Written Answers of 14 June 1999

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Electricity Trading Arrangements
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what changes in primary legislation will be required to implement the revised arrangements for wholesale electricity trading; [86880]

  (2) what has been the reason for the revised date for the planned completion of the Review of Electricity Trading Arrangements; [86881]

  (3) what is the cost of the Review of Electricity Trading Arrangements; [86882]

  (4) what estimate he has made of the additional costs which will arise in (a) establishing and (b) running a revised electricity wholesale trading market; and who will bear these costs. [86883]

  Mr. Battle
  The Government are committed to introducing legislation to implement new wholesale electricity trading arrangements and will do so as soon

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Total UK use of renewable sources of energy (thousand tonnes of oil equivalent)

  2,079

  2,142

  2,103

  2,320

  2,649

  UK use of renewable sources as a percentage of primary inland consumption of energy

  0.95%

  0.97%

  0.90%

  1.02%

  1.15%

  Total UK generation of electricity from renewable sources (GWh)

  7,306

  7,237

  6,053

  7,378

  9,322

  UK generation of electricity from renewable sources as a percentage of total electricity generation

  2.25%

  2.17%

  1.74%

  2.14%

  2.62%

  Source:

  Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 1999 (to be published on 29 July 1999)

  As is said in the discussion paper "New and renewable energy, Prospects for the 21st century", we expect the proportion of electricity from renewable sources to rise to 5 per cent. by 2003. The Government are working towards a target of renewable energy providing 10 per cent. of UK electricity as soon as possible and hope to achieve this by 2010.

  City Flyer Express
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to announce his decision in respect of the proposed acquisition of City Flyer Express Ltd. by British Airways; and if he will make a statement. [86869]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will publish the Competition Commission's report on British Airways' proposed acquisition of City Flyer Express Ltd. as soon as is practicable.
  2
  as parliamentary time permits. Consequently the earliest feasible date that new trading arrangements could be introduced is October 2000. The purpose of legislation would be to provide the powers to introduce conditions into electricity licences necessary for the implementation of the new electricity trading arrangements.

  Offer's 1999–2000 budget for the Review of Electricity Trading Arrangements programme is £11.2 million. Preliminary estimates of annual costs to implement new electricity trading arrangements for each of the first five years are £10–£20 million for the central set-up, £60 million for participants' set-up, and £30 million for participants' operating costs. These implementation costs will be met by market participants. Against this, the Government's overall programme of electricity market reforms is expected to lead to a reduction in wholesale electricity prices of at least 10 per cent. over the medium term.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the(a) amount and (b) percentage of energy consumed in the United Kingdom in each of the last five years that came from renewable sources. [86664]

  Mr. Battle
  The amount and percentage of energy consumed in the United Kingdom in each of the last five years that came from renewable energy sources is given in the following table. The table also shows the amount and percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources:

  Milk
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy to publish his decisions on the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report into the supply of milk before the end of June. [86875]

  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to announce the date of the publication of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report on the supply of raw cows' milk in Great Britain. [86974]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will publish the MMC's report as soon as is practicable. He has said in the House that he expects to be able to publish before the House rises for the summer recess.

  Manufacturing Industry
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the total amount of financial support for capital investment provided by (i) the United Kingdom Government and (ii) the European Union to
  3
  (a) the manufacturing sector, (b) manufacturing companies established by inward investment and (c) the textiles and clothing sector in the last five years. [86861]

  Mr. Battle
  Financial support for capital investment is provided in various forms, including through grants, guarantees, tax allowances and general industrial support. One of the main programmes is regional selective assistance which over the last five years in Great Britain has provided offers of grant of £1.6 billion to the manufacturing sector as a whole, of which £935 million was offered to foreign-owned companies and £51 million to the textiles and clothing sector.

  Many other UK Government and EU programmes provide direct or indirect financial support for capital investment but information on the total is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Retail Petrol Market
  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many written or verbal complaints were received by his Department and the Office of Fair Trading in each year from 1996 to date about (i) unfair agreement terms being applied by oil companies to operators of retail petrol sites and (ii) the actions taken by the oil companies which did not conform to the agreement signed by the operators. [86710]

  Dr. Howells
  My Department and the Office of Fair Trading have received a number of complaints about agreements between oil companies and petrol retailers during 1996–99. The cost of providing an accurate breakdown of these on a year-by-year basis would be disproportionate.

  The Director General of Fair Trading is responsible for investigating complaints about anti-competitive behaviour. He does not however have a locus to intervene in contractual disputes unless these raise competition concerns.

  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the review of the petrol undertakings by the Office of Fair Trading will be completed; if he will publish the findings of the review; and if he will make a statement. [86767]

  Dr. Howells
  The timing of the review is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading. My right hon. Friend and I will receive advice from him when the review is complete. I will announce my decision in due course.

  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list by number and grade the officials employed full-time in monitoring the UK retail petrol market and the departments to which they belong. [86768]

  Dr. Howells
  No officials in the Department of Trade and Industry or the Office of Fair Trading have responsibility for monitoring the UK retail petrol market on a permanent full-time basis.

  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reasons the Office of Fair Trading's inquiry into the retail petrol market, published in May 1998, did not include an examination of retail petrol stations located on motorway service areas. [86769]
  4
  Dr. Howells
  The content of the report is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading. The report, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House, examined the supply of petrol by all retail outlets. However, I understand that motorway service areas were not referred to specifically as they were not considered to be in a separate market.

  Post Offices
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (i) post offices and (ii) post offices run by sub-postmasters, there were at(a) at the latest available date, (b) in 1997, (c) in 1989 and (d) in 1979. [86930]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I understand from the Post Office that the numbers of post offices in total and of sub-post offices at the dates requested were as follows:

  Total

  Sub-post offices

  End April 1999

  18,707

  18,107

  End March 1997

  19,251

  18,645

  End March 1989

  21,030

  19,537

  End March 1979

  22,793

  21,213

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of post offices, indicating separately those run by sub-postmasters, which operate in rural areas. [86931]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I understand from the Post Office that the total number of post offices at the end of April 1999 was 18,707, of which 8,842 were in rural areas and operated by sub-postmasters.

  Regional Aid
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to announce his policy on regional aid. [86860]

  Mr. Wills
  Reviews of the Assisted Areas and Structural Funds maps are currently underway. We will announce the proposals which we will send to the Commission shortly.

  Proposals for the re-focusing of the Regional Selective Assistance scheme, as announced in the Competitiveness White Paper, are still under consideration and the changes will be announced in due course.

  Trade Union and Employment Law
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last met the Institute of Directors to discuss trade union and employment law reform. [86840]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry met representatives of the Institute of Directors in February, March and May to discuss various matters.

  ICL/Pathway Consortium
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the ICL/Pathway consortium will be liable for losses arising from fraud when the Post Office barcode technology is in use. [85859]
  5
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The exact details of the contracts between the Post Office and ICL/Pathway are commercially confidential but I understand that there will be penalties built into the contracts for failure to perform.

  Horizon Project
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what modifications have to be made to the computer terminals installed in post offices as part of the Horizon project to make them compatible with(a) smart card and (b) barcode technology. [85865]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The system is already fully compatible with both smartcard and barcode technology.

  Plutonium Sea Shipments
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what communications he had with the relevant United States authorities in respect of the relevance of the United States Government's threat assessment to the sea shipment of plutonium prior to concluding the safety and security plan for such shipments from the United Kingdom to Japan. [85822]

  Mr. Battle
  During preparation of the transport plan, a number of meetings took place between officials from the Governments of Japan, France, the United Kingdom and the United States to discuss all aspects relating to the arrangements for the sea shipment of MOX fuel from Europe to Japan, including safety and security considerations.

  Environmental and Social Reporting
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking to promote environmental and social reporting by British companies; and if he will make a statement. [86864]

  Mr. Battle
  There are a number of related issues in this area. For example, the DTI is working with the DETR to meet the objectives of the national Sustainable Development Strategy to develop standards and guidance for environmental reporting and to encourage all UK companies to report publicly on their environmental performance.

  In March 1998, the DTI launched a fundamental review of company law which is being taken forward by an independent Steering Group. The Steering Group is considering a wide range of issues concerning the company's relationship with its wider interests, including the potential for company law to promote corporate transparency. The role of non-financial reporting, including on environmental and social issues, forms part of this consideration.

WALES

  Refrigerants (NHS)
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if hospitals and other NHS facilities in Wales used not-in-kind refrigerants. [86167]
  6
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information from which to estimate the total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if NHS bodies used not-in-kind refrigerants is not collected centrally.

  The Welsh Office is fully supportive of the Government's commitment to running its operations and buildings in accordance with best environmental practice as an integral part of its contribution to the UK's sustainable development strategy.

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

  NHS Disciplinary Procedures
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many disciplinary hearings have been heard under Welsh Health Circular WHC(96)22 Disciplinary Procedures for Hospital and Community Medical and Dental Staff; what has been the length of time taken to hear and resolve each of the cases; and how many such cases were discontinued. [86276]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Records of the number of disciplinary hearings held under WHC(90)22 are not held centrally. There is no requirement to notify the Welsh Office of any case unless the proceedings exceed 6 months. The Department has been notified of only one such case, which took over 4½ years to reach a negotiated settlement.

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

DEFENCE

  Defence Medical Training Organisation
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what performance targets have been set for the Defence Medical Training Organisation for 1999–2000. [87142]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Key Targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the DMTO for financial year 1999–2000 as follows:Key Target 1—Academic Success (Quality and Quantity)
  To achieve the following academic success rates:

  Percentage

  Common Core Course (CCC)

  94

  Specialist Registrars (SpR)

  96

  Pre Registration Nurses (Pre Reg Nurses)

  96

  Key Target 2—Academic Success (Timeliness)The following percentage of trainees achieving academic success to be delivered on time agreed with the customer:

  Percentage

  CCC

  196

  SPR

  96

  Pre Reg Nurses

  98

  1 Remainder within 6 weeks

  Key Target 3—Individual Medical Services Training Establish and agree with customers the baseline requirement for external medical services training by 31 march 2000.7Key Target 4—Agree Annual Training Requirement To achieve 1.5 per cent. efficiency gain in matching capacity to the Agreed Annual Training Requirement.Key Target 5—Systems Approach to Training To ensure comprehensive application of the Systems Approach to Training, to a minimum of 33 per cent. of all appropriate courses.

  RAF Signals Engineering Establishment
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the quinquennial review of the Royal Air Force Signals Engineering Establishment will start. [87143]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Performance Evaluation phase of Quinquennial Review of the Royal Air Force Signals Engineering Establishment (RAFSEE) started on 17 May 1999 and is expected to be complete by 30 July 1999. This phase will review the performance of the Agency since its launch in November 1994. The forward-looking Options Phase will start today and is expected to be complete by 29 October 1999. The Options Phase will consider RAFSEE's role and core functions against the background of the formation of the Defence Logistics Organisation, of which RAFSEE is now part. This phase will assess whether Agency status remains appropriate for each of the functions undertaken by RAFSEE or whether there are other more cost effective means of delivering RAFSEE's outputs.

  Comments and contributions from those with an interest in RAFSEE and its work would be welcome and should be sent to, Air Commodore K. J. M. Procter, RAFSEE Review Team, Room G50, Headquarters Logistics Command, RAF Brampton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE18 8QL.

  Satellite Dishes
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 8 June 1999,Official Report, column 211, on satellite dishes, for what reason there will be a 12-hour delay between transmission and viewing by ships' crews. [86874]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The transmissions are received by RN ships using existing military satellite communications equipment, which was not designed to take video transmissions. The band width required for normal video transmission is considerably greater than that available on our military satellite system. However, recent developments in transmission technology now allow for the broadcast of compressed video transmissions over such systems. The time taken to transit the information in this way is dependent on the available band width. The drawback of this system is that the images cannot be viewed until all the video information has been received. On occasions where there is heavy use of the system for military communications, which have priority, only a reduced band width is available for video transmission. This means that there could be delays of up to 12 hours before one hour of material for viewing can be made available to the ships' crew. The advantage of utilising the military satellite system is that coverage is achieved over sea and land, whereas commercial satellite transmissions are generally directed towards land only. Large satellite dishes can provide limited coverage for vessels at sea, such as cruise ships, but there is no room to fit such dishes on frigates.

  Dimming Sun Exercise
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons the nuclear weapon exercise Dimming Sun has been postponed; when this exercise is now due to be held; and what costs have been incurred by his Department to date in organising this exercise. [86295]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The decision to postpone the joint UK/US Exercise Dimming Sun was taken in the light of present commitments in the Balkans, including the possibility that civil agencies in Norfolk who will participate in the exercise, might receive refugees from Kosovo. This decision will ensure that key exercise objectives can be met at a later date whilst ensuring that the conduct of the exercise does not interfere with our support to NATO operations in the Balkans. As yet, no new date has been set for the exercise.

  As for costs relating to Exercise Dimming Sun, I have nothing to add to my letter of 27 November 1998 to the hon. Member, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Official Meetings (US)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 5 May 1999,Official Report, column 381, if he will list the meetings which his Special Adviser and the Deputy Chief of Defence Procurement (Support) held with United States Department of Defence officials on 5 March, the location of each meeting, and the names of the US officials at each meeting. [86298]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The meetings held on 5 March with Department of Defense officials to discuss defence industrial co-operation were both held at The Pentagon in Washington DC. The names of the US officials at each meeting are as follows:Meeting 0900 hours—1215 hours
  Mr. A1 Volkman, A/DUSD (International and Commercial Programmes).
  Ms Susan Ludlow-MacMurray, D/International Security Programmes.
  Mr. Marvin Winkleman, D/Foreign Transfers.
  Mr. Vic Ciardello, D/Finance and Economic Analysis.
  Cdr Ronald Neubauer, Assoc Deputy Gen Counsel (International Affairs).
  Mr. Dominic Cipicchio, Dep Director Foreign Contracting, (D/Defense Procurement).
  Captain Richard Lewis, International Programmes Office.
  Mr. Bill Leonard, Prin Director Security and Intelligence Office.
  Meeting 1215 hours—1415 hours
  All above plus:
  Dr. Jack Gansler, Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Technology).
  Mr. James Bodner, Under Secretary Defense (Policy).
  Mr. Steven Grundman, Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Industrial Affairs and Installations).
  Mr. Harvey Nathan, Deputy General Council of Acquisition and Logistics.
  Mr. Paul Gebhard, Assistant Chief of Staff to Dr. Gansler.

