary constituency.I am sorry I am not able to help at the moment.

  Housing Benefit (Tower Hamlets)
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to receive the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate's report on housing benefit administration in Tower Hamlets. [86187]

  Mr. Timms
  The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) report on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit administration in Tower Hamlets will be submitted to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State before Parliament rises for the summer recess.

  Social Security Appeal Tribunals
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what plans he has to evaluate the impact on claimants' decisions of the change in the composition of social security appeal tribunals; [86154]

  (2) what representations he has received about the change in the composition of social security appeal tribunals; and if he will make a statement. [86155]

  Angela Eagle
  Schedule 6 of the Social Security Act 1998 provides powers for the President of the Independent Tribunal Service to vary the composition of certain Social Security Appeal Tribunals. These changes are in advance of the implementation of the main provisions of the Act which remove the rigid requirement for all benefit and child support appeals to be heard by a three person tribunal.

  Consultation and representations on the changes under Schedule 6 to the composition of Social Security Appeal Tribunals are matters which fall to His Honour, the President of the Independent Tribunal Service. The President also gave commitments to monitor these
  340
  changes. The President's early monitoring of the changes provides no evidence to suggest that the percentage of appeals upheld has been affected by the introduction of flexible composition.

  Benefit Assessment Appeals
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many appeals were made during the last 12 months against benefit assessments. [86192]

  Angela Eagle
  334,988 of the appeals lodged with the Independent Tribunal Service (ITS) during the 12 months ending on 28 February 1999 were about benefit assessments.

  Source:

  100 per cent. download of the ITS computer system. The figure reflects the total number of new appeals to Social Security Appeal Tribunals, Disability Appeal Tribunals and Medical Appeal Tribunals.

  Bereavement Benefits Scheme
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the amount of national insurance contributions paid by the late spouse will affect the level of the allowance that widows and widowers can receive under the proposed Bereavement Benefits Scheme. [86619]

  Mr. Timms
  As with the current Widow's Benefit, entitlement to the proposed Bereavement benefits will depend on satisfaction of the contribution conditions by the late spouse. Reduced amounts can be paid if the conditions are not fully met and failure to meet the conditions can mean no benefits are paid. The contributions of married women who die before reaching pension age will count for the first time under our proposals and in the first year some 30,000 widowers will be able to claim benefit of £45 to £50 a week.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the next stage of formal consultation on the detail of stakeholder pensions policy will commence. [86620]

  Mr. Timms
  The consultation paper "Stakeholder Pensions: Minimum Standards—the Government Proposals" was published on 2 June 1999. Copies have been placed in the Library and in the Vote Office. Further consultation papers will be issued in the coming weeks.

  Asylum Seekers
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will provide the latest available figures on the total cost to the Social Security budget of claims by asylum seekers in the years 1993–94 to 1998–99. [86618]

  Angela Eagle
  The available estimated costs for Income Support (and Jobseeker's Allowance (income based) from 1997), Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are in the table. Information on the other non-contributory benefits is not available.
  341

  Asylum seekers—estimated annual expenditure

  £ million

  Year

  Total estimated annual expenditure

  Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance(IB)

  Housing Benefit

  Council Tax Benefit

  1993–94

  340

  160

  175

  5

  1994–95

  360

  180

  175

  5

  1995–96

  420

  205

  205

  10

  1996–97

  400

  195

  195

  10

  1997–98

  305

  150

  145

  10

  1998–991

  280

  150

  120

  10

  1Forecast expenditure figures

  Notes:

  1. Estimated annual expenditure figures are rounded to the nearest £5 million. Figures may not sum due to rounding.

  2. Income Support/Jobseeker's Allowance estimates will include a number of non-asylum seekers that receive Urgent Case Payments for other reasons.

  3. Annual expenditure figures for Income Support/Jobseeker's Allowance have been based on an average of four quarters for the relevant financial year, using number of cases and average weekly amounts.

  4. Income Support for the unemployed was replaced by Jobseeker's Allowance in October 1996. Unemployed recipients of Income Support are therefore included in the Income Support estimates for 1995–96 and 1996–97. The 1997–98 figures include Jobseeker's Allowance (income based) recipients (only available for 1997–98).

  5. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit estimates have been calculated using the Housing Benefit Management 1 per cent. sample and Departmental Reports, and exclude asylum seekers receiving Housing Benefit who are not receiving Income Support. Numbers of recipients with Housing Benefit but no Income Support are thought to be negligible.

  Source:

  1. Income Support Statistics Quarterly Inquiries, May 1993 to February 1998.

  2. Jobseeker's Allowance Statistics Quarterly Enquiries, May 1997 to February 1998.

  3. Housing Benefit Management Information System, annual 1 per cent. sample of claimants in receipt of Income Support, at the end of May in each year given.

  4. Departmental Report.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  RADA
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to ensure the financial stability of RADA; and if he will make a statement. [86080]

  Mr. Mudie
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art is a private institution not funded directly by Government.

  The Arts Council of England has awarded £23.75 million of Lottery funds towards RADA's centenary project, which is intended to enable the Academy to achieve financial independence to continue as a key provider of drama training.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Ilisu Dam
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the steps which he has taken to give more detailed consideration to the areas of concern highlighted in the study of the Ilisu Dam project commissioned by the Swiss Government. [84893]

  Mr. Wilson
  ECGD is consulting other Government Departments and independent environmental advisers. They are also discussing the case with the other Export Credit agencies that are involved. No decision has yet been taken as to whether ECGD should support the project.

  Research Council (Brussels)
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the outcome of the Research Council held in Brussels on 20 May; and if he will make a statement. [85358]

  Mr. Battle
  The Research Council of 20 May:

  1. Agreed decisions on the association of applicant countries (CCEE and Cyprus) with the Fifth Framework programme for European Research and Technological Development.

