Written Answers of 11 June 1999

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Coastguard
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions in the period January to April 1999 staffing levels at the Coastguard stations at (i) Oban, (ii) Liverpool, (iii) Belfast and (iv) Stornoway were maintained by the use of unqualified or partly-qualified staff. [85838]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]

  Oban

  Liverpool

  Belfast

  Stornoway

  Unqualified

  12 hour watch

  0

  4

  0

  0

  Partly Qualified

  12 hour watch

  0

  93

  60

  116

  6 hour watch

  0

  6

  5

  0

  Recruits who have yet to qualify in their grade are able to perform certain tasks on watch almost immediately but under the supervision of a watch manager. Watch managers are encouraged to involve new recruits in watchkeeping tasks as much as possible.

  Partly Qualified Officers are those who after their initial training have demonstrated their ability to their line management to undertake certain tasks appropriate to their grade, thus enabling them to become part of a Watch. Initial training is followed by further on the job training which take place at their parent station. This on the job training as part of the Watch, or as a supernumerary, is essential preparation for an officer's final proficiency examinations for qualification to their grade.

  Bus Companies
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each of the 17 municipally owned bus companies their(a) annual turnover, (b) passenger revenues, (c) pre-tax profit or loss, (d) numbers of staff and (e) numbers of vehicles operated. [86666]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Under the Transport Act 1985 the local authority-owned bus companies were set up as Companies Act companies working at arms length from their owners. As the details required by the Companies Acts are lodged at Companies House, my Department does not collect the data requested.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to change his departmental expenditure limits and running costs limits for 1999–2000. [86984]

  Mr. Prescott
  Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimates, my departmental expenditure limits will change as follows.

  The voted Local Government Departmental Expenditure Limit will be increased by £3,900,000, increasing the overall limit from £34,207,667,000 to £34,211,567,000. This increase reflects revised estimates of the costs of preparing for the Greater London Authority. The increase will be offset by a corresponding reduction in the Department's Main Programmes Departmental Expenditure Limit from £9,696,757,000 to £9,692,857,000.

  Greater London Authority
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to provide the Greater London Authority with accommodation and administrative support. [86985]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I announced on 26 February plans for a new building for the headquarters of the Greater London Authority (GLA) at London Bridge City. Design and contractual issues are being finalised, and I anticipate the building being ready for occupation towards the end of 2001.

  To house the GLA before the new building is ready, my Department is arranging temporary office accommodation at Romney House, Marsham Street, London SW1, which should be ready for occupation by staff preparing for the GLA by the end of 1999.

  The GLA will assume its responsibilities on 3 July 2000, eight weeks after the elections, and work therefore needs to be put in hand now to establish finance and other systems and to ensure that appropriate administrative machinery is in place. I announced on 31 March that Dr. Bob Chilton would be seconded from the Audit Commission to be Head of Transition: he took up his duties on 19 April, and will work closely with my officials to take this work forward.

  My Department has earmarked £30 million from within existing budgets over the four years 1998–99 to 2001–02 to meet GLA preparation costs. This will cover the anticipated cost of fitting out, furnishing and equipping the new building, including professional and other specialist advice; providing temporary accommodation for the GLA; accommodating and equipping the transition team; and setting up new financial, management and communication systems for the GLA. This compares to an initial provision of £20 million, which was largely to cover the cost of providing a new building. I will provide more detailed estimates when commercial negotiations have been completed, and will report actual expenditure totals periodically.

  Separate provision is being made to cover the cost of the first elections to the GLA, including publicity, and establishing Transport for London and the London Development Agency. A separate announcement is being

  399
  made about a loan from the Contingencies Fund in relation to some of these costs. The arrangements for establishing the Metropolitan Police Authority and the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority are matters for the Home Secretary.

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what statutory authority exists for costs to be incurred by him in 1999–2000 in preparation for the establishment of the Greater London Authority and its functional and other associated bodies. [86986]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Further to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Mr. Linton) on 2 February 1999,Official Report, column 568, pending Parliamentary approval, urgent expenditure on new services for the bodies other than the Greater London Authority in 1999–2000 estimated at £4.7 million will be met by repayable advances from the Contingencies Fund.

  Sellafield
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made in his consideration of the draft decisions submitted to him by the Environment Agency on Sellafield MOX plant. [85629]

  Mr. Prescott
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and I have looked very carefully at the recommendations made by the Environment Agency about the justification for the MOX plant. We have also examined the representations made to us about the plant. Our provisional conclusion is that the balance of the argument so far is in favour of justification. However, we have also come to the conclusion that there should be further consultations on the economic case for the plant. We were concerned that the version of the report by PA Consulting on the economic case for the plant, which had been published by the Agency in January last year, did not contain as much information as the public could reasonably expect to see. We have therefore decided to publish a fuller version of the report. We accept, however, that some material contained in the report is commercially confidential and cannot be published without potentially harming BNFL's commercial interests. This information has been omitted from the version we are publishing.

  In view of the time that has passed since PA Consulting completed their report, we decided to commission from BNFL an up-to-date assessment of the market for MOX fuel. This assessment is also being published. Comments are being invited on this material by 23 July after which we shall take a final decision on the full operation of the plant.

  While this consultation is under way, and given our view that the balance of the argument currently favours justification we have concluded that it would be right for BNFL to be allowed to proceed with the uranium commissioning of the plant. We concluded that it would be right to allow this before final conclusions are reached about whether to give the go-ahead for the full operation of the plant. This would enable BNFL to begin testing the plant before the introduction of plutonium. In this way, if the plant is eventually given the go-ahead, the delays in running the plant commercially would be minimised. If, after the consultation exercise we decide that full
  400
  operation is not justified, the process would be halted and uranium removed from the plant. The costs of removal, estimated at £2 million, would be met by BNFL.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  MOX Fuel Shipment (Japan)
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the conclusions of the Environment Agency on plutonium extraction from MOX fuel were assessed by his Department when determining the security measures necessary for the shipping of MOX fuel to Japan. [86740]

  Mr. Battle
  The physical protection measures necessary for the shipping of MOX fuel to Japan are based on the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency concerned with the movement of all Category I nuclear materials.

  Telecoms Data Protection Directive
  Gillian Merron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to be able to make available draft regulations implementing the EC Telecoms Data Protection Directive (97/66/EC). [87025]

  Mr. Wills
  I have placed copies of the draft regulations in the Library of the House and these are also available in the Vote office. I am also making the draft Regulations available on the DTI Website at: www.dti. gov.uk/cii/tdpd/regs2/index.htm

  Offer and Ofgas
  Gillian Merron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes will be made to the cash and running costs limits for the Office of Electricity Regulation and the Office for Gas Regulation. [87026]

  Mr. Byers
  Offer: Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary revised Estimate, the running cost limit will be increased by £10,100,000 from £18,100,000 to £28,200,000.

  This increase reflects the additional resources required by the Director General of Electricity Supply for the funding of the Review of Electricity Trading Arrangements (RETA) project (£11,200,000) and an accounting adjustment in respect of VAT receipts for contracted out services (£1,100,000). The increase will be offset by additional receipts and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  Ofgas: The running cost limit for Class IX Vote 9£the Office of Gas Regulation£will be decreased by £938,000 from £12,938,000 to £12,000,000. This decrease reflects an accounting adjustment in respect of VAT receipts for contracted out services.

  Small Business
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research his Department has conducted into the awareness of Business Support services among small business owners.[86668]

  Mr. Wills
  DTI commissioned MORI to undertake five surveys of tracking research between 1994 and 1997 on awareness of Business Support services, including
  401
  Business Link. The most recent survey was in September 1997. Each survey involved a national telephone survey of a random sample of directors of businesses with between 10 and 200 employees in England, with a smaller sample of businesses with between five and nine employees for comparison. Research on awareness of Business Support services has also been carried out before and after national marketing campaign exercises for Business Link.

  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the costs to small businesses of the change of telephone codes; and what related discussions he has had with Oftel. [86669]

  Mr. Wills
  The administration of the National Numbering Scheme is a matter for Oftel. Oftel has not carried out any specific research into the costs to small businesses relating to changes to telephone codes. The changes to geographic codes were made in response to the views of consumers and businesses following "Phoneday" in 1995 in order to meet additional demands for numbers. In order to minimise the costs to businesses Oftel has given long periods of notice of changes, put in place parallel running for old and new numbers and "changed number" announcements. This enables businesses to plan for the future. Oftel has consulted extensively on changes to numbering arrangements and Oftel has kept my officials fully informed.

  Business Links
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total expenditure of Business Links in each of the last three financial years; and what proportion of that was on(a) salaries and (b) administration. [86636]

  Mr. Wills
  Business Links are private, independent organisations and the Department does not collect statistics on the total expenditure of Business Links or individual elements of it.

  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was his Department's total expenditure on Business Links in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99; and what expenditure is planned for 1999–2000. [86638]

  Mr. Wills
  The total amount of funding provided for the Business Link programme by the Department in the periods 1997–98 and 1998–99 were £129.2 million and £121.1 million respectively. For 1999–2000 the Department has earmarked £139 million for Business Link programme funding, which includes an element of funding specifically for developing services of the new Small Business Service.

  Gas Suppliers
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received concerning customers complaining that their gas supplier has been changed without their consent; what gas suppliers have been disciplined by Ofgas owing to their conduct in transferring customer accounts; and if he will make a statement. [85714]
  402
  Mr. Battle
  The Department has received a number of representations from consumers complaining about the involuntary transfer of their gas supply. I have great sympathy for consumers who have experienced difficulties in this respect, and understand the worry and inconvenience that such occurrences can cause. I have asked my officials to work with Ofgas and the Gas Consumers Council to root out the causes of the problems and identify areas for action to tackle them urgently.

  I am determined that the industry should have in place systems which work effectively and consistently to transfer customers from existing to new suppliers without error and that these should be properly regulated. The Office of Gas Supply continually monitors industry performance and should pursue rigorously any instances of failure with the companies concerned. Action has been taken by Ofgas under both the Competition Act 1980 and the Gas Act 1986 against a number of companies to secure a commitment to improve standards of performance. I have asked the Director General for an update on the situation and on the action he has in hand.

  Company Directors (Insolvencies)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what statutory provisions regulate the ability of directors of companies which have become insolvent starting up in a similar line of business with a new company; what changes he is planning to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [86414]

  Dr. Howells
  A Director's involvement with a company which has become insolvent does not, of itself, preclude his or her from being a Director of a new company unless:

  (a) contrary to the provisions of S216 of the Insolvency Act 1986, it has the same or a similar name to the company which failed;

  or

  (b) the director has been disqualified from so acting under the Companies Directors Disqualification Act 1986.

  When Parliamentary time allows we plan to introduce legislation to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the procedure for disqualifying unfit company directors. There are no plans to make any other change in this area.