  Bloody Sunday Inquiry
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much money has been spent to date by his Department in financing the legal costs of former members of the Parachute Regiment called to give evidence to the Bloody Sunday inquiry; and what forecast he has made of the total cost. [86684]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The cost to my Department of financing the legal costs of potential military witnesses at the Inquiry as at the end of April 1999 was £1,144,707.61. Due to the way in which legal assistance is being provided, it is not possible to break out the costs relating to former members of the Parachute Regiment. It is also not possible to estimate the likely final cost.

HEALTH

  Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if hospitals and other NHS facilities used not-in-kind refrigerants. [86168]

  Mr. Denham
  Information from which to estimate the total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if National Health Service bodies used not-in-kind refrigerants is not available centrally.

  The Department is fully supportive of the Government's commitment to running its operations and buildings in accordance with best environmental practice as an integral part of its contribution to the United Kingdom's sustainable development strategy.

  The NHS is making good progress in achieving the 20 per cent. energy efficiency improvement targets from the 1991–92 base year to March 2000, as set by Green Ministers. Additionally, progress is being achieved against the wider Government objective (agreed as part of the Kyoto Protocol) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2008–2012, with a domestic target of 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010.

  Dental Anaesthesia Services
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what additional money he plans to make available to health authorities to establish hospital-based dental anaesthesia services for dental general practice. [86160]

  Mr. Denham
  A review of general anaesthesia and sedation with dental treatment is currently underway under the leadership of the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Dental Officer. The review is due to report by the end of the summer. When we consider the report we will also consider any funding issues.

  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding the arrangements for dental anaesthesia in dental community services. [86159]

  Mr. Denham
  Records show that since the General Dental Council's amendment of their ethical guidance last November the Department has received ten letters from 10
  hon. Members and seven other letters. There have also been five questions from a Noble Lord about the impact of the General Dental Council's amended guidance.

  Hospitals (Sunderland)
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the NHS has in(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001 to 2003 to (i) reduce the number of hospital beds and (ii) close hospitals in Sunderland; and if he will make a statement. [86279]

  Mr. Hutton
  In 2000–01 the Ryhope Hospital will close and all services will move to the Sunderland Royal Hospital site as part of the redevelopment of the site. This will reduce the fragmentation of acute services, improving clinical configuration and access to specialist equipment, in high quality purpose-built accommodation. We are committed to modernising the National Health Service and this redevelopment will offer better quality treatment. There is no planned reduction in numbers of patients being cared for, although it will be possible to achieve this in very slightly fewer beds than at present (931 from 942) because of the improved acute bed facilities.

  Medical Students
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those health authorities that have implemented career start schemes to attract medical students to general practice indicating the (i) start date, (ii) duration, (iii) number of places available and (iv) annual cost of each scheme. [86161]

  Mr. Denham
  There is no national career start scheme. We are encouraging health authorities to develop schemes which address particular problems with recruitment in their locality.

  Junior Doctors
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 11 May 1999,Official Report, column 136, on junior doctors, when he expects the decision to be made on the extension of Council Directive 93/104/EC relating to junior doctors. [86032]

  Mr. Denham
  A unanimous decision was made at the European Social Affairs Council on 25 May to propose a thirteen year implementation period for extending the provisions of Council Directive 93/104/EC, the "Working Time Directive", to cover previously excluded groups, including junior hospital doctors. The Council has proposed a transposition period of four years from the date of adoption before new Europe-wide minimum standards apply. These standards will provide a statutory limit to the maximum average working week. There will be a staged period of nine years after transposition, during which interim targets will apply, before the 48 hours limit is reached.

  The decision formally to adopt this amendment to the Directive is subject to co-decision between the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, which is due to re-assemble this autumn.

  The Government remains fully committed to implementation of the New Deal on junior doctors' working hours. We have no intention of raising the 56 hour limit which is part of the current agreement.
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  We need to plan and implement the move to 48 hours carefully over a reasonable period of time, and in such a way that does not jeopardise patient care and the training needs of juniors.

  Radiotherapy
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when the national report on reviewing radiography equipment will be sent to him; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement; [85694]

  (2) if he will list those cancer centres in the UK which do not have two linear accelerators; and if he will make a statement. [85693]

  Mr. Hutton
  The report of the review of radiotherapy provision will be sent to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State shortly for consideration. Information on the number of linear accelerators in cancer centres has not been collected centrally but will be contained in the review of radiotherapy provision.

  The Calman/Hine Report recommended that radiotherapy should normally be confined to cancer centres but in some remote areas a cancer unit could provide radiotherapy services in collaboration with a centre. The radiography equipment in a cancer centre will depend on the population served and the pattern of service available in local cancer units.

  NHS Staff (Disciplinary Hearings)
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many disciplinary hearings have been heard under existing disciplinary procedures for hospital and community medical and dental staff; what has been the average length of time taken to hear and resolve each case; and how many such cases were discontinued in each of the last 10 years. [86273]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available centrally. Disciplinary action is the responsibility of local National Health Service employers.

  A and E Departments
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to monitor the number of incidents of patients waiting on trolleys in accident and emergency departments. [86029]

  Mr. Denham
  Times to admission through accident and emergency departments are already monitored under the Patient's Charter and published quarterly in the National Health Service Magazine.

  Reinstated Doctors
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many doctors have been reinstated by the General Medical Council in the last 10 years; and what has been the average length of time between their being struck off and reinstated. [86307]

  Mr. Denham
  The removal of doctors from the Register of Medical Practitioners and their subsequent reinstatement are matters for the General Medical Council.

  Kidderminster Hospital
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the persons and organisations he met when he visited Kidderminster hospital. [86441]

  Mr. Hutton
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not visited Kidderminster General Hospital in the recent past. When I visited Kidderminster on 28 May, I met the following people:

  Mrs. A. Brinton, Chairman, Kidderminster Health Care NHS Trust (KHCT)

  Mrs. C. Wells, Chief Executive, KHCT

  Mrs. C. Playn, Director of Operations and Nursing, KHCT

  Mr. N. Ahmed, Medical Director, KHCT

  Mr. C. Tallents, Clinical Director for Surgery, KHCT

  Mr. K. Poyntz, Surgery Directorate Manager, KHCT

  Mrs. J. Matthews, Nurse Specialty Manager, KHCT

  Dr. A. Miller, Clinical Director for Medicine, KHCT

  Mrs. C. Jones, Medical Records Manager, KHCT

  Sister W. Hayes, KHCT

  Mr. N. Kumar, Accident and Emergency Consultant, KHCT

  Sister M. Steadman, KHCT

  Mr. C. Bexley, Director of Information, KHCT

  Dr. J. Ball, Chairman, Health Concern Worcestershire

  Dr. R. Taylor, Chairman, Save Kidderminster Hospital Campaign

  Mr. F. Baillie, Independent Councillor, Wyre Forest Council

  Mr. D. Barton, Independent Councillor, Wyre Forest Council

  Ms M. Shineton, Independent Councillor, Bridgnorth Council, South Shropshire.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what notice was given to local interest groups in advance of his recent visit to Kidderminster hospital; [86442]

  (2) what assessment he made prior to his visit to Kidderminster of the availability of local interest groups for meetings; [86439]

  (3) which (a) persons and (b) organisations representing communities in Shropshire he met when he visited Kidderminster hospital. [86440]

  Mr. Hutton
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not visited Kidderminster General Hospital in the recent past. The purpose of my visit to Kidderminster on 28 May was twofold: to visit Kidderminster Hospital following a commitment to the hon. Member for Wyre Forest in an adjournment debate and to participate in the national announcement of new funding for accident and emergency services from the modernisation fund.

  The visit was organised at short notice due to the latter. Despite this, local interest groups were invited to attend, and I met a delegation including the Chairman of Health Concern, the Chairman of the Save Kidderminster Hospital Campaign and Councillors from Wyre Forest District Council.

  I also met Ms M. Shineton, an independent councillor from Bridgnorth council, who represented the community of South Shropshire.

  Medicines Control Agency
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how, where pre-publication approval of specific
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  advertisements has been undertaken by the Medicines Control Agency secretariat, the MCA will ensure that pre-approvals by them do not unduly influence decisions by the same officials following a complaint after publication of the advertisement on whether that advertisement is in breach of the Medicines (Advertising) Regulations; [86660]

  (2) how, under the new procedures to be adopted by the Medicines Control Agency under the provisions of the Medicines (Advertising and Monitoring of Advertising) Amendment Regulations 1999, he will ensure that the precedents needed to ensure consistency in future advertising decisions are routinely made publicly available; [86659]

  (3) under what circumstances a notice, a threat of a notice or a request to cease advertising will be made by Ministers or Medicines Control Agency officials under the Medicines (Advertising and Monitoring of Advertising) Amendment Regulations 1999; and if the Independent Panel will have the right to consider whether such a notice, threat of issue of notice or request has been properly issued; [86658]

  (4) what legal advice he has received in connection with the legality under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights of the new procedures to be adopted by the Medicines Control Agency under the provisions of the Medicines (Advertising and Monitoring of Advertising) Amendment Regulations 1999; and if he will place a copy of that legal advice in the Library; [86661]

  (5) if the new procedures to be adopted by the Medicines Control Agency under the provisions of the Medicines (Advertising and Monitoring of Advertising) Amendment Regulations 1999 give a company, to which the Agency issues a notice that it is minded to take action, the right to a full oral hearing before the Independent Review Panel at which all evidence can be challenged and questioned. [86662]

  Ms Jowell
  The Medicines (Advertising and Monitoring of Advertising) Amendment Regulations clarify and strengthen existing procedures in the control of medicines advertising. The Medicines Control Agency undertakes pre-publication assessment of advertising in exceptional circumstances only and has no intention of extending that role. Any opinion given on the suitability of the advertisement for publication is based on the information provided by the company and the current scientific knowledge and is issued without prejudice to any action the MCA may have to take against a future complaint. In the unlikely event that a complaint is received about an advertisement which officials have previously agreed is acceptable for publication the advertisement will be reconsidered taking any new information into account in reaching a decision.

  We have clear legal advice that the proposals are compatible with both Community law and the European Convention on Human Rights. To publish the advice itself would break with the long-standing and important principle that legal advice given to Ministers is privileged. This is reflected in the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information (2nd Edition (1997) para. 4(d)
  14
  which provides that information covered by legal professional privilege, such as Counsel's Opinion, is exempt from disclosure under the Code.

  There are specific circumstances under which notices may be issued to advertisers under the procedures in the amending Regulations. These are:
  Under paragraph 1—to request a copy of an advertisement
  Under paragraph 3—to advise an advertiser that Health Ministers are "minded to" make a decision that an advertisement is in breach of the Advertising Regulations,
  Under paragraph 4—to advise an advertiser that an advertisement would not be in breach, and
  Under paragraph 5—to advise an advertiser that, after consideration of the advice of the Independent Review Panel Health Ministers have decided an advertisement is in breach.

  Notices under paragraphs 1 or 3 may require an advertiser to cease advertising on an interim basis. At any stage the recipient of a notice can seek judicial review of the decision to issue that notice.

  The issue of notices under the Schedule will not be automatic—the MCA will continue, as now, to discuss problems with advertising with the company concerned so as to secure acceptable changes. There is no provision for, or purpose in, threatening to issue a notice. The formal procedures will come into play only when informal negotiation fails to reach an appropriate outcome.

  The remit of the Independent Review Panel will be to consider written representations from advertisers who have been issued with a notice under paragraph 3 and advise Health Ministers on the compatibility of the advertisement in question with the Advertising Regulations. The Panel will not consider the issue of notices or other procedural matters. The amending Regulations provide for the making of written representations by the company concerned but do not preclude oral hearings where these are considered appropriate by the Panel. We have no objection to the reports of the Review Panel meetings being made publicly available. Furthermore, the Medicines Control Agency has already established a working group, the Medicines Advertising Liaison Group, to provide a forum for all regulatory and self-regulatory bodies concerned with the advertising of medicines to exchange information and opinions on advertising issues.

  Special Hospitals (Advocacy Services)
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on establishing independent advocacy services in each of the three English special hospitals; and when he expects the services to be in operation. [86431]

  Mr. Hutton
  Independent Patients' Advocacy Services are already operating at Ashworth and Rampton Hospitals, and a process has been agreed which will lead to the introduction of a service at Broadmoor Hospital to be operational from September this year.

  Ligament Operations (West Country)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the waiting times are for(a) cruciate ligament

  15
  operations and (b) consultations relating to them (i) in hospitals in Devon and Cornwall and (ii) in the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Hospital in Exeter; and if he will make a statement on the time taken to provide treatment for Mr. Jason Ganney of Buckfastleigh. [86426]

  Waiting time experience before operation of orthopaedic inpatients—Quarter 4 1998–99

  Percentage

  National Health Service trust

  Total number

  0–2 months

  3–5 months

  6–8 months

  9–11 months

  12–14 months

  15–17 months

  South Devon Healthcare

  1,260

  47

  27

  16

  8

  3

  0

  Plymouth Hospitals

  2,080

  37

  26

  16

  9

  7

  4

  Royal Cornwall Hospitals

  1,453

  42

  32

  14

  8

  3

  1

  Royal Devon and Exeter

  2,132

  45

  26

  15

  9

  5

  1

  Northern Devon Healthcare

  581

  51

  27

  12

  7

  3

  0

  Exeter and Community

  30

  87

  10

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Note:

  Figures may not be 100 per cent. due to rounding

  Waiting time experience before first appointment of orthopaedic outpatients—Quarter 4 1998–99

  Percentage

  National Health Service trust

  Total number

  0–3 weeks

  4–12 weeks

  13–25 weeks

  26 weeks plus

  South Devon Healthcare

  1,036

  15

  33

  33

  19

  Plymouth Hospitals

  1,065

  25

  71

  1

  3

  Royal Cornwall Hospitals

  1,661

  26

  31

  14

  29

  Royal Devon and Exeter

  1,378

  34

  36

  21

  10

  Northern Devon Healthcare

  494

  15

  24

  32

  30

  Exeter and Community

  160

  13

  57

  17

  14

  Cornwall Healthcare

  42

  62

  36

  2

  0

  Note:

  Figures may not be 100 per cent. due to rounding

  A patient's position on the waiting list is determined by their clinical priority.

  Details of an individual's treatment are governed by the rules of patient confidentiality.

PRIME MINISTER

  Royal Hospital, Haslar
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Prime Minister how many letters he has received concerning the future of the Royal Hospital, Haslar; and of these, how many supported its closure, and how many opposed it. [85554]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence published the Government's proposals for the reorganisation and restructuring of Defence Medical Services in a written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, North (Mr. Rapson) on 14 December 1998,Official Report, columns 328–29. The proposals are subject to consultation with the local community and others.