  2. Adopted a resolution on "Women and Science: Mobilising women to enrich European research".

  3. Received information from the Commission on the competitiveness of European enterprises in the face of globalisation and on its views on the decommissioning of the Joint Research Centre's obsolete nuclear facilities, and from the Presidency on scientific and technical co-operation with the Mediterranean partner countries.

  After the formal council meeting, the Presidency held informal discussions, in which Ministers were joined by invited experts, on issues concerning future European research policy.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what evaluation he has carried out on the impacts of a climate change levy, rebated by a general reduction in national insurance contributions, on the(a) steel, (b) chemical, (c) aluminium, (d) cement and (e) other major energy-using industries. [86043]

  Mr. Battle
  My Department is having extensive discussions with business on the impact of the climate change levy, and the accompanying reduction in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs), which were announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his 9 March Budget.

  The Government have said that they wish to implement the climate change levy in a way which minimises any adverse impact on the competitiveness of UK business. I welcome the recognition of the special circumstances of intensive energy sectors and the planned negotiated agreements with them, which will enable them to get significantly lower rates of the levy in return for commitments to improve their energy efficiency or reduce emissions.

  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will decide the final rates of the levy, including the discounts for intensive energy users which enter

  343
  negotiated agreements. The overall impact of the levy, coupled with the reduction in employer NICs, on these sectors will depend on these decisions. The Government will continue to listen to the views of business and as raised in response to the Customs and Excise consultation, which ended on 28 May and final decisions will be taken in the light of these.

  Charities (Telephone Charges)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to discourage charities from using premium telephone line charges. [86217]

  Mr. Wills
  The Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS) has responsibility for regulating premium rate services. ICSTIS enforces an effective Code of Practice which has provisions to ensure that consumers are given adequate information to enable them to take informed decisions about the use of premium rate services. The Code ensures that the costs of calls to premium rate charitable promotions must be given in advertisements and ensures the caller is aware of the name of the beneficiary. I am confident in the effectiveness of ICSTIS to regulate the premium rate services market for charitable promotions.

  Biotechnology Applications
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people are currently employed in the medical and pharmaceutical applications of biotechnology in the United Kingdom; and what has been the annual financial contribution of this area of biotechnology to the United Kingdom's GDP since and including 1992(a) in actual terms and (b) in terms of a percentage of the whole. [86069]

  Mr. Battle
  This information is not available from official statistics. To obtain it, would involve disproportionate cost.

  MOX Transport Plan
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library a copy of the United Kingdom maritime threat assessment prepared as part of the MOX transport plan. [85821]

  Mr. Battle
  No. For obvious security reasons, the details of assessments by the security authorities, including maritime threat assessments, are confidential.

  Plutonium Sea Shipments
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date the details of the United Kingdom safety and security plans covering the sea shipment to Japan from Sellafield of plutonium-based MOX fuel was communicated to the Japanese Government and Japanese nuclear authorities; and what response he received. [85826]

  Mr. Battle
  Under the terms of the 1988 US-Japan Nuclear Co-operation Agreement, it is the responsibility of the Government of Japan to prepare and to submit to the United States Administration a transport plan covering arrangements for the sea shipment of Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel from Europe to Japan. This transport plan 344
  was prepared in close consultation with the Governments of France and the United Kingdom and submitted to the United States Government in January 1999. In May 1999, the United States Government confirmed that the transport plan fully satisfied the provisions of Annex 5 of the US-Japan Agreement.

  Bilateral Development Aid
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the CBI and other trade associations regarding untying UK bilateral development aid. [85964]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has had no discussions with the CBI or other Trade Associations regarding untying UK bilateral aid.

  Coal Authority (Records)
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress on the identification, distribution and preservation of(a) coal and (b) non-coal records which have been the responsibility of the Coal Authority. [85901]

  Mr. Battle
  The Coal Authority owns a range of records related to coal-mining and the coal resource that are relevant to its activities; in particular, the records of the Coal Commission, which consist of the Coal Holdings Register compiled following the Coal Act 1937 and 26,500 associated claim files; and over one million geological records (principally borehole logs) and 20,000 magnetic tapes of seismic data. It also maintains, and provides public access to circa 100,000 coal-mine abandonment plans owned by the Health and Safety Executive, together with 2,500 boxes of ancillary records (notebooks and calculation ledgers used by surveyors to produce the original plans). The Authority does not hold, other than on an incidental basis, non-coal records.

  The Authority is currently considering in co-operation with other interested parties and those requiring access to the information where these records should be housed in the future. It is the Authority's intention to retain the records of the Coal Commission. The geological records and seismic data are in the process of being transferred to the British Geological Survey (BGS) centre at Keyworth, Nottinghamshire, to create a coherent collection of such records for all minerals. The Authority will shortly go to consultation on where the originals of the HSE's coal-mine abandonment plans, which are currently kept at the Bretby site, should be housed. It is the Authority's intention to retain micro-film copies of the plans if they are transferred to another record-holder.

  Nuclear Power Stations
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the nuclear industry on its plans for new stations. [85710]

  Mr. Battle
  My right hon. Friend and I have had a number of meetings with businesses in the nuclear industry, and many of these have included general discussion of the long-term prospects for new nuclear power stations, but we have received no applications for
  345
  consent to build a new nuclear power station, and to the best of my knowledge at present no company has plans to make such an application.

  Wave Power
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research into wave power is currently being funded by the Government. [85955]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]: The EPSRC announced its new £3.5 to £4 million per year Renewable and New Energy Technologies Programme in March 1999. The programme's remit covers renewable supply technologies, including marine (wave and tidal current) power and the first call for proposals closed on 14 May 1999. 131 outline proposals have been received, of which 15 are for wave energy projects. The outline proposals will be considered by an advisory panel later this month, following which full proposals for the most promising projects will be evaluated through EPSRC's peer review process.

