Written Answers of 15 June 1999

DEFENCE

  Kosovo
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total cost to public funds of the operation in Kosovo since the beginning of military action. [86744]

  Minister

  Team led by

  Date

  Location

  Minister (Armed Forces)

  John Hamre

  1 March 1999

  Washington

  Secretary of State

  William Cohen

  7 April 1999

  Brussels

  Secretary of State

  William Cohen

  17 April 1999

  Freeport, Maine

  Minister (Defence Procurement)

  John Hamre

  17 May 1999

  London

  Full records of the US officials present at these meetings are not kept.

  As well as these scheduled bilateral meetings, we have had exchanges and contacts at other meetings and conferences, including at the NATO Washington Summit.

  Defence Estates
  Lorna Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for Defence Estates for 1999–2000. [87252]

  Mr. Spellar
  The following key targets have been set for Defence Estates 1999–2000:

  Key Target 1:

  To demonstrate an improvement of 10 per cent. in terms of the satisfaction of customer requirements.

  Key Target 2:

  To achieve net disposal receipts of …235 million.

  Key Target 3:

  To let three pilot Prime construction procurement Contracts.

  Key Target 4:

  To publish a strategy for the management of the Defence Estate.

  Airborne Stand-off Radar
  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in determining the outcome of the competition for the Airborne Stand-off Radar. [87314]

  Mr. George Robertson
  A consortium led by Raytheon Systems Ltd. has been chosen as the preferred bidder for the development, production and in-service support of ASTOR, the Airborne Stand-Off Radar system. The consortium includes Short Brothers, Motorola UK Ltd, GEC Marconi Avionics and Marshall SV.
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  Mr. George Robertson
  As at the end of May, some £43 million of additional expenditure has fallen to my Department as a direct consequence of the UK's military response to the Kosovo crisis. This figure does not include the costs of replenishing stocks of expended ordnance.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times Ministers in his Department have met members and officials of the United States Government since 1 March; and if he will list the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved on each occasion, and the names of the members and officials of the United States Government at each meeting. [86286]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Since 1 March 1999, MOD Ministers have had scheduled bilateral meetings with our US counterparts, who are normally accompanied by officials, on the following occasions:

  ASTOR is a joint Army and RAF requirement for a ground-surveillance radar, expected to enter service in 2005. It will provide a substantial enhancement of military capability, using highly effective new radar systems installed on five fixed-wing aircraft to provide a high degree of resolution over a wide area of coverage. It can be used to monitor areas of interest from a stand-off position, in peace and in crisis, and could be deployed at short notice in support of United Kingdom, NATO or United Nations operations. The ASTOR Main Operating Base will be located at RAF Waddington.

  ASTOR will provide UK industry with valuable, high-technology work. The project management team will be located in the United Kingdom, and the prime contractor will place work representing 100 per cent. of the contract value with UK firms. The project will be managed by the Defence Procurement Agency under Smart Procurement principles, with an Integrated Project Team involving representatives from industry and the Services. The likely value of the contract is about £800 million.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in his Department and its associated bodies and agencies have benefited from the introduction of a national minimum wage. [86089]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  No one in the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Northern Ireland Office, and their associated bodies and agencies, has benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage.
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  All staff in the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Northern Ireland Office and their associated bodies and agencies, who are covered by the terms of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 have been paid more than £3.60 per hour since 1 April 1998.

  Reconciliation (Funding)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps she has taken to examine the case for enhanced financial assistance for the work of reconciliation as agreed in the Belfast Agreement; what consultations have been undertaken with the Irish Government; and if she will make a statement. [86149]

  Mr. McFall
  Financial allocations for all areas of public expenditure were considered in the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review. The acknowledgement of work to develop reconciliation and mutual understanding in the Good Friday Agreement was instrumental in maintaining the community relations budget at the present level of over £9 million per annum. This was not identified in the Good Friday Agreement as a potential area for enhanced North/South co-operation and implementation, and there have been no consultations with the Irish Government consequent on the Agreement. There are existing mechanisms for funding reconciliation work on a cross-border basis under the European Union Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and International Fund for Ireland programmes.

  School Enrolments
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the enrolment at Saintfield High School in each of the three most recent years; how many applicants for admission in each of these years were refused; and what proposals there are for increasing the provision of secondary education in Saintfield. [86313]

  Mr. McFall
  The enrolment at Saintfield High School has been 326, 339 and 341 respectively in the 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99 schools years. The number of pupils refused admission to Year 8 in each of these years was 2, 6 and 55 respectively. It is a matter for the South-Eastern Education and Library Board in the first instance to ensure that there are sufficient school places in its area.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the enrolment of pupils in each of the three most recent years at(a) Killinchy Primary School, (b) Killyleagh Primary School, (c) Derryboy Primary School and (d) the primary school in Saintfield. [86314]

  Mr. McFall
  The information requested is given in the following table. There are three primary schools in the general Saintfield area, and all three are shown.

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Killinchy Primary School

  235

  215

  213

  Killyleagh Primary School

  136

  127

  111

  Derryboy Primary School

  81

  77

  73

  Academy Primary School

  329

  325

  336

  Ballycloughan Primary School

  84

  79

  67

  St. Mary's Primary School

  60

  65

  63

  School Applications
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils at Killyleagh Primary School in their transfer procedures 1999 expressed a preference for Down High School; how many of these pupils have been accepted into Down High School; what were the grades of those pupils who were refused places in Down High School; and if she will make a statement. [86311]

  Mr. McFall
  In this year's transfer cohort, 6 pupils from Killyleagh primary School expressed a preference for Down High School and 5 obtained places. The unsuccessful applicant obtained a Grade C2.

  The Department of Education approved an additional 18 places for September 1999 admissions to Down High School. The number of pupils to be admitted to a school is necessarily limited by the school's physical capacity and no grade guarantees a place at any school.

  These points are made clear to the parents of pupils transferring from primary schools.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils at Derryboy Primary School in their transfer procedures 1999 expressed a preference for Saintfield High School; how many of these pupils have been accepted into Saintfield High School; what were the grades of those applicants who were refused places in Saintfield High School; and if she will make a statement. [86310]

  Mr. McFall
  In this year's transfer cohort, 16 pupils from Derryboy Primary School expressed a preference for Saintfield High School and 7 obtained places. Of the remaining 9, 4 did not reach Saintfield High School because they obtained a place in their first preference schools. Non-grammar secondary schools cannot consider the Transfer Procedure Test Grade of applicants in deciding admissions.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils at Killinchy Primary School in their transfer procedures 1999 expressed a preference for(a) Down High School and (b) Down Academy; how many of these pupils were accepted into each of these schools; what were the grades of those applicants who were refused places at each of these schools; and if she will make a statement. [86309]

  Mr. McFall
  In this year's transfer cohort:

  (a) 15 pupils from Killinchy Primary School expressed a preference for Down High School and 7 obtained places. Of the remaining 8, 4 were Grade B1 and 2 were Grade B2 and 2 preferences were not received by Down High School, because the pupils obtained places in their first preference schools.

  (b) 13 pupils expressed a preference for Down Academy and 5 obtained places. Of the remaining 8, 5 did not reach Down Academy because they obtained places in their first preference schools. Transfer Procedure tests grades may not be taken into account in admissions decisions for non-grammar secondary schools.

  The Department of Education approved an additional 18 places for September 1999 admissions to Down High School. The number of pupils to be admitted to a school is necessarily limited by the school's physical capacity and no grade guarantees a place at any schools.
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  These points are made clear to parents of pupils transferring from primary schools.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many times Ministers in her Department held meetings with Ministers and officials of

  Dates

  Location

  Minister

  US Representative

  16 March 1998

  Washington

  Dr. Mowlam

  Mr. J. Lyons Special Adviser to President Clinton and Secretary of State for Economic Initiatives in Ireland

  The hon. S. Berger Special Assistant to President for National Affairs, Mr. J. Steinberg, Deputy National Security Adviser, Mr. L. Butler, Director for European Affairs and Mr. D. Bandler, Senior Director European and Canadian Affairs

  Ms M. Albright, US Secretary of State, State Department, the hon. T. Pickering, Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Ms E. Shocas, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European Affairs, Mr. J. Gadsden, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European Affairs and Canadian Affairs, Mr. J. O'Brien, Special Adviser to Secretary of State and Ambassador W. Sherman

  17 March 1999

  President Clinton and The First lady

  Water Service
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what key performance targets have been set for the Water Service in 1999–2000. [87247]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  For 1999–2000, the following key performance targets have been set for the Water Service:

  1. To achieve 98.2 per cent. compliance with drinking water standards set in the Water Quality Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994.

  2. To achieve 75 per cent. compliance with the wastewater treatment works discharge standards set by the Environment and Heritage Service.

  3. To ensure that fewer than 0.8 per cent. of properties experience unplanned interruptions to water supplies lasting greater than 12 hours.

  4. To issue substantive replies to 90 per cent. of written complaints within 15 working days of receipt.

  5. To deliver water at a unit cost of 67 pence per cubic metre.

  6. To treat wastewater at a unit cost of 60 pence per cubic metre.

  7. To maintain expenditure within cash limits and to approved budget plans.

  8. To achieve efficiency gains of 3 per cent. on running costs expenditure.

  The targets are included in the Water Service's 1999–2000 Business Plan, a copy of which will be placed in the Library.

  These targets are subject to endorsement or amendment by local Ministers in the event of the Northern Ireland Assembly being established.

  Training and Employment Agency
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what targets have been set for the Training and Employment Agency for Northern Ireland for the period 1999–2000. [87249]
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  the US Government between 1 January and 1 June 1998, indicating the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved at each meeting, and the US representatives at each meeting. [86289]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The following meetings with members and officials of the US Administration took place during the period 1 January to 1 June 1998:

  Mr. McFall
  The following targets have been set for the Agency:

  1. To ensure that those who began Jobskills training in 1997–98 will achieve at least a 65 per cent. qualification success rate at NVQ Level 2 or above.

  2. To have at least 50 per cent. of trainees who commenced a Jobskills traineeship in 1997–98 progressing to employment on leaving the programme.

  3. To pilot an Individual Learning Accounts system and contribute to the creation of 500 accounts, by March 2000.

  4. CDP projects to achieve 80 per cent. of their agreed productivity targets.

  5. To assist 3,000 16–24 New Deal participants to find work.

  6. To contract with suitable organisations for the delivery of the new Worktrack programme by 31 May 1999.

  7. To increase the number of NI organisations achieving Investors in People (IiP) standard from 171 to 230.

  8. 50 per cent. of unemployed people placed into jobs to be from TSN areas.

  9. To achieve a score in the range of 350–400 points against the Business Excellence Model in an entry for the Northern Ireland Quality Awards in September 1999.

  These Key Targets will be subject to consideration and possible amendment by the relevant Assembly Minister when the Assembly is established.

  Probation Services
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she has reviewed the arrangements for the delivery of probation services in Northern Ireland. [87250]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  My Department has completed a quinquennial review of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI), including a prior options study of all its functions. I have accepted the main recommendation from the report of the study that PBNI should continue as a non-departmental public body (NDPB). A Management Statement has been prepared for PBNI which will operate
  71
  from 1 April 1999. I have, therefore, confirmed NDPB arrangements for PBNI for a period of three years from that date, subject to the findings and outcome of the Criminal Justice Review.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Millennium Bug
  Helen Jones
  To ask the President of the Council, pursuant to her answer of 18 May 1999,Official Report, column 285, when she will publish the latest results of the market research tracking public perception of the millennium bug. [87248]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I have today placed copies of the Executive Summaries of the April and May tracking research in the Libraries of the House. The results are broadly consistent with those for March, showing that concern among the public on this issue is still low.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the President of the Council how many copies of the public information booklet, "The Millennium Bug-Facts not Fiction", have been produced; and at what cost. [87111]

  Mrs. Beckett
  31 million copies of the booklet have been produced so far; at a cost of just over £1.87 million.

PRIME MINISTER

  Correspondence
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to require Government Departments and agencies to discontinue the practice of referring to date as postmark and to date their correspondence. [86873]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 14 June 1999]All correspondence from Government Departments and agencies should be clearly dated. The Cabinet Office will be issuing revised guidance on correspondence handling later this year to reinforce this message.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Kosovo (Refugees)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what preparations her Department has made for winter accommodation for Kosovar refugees; and what discussions it has held with the refugees on this matter. [86193]

  Clare Short
  We have urged the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, as the lead humanitarian agency in the region, to co-ordinate the development of a comprehensive approach for Kosovars during the winter. The strategy for shelter provision will include a combination of methods—hard shelter, winterised tents and repair and rehabilitation of existing structures.

  In a number of well-established camps and collective centres, elected refugee representatives are feeding information to camp managers, and in turn to agencies, international organisations and donors, about the
  72
  problems and needs of the refugee population. Planning for winter is among the topics of discussion between these parties.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress her Department has made in reviewing the implications of genetically modified organisms for poorer farmers in developing countries since her answer of 11 November 1998,Official Report, columns 206–07. [86774]

  Clare Short
  The findings of this initial review are summarised in the "Background Briefing: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and developing countries", which we published in May 1999. The paper sets out our approach to GMOs and developing countries and identifies further actions which we are undertaking. I will send a copy to the hon. Member and place copies in the Library of the House.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proposals there are to amend her Department's departmental expenditure limits for 1999–2000. [87245]

  Clare Short
  Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate for Class VIII, Vote 1, Department for International Development: International Development, the Department expenditure limit for 1999–2000 will be increased by £10,000,000 from £1,794,764,000 to £1,804,764,000. The increase is the net effect of additional humanitarian assistance to Kosovo.

  The increase will be a charge on the DEL reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

WALES

  A40 (Dualling)
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish the results of the study which he undertook on dualling the A40 to St. Clears; and if he will place a copy of the study in the Library. [85661]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]Copies of the report have been placed in the Library of the House.

  The results of the study indicate that although there would be significant benefits to be gained from investments in public transport options, there would still remain the need to provide good road infrastructure.

  It will now be for the Assembly to decide what resources to devote to new trunk road schemes and to what standards they should be built.

  Poll Tax Debts
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the level of poll tax debts which remain unpaid; and if he will make a statement. [86346]
  73
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information provided on local authority returns indicate that around £6.5 million of community charge arrears were still outstanding at 31 March 1999.

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

  Coal Mines
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many coal mines there are in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [86339]

  Mr. Hain
  There are currently 11 underground and eight opencast licensed coal mines in Wales.

  Social Inclusion
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he has put in place to enhance social inclusion; and if he will make a statement. [86338]

  Mr. Hain
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, North (Ms Morgan) by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, 31 March 1999,Official Report, column 727–29.

  Copies of the document "Building an Inclusive Wales: Tackling the Social Exclusion Agenda" were placed in the Libraries of the House.

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

  Medium Secure Units
  Mrs. Betty Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the medium secure units in operation in Wales and the date when each was commissioned. [87043]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  There are currently three medium secure units in operation in Wales. These are Ty Llywellyn in Llanfairfechan completed in 1998, Caswell Clinic in Bridgend completed in 1992 and the privately run Llanarth Court in Raglan also completed in 1992.