  The restructuring of secondary care arrangements is a key component of the Government's proposals. These include the establishment of a new Centre for Defence Medicine as a centre of excellence for research and training, and a new Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit in Portsmouth. It is intended that the Royal Hospital, Haslar should only close once the new arrangements in Portsmouth are in place.
  16
  Mr. Denham
  The Department does not collect information on individual procedures. The latest information available on inpatient and outpatient orthopaedic waiting times for Devon and Cornwall is shown in the tables:

  Since December 1998 my office has received an average of four letters per week regarding the future of the Royal Hospital, Haslar. The vast majority were against the proposed closure.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister what measures he is planning as part of a general settlement on Kosovo, to guarantee the (i) security and (ii) rights of non-Albanian ethnic groups in the province. [86366]

  The Prime Minister
  KFOR has been tasked with establishing a safe environment for all people in Kosovo, regardless of their ethnic group. It will be an important task for KFOR to ensure that all communities understand KFOR's role and that they are there to protect them. NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana, made it clear in his statement of 10 June that this is an opportunity for peace and that violence by any party will not be tolerated.

  The interim administration under UN auspices will establish and oversee the development of provisional democratic self-governing institutions to ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all inhabitants in Kosovo. Plans for a civilian peace force are also under way.

  Echelon System
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations the Government have received from European Community institutions regarding the deployment of the Echelon system; and if he will make a statement. [86725]

  The Prime Minister
  None.

  Privy Council
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister what the criteria will be for recommending the appointment of Ministers in the devolved administrations to the Privy Council; and if he will make a statement. [86648]

  The Prime Minister
  Appointments to the Privy Council will continue to be made in order to ensure that the Queen is suitably and properly advised on all matters which come before her in Council. In future, I expect this to include members of devolved administrations.

  Teenage Pregnancies
  Ms Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister when he expects to publish the Social Exclusion Unit's report on teenage pregnancies; and if he will make a statement. [87096]

  The Prime Minister
  Last summer, I asked the Social Exclusion Unit to develop an integrated strategy to cut rates of teenage parenthood, particularly under-aged parenthood, towards the European average and propose better solutions to combat the risk of social exclusion for vulnerable teenagers and their children. I am publishing its report today. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  The UK has the highest rate of teenage births in Western Europe. Teenage parenthood is a problem that affects every part of the country, but it is far worse in the poorest areas and among the most vulnerable young people whose expectations and aspirations are low. The health and social outcomes for teenage parents and for their children are stark and worrying.

  The Social Exclusion Unit has undertaken a rigorous review of the evidence both nationally and internationally. It has found that three key factors contribute to our internationally high rates of teenage conceptions: low expectations of the future among many young people; ignorance about contraception and the reality of life as a parent, and mixed messages from adults about sex and relationships.

  The report sets out a national programme with two specific goals: to halve the rate of conceptions among under 18 year olds in England by 2010 and to lessen the risks of young parents suffering the consequences of social exclusion by getting more teenage parents back into education, training or employment. A £60 million package has been put together within existing departmental resources to support the programme for the period of this spending review, and further funding will be considered in the next spending review.

  At a national level, a new task force of Ministers, led by the Minister for Public Health, will be responsible for co-ordinating the policy across Government supported by an implementation unit in the Department of Health. There will also be a National Advisory Group to advise Government and monitor the success of the strategy. Locally, every Health Authority and Local Authority will be tasked to work together in preventing pregnancy and in supporting pregnant and parenting teenagers, setting local benchmarks for progress. Areas with high rates will be eligible for resources from a local implementation fund of £26 million.
  18
  There will be a national publicity campaign to reinforce the report's key messages. New guidance will be issued to improve sex and relationships education in school with an emphasis on enabling teenagers to resist pressure to have sex too early. There will be better inspection of sex and relationships education and better training for teachers. Parents will be consulted and informed more fully about sex education in schools and given more support in talking to their children about sex and relationships. Special action will be targeted on prevention for the most vulnerable groups including children looked after by a local authority, those excluded from school and young offenders.

  The NHS will improve access to contraceptive and sexual health services for teenagers, including young men. New guidelines will set out the counselling that should accompany contraceptive treatment for under 16 year olds and there will be publicity to tell young people that they can talk to health professionals about sex and contraception in confidence.

  For those teenagers who do become pregnant we will pilot a new approach to support and childcare—'SureStart Plus' pilots based in areas covered by both SureStart and Health Action Zones. In addition, five pilots outside SureStart will test other ways of providing child care for 16–17 year olds to enable them to return to education or training.

  Under 16 year old mothers will be required to return to education. 16 and 17 year olds will be included in the ONE pilots (formerly Single Work Focus Gateways) and will have a personal adviser to look at their options, with the emphasis on a return to education. 16 and 17 year old parents will be able to take part in the Education Maintenance Allowance pilots from September 1999. By 2003 all 16 and 17 year old mothers who cannot live with their parents or a partner will be offered supervised semi-independent housing with support, not a tenancy of their own.

  The right to be a parent carries with it the responsibilities of parenthood. The Child Support Agency will vigorously pursue the non-resident parents of children born to teenagers to reinforce the message that, regardless of age, they are financially responsible for their children.

  The target the Government have set to reduce teenage pregnancy is ambitious, but it is the least that we should set ourselves if we are to tackle a problem that has been neglected for too long.

  Council of Europe/WEU
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library the latest Information Bulletin on the activities of the United Kingdom delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Assembly of Western European Union covering the period October 1998 to April. [87100]

  The Prime Minister
  I have done so today.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Prime Minister when he expects to send a substantive reply to the letter dated
  19
  11 May from the hon. Member for Aldershot concerning former members of the 1 Battalion, The Parachute Regiment. [86685]

  The Prime Minister
  I have done so today.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Fisheries Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Fisheries Council held in Luxembourg on 10 June; and if he will make a statement. [87099]

  Mr. Morley
  The Fisheries Council met in Luxembourg on 10 June. I represented the UK together with my noble Friend, Lord Sewel, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Scottish Office.

  The Council adopted proposals introducing and allocating in 1999 two new Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for North Sea spurdog and Northern prawn. It also allocated for 1999 two existing TACs for blue whiting fished in Western waters and the Bay of Biscay. The UK secured an 81 per cent. share of the Spurdog TAC and 27 per cent. of the Northern Prawn TAC. On blue whiting we negotiated an increase of 5,000 tonnes in the proposed UK allocation. A further 7,000 tonnes was allocated to the UK under the Bay of Biscay TAC with the option of taking this in Western waters as a linked stock. This makes an effective total allocation of over 42,000 tonnes and gives the UK a 24 per cent. share of the two TACs, the highest of any Member State. The introduction and allocation of these TACs will enhance the conservation of stocks in the North Sea and Western waters.

  Review

  Costs incurred to date (£000)

  Report published

  Date report published

  Review of the Milk Development Council

  Nil

  No formal report published. Announcement made on 29 October 1997

  n/a

  Review of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle and Badgers

  289

  Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle and Badgers Report to the right hon. Dr. Cunningham MP

  16 December 1997

  Review of the Rates and Structure of Aid to Farmers under the Organic Aid Scheme

  Nil

  Review of the Organic Aid Scheme. A Report by Agriculture Department

  2 April 1998

  Review of the Home-Grown Cereals Authority

  Nil

  Final Report

  12 May 1998

  Review of the Future Funding of Regulatory Arrangements for Pesticides

  Nil

  No formal report published. Outcome notified to all interested parties on 1 September 1998

  n/a

  Review of the Current Rules of Quarantine on Imported Pet Animals

  355

  Final Report

  23 September 1998

  Review of Food From Britain

  Nil

  Food From Britain Efficiency and Effectiveness Review

  1 October 1998

  Review of Public Analyst Arrangements in England and Wales

  5

  Final Report

  28 October 1998

  Review of Raw Cows' Drinking Milk Policy

  Nil

  No formal report published. Announcement made on 20 January 1999

  n/a

  Review of Arrangements for Enforcing the Rules on the Welfare of Animals Exported Live to the Continent

  Nil

  No formal published report. Final outcome of review reported in News Release on 27 September 1997

  n/a

  20
  I drew the attention of the Council to the significance of forthcoming scientific advice sought by the Commission from the International Council from the Exploration of the SEA (ICES) on the need for precautionary restrictions on fishing activity to protect vulnerable seabird populations which depend on sandeels. The Commission promised to work quickly on appropriate measures once the ICES advice was available.

  The Commission introduced its second annual report on progress in the EU in following up on the Recommendations of the 1997 Bergen Intermediate Ministerial Conference on the integration of environmental concerns in fisheries management in the North Sea. This report was remitted for further study.

  The Commission made an interim report on the cost benefit study it is undertaking of the EU's Third Country Fisheries Agreements and the Council adopted Conclusions urging the Commission to pursue talks with Morocco on co-operation in the fisheries sector following the expiry in November of the present EU-Morocco Fisheries Agreement.

  After lengthy discussion, a Presidency compromise on the reform of the structural funds in the fisheries sector failed to secure a Qualified Majority. This issue will fall for further consideration by the Council in October.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what(a) reviews, (b) task forces and (c) advisory groups have been established by his Department since 1 May 1997; what costs they have incurred to date; and what reports they have published. [71518]

  Mr. Morley
  The following tables set out the details of Reviews, Task Forces and Advisory Groups established by my Department since 1 May 1997, the costs they have incurred to date and the reports they have published.
  21

  Review

  Costs incurred to date (£000)

  Report published

  Date report published

  Review of the UK Legislation Controlling the Disposal of Animal Waste

  Nil

  No formal published report. Consultation paper on the review of the animal by-products legislation issued on 6 October 1997. Consultation paper on a proposed Animal by-Products Order issued on 12 November 1998. Animal By-products Order 1999 Came into force on 1 April 1999.

  n/a

  Review of the Sugar Beet Research and Education Council

  Nil

  No formal report published. Consultation document issued on 29 January 1998. Outcome of consultation notified in MAFF News Release 492/98 on 18 December 1998

  n/a

  Review of Fishing Vessel Licensing

  Nil

  Review of the Licensing of UK Registered Fishing Vessels: Report of a Joint Departmental/Industry Working Group

  March 1999

  Review of the Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances Scheme

  Nil

  No formal report published. Consultation document on the new Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances Scheme issued on 23 April 1999.

  n/a

  Review of Funding Mechanisms for Flood and Costal Defence

  Nil

  Non-Review ongoing

  n/a

  Review of the Hill Farming Advisory Committee for England, Wales and Northern Ireland

  Nil

  Non-Review ongoing

  n/a

  Review of the Meat Hygiene Appeal Tribunal

  Nil

  Non-Review ongoing

  n/a

  Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review Group

  57

  Non-Review ongoing

  n/a

  Review of the Access provisions Under the Agri-Environment Schemes

  Nil

  Non-Review ongoing

  n/a

  Review of Nitrate Sensitive Areas Scheme

  Nil

  None-Currently being prepared for publication

  n/a

  Review of Environmentally Sensitive areas, Stage IV

  Nil

  None-Currently being prepared for publication

  n/a

  Costs incurred (£000)

  Report published

  Date report published

  Advisory Group

  The Independent Scientific Group on Cattle Tuberculosis

  134

  Interim Report—Towards a sustainable policy to control TB in Cattle—A Scientific Initiative

  17 August 1998

  Ministers Agricultural Advisory Group

  Europe's Agriculture. A Case for Change

  18 January 1999

  Task Force

  Official Group on Organophosphates

  Nil

  Official Group on OPs—Report to Ministers

  25 June 1998

  Meat Hygiene Service (Charges)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions he has had with abattoirs and their representatives to review the current regime for charging. [85133]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 25 May 1999]Since the beginning of this year, my right hon. Friend and I have separately met representatives of the Federation of Fresh Meat Wholesalers (now the British Meat Federation) and jointly met a delegation of small plant operators led by an all party group of hon. Members. I have also had meetings with a representative of turkey producers, the National Farmers Union, Dr. Richard North, and most recently a further meeting with representatives of the all party Parliamentary group. These meetings included discussions on charging, but they were not set up specifically to review the current regime.
  22
  In addition all Ministers in the Department have had issues of charging raised with them when attending functions around the country.

  Fishing
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his decision to discontinue safety grants for fishing vessels applies in Scotland; and what consultations he has held on this with his Scottish counterpart. [85908]

  Mr. Morley
  The MAFF funded Fishing Vessels (Safety Improvements) (Grants) Scheme 1995 enabled payments to be made in all parts of the United Kingdom. The closure of the scheme to new applications on 21 May 1999 also applies to Scotland. The EU funded Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG), which also provided fishing vessel safety grants, was effectively
  23
  closed in Scotland on 9 April when the Scottish Fisheries Minister announced the final round of awards to the Scottish industry. These EU awards fully committed the balance of FIFG funds available for Scottish projects.

  The decisions relating to MAFF expenditure were taken in the context of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) which examined the most effective use of public money across and within all Departments.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements he is making for the English fishing industry to be consulted on proposals for the Scottish Executive to develop distinctive management measures for Scottish waters. [85907]

  Mr. Morley
  Issues relating to consultation will be covered in the concordat between the Scottish Executive and MAFF. It will be for the Scottish Executive, in the first instance, to ensure that it consults all interests likely to be affected by proposals for local fisheries conservation measures to be applied in the Scottish zone of British Fishery Limits.

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many people in his Department and its associated bodies and agencies have benefited from the introduction of a national minimum wage. [86095]

  Mr. Morley
  The introduction of a national minimum wage on 1 April 1999, benefited 569 permanent and 263 casual staff in clerical, typing and support grades in my Department. I have asked Chief Executives of my Department's agencies to reply separately with information on their staff.

  Letter from Dr. J. M. Rutter to Mr. Ted Rowlands, dated 14 June 1999:
  The Minister has asked me to reply to your question asking how many people employed in the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) have benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage.
  All staff at the VMD were paid above the national minimum wage on 1 April 1999 and its introduction had no effect.

  Letter from Professor P. I. Stanley to Mr. Ted Rowlands, dated 14 June 1999:
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply, in respect of the Central Science Laboratory, to your question concerning the number of staff within the Agency who benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage on 1 April 1999.
  I can confirm that one member of staff in CSL benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage.

  Letter from Johnston McNeill to Mr. Ted Rowlands, dated 14 June 1999:
  As Chief Executive of the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) your question to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food requesting information on the number of people who benefited from the introduction of a national minimum wage has been passed to me for reply as regards this Executive Agency.
  All MHS staff were on salaries above the national minimum wage prior to its introduction on 1 April 1999. No MHS staff therefore benefited from its introduction.
  24
  Letter from P. W. Greig-Smith to Mr. Ted Rowlands, dated 14 June 1999:
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply to your question on the benefits to staff of the introduction of the national minimum wage. I am replying on behalf of the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).
  I can advise you that seven Administrative Assistants benefited from the national minimum wage introduction.