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what advice he has received about the use of genetically modified crops in the production of cosmetics and perfumes with respect to(a) skin allergies and (b) treatments of skin complaints by antibiotics. [86671]

  Dr. Howells
  We have not received advice in relation to genetically modified crops and the production of cosmetics and perfumes. The number of cosmetic ingredients which may be derived from GMOs is estimated to be less than 1 per cent. However, we are supportive of the moves proposed by the European Commission Scientific Steering Committee to develop harmonised guidelines for Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) risk assessments for cosmetic products.

CABINET OFFICE

  Correspondence
  Gillian Merron
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will publish the latest figures showing the volume of correspondence received by Ministers and Agency Chief Executives from hon. Members, the targets set for reply, and the percentage of replies sent within targets. [87028]

  Correspondence from Members of Parliament to Ministers and Agency Chief Executives

  1997

  1998

  Department or Agency

  Target set for reply (working days)

  Number of letters received

  Percentage of replies within target

  Target set for reply (working days)

  Number of letters received

  Percentage of replies with target

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  15

  7,423

  76

  15

  i8,058

  57

  Cabinet Office

  15

  341

  96

  15

  292

  96

  Crown Prosecution Service

  15

  39

  85

  15

  ii66

  88

  Department for Culture, Media and Sport

  18

  2,939

  78

  18

  3,387

  86

  HM Customs and Excise

  18

  4,291

  20

  18

  iii4,439

  16

  Ministry of Defence

  15

  4,719

  65

  15

  iv5,619

  53

  Army Base Repair Organisation

  –

  –

  –

  15

  11

  100

  Army Personnel Centre

  15

  19

  64

  15

  43

  96

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency

  12

  27

  93

  15

  42

  79

  Naval Recruiting and Training Agency

  –

  –

  –

  15

  29

  100

  Department for International Development

  15

  2,994

  89

  15

  2,613

  91

  Department for Education and Employment

  15

  22,460

  71

  15

  iii19,766

  70

  Employment Service

  15

  1,837

  93

  15

  630

  92

  Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

  15

  31,798

  58

  15 v38,059

  51

  DVLA

  7

  299

  96

  7

  453

  99

  Driving Standards Agency

  15

  194

  78

  15

  108

  85

  Highways Agency

  12

  468

  71

  15

  480

  83

  Marine and Coastguard Agency

  15

  25

  100

  15

  vi21

  100

  Planning Inspectorate

  8

  296

  94

  8

  vii286

  87

  Vehicle Inspectorate

  15

  24

  96

  15

  20

  100

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  7

  8,735

  95

  7

  viii10,040

  85

  Department of Health

  20

  14,547

  76

  20

  ix10,648

  61

  NHS Pensions Agency

  15

  78

  76

  15

  42

  74

  Medicines Control Agency

  –

  –

  –

  10

  37

  73

  Home Office

  15

  16,831

  20

  15

  17,875

  32

  20

  1,175

  22

  20

  xii875

  52

  HM Prison Service

  15

  2,702

  61

  x20

  2,400

  69

  UK Passport Agency

  10

  101

  97

  xi10

  181

  96

  Inland Revenue

  18

  3,323

  40

  18

  xiii6,305

  20

  23

  375

  79

  23

  xiv193

  100

  Valuation Office

  23

  74

  31

  23

  47

  36

  Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers

  15

  301

  88

  15

  xv291

  80

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  20

  1,884

  76

  20

  2,672

  78

  Court Service

  20

  1,391

  99

  20

  xvi1,230

  99

  HM Land Registry

  20

  37

  100

  20

  36

  100

  Public Trust Office

  15

  65

  98

  15

  63

  98

  Northern Ireland Office (including Northern Ireland Departments)

  10

  2,163

  59

  10

  2,001

  70

  Child Support Agency

  10

  144

  67

  10

  104

  87

  Compensation Agency

  –

  –

  –

  7

  25

  100

  Northern Ireland Prison Service

  10

  48

  92

  10

  35

  66

  Planning Service

  15

  78

  77

  10

  62

  74

  Rate Collection Agency

  5

  12

  92

  5

  10

  90

  Rivers Agency

  15

  13

  85

  15

  32

  97

  Road Service

  15

  23

  87

  10

  35

  97

  Social Security Agency

  10

  94

  78

  10

  70

  93

  Water Service

  15

  37

  92

  10

  48

  85

  Office for National Statistics

  10

  269

  92

  10

  xvii679

  88

  President of the Council's Office

  15

  102

  91

  15

  230

  88

  The Scottish Office

  17

  4,722

  65

  17

  5,650

  60

  Historic Scotland

  17

  23

  91

  17

  36

  100

  Scottish Courts Service

  17

  11

  82

  17

  17

  97

  Scottish Office Pensions Agency

  17

  38

  97

  17

  45

  100

  Scottish Prison Service

  17

  145

  97

  17

  119

  95

  Student Awards Agency for Scotland

  17

  240

  70

  17

  112

  50

  Department of Social Security

  20

  17,585

  51

  20

  19,330

  31

  Benefits Agency

  20

  3,314

  89

  20

  2,797

  56

  Child Support Agency

  20

  8,182

  99

  20

  8,365

  100

  Contributions Agency

  20

  338

  89

  20

  280

  37

  War Pensions Agency

  20

  693

  99

  20

  529

  98

  404
  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  The 1998 correspondence figures are set out in the following table. The table also sets out the figures for 1997, first published on 31 July 1998,Official Report, columns 643–46. Members' attention is drawn to the footnotes which accompany the table and which provide general background information on how totals have been calculated.
  405
  Correspondence from Members of Parliament to Ministers and Agency Chief Executives

  Department of Trade and Industry

  Target set for reply(working days)

  Number of letters received

  Percentage of replies within target

  Target set for reply(working days)

  Number of letters received

  Percentage of replies within target

  Department of Trade and Industry

  10

  19,459

  61

  10

  iii22,193

  50

  Companies House

  10

  41

  100

  10

  38

  100

  Employment Tribunal Service

  –

  –

  –

  10

  78

  90

  Insolvency Service

  10

  27

  100

  10

  19

  100

  Radiocommunications Agency

  10

  27

  96

  10

  15

  100

  HM Treasury

  15

  4,553

  54

  15

  iii7,086

  37

  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  15

  39

  100

  15

  xviii44

  98

  Welsh Office

  15

  2,998

  75

  15

  3,913

  71

  CADW (Welsh Historic Monuments)

  12

  65

  83

  10

  38

  97

  Notes on 1998 Figures19

  iIncludes correspondence for the Intervention Board.

  iiIncludes those letters addressed to the Law Officers but subsequently replied to by the Director of Public Prosecutions, excluding letters addressed to the DPP.

  iiiIncludes all Ministerial replies, not only replies to Members of Parliament.

  ivIncludes 940 letters where Agency Chief Executives replied on Ministers' behalf. Interim replies are not included in the overall performance.

  v67 per cent. of letters were replied to within 20 working days.

  viFigures from 1 April 1998-31 December 1998.

  viiIncludes 56 cases relating to Wales.

  viiiIn addition, the FCO's migration and visa department received 9,453 letters direct from MP's in 1998, of which 47 per cent. were replied to within 15 working days.

  ix1997 and 1998 figures are not directly comparable, as a new data system now provides figures relating to letters received from MPs only

  xPrison Service Director General cases which includes correspondence that Ministers passed on to be answered under delegated arrangements.

  xiUKPA Chief Executive cases.

  xiiIncludes letters for HM Prison Service where Ministers replied.

  xiiHead Office figures.

  xviLocal Office and "delegated" figures (where local officials reply direct to MPs).

  xvThis figure excludes letters which were subsequently replied to by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

  xviIncludes letters where correspondence has been received direct to the Chief Executive or transferred to the Chief Executive for reply.

  xviiIncludes 579 letters where the Chief Executive replied on Ministers' behalf.

  xviiiIncludes 13 letters where the Chief Executive replied on Ministers' behalf.

  19The 1997 figures are taken from the Official Report, 31 July 1998, columns 643–46. Please also refer to the notes given with that reply. Departments and Agencies which received a total of between 1 and 10 letters from MPs during 1998 are not shown in this table.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Staff Pay Settlement
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, when the 1999 pay settlement for House of Commons staff will be implemented; and if he will make a statement. [85971]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  There are four groups of House of Commons staff covered by separate pay settlements each year. They are the Senior Commons Staff (SCS), the Main Structure Staff (Pay Bands A to E), the Refreshment Department Catering Staff and the Works Directorate Craft Staff.

  The pay of the Senior Commons Staff is kept in line with that of the Senior Civil Service. The Government accepted the recommendations of the Senior Salaries Review Body in February and the recommended increases have been implemented with effect from 1 April 1999.

  The negotiations with the unions recognised to represent staff in Pay Bands A to E started in April 1999 and are continuing.

  The negotiations with the unions representing staff in the Craft and Catering pay bands are expected to start towards the end of June.

  The implementation date for all the settlements is 1 April 1999.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Personal Documents (Confiscation)
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the powers he has to confiscate(a) passports, (b) national insurance cards and (c) driving licences. [86665]

  Mr. Timms
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has no express powers to confiscate passports, national insurance cards or driving licences. However, these documents remain the property of Her Majesty's Government. If the Secretary of State has concerns that such a document may be forged, altered or stolen, he may retain it. A receipt is issued and the appropriate authority notified.

PRIME MINISTER

  Debt Burden
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the likely progress at the forthcoming G7 Summit in reducing the debt burden of the poorest countries; and if he will make a statement. [85724]

  The Prime Minister
  At the G8 Summit in Cologne next weekend I will be taking forward the UK's proposals for faster, deeper and wider debt relief to the world's poorest countries.

  Kosovo and Serbia (Ground Invasion)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on a ground invasion of(a) Kosovo and (b) Serbia. [85897]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]There is now evidence that the Yugoslav authorities are complying with the demands of the international community. My hon. Friend will be aware that following confirmation of the start of the withdrawal of Yugoslav forces from Kosovo, the NATO Secretary General ordered the suspension of the bombing campaign. An international peacekeeping force in which British troops will be at the forefront will be deployed within the timescale agreed between General Jackson and Serb military commanders on 9 June. Until this withdrawal is complete, however, we must continue to exercise caution and to keep all other options under review.

  Ethnic Hungarians
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his discussions with the Prime Minister of Hungary in relation to the safety of the ethnic Hungarians living in northern Yugoslavia, and on the concerns of the Hungarian Prime Minister about the threat to ethnic Hungarians from Serbian military forces and paramilitaries positioned near their homes.[85900]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]I met the Hungarian Prime Minister in Downing Street on 15 April. We discussed the situation of the ethnic Hungarian community in Vojvodina. Mr. Orban said that a substantial number of ethnic Hungarians had left the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in recent years for Hungary. He expressed concern that the rights of the ethnic Hungarians in Vojvodina were inadequate and that the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia had deliberately resettled Serb refugees in areas which hitherto had an ethnic Hungarian majority.