  In addition, on 30 March this year I announced the launch of a new wave power research programme as part of my Department's New and Renewable Energy Programme. I expect that programme to monitor the development of projects contracted under the third Scottish Renewables Order and to support research, development and demonstration projects which can contribute to the development and assessment of wave power. Since my announcement officials at DTI have received several outline proposals from researchers and will consider these further in the light of decisions taken on outline proposals already submitted to the EPSRC programme.

  Animal-based Foodstuffs
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what elements of the World Trade Agreement prohibit(a) the United Kingdom and (b) the European Union from placing restrictions on the import of animal-based foodstuffs liable to contain high levels of antibiotic substances; which officials (i) negotiated, (ii) agreed to and (iii) endorsed on behalf of the negotiating parties those elements; and what ratification procedure was followed in (1) the European Union and (2) the member states. [86231]

  Mr. Wilson
  UK and EU regulation in this area is governed by the WTO Agreement on Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. This Agreement recognises the right of members to take measures necessary for the protection of human, animal or plant health. It requires, however, that any trade measures are based on scientific principles and are not maintained without sufficient scientific evidence. In a case where insufficient scientific evidence is currently available, WTO Members are allowed to impose a temporary ban while a thorough risk assessment is carried out. This agreement formed part of the WTO Agreement which concluded the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations on 15 December 1993. The WTO Agreement was negotiated by the European Commission in consultation with EC member states under the provisions of the EC Treaties. The Agreement was signed on behalf of the United Kingdom by the former right hon. Member for Hove, the then Minister for Industry, in Marrakesh on 346
  15 April 1994. Under the Ponsonby rule, the Agreement was laid before Parliament in May 1994 and debated on 14 June 1994.

  The United Kingdom's instrument of Ratification to the WTO Agreement was deposited with the GATT Legal Adviser on 30 December 1994. For the EC, the WTO Agreement was accepted by means of a Council decision and assent given by the European Parliament. The Agreement entered into force on 1 January 1995. The main WTO Agreement was published as Treaty Series No. 57 of 1996 (Cm 3277), and the Agreement on Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures as No. 54 of 1996 (Cm 3275). The UK's certified copy of the WTO Agreement resides in the Public Record Office.

  Trading (Human Rights)
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what advice his Department gives to prospective exporters about the human rights record of the receiving country; and whether this advice is given only in response to a specific request. [85830]

  Mr. Wilson
  British Trade International, the joint DTI/FC0 operation for international trade promotion, provides advice in response to specific requests, except in the case of Burma where it is provided routinely.

  Funeral Industry
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment he has made of the results of the OFT inquiry into the funeral industry; [86280]

  (2) what plans he has to review the regulations governing the funeral industry; [86281]

  (3) what representations he has received from the OFT about competition in the funeral industry. [86282]

  Dr. Howells
  The Director-General for Fair Trading (DGFT) announced on 15 May 1998 an inquiry into the "at need" funerals industry. The inquiry is focusing on whether competition in the industry is effective.

  I understand that the OFT has yet to complete its inquiries. On doing so, it will then be a matter for the DGFT to consider if further action is appropriate, such as making representations to the DTI.

  There are no plans at present to regulate the funeral industry with the exception of the pre-paid funeral plans sector. It is proposed to bring this part of the industry within the scope of the Financial Services and Markets Bill.

  HM Treasury issued a consultation paper in January 1999 outlining their proposals. Closing date for responses was 30 April. These responses are currently being considered by officials from DTI and the Treasury.

  Corporate Neglect
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to implement the recommendations of the Law Commission's report on Corporate Neglect; and if he will make a statement. [85481]

  Mr. Boateng
  I have been asked to reply.
  347
  An inter-departmental working group of officials, which includes a member of the Law Commission, is currently considering the recommendations made in the Law Commission's report Number 237, "Legislating the Criminal Code: Involuntary Manslaughter", which includes the creation of a new offence of corporate killing.

  We will consider whether and how to implement the recommendations of the Law Commission in respect of corporate killing once we have received the recommendations of the inter-departmental working group later this year.

PRIME MINISTER

  European Defence Review
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Prime Minister when he last met the leaders of NATO member states to discuss matters relating to a European Defence Review. [85195]

  The Prime Minister
  The last collective meeting was the NATO Summit in April where the main focus was the conflict in Kosovo. However, the Summit unanimously welcomed and endorsed the European defence initiative we launched last year.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made to the House on 8 June 1999, Official Report, columns 463–65, where I set out details of agreement reached at the Cologne European Council on the further development of a common European security and defence policy.

  Official Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 9 June. [85905]

  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.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Bat Meat
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the extent of the illegal trade in bat meat within the UK; and what steps he is taking to eradicate it. [85742]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]: I am aware of the recent press reports stating that illegally imported bat meat is being sold in this country. MAFF officials, Official Veterinary Surgeons at Border Inspection Posts and local authorities have been asked to increase their vigilance in order to prevent this trade.

  Horticulture Industry
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the applicability of the EU fruit and vegetable regime to the UK horticulture industry; and what proposals he has to improve the UK take-up of assistance under the regime. [86107]
  348
  Mr. Rooker
  The reformed EU fruit and vegetable regime offers enormous benefits for UK growers. The progressive reduction in aid for intervention, and diversion of funds to structured operational programmes, has already enabled those growers who trade through producer organisations (POs) to benefit. Payments to POs for constructive works over a period of years enables POs to improve production techniques, quality, preparation for market, marketing and promotional activity, in addition to encouraging the use of environmentally sound practices.

  Seventy six operational programmes are currently running in the UK. Funding for work on UK programmes in 1997 totalled £5.7 million. Payment for work in 1998 is expected to be about £7 million with a potential payment of £12 million for 1999. This represents new funding for the UK horticulture industry.

