Written Answers of 21 June 1999

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Kosovan Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he is planning to prepare for the return of Kosovan temporary asylum seekers to their original places of residence. [87303]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Officials in my Department and other Government Departments are meeting today with representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organisation for Migration, the Refugee Council, the British Red Cross and Refugee Action to discuss how best to facilitate the voluntary return of Kosovar Albanians back to Kosovo. A number of these organisations in the voluntary sector have played a leading role in the reception, care and resettlement of the Kosovar Albanians and are, therefore, clearly well placed to advise on a number of the issues involved in returning them home. I believe we will be in a better position to devise a strategy for return once these initial discussions have taken place.

  Prisoner Costs
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the annual cost of keeping(a) adults and (b) juveniles in prisons and young offenders' institutions broken down by category of prisoner. [87255]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Prison Service does not calculate separately the cost of imprisonment by category of prisoner.

  The information in the table shows the average establishment cost per place in 1998–99 broken down by category of prison. Prisons with multiple functions (for example an adult male prison with a separate young offender wing) are categorised according to their dominant category.

  Establishment costs exclude capital expenditure and head office overheads. For this reason, the figures in the table are not comparable with the provisional Prison Service cost per place Key Performance Indicator figure for 1998–99 of £25,096.

  Figures are provisional and subject to validation by prisons.

  Cost per place for prison establishments

  £

  Establishments function type

  Average cost per place 1998–99

  Male local

  23,257

  Dispersal

  32,991

  Category B

  20,819

  Category C

  17,142

  Male open

  14,753

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  Cost per place for prison establishments

  £

  Establishment function type

  Average cost per place 1998–99

  Male remand centre

  21,582

  Male closed young offender

  18,186

  Male open young offender

  18,975

  Male juvenile

  26,079

  Female local

  28,443

  Female closed

  26,860

  Female open

  16,018

  Mental Health Act 1983 (Deportations)
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many detained patients have been removed from the United Kingdom since 1983 under Section 86 of the Mental Health Act 1983. [87468]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Up to the end of 1995, 25 detained patients in all categories had been removed under section 86. Since then, one restricted patient has been removed. Figures for the removal of other categories of detained patients in the same period are not held, and the information sought could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Prisoner Drug Testing
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the prisons in England and Wales where mandatory drug testing of inmates takes place. [87289]

  Mr. George Howarth
  All prisons in England and Wales undertake mandatory drug testing of prisoners.

  European Committee for the Prevention of Torture
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture responded to his request for clarification regarding its report on the handling of deaths in police custody; and when he expects the reports to the published. [87343]

  Kate Hoey
  The President of the Committee replied on 8 March 1999 to a letter of 16 October 1998 from a Foreign Office official. We expect the report to be published if and when we have reached agreement with the Committee on the publication of material subject to legal professional privilege; and we are actively pursuing this.

  Police Helicopters
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has issued to chief constables concerning the use of police helicopters over built-up areas during the hours of darkness. [87345]

  Mr. Boateng
  None. Regulations covering the use of police helicopters are set out in the Police Air Operations Manual (POAM) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority.

  Ministerial Meetings (Ireland)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Ministers in his
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  Department have held meetings with Ministers and officials of the Irish Government since 1 January 1998, indicating the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved at each meeting and the names of the Irish Ministers and officials at each meeting. [87383]

  Mr. Straw
  The information requested is given in the table. There will additionally have been meetings, such as European Union Justice and Home Affairs Council meetings, at which both Home Office and Irish Ministers and officials would also have been present.

  Ministerial meetings with Irish ministers and officials since 1 January 1998

  10 July 1998

  10 December 1998

  19 May 1999

  Minister:

  Lord Williams of Mostyn

  Paul Boateng

  Lord Williams of Mostyn

  Location:

  Home Office

  Home Office

  Home Office

  Irish Minister:

  Mr. Frank Fahey

  Mr. Frank Fahey

  —

  Irish officials:

  Mr. Mulligan (Irish Embassy in London)

  Mr. David Smith (Department of Health and Children) Mr. John Kelly (Department of Education and Science) Mr. Paul Murray (Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform) Ms Caitriona Ryan (Private Secretary to Mr. Fahey)

  Mr. Gerry Kearney (Department of Finance)

  Purpose of meeting:

  Meeting to discuss death of Edward Walsh

  Meeting to discuss youth justice and child prostitution

  Meeting of Freedom of Information Advisory Group

  Drug Treatment Programmes
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for the latest year for which information is available, how many arrested persons were(a) referred to and (b) entered drug treatment programmes; and if he will make a statement. [874334]

  Mr. George Howarth
  This information is not currently held centrally. At present, there are around 127 face-to-face arrest referral schemes in England. The targets set recently under the drugs strategy by the United Kingdom Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator include doubling the number of such schemes in the current year.