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

  Mrs. Betty Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on how many occasions patients have absconded from medium secure units in Wales in the last three years, and from which units; and on how many of those occasions(a) it was assessed that there was a risk to the public and (b) members of the public were assaulted or threatened. [87040]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  There are three medium secure facilities in Wales. Figures for escapes from the hospital grounds over the last three years are as follows:

  Number of escapes

  Ty Llywellyn, North Wales

  1

  Caswell Clinic, Bridgend

  3

  Llanarth Court, Raglan

  0

  At no time were any of the patients assessed as a danger to the public nor were any members of the public assaulted
  74
  or threatened. In addition to these escapes, Caswell had 15 patients who breached parole arrangements over the same period and Llanarth Court had 26.

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

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Mileage Claims
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the President of the Council if she will estimate the number of additional hours per month required to complete the newly designed C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5 forms; how many additional staff are employed by the Fees Office to handle these claims; and if she will estimate the average number of hours(a) hon. Members will spend annually, recording and completing motor mileage claims and (b) the Fees Office takes to check this information. [86884]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I am afraid that it is not possible for me to estimate the hours required by Members to complete the Fees Office claim forms and their motor mileage claims. As I am sure the hon. Member will understand, Members have differing claim and travel patterns and, therefore, will take different amounts of time to complete the relevant forms. The new claim forms were designed to make completion easier for Members. I understand that the Fees Office has had a number of favourable comments about them from Members.

  No additional staff were engaged to handle the revised claim forms. Staff employed by the Fees Office in checking motor mileage claims also have other duties and it is not possible accurately to apportion the time spent on each specific area of work.

  Line of Route
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood), representing the House of Commons Commission, what has been the cost to date of the consultants' study of the proposal to re-open the line of route during the summer adjournment; and whether their contract has been re-negotiated. [86683]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 14 June 1999]The costs of the study to date have been shared between both Houses. The original contract up to April 1999 was suspended in the light of the decision to defer the summer opening until 2000. A new contract was re-negotiated to cover the period up to October 1999, but this is being reviewed as a result of the House's decision on 26 May that other options should be examined. I have asked the Serjeant at Arms to write to the hon. Member with details.

  Debate Extracts
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chairman of Broadcasting Committee if his Committee will investigate the feasibility of allowing hon. Members to obtain audio or video clips from debates in a digital format. [86399]

  Mr. Eric Clarke
  The Parliamentary Recording Unit supplies sound and video tapes to hon. Members. Audio tapes can be supplied in DAT, or digital format if requested. However, video tapes are not yet available in digital format since all recordings are still analogue. The
  75
  first digital signals will originate from the Committee Rooms in Portcullis House and, from autumn 2000, digital and analogue video tapes will be available on request.

TREASURY

  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.

  Offshore Oil and Gas
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much capital gains tax relating to the sale of exploration licences was paid by the offshore oil and gas industry in each of the last three years; and what is the forecast figure for the current financial year. [86858]

  Mrs. Roche
  The corporation tax liability of oil and gas companies arising from their capital gains on the sale of exploration and production licences averaged £25 million a year in the period 1995–96 to 1997–98 and is expected to be about £15 million for the current year.

  Charities (Tax Concessions)
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated annual cost to his Department of all tax concessions to charities(a) as a total and (b) as a percentage of the total registered turnover of the charitable sector. [86689]

  Ms Hewitt
  (a) The annual cost of all tax reliefs for charities is estimated at over £2 billion. This comprises around £1.2 billion of relief from direct tax, about £0.2 billion in VAT reliefs and £0.6 billion in business rate relief.

  (b) The total turnover of the charitable sector is not known. The Charity Commission's Register showed at the end of March 1999 that the total annual income of all registered charities in England and Wales was about £21 billion. This does not cover charities in Scotland and Northern Ireland, nor does it include non-registered charities.

  Centre for European Reform
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the total funds available from the European Community in (i) 1998 and (ii) 1999 to date to the Centre for European Reform. [86644]

  Ms Quin
  I have been asked to reply.

  We are not aware of any funds being made available from the European Community to the Centre for European Reform in 1998 or 1999. The relevant budget lines—established by the Council and the European Parliament—are administered by the Commission headquarters in Brussels.

  "Britain in Europe"
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what European Communities moneys have been provided to the "Britain in Europe" organisation in each of the last three years. [86453]

  Ms Quin
  I have been asked to reply.

  We are not aware of any funds being made available from the European Community to the "Britain in Europe" organisation in the last three years. The relevant budget lines—established by the Council and the European Parliament—are administered by the Commission headquarters in Brussels.

  European Movement
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what funds were made available from the European Communities in (i) 1998 and (ii) 1999 to date to the European Movement; and for what purposes. [86455]

  Ms Quin
  I have been asked to reply.

  We are not aware of any funds being made available from the European Community to the European Movement in 1998 or 1999. The relevant budget lines—established by the Council and the European Parliament—are administered by the Commission headquarters in Brussels.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Departmental Accommodation
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the advantages which the new offices of his Department have over those in Marsham Street. [85792]

  Mr. Meale
  I never had the joy of working in 2 Marsham Street. Staff now have the advantage of a modern working environment and better team working as a result.

  National Rail Summit
  Mr. John Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to convene a further National Rail Summit. [85796]
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  Mrs. Liddell
  The next National Rail Summit will be held in Spring 2000. The Summit will be used to review progress and maintain the momentum created by the Summit on 25 February.

  Ethical Standards (Local Government)
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to introduce proposals to implement new ethical standards in local government. [85797]

  Ms Armstrong
  We have recently consulted on draft legislation, the Local Government (Organisation and Standards) Bill, putting in place a new ethical framework for local government. The draft Bill is also being considered by a Joint Committee that is due to report before the summer recess. We will be considering any issues raised during this scrutiny process with the aim of introducing new legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows.

  Rural Train Services
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to safeguard rural train services. [85798]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Train operators are required to provide the minimum service level set out in the Passenger Service Requirement. Where services are heavily dependent on subsidy, for example in rural areas, PSRs reflect closely the level of services operated by British Rail at the time of franchising.

  Proportional Representation (Local Government)
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the benefits of introducing proportional representation for local government elections in England. [85800]

  Ms Armstrong
  Other than our proposals in the paper, "Local leadership, local choice" (Cm 4298, March 1999) for the introduction of the Supplementary Vote system for the election of directly elected mayors, we do not intend now to make any assessment of local government voting systems for England.

  Household Projection Figures (Gloucestershire)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the new sub-regional household projection figures for Gloucestershire, with particular reference to the figure contained in the county's structure plan. [85801]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Secretary of State has made the 1996-based household projections available to the regional planning bodies to assist them with the preparation of regional planning guidance. The House would not expect me to comment on the Gloucestershire Structure Plan because of the Secretary of State's quasi-judicial role in planning matters.

  Regional Airports
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what actions he intends to take in order to improve the competitiveness of regional airports. [85802]

  Mrs. Liddell
  We have freed four major regional airports from borrowing controls; we have liberalised international access to regional airports; and we are conducting a series of studies of the opportunities for the development of the regional airports.

  Local Government Settlement (Southend)
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received on the current local government settlement for Southend. [85803]

  Ms Armstrong
  Following approval by this House of the Local Government Finance Settlement for 1999–2000, we have received three letters about the settlement for Southend on Sea Borough Council.

  A14 Traffic Flow Projections
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the revised traffic flow projections on the A14 (Al-M1 link road) for the years 1999 to 2007. [85804]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Traffic flow projections for the A14 (A1-M1 link road) were produced during the 1980's planning stages of the road. Whilst those original forecasts would not normally be revised as a matter of course, our planned multi-modal study for London-South midlands, due to start next year, will include this section of the A14 and consider projected traffic flows on it.

  Passenger Services (Freight Network)
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to encourage rail operators to provide new passenger services on under-utilised sections of the freight network. [85805]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Director of Rail Passenger Franchising recently published Bidding Guidance for the Rail Passenger Partnership scheme announced in the Government's Integrated Transport White Paper. The scheme will encourage innovative new rail passenger services at the local and regional level.

  Local Government Finance
  Dr. Naysmith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the bodies with which he has held consultations on the review of local government finance; and if he will make a statement. [85806]

  Ms Armstrong
  The Local Government Association, including representatives from the various Treasurers' societies, and the Association of London Government have both been closely involved in discussions on the review of revenue grant distribution since the review began earlier this year.

  Radioactive Material Transport
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the survey of radioactive material transport packages which he commissioned from Nukem Nuclear Ltd. [85807]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The survey commissioned by my right hon. Friend the former Minister for Transport (Dr. Reid), has been completed and the report has been made freely available. The survey indicates that, while low levels of contamination exists on the surface of fuel flasks, there is no evidence of the high levels of contamination found elsewhere in Europe and there is no significant hazard presented to public safety by the levels of contamination found. Copies of the report will be placed in the Commons Library.

  North-west Development Agency
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he next intends to meet members of the North-west development agency to discuss their use of public money. [85808]

  Mr. Caborn
  Neither my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, nor I have any plans at present to meet members of the North-west Development Agency. However, I hold regular meetings with the chairmen of the regional development agencies to discuss matters of mutual interest.

  Standard Spending Assessments
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the principles and objectives underlying the review of standard spending assessments; and if he will make a statement. [85809]

  Ms Armstrong
  The objectives of the current review of revenue grant distribution are to investigate thoroughly whether there is a better way of determining the distribution of revenue support grant which is simpler, more stable, more robust and fairer than the present arrangements for SSAs. These objectives were set out in last year's White Paper, "Modern Local Government—In Touch with the People".

  Fishing Vessel Accidents
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions pursuant to his answer of 9 February 1999,Official Report, column 148, on the consultation document "Fishing Vessel Accidents and the Recovery of Those Lost at Sea", when he expects to publish his response to the consultation exercise. [85810]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Good progress is being made on many of the issues raised in the consultation paper. The analysis of responses was discussed by the Fishing Industry Safety Group on 22 April. Members of the Group were invited to submit comments by 31 May and the Government will issue their response soon.

  Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what factors underlie the use of tonnes of carbon as a measure for greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. [85811]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Under international guidelines, greenhouse gas emissions are measured in terms of their global warming potential. Conversion to a common unit of measurement (whether in tonnes of CO2 equivalent or tonnes of carbon equivalent) allows comparisons to be made between countries, between various policies and measures and between different greenhouse gases.

  Road Taxes (London)
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the proposed road taxes for London on the use of private cars; and if he will make a statement. [85813]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Research undertaken by my Department and other organisations has shown that new charges could help to tackle London's congestion problems and generate a revenue stream for transport improvements. A further study is currently looking at how the new charging powers contained in the Greater London Authority Bill could be used in London. It will be for London's Mayor and boroughs to decide whether to introduce any charging scheme in London.

  Integrated Transport Strategy
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how he will ensure that local transport plans meet the quality standards set out in the integrated transport strategy. [85814]

  Mrs. Liddell
  We have produced comprehensive guidance for local authorities, setting down the criteria by which we will judge local transport plans. Officials, particularly in the Government Offices, are working closely with local authorities to help them deliver the best quality local transport plans that they can.

  Council Tax (Shropshire)
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Shropshire county council regarding council tax. [85815]

  Ms Armstrong
  The Secretary of State received representations from Shropshire county council as part of the 1999–2000 local government finance settlement consultation process. Shropshire county council is also one of the 12 authorities with the largest increases in budget and council tax which we have called in to discuss their increases and put on warning for next year. I shall be meeting them on 24 June.

  London Underground
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the income to be derived by London Transport
  81
  from the Public-Private Partnership leases on London Underground's infrastructure in (i) 2000–01, (ii) 2001–02 and (iii) 2002–03. [85816]

  Mrs. Liddell
  It is not the intention of the Public/Private Partnership to derive income for London Transport through leasing charges. The leasing of the infrastructure to the private sector is the legal mechanism necessary to allow private sector partners to undertake and finance the necessary maintenance, renewal and upgrade works to the system.

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Railtrack plc on the possibility of granting them a public-private partnership of the whole London Underground system; and if he will make a statement. [86640]

  Mr. Prescott
  I announced to the House earlier this afternoon,Official Report, columns 155–67, that I have agreed with London Transport that they should not hold a PPP competition for London Underground's sub-surface lines at present. This is to allow London Transport to explore with Railtrack whether there is a way of linking the national rail network to the sub-surface lines in a PPP, under which Railtrack would undertake and finance the maintenance and upgrading of the subsurface lines for London Underground, under contract to London Underground, and Railtrack would build links between the Underground and the national rail network, to allow new services for passengers running into the heart of London.

  I also announced that London Transport is today inviting companies to pre-qualify as bidders to invest in the Underground through the Underground's two deep-tube infrastructure contracts. Railtrack have themselves confirmed that they will not be seeking to pre-qualify for the two deep-tube PPP competitions.

  I met Gerald Corbett, Chief Executive of Railtrack, this morning, to discuss the work involved. Prior to this, my officials held a number of working level meetings with Railtrack.

  Energy Reduction Plans
  Mr. Connarty
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what time

  1999

  Location

  DETR Minister

  US Counterpart

  30 January

  London

  John Prescott

  A1 Gore, US Vice President

  26 March

  London

  John Prescott

  Rodney Slater, Secretary of Transportation

  John Reid

  26–28 March

  Schwerin, Germany

  John Prescott

  Carol Browner, Administrator, Environment Protection Agency

  Michael Meacher

  20 April

  Washington

  John Prescott

  Carol Browner, Administrator, Environment Protection Agency

  Andrew Cuomo, Secretary Department of Housing and Urban Development

  Rodney Slater, Secretary of Transportation

  22 April

  New York

  Michael Meacher

  Frank Loy, US State Department

  14 June

  London

  John Prescott

  Frank Loy, US State Department

  Michael Meacher

  82
  scale he set for agreeing energy reduction plans with major energy user industries; and if he will make a statement. [85817]

  Mr. Meale
  The Chancellor has asked energy intensive sectors of industry to make proposals for targets to improve efficiency and reduce emissions by October. DETR is leading the negotiations with the sectors concerned.

  Rail Services
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent steps he has taken to secure an improvement in rail services. [85818]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The National Rail Summit on 25 February produced a package of measures to tackle medium to long-term problems, including the creation of the shadow Strategic Rail Authority under the Chairmanship of Sir Alastair Morton. The Deputy Prime Minister has also recently appointed a new Franchising Director and a new Rail Regulator.

  Scheduled Flights (Journey Times)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the increase in(a) fuel burn and (b) emissions as a result of the increased times taken on scheduled flights to Scotland. [85872]

  Mrs. Liddell
  We have not assessed whether the slight increases in some scheduled journey times reflect delays on the ground or in the air. That information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Without it, no estimate of any increase in fuel burn or emissions could be made.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many times Ministers in his Department have met their counterparts in the United States Government since 30 January 1999; and if he will list the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved on each occasion, and the name of the US counterpart at each meeting. [86292]

  Mr. Prescott
  The information for DETR is as follows:

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the level of UK carbon dioxide emissions in each year from 1990 to date. [86663]

  Mr. Meale
  The following table gives estimates of carbon dioxide emissions for each year from 1990 to 1998 from the UK's greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The 1998 data are provisional. Emissions in 1998 are provisionally estimated to be 7 per cent. lower than in 1990, due mainly to the switch from coal to gas in electricity generation, and increased efficiency of nuclear power stations.