  There is no great tradition of grower co-operation in the UK and, although a total of 92 POs in the UK are recognised under the new regime, the percentage of the UK fruit and vegetable sector covered by recognised POs is only 35 per cent. My officials have contacted organisations which have not sought recognition and encouraged them to do so. Independent growers are also encouraged to join existing POs or to form new organisations and seek recognition, so that they can benefit from EU aid.

  International Whaling Commission
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the recent meeting of the International Whaling Commission. [86331]

  Mr. Morley
  The International Whaling Commission's 51st Annual Meeting was held in Grenada from 24 to 28 May. I attended the meeting, together with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the British Virgin Islands, as well as representatives of environmental organisations.

  At the meeting I re-affirmed the United Kingdom's opposition to whaling. I am pleased to say that efforts by Japan to secure a quota of 50 minke whales, despite the moratorium on commercial whaling, and to weaken the Southern Ocean Sanctuary were defeated by substantial majorities. There was once again strong criticism of Norway's and Japan's continued whaling activities.

  The Chairman of the IWC, the Commissioner for Ireland, announced that discussions with IWC members on the ideas put forward by Ireland in 1997 were continuing, although he had no real progress to report. The Irish proposals would involve a ban on all whaling, including scientific whaling, outside coastal waters, with the possibility that countries might authorise whaling under IWC rules within their own coastal waters for domestic consumption. The proposals also envisage a ban on international trade in whale products.

  In the ensuing debate I made it clear that the UK's ultimate aim remained a permanent, worldwide moratorium on all whaling other than aboriginal subsistence whaling. However, we recognised that this was not something that was likely to be achieved overnight, or that could be imposed on members of the IWC against their will. We were, therefore, prepared to

  349
  consider ideas for reaching interim solutions on the way to our ultimate destination. But any arrangements of this kind would have to deliver very real benefits to whale conservation. In this context, we continued to have reservations about some aspects of the Irish proposals, in particular the possibility of renewed coastal whaling. I noted that it seemed, in any case, unlikely that the Irish proposals represented a realistic way forward, given the opposition by Japan to ending scientific whaling. In these circumstances it was important to consider other ways in which the IWC could move forward. In the UK's view these included:
  the creation of new regional sanctuaries;
  changing the emphasis of the IWC's scientific committee away from the management of whale stocks in the context of whaling towards a much broader exploration of whale conservation issues;
  continuing the IWC's efforts to assess fully the impact of environment change for cetaceans;
  greater involvement of the IWC in issues relating to small cetaceans;
  encouraging whalewatching as a benign, potentially very profitable and sustainable way of exploiting a natural resource;
  continued involvement of the IWC in welfare issues, including the encouragement of more efficient and humane killing methods, particularly in aboriginal subsistence whaling.

  I also reaffirmed that in the UK's view the IWC has an essential role to play as the only international body with worldwide responsibility for the conservation of whales and that we would continue to participate actively, and constructively, in its deliberations.

  Australia and New Zealand reported that consultations were continuing on the idea of a South Pacific Sanctuary, but that they were not yet in a position to put forward a formal proposal; the IWC is likely to revert to this topic next year.

  The meeting confirmed the central role that environmental concerns now play in the IWC's work. An impressive presentation by the US Commissioner demonstrated the scale of the potential threat posed to cetaceans by climate change and pollution. I emphasised that, in the light of our increasing understanding of these threats there was greater concern than in the past about the ability of whale populations to withstand direct exploitation; in our view this was a cogent reason to adopt a precautionary approach to cetacean conservation and management. The IWC agreed to provide core funding, including £100,000 drawn from its reserves, for two substantial programmes of research on the effects of climate change and pollution on cetaceans; it also urged other interested parties to contribute to these programmes.

  The IWC agreed a further 3-year aboriginal subsistence quota permitting inhabitants of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to take two hump back whales a year. During the meeting the IWC considered whether recent takes under this quota contravened IWC rules, which prohibit the killing of whale calves: it was not possible to reach a firm conclusion on this matter, as the rules in question are not entirely clear. However, the agreement to extend the quota amended the rules to remove any uncertainty, and the IWC also agreed a definition of the term calf for the purposes of this quota. In agreeing the quota the IWC also noted commitments by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to ensure that this hunt is properly regulated, to review and improve hunting and killing
  350
  methods and to provide a more detailed statement of its aboriginal subsistence needs when seeking any further quota. As amended it is now absolutely clear that the taking of a cow and calf is forbidden.

  The IWC meeting was preceded by a workshop of scientific and veterinary experts which examined methods used to kill whales with a view to improving their humaneness. The UK delegation to the workshop was led by Professor Sir Colin Spedding, a previous chairman of the Farm Animal Welfare Council and an internationally recognised authority on welfare issues. The workshop produced an 11 point action plan to improve the effectiveness and humaneness of whale killing methods, including those used in aboriginal subsistence hunts. This was endorsed by the Commission in a resolution, which went on to encourage member governments to continue to submit relevant information to the IWC and to future workshops and to take steps, including the provision of appropriate technical assistance, to improve the humaneness of aboriginal subsistence whaling.

  The Dall's porpoise hunt off the coast of Japan is the largest directed take of small cetaceans in the world. Recent information suggests that the level of catch may not be sustainable and the IWC adopted a resolution, put forward by the UK, expressing concern about the sustainability of the hunt, directing the IWC's Scientific Committee to carry out a full review of the affected stocks in 2001 and, in the meantime, inviting the government of Japan to reconsider the quota it sets for Dall's porpoises.