  Letter from T. W. A. Little to Mr. Ted Rowlands, dated 14 June 1999:
  The Minister has asked me to respond to your question about how many people in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and its associated bodies and agencies have benefited from the introduction of a national minimum wage.
  All staff in the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) were in receipt of a full-time equivalent salary higher than the National Minimum Wage (NMW) before it was introduced. There were, therefore, no staff who benefited from the introduction of NMW at VLA.

  Letter from Sarah Nason to Mr. Ted Rowlands, dated 14 June 1999:
  The Minister has asked me to respond, in respect of the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency (FRCA), to your question about the number of people in his Department and its associated bodies and agencies who have benefited from the introduction of a national minimum wage.
  The introduction of a national minimum wage on 1 April 1999 benefited one member of staff (a sandwich course student) in FRCA.

  Letter from G. K. Bruce to Mr. Ted Rowlands, dated 14 June 1999:
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply, in respect of the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD), to your question concerning the number of staff within the Agency who benefited from the introduction of the National Minimum Wage on 1 April 1999.
  I can confirm that 22 staff in PSD benefited from the introduction of the National Minimum Wage.

  Cattle Movement Service
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the total costs of the introduction of the British Cattle Movement Service. [85771]

  Mr. Rooker
  The cost of setting up the BCMS is provisionally estimated at £21.4 million. The total set up costs have been offset by receipts in EC aid and VAT recovery of around £4.2 million.

  Cattle (Ear Tagging)
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to propose changes to EU Regulation 820/97 regarding ear tagging of cattle. [85777]

  Mr. Rooker
  It would be for the European Commission, not the UK, to make formal proposals to change the European legislation on cattle identification (Council Regulation 820/97). I am aware that some—but not all—farmers are suffering high loss rates of plastic cattle eartags. My Department is looking into why this is the case. Such plastic eartags, although relatively new for the UK, have been in use for some time in other European countries.

  Genetically Modified Foods
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what tests have been conducted in the UK on genetically modified(a) soya, (b) maize and (c) tomatoes; when they were held; by whom were they conducted; where they were held; if any were carried out on mammals; and in which scientific journal the results were published. [86422]

  Mr. Rooker
  Genetically modified (GM) soya, maize and tomatoes were rigorously assessed for safety by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) under a voluntary scheme, which was in operation prior to the introduction of the Novel Food Regulations in May 1997. The safety assessment for GM soya was conducted in 1994; GM maize was assessed in 1995, 1996 and 1997; and GM tomatoes in 1994, 1995 and 1997. Equivalent bodies in other member states have also assessed these foods.

  All the data used in these assessments have been deposited in the British Library and the relevant information to enable this to be consulted together with details of the safety assessments are contained in the respective ACNFP annual reports, copies of which can be found in the Library of the House. In addition, details of the regime operating at that time are contained in the ACNFP Annual Report for 1994. We have no information concerning other places where the data may also be found.

  The ACNFP conducts the safety assessment of all novel foods on a case-by-case basis. The Committee require mammalian tests where it judges this is necessary to establish the safety of a particular food. In this context, tests on mammals were reviewed by the ACNFP as part of the safety assessment for GM maize and soya.

  Since May 1997, all novel food assessments have been carried out by the ACNFP in accordance with guidance produced by the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Food, which applies to all member states. A copy of this guidance, which does not differ in any significant way from the regime operated under the voluntary scheme, may also be found in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that all members of the EU are constrained by the same rules and regulations as those in the UK with regard to testing of genetically modified foods. [86423]

  Mr. Rooker
  All member states are subject to the EC Novel Foods Regulation and are required to conduct safety assessments of all novel, including genetically modified, foods in accordance with the guidance produced by the European Commission's Scientific Committee for Food that supplements this regulation.

  Milk (Health Effects)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set up an inquiry into the possible link between the growth factor IGF-1 in milk and breast cancer and prostate and colon cancer; and if he will make a statement. [86424]

  Mr. Rooker
  A Working Group of the Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) has considered human and animal safety aspects of the use of recombinant bovine 26
  somatotropin in dairy cows, including the effects of IGF-1. The Group has completed its task and is reporting its findings to the VPC. The VPC will advise Ministers when it has considered the report and it is our intention to publish the VPC's advice.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has conducted into the effects on human health of using genetically engineered growth hormones to stimulate the production of milk. [86484]

  Mr. Rooker
  An applicant wishing to obtain authorisation to market such a product must satisfy statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy under veterinary medicines legislation. It is for the applicant to provide the necessary research data to meet these requirements. There is a moratorium in the European Union on the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (BST), which is to be reconsidered by the end of this year. The moratorium allows member states to carry out limited practical tests to obtain any further scientific data that might be taken into account by the Council of Ministers when taking a final decision. No such tests have been conducted in the UK.

TREASURY

  Motorists (Taxation)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was collected in taxation in respect of(a) private motorists and (b) commercial vehicles in the most recent year for which figures are available. [86673]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 11 June 1999]The breakdown of taxation into private motorists and commercial vehicles is not possible.

  The estimated amount of tax collected in respect of cars, light vans and motorcycles for 1997–98 was £30 billion, and that for other vehicles was £5 billion.

  These figures include all excise duties, VAT, Insurance Premium Tax, Vehicle Excise Duty, and Inland Revenue taxes (including National Insurance Contributions).

  Housing Finance
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will make a statement on the extent of pension mortgage mis-selling; [86936]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the number of people in Britain who have (a) endowment mortgages, (b) pension mortgages, (c) ISA mortgages and (d) interest-only mortgages without any repayment vehicle; and if he will make a statement. [86937]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Treasury does not compile statistics on housing finance. However, the Council of Mortgage Lenders' quarterly economics journal No 42 of May 1999 includes the following information on the percentage number of loans granted in 1998 by repayment method type of advance.
  27

  Percentage

  Repayment

  43

  Interest only of which

  56

  Endowment

  34

  PEP

  3

  Pension

  1

  Other

  19

  Other

  1

  FSA has reported no systematic evidence of mis-selling of pension mortgages.

  Vocational Training Relief
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations took place with the UK training industry prior to the decision to remove Vocational Training Relief from April 2000. [86284]

  Mr. Milburn
  Vocational Training Relief will be abolished in 2000. The incentives announced for Individual Learning Accounts will provide a better means of targeting support from public funds, so that in future more help will go to those who have the greatest need to improve their skills and qualifications.

  The Department for Education and Employment has been discussing the details of Individual Learning Accounts with interested parties, including training providers for many months.

  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the suitability of individual learning accounts as a replacement for Vocational Training Relief. [86285]

  Mr. Milburn
  Individual Learning Accounts will promote lifelong learning and encourage individuals to take responsibility for their own training and development. The incentives announced for Individual Learning Accounts provide a better means of targeting support from public funds than Vocational Training Relief. In future more help will go to those who have the greatest need to improve their skills and qualifications, rather than subsidising expensive activities which, though they may be vocational for a few, are for the most part undertaken as hobbies.

  EU Taxation
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has made on the repayment by the Italian Government of the tassa per L'Europa; and what assessment he has made of the legality of the tax within the Maastricht framework. [86727]

  Ms Hewitt
  EUROSTAT decided that the tassa per L'Europa was a new tax and, as such, it was recorded as a receipt reducing the deficit. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has made no representations on the partial repayment of this tax.

  Personnel Services Companies
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what steps the Inland Revenue will take to inform recruitment consultancies and clients of personnel services companies if they default on commitments in relation to tax and national insurance; [86462]28

  (2) what procedures the Inland Revenue and Contributions Agency will follow when a certified personnel service company enters voluntary liquidation or arranges an S.852 dissolution, with particular reference to the informing of agencies and other potential clients; [86463]

  (3) if non-certified agencies supplying personnel services will be required by the Inland Revenue to install new software for assessment purposes. [86464]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 8 June 1999,Official Report, columns 286–87.

  BCCI
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will(a) make a statement on the publication on the website of the Association of Accountancy and Business Affairs of the Sandstorm report by Price Waterhouse on BCCI and (b) place a copy of the report in the Library. [86322]

  Ms Hewitt
  No.

  Customs and Excise Staff (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff, by post and grade, of HM Customs and Excise have been made redundant in Northern Ireland in 1999. [86709]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No members of HM Customs and Excise in Northern Ireland have been made redundant in 1999.

  Petroleum Product Smuggling (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer who is responsible for preventing the smuggling of petroleum products into Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. [86715]

  Ms Hewitt
  HM Customs and Excise are responsible for preventing the smuggling of petroleum products into Northern Ireland.

  Both the Government and Customs are aware of this problem and recognise that it is serious in revenue terms and, just as importantly, disadvantages legitimate traders. Customs are deploying resources and actively mounting investigations against those involved to counter the threat posed to the revenue and to the Northern Ireland business community.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will exempt Northern Ireland from the climate change levy or energy tax until such time as electricity costs are comparable to average electricity costs in Great Britain. [85896]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government are aware of the nature of, and the prices prevailing in the energy market in Northern Ireland. These issues were considered, alongside a number of other factors, in determining the scope and design of the climate change levy.
  29
  The introduction of the climate change levy will entail no increase in overall burden of tax on business as a whole, as the revenues from the levy will be fully recycled to business via a 0.5 per cent. reduction in the main rate of employers' National Insurance Contributions. Business will also benefit from an additional £50 million for schemes aimed at promoting energy efficiency and support for renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power.

  Landfill
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer under the landfill tax credit scheme, which landfill operators have contributed to environmental bodies; and if he will list those environmental bodies, including contact details, which have received support from landfill operators. [86148]

  Ms Hewitt
  Information obtained by Customs and Excise from landfill operators about contributions made to environmental bodies under the landfill tax credit scheme is confidential. I regret, therefore, that I cannot disclose such information.

  The information requested about which environmental bodies have received contributions is best provided by the Regulator for the environmental bodies credit scheme, ENTRUST Ltd. I have asked ENTRUST to write to my hon. Friend.

  Women's National Insurance Entitlements
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what conclusions he reached about the quality of information supplied with regard to women who continued to pay reduced National Insurance contributions after 1977 about national insurance entitlements; and what plans he has to assist those affected. [86195]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There have been two major publicity campaigns about the married women's option; one in the late 1970s and another in the late 1980s. Leaflets CA09 and CA13 were made available at the time from the Benefits Agency locally. I am currently considering whether a further information campaign is necessary.

  Public Libraries Act 1850
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans Her Majesty's Government have to issue a coin to commemorate the forthcoming 150 anniversary of the Public Libraries Act of 1850. [87113]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  Her Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve my recommendation that next year a special design should be adopted for the reverse of the fifty pence in order to mark the 150th anniversary of the Public Libraries Act, 1850. Collector versions of the coin will be available from the beginning of the year and the coin will also be available, later in the year, at face value from banks and post offices.

  Pension Transfers
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has concerning the treatment of the pensions of public servants transferring to private sector employers. [87160]
  30
  Mr. Milburn
  The key principles are that staff transferring to private sector employers under PFI and other PPP deals should continue to have access after the transfer to a good quality occupational pension scheme, under which they can continue to earn pension benefits through future service on a basis which overall is materially at least as good as they had in the public sector; and that they should have the option of transferring their accrued pension benefits to the new employer's pension scheme on terms which give them a full credit for their past service.

  I am issuing new guidance to Departments and Agencies today which reinforces these principles and ensures that they will be applied consistently and openly to all transfers of Government staff.

  The new guidance will be adopted immediately by Government Departments and Agencies. I hope that other employers in the public sector will also apply its principles to contracting arrangements where staff transfer to the private sector, and the Government will encourage and facilitate that outcome. This does not affect arrangements being made in respect of PFI and other PPPs which are already underway.

  Copies of the new guidance, and the associated Statement of Practice by the Government Actuary, have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Delayed Operations
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research his Department has carried out on the cost to his Department of delays to operations in the NHS, with particular reference to the consequent continued payment of benefits. [86427]

  Mr. Milburn
  None.

  Business Taxation
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the UK tax measures currently under examination by the EU Code of Conduct Group (Business Taxation). [84913]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 21 May 1999]The work of the Code of Conduct Group is directed at the examination of potentially unfair tax practices across Europe. Such practices can distort competition and artificially attract investment and jobs away from member states such as the UK which have more neutral tax systems. The Code should help British businesses to compete on more even terms, protect UK employment and encourage investment here.

  The UK measures which were on the Group's initial list are: International Headquarters Companies; special measures for the film industry; enterprise zones; 100 per cent. first year capital allowances for SMEs in Northern Ireland and roll-over relief for balancing charges arising on the disposal of ships. The current list also includes a measure relating to Independent Investment Managers, which applies to non-residents who carry on a trade of dealing in investments in the UK through an independent agent; 100 per cent. capital allowances for expenditure on Scientific Research and 40 per cent. first year allowances for SMEs.
  31
  The Government are clear that none of the measures is harmful and is robustly making that case in the Code Group.

  Financial Advice (VAT)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will remove VAT on fee-based financial advice. [86935]

  Ms Hewitt
  No. VAT liability depends upon what service is provided and whether it is paid for. Financial advice for which a charge is made is liable to VAT at the standard rate. This is a requirement of European law.

  ECOFIN
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the latest agenda of the ECOFIN meeting of 14 June, prior to the meeting. [86832]

  Ms Hewitt
  There is no meeting of Ecofin today. The next meeting is scheduled for 12 July. The agenda will be made available to the Scrutiny Committees when determined by Coreper, approximately one week before the meeting. Copies of the agenda will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the purpose and location of his meeting with William Kennard of the United States Federal Communications Commission on 16 September 1998. [86287]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I met Commissioner Susan Ness and Commissioner Michael Powell of the Federal Communications Commission, not William Kennard. The meeting took place on 17 September at the FCC offices in Washington and discussions centred around the programme for the introduction of digital television and the proposals for the switch off of the analogue system in the United States. Censorship and the V-chip were also discussed.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Panel 2000
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those recommendations from Panel 2000 upon which he is planning to implement; and if he will list the costs accrued to date by Panel 2000. [86456]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Panel makes recommendations aimed at better co-ordination between all organisations whose work affects perceptions of Britain overseas. In terms of Government practice they entail further improvements in the way Departments and official bodies work together in this area, and enhanced co-operation with the private and voluntary sectors. A number of detailed steps have been taken and others are being considered. Panel 32
  members receive no remuneration. Panel costs consist of reimbursement of travel costs incurred by members in their Panel duties. These total approximately £2,280.