  European Elections (Costs)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total cost of publicity for the European Elections Vote Encouragement Project; what amount was spent on the Balloon Project; and what plans he has for the future use of the balloon. [87336]
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  Mr. George Howarth
  The cost of the Government publicity campaign prior to the European Parliamentary elections was £3.5 million. The money was spent on television and press advertising and the leaflet drop to every household.

  The campaign did not include a balloon. The London Office of the European Parliament ran separate publicity events in which a balloon was used.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Down High School
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for the school year 1998–99, how many pupils were enrolled at Down High School; how many were(a) Protestants, (b) Roman Catholics and (c) of other religions; and how many applicants for entry to the High School at the beginning of this year were refused. [87184]

  Mr. McFall
  The information derived from the Annual School Census as at October 1998 in relation to Down High School is as follows:

  School year 1998–99

  School census

  (a) Protestant pupils

  698

  (b) Roman Catholic

  46

  (c) Other pupils

  69

  Total enrolment

  813

  Thirty-three applicants were refused admission in September 1998.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in the transfer procedure for 1999, how many pupils from(a) integrated, (b) controlled and (c) maintained primary schools have been accepted into Down High School; and how many of these pupils were in each of the grades of the transfer procedure. [87183]

  Mr. McFall
  The information in relation to admissions to Down High School in September 1999 is as follows:

  (a) 2 pupils from integrated primary schools, 1 Grade A, 1 Grade B1;

  (b) 114 pupils from controlled primary schools; 97 Grade A, 12 Grade B1, 1 Grade B2, 1 Grade C2;

  (c) 9 pupils from maintained primary schools, 8 Grade A, 1 Grade B1; and 3 pupils from independent schools, 3 Grade A.

  Bloody Sunday Inquiry (Solicitors' Rates)
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the hourly rate paid to solicitors acting for the families of those persons killed by the Army in Londonderry on 30 January 1972; by what procedures this sum was negotiated and agreed; and under which budget sub-headings provision for these sums is made. [87376]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  (holding answer 18 June 19991 Hourly rates for the work of the solicitors acting for the families of those killed by the Army in Londonderry on 30 January 1972 have yet to be agreed. The Bloody Sunday Inquiry's independent costs assessor is currently in negotiation with the solicitors, and the Tribunal awaits his advice on reasonable rates.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Women's Organisations (Consultation)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the women's organisations which have been consulted over proposed legislation by his Department during this session; and if their responses have been published. [87274]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has brought forward no legislation during the current session.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to his Department for written answer on a named day since 15 April; and what percentage of them received a substantive response on that day. [87324]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Between 15 April 1999 and 16 June 1999, a total of 61 named day parliamentary questions were tabled for answer by my Department. Of these 27 (44 per cent.) received a substantive reply on the day requested.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  MMC Reports
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list each Monopolies and Mergers Commission report received by his Department since June 1994 and give in each case(a) the date on which it was received, (b) the date on which it was published and (c) the date on which the Secretary of State's decision was announced, where it is different from (b). [87313]

  Dr. Howells
  I am placing in the Library of the House a list of the reports received in the Department from the Monopolies and Mergers Commission and the Competition Commission since June 1994, together with the dates on which they were received and the date on which they were published and a decision was announced.

  I am also making available a list of reports delivered by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to sectoral regulators during the same period of time.

  Plutonium and Uranium Stocks
  Mr. Borrow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish figures for the United Kingdom's stocks of plutonium and uranium at 31 December 1998. [87837]

  Mr. Battle
  I have today placed in the Library of the House figures for the United Kingdom showing national holdings of civil plutonium and uranium at 31 December 1998. These figures are published as part of the UK's continued commitment to improve transparency and openness in its management of our national holdings of civil plutonium and uranium.
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  In accordance with our commitment under the international "Guidelines for the Management of Plutonium"—an agreement among an informal group of nine countries to publish national holdings of plutonium—I have today sent a copy of the figures to the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, who will be circulating it to member states in due course.