  A number of other issues were considered. There was a discussion on whalewatching, in which I emphasised the economic benefits of this activity, particularly in the Caribbean, and drew attention to the Guidelines of Whalewatching in the UK issued by the Government. A resolution was adopted drawing attention to the risk posed to consumers of whalemeat (including meat from small cetaceans) by the high levels of contaminants found in some samples, and requesting the IWC's Scientific Committee to monitor contaminant burdens in cetaceans and, where necessary, pass the information on to the World Health Organisation and appropriate national authorities. Other resolutions were agreed requesting the Scientific Committee to develop DNA methods for monitoring the origin of whalemeat as part of a control scheme for any future whaling and drawing attention to the continued threat posed to small populations of highly endangered whales by ship strikes, by-catches, and in a limited number of cases, whaling.

  Overall, this was a successful meeting for the UK. We achieved all our main objectives, and made progress towards our ultimate goals. My presence at the meeting underlined the importance that the Government attach to their policy of opposing whaling and to the role of the IWC.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Political and Human Rights
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funding has been given by his Department to develop political and human rights parliamentary discussion groups in Commonwealth countries in each of the last three years. [84746]
  351
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  A number of FCO budget lines are used to support the development of pluralist democratic institutions and multi-party political systems. However, as a result of the devolved nature of some of these programmes the information requested is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  While part of the FCO's grant-in-aid to the Westminster Foundation for Democracy has been used by WFD to fund various cross-party projects, these are generally to facilitate training. WFD do not fund round-table discussion groups or attendance at conferences.

  Diplomatic Immunity
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which foreign embassies and high commissions have refused to waive diplomatic immunity when requested to do so, in each of the last three years. [85369]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 25 May 1999]None, in 1996, 1997, 1998. However, there has been one such case in 1999, on which further action is being pursued. It would, therefore, not be appropriate at this stage to identify the Mission concerned.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many foreign embassies and high commissions have waived diplomatic immunity in respect of offences committed by their staff or their staff's families in each of the last three years. [85368]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 25 May 1999]The number of times on which a state has waived the immunity of a diplomatic agent in the last three calender years is as follows:1996—One
  1997—One
  1998—None
  1999—One (as of 8 June).

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many diplomats have been withdrawn by foreign countries from the United Kingdom at the request of the Government as a consequence of alleged crimes committed in the United Kingdom in each of the last three years. [85370]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 25 May 1999]In accordance with the guidelines laid out in the 1985 White Paper—The recommendations of the Government Report on Review of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and Reply to "The Abuse of Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges"—the following were formally asked to leave the United Kingdom in the last three calendar years:1996—Five diplomats and families; One dependant of an accredited diplomat
  1997—One diplomat and family
  1998—Two dependants of accredited diplomats
  1999—None (as of 8 June).

  Cyprus (Drug Offences)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British nationals have been charged with drug offences while staying in Cyprus in each of the last three years. [85516]

  Mr. Hoon
  The number of British nationals charged with drugs offences while visiting, (but not resident) in Cyprus and reported to our Consular service, was 19 in 1996, 17 in 1997 and 33 in 1998.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current situation in Sierra Leone. [85551]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We welcome the recent signing of a ceasefire agreement. We hope that the current negotiations in Lome between the Government of Sierra Leone and the rebels will lead to a sustainable peace. We support President Kabbah's commitment to dialogue, and look to all rebel factions to commit themselves to the peace process, and end the violence and atrocities that have beset the people of Sierra Leone for so long.

  Cyprus
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what action he is taking within the EU to put pressure on Turkey to comply with the judgment in the Loizidou case; [85626]

  (2) what action he is taking to persuade Turkey to comply with the judgment in the Loizidou case. [R][85627]

  Ms Quin
  We and our EU partners continue to make clear to Turkey the need to respect the Court's judgment in this case, including in the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers' Deputies. At its last meeting on 27 May the Committee of Ministers' Deputies agreed that its Chair would write to Turkey asking for clarification of Turkey's intentions. We will continue to discuss with EU partners, as with other members of the Council of Europe, how best to achieve Turkish implementation of the Court's judgment.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Indonesian Government, and what representations he has received, concerning the massacre of unarmed civilians on 3 May near the city of Lhokseumawe. [85954]

  Mr. Hoon
  We are deeply disturbed by the incident in Lhokseumawe on 3 May in which a number of unarmed civilians, including women and children, were killed or injured. The late Derek Fatchett expressed our concern in a statement on 7 May which looked to the Indonesian Government to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, to bring to account those responsible and to take all possible steps to ensure that local armed forces act with restraint and in accordance with basic human rights.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Indonesia on measures to protect the Christian and
  353
  Chinese minorities in that country from violence in the period before the general election; and if he will make a statement. [85649]

  Mr. Hoon
  We have consistently made clear to the Indonesian Government that the international community closely monitors the treatment of all minority groups in Indonesia, including Christians and the ethnic-Chinese community.

  British Council (Manchester)
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) when he intends to inform British Council staff based in Manchester of his detailed proposals for changes in the staffing and functions of the Manchester office; [86108]

  (2) what proposals he has to change (a) the number of British Council staff in Manchester and (b) the functions of the British Council which are currently based in Manchester. [86109]

  Mr. Hoon
  Issues concerning staff, their duties and location are matters for the British Council. I understand that there are no proposals to change staffing and functions based in Manchester. The British Council is committed to its Manchester location until 2002 when there is an option to continue the leases on its current accommodation. The British Council is reviewing the options on premises and staffing in the light of its overall strategy and funding. Staff and their representatives will continue to be informed and consulted.

  Libya
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has, following the suspension of UN sanctions, to lift the national controls on the export of aircraft, aircraft parts and flight simulators to Libya; and if he will make a statement.[86612]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Government have decided to lift the controls on the export of aircraft, aircraft parts and flight simulators to Libya under the provisions of Dual-Use and Related Goods (Export Control) Regulations 1996, as amended. Legislation will be laid before the House shortly. This decision follows the suspension on 5 April of UN sanctions, which included a prohibition on the supply of any aircraft or aircraft components to Libya.