  Year

  Emissions (million tonnes of carbon)

  1990

  168

  1991

  169

  1992

  165

  1993

  161

  1994

  159

  1995

  157

  1996

  162

  1997

  155

  1998

  1156

  1Provisional

  Council Tax
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it a criminal offence to claim falsely the single person's discount for the council tax; and if he will make a statement. [86381]

  Mr. Meale
  A 25 per cent. discount applies where a dwelling is the sole or main residence of one person, or where all but one resident is disregarded for the purpose of a discount. We do not have any plans to make it a criminal offence to make an invalid claim for the 25 per cent. discount. However, local authorities already have powers to impose a penalty of £50, without having to go to the Courts, if a person receiving a discount fails to notify the authority that he is no longer (or never was) eligible for it.

  Brownfield Sites
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish statistics on the proportion of new development on brownfield sites; and if he will make a statement. [86356]

  Mr. Caborn
  Estimates of the proportion of new development on previously developed land are published annually in the statistical Bulletin series "Land Use Change in England". The latest results were published in December 1998 in issue no 13, a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library. The next edition should be published in September 1999.

  Abandoned Vehicles
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what 84
  assessment he has made of the trend in the number of abandoned vehicles over the last two years; and if he will make a statement; [86865]

  (2) what plans he has to help local authorities deal with an increase in abandoned vehicles resulting from the fall in the price of scrap metal. [86866]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My Department does not monitor the number of abandoned vehicles collected from the public highway by local authorities. There is no requirement for local authorities or the police to provide the Secretary of State with information in respect of the abandoned vehicles which they have dealt with.

  The number of abandoned vehicles was not an issue raised with this Department by the Local Government Association during discussions on the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), which provided substantial additional provision for local authorities over the three year period covered by the CSR.

  Nuisance Hedges
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to make an announcement on plans to introduce legislation to control(a) leylandii and (b) other trees and bushes on private property which cause nuisance; and if he will make a statement. [86922]

  Mr. Meale
  I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Colchester (Mr. Russell) on 17 November 1998,Official Report, column 473.

  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the report of the Departmental Working Group on nuisance caused by hedges; and if he will make a statement. [86777]

  Mr. Meale
  The voluntary code of practice on the information to be provided on the sale of hedging plants, drawn up the Leylandii Working Group, is being launched to the horticultural and landscape industry today. Copies have been placed in the Library; otherwise, the position remains as set out in my reply to the hon. Member on 19 March 1999,Official Report, column 881.

  Area Cost Adjustment
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to reform the area cost adjustment. [85812]

  Mr. Meale
  We shall be examining possible improvements to the area cost adjustment as part of the Review of Revenue Grant Distribution.

  Road Traffic
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to set targets in respect of his proposals to reduce road traffic levels; and if he will make a statement. [86433]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government are already implementing policies to tackle road traffic as a vital part of our integrated transport strategy set out in last year's White Paper. We already have a number of international and national targets for protecting the environment and
  85
  promoting more sustainable transport, and will ask the Commission for Integrated Transport, which will be starting work shortly, to advise us on further targets. We remain committed to publishing our first report under the Road Traffic Reduction (National Targets) Act 1998, on the issue of whether to set a national traffic reduction target, by the end of this year.

  Train Overcrowding
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has for defining overcrowding on trains. [86691]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  It is not proposed to change the current definition of overcrowding. For services into London and also some commuter services into other large cities, overcrowding is defined in franchise agreements in terms of passengers in excess of capacity. Trains have a nominal capacity (the number of standard class seats for journeys of more than 20 minutes; plus, for journeys of less than 20 minutes, an allowance of 0.55 sq metres of floor space per standing passenger) which should not be exceeded by more than 3 per cent. in the morning and evening peaks combined. This is the general definition of overcrowding. It is broadly comparable with that formerly used by British Rail. The current practice of systematically controlling overcrowding only on commuter services also reflects previous British Rail practice.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had recently with(a) the train operating companies, (b) rail users and (c) trade unions on the subject of overcrowded trains. [86692]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The problem of overcrowding on trains was discussed at the National Rail Summit on 25 February which was attended by train operating companies, rail users and trade unions.

  Bus Service
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with bus operators on the quality of their services. [85799]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  DETR Ministers and officials are in frequent contact with bus operators on a wide range of issues as the policies for improving bus services announced in last year's Transport White Paper are taken forward. Improving the quality of service is prominent among the issues considered in these discussions.

  National Bus Company (Pensions)
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the position reached in respect of the pensions scheme of the former National Bus Company. [87246]

  Mr. Prescott
  I am pleased to be able to announce substantial progress in the settlement of the long running dispute concerning the payment to the Government in 1990 of surpluses held in the two National Bus Company pensions funds. At the first opportunity following full consideration of all the relevant legal and other issues,86
  I instructed the Department's lawyers to open discussions with the pension trustees with a view to obtaining a just and equitable out of court settlement as soon as possible.

  Those discussions have been successful. Offers have been made which the trustees have indicated they intend to recommend as acceptable. An application will be made to the Court for its approval of the proposed settlement terms as soon as possible following all proper consultation with the beneficiaries.

  The proposed settlement involves payment to the trustees of £300 million in respect of the BEST scheme and of £55.77 million in respect of the NBPF scheme. I am satisfied that this is a just and reasonable settlement for all concerned.

  The details of the distribution of the settlement sum to individuals will be a matter for the trustees to decide and carry forward.

  Public Safety Zone Policy
  Lorna Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what further decisions he has reached on Public Safety Zone Policy and administration since the announcement on 31 July 1998. [87251]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Since my announcement we have been developing our proposals on two fronts, relating to the definition of new Public Safety Zone boundaries and to the preparation of guidance to local planning authorities for use in considering planning applications. Work is well in hand on the redefinition of the existing Public Safety Zones. We shall notify the local planning authorities and airports concerned of the grid co-ordinates of the new Zones during the next couple of months, and we shall follow this up by providing the data to them in map form. We shall also define Public Safety Zones for Teesside and Sheffield City airports, which were mentioned in the December 1997 consultation document.

  Meanwhile we are today issuing for consultation a draft of a circular to local planning authorities in Great Britain containing guidance for use in considering applications for development within Public Safety Zones. This recommends that new housing development, and most types of non-housing development, should not be approved within Public Safety Zones. Copies have been placed in the Library.

  Subject to the progress of this consultation we hope to bring the new arrangements into effect later this year in relation to the airports which already have Public Safety Zones, and to Teesside and Sheffield City. At that stage the residual work of the Civil Aviation Authority in administering the Public Safety Zone policy will be transferred to the Department. We hope by next spring to have established Public Safety Zones at the other airports for which modelling work suggests that this would be justified.

  Land-use Planning
  Ann Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy on land-use planning and renewable energy in England. [87315]
  87
  Mr. Caborn
  The Government's policy is set out in Planning Policy Guidance note 22, published in February 1993. This makes clear that in formulating the policies and proposals in their development plans, and in making decisions on applications for specific renewable energy developments, local planning authorities need to consider both the immediate impact on the local environment and the wider contribution to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. They need to take account of the Government's policy for renewable energy sources along with policies for Green Belts, conservation areas and industrial and commercial development, for example.

  In October 1998, the Department published a good practice guide on "Planning for Sustainable Development" and sent copies to all local planning authorities. The guide includes advice on renewable energy. It underlines the importance of renewable energy, developing a strategy at regional and local levels for the provision of renewable energy development and having clear policies and criteria in plans to help decide individual applications. The Department has held a series of seminars for local planning authorities and others to disseminate the messages of the guide.

  On 30 March 1999, my right hon. Friend the Minister for Energy and Industry published a consultation document, "New and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21 Century". This confirmed that the Government are working towards a target of renewable energy providing 10 per cent. of UK electricity supplies as soon as possible and that they hope to achieve this by 2010. It also underlined the important role of renewables in enabling the UK to meet its legally binding target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent. (compared to 1990) by 2008–12 and its goal of reducing emissions of carbon dioxide by 20 per cent. by 2010.

  The consultation document indicated that the Government are reviewing the contribution which the planning system has to make to delivering their target for renewable energy and noted that widespread adoption of renewable of energy will not be possible unless the public is prepared to accept projects in their locality. The consultation document also acknowledged that concerns have sometimes been expressed that the current Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) scheme does not address, e.g. environmental aspects, sufficiently effectively and that future support mechanisms or obligations will need to deliver good quality schemes.

  The planning system has an important role in helping to deliver the Government's targets and goals for renewable energy and climate change. It is clear that we need a positive strategic approach to planning for renewable energy from regional level downwards, with appropriate provision made for development in authorities' plans. There needs to be an open and constructive dialogue between prospective operators, local planning authorities and local people about identifying suitable sites with sensitivity and care. We shall build on these themes in considering what further practical steps may be needed to ensure that the planning system enables renewable energy provision to contribute to the UK's sustainable energy needs while continuing to protect the countryside.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  BBC
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 25 May 1999,Official Report, column 142, on the BBC, (1) if he will set out the internal and external audit requirements for BBC Worldwide and BBC Resources Ltd; [86270]

  (2) what are the agreed borrowing limits for BBC Worldwide and BBC Resources Ltd.; and what is the security for such borrowing; [86268]

  (3) if the agreed borrowing limits for BBC Worldwide and BBC Resources Ltd. count as part of the public sector borrowing requirement. [86269]

  Janet Anderson
  BBC Worldwide and BBC Resources are audited under the BBC's group internal audit plan. Both companies are required to have an external audit because they are limited companies that exceed the threshold size for audits.

  BBC Worldwide has a loan agreement with the BBC which allows maximum borrowings of £150 million, subject to the constraints of three financial covenants: net assets, free cash flow and interest cover. BBC Resources has a £70 million term loan facility and a £30 million revolving loan facility which reduce to zero by August 2005. As with BBC Worldwide, borrowing is restricted by various financial and non-financial covenants within a loan agreement with the BBC. The covenants in both cases ensure, among other things, that licence fee money is not placed at risk.

  Only the BBC's external borrowings form part of the public sector borrowing requirement, so the borrowing limits for BBC Worldwide and BBC Resources would only impact on the public sector borrowing requirement if they were to lead to an increase in the BBC's own borrowing from the market.

  EU Weimar Meetings
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on his contribution to the EU meetings at Weimar on cultural and audiovisual issues, in respect of (i) European identity and history, (ii) self-regulation of the media, (iii) the Culture 2000 programme and (iv) the Commission Green Paper on Convergence. [86364]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  This was an informal meeting of EU Culture Ministers, with no formal agenda or conclusions. There was a wide-ranging exchange of views on these and other subjects. On the Culture 2000 programme, I indicated the UK's desire to agree a Common Position at the formal Culture/Audiovisual Council on 28 June. That Council will also consider draft conclusions on convergence and self-regulation in the media. I drew attention to a number of features which are common to both, noting in particular that self-regulation can be expected to make an important and complementary contribution to state regulation in the light of future digital media developments. The discussion on European identity and history focused on a presentation from the Spanish writer and former Minister of Culture, Jorge Semprun.

  National Advisory Committee on Creative and Cultural Education
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he expects to publish the report of the National Advisory Committee on Creative and Cultural Education; and if he will make a statement. [86934]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 14 June 1999]I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hammersmith and Fulham (Mr. Coleman) on 14 May 1999,Official Report, column 226. Printed copies of the report will be available from the Department for Education and Employment's Publication Centre from 14 June 1999.

  National Lottery (Good Causes)
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the current estimate of the amount of money to be given to the good causes under the present National Lottery licence arrangements. [86688]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Our latest forecast is that the income (including interest) to good causes from the National Lottery over the seven years of the current licence will be at least £10.85 billion, £1.85 billion more than originally anticipated when the Lottery was launched in 1994.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Judicial and Police Co-operation
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what will be the name of the replacement committee dealing with matters arising from Title VI of the consolidated Treaty on European Union, Articles 29–42 concerning police and judicial co-operation on criminal matters; who will represent the UK at its meetings; and how frequently it is planned to meet; [86233]

  (2) whom he plans to appoint to the co-ordinating Committee of officials established by article 31 of the Treaty on European Union, whose duty it is to prepare for deliberations of the Council of Ministers concerning judicial and police co-operation in criminal matters. [85675]

  Mr. Straw
  The new co-ordinating Committee established by Article 36 of the revised Treaty on European Union has no formal title but is known informally as the Article 36 Committee. The United Kingdom representative is Mr. John Warne of the Organised and International Crime Directorate in the Home Office. It is for the Presidency of the day to determine how frequently the Committee meets, but we would expect there to be meetings at approximately monthly intervals.

  Millennium Compliance
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on preparations to tackle the millennium bug problem in(a) police forces and (b) fire services; [86172]
  90
  (2) what assessment he has made of millennium bug preparations in (a) the police forces and emergency services of (i) Avon and Somerset, (ii) Devon and Cornwall, (iii) Cheshire, (iv) Hampshire, (v) Metropolitan London, (vi) Warwickshire and (vii) Sussex and (b) the National Criminal Intelligence Service. [86240]

  Mr. Straw
  Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Her Majesty's Fire Services Inspectorate have carried out independent assessments of the millennium readiness of all police forces and fire brigades in England and Wales, using the colour coding method defined by Action 2000. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary assessment also covers the National Criminal Intelligence Service. Under this method, 'red' means there is a severe risk of material disruption, 'amber' means there is some risk of material disruption but an agreed rectification plan exists, and 'blue' means there are no identified risks of material disruption. The status of all forces and brigades, assessed according to this method, will be made public at the National Infrastructure Forum on 13 July. The aim is that by that date, no forces or brigades will be 'red', and by September, all will be 'blue'.

  The NHS Executive has assessed the readiness of all NHS bodies, including NHS Ambulance Trusts, on a regular basis since June 1998. Aggregated figures are published on a quarterly basis, and the individual monitoring returns from each organisation are also published on the Internet. The latest returns at 31 March 1999 were published on 21 May. An up-to-date assessment of the status of all individual NHS organisations, including NHS Ambulance Trusts, will be made public at the National Infrastructure Forum on 13 July.

  K4 Committee
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 May 1999,Official Report, columns 445–46, concerning the business conducted at the final meeting of the K4 Committee in Brussels on 29 to 30 April, if he will list (a) the 25 agenda items there considered, (b) the Treaty base, terms of reference for Eurodac, and documentary reference to rules for its implementation, and any parliamentary scrutiny related thereto and (c) where, and by what means, the proposals of the United Kingdom for mutual recognition of criminal court decisions have been published, what consultative or scrutiny procedures have taken, or are to take, place in respect of them, and what comparable proposals have been received from other member Governments. [86235]

  Mr. Straw
  As regards listing, the 25 agenda items considered at the K4 Committee meeting on 29–30 April, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to him on 8 June 1999,Official Report, column 259.

  The draft Eurodac Convention had as its legal base Article K3(2)(c) of the Treaty on European Union. Its purpose is to assist in determining the member state which is responsible, under the Dublin Convention, for examining an application for asylum lodged in a member state, and otherwise to facilitate the application of the Dublin Convention. The draft implementing rules were developed in the context of these proposals. The draft Convention cleared Parliamentary scrutiny in May 1998, but the draft Protocol had not cleared scrutiny when the Treaty of Amsterdam came into effect; the draft

  91
  implementing rules were not subject to the parliamentary scrutiny arrangements. The European Commission has now adopted a draft Regulation under Article 63(1)(a) of the Treaty establishing the European Community replacing the draft Eurodac Convention and Protocol, but this has not yet been communicated to member states.

  The United Kingdom's discussion paper on the mutual recognition of court decisions and judgments in criminal matters was submitted to the K4 Committee on 29 March. It follows up the initiative of the United Kingdom Presidency endorsed at the Cardiff European Council, the conclusions of which called on the Council to identify the scope for greater mutual recognition of decisions of each other's courts. The paper, together with an Explanatory Memorandum, was deposited for scrutiny on 31 March and a copy of both has been placed in the Library.