  I reaffirmed the United Kingdom's support for the democratisation of the whole of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as the best way to safeguard the rights of all its citizens.

  Quarantine
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the representations he received regarding the quarantine of the pet dog of William Dowell. [86630]

  The Prime Minister
  In addition to letters from William Dowell and his family, my office has received four letters on this subject, all from France.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to abolish quarantine for animals entering the United Kingdom. [86631]

  The Prime Minister
  On 26 March, the Government announced that they were going to reform the quarantine laws in the UK. A pilot scheme is being developed for introduction as soon as possible and the main scheme will be in place by April 2001.

  Council of Europe
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister what the Government's policy is towards the development of the Council of Europe. [86645]

  The Prime Minister
  The Government support the development of the Council of Europe as a key institution for the promotion of the values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law throughout Europe, and for the strengthening of the political, legal, social and cultural cohesion of the continent.

  The enlargement of the Council of Europe's membership to include the new democracies of Eastern Europe has given it a central role in European unification. The Government believe that to take forward this role it is essential that the Council re-affirm its structures and redefine its priorities to be able to act more effectively as a force for democratic stability. The Government therefore strongly support the recommendations of the report adopted by Ministers in Budapest in May. We want to see a strong and energetic and effective Council of Europe ready to face the new millennium.

  Parliamentary Answers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister what were the reasons for the time taken in providing a full answer to the question of the hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr. Hayes) of 20 May 1999,Official Report, column 403. [86716]

  The Prime Minister
  The hon. Member' s question–which asked for the figures showing that the Labour Party represents more rural constituencies than any other party–was due for answer on Tuesday 18 May and I gave a full reply two days later. The delay was due to the fact that on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 May, I was in Bulgaria and Albania visiting British troops and meeting Kosovar refugees and the leaders of these frontline states.

  Holocaust Remembrance Day
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans the Government have to introduce a Holocaust Remembrance day; and if he will make a statement. [86654]

  The Prime Minister
  I am determined to ensure that the horrendous crimes against humanity committed during the Holocaust are never forgotten. The ethnic cleansing and killing that has taken place in Europe in recent weeks are a stark example of the need for vigilance.

  The Government are considering a proposal for a Holocaust Remembrance Day and I have asked my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to consult widely about this.

TREASURY

  Inland Revenue
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes are proposed to the Inland Revenue Departmental Expenditure Limit for 1999–2000. [87027]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There are no plans to change the overall Departmental Expenditure Limit of the Inland Revenue. However, subject to Parliamentary approval of
  409
  the necessary Supplementary Estimate for Class XVI, Vote 4, the Voted element of the Departmental Expenditure Limit will be increased by £46,319,000 from £1,836,316,000 to £1,882,635,000 to reflect the costs of administering working families tax credits and disabled persons tax credits from October 1999. The increase will be offset by a matching reduction in the non-voted element from £34,910,000 to -£11,409,000 reflecting the take-up of retained provision.

  The Supplementary Estimate is subject to the passage of the Tax Credits Bill which has been laid before Parliament. The provision will not be used until the enabling legislation has been enacted or, in the event of the legislation not passing into law, further authority has been obtained from Parliament.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Mr. and Mrs. Adams
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to persuade the Florida State Prosecutor to drop all charges of child abuse against Mr. and Mrs. Adams of Harrogate and obtain an apology for the way they were treated at St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. [86678]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Government do not intervene in the judicial process of another sovereign country. This is a matter for Mr. and Mrs. Adam's lawyer. The family should address any complaints that they have about their treatment to the US authorities. They have been provided with the contact details.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 27 April, ref. GU10051886.[86401]

  Mr. Hoon
  My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs wrote to my hon. Friend today.

  MOX Fuel Shipments
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to him by Caribbean states over the proposed shipment of MOX fuel to Japan. [86739]

  Mr. Hoon
  I am aware of the interest of Caribbean states on this issue, which the Government take very seriously.

  I have received a letter from the High Commissioner of the Bahamas on behalf of his Commonwealth Caribbean colleagues requesting a meeting to discuss this issue. Arrangements are in hand to hold such a meeting.

  China
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the membership and functions of the United Kingdom/China Forum. [85835]
  410
  Mr. Hoon
  The UK/China Forum is a nongovernmental organisation of senior British and Chinese individuals from the worlds of politics, business, administration, academia, the media and the arts, whose purpose is to promote contacts at all levels between Britain and China and develop initiatives to build stronger links in areas where better contact will bring mutual benefit to both sides. The Forum will meet yearly.

  The British members of the Forum are:

  Right hon. Michael Heseltine PC MP, Chairman; Dr. Chris Gamble (Director, Royal Institute of International Affairs), Executive Chair; Professor David Wall (Head, Asia Programme, Royal Institute of International Affairs), Secretary General; Mr. David Brewer (Chairman, Great Britain China Centre and Chairman, British Invisibles); Sir Charles Powell (President, China Britain Business Council); Sir Len Appleyard (Vice Chairman, Barclays Capital); Mr. Martin Broughton (Chairman, Chatham House China Task Force); Mr. Ben Chapman MP (Chairman, All-Party Parliamentary Group on China); Sir William Purves; Sir Patrick Gillam (Chairman, Standard Chartered Bank); Mr. Bob Mendelsohn (Group Chief Executive, Royal and Sun Alliance); Mr. Win Bischoff (Chairman, J. H. Schroder and Co. Ltd.); Sir John Jennings; Sir Ralph Robins (Chairman, Rolls Royce); Mr. Niall Fitzgerald (Chairman, Unilever); Mr. David John (Chairman, BOC); Baroness Kennedy (Chair, British Council); Lord Puttnam (Chairman, Enigma Productions); Sir Crispin Tickell; Mr. Giles Henderson (Senior Partner, Slaughter and May) and Mr. Richard Lambert (Editor, Financial Times).

  The Chinese members of the Forum are:

  Mr. Song Jian (Vice Chairman, Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference), Chairman; Mr. Mei Zhaorong (President, People's Institute of Foreign Affairs), Executive Chairman; Mr. Xin Futan (Vice President, People's Institute of Foreign Affairs), Secretary General; Mr. Yao Zhenyan (Chairman, China-UK Group, National People's Congress); Mr. Qu Geping (Chairman, Environmental Protection Committee, National People's Congress); Mr. Xie Anshan (Member, National People's Congress Standing Committee and Legal Committee); Mr. Chen Yuan (Governor, State Development Bank); Mr. Wang Xuebing (Governor, Bank of China); Mr. Wu Chunhe (Editor-in-Chief, Economic Daily); Mr. Wang Jiming (Vice President, China Petrochemical Group); Mr. Tu Guangshao (General Manager, Shanghai Stock Exchange); Mr. Chen Zhongbiao (Chairman, China Overseas Shipping Company Group); Mr. Feng Xiaozeng (Vice Chairman, State Insurance Regulatory Committee); Mr. An Chengxin (Vice President, Chinese Council for the Promotion of International Trade); Mr. Yao Jinrong (Deputy General Manager, China International Trust and Investment Corporation); Mr. Zhang Yanzhong (Deputy General Manager, China Aviation Industry Corporation); Mr. Wang Ren (Vice President, China Academy of Agriculture); Mr. Lin Jintong (President, Beijing Post and Telecommunications University); Mr. Wang Xuan (President, Research Institute of Founder Group of Peking University); Mr. Yang Qixian (Vice President, China Society of Economic Reform) and Mr. Li Gang (Director-General, Liaison Department, Ministry of Culture).

  Ambassadors (Engineering Qualifications)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to encourage men and women with engineering qualifications to enter the Diplomatic Service. [86163]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The FCO encourages a diverse range of candidates to apply to join the Diplomatic Service, so that the FCO is representative of the best of modern Britain. Applicants can have degrees in any discipline, so men and women with engineering degrees are encouraged
  411
  to apply. We aim to visit each UK University every 4 to 5 years, which brings us into contact with graduates studying the whole spectrum of subjects, including engineering.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many ambassadors are chartered engineers. [86162]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Senior Management Structure of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office includes one officer who has qualified as a Chartered Engineer. No current Ambassador has this qualification.

  Provisional Agendas (European Councils)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will account for the delay in replying to the questions from the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border, 19 May 1999,Official Report, columns 349–50, [84699 and 84697]; and if a provisional agenda was available at the time of the holding answers. [85631]

  Ms Quin
  Holding replies were given to these questions as the Minister was overseas. The substantive answers were given the following day.

WALES

  Departmental Expenditure
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what changes he is proposing to make to the Departmental Expenditure Limit for the Welsh Office and the Office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in Wales for the current financial year. [87029]

  Mr. Michael
  Subject to Parliament's approval of the related Revised Estimate, the Welsh Office Departmental Expenditure Limit for 1999–2000 will be increased by £30,800,000 from £7,061,717,000 to £7,092,517,000, including a transfer from the Department for Education and Employment Class I, Vote 1 to take account of the change to student support arrangements following the Dearing Review of higher education.

  The increase will be offset by a transfer and will not add to the overall level of planned total public expenditure.

SCOTLAND

  Fishing
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations were undertaken with fishing organisations in advance of the Scottish Adjacent Waters Boundaries Order 1999.[85527]

  Mr. Macdonald
  A press release was issued at the time the draft order was laid, on 8 March 1999. All fishing organisations were therefore able to comment on the draft Order between that date and the Order being approved by the Privy Council on 13 April 1999. None did so.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what rights in respect of consultation are available to Scottish fishermen operating in the areas of 412
  sea, responsibility for which is transferred by the Scottish Adjacent Water Boundaries Order 1999 with regard to oil, gas and other subsea operations. [85531]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Under the Petroleum Act 1998, the Department of Trade and Industry is required in considering various oil and gas activities to have regard to the implications for other users of the sea including the fishing industry. Historically there has been appropriate consultation with representatives of the Scottish fishing industry through the Scottish Office. These consultation arrangements will continue through the Scottish Executive.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the impact on activities of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency of the Scottish Adjacent Waters Boundaries Order 1999. [85529]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Officers of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) remain British Sea Fisheries Officers and, as such, will be empowered to operate anywhere within British fisheries limits. In practice, SFPA vessels will patrol down to the new median line, but they will have powers of pursuit outwith the Scottish zone.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set out the reallocation of responsibilities between the United Kingdom Parliament and the Scottish Parliament as a result of the Scottish Adjacent Water Boundaries Order 1999. [85528]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The Order makes statutory provision for the first time for a Scottish zone of British fisheries limits. By doing so it helps define the functions of Scottish Ministers and the responsibilities of the Scottish Parliament. Responsibility for the regulation of sea fisheries issues, including measures implemented under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), will be devolved to the new Scottish Parliament within the zone, and in respect of Scottish boats outwith the zone.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement setting out the effects on the jurisdiction of the Scottish courts for waters in the area of sea transferred by the Scottish Adjacent Water Boundaries Order 1999. [85530]

  Mr. Macdonald
  It remains possible for prosecutions for most alleged offences to be taken anywhere in the UK. The current practice is normally to refer the prosecution case folder to the nearest court to where the offence took place. This is likely to continue to be the case.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to amend the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland and transfers to the Scottish consolidated fund departmental expenditure limits/running costs provision for 1999–2000. [87024]

  Dr. Reid
  Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Revised Estimates, the gross running costs provision for Class XIII, Vote 1 will be increased by £175,000 from £2,400,000 to £2,575,000. The increase is in respect of an increase in appropriations in aid from: VAT recoveries, fees and costs for legal work done by solicitors and receipts of rents and a transfer of £55,000 from Current Grants for the cost of Private Legislation
  413
  Procedure. The running costs limit and the Departmental Expenditure Limit will be increased by £55,000 from £2,400,000 to £2,455,000. This will be offset by a corresponding reduction in expenditure by the Scottish Parliament within the Departmental Expenditure Limit from £13,807,018,000 to £13,806,963,000.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Balkans (Reconstruction)
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what European Union support is being given for longer-term reconstruction in the Balkans; and if she will make a statement. [86478]

  Clare Short
  The EU has provided 4,185 million euros for the reconstruction of the region since the end of the Bosnian conflict. In 1999, 170 million euros were allocated for the reconstruction of the countries of the former Yugoslavia.