  Modernisation Group
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the five working groups of the Modernisation Group; and if he will deposit copies of their(a) mailings and (b) recommendations in the Library. [84505]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The Modernisation Group is an informal group of staff set up at my instigation, to offer an additional perspective on modernisation of the Foreign Office.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Disablement Benefit (Backdating)
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to remove the three month limit for backdating payments under successful posthumous applications for disablement benefit introduced in the Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 1997. [85302]

  Mr. Bayley
  There are no plans to remove the three month backdating limit for posthumous claims to Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. We will, however, review the backdating rules to this benefit as part of our ongoing commitment to modernise and reform the welfare state.

  Year of the Elderly
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans his Department has to be involved in the United Nations 1999 Year of the Elderly; and if he will make a statement. [86191]

  Mr. Timms
  The UN Year provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness and change perceptions about issues surrounding older people. It also provides a vehicle to consult older people themselves. This Department is a member of the UN Year reference group of voluntary organisations and government departments who have planned the UK programme, and a DSS official chairs the supporting facilitation group on Citizenship. I am taking a keen interest in the International Year, and will take part in a number of the events being organised.

  As part of the programme, this Department has taken a leading role with Cabinet Office and the UK Secretariat of the International Year of Older Persons to develop a series of ten "listening to older people" events between May and November. The events will be hosted by non-governmental organisations supporting the year, with Ministers from the Ministerial Group for Older People, which I chair, taking part.

  These events will provide the Government with valuable information and feedback which will help decide priorities and shape the policies to meet them. I launched the programme at a website "virtual" event organised by Age Resource on 25 May and will be attending the first physical event in Belfast tomorrow.

  Payment Cards
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what forms of technology he is evaluating as a replacement to the magnetic strip of the benefit payment card; and what the projected savings are. [85862]

  Angela Eagle
  We will begin replacing the existing paper-based methods of payment with a more modern, efficient and secure method of paying benefits using the existing automated credit transfer system in 2003. In addition to an increase, compared with the benefit payment card, of potential savings from the elimination of fraud associated with paper instruments of payment, this move is expected to provide a significant increase in administration savings.

  It is the Post Office's intention to automate its network by the end of 2001 and to enter into commercial arrangements with a number of high street banks so that those people who wish to receive their benefits at post offices should continue to be able do so.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what savings were achieved due to the operation of the benefit swipecard in the 250 post offices where it was operating prior to renegotiation of the BA-Pocl Horizon contract; [86926]

  (2) what plans he has to continue operation of the benefit swipecard in the post offices where the system is currently operational. [86927]

  Angela Eagle
  In the 204 post offices automated as part of the system trial savings from the payment card to April 1999 amounted to £97,000. Over the same period and in the same post offices the Order Book Control Service, which uses bar coded order books to tackle benefit fraud, achieved savings of £1.7 million.

  We have decided that the project to automate post offices and benefits payments will no longer include the introduction of the benefit payment card. The vast majority of benefit customers will be unaffected, and those currently using the benefit payment card as part of the system trial, around 30,000 people, will see no interruption of their payments. The cards presently in use will be discontinued and we will be contacting customers to help them change to one of the alternative methods of payment.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what percentage of benefit payments are currently made through Automated Credited Transfer into bank accounts; [86924]

  (2) what income was generated for post offices as a result of benefit payment transactions in the last year for which figures are available; [86925]

  (2) what proportion of benefit claimants do not have a bank account. [86928]

  Angela Eagle
  As at May 1999, 16 per cent. of benefit payments were made through Automated Credit Transfer into bank accounts.

  The transaction fees payable by this Department to the various agents who supply benefit payment services are commercial in confidence and cannot be disclosed.
  34
  Estimates of the number of benefit claimants who do not have a bank account vary widely. The various sources of information available suggest the figure to be in the region of 10–20 per cent.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the effect on the benefit of a Jobseeker's Allowance claimant who is participating on a European Social Fund course of training, if the course provider makes payments directly to(a) a childminder and (b) a person providing accommodation in circumstances where the child care or accommodation needs are directly related to participation on the course. [85751]

  Angela Eagle
  In these circumstances the Jobseeker's Allowance regulations allow for such payments to be ignored.

  European Social Fund (Training)
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if recipients of(a) Incapacity Benefit and (b) Severe Disablement Allowance can participate on a European Social Fund course of training without loss of benefits. [85756]

  Mr. Bayley
  People undergoing certain Government training courses for which they receive a training allowance cannot also receive Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance. People who participate in training funded out of the European Social Fund do not receive a training allowance and may therefore continue to receive Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance provided they continue to satisfy the other conditions of entitlement.

  However, young people under age 19 cannot get Severe Disablement Allowance if they are undergoing non-advanced education for 21 or more hours a week, not including time spent on a course specifically designed for disabled students.

  Pension Legislation
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has for reform of the legislation which prevents transfers of protected rights from a contracted-out money purchase pension scheme; and if he will make a statement. [86308]

  Mr. Timms
  There is no general prohibition on transfers of protected rights from contracted-out money purchase pension schemes. The conditions under which transfers of protected rights may be made are contained in SI 1996/1461 the Protected Rights (Transfer Payment) Regulations 1996.

  We have received a number of representations about these rules and will consider whether any changes are needed to this legislation.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress is being made with the introduction of the system of periodic inquiry into entitlement to Disability Living Allowance; and if he will make a statement. [87144]
  35
  Mr. Bayley
  The new system of periodic inquiry into entitlement to Disability Living Allowance is being developed in close and continuing consultation with organisations of and for disabled people. These discussions have taken particular account of issues such as the appropriateness of the literature to be used, and the treatment of very sensitive cases, where special attention is required to ensure that the process meets the needs of the individual contacted. The consultation has been constructive and I can announce that inquiry action is now starting, with the first inquiries being issued today. Cases involving people with mental health problems and cases made on behalf of children will not be included in the inquiry process until special arrangements have been discussed with relevant organisations and appropriate training delivered to staff. The inquiry process will be closely monitored and initial evaluation will commence after six months of operation, in January 2000.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he is taking relating to benefit decisions which depend upon national insurance contribution issues; and if he will make a statement. [87145]

  Mr. Timms
  Two key initiatives are behind the changes we introduce today. The Department's reform of decision making and appeals is the first stage of our modernisation programme, intended to provide real improvements in the service we provide to Social Security and Child Support clients. Similarly the transfer of the Contributions Agency to Inland Revenue is part of extensive work to align the tax and benefits systems more closely.

  I am laying regulations to support a flexible and effective dialogue between the Department and the Inland Revenue for the purposes of Social Security decision-making, helping to bring the two organisations closer together in their day-to-day operations. The regulations ensure that where a contribution issue arises in connection with a benefit decision, dispute or appeal, that issue will be decided by Inland Revenue. The provisions protect a client's rights of appeal and ensure we continue to take decisions in the most efficient and effective manner.

  Benefit Entitlement
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to deal with changes in a person's medical condition which effect benefit entitlement; and if he will make a statement. [87146

  Mr. Bayley
  An important part of our programme of welfare reform is the need to ensure the amount of benefit paid to claimants is correct and remains correct, and that changes which could affect benefit entitlement are properly taken into account. This means having a system of review which is fair, appropriate and sensitive to the needs of individual claimants.

  We have recently made changes to the Social Security (Adjudication) Regulations which, from 1 June, introduced a common test of reasonableness for both misrepresentation of, and failure to disclose information about disability-related changes. These changes applied to Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and
  36
  benefits for people incapable of work and are intended to protect vulnerable, disabled people from an unfairness in the application of the overpayment recovery rules. They recognise that it is often very difficult for claimants to understand that gradual improvements in their medical condition, or response to new treatment which helps alleviate their problems, might have an effect on benefit. Unless it is considered that the claimant could reasonably have been expected to be aware of a fact or to have reported a change in circumstances, any resultant change in entitlement which has the effect of removing or reducing benefit will not be applied retrospectively.

  Today I am laying regulations to ensure that the same provisions to benefit sick and disabled people are carried into the new system for decision making and appeals. In addition they will be extended to cover people claiming Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance.

  The regulations also deal with the circumstances in which a decision based on a determination about incapacity for work can be reconsidered. They make it clear that when deciding whether a person continues to be entitled to a benefit awarded on basis that they are still incapable of work, the decision maker may use the findings from carrying out a further All Work Test as grounds to make a new decision. The regulations provide that where the decision maker has clear information from a new medical report provided by the Department's examining doctor, that the person no longer satisfies the conditions for entitlement, the award of benefit can be changed.

  This approach is in line with past practice which was called into question by a decision of the Social Security Commissioners. It is not expected that there will be any impact in the outcome of decisions in individual cases.

  Habitual Residence Test
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the future of the habitual residence test. [87147]

  Angela Eagle
  We have now concluded the review of the habitual residence test and have identified a package of measures to produce a fairer and more efficient test. The test was introduced by the previous Government to tackle the perceived phenomenon of 'benefit tourism'. However, to date the majority of people adversely affected have been UK nationals.

  It is right that our Social Security system should be safeguarded from abuse by people with little or no connection to the UK and we will continue to do this. Clearly though it is also important to ensure that income-related benefits are available to UK nationals and other nationals who have strong and legitimate links to this country.

  We believe that the package will address these two concerns. We have accepted a recent judgment of the European Court of Justice which has made it clear that people returning to the UK from an EU member state and re-establishing their ties here should be treated as habitually resident immediately upon their return.
  37
  However we believe it would be wrong to limit this important principle to people returning from a member state of the EU and have issued guidance to staff administering the test advising them to extend the effect of the judgment to people returning from any country overseas and re-establishing their ties here.

  We also propose to legislate to add to the categories of people who are to be treated as habitually resident those people who are brought here from an area of civil unrest or who are deported to the UK. Otherwise, subject to any guidance which may be given by the House of Lords in Nessa v The Chief Adjudication Officer (1) The Secretary of State for Social Security (2), a decision on which is awaited, the habitual residence test will continue to apply to seek to prevent abuse by those who do not have the appropriate ties to this country.

  We intend also to reduce the period when habitual residence inquiries are made from five years to two years and to introduce administrative improvements.

  We will trial a standard proforma, with a view to national implementation, to facilitate a more consistent approach to information gathering and decision making on cases requiring habitual residence action. We will also monitor the effects of how the test now operates.

  Taken together we believe these measures will result in fairer access to income-related benefits and will streamline the administrative process, while ensuring security against possible abuse of the benefits system by those with no real links to the UK.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Road Accidents
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of(a) road accidents and (b) road accidents involving fatalities occur on country lanes; and in how many such accidents speed was identified as a major contributor factor [86057]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The national reporting system for injury road accidents does not specifically record whether an accident took place on a "country lane". However, in 1997, the most recent year for which figures are available, 5 per cent. of injury road accidents occurred on minor1, single-carriageway roads with a speed limit greater than 40 mph. Seven per cent. of fatal road accidents occurred on these roads.

  Around 1 per cent. of all injury accidents and of fatal road accidents occurred on minor, single-track roads (single-lane with two-way flow) with a speed limit greater than 40 mph.

  The contribution of speed to these accidents is not comprehensively recorded. However, it is estimated that speed is a contributory factor in one-third of all road accidents on all roads.

  No information is available for damage-only accidents.
  1For the purposes of this answer minor roads are defined as C roads and unclassified roads.