  France and Belgium have produced jointly an informal document described as a study proposal, in preparation for the Tampere European Council, on the need to develop criminal judicial co-operation. The document calls for a common push to deal more effectively with the key concerns of citizens on organised crime, corruption and European Community budget fraud, and suggests that this could be done by instruments on money laundering, use of offshore centres by organised crime and use of new technology for cross-border crime.

  European Council
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 May 1999,Official Report, columns 445–46, when, and by whom, the agenda for the additional European Council Meeting due in October at Tampere, Finland, concerning judicial and home affairs in the European Union will be published; what principal documents will be available to the public and national Parliaments prior to that meeting; and when it is planned that they will be available. [86232]

  Mr. Straw
  There is normally no formal agenda for European Councils. The German Presidency and the incoming Finnish Presidency have proposed that the Tampere special European Council should focus on three main issues: immigration and asylum, the fight against cross-border crime and the establishment of a European judicial area, including citizens' access to justice. A list of documents to be submitted to the European Council is unlikely to be finalised until shortly before the meeting. Appropriate documents will be made available to the public and Parliament in accordance with the normal procedures.

  Fire Hydrants
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance his Department gives to the Fire Service on(a) the location of and (b) distances
  between hydrants. [86299]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Home Office issued guidance to the Fire Service on water hydrants in the "Manual of Firemanship, Book 7". The most recent edition (dated 1997) states on page 73 that"hydrants are normally placed at intervals of between 90 and 180 metres, except in the case of high risks and rural areas".
  92
  Further guidance on water hydrants is issued by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  Draft Convention (Road Traffic Offences)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's contribution to the formulation, within the Schengen framework, of a draft Convention on Co-operation in Matters of Criminal Proceedings for Offences Against Road Traffic Regulations and the Enforcement of Fines Imposed from Such Offences. [86724]

  Mr. Straw
  The agreement on this subject was adopted by the Schengen Executive Committee on 28 April. The Government were not involved in drawing it up and it does not at present apply to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has recently applied to participate in certain parts of the Schengen acquis, but has reserved its position on whether it would wish to become a party to the agreement on road traffic offences.

  Electronic Intercepts
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if legislation currently being discussed by the Council of Ministers on electronic intercepts is consistent with the 1981 Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Individuals with Regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data; and if he will make a statement. [86719]

  Kate Hoey
  The draft Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between the member states of the European Union would, if agreed, be implemented in United Kingdom law in accordance with data protection legislation. The 1981 Council of Europe Convention was implemented in United Kingdom law by the Data Protection Act 1984.

  Schengen Agreement
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the UK share of (i) costs and (ii) personnel for the Schengen Information System. [86446]

  Mr. Straw
  There are likely to be three main elements to the costs for the Schengen Information System (SIS): the cost of running and staffing the inquiry points at the United Kingdom National SIS; the cost of the national contribution to the costs of the central SIS in Strasbourg; and a one-off contribution towards the start-up costs of the system. At this stage, it is not possible to provide a precise estimate of the costs and staffing arrangements, which we are discussing with interested parties, including the police service.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the cost of current applicant countries joining the Schengen Acquis; and whether present member states intend to share those costs. [86737]

  Kate Hoey
  The Schengen acquis was incorporated into the European Union Treaty structures on the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam on 1 May 1999. Any costs falling on to member states and associated with
  93
  accession to the Schengen acquis are, therefore, now part of the overall costs incurred in assisting candidate countries to prepare for accession to the European Union.

  Police Car Response Times
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the response time of a police car using its blue light in responding to emergency calls. [86461]

  Mr. Boateng
  No research on this subject has been commissioned or evaluated.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the cases arising from asylum applications made(a) prior to 1 July 1993 and (b) between 1 July 1993 and 31 December 1995 have been dealt with under the asylum backlog procedures; and what proportion of cases so dealt with have resulted in the granting of exceptional leave to remain. [86642]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Up to the end of April 1999, a total of 2,840 cases have been decided under the asylum backlog procedures. 94 per cent. of decisions were grants of exceptional leave to remain.

  2,075 of the decisions were made on asylum applications lodged prior to July 1993 and 765 decisions were made on applications lodged between July 1993 and the end of December 1995.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reports he has received on the means of arrival in the UK of asylum seekers granted refugee status or indefinite leave to remain; and what assessment he has made of the effect of the measures in the Immigration and Asylum Bill on the routes they have taken. [87021]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Asylum applications are received from persons arriving at ports, persons who seek to enter, or who have entered, clandestinely and those who have entered lawfully for other purposes. It is not always possible to establish the means of arrival of asylum seekers. The Department does not collate specific records of the routings used by those granted refugee status or indefinite leave to remain. Measures in the Immigration and Asylum Bill contain powers designed to reduce the number of clandestine entrants and inadequately documented persons arriving in the United Kingdom. It is not the object of these measures to keep out genuine refugees. We remain firmly committed to dealing with asylum seekers in a way that complies with the United Kingdom's international obligations.

  Passport Agency
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times this year the Liverpool office of the UK Passport Agency has turned away applicants who attended in person without serving them; and how many such applicants it turned away without serving on Friday 7 May. [86352]
  94
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Passport applicants who have attended personally have not been turned away if this would have resulted in their missing their travel date.

  The Passport Agency has not kept a detailed record of the number of passport applicants attending in person at the Liverpool passport office who have been turned away. This has only happened very exceptionally where the number of applicants inside the Liverpool office have been the maximum permitted in the office. In these circumstances, the position has been explained to applicants who have been asked to call back at a later date.

  The Passport Agency has no specific information available for 7 May and it is not aware of any particular problems arising from customers being turned away from the Liverpool office on that date. However, if my hon. Friend has concern about a particular case I should be grateful if he would let David Gatenby, Chief Executive of the Passport Agency know, and he will be pleased to investigate the matter and report urgently to me.

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the passport service provided by the Passport Agency's high street partners takes priority over the Agency's standard service. [86334]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Passport Agency gives priority to passport applications by the applicant's declared date of travel. This applies to all applications, whether they are received via the Agency's partners or directly in the mail, or made in person. As partnership applications have been pre-checked for accuracy and completedness, and the fee has been collected, these applications can normally be processed more speedily than direct postal applications.

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effect of the passport service provided by the Passport Agency's high street partners on the Agency's standard service. [86335]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The service provided by the Passport Agency's high street partners since 1996 has helped the Agency to deal effectively and efficiently with high levels of demand by reducing processing times for passport applications. Partnership applications are pre-checked for accuracy and completeness, which enables them to be processed more speedily. This has had a beneficial impact on the service provided by the Passport Agency to all its customers.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional resources were given to the Passport Agency following introduction of the requirement that every child travelling overseas should have an individual passport. [87106]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  As part of its business planning, the Agency took account of this change in forecasting demand for passports in 1998–99, and 1999–2000, and planning the resources and budget needed to deal effectively with this forecast demand.

  The Agency is on a net financing regime and is required fully to recover its costs from passport fees.
  95
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Passport Agency has relaxed its procedures for checking passport applications; and if he will make a statement. [87107]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  There is no relaxation of security, but to facilitate the more efficient processing of new passport applications the Passport Agency has issued guidance to its examiners to ensure they do not unnecessarily delay issuing passports by exercising discretion to approve applications where the examiner has no significant doubt about the identity of the applicant. The guidance has been agreed with the Agency trade unions as not compromising effective checks.

  The Agency is often criticised for taking too narrow a view of whether a counter-signatory "is a person of similar standing" to a professionally qualified person. Passport examiners have been encouraged to give a reasonable interpretation to this requirement. In the context of the whole application and supporting documentary evidence, sensible use of discretion can ensure both quicker and proper processing of applications.

  In order to clear quickly straightforward renewal applications made in person, certain existing passports are being extended for two years provided certain criteria are fulfilled. Passports valid or expired within the last five years are being exceptionally extended provided the holder's identity can be confirmed, for example, by comparing the photograph with the photograph in the old passport, or with the person who is applying in person, and provided certain other checks are satisfactorily completed.

  These extended passports are properly issued passports valid for travel. Immigration authorities abroad have been made aware of this position.

  Neither of the measures imply any relaxation in the Agency's security. No security checks have been suspended.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many passport applications are currently outstanding; what is the average time taken between receipt of the application and the issue of the passport; and what were the estimated figures for June 1996, June 1997 and June 1998. [87112]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Passport Agency currently has 487,658 passport applications outstanding, which represents, at current output levels, about one month's work.

  The current average turnround time across the Agency's six passport offices is 34 working days. The average turnround time in June 1996, June 1997 and June 1998 was 8 working days, 9.5 working days and 16 working days respectively.

  Teething problems with the introduction of new computerised passport-issuing arrangements into the Liverpool and Newport Passport Offices, and high seasonal demand for passports, have caused current delays.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the time that will be taken between application to the Passport Agency and issue of a passport for(a) new passports
  96
  and (b) renewal of a passport (i) one month hence and (ii) six months hence. [86980]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  It is difficult to provide an estimate of the position in one month's time as the Passport Agency is prioritising applications to meet applicants declared travel dates. With high seasonal demand for passports, this means there are delays in processing non-urgent applications. Much depends on intake, the Agency's output, and the impact of the measures the Agency is taking to reduce current delays.

  The Agency is meeting travel dates in 99.99 per cent. of cases and will continue to do so throughout the summer. The Agency's aim is to reduce turnaround times to 10 days by September.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the Newport Passport Office regarding(a) the telephone service and (b) the general service provided to the public; and if he will make a statement. [86944]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I am aware from the weekly reports that I have been receiving from the Passport Agency's Chief Executive on the Agency's current operational difficulties of the teething problems that the Newport Passport Office have encountered in piloting new computerised passport issuing arrangements. Productivity has been below expectations and arrears of work have developed. In addition, along with the Agency's other five offices, Newport has been dealing with high seasonal demand for passports.

  The Passport Agency is taking a number of measures to improve the position at Newport. Applications are being prioritised by customers declared travel dates, and Newport is meeting those dates for 99.99 per cent. of passports issued. Additional staff are being deployed, examination processes are being streamlined, and Newport is working extended hours.

  Current delays will reduce as a result of the action being taken and the seasonal nature of the Agency's work. The aim is to reduce turnround times to 10 days by September.

  Because of its arrears of work, the Newport Office has been swamped with telephone and written inquiries. Despite its best endeavours, and with its focus on the customers declared travel dates, the Newport Office has not in many cases been able to provide a satisfactory response. The Passport Agency very much regrets the present situation and is taking action to improve matters. It is looking urgently at alternative telephone answering arrangements.

  I have written to all hon. Members with a more detailed explanation of the Agency's current operational position, and its plans to reduce current delays.

  Trial by Jury
  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will estimate the proportion of cases where trial by jury having been denied by the magistrates, refused by the Crown Court, and having given
  97
  rise to a subsequent conviction in the magistrates court, are then likely to be appealed to the Crown Court; and if he will estimate the total cost involved in such cases; [86762]

  (2) what is his estimate of the cost of appeals to the Crown Court by defendants to whom the magistrates have refused to accede to their request for jury trial in respect of either way offences; and how such overall estimated cost has been calculated; [86760]

  (3) what he estimates to be the likely annual savings to the public purse of abolishing the rights of defendants to elect jury trial for either-way offences, setting out how his estimate is calculated. [86758]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested is not currently available. Detailed estimates of the costs and savings of the proposed procedure are still under consideration.

  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of their eventual sentence defendants who elect jury trial and subsequently plead guilty serve while on remand. [86766]

  Mr. Boateng
  The available information relates to the average time spent on remand for those tried at the Crown Court. Information on a defendant's plea and the numbers electing jury trial are not available.

  Provisional information for 1998 shows that the average time spent on remand for untried prisoners prior to conviction at the Crown Court was 4.1 months. This compares with an average sentence length imposed at the Crown Court of 22.1 months. This shows that, on average, around 20 per cent. of the eventual sentence was served on remand as an untried prisoner.

  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he proposes that magistrates should be entitled to deny jury trial to a defendant charged with an either-way offence who, if convicted, they consider they would be likely to commit to Crown Court for sentence. [86756]

  Mr. Boateng
  Among the factors magistrates are currently required to have regard to under section 19 of the Magistrates Courts Act 1980 is whether the punishment which they would have the power to inflict if the defendant is convicted would be adequate. Magistrates will continue to be expected to consider each case individually and on its own particular facts in determining the appropriate mode of trial having regard to whether their sentencing powers are sufficient.

  Either-way Offences
  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list all either-way offences. [86753]

  Mr. Boateng
  There is no readily available list of triable either-way offences. Appendix Four of the annual Command Paper "Criminal statistics England and Wales" lists just over 370 triable either-way offence codes which are used for statistical purposes. Each code may cover more than one offence and these codes cover approximately 700 offences. Other triable either-way offences are grouped together under one ad hoc code. Copies of the Command Paper are available in the Library.
  98
  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many either-way cases were tried in the Crown Court in each of the last five years for which records are available; how many were contested; how many defendants pleaded guilty; and what proportion of those which were contested resulted in a conviction for(a) all offences charged and (b) for any offence charged. [86764]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested is not held centrally, but is being prepared. I will write to the right hon. and learned Member when this information becomes available.

  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the proportion of defendants electing for trial of either-way offences in the Crown Court who are persistent offenders abusing the system. [86754]

  Mr. Boateng
  Research conducted by the Home Office showed that nearly 90 per cent. of convicted offenders who had elected trial in 1989 had previous convictions and over a third had more than 10 previous convictions.

  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of defendants electing trial in the Crown Court for either-way offences have(a) been convicted and (b) received sentences greater than could have been imposed by the magistrates. [86757]

  Mr. Boateng
  This information is not collected centrally. Home Office research conducted showed that two-thirds of convicted defendants who had elected trial in 1989 received non-custodial sentences. Others will have received custodial sentences within the powers of magistrates.

  The same research showed that those who elected trial were three times as likely to receive a custodial sentence, and sentences were on average two and a half times as long as similar defendants sentenced in magistrates courts.

  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of defendants electing trial in the Crown Court for either-way offences subsequently plead guilty(a) to all offences of which they were charged, (b) to the most serious offence of which they were charged and (c) to an offence less serious than the most serious offence with which they were charged. [86755]

  Mr. Boateng
  This information is not collected centrally. Home Office research conducted in 1989 showed that of convicted offenders who had elected trial, 70 per cent. finally pleaded guilty to all charges and 14 per cent. finally pleaded guilty to some charges.

  Trial Costs
  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the daily cost of a trial in a contested case before(a) the Crown Court in England and Wales and (b) the Sheriff's Court in Scotland. [86763]

  Mr. Boateng
  In 1997–98, the average cost of a contested trial in the Crown Court in England and Wales is estimated to be £18,100. The estimate is for the costs of a trial of average length and includes "capital costs" as well as the running costs of the Criminal Justice System for all of the different agencies.
  99
  In 1997–98, the average criminal case cost in Sheriff and jury cases in Scotland where evidence was led was £10,900. The estimate includes court, prosecution and legal aid costs—but excludes "capital costs". Daily costs are not available.