  The Foreign Office will issue a press release later today. The "Summary of Government Commitments regarding the Application of Strategic Export Controls" will be amended and updated versions placed in the Libraries of the House and on the FCO Website. The Department of Trade and Industry will issue a Notice to Exporters before the amending legislation takes effect.

  Iran
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the export of arms to Iran. [86615]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  There has been no change to current policy, as set out in the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Rugby and Kenilworth (Mr. King) on 28 January 1998,Official Report, columns 273–74.
  354
  Further to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Erewash (Liz Blackman) on 25 March 1999, Official Report, column 343, my Department and the Ministry of Defence have approved the issue of a licence by the Department of Trade and Industry, as an exception to our embargo on Iran, for the export of 1,020 bullet proof vests to the United Nations Drug Control Programme to equip Iranian frontier personnel. The bullet proof vests will enhance the capacity of Iran's frontier personnel to combat drug trafficking and reduce the sad toll of casualties which they have borne in the past 20 years.

  Yugoslavia (Fuel Embargo)
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what legislative steps have been taken to provide for a visit and search regime in respect of ships suspected of carrying fuel to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in breach of the EU-led embargo; and if he will make a statement. [86614]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The North Atlantic Council agreed a visit and search regime for ships suspected of carrying fuel to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on 25 May. The regime is based on the consent of participating states.

  To enable the United Kingdom to participate fully in this regime legislation allowing Royal Navy vessels to visit and search British ships outside UK waters came into force on 3 June.

  The necessary enforcement powers in respect of United Kingdom ships are contained in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Supply, Sale and Export of Petroleum and Petroleum Products) (No.2) Regulations 1999 which revoke the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Supply, Sale and Export of Petroleum and Petroleum Products) Regulations 1999.

  The Dependent Territories (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) (Supply, Sale and Export of Petroleum and Petroleum Products) Order 1999 imposes, by way of the prerogative, an oil embargo against the FRY in the Overseas Territories except for Bermuda and Gibraltar, with similar enforcement powers, in respect of ships registered in the territories concerned, to those in the Regulations. The UK does not have powers under the prerogative to legislate for Bermuda, which has been asked to legislate in similar terms. The EC Regulation is directly applicable in Gibraltar which will be legislating locally.

  The EC Regulation is not directly applicable to the Crown Dependencies. The Channel Islands have already legislated locally and the Isle of Man will do so shortly.

  UN Register of Conventional Arms
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the United Kingdom will submit its 1999 return to the UN Register of Conventional Arms; and whether copies of the return will be placed in the Library. [86616]

  Mr. Hoon
  We submitted our 1999 return to the UN Register covering conventional arms transfers in calendar year 1998 on 27 May. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Diplomatic Parking Fines
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish figures recording the number of outstanding parking and other minor traffic violation fines incurred by diplomatic missions and international organisations in London during 1998. [86613]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  At the end of 1998 there were 4,259 unpaid fines in respect of parking and other minor traffic violations incurred by members of Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations in London.

  In April this year the Foreign and Commonwealth Office wrote to all Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations in London offering them an opportunity to either pay their outstanding fines or appeal against them if they considered that they had been incorrectly issued. As a result payments totalling £66,200.00 were received and a number of fines were cancelled, leaving a total of 2,667 unpaid fines for 1998. The following table details Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations which have more than 10 fines outstanding.

  colspan="3" align="center">Unpaid parking and minor traffic violation fines— 1998—diplomatic vehicles

  Position

  Diplomatic mission/international Organisation

  Number of fines outstanding

  1

  Ghana

  153

  2

  Nigeria

  130

  3

  Turkey

  117

  4

  Oman

  105

  5

  Angola

  102

  6

  United Arab Emirates

  101

  7

  Egypt

  87

  8

  Jordan

  84

  9

  Morocco

  82

  10

  Cyprus

  75

  11

  Greece

  73

  12

  Cuba

  68

  13

  Sudan

  67

  14

  Russia

  59

  15

  Zimbabwe

  58

  16

  Jamaica

  55

  17

  Hungary

  50

  18

  Algeria

  47

  18

  Iran

  47

  18

  Poland

  47

  21

  Liberia

  45

  22

  Georgia

  44

  23

  Mongolia

  37

  24

  Japan

  36

  25

  Thailand

  34

  26

  USA

  33

  27

  Cameroon

  32

  27

  Ethiopia

  32

  27

  Uganda

  32

  30

  Bangladesh

  28

  31

  Afghanistan

  26

  31

  India

  26

  33

  France

  25

  34

  Pakistan

  24

  34

  Ukraine

  24

  36

  Yemen

  23

  37

  Brazil

  21

  37

  Lithuania

  21

  37

  Uzbekistan

  21

  40

  Belarus

  20

  41

  Bulgaria

  19

  41

  Tunisia

  19

  43

  Albania

  18

  43

  Malaysia

  18

  356

  colspan="3" align="center">Unpaid parking and minor traffic violation fines—1998—diplomatic vehicles

  Position

  Diplomatic mission/international Organisation

  Number of fines outstanding

  45

  Barbados

  15

  45

  China

  15

  45

  Philippines

  15

  45

  International Maritime Organisation

  15

  49

  Qatar

  14

  50

  Kyrgyzstan

  13

  50

  Zambia

  13

  52

  Gabon

  12

  52

  Kenya

  12

  52

  Malawi

  12

  52

  Peru

  12

  56

  Canada

  11

  56

  Eastern Caribbean States

  11

  2,435

WALES

  Regional Air Service
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress he has made in respect of supporting the establishment of a regional air service in Wales. [85163]

  Mr. Hain
  Our current study to improve air services for Wales will be taken forward by the National Assembly for Wales in collaboration with the Deputy Prime Minister.