  Driving Tests
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps will be taken to ensure satisfactory levels of public service in areas where driving test centres have been closed. [86262]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Driving Standards Agency will monitor local test waiting times and seek to ensure that service standards are delivered.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions by what means the Driving Standards Agency deals with complaints from(a) the general public, (b) approved driving instructors and (c) hon. Members; and for what reasons records are not kept of the nature and numbers of check test complaints from driving instructors. [86256]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Driving Standards Agency has a service standard that 97 per cent. of written complaints receive a reply within 10 days and the remainder within 15 days. The Agency does not record the number of complaints about ADI check tests such as to indicate individual cases. The overall number of such complaints is small and the Agency has not felt it necessary to keep a consolidated analysis. However, in view of increasing concerns, the Agency plans to review the way complaints about check tests from individual instructors are recorded and monitored.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to re-open previously closed driving test centres. [86248]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  There are no plans to re-open any previously closed driving test centre. The re-opening of a centre in the same locality could be considered if the need arose.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what forecasts the Driving Standards Agency has made of future demand levels. [86246]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Forecast demands for driving tests are published in the Driving Standards Agency's Business Plan. This forecasts nearly 1.4 million applications for practical driving tests and just over 1 million applications for theory tests in the financial year 1999–2000.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the basis of what factors or criteria the Driving Standards Agency will decide to re-open a previously closed test centre. [86258]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Re-opening a previously closed test centre would be most unlikely, unless it was a temporary closure for operational reasons. In the majority of situations the property would have been re-used by the landlord. The re-opening of a centre in the same locality could be considered if the need arose.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what criteria the guidelines for the maximum distance which a test candidate should have to travel to a test centre are set. [86251]
  39
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The guideline distances were based on information from customer surveys and drew on the experience of establishing the theory test centre network.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what opportunities exist for local communities to participate in the consultation process prior to a driving test centre closure. [86259]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  There are several opportunities for participation as public consultation about a proposed test centre closure involves the local authority, local driving instructors, and the local Member of Parliament. The Driving Standards Agency usually holds a public meeting and notifies the local media when a closure is proposed.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions by what means the Driving Standards Agency intends to improve and expand its consultation processes to ensure information and proposals reach approved driving instructors who do not belong to any of the national associations. [86266]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Driving Standards Agency publishes a quarterly magazine and sends a copy to all approved driving instructors. This provides briefing on a wide range of matters relating to driver training and testing. Driving instructors have the opportunity to give their views via regular customer satisfaction tracking surveys. Local consultative meetings are held regularly with instructors, and driving examiners responsible for conducting check tests hold weekly surgeries with instructors. The Agency sends copies of relevant consultative documents to local driving instructor associations. Since July 1998, the Driving Standards Agency has posted copies of its consultation papers on a Departmental Internet website, and the Agency plans to open its own website soon.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to reform the consultation process for driving test centre closures. [86264]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Driving Standards Agency has recently improved its procedures to enhance the consultation arrangements. We have no further current plans to change the consultation process, but we are open to suggestions for improvement. We shall continue to try to maximise the amount of time given to interested parties for them to comment.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effect of the closure of driving test centres on demand. [86221]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Following the closure of a driving test centre, the Driving Standards Agency monitors demand at neighbouring centres. Should waiting times give cause for concern, additional examiners are allocated to maintain customer service standards.
  40
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he intends to take to ensure the establishment of a formal appeals procedure against the result awarded on a check test. [86250]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  An appeals process already exists against a decision to remove an instructor's name from the Register of Approved Driving Instructors. The current arrangements contain safeguards for the instructor, who is not normally removed from the Register unless he or she has failed three successive check tests, the final one being conducted by an Assistant Chief Driving Examiner. After that, the Registrar's decision to remove an instructor from the Register is subject to the appeals process. Appeals are considered by an independent panel. There are no immediate plans to introduce separate arrangements to appeal against the professional judgment of an examiner conducting a check test.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Driving Standards Agency has to(a) change the criteria for check tests, (b) limit their frequency and (c) ensure examiner consistency. [86265]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  A two-year research project is underway, considering the way car driving instructors are trained and tested. This will report next year, and we shall consider the criteria used for check tests thereafter. Organisations representing driving instructors are kept informed of the emerging results and there is ample opportunity for them to have input to the research. The Driving Standards Agency changed the frequency for Grade 4 instructors to be check tested from one year to two years from 1 October 1998. Consistency of assessment in the conduct of check tests is provided by training and supervision of the examiners conducting the tests.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the introduction of the theory test on the numbers of people learning to drive. [86255]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The introduction of the separate theory test added a step to the process of learning to drive, but we have no information whether or how it has affected the numbers of people wishing to learn to drive.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the opinion of driving instructors of the check testing regime. [86267]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Driving Standards Agency regularly surveys driving instructors to assess their satisfaction with the services provided by the Agency. In the most recent surveys during 1997–98, over 85 per cent. of those instructors who responded said they were satisfied with the way their check test was handled.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps the Driving Standards Agency takes to provide a local service when it decides temporarily to close a local test centre. [86260]
  41
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Driving Standards Agency would provide a local testing service during a temporary closure if there was not a neighbouring test centre that could ensure customer service standards were maintained, and providing there was sufficient time to arrange a temporary centre. Planning consent and time factors are critical in considering the viability of making alternative arrangements.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what further steps the Driving Standards Agency intends to take to ensure that all those who pass the theory test apply for the practical test. [86254]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Since August 1998, theory test pass certificates have been printed showing the expiry date. Also, in April 1998, the Driving Standards Agency wrote to candidates holding theory test pass certificates who had not passed a practical test after 14 months reminding them that their theory test certificate had a two-year life. The Agency is considering a further mailshot to candidates who have held a theory test pass for a significant period and who may let it lapse by mistake.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason no consultation is undertaken when a driving test centre is closed temporarily for operational reasons. [86220]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Driving Standards Agency consults interested parties about test centre closures when time allows. Temporary closures for operational reasons are generally caused by events outside the control of the Agency, such as roadworks or road closures or health and safety issues affecting the property. Prior consultation in these circumstances is not always possible.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what level of qualification and experience is required before an examiner may check test an approved driving instructor. [86249]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Examiners who conduct check tests are especially selected from the existing examiner workforce for the purpose. They have to successfully complete a six-week training course covering the theory and practice of driving instruction. After qualification, their professional development is supported by supervision by senior staff to ensure consistency and fairness.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what impact current trends in demand are having on the Driving Standards Agency's cashflow; and what plans the Agency has to respond to the impact of these trends. [86243]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Demand for driving tests is stable and the Driving Standards Agency's cashflow is satisfactory. The Agency is controlling costs in line with forecast demand, and in accordance with the rules for Government bodies operating with Trading Funds.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what alternatives are considered to closures of driving test centres. [86222]
  42
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Driving test centre closures are proposed when a centre is no longer needed or no longer viable. If a centre is needed to meet demand, but a particular property has become unsuitable or unavailable, other properties are sought. A relevant consideration is the availability of local alternative facilities in line with customer service standards.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effect of the issuing of reminders to those who have failed to apply for their practical driving test. [86253]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We have not sought to distinguish between those who specifically responded to the reminder and those who would have applied for a practical test anyway.

  Road Transport System Costs
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the total costs of the road transport system in the UK in the most recent year for which figures are available, broken down by(a) road building and maintenance, (b) traffic law enforcement, (c) pollution and (d) congestion; and if he will make a statement. [86111]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The latest estimate of expenditure in England on road building and maintenance are set out in the table. Costs incurred in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the respective devolved authorities.

  Expenditure in 1998–99

  £ million

  Road building

  Road maintenance

  Trunk roads in England

  580

  652

  Local Authority roads in England

  162

  1,938

  The deployment of police resources to different functions are operational matters for individual chief constables, and information on expenditure on traffic law enforcement is not collected centrally. Even at a local level it can be difficult to make such assessments, since traffic officers spend a good deal of their time dealing with ordinary crime and crime prevention, while officers assigned to general beat duties act against breaches of road traffic law.

  Estimates of the levels of pollution caused by road traffic are published on a regular basis. The latest estimate of CO2 emissions from road transport in the UK in 1997 is 32 million tonnes of carbon, some 21 per cent. of total UK CO3 emissions1. We do not currently attempt to place an economic value on these.

  As part of the Department's work on revisions to the 1997 pre White Paper National Road Traffic Forecasts, alternative ways in which congestion costs could be estimated are being explored. As yet, however, there is no agreed basis for such calculations. A number of external estimates have been made, these include an estimate of

  43
  £15 billion in 1989 by the CBI (increased to £20 billion in 1996); and £7 billion in 1996 by National Economic Research Associates.
  1Source:
  UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory estimates of emissions at source.

  Railway Rolling Stock
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice he has received on the future of mark 1 rolling stock from the HSE; and if he will make a statement. [86190]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Deputy Prime Minister has received advice from the Chairman of the HSC recommending that all mark 1 rolling stock on the network should be modified by 2003 and replaced by 2007. Ministers are considering the recommendations, and an announcement will be made shortly.

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions who will be participating on the scientific steering group overseeing the farm-scale trials of genetically modified crops; and when they plan to meet. [85949]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]Membership of the scientific steering committee overseeing the ecological studies which are part of the farm-scale evaluations of genetically modified crops was announced on 25 May and is as follows:

  Professor Christopher Pollock, Research Director of the Institute of Environmental and Grassland Research (Chair);

  Professor Mick Crawley, Imperial College, London;

  Dr. David Gibbons, Head of Conservation Science at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds;

  Dr. Nick Sotherton, Director of Research for the Game Conservancy Trust;

  Dr. Nicholas Aebischer, Director of Biometrics at the Game Conservancy Trust;

  Dr. Alistair Burn, English Nature; and

  Jim Orson, Director of the Morley Research Centre.

  Dr. Brian Johnson, of English Nature, representing Statutory Nature Conservation Agencies, will also be participating on the group. The Secretariat will be provided by officials from my Department. Officials representing the research contractors, the Departments funding the ecological studies and SCIMAC (Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops), who are funding the growing and management of the crops, will also attend meetings; not as advising members of the steering group, but to provide information to the members on progress with the ecological studies and the farm scale evaluations and listen to their advice.

  The first meeting of the steering committee is to take place on 14 June 1999.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if all aspects of the scientific design of the field-scale evaluations of the ecological effects of genetically modified crops will be subject to the scrutiny of members of the Scientific Steering Group. [86176]
  44
  Mr. Meacher
  Yes.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that genetically modified crops will be tested in EU countries only once the timetable, rules and regulations with regard to conducting those trials have been agreed by the Council of Ministers. [86415]

  Mr. Meacher
  All consents for the deliberate release into the environment of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are issued on the basis of the procedures laid down in Council Directive 90/220/EEC, which are now being reviewed in the context of the revision of this Directive. Part B of the Directive sets out the procedures for the deliberate release of GMOs for research and development purposes.

  Deer (West Sussex)
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to conduct a deer count in West Sussex. [85774]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]Visual censuses have been conducted in the West Sussex area for a number of years by the local Deer Management Group. However, this method of census is notoriously inaccurate and the Forestry Commission have been investigating alternative methods. As part of these trials the study area in West Sussex between Eatham and Buriton was surveyed at night during April 1999 using thermal imaging equipment. The results are currently being analysed and will be available shortly.

  Petrol (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether in petrol was authorised in the United Kingdom. [85869]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has been used in petrol in the United Kingdom as an octane enhancer at very low levels for many years. Directive 85/536/EEC, which came into effect in domestic legislation on 24 April 1989, stipulates that member states may not prevent, restrict or discourage the production, marketing and free movement of blended petrol which contains 10 per cent. or less MTBE by volume. Directive 98/70/EC sets a maximum limit of 15 per cent. MTBE by volume applicable from 1 January 2000. Not all petrol sold in the UK contains MTBE; where it is used the concentration typically averages less than 1 per cent.

  Household Projections
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the data to substantiate the recently revised household projections. [86357]

  Mr. Caborn
  The technical volume giving the main results and methodology for the 1996 based household projections is due to be published later this summer.

  Transport Council
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the latest agenda of the Transport Council of 17 to 18 June, prior to the meeting. [86829]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The proposed agenda for the 17 June Transport Council comprises the following items:

  1. Adoption of the agenda

  2. Approval of "A" points

  Maritime transport

  3. Shore waste reception facilities

  Air transport

  4. Delays in air transport in Europe

  Measures concerning all modes of transport

  5. Year 2000 computer problem

  6. Revision of Trans-European Network guidelines

  7. Satellite navigation systems ("Galileo")

  Land transport

  8. Working time in road transport

  9. Railway policy

  10. Other business.

  Roads and Transport Expenditure
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much was spent on(a) roads and (b) public transport by the Government in the most recent year for which figures are available. [86672]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 11 June 1999]The most recent breakdown of the expenditure for the Department of Environment Transport and the Regions and its associated departments is given on page 15 of the Department's Annual Report 1999 [Cm 4204]. An analysis of the estimated outturn for 1998–99 on Main Programmes shows that:

  (a) the estimated amount spent on roads is £1.8 billion; and

  (b) the estimated amount spent on public transport is £2.6 billion.

  These amounts are for programme spend only, and exclude any apportionment of Departmental running costs.

  Right to Roam
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what economic assessment he has carried out of the impact of the right-to-roam proposals on hill farmers; and if he will make a statement. [86418]

  Mr. Meacher
  My Department commissioned independent consultants, Entec UK Ltd., to undertake an assessment of different approaches for securing greater public access to open countryside. The study included an assessment of the effects on landowners and occupiers including agricultural enterprises such as sheep and cattle farms. Copies of the report, "Appraisal of Options on Access to the Open Countryside," have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Countryside (Access)
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to fund any increased costs of dealing with wider access to the countryside(a) by increasing resources to and (b) from existing budgets of (i) the Countryside Agency, (ii) English Nature and (iii) English Heritage. [86419]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government's proposals for giving people greater access to the countryside are set out in our "Framework for Action" which my Department published on 8 March this year. We do not expect them to have major financial consequences but we have made clear that, where appropriate, resources will be made available to the relevant statutory agencies to cover costs arising from the new legislation.

  Rights of Way
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to amend the law governing rights of way; and if he will make a statement. [86420]

  Mr. Meacher
  My Department expects to publish a consultation paper on rights of way shortly.

  Vehicle Lights
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the safety impact of compulsory use of vehicle lights during daylight hours; and if he will make a statement. [86938]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Research into the effectiveness of daytime conspicuity lights on vehicles has been conducted for the Department by the Transport Research Laboratory. This work indicated that conspicuity lights could be of benefit in certain weather conditions, however, in clear weather, no obvious safety benefits were apparent.

  The European Commission is presently considering the possible costs and benefits of the use of vehicle lights during daylight hours. The negative environmental impact of the use of vehicle lights in daytime is being considered as part of this work. No formal proposals to regulate in this area have yet been put forward but the UK continues to play its part in discussions with the European Commission and other member states.

  New Household Projections
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish the report on the New Household Projections to 2021. [86425]

  Mr. Caborn
  The technical volume giving the main results and methodology for the 1996 based household projections is due to be published later this summer.

  Workplace Violence and Bullying
  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce measures to tackle workplace violence and bullying. [85590]
  47
  Mr. Meacher
  I strongly condemn workplace bullying. It has no place in a decent society. The Government have already in place measures to protect workers. Some instances of workplace bullying may well constitute an offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Where workplace bullying presents a risk to a worker's health, health and safety inspectors could in principal use powers under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 to require an employer to take action to protect the employee's health. No further legislative measures are planned.

  I am very concerned about workplace violence. I have therefore asked the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) to consider options for further action that would make a significant impact on preventing assaults, verbal threats and abuse in the workplace. Any plans I make to introduce measures will be based on HSC's advice.

  River Tweed
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice he has received from English Nature concerning the notification of the River Tweed as a candidate special area of conservation under the European Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora; and if he intends to proceed to notification. [86868]

  Mr. Macdonald
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government have no plans to propose the River Tweed to the European Commission as a candidate Special Area of Conservation.

  From 1 July 1999 the selection of Special Areas of Conservation in Scotland will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Kosovo (Refugees)
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has made for the co-ordination of refugee return to Kosovo. [86480]

  Clare Short
  The UNHCR has been given the lead responsibility for co-ordinating the arrangement for the return of the refugees to Kosovo. We are trying to assist them to strengthen this capacity to carry out their role as efficiently as possible.

  The refugees will be provided with information about the conditions in Kosovo when the details become available, including the presence of mines, booby traps and unexploded ordnance. Arrangements for orderly return are being discussed with refugee leaders.

  Kosovo (Land Mines)
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what money she has allocated for the process of de-mining in Kosovo. [86481]

  Clare Short
  To date £250,000 has been allocated for de-mining, including a mine awareness programme, in Kosovo. We expect to allocate more once the needs are 48
  clearer. Education, about the danger and location of mines, and unexploded ordnance, for refugees inside and outside of Kosovo, will be a priority.

  Death Penalty (Caribbean)
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will itemise and state the value of (i) aid and (ii) trade preferences provided, respectively by the United Kingdom and the European Union, for(a) Trinidad and Tobago, (b) Jamaica and (c) each of the other Caribbean Commonwealth countries which have the penalty of capital punishment. [86408]

  Clare Short
  Net figures for official development assistance (oda) provided in 1997 (the latest year for which full figures are available) to those Commonwealth Caribbean Countries which retain statutory provision for capital punishment are as follows:

  £ million

  UK

  EC

  Antigua and Barbuda

  0.3

  0.8

  Barbados

  0.3

  3.5

  Belize

  1.0

  2.7

  Dominica

  5.2

  -0.4

  Guyana

  91.9

  4.0

  Jamaica

  -2.9

  45.6

  St. Kitts and Nevis

  0.2

  0.8

  St. Lucia

  1.4

  6.9

  St. Vincent and the Grenadines

  0.2

  0.1

  Trinidad and Tobago

  0.4

  20.4

  Note:

  Negative figures are the result of repayments on past oda loans. The UK oda figure for Guyana is particularly high because of a large debt relief payment made in 1997.