  The EU is reviewing its plans to take into account the consequences of the Kosovo crisis. The proposed Stability Pact for South East Europe will provide a framework for the regeneration of the Balkan region. The EU will play a key role in this process and in the financing of the international reconstruction effort in Kosovo.

  Tobacco
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much British aid money has been invested in agricultural projects in developing countries which include the growing of tobacco crops for each year over the last five years. [86212]

  Clare Short
  Our policy is that development funds must not be used for any purpose which supports the tobacco sector. In line with this requirement, no British development money has been invested in bilateral projects which include the growing of tobacco crops in developing countries in any of the past 5 years.

  Aid: GNP Ratio
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what official development assistance was provided by the UK in 1998 as a percentage of GNP; and what the performance was of other members of OECD's Development Assistance Committee. [86981]

  Clare Short
  As announced yesterday by the Development Assistance Committee of the OECD, the UK's expenditure on official development assistance (ODA) in 1998 is estimated at £2,315 million, representing 0.27 per cent. of GNP. This is an increase on the 1997 figure of 0.26 per cent. and reflects the Government's commitment to reverse the decline in UK development assistance. The average ODA/GNP ration for all OECD DAC Member Countries was 0.23 per cent. We will continue our strenuous efforts to also improve the effectiveness of international development programmes.

  The figures exclude financial flows to countries in transition in Central and Eastern Europe and more advanced developing countries as defined in the DAC List of Aid Recipients.

HEALTH

  Guild Community Trust, Preston
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what discussions he has had with the North West Regional Health Authority on the appointment of independent investigators to report on administration of the Guild Community Trust Preston during 1998 and 1999; and if he will make a statement; [85139]

  (2) in what ways he involved the Chairman of the North West Regional Health Authority in seeking the resignations of the non-executive directors of the Guild Community Trust Preston;[85224]

  (3) if he will list the grounds on which he dismissed the Board of the Guild Community Trust Preston; [85223]

  (4) if he will list those occasions on which the non-executive directors of the Guild Community Trust Preston sought advice on the way the trust was being run from the North West Regional Health Authority; and what advice was given; [85136]

  (5) if he will publish the correspondence between his Department, the North West Regional Health Authority and the Chief Executive of the Guild Community Trust Preston during 1998 and 1999 on the Chief Executive's administration of the trust during this period; [85137]

  (6) if he will list the (a) meetings and (b) communications between his Department and the Chief Executive of the Guild Community Trust Preston during 1998 and 1999 and state the reasons for each of those meetings and communications; [85138]

  (7) what reports his Department has received on the administration of the Guild Community Trust Preston in its last two years; and what were their conclusions. [85140]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 25 May 1999]: A mental health report which appeared in the summer of 1998 raised concerns about the management of Guild Community Healthcare NHS Trust and, specifically, its Chief Executive. The Trust Board, after consultation with the NHS Executive North West, took the decision to suspend the Chief Executive and commission an independent panel to investigate his management style.

  The independent Galbraith Report was presented to the non-executive team in December 1998. It concluded that there had been a clear and significant loss of confidence in the trust's Chief Executive and that his position had become untenable. Then the Chairman of the Trust resigned. I have received briefings from the North West Regional Office of the NHS about the investigation which was commissioned by, and reported to, the Guild Trust Board.

  The circumstances at the Guild Trust, Preston were the subject of letters, e-mails, telephone and face-to-face conversations involving non-executive directors of the trust, officials at the NHS North West Regional Office and officials in my Department over a lengthy period.

  In May the non-executive directors of the Guild Trust were asked to resign in the best interests of the NHS and the staff and patients of the trust because there had been an irreversible breakdown in relations with one another. Two agreed to resign and I dismissed the three who refused.
  415
  The Chairman of the North West Region of the NHS, who is my representative in these matters, was involved at all stages in my consideration of the situation at the Guild Trust and my decision to seek the resignations of the non-executive directors.

  The Department, including the NHS Executive North West, communicates on a regular basis with NHS Trusts about management issues. The extent and diversity of these contacts make it impractical to compile a definitive list.

  Staffordshire Ambulance Service
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that the impact of the use of computerised systems in respect of call-outs by Staffordshire Ambulance service is disseminated to other ambulance services in the United Kingdom; [85537]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the response rate times achieved by Staffordshire Ambulance service. [85536]

  Mr. Denham
  Staffordshire Ambulance service has reported impressive response times which we commend. Information about its work, including its use of computerised systems, has been widely disseminated through publication of its response times, presentation of its results to Ministers by the chief executive, and at a national meeting of health authority commissioners focusing on its methods.

  Other ambulance services in England have adopted the approaches promoted by Staffordshire.

  MMR Vaccine
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been conducted by, or on behalf of, his Department into the health risks of the use of bovine serum in the manufacture of MMR vaccines. [85534]

  Ms Jowell
  No research specific to bovine material and measles, mumps and rubella vaccine has been conducted by, or on behalf of, the Department of Health. All bovine blood products used in the manufacture of MMR vaccines comply with European guidelines on minimising the risk of transmitting agents causing spongiform encephalopathies via medicinal products, which address the sourcing and processing of bovine material used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. The product used in the manufacture of MMR vaccine is not serum, but bovine albumin. This is not United Kingdom sourced.

  Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital were referred for radiotherapy treatment in each year from 1989 to date; and if he will make a statement. [85695]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department does not collect information about numbers of patients referred for radiotherapy. The following information indicates first out-patient referrals for clinical oncology at Royal 416
  Shrewsbury Hospital (only available since 1994–95), a proportion of whom will have been referred for radiotherapy treatment.

  Consultant first outpatient attendance

  Year

  Seen

  Did not appear

  1994–95

  350

  3

  1995–96

  492

  5

  1996–97

  1,115

  27

  1997–98

  632

  21

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital will be informed of the outcome of its bid for a linear accelerator; and if he will make a statement; [85698]

  (2) pursuant to the letter of 12 April from the Under-Secretary of State for Health, if his officials have considered the financial terms of funding a second linear accelerator at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital; and if he will make a statement; [85696]

  (3) what reasons underlie the length of time taken by the NHS Executive, West Midlands Regional Office to consider the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital's business case for funding to replace its cobalt unit with a new linear accelerator; and if he will make a statement. [85716]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Health Service Executive–West Midlands Regional Office is carefully considering the business case and hopes to make a decision as soon as possible. The prime consideration will be establishing a safe and sustainable service. There are several factors underpinning this, and the Regional Office needs to satisfy itself that all the issues have been addressed before approving the business case. In particular, the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, which is not itself a cancer centre, will need to demonstrate that robust working links have been developed with the North Staffordshire cancer centre. In addition, work currently taking place on developing a national framework for radiotherapy services, as well as wider regional cancer strategy will inform the decision. The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital will be informed as soon as a decision has been reached.

  West Midlands Regional Office is currently exploring possible sources of funding to minimise delay should the business case be approved.

  Running Costs
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the estimated combined annual running costs in the last financial year of the(a) Commission for Health Improvement and (b) National Institute for Clinical Excellence; and if he will make a statement. [85737]

  Mr. Denham
  The Commission for Health Improvement will be established by the Health Bill currently before Parliament, and incurred no running costs in the last financial year. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence was established on 1 April this year and did not incur any running costs in the last financial year.

  Viagra
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the guidelines are for the issue of Viagra on NHS prescription, with particular reference to the general practitioner's discretion. [86301]

  Mr. Denham
  Subject to Parliamentary approval, from 1 July changes will be incorporated in schedule 11 of the National Health Service (General Medical Services) Regulations 1992 which will specify those categories of patients for whom general practitioners may prescribe drug treatments for impotence, including Viagra, on the NHS.

  Asthma
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what data his Department collects on childhood asthma; and if he will set out the figures for the last 10 years. [86407]

  Mr. Hutton
  There are no comprehensive data on the number of children with asthma. The Department's Central Health Monitoring Unit brought together a broad range of the best statistics on asthma in "Asthma: An Epidemiological Overview" (1995), copies of which are available in the Library. This report quotes an estimate, on the basis of all the information available, that"the prevalence of asthma sufficiently severe to require regular medical supervision is from 4–6 per cent. in children".

  The Department routinely collects data on hospital in-patient care for asthma. The numbers (in thousands) of hospital in-patient cases (ie finished consultant episodes—ordinary admissions and day cases) in which asthma was the main diagnosis (ICD 10 codes J45 and J46 from 1995–96; ICD 9 code 493 before that) in England for the last ten years for which figures are available, among children aged 0 to 4 years and 5 to 14 years, are given in the table:

  Age group

  0–4

  5—14

  1988–89

  38.8

  23.0

  1989–90

  32.7

  18.8

  1990–91

  32.3

  16.7

  1991–92

  32.1

  18.5

  1992–93

  31.9

  16.2

  1993–94

  32.5

  17.5

  1994–95

  28.6

  14.8

  1995–96

  28.7

  15.2

  1996–97

  25.7

  12.0

  1997–98

  20.4

  12.5

  Notes

  1. Figures for 1995–96 and earlier years are grossed for both coverage and unknown/invalid clinical data; 1996–97 and 1997-98 figures are provisional and ungrossed (no adjustments have yet been made for shortfalls in data).

  2. A finished consultant episode (FCE) is defined as a period of patient care under the care of an individual consultant within one health care provider. FCE figures do not represent the number of patients as a person may have more than one episode of care during the year.