  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the cost of trials(a) in the Crown Court and (b) in the magistrates court lasting (i) one day, (ii) two days, (iii) three days, (iv) four days and (v) five days; and how such figures are calculated. [86759]

  Mr. Boateng
  The average costs of a trial in England and Wales in 1997–98 are estimated to be:£8,700 for a trial in the Crown Court (regardless of plea, all indictable offences); and
  £500 for a trial in a magistrates' court (regardless of plea, all offences).

  The estimates are for the costs of a trial of average length and include "capital costs", as well as the running costs of the Criminal Justice System for all of the different agencies. Separate figures are not available for trial of different lengths.

  Remand Prisoners
  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the additional privileges enjoyed by a prisoner in custody on remand as compared to a prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment or youth custody. [86765]

  Mr. George Howarth
  A person remanded to prison awaiting trial is entitled to a number of additional privileges when compared to a prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment or youth custody.

  Unconvicted prisoners are allowed to:

  have additional books, newspapers, writing materials and other means of occupation in their possession at their own expense;

  undertake business activities;

  wear their own clothing;

  decide not to have their hair cut if they wish;

  send and receive an unlimited amount of letters;

  be visited and treated by a registered medical practitioner or dentist of their choice at their own expense;

  have an extra private cash allowance;

  have additional smoking materials in their possession;

  have unlimited visits; and

  decide whether or not to work.

  Unconvicted prisoners are also not required to share a cell with a convicted prisoner.

  Crime (Sentences) Act 1997
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment under section 2 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 have received tariffs of(a) less than three years and (b) less than five years. [86323]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Of the 60 prisoners currently confirmed as serving life sentences under section 2 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997, seven have tariffs (relevant parts under section 28 of the Act) of less than three years and 29 of less than five years.

  Short Tariff Prisoners
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change(a) Prison Service and (b) Parole Board procedures to ensure that prisoners with short tariffs are not unnecessarily held beyond expiry of the tariff. [86375]

  Mr. George Howarth
  None. Short tariff life sentence prisoners are, with rare exceptions, those whose tariffs (relevant parts) have been set by the courts. Such prisoners are statutorily entitled to an oral hearing of their case by the Parole Board once the relevant part of the sentence has expired. The Board may direct the prisoner's release following such hearings if they are satisfied that the level of risk is acceptable. No change is, therefore, necessary to Parole Board procedures.

  The Prison Service has set up an 86-bed main centre at Brixton prison to provide fast-track arrangements for life sentence prisoners with short tariffs. The aim is to provide expedited reports on such prisoners so that they may be allocated at an early stage to other prisons which can offer any necessary course work on offending behaviour. This should enable such work to be completed in time for the outcome to be reported to the Parole Board for the oral hearing on tariff expiry.

  Experimental Psychiatric Research
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library a list of the papers which his Department holds in connection with experimental psychiatric research on delinquent youths at(a) the Burden Neurological Institute in Bristol, (b) Star Cross Hospital, Newton Abbott and (c) other institutions during the 1970s. [86460]

  Mr. Boateng
  I and my Department of Health colleagues need to find out whether there are records of any such research. We will write to the hon. Member once we have been able to establish the position.

  Visas
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the system of handling visa applications of family members of refugees residing in the UK. [86842]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  There are no such plans.

  However, in response to the crisis in Kosovo, special arrangements have been made to facilitate family reunion for Kosovans who have been evacuated from Macedonia under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Humanitarian Evacuation Programme. Arrangements have also been made to send a Home Office team to Macedonia to assist the UNHCR in the registration of refugees and selection for evacuation to the United Kingdom. A further Home Office team is going to Tirana to process applications from family members notified to the Red Cross by their families in the United Kingdom. This is to assist the British diplomatic post in Tirana which is not resourced to provide a full visa service.

  Police Officer Dismissal
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish his reasons for
  101
  overturning the Devon and Cornwall Chief Constable's decision to dismiss police officers Wayne Burns and Andy May. [86412]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 11 June 1999]Wayne Burns and Andy May appealed to me against decisions by the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall in January 1998 to find them guilty of disciplinary offences and dismiss them from the force. I appointed an independent tribunal to consider the appeal and to make recommendations to me. The tribunal reheard the evidence and unanimously recommended that the appeals should be allowed.

  I considered all the facts of the case, the points raised in the grounds of appeal and the Chief Constable's response, together with the report of the tribunal. I decided to accept the tribunal's reasons and their recommendation to allow the appeals. The reason for my decision was that I was not satisfied that the charges had been proved to the criminal standard of proof which was the standard required at the relevant time. The standard of proof required in police discipline proceedings has now been lowered from the criminal standard to the civil standard but only in respect of alleged police misconduct occurring after 1 April 1999.

  Police Custody
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fatalities have occurred in police custody units in each of the past 10 years. [86978]

  Mr. Boateng
  Deaths in police custody units are included in the statistics for deaths in police custody or otherwise in the hands of the police. During the period from 1991–92 to 1994–95, such deaths were tabulated on a financial year basis for the Metropolitan Police and a calendar year basis for the rest of England and Wales, with the result that no national annual totals are available for that period. The figures for the last 10 years are as follows:

  Year

  Metropolitan police

  Year

  Provinces

  Total

  1989

  37

  1989

  36

  73

  1990

  20

  1990

  41

  61

  1991

  24

  1991

  36

  60

  1991–921

  21

  1992

  33

  —

  1992–93

  18

  1993

  18

  —

  1993–94

  16

  1994

  36

  —

  1994–95

  15

  1995

  39

  —

  1995–96

  13

  1995–96

  37

  50

  1996–97

  18

  2

  39

  57

  1997–98

  12

  1996–97

  57

  69

  1998–993

  17

  1997–98

  49

  66

  1998–99

  1 Change to financial year basis includes some figures previously counted in 1991

  2 Change to financial year basis includes some figures previously counted in 1995

  3 Provisional figures

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what level of supervision is required in police custody units. [86979]

  Mr. Boateng
  Section 36 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 provides that one or more custody officers shall be appointed for each designated police station. No officer may be appointed a custody officer 102
  unless he is of at least the rank of sergeant. An officer of any rank may perform the functions of a custody officer at a designated police station if a custody officer is not readily available to perform them.

  Guidance on the interpretation of "readily available" was given in the report of the Steering Group on Custody Officers which was circulated to Chief Officers and to Police Authorities in July 1993.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the statutory provisions which apply to police custody units. [86977]

  Mr. Boateng
  The principal statutory provisions relating to police custody units are contained in Part IV of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has issued concerning the centralisation of police custody units. [86976]

  Mr. Boateng
  In July 1993, the Home Office circulated to Chief Officers and to Police Authorities the report of the Steering Group on Custody Officers, which included the recommendation that each chief officer who had not already done so should review the provision of designated stations with a view to rationalising custody facilities.

  Kosovo Refugees
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, following the changed circumstances, any more refugees from Kosovo will be evacuated from the region to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [87354]

  Mr. Straw
  The Government's aim, in common with that of our European Union partners, has been to ensure that the great majority of refugees are looked after in the region so that they are able to return to their homes when it is safe to do so. We have also responded to the request for help from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to evacuate the most vulnerable people from the area. We accordingly accepted around 4,000 refugees into the United Kingdom. The stage now reached in the military action against the Milosevic regime and the fact that the first steps have been taken to allow the refugees to return mean that significant evacuations under the Humanitarian Evacuation Programmes are no longer necessary.

  We have, therefore, decided to reduce significantly the number of flights into the United Kingdom. After today, we expect to receive a further flight this week and one next week. We will, then, keep the situation under review. We will focus on people who cannot be cared for in the region and on the spouses and dependants of people who are already in the United Kingdom.

  Those refugees arriving under the Programme who have been granted 12 months leave to enter will not have their stay curtailed. We will, however, actively be establishing arrangements to facilitate the return of those who want to go back to Kosovo before then.

  Consideration of claims for asylum for citizens of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) will be suspended temporarily while the security situation in Kosovo is clarified. Consideration of applications will resume as soon as practicable. Nobody will be sent back to Kosovo until we are satisfied that it is safe for them to go. We

  103
  propose for the time being to grant 12 months leave to enter or remain to Kosovan Albanians on an exceptional basis. This will provide for the same status and access to benefits as between those FRY citizens who have arrived as part of the UNHCR's Humanitarian Evacuation Programme and those who have arrived independently once their cases are decided.

  Although the evacuation flights from Macedonia to the United Kingdom are coming to an end, we will continue to apply family reunion criteria under our normal immigration policy for those in the United Kingdom who have refugee status, and we propose to continue to operate family reunion for those who have come to the United Kingdom under the Humanitarian Evacuation Programme. Anyone granted such a visa for travel to the United Kingdom will, however, be required to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements.

  I would like to take this opportunity to pay a warm tribute to the hard work which local authorities and the voluntary sector have done in preparing for and receiving evacuees from Kosovo. Even those areas which have not actually received flights or accommodated evacuees have responded with generosity and enthusiasm to the need to plan for arrivals.

  Handguns
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) illegally held handguns and (b) legally held handguns have been handed in since 1 May 1997. [86746]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information on the number of illegally or legally held handguns handed in to the police on a routine basis is not kept centrally.

  Following the passage of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997, which prohibited large and small-calibre handguns, a total of 162,198 handguns were surrendered to the police in England, Scotland and Wales.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidents involving handguns have been recorded for each month since May 1997. [86745]

  Mr. Boateng
  The figures for notifiable offences recorded by the police in which handguns were reported to have been used in England and Wales since 1 May 1997 are set out in the table. The figures for 1998 are provisional and currently available for only the first three months of the year.

  Month

  Number of offences

  1997

  May

  214

  June

  208

  July

  212

  August

  212

  September

  183

  October

  216

  November

  237

  December

  266

  1998

  January

  216

  February

  201

  March

  210

  Justice and Home Affairs Council
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on 27 and 28 May, in respect of the draft Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in so far as this relates to the interception of communications, indicating what position the Government advocated. [86435]

  Mr. Straw
  No agreement was reached at the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 27 and 28 May on the interception of communications provisions in the draft Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. The Council agreed that the outstanding issues should be referred to the Article 36 Committee. The Government's position remains as set out in my reply given to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean) on 23 March 1999,Official Report, column 176.

  Royal Escort Costs
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many(a) police and (b) other security officers were deployed to escort the royal party to the Chelsea Flower Show in May; and what was the cost of this operation; [86751]

  (2) what his policy is in respect of security protection for members of the Royal Family other than the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, their offspring, and Princes Henry and William; and what was the cost of security protection for those members of the Royal Family not listed above for the last year for which figures are available. [86750]

  Mr. Boateng
  We seek to ensure the most effective and efficient protective arrangements for the Royal Family and other public figures in the light of the changing threat from terrorism and other continuing risks. It is our policy not to comment on the details of protection arrangements for individuals, as to do so could compromise their security.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the visit of the Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Knowsley, North and Sefton, East (Mr. Howarth), to Shamrock Farm on 15 December 1998 was unannounced. [86885]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The visit was made by appointment. I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to visit establishments unannounced, but members of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate do make unannounced visits.

  Metropolitan Police (Advertising)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of the advertisement placed by the Metropolitan Police in the London Evening Standard on 9 June. [87109]

  Kate Hoey
  The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police tells me that the advertisement cost £11,000.
  105
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much the Metropolitan Police spent on(a) recruitment advertising and (b) general advertising in each of the last three years; and what is the budget for the
  current year. [87110]

  Kate Hoey
  The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has provided the following information:

  Year

  Other advertising

  Recruitment advertising

  1996–97

  620,000

  862,000

  1997–98

  659,872

  859,000

  1998–99

  782,236

  1,598,945

  1999–2000

  915,000

  1,565,000

  Access to Government Information
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to publish the 1998 report on the operation of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. [87105]

  Mr. Straw
  I hope to be in a position to publish the 1998 Monitoring Report, on the operation of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, shortly. Publication of the Monitoring Report has been delayed due to work on the draft Freedom of Information Bill.

  Prisoners (Drugs)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the per capita figures for the use of neuroleptic drugs in each women's prison; and what percentage of prisoners in each women's prisons are users, at least weekly, of tranquillisers and pain killers. [86952]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 26 October 1998,Official Report, columns 59–60.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the numbers and percentage of prisoners who will be participating in drug treatment programmes in each of the next 10 years. [86956]

  Mr. George Howarth
  It is not possible to make any meaningful estimate at this stage. Implementation of the Prison Service drug strategy will allow projections to be made at the end of this financial year, once measurement and monitoring systems have been established.

  Cannabis
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of annual cost of imprisoning cannabis offenders in each of the past four years for which figures are available. [86949]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The cost of imprisonment for cannabis offenders is not calculated separately from other offenders. The information in the table gives an average cost per place for all prisoners. Cost per place for 1998–99 is provisional and subject to validation by prisons.
  106

  Average cost per place for prisoners

  Financial year

  Cost per place (£ cash terms)

  Cost per place (1992–93 prices)

  1995–96

  24,178

  22,562

  1996–97

  24,271

  21,975

  1997–98

  23,940

  21,152

  1998–99

  25,096

  21,633

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the report on the experiments on the efficacy of medicinal cannabis to be published. [86945]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Information from G W Pharmaceuticals Ltd., the company licensed to conduct cannabis medical research, indicates that clinical trials are scheduled to start in mid-July. These are likely to continue for one or two years. Publication of results is a matter for the research community.

  Prisons (Random Drug Tests)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effect of random drugs tests in prisons on the use of(a) cannabis, (b) cocaine and (c) heroin. [86958]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The table sets out the percentages of random mandatory drug test (MDT) samples that have tested positive in each of the last three financial years. It is not possible to attribute any changes entirely to the MDT programme. Supply reduction and treatment programmes also impact on the level of drug misuse in prisons.

  Percentage of random mandatory drug tests positive for cannabis, heroin and cocaine

  Drug type

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Cannabis

  19.9

  16.5

  14

  Opiates (including heroin)

  5.4

  4.2

  4.4

  Cocaine

  0.2

  0.2

  0.3

  Drug Use
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what forecasts he has made of the levels of use of(a) cannabis, (b) cocaine and (c) heroin in June 2002 relative to the figures for June 1997. [86953]

  Mr. Boateng
  None. The targets set recently under the drugs strategy by the United Kingdom Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator include reducing by 20 per cent. by 2002 the numbers of 11–16 year-olds who use Class A drugs.