  As with other non-EU members of the Lomé Convention, the Caribbean benefits from Lomé trade preferences including those relating to commodities. It would not be possible to quantify the value of these preferences to the countries in question without disproportionate cost.

  Balkans (Reconstruction)
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the resources required for refugee return and longer-term reconstruction of Kosovo and the Balkan region. [86482]

  Clare Short
  Most of the refugees are likely to return if their long-term security is guaranteed by an international security presence in Kosovo with NATO at its core. This is one of the conditions that has now been accepted. Arrangements for the withdrawal of all Yugoslav security forces, and the early entry of the international security force into Kosovo are currently being finalised. The immediate tasks are de-mining, and the provision of emergency relief for those who had remained in Kosovo and those returning (shelter, food, medicine, emergency rehabilitation of infrastructure).

  In co-ordination with the lead agency, the UNHCR, we are preparing for the reception of refugees when they return to Kosovo. We have a team positioned in Skopje ready to provide a rapid assessment of the resources required to begin the process of planning provision of

  49
  humanitarian relief repairs and rehabilitation. As I have stated previously, our objective remains as it has always been to assist as many refugees to return to Kosovo as quickly as possible.

  Recent donor meetings have assessed the impact of the Kosovo crisis on neighbouring countries and highlighted action needed to deal with the consequences. We continue to work closely with the International Community to help these countries.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much money is allocated by her Department for the return of Kosovan refugees and the longer-term reconstruction costs in the Balkans. [86479]

  Clare Short
  Since 24 March 1999, the Government have committed £40 million for humanitarian assistance to the region. We are working with the EU member states, IMF, the World Bank and regional banks to determine the resources required for the return of the refugees and the longer-term reconstruction in the Balkans. We expect to make an appropriate contribution to the reconstruction effort.

  World Bank Loans
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what negotiations her Department has had with the World Bank about protecting the poor from the effects of financial crises; and if she will press for an external evaluation of the effectiveness of the protection measures which are supported with World Bank loans to be conducted and to be published. [86941]

  Clare Short
  We are working closely with the World bank to ensure its programmes pay particular attention to protecting poor and vulnerable groups from the effects of financial crises. We have been working to try to ensure that the bank and the IMF work more closely together on emergency adjustment programmes to ensure that the needs of the poor are taken fully into account. At the 1998 Annual Meetings of the Bank and Fund, the Chancellor of the Exchequer also called for a development of a Code of Good Practice on Social Policy to help guide countries in dealing with the social consequences of global economic problems. Work on this is underway, and the Bank will report on progress at the 1999 Annual Meetings in late September.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Occupational Therapists
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate she has made of the number of occupational therapists required in Northern Ireland to reduce the waiting time for assessment of need to(a) six months and (b) three months. [85874]

  Mr. McFall
  No estimate has been made of the number of occupational therapists required to reduce the waiting times for housing adaptation assessments.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time occupational therapists are employed in Northern Ireland. [85875]
  50
  Mr. McFall
  At 31 December 1998 the number of qualified occupational therapists employed in the Northern Ireland Health and Personal Social Services, across the full range of hospital and community services, was as follows:

  (a) Full-time—339

  (b) Part-time—127.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps she is taking to recruit and train extra occupational therapists in Northern Ireland. [85887]

  Mr. McFall
  Training of occupational therapists in Northern Ireland is carried out in the University of Ulster. At the request of the Department of Health and Social Services the University has since 1992 increased the annual student intake level from 36 to the current level of 50. Recruitment of occupational therapists is a matter for individual Health and Social Services Trusts.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average waiting time for a home visit and assessment by an occupational therapist in Northern Ireland. [85873]

  Mr. McFall
  Information is not available in the form asked. The table shows the number of assessments commenced during the quarter ended 31 March 1999 and in each case the time waiting from referral.

  Priority cases

  Number

  Less than 2 weeks

  2,833

  2 weeks to under one month

  698

  One month and over

  645

  Total assessments commenced

  4,176

  Other cases

  Number

  Less than 3 months

  2,735

  3 to 6 months

  1,424

  6 months and over

  1,407

  Total assessments commenced

  5,566

  Note:

  Figures do not include Newry and Mourne Health and Social Services Trust due to a computer problem

  Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will estimate the total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if hospitals and other NHS facilities in Northern Ireland used not-in-kind refrigerants. [86170]

  Mr. McFall
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Health Estates Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Ronnie Browne. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from R. H. Browne to Mrs. Helen Brinton, dated 11 June 1999:
  I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question regarding the total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if hospitals and other NHS facilities in Northern Ireland used not-in-kind refrigerants.
  Data is not readily available on the use of refrigerants in hospitals and other Health and Personal Social Services (HPSS) facilities in Northern Ireland, and information in the form requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  51
  The Department of Health and Social Services (Northern Ireland) is fully supportive of the Government's commitment to running and operating its estate in accordance with best environmental practice as an integral part of its contribution to the UK sustainable development strategy. All HSS Trusts are in the process of implementing GREENCODE, an environmental management system designed specifically for the Health Service.
  The HPSS has made significant progress in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and up to March 1998 achieved a reduction in CO2 emissions of 22.21 per cent. against the base year of 1990/91. This exceeds the Government's target of 20 per cent. reduction by year 2010 against the same base year.
  I hope you find this information helpful.

  Fort Whiterock
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which organisations are represented on the Whiterock Steering Group to examine development proposals for the former Fort Whiterock army base on Springfield Road, Belfast. [86152]

  Mr. Ingram
  The members of the Whiterock Steering Group represent the Industrial Development Board (IDB), Making Belfast Work (MBW), the Local Enterprise Development Unit (LEDU), the West Belfast Partnership Board, the Upper Springfield Development Trust and the local MP.

  Glencree Reconciliation Centre
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under what authority the Government fund the Glencree Reconciliation Centre in Co. Wicklow, Republic of Ireland. [86150]

  Mr. McFall
  The Glencree Reconciliation Centre receives project funding from a global grant body in the Republic, under the Cross-Border Community Reconciliation Measure of the EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. The project involves school children in the Border Counties and in Northern Ireland. The measure is jointly administered by the global grant body and the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust. The latter contributes to the funding of this project, given its cross-border nature, and the EU funding element attracts a matching contribution from Government.

SCOTLAND

  Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if hospitals and other NHS facilities in Scotland used not-in-kind refrigerants. [86169]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The specific information required to estimate the total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if NHS in Scotland (NHSiS) bodies used not-in-kind refrigerants is not collected centrally.

  The NHSiS already has operational mechanisms in place to ensure that no ozone depleting substances are vented into the atmosphere by refrigeration appliances and plant. This is achieved via the specification of suitable alternatives to products which contain such substances, by
  52
  regular servicing and ensuring that they are recovered for recycling or destruction in accordance with all current statutes and codes of practice.

  Additionally, against the wider Government obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2008–12 and their domestic target of a 20 per cent. carbon dioxide reduction by 2010, the NHSiS has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 30 per cent. in the eight years from 1989–90 to 1997–98. Carbon dioxide is recognised as the principal contributor towards the "greenhouse effect".

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

  Buchanan Centre, Glasgow
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total rateable value of the new Buchanan Centre in Glasgow; how much would have been paid in rates by the centre during the current financial year had all units been open and occupied at the start of the financial year and occupied throughout the year; and how much and what percentage of the total raised would be made available to Glasgow City Council. [86396]

  Mr. Macdonald
  This information is not available. The local Assessor is responsible for determining rateable values and no entries have as yet been made in the valuation roll for this new property.

  Homeopathy
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what steps are being taken to recognise at consultant level those practitioners with extensive experience in homeopathic medicine gained before 1 January 1997; [86325]

  (2) what provision there is for the training of orthodox physicians in their conventional path of accreditation in homeopathy and complementary medicine. [86328]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 11 June 1999]There is currently no statutory training path for doctors in homeopathy in the UK, although consultants in homeopathy have been appointed in the NHS. Since 1 January 1997 it has been a requirement to be on the GMC' s Specialist Register in order to be eligible for appointment as a substantive or honorary 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 EEA, 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

  53
  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).

  In Scotland trainees are able to undertake sessions in homeopathy at the Homeopathic Hospital in Glasgow during their training in General Medicine, provided that they fully comply with the Joint Committee on Higher Medical Training curriculum in General Medicine. At present the North Glasgow Acute Trust, of which the Homeopathic Hospital forms part, has two consultant physicians with an interest in homeopathy. It also has one higher medical trainee who is undertaking sessions in homeopathy. Two general professional trainees (Senior House Officers) are also based at the Homeopathic Hospital. In the west of Scotland registrars in general practice are funded to attend courses in homeopathy if they wish, but numbers who request it at that stage are small. Once they are in independent practice, however, demand increases and homeopathy courses are accredited for reimbursement by the NHS through the Postgraduate Education Allowance for GPs.

  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many patients are currently on the waiting list of the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital. [86324]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 11 June 1999]On 31 March 1999 the number of patients waiting for inpatient/day treatment at the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital was 37.

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

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Ministerial Meetings (US)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many times (i) the Lord Chancellor and (ii) the Minister of State in the Lord Chancellor's Department have met members or officials in the United States Government since 1 June 1998; and if he will list the dates and locations of each meeting, the US departments involved on each occasion, and the names of the US members and officials at each meeting. [86294]

  Mr. Vaz
  Neither the Lord Chancellor nor the Minister of State have had any official meetings with members or officials in the United States Government since 1 June 1998.

  Legal Aid (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when it is intended to publish a consultation paper on legal aid reform in Northern Ireland. [87141]

  Mr. Vaz
  A consultation paper on legal aid reform in Northern Ireland has been published today. Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Annual Report
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the method by which the contents of his Department's Annual report are determined. [85582]

  Mr. Straw
  The Home Office Annual Report conformed to the requirements and followed guidance laid down by Her Majesty's Treasury for all Departmental reports. It describes the aims and objectives of the Department, its policies and programmes, and details of the Department's expenditure plans.

  Jury Trial
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding proposed curtailment of the right to trial by jury. [85583]

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representation he has received concerning his plans to restrict the right to trial by jury. [85587]

  Mr. Boateng
  The recommendation of the Royal Commission on Criminal Justice 1993 and the Narey Review of Delay in 1997 was subject to a public consultation exercise last year. 133 responses covering a range of views were received during the consultation exercise. Consultation has not, in our view, weakened the case for abolishing the ability to elect for trial in either way cases.

  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish the bill to restrict the right to trial by jury in criminal cases. [R] [85592]

  Mr. Boateng
  A bill to remove the defendant's ability to elect for Crown Court trial in either way cases will be published and introduced when Parliamentary time allows.

  Drug Dealers (Seized Assets)
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the value of assets seized from drug dealers in the last year for which figures are available. [85584]

  Mr. George Howarth
  In 1997–98, courts in England and Wales made 1,510 confiscation orders for drug proceeds totalling just over £15 million. During that period, assets totalling £5 million were realised by the enforcement of drug trafficking confiscation orders.

  We are considering proposals for strengthening confiscation legislation, including wider civil forfeiture powers and a National Confiscation Agency, on which we recently consulted.

  Fire Cover
  Mr. John Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress his Department's review of fire cover has made; and if he will make a statement. [85585]
  55
  Mr. George Howarth
  It was agreed last year to trial in a number of brigades new fire cover arrangements based on proper risk assessment and flexibility of response. We expect the trials will be completed by the end of next year.

  Probation Service
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to review the work and case load of probation service staff. [85586]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The work of the probation service was reviewed last year as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, which resulted in an extra £127 million current grant being made available to the service over the three years 1999–2000 to 2001–02. It is a matter for probation services and the probation committees that employ them to decide how to make the best use of the resources available, including distribution of work and how staff should tackle that work.

  Fines (Enforcement)
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to improve the enforcement of fines. [85588]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government are committed to the better enforcement of financial penalties imposed by the courts. The Access to Justice Bill, currently before this House, contains provisions which will give civilian enforcement officers and approved enforcement agencies employed by the courts wider and clearer powers to execute warrants issued against fine defaulters and those who have breached community penalties. This will enable responsibility for such work to be transferred from the police to the magistrates' courts, allowing the police to concentrate on fighting crime.

  Also, the Government's Crime Reduction Programme includes a project which will fund work to extend successful fine enforcement techniques and encourage courts to make greater use of fines.

  The courts will be expected to give a high priority to the prompt and efficient enforcement of the penalties they impose. As a result, more money—including compensation for the victims of crime—will be collected.

  Police Overtime (Millennium Public Holidays)
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review police overtime pay for the millennium public holidays. [85589]

  Mr. Boateng
  I have no plans to review police overtime pay as police regulations already provide for public holiday working.

  Social Exclusion
  Mr. Plaskitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the role of the voluntary sector in tackling social exclusion. [85591]

  Mr. Boateng
  The voluntary and community sector has a key role to play in tackling social exclusion. The Government recognise that many voluntary and community organisations have particular skills and 56
  knowledge across a range of subject areas and service provision. That is why the Government have entered into a new spirit of partnership with the sector and the Policy Action Teams established to take forward the work on social exclusion issues include representatives from a range of voluntary organisations.

  Police Custody Officers
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he will take to ensure that all police custody officers are fully trained before being allocated their custody duties. [85594]

  Kate Hoey
  National Police Training (NPT) has developed a two-week training course for Custody Officers for delivery by forces. The course is subject to regular updating and was revised last year in the light of the recommendations of the report by the Police Complaints Authority. It is due to be revised again this summer to take account of emerging good practice and the findings of the recently published report of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary's thematic inspection of police training, "Managing Learning".

  It is for Chief Officers to decide on the nature and timing of the training to be undergone by their officers. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) recognise the value and importance of the Custody Officer training package, and continue to work with NPT in strongly promoting the use of this course by all police forces. My right hon. Friend would encourage any initiative to ensure that training is provided prior to taking up Custody Officer duties.

  Disclosure Rules (Rape and Domestic Violence)
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to amend the disclosure rules in cases of(a) rape and (b) domestic violence. [85595]

  Mr. Boateng
  The aim of the disclosure provisions, which apply to all offences, is to ensure that all relevant unused prosecution material is disclosed to the defence. In response to concerns about their operation, the Director of Public Prosecutions has initiated a programme of work, focusing on the essential principles of disclosure, with a special emphasis on the duty of the prosecution to ensure a fair trial. In the light of this work Home Officials have been asked to consider what further needs to be done.

  Changes to the Crown Court procedures for obtaining material from third parties came into force on 1 April 1999 with the aim of focusing applications on requests for relevant material. In addition the law on disclosure of a defendant's previous convictions is under review by the Law Commission.