  Source

  Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES), Department of Health

  The Department also commissions the annual Health Survey for England, copies of the reports of which are also available in the Library. The surveys for 1995, 1996 and 1997 included questions on asthma. According to the
  418
  report of the 1997 Survey, 23 per cent. of boys and 18 per cent. of girls aged 2 to 15 years had been diagnosed at some time in the past as suffering from asthma.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has carried out on asthma in young children; and what plans he has for further research. [86406]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Medical Research Council are jointly funding a major research initiative on the relationship between air pollution and respiratory disease. The National Asthma Campaign is managing, on behalf of the National Health Service Executive, the NHS National research and development programme on asthma management. Many of the research projects commissioned under these initiatives will be pertinent to asthma in children.

  The Medical Research Council which receives most of its income via grant-in-aid from the Office of Science and Technology in the Department of Trade and Industry also spends about £2 million a year on research into prevention and treatment of asthma and related areas.

  Medical Equipment (Registration)
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to require health authorities which produce or modify medical equipment to obtain a CE Mark registration before the equipment is issued. [86677]

  Ms Jowell
  Any health authority which places medical devices on the market must comply with the requirements of the Medical Devices Regulations and CE mark their product accordingly.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which companies or Government organisations his Department has exempted from the requirement to obtain CE Marks for medical equipment. [86676]

  Ms Jowell
  None. All manufacturers or other organisations who place medical devices on the United Kingdom market must go through the appropriate conformity assessment procedure detailed in the Medical Devices Regulations and CE mark their products accordingly. Health care establishments who make a device for their own use in-house are not regarded as having placed a product on the market.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to make the list of medical equipment which has obtained a CE Mark available for public inspection. [86674]

  Ms Jowell
  As required by the Medical Devices Regulations, the Medical Devices Agency maintains a register only of manufacturers of low risk and custom-made devices and assemblers who have a place of business in the United Kingdom. Article 20 of the Medical Devices Directive prevents data on this register being made publicly available.
  419
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department has issued to health authorities about the need to obtain CE Marks for medical equipment. [86675]

  Ms Jowell
  In January 1998 the National Health Service Executive issued an Executive Letter (EL(98)5) to all health authorities reminding them of their responsibilities under the Medical Devices Regulations. In addition the Medical Devices Agency has produced a Guide for Health Care Professionals on the CE marking of Medical Devices together with a leaflet on the CE mark plus a Bulletin on the application of the Regulations on the activities of health care establishments. Copies of these documents are available in the Library.

  Water Fluoridation
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many water authorities fluoridate their water; what guidance he gives to water authorities on this practice; what plans he has to change the law regarding water fluoridation; and if he will make a statement.[86411]

  Mr. Denham
  In England six Water Undertakers provide fluoridated water to some of the populations they serve–Northumbria, North West, Severn Trent, South Staffordshire, Anglian and Thames.

  Under the Water Industry Act 1991 health authorities are required to consult:
  the appropriate local authorities
  the community health councils
  and any other local bodies the HA considers appropriate.

  In addition the HA must publicise its proposals for water fluoridation through the local press and invite public comment. It is important to ensure that the publicity covers all parts of the area to be fluoridated, and reaches as many people as possible. The HA must allow a period of at least three months for this consultation process before it makes its final decision. Once it has completed consultation and formally adopted a policy in favour of water fluoridation, the HA must then in writing request the water company to implement the scheme.

  The Government will make a policy statement on fluoridation in the Public Health White Paper, which will be published shortly.

  Beta Interferon
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence will report to him on the use of beta interferon; and if he will make a statement. [86483]

  Mr. Denham
  The initial work programme and, therefore, the timing of guidance on any specific procedure for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence has not been finally determined, although it is likely that beta interferon will be referred to NICE.

  Homeopathy
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps are being taken to recognise at 420
  consultant level those practitioners with extensive experience in homeopathic medicine gained before 1 January 1997; [86326]

  (2) what provision there is for the training of orthodox physicians in their conventional path of accreditation in homeopathy and complementary medicine; [86329]

  (3) if homeopathic medicine is recognised as a specialty in the United Kingdom. [86327]

  Mr. Denham
  There is currently no statutory training path for doctors in homeopathy in the United Kingdom, although consultants in homeopathy have been appointed in the National Health Service. Since 1 January 1997 it has been a requirement to be on the General Medical Council's Specialist Register in order to be eligible for appointment as a substantive NHS consultant. Doctors holding substantive NHS consultant appointments in homeopathy before 31 December 1998 were able to apply for inclusion in the Register under transitional provisions in the European Specialist Medical Qualifications Order 1995 (as amended). New consultants in homeopathy would ordinarily expect to be trained in another medical specialty recognised for the purposes of specialist registration, as well as in the non-statutory requirements for homeopathy.

  The requirements for specialist medical education are governed by European Directive 93/16/EEC. The practice of homeopathy varies greatly across the European Economic Area, and there is no provision within the Directive to recognise homeopathy for the purposes of medical training. The Faculty of Homeopathy has previously indicated its intention to develop a nationally recognised training programme in homeopathy. In order to do so, the Faculty would need to satisfy the Specialist Training Authority of the Medical Royal Colleges (STA) that the training programme met the requirements of Directive 93/16/EEC. It would then be for the STA to apply to the Secretary of State for Health for inclusion of the specialty in the European Specialist Medical Qualifications Order 1995 (as amended).

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to reply to the letters dated 19 March, 23 March and 22 April from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. H. Eljack, 5 Oundle Close. [86409]

  Mr. Straw
  I wrote to my right hon. Friend, on 10 June 1999.
  Mr. Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 27 April, ref. 7518/99. [86400]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I am sorry that my hon. Friend has not yet received a reply to his letter of 27 April. I will be replying shortly setting out the full background to this case.

  Ford Open Prison
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are used to decide which prisoners should serve their sentence in Ford Open Prison. [86711]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Ford prison is an open prison and accepts adult male category D prisoners. The current arrangements for the categorisation and allocation of adult male prisoners are set out in chapter 7 of Prison Service Order 2200, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Allocation criteria for individual establishments are agreed between the area manager and the governor of the prison. They vary according to local circumstances. The criteria for acceptance at Ford prison are listed as follows:
  There is no maximum sentence length, but prisoners must be within three years of their parole eligibility date;
  prisoners serving a sentence for a sex offence or an offence of arson will not be accepted;
  prisoners serving sentences for violent offences will be accepted only on progressive moves from closed establishments, and where their conduct during their sentence has indicated their suitability;
  prisoners should have no history of escape or abscond, and no failure on temporary release in the previous three years; and
  prisoners will not be accepted if they require full time medical care. They should be fit for most forms of work.

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact that advertisements implying a pleasure for women in male roughness have on his efforts to avert domestic violence; and if he will make a statement. [86477]

  Mr. Boateng
  No such assessment has been made but nobody should believe that violence against women is either acceptable or enjoyed by the victims. There can be no excuse for such conduct. It is so serious because it is so often committed in what should be the "safety" of the victim's home, even in front of children, by a partner to whom the victim should be able to look for support and protection.

  The "Break the Chain" campaign launched this year made clear the Government's determination to tackle domestic violence. The leaflet has been so much in demand that we are having to reprint it as a matter of urgency.

  Senator Pinochet
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 9 February 1999,Official Report, column 144, to the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan), what was the role of the fourth officer at the arrest of Senator Pinochet. [86752]

  Mr. Straw
  As indicated in the my reply of 9 February 1999 to the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan),Official Report, column 144, only two officers were present. They were the head of the Metropolitan Police Extradition Squad and another member of the Squad.

  999 Calls
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many 999 calls were received in each of the last three years by(a) police forces and (b) the Metropolitan Police; and if he will make a statement. [86653]

  Mr. Boateng
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) on 19 March 1999,Official Report, columns 824–26.

  Targeted Policing Bids
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those areas which(a) have successfully bid for additional funding for the targeted policing initiative, and how much has been allocated in each case and (b) submitted unsuccessful bids; and if he will make a statement. [86124]

  Mr. Boateng
  Of the £250 million three year Crime Reduction Programme which we announced on 21 July 1998, £32 million has been earmarked for the targeted policing initiative. The aim of this initiative is to help police forces, in collaboration with local crime and disorder partnerships, to improve the way in which they tackle crime. Rather than only responding to crime and dealing with its immediate consequences, the challenge is to reduce it by analysing the real crime problem and tackling its underlying causes. To this end we will be funding some 20 developmental projects over the next three years with an emphasis on developing and testing our new, effective and cost effective targeted policing tactics.

  On 11 November last year, we wrote to all chief constables in England and Wales, copied to police authorities and local authority Chief Executives, inviting them to submit proposals under the first of two competitions in the targeted policing initiative. A total of 32 police forces submitted 73 outline proposals for funding a range of targeted policing initiatives in their areas. The bids contained a good mix of problems to be tackled and possible approaches to tackling them.

  The proposals were assessed against the published criteria by a specially convened panel comprising representatives from the Home Office, the Association of Chief Police Officers, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Local Government Association. The panel identified 11 proposals (table 1) as strong contenders for further development and which are currently undergoing validation and development with the help of independent consultants appointed by the Home Office. The development of the proposals is due to be completed shortly and I expect to be able to announce the final results by the end of June.

  The shortlisted proposals have an estimated bid cost to the crime reduction programme of £5.2 million, however the final allocation of funding will not be known until the development work is completed.