  Drug Offences
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the numbers of offenders who will receive prison sentences for all (i) cannabis, (ii) heroin and (iii) illegal drugs repeat offences in each of the next 10 years if(a) present trends continue and (b) the Government's current policies are successful. [86950]

  Mr. Boateng
  No. The United Kingdom Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator recently set all national and local agencies and departments the target of reducing levels of repeat offending among drug misusing offenders by 50 per cent.
  107
  by 2008. Systems are being put in place to monitor progress towards this target and others set under the drugs strategy.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if(a) travelcards and passes, (b) luncheon vouchers, (c) protective clothing, (d) gift vouchers and (e) other payments in kind are disregarded for benefit purposes if received by a Jobseeker's Allowance claimant who is participating on a European Social Fund training course. [85750]

  Angela Eagle
  Jobseeker's Allowance regulations provide for any income in kind such as travelcards and passes; luncheon vouchers; protective clothing and gift vouchers, to be disregarded in the calculation of entitlement to benefit.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for (1) what reasons Disability Living Allowance was removed from Brenda Oakham of Barton Close, Paignton, in April; and for what reason no explanation was given; [86428]

  (2) if he will arrange to expedite the Disability Living Allowance review in relation to Brenda Oakham of Barton Close, Paignton. [86429]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Anthony Steen, dated 14 June 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions. You asked why Disability Living Allowance (DLA) was removed from Mrs Brenda Oakham, in April. why no explanation was given, and that the DLA review in relation to Mrs Oakham's case be expedited.
  It may help if I explain that entitlement to DLA does not depend on the diagnosis of a condition but on the way in which that condition affects a person on a day-to-day basis. Decisions are made by adjudication officers (AOs) who are statutory office holders. It would be improper of me to comment on, or interfere in, their decisions. I can confirm that, although an award of DLA may be given for life, an AO may reduce or revoke an entitlement decision if information is received which indicates that a person's entitlement may have changed.
  Mrs Oakham's entitlement was examined as part of the work of the Benefit Integrity Project. With the help of a visiting officer Mrs Oakham completed a questionnaire on 21 October 1998 giving details of her current care and mobility needs. In addition, a report was obtained from Mrs Oakham's General Practitioner. A report was also completed by a Medical Services doctor who examined Mrs Oakham on 15 February 1999. Following a thorough consideration of all the evidence about her current needs, an AO decided on 10 March 1999 that Mrs Oakham no longer satisfied the conditions for entitlement to either component of DLA from 15 February 1999. This decision, which included an explanation of the reasons for the decision, was issued to Mrs Oakham on 28 April.
  Your letter to me dated 5 May was accepted as a request for a review of that decision. On 9 June, a different AO considered all the evidence, including additional evidence submitted with your letter. The revised decision is that Mrs Oakham is entitled to the
  108
  lower rate mobility component from 15 February 1999 and the highest rate care component from 31 May 1996. The decision was issued to Mrs Oakham on 11 June. This includes a full explanation of the reasons for the decision and details of her right of appeal to an independent Disability Appeal Tribunal, if she is unhappy with the outcome.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Litigants Compensation Scheme
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to introduce a compensation scheme for litigants whose cases could not proceed because of failure in listing for which the court service is responsible; and if he will make a statement. [86652]

  Mr. Vaz
  None. When any mistake which is the fault of the Court Service, including an administrative error over listing, leads to loss for a party in a court action, the Court Service will consider making an ex gratia payment, in line with Treasury guidance.

  Documents Service
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answers of 18 May 1999,Official Report, column 311, if he will deposit in the Library copies of the Commission proposals referred to. [86706]

  Mr. Vaz
  At present, only provisional versions of the Commission proposals have been made available. Copies of the proposals will be placed in the Library in the usual way as soon as a formal proposal is made.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Reach-Out Fund
  Gillian Merron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made on the launch of the Reach-Out fund to enhance university interaction with business. [87033]

  Mr. Battle
  Following the Competitiveness White Paper announcement that the DTI and the DfEE would jointly create the Reach-Out fund in partnership with the HEFCE to enhance university-business interaction, the HEFCE recently led a consultation with the academic and business communities on the proposed aims and objectives of the fund. There was strong support for the creation of the fund and detailed responses have enabled us to finalise its design.

  I am therefore pleased to announce that I and my noble Friend Baroness Blackstone, the Minister for Education, are today jointly launching the Higher Education Reach-Out to Business and the Community Fund at a Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals conference on regional competitiveness.

  The Reach-Out fund, rising to around £20 million per year, is intended to initiate an important third stream of funding for universities, alongside research and teaching funds to help recognise the importance of working with

  109
  business and develop the capability in universities to respond to business needs. This in turn will help to stimulate more informed demand from business for greater innovation and competitiveness. The fund will be open to all universities in England and Northern Ireland (in partnership with the DENI), complementing measures in Scotland and Wales.

  There will initially be two calls for applications—the first of which is issued today and invites applications by 15 September for the first allocations to be made early in November 1999. The second call will be announced by January 2000 and will follow a similar timetable, allowing three months for response, with allocations announced around two months from the closing date.

  Copies of the Applications Guidelines have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Regional Assistance Map
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to announce his proposed map for regional assistance. [87030]

  Mr. Wills
  As soon as possible.

  Biotechnology
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 12 March 1999,Official Report, column 403, what account he took of (a) the Government's information policies and (b) the implications for public confidence in the Government's policies on biotechnology of his decision not to reveal details of meetings held between Ministers in his Department and representatives of biotechnology companies. [86486]

  Mr. Battle
  Ministers and civil servants meet many people as part of the process of policy development and analysis. All such contacts are conducted in accordance with the "Ministerial Code", the "Civil Service Code", and "Guidance for Civil Servants: Contacts with Lobbyists". Some of these discussions take place on a confidential basis, and in order to preserve confidentiality it is not the normal practice of Governments to release details of specific meetings with private individuals or companies.

  Non-fossil Fuel Obligation
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what projects in Essex have(a) been approved in respect of the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation and (b) taken up that approval. [86436]

  Mr. Battle
  The Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) for renewables requires the Public Electricity Suppliers to secure specified generating capacity from specified renewables. Thirty-one (31) projects with an aggregate capacity of 319 Mega Watts have been contracted in Essex under the NFFO arrangements made so far. Six of these projects have been commissioned and we expect many more to do so in due course.

  Libya (Sanctions)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on measures taken at European Communities level to remove sanctions on Libya. [86722]
  110
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Hull, West and Hessle (Mr. Johnson) on 20 April 1999, Official Report, columns 512–13.

HEALTH

  Yellow Card Scheme
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to review the operation of the Yellow Card Scheme. [86156]

  Ms Jowell
  The Yellow Card Scheme is run on a day-to-day basis by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) on behalf of the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM), the expert advisory committee to the Licensing Authority, which has responsibilities under the Medicines Act 1986 for the promotion of collection and investigation of information relating to adverse reactions (ADRs).

  The MCA and the CSM regularly review all aspects of Yellow Card Scheme including:

  1. The number of reports received, trends in reporting, the source of reports and their quality.

  2. The proportion of serious adverse drug reactions compared to non serious and by reporting group.

  3. The recent extension of the Yellow Card Scheme to include hospital pharmacists as reporters and the inclusion of community pharmacists later this year.

  4. The progress of special reporting initiatives such as:

  i. The HIV Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Scheme.

  ii. Pilot schemes for extending the Yellow Card Scheme to include nurses and to investigate reporting of suspected ADRs in children.

  iii. Development of electronic Yellow Cards.

  5. Feedback from focus groups investigating GPs perceptions about the Yellow Card Scheme and how it might be improved.

  6. Providing feedback to reporters in regular bulletins such as "Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance".

  The work of activities of the four MCA/CSM Regional Monitoring Centres in Merseyside, Northern Region, Wales and the West Midlands is reviewed at an annual meeting with the MCA.

  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many Yellow Card Scheme reports since 1989 have been received by the Medicines Control Agency regarding adverse reaction to metrizamide/myodil; and if he will make a statement. [86158]

  Ms Jowell
  The total number of suspected adverse drug reaction reports for reactions to metrizamide and myodil received under the United Kingdom spontaneous reporting scheme (Yellow Card Scheme) for the period from 1 January 1989 was none and 8 respectively. It should be noted that some of these reactions have been reported retrospectively and were reported to have occurred between 1972–1989.

  NHS Pay Awards
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the average pay award to(a) nurses, (b) doctors, (c) speech therapists, (d) medical laboratory scientific officers and (e) NHS administrative

  111
  staff, in percentage terms, in the most recent round of pay negotiations; how much each of these awards cost in cash terms in (i) Gloucestershire and (ii) nationally; what percentage of the increase in the NHS budget each of these awards took up (1) in Gloucestershire and (2) nationally; and if he will make a statement. [85647]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]In the last complete round of pay negotiations, hospital doctors were awarded 4.2 per cent. paid from 1 December 1998, with 2 per cent. (and 0.35 per cent. in respect of the value of pensions) paid from 1 April 1998. Nurses, speech therapists, medical laboratory scientific officers and National Health Service administrative and clerical staff received 3.8 per cent. from 1 December 1998 with 2 per cent. paid from 1 April. The additional cost of pay increases for all Hospital and Community Health Service staff in 1998–99, relative to pay in 1997–98, was £440 million in England; separate information for Gloucestershire is not available. This cost was 20 per cent. of the £2,196 million increase in net NHS funding in 1998–99.

  Out-of-hours Calls
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about GPs redirecting out-of-hours calls to the local hospital; and if he will make a statement. [86376]

  Mr. Denham
  We are not aware of any general representations to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on the redirection of general practitioners out-of-hours calls to local hospitals.

  GPs may make arrangements with any organisation to provide out-of-hours primary care services on their behalf but they must satisfy themselves that the service provided

  Country

  Public healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP

  Total healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP

  Public healthcare expenditure ($ per capita)

  Total healthcare expenditure ($ per capita)

  Australia

  5.9

  8.5

  1,220

  1,775

  Austria

  5.7

  8.0

  1,258

  1,748

  Belgium

  6.8

  7.8

  1,498

  1,708

  Canada

  6.7

  9.6

  1,440

  2,065

  Czech Republic

  6.6

  7.2

  836

  904

  Denmark

  5.2

  8.0

  1,175

  1,802

  Finland

  5.8

  7.4

  1,082

  1,380

  France

  7.8

  9.7

  1,599

  1,983

  Germany

  8.2

  10.5

  1,783

  2,278

  Greece

  5.2

  6.8

  688

  888

  Hungary

  4.7

  6.7

  417

  602

  Iceland

  6.8

  8.2

  1,582

  1,893

  Ireland

  5.2

  7.0

  947

  1,276

  Italy

  5.5

  7.8

  1,106

  1,584

  Japan

  5.7

  7.2

  1,321

  1,677

  Korea

  2.1

  4.0

  282

  537

  Luxembourg

  6.2

  6.8

  1,980

  2,139

  Mexico

  2.7

  4.6

  212

  358

  Netherlands

  6.2

  8.6

  1,273

  1,766

  New Zealand

  5.6

  7.3

  974

  1,270

  Norway

  6.5

  7.9

  1,591

  1,928

  Poland

  4.6

  5.0

  344

  371

  Portugal

  4.9

  8.3

  641

  1,071

  Spain

  5.8

  7.4

  878

  1115

  Sweden

  7.2

  8.6

  1,389

  1,675

  Switzerland

  7.1

  10.2

  1,748

  2,499

  Turkey

  2.7

  3.8

  165

  232

  United Kingdom

  5.8

  6.9

  1,113

  1,317

  United States

  6.5

  14.0

  1,819

  3,898

  Source:

  OECD Health Databank 1998
  112
  is adequate and appropriate for their patients. They must ensure that any deputising arrangements which they have chosen continue to meet those standards.

  Decisions on whether to refer a patient for secondary care outside surgery hours will be based on clinical need—the same as for referrals which are made after a consultation during surgery hours.

  Devonshire Royal Hospital
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made with the sale of the Devonshire Royal Hospital in Buxton by NHS Estates. [86465]

  Mr. Denham
  Devonshire Royal Hospital, Buxton is contained within my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's retained estate and has been actively marketed for five months. This follows an innovative marketing strategy developed by Capitec (part of NHS Estates) and agents to maximise awareness throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. 800 sets of information have been sent out with 170 specific inquiries received to date.

  Spending (OECD Countries)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if comparative figures for the United Kingdom and other OECD countries are collated for health spending; and if he will make a statement. [86634]

  Mr. Denham
  The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development produce figures for public and total health care spending for member countries. Two indicators of comparative public and total health care expenditure are given in the table. These are health care expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product and health care expenditure in dollars per capita. All figures are for 1996.

  Secure Units
  Mrs. Betty Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the medium secure units in operation in England and the date when each was commissioned. [87039]

  Mr. Hutton
  The list shows the number of medium secure units in the National Health Service in England. The date when each was commissioned is not held centrally.

  North West

  Scott Clinic, Rainhill

  Edenfield Centre, Salford

  Langdale Unit, Preston

  Calderstones, Whalley

  Scott House, Rochdale

  Auden Unit, Winwick

  Mary Dendy Unit, Macclesfield

  Northern and Yorkshire

  Hutton Centre (Adult) St. Luke's Hospital, Middlesbrough

  The Bamburgh Centre (Adult), Newcastle City Health NHS Trust

  Newton Lodge, Wakefield

  Humber Centre, Hull

  Trent

  Arnold Lodge, Leicester

  Wathwood Unit, Rotherham

  Eastern

  Norvic Clinic, Norwich

  The Larches, Gloucester Centre, Peterborough

  Broadlands Clinic, Little Plumstead Hospital, Norwich

  Runwell Hospital, Essex

  London

  Camlet Lodge, Enfield

  John Howard, Hackney

  Three Bridges, Ealing

  Cane Hill, Coulsdon

  Bracton Centre, Bexley

  Denis Hill Unit, Beckenham

  Shaftesbury Clinic and Longridge Clinic, Tooting

  South East

  Wallingford Clinic, Fairmile Hospital, Oxford

  Marlborough House, Milton Keynes

  House 4 Slade Hospital, Oxford

  Hellingly Hospital, Ashen Hill, Eastbourne and County

  Ravenswood, Hampshire

  Maidstone Priority—Trevor Gibbens Unit, West Kent

  West Midlands

  Reaside Clinic, Birmingham

  The Hatherton Centre, Stafford

  Janet Shaw Clinic, Birmingham

  South West

  Butler Clinic, Dawlish

  Fromeside Clinic, Bristol.

SCOTLAND

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in his Department and its associated bodies and agencies have benefited from the introduction of a national minimum wage. [86090]

  Dr. Reid
  In the main Scottish Office bargaining unit 181 casual members of staff received an increase in salary. One member of staff in the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency also received an increase in salary as did 45 staff in Historic Scotland. Information about the pay of staff outwith the Scottish Office and its Agencies is not held centrally.

  From 1 July 1999, the pay of staff below Senior Civil Service level in the Scottish Office and its Agencies will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Tuition Fees
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the total amount that will be paid by students in tuition fees during 1998–99. [85888]

  Dr. Reid
  It is estimated that Scottish students undertaking full-time undergraduate courses in further and higher education institutions in the UK and EU students studying in Scotland will contribute £18 million to their tuition fees in 1998–99.

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

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people in his Department and its associated bodies and agencies have benefited from the introduction of a national minimum wage. [86093]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Since at 1 April 1999, there were no staff in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, or in the Non-Departmental Bodies for which it is responsible, who were paid less than the equivalent of £3.60 per hour. None has benefited directly from the introduction of the National Minimum Wage.

  Kashmir
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the UN has taken recently to help resolve the conflict in Kashmir. [86466]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Secretary-General made clear to the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India his concern over the fighting in Kashmir. Pakistan and India are also aware that the Secretary-General is willing to assist in their search for a just and lasting solution, if such involvement were acceptable to both countries.

  Senator Pinochet
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the discussions held with the US Secretary of State on 21 November and 8 December 1998 concerning Senator Pinochet's arrest. [86457]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  It is not the practice of the Government to disclose the substance of their discussions with foreign authorities.

  European Flag
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which organisation holds copyright over the European 12 star flag. [86732]

  Ms Quin
  There is no formal copyright over the European flag.