  Crime and Disorder Partnerships
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment the Government have made of the role of voluntary organisations as partners in combating crime and disorder. [85596]

  Mr. Boateng
  Voluntary organisations have an important crime prevention and reduction role. That is why the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 requires a wide range of voluntary bodies to be invited to participate in the work of the crime and disorder reduction partnerships.
  57
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the Department for Education and Employment to ensure that schools are fully involved in local partnerships to combat crime and disorder. [85601]

  Mr. Boateng
  Following agreement with Ministers in the Department for Education and Employment, we have designated schools as bodies with which local authorities and police forces must co-operate in partnership to develop and implement crime and disorder reduction strategies.

  Police Manpower
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met the Association of Police Authorities to discuss police manpower. [85597]

  Mr. Straw
  My hon. Friend and I meet the Association of Police Authorities regularly both at the Home Office and at police events when a range of issues are discussed, including police resources.

  The Association is fully aware that, under legislation passed by the previous Government, the number of police officers in each force is a matter for local determination.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in resolving the problems arising from the move of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate. [85598]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We have established a project team, working to tight deadlines, to plan and deliver urgent measures to ensure the Directorate improves its quality of service.

  Animal Experimentation
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met members of the Animal Procedures Committee; and what discussions took place on licences. [85599]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I last met members of the Committee when I attended its meeting on 9 December 1998. I also met their Chairman, Professor Michael Banner, on 10 November. I had very worthwhile discussions on both occasions, although these did not specifically touch on the issue of licences, or on particular applications for licences, under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

  The Government greatly value the Committee's advice.
  I keep in touch with the Committee on a regular basis and expect to meet members again soon.

  Metropolitan Police Force (Ethnic Minorities)
  Siobhain McDonagh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to enhance the recruitment, retention and promotion of Black and Asian police officers in the Metropolitan police force. [85600]
  58
  Kate Hoey
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a Question from the hon. Member for Epping Forest (Mrs. Laing) on 26 April 1999,Official Report, column 69.

  Sex Offences Review
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to conclude his review of sex offences. [85602]

  Mr. Boateng
  The review of sex offences is aiming to produce recommendations at the end of the year.

  Dangerous Driving Deaths
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the law relating to the causing of death by dangerous driving. [85603]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government have no current plans to review the law relating to causing death by dangerous driving. We believe that the courts have adequate powers to punish those who are convicted of this offence.

  Criminal Records Bureau
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review his policy on charging individuals for checks made by the Criminal Records Bureau. [85566]

  Mr. Boateng
  We have no plans to review the policy. We considered very carefully whether it would be possible for the Criminal Records Bureau to provide free checks for volunteers but concluded that this would be unfair to other deserving groups such as school leavers, the unemployed and disabled people seeking work, for whom the level of fees payable would be increased as a result of the need for the Bureau's income to meet its costs.

  Scottish Prisoners (Deportation Orders)
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons awaiting deportation in 1998 were detained in Scottish prisons; and what was the average length of such detentions. [85567]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The average number of people detained at any one time in Scottish prisons solely under Immigration Act powers last year was in the range of 20 to 25. Consolidated records are not kept, neither do our records distinguish between detainees who are liable to deportation and those liable to removal as illegal entrants or having been refused entry at a port. This information, together with the average length of detention, could be established only by reference to each individual case record.

  Macpherson Report
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if all the persons within Government who had sight of the Macpherson report before its publication were required to account for their movements during the period within which a copy was shown to a journalist and whether any checks were made of their account. [86115]
  59
  Mr. Straw
  The conduct of the inquiry into the leaking of parts of the Macpherson report was a matter for the independent investigator. Establishing who would have been in a position to leak the material is an integral part of investigations of this kind.

  Home Detention Curfews
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answers of 27 April 1999,Official Report, column 110, 18 May 1999, Official Report, column 295 and 26 May 1999, Official Report, column 149, on home detention curfews, what powers he has to revoke the licences of the 14 curfewees who were charged with an offence during the period of curfew and who remained on home detention curfew. [86058]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Secretary of State's powers to revoke the licence of any person subject to home detention curfew are set out in section 38A(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991, which provides that:"If it appears to the Secretary of State, as regards a person released on licence under section 34A(3) above—

  (a) that he has failed to comply with the curfew condition;

  (b) that his whereabouts can no longer be electronically monitored at the place for the time being specified in that condition; or

  (c) that it is necessary to do so in order to protect the public from serious harm from him,
  the Secretary of State may, if the curfew condition is still in force, revoke the licence and recall the person to prison."

  In addition, on 1 January 1999, the Government implemented section 103 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. This means that a curfewee whose original offence was committed on or after 1 January 1999 and who is charged with a new offence committed during the home detention curfew period will be liable to have his licence revoked by the Secretary of State under section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991.

  The 14 curfewees referred to in the question are not liable to have their licences revoked by the Secretary of State under section 39 of the 1991 Act, as their original offences were committed prior to 1 January 1999, and there are no grounds for recall under section 38A(1) of the 1991 Act. However, breaches of licence conditions not covered by these provisions may be dealt with by the courts under section 38 of the 1991 Act and may result in a fine and/or recall to prison.

  Inside Out Charity
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the work of the Inside Out charity in prisons. [86203]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Inside Out Trust has been involved in the provision of work to prisons since 1994. All the work is charity based. Activities include Braille transcribing, repair of wheelchairs and artificial limbs, sewing and a wide range of arts and crafts work. The Trust supplies materials and arranges for transport of goods to and from prisons. The Prison Service supplies staff, accommodation and equipment.

  The Trust has also set up a Charity link scheme, which has been operating since 1996, which aims to link each prison with organisations which can make the best use of the facilities prisons offer, such as making badges for flag days or re-labelling collection boxes.
  60
  Prisoners, particularly those involved in bookbinding and Braille transcribing, are also given the opportunity to qualify for proficiency exams.

  The Trust makes a valuable contribution to work for prisoners who might otherwise be unoccupied. Prisoners are enabled to help other disadvantaged groups through work for charities including Oxfam, Barnardos, the Royal National Institute for the Blind and Victim Support.

  Judicial and Police Co-operation
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what documents have been published relating to the activities, financing and powers of Europol; what agreements need to be made prior to the commencement of operations of mixed national police teams, under its supervision within national states; and if he will state the name of the replacement committee concerning all matters of police and judicial co-operation in Title VI of the Treaty on European Union, the frequency of planned meetings and the nature and number of the representatives of the European Commission on that committee. [86226]

  Kate Hoey
  Europol produces an annual report that outlines the activities undertaken during the reporting period and includes a section on finance. A copy of the report for 1998 will be placed in both Libraries of the House shortly. A copy will also be sent to the European Parliament. The powers of Europol are outlined in the Europol Convention.

  The principal role of Europol will be to support competent authorities of member states in their action against crime. Any decision to set up "mixed national police teams" would be for the member state principally concerned.

  The senior level official committee concerned with Justice and Home Affairs issues has no formal title, but is known informally as the "Article 36 Committee". The Presidency of the day will decide how frequently it should meet. It has met once since the Treaty of Amsterdam came into effect and eight meetings are currently planned under the Finnish Presidency. The European Commission is represented at official level on the Committee; the nature and number of their representatives are matters for the Commission.

  Crimes of Violence (Armed Forces)
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the number of former members of the armed forces in Her Majesty's prisons and into the possibility of a relationship between crimes of violence and active service; and if he will make a statement. [85663]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information requested is not available. There has been no research into the number of prisoners who have served in the armed forces and the possibility of a relationship between crimes of violence and active service.

  Prisoner N18072
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when prisoner N18072 will be
  61
  subject to parole review; how long he has been custody; when he was reduced to category C status; when F75 reports were completed on him; if the Director General has responded to the request for information on the prisoner from the Chief Inspector; if the report writers at HMP Kingston recommend open conditions; and how many letters from the Worthing outside probation officer to his Department are unanswered. [86353]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Prisoner number N18072 is due to have a Parole Board review in October 2000. He has been in custody since 13 October 1983 and was convicted of murder on 28 January 1985. He was reduced to category C status on 12 April 1996 and his most recent F75 reports were completed in December 1996. None of the report writers at Kingston prison recommended a move to open conditions.

  The Director General of the Prison Service wrote to the prisoner on 30 May 1999 in response to a request for information from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons.

  The Prison Service lifer management and lifer review units have no indication that any letters from the Worthing outside probation officer remain unanswered, nor is Kingston prison aware of any such letters.

  Firearms (Amendment) Acts
  Mr. McCabe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the procedures adopted by the police in dealing with handguns and ancillary equipment handed in under the Firearms (Amendment) Acts; and what proportion of the equipment is(a) destroyed and (b) resold. [86452]

  Mr. Boateng
  It is a matter for individual chief officers of police to decide on the procedures necessary to deal with surrendered handguns, ammunition and ancillary equipment taking account of operational factors and local circumstances. Information on the procedures adopted by individual police forces was not collated centrally.

  Surrendered equipment which qualifies for compensation is destroyed by the police when the associated compensation claims are resolved. No equipment is resold. Any items of equipment surrendered to the police but subsequently found not to qualify for compensation may be returned to their owners.

  Fire Safety
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce a bill to modernise fire safety provision; and if he will make a statement. [86387]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham), on 17 May 1999,Official Report, column 264. We intend to bring forward general legislation to consolidate and rationalise fire safety law along the lines proposed in our consultation document "Fire Safety Legislation for the Future", when Parliamentary time permits.

  National Coroner Service
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce a national coroner service; and if he will make a statement. [86386]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The coroner service is at present provided for the community by the relevant local authority. We have no plans to put the service on a national basis for England and Wales.

  Managerial Suspensions
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers of chief constable rank and their deputies are currently suspended on full pay; and what this figure is as a percentage of the total number of such officers. [86879]

  Mr. Boateng
  There are currently two deputies who are suspended on full pay which is 2.2 per cent. of the total of 92 chief constables and deputies, including the Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police Service and the City of London Police and the Assistant Commissioners and the Deputy Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police Service.

  High Security Hospitals
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convicted offenders were transferred from prison to high security hospitals in the last(a) six months and (b) three months of their sentences in each of the past five years. [86432]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The available relevant information has been extracted from centrally held statistics and relates to the number of convicted prisoners who were transferred in the years 1995, 1996 and 1997.

  Convicted offenders recorded as being transferred from Prison Service establishments to high security1 hospitals as restricted patients, by period before release date

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Within 3 months of release date

  1

  8

  8

  Within 6 months of release date

  4

  11

  8

  Determinate sentence with date of release not recorded

  0

  2

  2

  Total transferred from Prison to high security1 hospitals

  47

  55

  34

  1Ashworth, Broadmoor and Rampton

  The figures relate to transfers, by order of the Secretary of State, of prisoners serving a sentence in a Prison Service Establishment made under sections 47 and 49 of the Mental Health Act 1983. The imposition of a restriction under section 49 has the effect of requiring the Secretary of State's consent on all matters relating to leave of absence, transfer or discharge.

  Soar, Devon (Sale)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will invite bids for the redundant building and land formerly the Home Office Regional Government Headquarters at Soar, Malborough, Kingsbridge, Devon; and if he will make a statement as to the timetable for such a sale. [86430]
  63
  Mr. George Howarth
  We have instructed our agents to arrange for the early sale of this land and building by tender on the open market. Our current expectation is that the sale will be completed by the end of September. This timetable is subject to the resolution of some outstanding issues with the owners of adjourning land.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Universities (Suspensions)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many vice-chancellors and their deputies in British universities are currently suspended on full pay; and what this figure is as a percentage of the total number of such persons. [86876]

  Mr. Mudie
  The Department does not hold this information. However, we have made inquiries and understand that no vice-chancellors or their deputies are currently suspended.

  Further Education Colleges (Suspensions)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many chief executives and their deputies in further education colleges are currently suspended on full pay; and what this figure is as a percentage of the total number of such persons. [86877]

  Mr. Mudie
  The Department does not keep this information. However, we have made inquiries and understand that one chief executive and no deputies of the 435 further education colleges in England are suspended currently.

  Water Charges
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will investigate the impact on school budgets in Worcestershire of the proposed increase in water charges. [86871]
  64
  Ms Estelle Morris
  Under schedule three of the Financing of Maintained Schools Regulations 1999, local education authorities (LEAs) are free to determine factors—based on either actual or estimated costs—for the delegation of funds to schools for charges for water and sewage via budget shares. It is therefore a matter for Worcestershire LEA to devise such factors within its formula.

  School Transport
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the rate support grant for rural local education authorities takes into account the cost of home to school transport with particular reference to Cornwall. [86680]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The sparsity factor in the Standard Spending Assessment methodology delivers more funding to local education authorities in rural areas such as Cornwall, to help meet the extra costs of home to school transport. The Government will be reviewing the details of the formula over the next few years.

  Standards Fund
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he intends to take to prevent adverse effects on core school budgets as a result of pressure on local education authorities to find the matching funding necessary for the Standards Fund. [86681]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The requirement for Local Education Authorities to contribute to the Standards Fund was allowed for in the 5.7 per cent. increase in the Education Standard Spending Assessment for 1999–2000 announced in December. Cornwall County Council's own Education Standard Spending Assessment increased by 6.2 per cent. Local Education Authorities have accepted over 99 per cent. of the Standards Fund allocations offered to them, with Cornwall accepting 100 per cent. Around two-thirds of the Standards Fund must be devolved to school level, contributing to the funds available to schools.

  Northern Ireland: Legal Aid Reform
  Northern Ireland: Legal Aid Reform
  EU Pension Fund: Use of Public Moneys
  EU Pension Fund: Use of Public Moneys
  OSCE: National Elections
  OSCE: National Elections
  Arms Trafficking and Brokering Controls
  Arms Trafficking and Brokering Controls
  China Western Poverty Reduction Project
  China Western Poverty Reduction Project
  Unemployment in the EU
  Unemployment in the EU
  International Law: Armed Attacks
  International Law: Armed Attacks
  International Law: Attacks on Computer Networks
  International Law: Attacks on Computer Networks
  Air Attacks: Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
  Air Attacks: Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
  Target Selection: Kosovo
  Target Selection: Kosovo
  Target Selection: Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
  Target Selection: Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
  Service Personnel Awaiting Secondary Care Medical Treatment
  Service Personnel Awaiting Secondary Care Medical Treatment
  Schipol: Air Accident Report
  Schipol: Air Accident Report
  GM Crops and Insects
  GM Crops and Insects
  Witham Bypass: Hedge Cutting
  Witham Bypass: Hedge Cutting
  Whaling
  Whaling