  The 62 bids not selected for further development at this stage are shown in table 2. Of these, four have been designated by the assessment panel as reserve projects in case any of the 11 projects are not selected.
  423

  Table 1: Crime reduction programme–Targeted policing initiative–Phase 1 Recommended Projects

  £000

  Partners:

  Police

  Region

  Topic

  Bid from CRP

  Resources levered in

  1 Rhondda Cynon Raff CBC

  South Wales

  Wales

  Partnership strategy to reduce crime and disorder problems associated with childrens homes

  500

  575

  2 Cardiff CC/Bro Taf Health Authority

  South Wales

  Wales

  Reduction of street violence within the City of Cardiff

  498

  305

  3 Kingston-upon-Hull CC

  Humberside

  York

  Reduction of anti-social behaviour and low level criminal behaviour

  406

  361

  4 Calderdale MBC and Community safety Partnership

  West Yorkshire

  York

  Reduction of Vehicle Crime

  138

  475

  5 Stoke-on-Trent UA/Community safety Partnership

  Staffordshire

  W Mid

  Reduction of acquisitive crime

  412

  645

  6 Islington/Camden/Southwark

  Metropolitan

  London

  Reducing youth disorder and auto crime in the boroughs

  542

  967

  7 Greenwich/Merton/Tower Hamlets/Hoimslow

  Metropolitan

  London

  Reduction on racially motivated crime

  1,002

  8,000

  8 Hackney

  Metropolitan

  London

  Reducing 'hot spots' in the borough generated by luse of crackk cocaine

  760

  1,380

  9 Tyndale Dc and Parish Councils

  Northumbria

  NE

  Tackling crime and disorder in rural locations

  40

  240

  10 Medway Council

  Kent

  SE

  Reduction of acquisitive crime by disruption of market

  450

  50

  11 Stockport MDC

  GMP

  NW

  Reduction of acquisitive crime by disruption of marketing using Crackdown Consolidation Cycle technique

  445

  447

  5,193

  13,445

  table 2: Crime reduction programme—Targeted policing initiative—Phase 1 Reserve projects

  £000

  Partners:

  Police

  Region

  Topic

  Bid from CRP

  Resources levered in

  Reading BC

  Thames Valley

  SE

  Youth crime, disorder, and educational disruption in South Reading

  544

  0

  Wide range of linked agencies

  Dyfed-Powys

  Welsh

  Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras to target police resources against travelling criminals and drug dealers

  789

  736

  Luton BC/Safer Luton Partnership

  Bedfordshire

  East

  Reduction of vehicle crime and associated issues

  469

  1,272

  Leeds CC and Community Safety Partnership

  West Yorkshire

  York

  Multi Agency approach to areas of high victimisation

  570

  726

  2,372

  2,734

  Table 2: Crime reduction programme–Targeted policing initiative–Phase 1 Non-selected proposals

  Partners

  Police

  Area

  Region

  British CC and Chamber of Commerce

  Avon and Somerset

  Bristol N, S and Central

  SW

  British City Council

  Avon and Somerset

  Bristol N, S and Central

  SW

  Luton BC

  Bedfordshire

  Luton

  East

  Warrington BC and others

  Cheshire

  Warrington

  NW

  Redcar/Cleveland

  Cleveland

  Cleveland Police force

  NE

  Cumbria CC and local

  Cumbria

  Cumbrian Police force area

  NW

  Derby CC/Other local

  Derbyshire

  Derby Division

  E Mid

  Devon CC Cornwall CC

  Devon and Cornwall

  Devon/Cornwall Police

  SW

  Poole Borough and County

  Dorset

  Poole

  SW

  DCs of Wear Valley

  Durham

  Wear and Tees Division

  NE

  424 425

  Table 2: Crime reduction programme—Targeted policing initiative—Phase 1 Non-selected proposals

  Partners

  Police

  Area

  Region

  DCs of Durham

  Durham

  Durham Police force area NE

  Force Area Agencies Dyfed-Powys

  Force Area

  Wales

  Manchester CC

  Greater Manchester

  N and s Manchester

  NW

  portsmouth City Council

  Hampshire

  Portsmouth South

  SE

  St. Albans CC/Herts CC

  Hertfordshire

  St. Albans

  East

  Herts CC Herts Probation

  Hertfordshire

  Hertfordshire Police force

  East

  S. Humber

  Humberside

  Scunthorpe

  East

  NE Lincolnshire Council

  Humberside

  Grimsby, Cleethorpes

  York

  Kingston-upon-Hull CC

  Humberside

  Kingston-upon-Hull

  York

  Kent CC/Youth Service

  Kent

  West Kent SE

  Kent CC/Thanet Dc

  Kent

  Thanet

  SE

  Kent CC/Canterbury

  Kent

  Canterbury

  SE

  Thanet DC/Canterbury

  Kent

  Canterbury/Thanet

  SE

  Blackburn BC

  Lancashire

  Blackburn with Darwen

  NW

  Blackpool BC

  Lancashire

  Blackpool Town Centre

  NW

  Lancaster CC/Lancashire

  Lancashire

  Lancaster

  Nw

  Lancashire CC/other

  Lancashire

  Pennine Police Division

  NW

  Leicester City Council

  Leicestershire

  Areas of Leicester

  E Mid

  Liverpool City Council

  Merseyside

  Liverpool

  NW

  St. Helens

  Merseyside

  St.Helens

  NW

  St. Helens

  Merseyside

  St.Helens

  NW

  Lewisham/Redbridge

  Metropolitan

  LBs of Lewisham

  London

  York CC and Uni; safer

  North Yorkshire

  City of York

  York

  York Cc LEA; Safer

  North Yorkshire

  City of York

  York

  Sunderland City Council

  Northumbria

  Sunderland City

  NE

  N Tyneside Council

  Northumbria

  North Tyneside

  NE

  Gateshead MBC

  Northumbria

  Gateshead West

  NW

  S Tyneside Community

  Northumbria

  South Tyneside Area

  NE

  Gateshead MBC

  Northumbria

  Gateshead East

  NE

  Notts CC and local

  Nottinghamshire

  Nottinghamshire Police

  E Mid

  Local Country and Borough

  South wales

  S Wales Police force area

  Welsh

  Barnsley MBC/Chamber

  South Yorkshire

  S Yorkshie Police force

  York

  Rotherham MBC, Youth

  South Yorkshire

  Rotherham East and West

  York

  E staffs BC, Prob Ser

  Staffordshire

  Burton upon Trent

  W Mid

  Surrey CC/Surrey Health

  Surrey

  Guildfor/Waverley/East

  SE

  Various Sussex

  Sussex

  Eastbourne

  SE

  Reading BC

  Thames Valley

  Reading

  SE

  Aylesbury DC/Bucks CC

  Thames Valley

  Aylesbury

  SE

  ycombe/chiltern

  Thames Valley

  Chiltern Vale

  SE

  W Berkshire Council

  Thames Valley

  Newbury

  SE

  Slough Bc

  Thames Valley

  Slough

  SE

  Members of local

  Warwickshire

  Warwickshire Police force

  W Mid

  Stratford-upon-Avon

  Warwickshire

  Stratford-upon-Avon

  W Mid

  Nuneaton BC/N

  Warwickshire

  Northern Area Command

  W Mid

  Warwick District Safety

  Warwickshire

  N and S Warwick

  W Mid

  Wychavon/Worcester

  West Mercia

  Worcester

  WM

  Birmingham City Council

  West Midlands

  Birmingham

  W Mid

  Sandwell MBC/Safer

  West Midlands

  Sandwell

  WM

  Birmingham LA,LEA

  West Midlands

  SW Birmingham

  W Mid

  Leeds City Council

  West Yorkshire

  Leeds

  york

  City of Bradford MDC

  West Yorkshire

  Bradford City Centre

  York

  Kirklees MC

  West Yorkshire

  Huddersfield/Dewsbury

  York

  Defendants
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many, and what percentage of, criminal prosecutions were completed in(a) magistrates' courts, and (b) higher courts, in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [86122]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database is given in the table.
  426

  Number and percentage1 of defendants proceeded against for all offences where case was completed by type of court, England and Wales, 1993–97

  Thousand and percentage

  Year

  Defendants where proceeding completed in magistrats' court2

  Defendants tried in the Crown Court

  1993

  Number

  1,870.3

  83.1

  Percentage

  96

  4

  427

  Number and percentage1 of defendants proceeded against for all offences where case was completed by type of court, England and Wales, 1993–97

  Thousand and percentage

  year

  Defendants where proceeding completed in magistrate' courts2

  Defendants tried in the Crown Court

  1994

  Number

  1,858.5

  85.9

  Percentage

  96

  4

  1995

  Number

  1,757.3

  89.0

  Percentage

  95

  5

  1996

  Number

  1,838.2

  85.9

  Percentage

  96

  4

  1997

  Number

  1,76.7

  91.3

  Percentage

  95

  5

  1Rates as a proportion of those cases completed at both magistrates' courts and the Crown Court.

  2 Excluding defendants committed for trial.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many indictable offences have been dealt with by either magistrates courts or the Crown Court serving(a) Croydon, (b) Gloucester and (c) Liverpool since 30 September 1998. [85763]

  Number of persons convicted of offences involving the supply or possession of drugs at (a) Liverpool, (b) Croydon and (c) Gloucester magistrates' courts and Crown Court Centres by type of offence, October-December 19981, January-March 19991

  Court

  Period

  Possession of a controlled drug

  Supply of a controlled drug

  Possession with intent to supply a controlled drug

  Magistrates' courts

  (a) Liverpool

  October-December 1998

  240

  18

  27

  (b) Croydon

  October-December 1998

  78

  2

  8

  (c) Gloucester

  October-December 1998

  28

  1

  2

  Crown Court

  (a) Liverpool

  October-December 1998

  22

  26

  28

  January-March 1999

  18

  44

  28

  (b) Croydon

  October-December 1998

  5

  6

  15

  January-March 1999

  5

  12

  18

  (c) Gloucester

  October-December 1998

  —

  —

  4

  January-March 1999

  2

  1

  2

  1Provisional

  DNA Samples
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many DNA samples have been taken of people(a) charged and (b) cautioned, in each police area and in total in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [86125]

  Mr. Boateng
  The annual totals (Table A) are based upon the information submitted with each DNA sample sent by individual police forces to the Forensic Science Service. The information shows whether someone has been "cautioned" or "not cautioned". The term "not cautioned" can mean the individual has been suspected,
  428
  Mr. Boateng
  Information taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database is given in the table.

  Mr. Boateng
  Information taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database is given in the table.

  Table A: Number of defendants proceeded against for indictable offences at Croydon, Gloucester and Liverpool magistrates, courts, October-December 19981

  Magistrates' courts

  Number proceeded against

  (a) Croydon

  728

  (b) Gloucester

  413

  (c) Liverpool

  1,912

  Table B: Number of defendants tried for indictable offences at Croydon, Gloucester and Liverpool Crown Court Centres, October-December 19981, January-March 19991

  Crown Court Centres

  Period

  Total tried

  (a) Croydon

  October-December 1998

  315

  January-March 1999

  309

  (b) Gloucester

  October-December 1998

  78

  January-March 1999

  92

  (c)

  Liverpool

  October-December 1998

  831

  January-March 1999

  783

  1Provisional

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offenders have been convicted of offences involving the supply or possession of drugs in either the magistrates court or the relevant Crown Court serving(a) Liverpool, (b) Croydon and (c) Gloucester since 30 September 1998. [85768]

  convicted, charged or informed that he will be reported for a recordable offence. It is, therefore, not possible to provide precise figures for (a).