  European Integration
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the nature of the Government's input into the Council of Europe document, "Europe Under a Single Roof". [86646]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  "Europe Under a Single Roof" was the title of a book commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Council of Europe (CoE). The Council Secretariat had full responsibility for editorial control and publication. Member States Governments' involvement, including that of the UK, was confined to approving the project in principle when it was proposed to the Council of Ministers.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will define the requirement for furthering European integration, as set out in European Communities budget lines, as a basis to be fulfilled by applicants under those budget lines and determining the value of the award; and what is his policy on the requirement. [86723]

  Ms Quin
  I assume the hon. Member is referring to budget line A-302 "Grants to organisations advancing the idea of Europe", which has as its particular aim to cover expenditure on the activities and operation of organisations actively working toward European integration. The European Commission's guidelines for operating this budget line set out the objective this budget line contributes to, the eligibility criteria for organisations seeking funding from it, details of the selection criteria, financial conditions and the procedure to be followed when applying for a grant. A copy has been sent to the hon. Member directly, and a copy placed in the House Library. The Government support activities which help increase public awareness of the EU.

  Albania
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the implications of the EU project to collect and destroy weapons in the Gramsh district in Albania on the combat effectiveness of the KLA; and to what bodies EU funds will be made available. [86449]
  116
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are the lead organisation on the pilot weapons collection project in Gramsh. The EU has allocated 500,000 euros to extend the successful project to other regions.

  The Department for International Development (DFID) has funded one ammunition technical officer as part of the project and have agreed in principle to fund another. They have also agreed to fund a feasibility study on destruction of the weapons.

  The aim of the project is to reduce the number of weapons in circulation among the civilian population in Albania. It is not targeted at the Kosovo Liberation Army.

  Belgian Manure Decree
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy towards the funding of European Communities payments under the Belgian manure decree. [86447]

  Ms Quin
  I understand no Community money has been used to finance the Belgian manure decree, and that the Commission is currently investigating whether the decree contravenes EU state aids rules.

  Internal Histories
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list his Department's Internal Histories, indicating which are not due for accelerated release. [86363]

  Mr. Hoon
  No comprehensive list exists of internal histories held by the FCO on an ad hoc basis for many years. Those over 30 years old, such as a 1962 study by the Historical Adviser of British Policy in the Relinquishment of Abadan in 1951, have been routinely released to the Public Record Office (FO 370/2694). As part of an open government initiative, the FCO began in 1998 to identify internal histories scattered across the FCO archive and assess them for publication and accelerated release. The first practical result of this initiative will be the publication and release early next year of the report written in 1972 by Sir Con O'Neill on the negotiations for entry into the EEC.

  Titles of other internal histories remain classified until proper consideration has been given to their suitability for accelerated release or publication.

  Overseas Posts (E-mail and Internet Links)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 24 May 1999,Official Report, column 26, to the hon. Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore), if he will place a list in the Library of (a) Internet and (b) e-mail sites for his offices overseas. [86647]

  Mr. Hoon
  The website addresses and public e-mail addresses of FCO Missions overseas are listed on the FCO website (www.fco.gov.uk) under "British Diplomatic Missions".

  Schengen
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of
  117
  17 May 1999, Official Report, column 239, if the subject matter covered in the letter from the Dutch Government of 16 July 1997 on the Amsterdam Treaty negotiations has been referred to in the content of the Home Secretary's proposal to join elements of the Schengen system. [86717]

  Ms Quin
  No, it has not.

  Commonwealth Institute
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress in determining the future status of the Commonwealth Institute. [86916]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Commonwealth Institute have not yet reached a final agreement on the financial arrangements which will underpin the plan for the Institute to become a company limited by guarantee, while remaining a charity. Both sides hope that the remaining differences can be resolved soon and are working together to that end.

  ASSIST Programme
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the performance of the ASSIST programme in its first year; and what changes to the programme are planned. [87285]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  As my hon. Friend will be aware from my announcement in the House on 26 March 1998,Official Report, columns 235–36, the ASSIST programme was established on 1 April 1998 to replace the UK Military Training Assistance Scheme (UKMTAS), with the main purpose of re-focusing support to the Government' s priority of promoting respect for human rights and good governance.

  Notable results in the first year included: a course in China run together with Save the Children Fund, designed to fight child trafficking; direct human rights training for the Russian military; a workshop on conscientious objection in Novograd; and a women and children protection course in the Philippines.

  The transition to new objectives made a good start in the financial year 1998–99 with 84 per cent. of spending being compatible with the new ASSIST criteria. For the next financial year, as pre-existing commitments reduce we shall be increasing this percentage and further refining the ASSIST criteria.

  New objectives will include:
  The addition of an objective to promote the re-establishment of appropriately structured and armed forces in post conflict situations (internal and external) and in newly democratized countries;
  Promotion of the security of the Overseas Territories;
  The inclusion of training for peacekeeping in accordance with UN guidance;
  Co-operation with NGOs and other representatives of civil society on security sector assistance;
  Increased emphasis on counter proliferation and combating small arms trafficking.
  118
  Enhancement of the professionalism of the armed forces has been withdrawn as an independent objective within the criteria.

  We have set up an ASSIST Challenge Fund to be used for flagship projects. To enable greater continuity and planning, we have agreed that ASSIST will continue for at least 3 years. We are also liaising with the MOD and DFID to ensure that ASSIST's programmes complement those Departments' programmes in related areas.

  A copy of the new ASSIST criteria will be placed in the Library.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of an energy tax on the UK glasshouse industry. [86106]

  Mr. Rooker
  The impact of the climate change levy on any one industry, firm or plant will depend on the tax rates set for different sectors. Final rates for the climate change levy will not be set until the Finance Bill 2000, so it is not possible to produce definitive figures at this stage. The Government will consider the issue of competitiveness when setting the final rates for the climate change levy.

  Energy Products Directive
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the policies of European Union Agriculture Ministers in respect of the proposed energy tax on the horticultural industry; and what reports he has received of plans to exempt the industry in individual member states. [86050]

  Mr. Rooker
  The scope of the proposed EC Energy Products Directive, and the minimum rates of tax which might apply, are still under discussion. It is known that a number of member states have fundamental objections to certain aspects of the Energy Products Directive and there are a number of technical points on which member states are seeking further clarification. These will be discussed further at future meetings of ECOFIN.

  Quarantine
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had with quarantine kennel owners since he announced his proposals for reform of quarantine law relating to pets. [86278]

  Mr. Rooker
  Dialogue with representatives of the quarantine industry is continuing and we are pleased that they have joined the Pet Travel Scheme Advisory Group established by my Department.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make rabies vaccines for pet dogs and cats freely available to pet owners preparing to travel abroad and return to Britain without quarantine; and if he will make a statement. [85747]

  Mr. Rooker
  Rabies vaccine will be made freely available in due course.
  119
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to submit the drafts of proposed amendments to the secondary legislation on quarantine to the European Commission for inclusion in EU law. [85745]

  Mr. Rooker
  The European Commission have been sent a copy of the report of the Advisory Group on Quarantine. Decisions on whether to make proposals for EU law are a matter for the Commission.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place in the Library a copy of the draft of proposed amendments to the secondary legislation on quarantine; and if he will make a statement. [85746]

  Mr. Rooker
  Drafting of a Statutory Instrument providing for the Pet Travel Scheme pilot arrangements is still under way. Copies of the draft will be placed in the Library of the House when work has further advanced.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to approve rabies antibody sera-testing for pet dogs and cats; and if he will make a statement. [85748]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Advisory Group on Quarantine recommended that under the new arrangements it proposed for pets, laboratories should be accredited to perform serological tests according to a quality procedure specified and operated by the British authorities. Once the Government have approved a list of laboratories for serological testing under the Pet Travel Scheme (which is expected soon), a list will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to instruct his advisers on quarantine reform to ensure that all new implementation proposals comply with European Community law, with particular reference to Articles 30–36 of the Treaty of Rome. [85744]

  Mr. Rooker
  It is always the Government's intention that their proposals should comply with European Community law.

  Bacillus Thuringiensis
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what discussions he has had with users of Bacillus thuringiensis in respect of its safety; and what plans he has for future discussions; [86216]

  (2) what plans he has to issue guidance and regulations concerning the use of Bacillus thuringiensis spores by organic farmers and forestry workers; [86214]

  (3) what representations he has received from producers of Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria concerning its safety. [86215]

  Mr. Rooker
  One strain of Bacillus thuringiensis, a naturally occurring bacterium, is specified as the active ingredient in a number of insecticide products approved for use on ornamental plants, vegetables, fruit crops and fruit trees in the UK. No products containing Bacillus thuringiensis have approval for use in forestry in this country.
  120
  Following recent reports of possible adverse effects from a particular strain of Bacillus thuringiensis (not approved for use in the UK), the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) has demanded information from the main producer of approved products on whether those effects could arise from the use of the Bacillus thuringiensis strains approved in the UK. Their representations are awaited and will be promptly evaluated.

  The Government have not yet been asked for, or sought, discussions with users of Bacillus thuringiensis, but we will consider whether this would be appropriate in the light of any information the producer provides.

  Information to help users use pesticides correctly is given on each product's label—the content of which must comply with any requirements set by Government. If additional restrictions need to be placed on the use of Bacillus thuringiensis, approval holders will be required to add these to their labels.

  All pesticides are regulated to provide protection for people—including pesticide users—and the environment. Detailed scientific information supplied by applicant companies is evaluated by the Government and their independent advisers; only if a pesticide can be used without unacceptable risk to people and the environment will Ministers approve it. All approved pesticides are subject to routine review and may be reviewed at any time if particular concerns arise.

  Pet Transport Scheme
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what timetable he plans to follow for developing a pilot scheme for the new pet transport system; and when he expects to announce (i) the list of approved laboratories in the EU and rabies-free islands, (b) the vaccines, (iii) the identification system and (iv) the certification format. [86105]

  Mr. Rooker
  A pilot project will be in place as soon as possible (and in any event by next April), and the main scheme will be in place by April 2001. Announcements will be made about the arrangements for microchipping, vaccination, blood testing and health certification as these details are settled.

  Cattle Movement Service
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many passports for imported animals have been processed each month by the British Cattle Movement Service from September 1998 to the latest month for which figures are available. [85732]

  Mr. Rooker
  The number of cattle passports for imported animals processed by the British Cattle Movement Service each month from September 1998 to May 1999 is as follows:

  Month

  Number of imported animal passports processed

  September 1998

  0

  October 1998

  444

  November 1998

  713

  December 1998

  728

  January 1999

  684

  February 1999

  505

  121

  Month

  Number of imported animal passports processed

  March 1999

  899

  April 1999

  2,258

  May 1999

  1,608

  Total for period

  7,839

  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many passports for imported animals are currently awaiting processing at the British Cattle Movement Service; and how many working days, on average, it takes to process each animal. [85733]

  Mr. Rooker
  There are currently 1,005 applications for passports for imported animals awaiting processing. Applications for imported animals which do not require the British Cattle Movement Service to seek further information or supporting documentation from the applicant take, on average, 7 to 10 working days to process. Applications that must be referred back to the applicant will take longer than this.

  CAP (Beef)
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on the Berlin summit agreement for the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy relating to beef. [86024]

  Mr. Rooker
  Following the conclusion of the Berlin summit on Agenda 2000, a summary of the CAP Reform agreement was sent to interested organisations on 22 April 1999. We have received representations from those involved with the beef sector, including consumer groups. These representations are in addition to regular on-going contact with representatives from the beef sector. We will be consulting on all discretionary elements of the Agenda 2000 agreement in the Summer.

  Broiler Chickens
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many broiler chickens slaughtered in the United Kingdom were rejected as unfit for human consumption in (i) 1997 and (ii) 1998. [86208]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information requested is as follows:

  Total throughput

  Unfit for human consumption (in whole or in part)

  1997

  Great Britain

  709,291,374

  8,705,858

  Northern Ireland

  60,270,049

  721,859

  1998

  Great Britain

  713,047,348

  8,339,457

  Northern Ireland

  61,774,233

  544,907

  Note:
  The total throughput figures provided for Great Britain for 1997 and 1998 are not directly comparable, owing to the method for collecting these data having changed slightly.

  Genetically Modified Foods
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements are in place for monitoring the safety of feeding genetically modified feeds to animals. [86306]

  Mr. Rooker
  In relation to its role in considering whether to recommend release to the environment and/or marketing consent for genetically modified organisms, the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) assess and advise on aspects of use in animal feed. The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) addresses any impact of the animal feed use of genetically modified plants on food for the human consumer. The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs, due to be set up very shortly, will also have an important role, liaising as necessary with other committees.

  Seed Marketing
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the basis of his policy on measures set out in 1999/305/EC (OJ L118/63, of 6.5.99), on repealing restrictions on the marketing of seeds; and if he will make a statement. [86718]

  Mr. Rooker
  Article 15 of Council Directive 70/457, on the common catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species, provides for member states to be granted derogations to prohibit in their territory the marketing of seed and propagating material of varieties which they consider not to be distinct, stable or sufficiently uniform (DUS).

  Commission Decision 1999/305/EC repealed various such derogations which had been granted to the United Kingdom. In most cases the varieties themselves, or similar ones which had raised concerns regarding DUS, no longer appeared on the common catalogue while, for the remaining varieties, no certified seed had been produced in the UK in the previous twelve years. The UK therefore saw no reason to maintain the derogations and was content with their repeal. No genetically modified varieties are involved.

  Meat Hygiene
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how the word veterinaire is being interpreted by his Department, with respect to the enforcement of EU hygiene directives; [86471]

  (2) what training (a) environmental health officers and (b) meat inspectors would require to enable them to supervise meat hygiene inspections. [86472]

  Mr. Rooker
  EU meat hygiene rules lay down specific requirements about the level and frequency of supervision of licensed meat plants. Such functions are assigned to "official veterinarians", defined in those rules as"the veterinarian designated by the central competent authority of the Member State".
  Although the EU meat hygiene rules do not define "veterinarian", the EU Directives on the mutual recognition of veterinary qualifications and on veterinary training (78/1026/EEC and 78/1027/EEC) clearly define veterinarians in terms of named qualifications for each member state (which other member

  123
  states must recognise) and in terms of the subjects that their veterinary courses must have covered and the length of training.

  Given the aim of the EU meat hygiene rules (namely, to prescribe minimum standards of health inspections in licensed meat plants) and the functions allocated to official veterinarians under those rules, my Department takes the view that references in those rules to "official veterinarian" must be construed consistently with the EU rules on veterinary qualifications. In short, an "official veterinarian" for meat hygiene purposes must be a veterinarian whose veterinary qualifications meet the terms of the relevant Directives. As such, environmental health officers and meat inspectors would be eligible to supervise meat hygiene inspections only if they were also fully qualified veterinarians.

  Animal Feedstuffs
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he takes to ensure that animal feedstuffs are not contaminated with additives injurious to human health. [86467]

  Mr. Rooker
  Only additives on an EU approved list are permitted for use in animal feedingstuffs. Where appropriate, maximum levels and other conditions apply. Additives are included in the list on the basis of an extensive assessment by experts for safety, quality and efficacy.

  UK Regulations, implementing another EU measure, require the approval or registration of premises manufacturing, selling or using feed additives. This ensures that only premises that comply with detailed quality and safety standards can produce or use additives in feedingstuffs.

  Independent Arbiter (English Farmers)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will appoint an independent arbiter for English farmers in order to rule on disputes between English farmers and his Department on similar lines to the one to be set up for Scottish farmers. [86416]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 14 June 1999]My right hon. Friend the Minister is considering the possible implications for English farmers of the undertaking by the Scottish Executive to introduce an independent appeal mechanism for Scottish farmers suffering penalties in relation to their claims for subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In cases where CAP subsidies are reduced or refused, farmers already have the options of seeking Judicial Review or of asking their Member of Parliament to raise the matter with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.