  Structural Funding
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has held recently with Treasury and Department of Trade and Industry Ministers to secure matched funding for objectives 1 and 2 structural funding for east Wales. [85164]

  Mr. Michael
  This Government's success in securing such a significant level of funding for Wales under the new EC Structural Funds programmes has been discussed at ministerial level. I am sure the hon. Member will want to congratulate the Prime Minister and the Chancellor and Welsh Labour Members of the European Parliament who worked so hard to secure this important opportunity for Wales.

  Cabinet Decisions
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what mechanisms exist for informing the National Assembly of(a) decisions in and (b) representations from Cabinet meetings in respect of matters relating to Wales. [85165]

  Mr. Michael
  Concordats between the Assembly and the UK Government will cover the provision of information to the Assembly, including the passing on of Cabinet decisions. Under the Government of Wales Act 1998, it is the duty of the Secretary of State for Wales to consult the Assembly on the Government's legislative programme. There will also be regular contact at a ministerial level between the Assembly and other Government Departments as there will be between officials.

  School Transport
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the provision of home to school transport. [85166]

  Mr. Hain
  The provision of home to school transport is a matter for local education authorities. Each LEA must publish a home to school transport policy which sets out arrangements for its area. The School Transport Advisory Group (STAG) has been commissioned to provide advice on school transport. A sub group of STAG is looking specifically at home to school transport arrangements. The Group has been asked to report its findings by the end of the year.

  Junior Ministers
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the number of junior Ministers he expects to serve in his Department after 1 July. [85168]

  Mr. Michael
  That is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

  Secretary of State
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how he plans to divide his time between his responsibilities as Secretary of State and his functions within the National Assembly.[85169]

  Mr. Michael
  Whether as Secretary of State for Wales or as First Secretary, my priority will be to serve the people of Wales and to deliver a stronger economy, an improved health service, jobs and opportunity for our young people and better education and training systems in Wales. By occupying both roles during the crucial transition period I will be able to ensure a smooth transfer of powers which keeps these priorities clearly in focus at the Welsh Office and the Assembly.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what payments he has received from public funds as Secretary of State for Wales. [85171]

  Mr. Michael
  Between October 1998, when I was appointed as Secretary of State for Wales, and the end of May 1999, I have been paid £27,299 from public funds in respect of that office.

  Children's Heart Surgery
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to restart children's heart surgery in Wales. [85170]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The Specialised Health Services Commission for Wales is currently preparing a report on the options for the future provision of paediatric cardiac surgery and paediatric cardiology services in Wales. This will shortly be considered by its Board and will take into account the importance of maintaining services at the University Hospital of Wales and Llandough Hospital NHS Trust. These options will then be the subject of wide discussion within the NHS and with other interested parties.
  358
  In the meantime, children needing cardiac surgery will continue to be referred to those centres that can most appropriately treat their particular condition.

  Following the transfer of functions, this will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Kosovo Refugees
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps the Welsh Office is taking to co-ordinate the reception of refugees from Kosovo. [85172]

  Mr. Michael
  My officials have been liaising closely with colleagues at the Home Office who are in the lead on this issue on arrangements which would need to be put in place should we receive refugees from Kosovo in Wales. They are also providing information to all agencies in Wales who have an interest in this matter. My Department is also considering what resources would be required to co-ordinate these arrangements although the Home Office has advised that there are no immediate plans for refugees to come to Wales.

  The role currently undertaken by my Department will be taken over by the National Assembly for Wales with effect from 1 July.

  Ministerial Responsibilities
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the responsibilities of Ministers in his Department following the transfer of powers to the National Assembly for Wales [85174]

  Mr. Michael
  Ministers in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales will have the following functions after the transfer of functions to the Assembly on 1 July:

  Functions relating to their membership of the UK Government.

  Responsibility to ensure that the interests of Wales are fully considered in the workings of the UK Government.

  Responsibility to steer primary legislation relating to Wales through Parliament.

  Functions relating to the fact that this House will vote the Main Estimate to the Secretary of State for Wales, who will make a grant to the Assembly after deducting the cost of running his own office.

  Responsibility to consult the Assembly on the Government's legislative programme.

  Responsibility to ensure that the arrangements for co-operation between the Assembly and the UK Government are working effectively.

  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the impact that his newly acquired responsibilities in the National Assembly will have upon the discharge of his functions as Secretary of State. [85173]

  Mr. Michael
  The advent of the National Assembly for Wales will strengthen the United Kingdom and improve the way that services are delivered to the people of Wales. I shall be able to achieve substantial improvement in the effectiveness of my role of Secretary of State as a result of close co-operation with Members of the Assembly and others.

  EU Funding
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans the Government have for increasing funding from the European Union to Wales for investment in infrastructure and the public services. [85175]

  Mr. Hain
  Under the relevant EU Regulations, West Wales and the Valleys qualify for Objective 1 funding. We are currently consulting on possible Objective 2 areas. Infrastructure measures could be eligible for funding in both Objective 1 and Objective 2 areas.

  Farm Incomes
  Mr. Prior
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent representations he has received regarding the levels of farm incomes in Wales. [85176]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The latest estimates of incomes for full-time farmers in Wales were published in February 1999. The figures show the cash income for dairy and livestock farms in Wales is forecast to fall by 21 per cent. in 1998–99, to £17,900.

  Rural Livestock Markets
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent representations he has received with regard to the future of rural livestock markets. [85177]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  We have received no recent representations with regard to the future of rural livestock markets.

  The Lamb and Beef Action Plan, prepared by the industry-led working groups which my right hon. Friend launched together with the group chairmen on 8 March, encourages livestock markets in Wales to re-appraise their position and plan for the future. It is important for the competitive health of the Welsh livestock industry that a strategic network of livestock marketing centres should remain.