  The cumulative totals for the past five years (Table B) are based upon the number of samples received by the Forensic Science Service from each force. As neither individual forces nor the Association of Chief Police Officers retain information about the number of samples actually taken, the information in the table is the most reliable indicator available of the number taken and submitted to the Forensic Science Service for analysis. The cumulative totals in (Table B) cover the period to March 1999 only and therefore, differ slightly from those in (Table A) which include additional months.
  429

  Table A: Samples submitted annually by police forces—1995 to 1999

  Samples per year

  First columns relates to 'cautioned', second to 'not cautioned'

  Force

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  Avon and Somerset

  22

  1,728

  83

  1,957

  409

  3,587

  679

  5,500

  323

  2,536

  Bedfordshire

  3

  1,042

  24

  912

  124

  1,116

  0

  11

  2

  0

  Cambridgeshire

  12

  1,540

  30

  1,890

  163

  1,895

  314

  1,873

  111

  1,604

  Cheshire

  5

  955

  54

  2,986

  196

  2,735

  195

  1,570

  1

  0

  Cleveland

  61

  1,929

  75

  1,757

  123

  1,664

  181

  1,093

  37

  449

  Cumbria

  2

  415

  19

  790

  76

  1,250

  218

  2,208

  60

  719

  Derbyshire

  11

  4,240

  24

  3,824

  390

  3,681

  498

  4,131

  195

  1,482

  Devon and Cornwall

  73

  2,676

  41

  3,125

  636

  3,442

  608

  3,667

  322

  1,676

  Dorset

  0

  671

  9

  724

  23

  795

  30

  831

  14

  265

  Durham

  13

  1,232

  13

  1,110

  224

  2,495

  646

  3,259

  11

  177

  Dyfed-Powys

  41

  1,860

  9

  2,407

  168

  2,604

  409

  2,190

  114

  819

  Essex

  8

  2,461

  20

  2,265

  565

  3,946

  758

  4,053

  279

  1,452

  Gloucestershire

  1

  885

  1

  861

  50

  1,024

  210

  1,484

  113

  542

  GMP

  58

  2,179

  335

  8,303

  712

  7,701

  293

  1,727

  0

  7

  Gwent

  4

  1,819

  8

  2,321

  116

  2,528

  368

  1,886

  140

  715

  Hampshire

  4

  2,837

  8

  3,454

  122

  4,320

  355

  4,155

  157

  1,426

  Hertfordshire

  42

  1,121

  73

  1,128

  52

  1,227

  85

  1,252

  27

  429

  Humberside

  7

  1,262

  310

  6,237

  1,919

  8,313

  2,230

  5,466

  716

  1,828

  Kent

  12

  2,363

  95

  3,161

  351

  2,807

  1

  12

  0

  3

  Lancashire

  100

  3,256

  242

  5,289

  366

  4,462

  195

  2,069

  1

  6

  Leicestershire

  3

  1,818

  19

  2,359

  70

  2,417

  184

  2,701

  140

  1,101

  Lincolnshire

  0

  418

  6

  1,404

  23

  1,583

  44

  1,464

  29

  456

  Metropolitan

  80

  15,796

  133

  16,387

  1,070

  19,456

  5,952

  29,152

  2,520

  11,809

  City of London

  297

  1,467

  400

  1,647

  710

  1,437

  633

  1,280

  232

  505

  Mersey

  1

  2,959

  59

  4,324

  109

  2,411

  446

  5,624

  164

  2,153

  Norfolk

  15

  1,010

  59

  3,504

  475

  4,081

  1,069

  3,791

  511

  1,604

  Northamptonshire

  1

  1,627

  0

  1,776

  170

  2,689

  269

  2,558

  117

  748

  Northumbria

  2

  3,321

  143

  5,701

  223

  3,361

  338

  3,533

  135

  1,469

  North Wales

  8

  1,751

  1

  1,936

  110

  1,979

  509

  2,484

  197

  989

  North Yorkshire

  29

  1,335

  16

  1,535

  50

  1,674

  112

  1,539

  31

  643

  Nottinghamshire

  3

  399

  18

  1,423

  268

  3,976

  25

  367

  0

  5

  South Wales

  9

  5,988

  238

  8,222

  769

  6,927

  130

  1,538

  17

  191

  South Yorkshire

  4

  2,841

  11

  2,894

  374

  5,833

  2,582

  9,440

  194

  1,177

  Staffordshire

  0

  1,196

  2

  1,048

  71

  1,868

  1,091

  7,484

  512

  3,294

  Suffolk

  2

  20

  43

  966

  181

  1,657

  67

  495

  0

  2

  Surrey

  4

  556

  2

  674

  68

  1,783

  76

  1,379

  12

  279

  Sussex

  14

  2,613

  29

  2,644

  93

  1,898

  93

  1,119

  84

  689

  Thames Valley

  18

  2,758

  52

  3,045

  81

  2,467

  197

  2,106

  272

  1,428

  Warwickshire

  0

  431

  0

  488

  71

  849

  130

  1,043

  42

  352

  West Mercia

  25

  2,313

  23

  1,907

  82

  1,807

  194

  1,849

  110

  855

  West Midlands

  36

  2,760

  770

  7,258

  1,208

  10,266

  2,746

  13,155

  1,333

  5,242

  West Yorkshire

  66

  5,662

  188

  7,389

  782

  8,534

  1,286

  9,191

  363

  3,143

  Wiltshire

  1

  1,271

  4

  1,145

  17

  1,401

  27

  786

  0

  1

  Table B: Cumulative figures by police force—April 1995 to March 1999

  Force

  Number of samples received

  Avon and Somerset

  15,854

  Bedfordshire

  3,279

  Cambridgeshire

  8,179

  Cheshire

  8,789

  Cleveland

  7,079

  Cumbria

  5,382

  Derbyshire

  17,842

  Devon and Cornwall

  15,563

  Dorset

  3,254

  Durham

  9,195

  Dyfed-Powys

  10,361

  Essex

  14,986

  Gloucestershire

  4,855

  GMP

  21,360

  Gwent

  9,657

  Hampshire

  16,298

  Hertfordshire

  5,264

  Humberside

  27,289

  Kent

  8,967

  Lancashrie

  15,997

  Leicestershire

  10,372

  Lincolnshire

  5,252

  430

  Table B: Cumulative figures by police force—April 1995 to March 1999

  Force

  Number of samples received

  Metropolitan

  96,88

  City of London

  8,334

  Mersey

  17,320

  Norfolk

  15,432

  Northampshire

  9,670

  Northumbria

  17,660

  North Wales

  9,446

  North Yorks

  6,753

  Nottinghamshire

  6,652

  South Wales

  24,153

  South Yorkshire

  25,392

  Staffordshire

  14,731

  Suffolk

  3,438

  Surrey

  4,729

  Sussex

  9,034

  Thames Valley

  11,743

  Warwickshire

  3,249

  West Mercia

  8,788

  West Midlands

  41,970

  West Yorkshire

  35,241

  Wiltshire

  4,662

  431

  Police Vehicles
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the need for and use of rapid response by police vehicles. [86200]

  Mr. Boateng
  No research on this precise subject has been commissioned. The only recent research in this area of police work was conducted by the Home Office Police Research Group who published in 1997 the results of a study of deaths and serious injuries resulting from police vehicle accidents. It found that three police activities accounted for 88 per cent. of fatal accidents—45 per cent. were during pursuit/follow situations; 23 per cent. arose during responses to emergency calls and 20 per cent. were routine patrol cases. This research was used by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in its recent report and recommendations on police pursuit training.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the average response times of police cars to emergency calls in the last year for which figures are available. [86201]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested is not available centrally, but in 1997–98, in England and Wales, 88 per cent. of police immediate responses to incidents were within the targets set by forces.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the rules governing blue light police car responses. [86202]

  Mr. Boateng
  This is an operational matter for chief officers of police. There is a nationally agreed Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Pursuit Code of Practice and work is going forward to implement recommendations from the recent ACPO report on police pursuit driver training. One of the recommendations in the ACPO report is that all police vehicles that engage in pursuits and emergency response should be equipped with both sirens and emergency blue lights. Such equipment should be used in all but exceptional circumstances. It is already policy to consider continuously the consequences of a pursuit and whether to break it off.

  National Identification Service
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the current applications process for police checks in the National Identification Service; and if he will make a statement. [86199]

  Kate Hoey
  The Metropolitan Police Service's Character Enquiries section, which is based in the National Identification Service, carries out pre-employment vetting checks in accordance with administrative arrangements agreed between the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). New arrangements for criminal record checks, which will address the limitations of the current system, were included in Part V of the Police Act 1997. The various checks provided for in the Act will be undertaken by the new Criminal Records Bureau which is in the process of being established.
  432

  Nottingham Prison
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 25 May 1999,Official Report, column 80, what factors underlay his decision to select Nottingham Prison for the location of accommodation for offenders previously convicted of offences against children; and what other prisons were considered. [85906]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]A wide range of factors were taken into account when considering the suitability of Her Majesty's Prison Nottingham for housing offenders and ex-offenders, including the need to ensure easy access to high quality local services such as the regular presence of experienced Probation and Social Services staff and a police force which is able to respond quickly and effectively. Such services are most easily available in towns and cities.

  In considering which prison would be appropriate, options across the prison estate were taken into account.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has further to publicise the decision to accommodate offenders previously convicted of offences involving children in Nottingham Prison. [86103]

  Mr. Boateng
  Consultation with the relevant local agencies and interested people continues. My right hon. and noble Friend Lord Williams will be meeting representatives from Nottingham on Monday 14 June 1999.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations(a) he has carried out and (b) he proposes to carry out concerning his plan to accommodate offenders previously convicted of offences involving children in Nottingham Prison. [86104]

  Mr. Boateng
  The responsibility for managing the risk that ex-offenders present lies with local agencies. The plans in respect of Nottingham prison have been discussed with local Members of Parliament and they will be kept informed of progress. My right hon. and noble Friend Lord Williams will be meeting representatives from Nottingham on Monday 14 June 1999.

  Behaviour Orders
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has issued to local authorities on what constitutes anti-social behaviour under the behaviour orders under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998; how he will monitor the(a) use and (b) effectiveness of (i) behaviour orders, (ii) curfews and (iii) parenting orders; and what action he will take to encourage the use of such orders by (1) the police and (2) local authorities. [85671]

  Mr. Boateng
  We published comprehensive guidance on the use of anti-social behaviour orders earlier this year "Crime and Disorder Act 1998: Anti-Social Behaviour Orders—Guidance". This included guidance on the types of case in which such orders might be considered. A review of the use and effectiveness of anti-social behaviour orders is planned during the first two years of their availability.
  433
  The local child curfew scheme will help address the problems of unsupervised children who are out on the streets late at night, and who may be involved in anti-social behaviour.

  We intend to carry out a monitoring exercise of the local child curfew scheme to assess how the practical arrangements work in those areas which decide to operate such a scheme. This will help identify good practice, particularly in the area of multi-agency working, which will be required for the enforcement arrangements.

  The parenting order is the subject of an 18-month pilot scheme, which began on 30 September 1993. This involves monitoring and evaluating the use made of the order. The results of the pilot project will inform the process of national implementation and help to identify good practice which can be reflected in guidance and national standards.