  Catering Levy
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what proposals he has for public consultation relating to proposals to introduce a levy upon those providing outside catering facilities at(a) amateur and (b) professional sporting venues; [86972]
  124
  (2) what assessment his Department has carried out of the financial consequences for the sports concerned of the imposition of a levy on those providing outside catering at (a) amateur and (b) professional sporting venues. [86973]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 14 June 1999]As announced on 11 June, the Government have decided not to proceed with their proposals for a levy on food premises.

  Food Standards Select Committee
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends to respond to the report of the Food Standards Select Committee [87298]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have today published the Government's response to the Select Committee (Cm 4377).

  I have also placed in the Library of the House a summary of other responses to the consultation on the draft Food Standards Bill.

  Genetically Modified Material
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 9 March 1999,Official Report, column 190, when he expects a de minimis threshold for the presence of genetically modified material in food to be established; and if he will make a statement. [86772]

  Mr. Rooker
  The European Commission have undertaken to provide a proposal for such a threshold as soon as possible. The Government and officials are continuing to press for this to be published at the earliest possible opportunity.

  Genetically Modified Soya
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to ensure that imported foods which contain genetically modified soya have been subject to safety tests equivalent to those which would apply to such foods originating in the United Kingdom. [86748]

  Mr. Rooker
  Monsanto's genetically modified (GM) soya, modified to be tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate, was assessed and cleared for safety by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes in February 1994. It is the responsibility of local authorities to ensure that foods containing only approved GM soya are imported and sold in the United Kingdom.

  National List Applications
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the number of test sites needed for national list applications for maize, oilseed rape, fodder and sugar beet in each year to 2003. [86485]

  Mr. Rooker
  The projected numbers of test sites to be sown per year for each variety from autumn 1999 to spring 2003 are listed in the table. Different varieties of a species entered in the same year are normally tested at the same sites, although the entry of genetically modified varieties may result in separate trial sites being sown. Test site requirements are subject to review and while no major changes to the numbers given are anticipated it is not possible to forecast the outcome of such reviews.
  125

  Crop

  Number of sites per variety/year

  Maize

  5

  Winter oilseed rape

  11

  Spring oilseed rape

  4

  Fodder beet

  1

  Sugar beet

  6

CABINET OFFICE

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many times Ministers in his Department met their counterparts in the United States Government between 1 January and 1 June 1998; and if he will list the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved on each occasion, and the names of the US counterparts at each meeting. [86290]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  There were no meetings between Cabinet Office Ministers and their US counterparts between 1 January and 1 June 1998.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to his answer of 13 May 1999,Official Report, columns 201–02, on Ministerial meetings, if he will list the Departments and names of the senior officials whom the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster met in Washington between 21 and 24 June 1998. [86296]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  The programme for the visit to Washington on 21 to 24 June by my right hon. Friend then Chancellor of the Duchy included meetings with:Morley Winograd, senior policy adviser to Vice-President Gore; Bob Stone and John Kamensky, National Partnership for Reinventing Government. Comparison of public sector reform initiatives in the USA and UK;
  Bob Wenzel, Internal Revenue Service. IRS experience of electronic delivery of services;
  Stan Solloway, Diane Disney, Cindy Bogner, Bill Mounts from the Department of Defense. Defence Department experience of the "Reinventing Government" initiative;
  Nye Stevens, Director, Federal Workforce Management Issues, General Accounting Office. Implementation of the Government Performance and Results Act;
  Congressman Steve Horn and Congresswoman Caroline Maloney. Congressional oversight of US Federal Government reform and Federal Government handling of the Year 2000 problem.

  In addition, my right hon. Friend chaired a seminar "Citizens and the State: Transatlantic Approaches to Governance", organised by the European Institute, Washington. This brought together Ministers and senior policy-makers from the European Union, the USA and the OECD.

  Duchy of Lancaster
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if all hon. Members representing constituencies within the County Palatine are to receive invitations to the celebrations marking the 600th anniversary of the Duchy. [86713]
  126
  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  My hon. Friends the Members for Lancaster and Wyre (Mr. Dawson) and for Morecambe and Lunesdale (Miss Smith) have been invited to attend functions in their constituencies associated with The Queen's visit to Lancashire next month in connection with the 600th anniversary of the Duchy's link with the Crown.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list those thoroughfares along which he is entitled to pass in a vehicle in his capacity as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to which the general public is denied equivalent access. [86714]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  I am not aware of any such thoroughfares.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will estimate the average amount of time which he devotes each week to Duchy matters. [87004]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  On average, approximately 5 per cent. of my time.

  Interdepartmental Group on Genetic Modification Technology
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what is the present role of the Interdepartmental Group on Genetic Modification Technology. [86887]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  The Interdepartmental Group on Genetic Modification Technology (IGGMOT) is an official level group which provides a forum for coordination of policy on genetic modification technology between Departments.

  Drugs
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what is his estimate of the current number and percentage of under 25-year-olds who have access to(a) heroin and (b) cocaine; and if he will set targets for these figures for each of the next 10 years. [86954]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  There are no figures at this time which relate to drug use specifically among the under-25 age group. Figures from a recently published national Health Education Authority survey undertaken in 1996 show that approximately 13 per cent. of 11 to 35-year-olds claim to have been offered heroin, with approximately 1 per cent. claiming to have used it; and approximately 14 per cent. of 11 to 35-year-olds claim to have been offered cocaine, with approximately 3 per cent. claiming to have used it.

  I have no plans to set annual targets for reduced access to heroin and cocaine among young people. However, in the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator's first annual report and plan, I published a target to reduce substantially the proportion of people under 25 reporting use of illegal drugs in the last month and previous year, and to reduce the proportion of young people using the drugs which cause the greatest harm—heroin and cocaine—by 50 per cent. by 2008 and by 25 per cent. by 2005.

  I will, however, shortly be commissioning new research to establish more robust baseline information for this year, from which I will measure our future success.
  127
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will visit(a) the Netherlands to assess that country's claims of a reduction in heroin use and (b) Switzerland to assess that country's reported reduction in drug-related crime. [86946]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  I have no plans at the moment to visit either the Netherlands or Switzerland, but will continue to monitor their anti-drug strategies.

  Biotechnology
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to his answer of 8 June 1999,Official Report, column 290, on biotechnology, what account he took of (a) the Government's freedom of information policy and (b) the implications for public confidence in the Government's policies on biotechnology, in his decision not to provide further details in respect of questions asked about the Biodiversity Presentation Group. [86889]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  The Biotechnology Presentation Group is an internal working group. In line with the practice of successive Administrations, it is not the normal practice of Governments to release details of internal discussion, advice to Ministers, specific meetings or their content. This principle is reflected in the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Tuition Fees
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will estimate the cost of increasing the income level below which students are exempt from tuition fees by(a) £2,000, (b) £4,000, (c) £6,000, (d) £8,000 and (e) £10,000 for students resident in (i) Scotland, (ii) Wales, (iii) Northern Ireland and (iv) England. [84061]

  Mr. Mudie
  [holding answer 13 May 1999]The estimated costs for students ordinarily resident in England and Wales and EU students in English and Welsh institutions, and for Scottish resident students and EU students in Scottish institutions, are given in the table. Estimates are not available for Northern Ireland as suitable information on levels of contributions is not readily available.

  Costs of increasing income level below which students are exempt from paying tuition fees—2000–01

  £ million

  Increase in income level

  England and Wales

  Scotland

  £2,000

  5

  1

  £4,000

  20

  2

  £6,000

  35

  5

  £8,000

  60

  11

  £10,000

  85

  17

  The costs have been estimated for the year 2001–02 by which time, under the current arrangements, virtually all students will have a liability to contribute to their tuition according to means. It has been assumed that existing contributions for all other income levels above the increased income level below which students are exempt
  128
  remain the same. If the contribution scales were to be recalculated on the basis of increased income thresholds then there would be further knock-on costs, depending on how the policy is implemented, on the proportion of tuition fees paid by those not fully exempt and on other assessed elements of student support, and so the financial impact would be significantly higher.

  Refrigerants
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make it his policy to change departmental refrigeration and air-conditioning systems to operate on not-in-kind refrigerants. [86165]

  Mr. Mudie
  It is already the policy of both the DfEE and the Employment Service not to purchase refrigeration and air-conditioning systems containing ozone depleting substances such as CFCs and HCFCs.

  Failing Colleges
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated from the schools sector on the policy of naming and shaming failing colleges. [86171]

  Mr. Mudie
  The Government have no specific policy of "naming and shaming" further education colleges with poor provision. We may, however, comment on adverse inspection reports or other evidence which is already in the public domain.

  The Government are strongly committed to raising standards in further education. We will continue to give praise to successful colleges who are performing well and will emphasise how much we value excellence through the announcement of further Beacon Colleges. However, we will not tolerate unacceptable standards, or hesitate to intervene where colleges are failing their students and communities.

  Examination Marking
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what criteria will be used to determine which schools and colleges will participate in the pilot project on the return of GCSE and A-Level exam scripts. [86404]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 11 June 1999]A total of about 200 centres in England will pilot the four GCSE models. Centres were selected at random and their agreement sought prior to the introduction of the pilots. At A-Level, two syllabuses from each of the five Awarding Bodies were chosen. To keep the pilots manageable, syllabuses with entries of around one thousand candidates, and involving no more than one hundred centres, were selected.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what will be the timetable for the return of GCSE and A-Level exam scripts to students under the pilot project. [86403]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 11 June 1999]The timetable will depend upon the particular model being piloted. At A-Level, photocopied scripts will arrive on the day the results are issued—Thursday 19 August.
  129
  At GCSE, four different models will be piloted. Under three of these models, scripts will be available from Tuesday 1 September. Under the fourth, where scripts will be available only on request, scripts are not expected to arrive before Friday 4 September. The pilots will provide a framework within which centres should operate the pilots, rather than imposing rules, so timings may vary between centres.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the estimated cost of the pilot project to return GCSE and A-Level exam scripts to students; and what estimate his Department has made of the total cost of a general return of such exam scripts. [86405]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 11 June 1999]The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) will be conducting the pilot exercises, from a budget of £250,000. One of the objectives of these pilots is to assess the costs associated with each model before any decisions on wider implementation are made.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if guidance to those marking exam scripts will be changed in those areas participating in the pilot project for the return of GCSE and A-Level scripts. [86402]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 11 June 1999]All GCSE and GCE Awarding Body examiners are bound by a Code of Practice, developed in consultation with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. The Code provides a basis for high standards in all aspects of the examining process. There are no plans to change this guidance ahead of this summer's examinations.

  Investors in People
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will announce the outcome of the Quinquennial Review of Investors in People UK. [87297]

  Mr. Mudie
  Against the background of the established practice of carrying out quinquennial policy and financial reviews of non-Departmental Public Bodies, the Department conducted a thorough review of Investors in People UK during 1998.

  The first stage was a policy review of whether the functions were still needed, and also what framework was most efficient to deliver them. It was concluded that Investors in People UK should continue to carry out the functions with an NDPB framework.

  Stage 2 consisted of a financial management survey of the organisation. The financial management survey, carried out for the Department by external consultants Pannell Kerr Forster, concluded that the Company achieves value for money in Grant-in-Aid terms and has achieved excellent performance against its objectives.

  The combined quinquennial review is published today and a copy is being placed in the Library. Further copies can be obtained on request from: Jane Binney, Department for Education and Employment, Workplace Learning Division, Area Ebb, Moorfoot, Sheffield S1 4PQ, telephone number 0114 259 4232.

  Key Stage 2
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what percentage of 11-year-old(a) male, (b) female and (c) male and female pupils in each local education authority attained (i) Level 3 or better, (ii) Level 4 or better and (iii) Level 5 or better, in the 1998 Key Stage 2 tests for mathematics; and what was the average level per pupil; [87016]

  (2) what percentage of 11-year-old pupils in each local education authority in maintained schools were entered for the 1998 Key Stage 2 SAT tests in mathematics but were absent; [87017]

  (3) what percentage of 11-year-old (a) male, (b) female and (c) male and female pupils, in each local education authority attained (i) Level 3 or better, (ii) Level 4 or better and (iii) Level 5 or better, in the 1998 Key Stage 2 tests in the (1) writing, (2) reading and (3) combined test for English; and what was the average level per pupil; [87019]

  (4) what percentage of 11-year-old pupils in each local education authority in maintained schools were entered for the 1998 Key Stage 2 SAT tests in (a) writing, (b) reading and (c) both for English but were absent. [87020]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information requested is shown in tables, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  Aggregate School Budgets
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list by local authority the planned expenditure per pupil at 1998–99 prices from aggregate school budgets in(a) maintained primary schools and (b) maintained secondary schools in 1999–2000. [87015]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Information for the financial year 1999–2000 is still being collected and checked by the Department. We will publish authoritative data showing the plans of the authorities, including the amounts to be held back centrally, later this month. I will write to the hon. Member when the figures he requests are available, and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library.

  Employment Service Programme Centres (Wheelchair Access)
  Mrs. Betty Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many Employment Service programme centres there are in Wales; and how many are accessible to disabled persons using wheelchairs; [87041]

  (2) how many Employment Service programme centres there are in England; and how many are accessible to disabled persons using wheelchairs. [87042]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  There are 178 Programme Centres in England and 30 in Wales, all of which are accessible to disabled people using wheelchairs or have alternative arrangements to ensure they have adequate access to all of the provision.

  Sport (Coaching)
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he has taken to target coaching support to those schools where sporting commitment is below average. [86686]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Under the Department's Specialist Schools programme, Sports Colleges provide specialist support to local schools to help raise the standards of teaching and learning in physical education and sport. This can be in the form of in-service training for teachers or the sharing of specialist sports equipment, facilities and other resources. Sports Colleges also act as local centres of sports development and are able to disseminate good practice in their geographical area.

  In addition, the Coaching for Teachers Programme, funded by Sport England and co-ordinated by the National Coaching Foundation, provides opportunities for teachers involved in the delivery of extra-curricular school sport to improve their teaching and coaching, update their knowledge by attending Governing Body courses, and obtain qualifications. Over 11,000 teachers have received training through this scheme.

  The Government also fund Sport England, whose Active Schools programme ensures quality sports provision in schools through a variety of initiatives, which include coaching materials and training, such as TOP Play, BT TOP Sport, Sportsmark and Sportsmark Gold awards and the Sporting Ambassadors scheme.

  Anti-drugs Education
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish the evidence held by the Department of the efficacy of anti-drugs education programmes in reducing drug use. [86957]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The DfEE's drug education good practice guidance, published in November last year, brings together the findings of Ofsted, and the experience of health professionals and others, and outlines already published research on the effectiveness of drug education in schools. In addition, the Department has published two booklets summarising a number of innovative drug education projects supported through the Department's Grants for Education Support and Training (GEST) programme in 1995–96 and 1996–97 respectively. They offer information on the findings of a range of different drug education projects set up by local education authorities during those two years.

  Sporting Provision
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he has taken to ensure that sporting provision is set out in schools' annual reports and prospectuses. [86687]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Sport is an essential part of young people's education, playing a key role in their physical and social development. Department for Education and Employment guidance makes it clear that prospectuses and annual reports should include references to sporting aims and provisions, so as to ensure that parents receive a complete picture of the school.

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