  Following the transfer of functions, this will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Job Creation
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many new jobs have been created in the most recent year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [85178]

  Mr. Hain
  The unadjusted number of employee jobs in Wales increased by 11,100 (1.1 per cent.) between December 1997 and December 1998. It now stands at just over 1 million.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Draft Concordat
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the concordat between the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Welsh Office governing the relationship between Government departments and the National Assembly of Wales to be published. [85179]
  360
  Mr. Michael
  All concordats will be agreed between the National Assembly for Wales and the UK Government. They will be published as soon as agreement has been secured.

  Objective 1 Funding
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what procedures will be employed to evaluate project proposals for objective 1 funding in the months before the Government have made a decision on match funding. [85180]

  Mr. Hain
  No decisions have yet been taken about implementation procedures for Structural Fund programmes under the new Regulations for 2000–06. This will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Assembly Costs
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his current estimate of(a) the capital cost and (b) the running cost of the Welsh National Assembly in its first year of operation. [85181]

  Mr. Michael
  The capital cost of providing temporary and permanent accommodation for the National Assembly for Wales is estimated at £17 million to £20 million, although this estimate must be regarded as provisional until the final design for the new building is agreed.

  We are continuing to plan within the overall estimate of £15 million to £20 million for the annual additional running costs of the Assembly which was contained with the explanatory and financial memorandum to the Government of Wales Bill and which will be balanced by savings in the budgets of Welsh quangos; our latest detailed estimate for 1999–2000 is £19.2 million.

  Following the transfer of functions on 1 July, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the employment effect of the new deal in Wales to date. [85182]

  Mr. Hain
  I have been very pleased with the progress of the New Deal in Wales. The latest information shows that over 8,600 New Deal participants have obtained jobs through one or other of the New Deal initiatives.

  Within this total, the New Deal for 18–24s has seen over 6,500 jobs secured by young people, including over 4,800 sustained jobs lasting at least 13 weeks.

  The impact on youth unemployment has been there for all to see, with a massive 44 per cent. drop in the number of 18–24-year-olds claiming JSA for 6 months or more in Wales between April 1998 and April 1999.

  NHS Specialist Regional Services
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what funding he has made available for the current year for specialist regional services in the national health service. [85183]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The funding of specialised health services is a matter for health authorities and the Specialised Health Services Commission for Wales.
  361
  Welsh health authorities will receive more than £2 billion for 1999–2000, some £1.5 billion of which will be included within their discretionary allocations, an increase of 10.3 per cent. over 1998–99.

  A further £120 million is included with allocations for protected and ring fenced services. Included within this is:
  £9.2 million which is the final year of ring-fenced funding for the Morriston cardiac centre
  £12.6 million for the Artificial Limb and Appliance Service
  £6.7 million for High Security Psychiatric Services
  £1.9 million for Paediatric Intensive Care services.

  Following the transfer of functions, this will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Milk Industry
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is taking to safeguard the position of the Welsh milk industry. [85184]
  362
  Mr. Michael
  With the National Assembly Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Christine Gwyther I met farming leaders on Monday 24 May. The Action Plan for the Dairy industry in Wales, published in March 1999, sets out a positive agenda through which the Welsh Development Agency and the National Assembly will be able to work with the industry to help it adapt and invest in the dairy processing facilities which are essential for future prosperity in the sector.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Livestock Farming
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received since 1 May 1997 from the Vegetarian Society on livestock farming in Wales. [85167]

  Mr. Michael
  None.

  Claims Assessors: Legal Advice
  Claims Assessors: Legal Advice
  House of Lords Reform
  House of Lords Reform
  Employment Tribunals
  Employment Tribunals
  Libya: Aircraft Export Controls
  Libya: Aircraft Export Controls
  Iran: Arms Embargo
  Iran: Arms Embargo
  Federal Republic of Yugoslavia: Fuel Embargo
  Federal Republic of Yugoslavia: Fuel Embargo
  Diplomatic Missions: Outstanding Minor Traffic Violation Fines
  Diplomatic Missions: Outstanding Minor Traffic Violation Fines
  UN Register of Conventional Arms
  UN Register of Conventional Arms
  Muzaffer Ilhan Erdost
  Muzaffer Ilhan Erdost
  Oral Calislar
  Oral Calislar
  Akin Birdal
  Akin Birdal
  United Nations Panels' Recommendations
  United Nations Panels' Recommendations
  Iraq: Oil Export Ban
  Iraq: Oil Export Ban
  Iraq: Disarmament
  Iraq: Disarmament
  NATO Bombing of Yugoslavia: Civilian Casualties
  NATO Bombing of Yugoslavia: Civilian Casualties
  EU Common Foreign and Security Policy
  EU Common Foreign and Security Policy
  Iraq: Alleged Breaches of UN Sanctions
  Iraq: Alleged Breaches of UN Sanctions
  Race Relations Legislation
  Race Relations Legislation
  Police Car Siren Trials
  Police Car Siren Trials
  Police Cars: Fatal Accidents
  Police Cars: Fatal Accidents
  Emergency Police Calls: False Alarms
  Emergency Police Calls: False Alarms
  Racial Equality Commission Report
  Racial Equality Commission Report
  Immigration and Nationality Directorate: Complaints Audit Committee Report
  Immigration and Nationality Directorate: Complaints Audit Committee Report
  Renovations to Housing and VAT
  Renovations to Housing and VAT
  Royal Parks Agency Advertisement
  Royal Parks Agency Advertisement
  Peers: Declaration of Interests
  Peers: Declaration of Interests
  Common New Generation Frigate
  Common New Generation Frigate
  Nuclear Weapons: Safety and Reliability
  Nuclear Weapons: Safety and Reliability
  Assertive Outreach Teams
  Assertive Outreach Teams
  State Incapacity Benefit
  State Incapacity Benefit
  Food Standards Bill.
  Food Standards Bill.