  The decision to apply for anti-social behaviour orders or local child curfew schemes is one which must be taken by the police or local authority as appropriate, but we shall continue to encourage their use whenever the

  Applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom and decisions1, excluding dependents, by gender2 1991 to 1998

  Year of application

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Applications received

  Total

  44,840

  24,605

  22,370

  32,830

  43,965

  29,640

  32,500

  46,015

  Of which:

  Male (percentage)

  80

  70

  67

  69

  71

  71

  75

  78

  Female (percentage)

  20

  30

  33

  31

  29

  29

  25

  22

  Decisions in year3,4

  Recognised as a refugee and granted asylum

  Year of decision

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Total

  505

  1,115

  1,590

  825

  1,295

  2,240

  3,985

  5,345

  Of which:

  Male (percentage)

  71

  82

  80

  78

  72

  68

  73

  70

  Female (percentage)

  29

  18

  20

  22

  28

  32

  27

  30

  Not recognised as a refugee but granted exceptional leave

  Total

  2,190

  15,325

  11,125

  3,660

  4,410

  5,055

  3,115

  3,910

  Of Which:

  Male(Percentage)

  81

  76

  71

  57

  59

  60

  68

  78

  Female(Percentage)19

  24

  29

  43

  41

  40

  32

  22

  Refused asylum and exceptional leave

  Total

  3,380

  18,465

  10,690

  16,500

  21,300

  31,670

  28,945

  22,315

  Of Which:

  Male(Percentage)

  84

  84

  81

  75

  76

  75

  73

  76

  Female(Percentage)

  16

  16

  19

  25

  24

  25

  27

  24

  1 Numbers rounded to the nearest 5 and percentages to the nearest 1 per cent.

  2Estimates based on records for which this information is held centrally.

  3Decisions may not relate to applications made in the same period.

  4Information is of initial determination decisions, excluding the outcome of appeals or other subsequent decisions.

  Search and Detention Powers
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what powers officers at the frontier of the common travel area of the United Kingdom and Ireland are entitled to(a) question, (b) examine the
  434
  opportunity to do so arises. Parenting orders are available to the courts and do not depend upon any application being made by either the police or the local authority.

  CCTV
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received relating to the reliability of CCTV cameras in providing evidence in speeding cases. [86027]

  Mr. Boateng
  We have received no representations on this subject. No Closed Circuit Television systems have been granted type approval for police to use in the enforcement of speed limits.

  Asylum Seekers
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many people who were(a) recognised as refugees, (b) granted exceptional leave and (c) refused asylum, in each year from 1991, were (i) female and (ii) male; [86121]

  (2) how many asylum applicants in each year from 1991 were (a) female and (b) male. [86120]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The information requested is given in the table.

  belongings of, (c) search the person of and (d) detain a citizen of the European Union or European Economic Area or their accompanying relatives. [86229]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  European Economic Area (EEA) nationals are normally admitted to the United Kingdom on production of a valid passport or identity card as
  435
  evidence of nationality and identity, in accordance with Article 3(1) of the Immigration (European Economic Area) Order 1994 and subject to Article 15(1) of the Order. Under Article 3(3) of the Immigration (European Economic Area) Order 1994, a family member of an EEA national who is not himself an EEA national may in addition be required to hold an EEA family permit issued abroad.

  Powers for immigration officers to question passengers arriving in the United Kingdom, whether they are citizens of the European Union, or European Economic Area, or their accompanying (third country) relatives, are contained in paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the Immigration Act 1971. Schedule 2 applies to the examination of European Economic Area (EEA) nationals in accordance with Article 20(2)(e) of the Immigration (European Economic Area) Order 1994. Under paragraph 4(3) of Schedule 2 to the Immigration Act 1971, a person who is examined under paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the Immigration Act 1971 may be searched, and his belongings examined, and that person may be detained under paragraph 16 of Schedule 2 of the Immigration Act 1971.

  The operation of immigration controls in the Republic of Ireland is a matter for the Irish authorities.

  EU (Corruption)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when a draft of the Convention on the Fight Against Corruption involving officials of the European Communities or officials of member states of the European Union, (Cm 4266) published in April was first published; and what scrutiny of it is planned to be conducted in either House of Parliament.[86234]

  Kate Hoey
  The Council of the European Union adopted the Convention on the Fight against Corruption Involving Officials of the European Communities or Officials of Member States of the European Union on 26 May 1997. It was first published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 25 June 1997.

  Prior to its adoption by the Council, the Convention had been considered in draft and cleared from scrutiny by the House of Lords European Communities Committee.

  The Government published the Convention on 16 April 1999 with an Explanatory Memorandum, as a Command Paper in the European Communities Series, and laid it for 21 sitting days in both Houses in accordance with the Ponsonby rule. Arrangements are under way for the United Kingdom to ratify the Convention by September. We expect to be among the first Member States to do so.

  European Communities Financial Interests
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list in respect of the Convention on the Protection of the European Communities Financial Interests and subsequent protocols (i) the dates of promulgation and signature, (ii) the dates of draft and final publication in the United Kingdom, (iii) any relevant parliamentary proceedings and (iv) the dates of coming into force; [85679]
  436
  (2) what plans he has to amend the criminal law and procedures in respect of the Convention on the Protection of the European Communities' Financial Interests relating to international criminal fraud, and its protocols. [85680]

  Kate Hoey
  The Council of the European Union adopted and signed the Convention on the Protection of the European Communities' Financial Interests (the Fraud Convention) on 26 July 1995. The three protocols were adopted and signed on 27 September 1996, 29 November 1996 and 19 June 1997.

  The Government published the Convention and its protocols on 16 May 1999 as Command Papers in the European Communities Series, and laid them for 21 sitting days in both Houses in accordance with the Ponsonby rule.

  Prior to adoption the Convention and its protocols had been submitted for, and cleared from, parliamentary scrutiny.

  The Convention will enter into force 90 days after the Secretary-General of the Council receives notice that it has been ratified by the last Member State of the European Union. The same rule applies to each of the protocols, except that they cannot enter into force before the Convention.

  Following the recent commencement of Part I of the Criminal Justice Act 1993, which was brought into force on 1 June 1999, and of equivalent provisions of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, which were brought into force on the same date, no further changes to criminal law are needed in the United Kingdom in order to satisfy the requirements of the Convention and protocols. Arrangements are under way for the United Kingdom to ratify the Convention and protocols by September.

  Witness Protection (Eltham)
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers are currently deployed on witness protection duties in the Eltham Police Division. [86194]

  Kate Hoey
  This is an operational matter for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. He tells me that in his view the information requested should not be published, in order to help maintain operational effectiveness.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  "Youth and Europe—Our Future"
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will place a copy of the European Presidency memorandum, Youth and Europe—Our Future, in the Library. [86365]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Copies of the German EU Presidency's memorandum have been placed in the Library.

  Sure Start
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress he is making with the Sure Start programme; when(a) the application

  437
  for the second round of Sure Start bids will be announced and (b) the application brochures will be sent to local authorities; who can bid for Sure Start funding; and when the closing date is for the next round. [85670]

  Ms Jowell
  Guidance inviting 60 areas of the country to apply for funding was published on 19 January. It was sent to key players across the country including local authorities. On 9 April, the Government announced the first 21 of these Sure Start programmes to be given funding. A further announcement concerning the others will be made soon.

  The Government hope to announce the next round of applications in the autumn when Guidance will be sent to local authorities and other providers of services for young children.

  Funding
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list, and place in the Library in machine-readable form, for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000 the revenue grants falling within the aggregate external finance, other than revenue support grant, allocated by his Department to (i) each local authority, (ii) in aggregate, to each class of local authority and (iii) in aggregate to England; and in the case of each local authority the total of such grants. [85757]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Details of the revenue grants within aggregate external finance other than revenue support grant for 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000, for each local education authority, each class of local authority and for England as a whole are given in tables that have been placed in the Library in both paper and machine-readable form. For Grants for Education Support and Training in 1997–98 and the Standards Fund in 1998–99 and 1999–2000 the figures shown in the tables include the grant made by the Department and the contribution made by the local education authority.

  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list, and place in the Library in machine-readable form, for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000 the support for capital expenditure allocated by his Department (i) to each local authority, (ii) in aggregate to each class of local authority and (iii) in aggregate to England, showing each capital grant and borrowing approval separately, and the total of that support. [85758]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is shown in three tables, copies of which have been placed in the Library in both paper and machine-readable form.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he intends to reply to 438
  the letter dated 22 April from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. W. Jackson, 32 Westbourne Range. [86410]

  Mr. Mudie
  A reply will be issued today.

  Class Sizes
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made in reducing the size of infant classes in South Gloucestershire. [86983]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  During the debate on primary schools on 19 May 1999,Official Report, column 1035, I gave the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb) figures relating to infant class size reductions in South Gloucestershire. The correct figures show that the number of pupils in infant classes of over 30 fell from 3,391 in January 1998 to 1,387 in September 1998. The projected number of children in infant classes of over 30 for September 1999 is 326.

  Business Links
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the total value of grants from TECs to Business Links in each of the last three financial years. [86667]

  Mr. Mudie
  The following table provides the total expenditure by TEC/CCTEs on Enterprise and Business support activities which includes, but is not solely, expenditure on Business Links.

  £ million

  Financial year

  Expenditure

  1995–96

  81

  1996–97

  111

  1997–98

  142

  1998–99

  Not yet available

  Employee Training (Government Grants)
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the Government funds allocated to private sector companies for the provision of training for employees in the form of(a) capital grants and (b) infrastructure grants in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [78303]

  Mr. Wills
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government do not fund private sector companies for training employees through capital grants. The Government do support private sector companies through infrastructure grants, including the SRB, but it would involve a disproportionate cost to identify the amount of funds from this source used for training employees.

  Lords of Appeal in Ordinary: Apportionment of Work
  Lords of Appeal in Ordinary: Apportionment of Work
  Official Development Assistance
  Official Development Assistance
  Health Bill: Consultation Document
  Health Bill: Consultation Document
  Medicines: Advertising
  Medicines: Advertising
  GM Crops: Farm-scale Evaluations
  GM Crops: Farm-scale Evaluations
  GM Crops: Public Interest and Commercial Secrecy
  GM Crops: Public Interest and Commercial Secrecy
  Aircraft: Cabin Ventilation
  Aircraft: Cabin Ventilation
  Lead Shot Regulations: Devolved Legislation
  Lead Shot Regulations: Devolved Legislation
  Hearing Loss
  Hearing Loss
  Abattoirs: Bovine and Porcine Carcasses
  Abattoirs: Bovine and Porcine Carcasses
  Abattoirs: Cost of Specified Risk Material Controls
  Abattoirs: Cost of Specified Risk Material Controls
  Pet Quarantine Reform
  Pet Quarantine Reform
  GM Crops and Foods: EC Directives
  GM Crops and Foods: EC Directives
  Scottish Parliament: Holyrood Building
  Scottish Parliament: Holyrood Building
  Human Cloning: Legislative Competence of Scottish Parliament
  Human Cloning: Legislative Competence of Scottish Parliament