  Women's Organisations (Consultation)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the women's organisations which have been consulted over proposed legislation by his Department during this session; and if their responses have been published. [86991]

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

  Application of the guidance has been the responsibility of individual Departments. Within this Department we increasingly make use of consultation, research projects and disaggregated statistics to identify the impact of policy upon women. As an example, over 300 respondents commented on the family friendly employment rights proposals in the White Paper "Fairness at Work", including women's organisations and other groups with a strong interest in women's issues such as the Equal Opportunities Commission, Maternity Alliance, the Fawcett Society and the Women's National Commission. Responses were not made public but a list of respondents was placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Informal consultation is continuing prior to publishing the Parental and Maternity Leave regulations. Maternity Alliance, Parents at Work, the Equal Opportunities Commission, and TUC Equal Opportunities representatives have contributed to this process. There will be further public consultation on the draft regulations.

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations he has held with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, on extension of the Working Time Directive to include maritime sectors; what assessment he has made of the impact of the Directive on fisheries; and if he will make a statement. [87341]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The DTI has overall policy responsibility for working time and co-ordinates the Government's response to EC proposals in this area.

  DETR, which is responsible for marine safety issues including fishing vessels, has been extensively involved in developing Government policy on the proposals to extend the Working Time Directive to seafarers and sea fishing. MAFF has been extensively involved in developing Government policy on the proposals to extend the Working Time Directive to sea-fishing.
  271
  A copy of the Regulatory Impact Assessment produced for the Working Time Directive has been laid in the Libraries of the House. That was an assessment of the impact on all sectors of the UK economy, including sea-fishing.

  Anglo-Irish Trade
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures his Department takes to encourage businesses to trade with Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. [87626]

  Mr. Wilson
  The services of British Trade International are available for exporters to the Republic of Ireland as they are for exporters to other West European countries. Activities include the Export Explorer scheme to encourage first-time exporters to visit the Republic; an Export Promoter to inform companies of the opportunities in the market and encourage them to trade with the Republic; and sectoral activities such as the provision of information stands at trade fairs in Ireland. Northern Ireland companies are eligible to use these services.

  British companies trade with Northern Ireland as they would with other parts of the United Kingdom.

  Plutonium Sea Shipments
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 14 June 1999,Official Report, column 5, relating to sea shipment of MOX fuel, if he will list (a) the dates on which the meetings to which he referred were held and (b) the officials who participated in the meetings. [87424]

  Mr. Battle
  Preparation of the transport plan took place over a period of several years and involved many meetings between officials of the different Governments involved. It would not be possible to provide a detailed list of these meetings without incurring disproportionate cost. The UK officials who participated were drawn from the DTI, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Directorate of Civil Nuclear Security.

  Oil and Gas Industry Task Force
  Mr. Anthony D. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to change the membership of(a) the Oil and Gas Industry Task Force and (b) its working groups. [87510]

  Mr. Battle
  We do not expect to change the membership of the Oil and Gas Industry Task Force, which is now preparing its report for publication in September. The Task Force has agreed that a successor group will be needed to ensure that continuing progress is made with the initiatives it is pursuing and it will be discussing what membership would be appropriate for its successor. The discussions will involve those with an interest in the Task Force's work. The Task Force will of course take account of representations made about membership.

  The membership of the workgroups is a matter for their joint industry and Government sponsors from the Task Force. Changes are made from time to time to reflect the particular issues that a workgroup is addressing.
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  Mr. Anthony D. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures are in place to ensure representation on the Oil and Gas Industry Task Force of parties working in the southern sector of the North Sea oil and gas industry. [87511]

  Mr. Battle
  The persons invited to join the Task Force were chosen to ensure the membership included a wide range of oil companies, contractors, supplies companies and trade unions active in all sectors of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). This certainly includes the southern North Sea, where a number of the members have significant interests.

  The Task Force is developing proposals for reducing the cost base of UK oil and gas operations against the background of low oil prices and the particular characteristics of the various sectors of the UKCS. The initiatives developed and advantages gained will be relevant to oil and gas activity in all sectors and, furthermore, will improve the international competitiveness of the UK industry.

  Mr. Anthony D. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the criteria for the selection of personnel serving on the Oil and Gas Industry Task Force. [87509]

  Mr. Battle
  The Task Force has a high level membership drawn from industry and key Government Departments, including oil companies, contractors, suppliers, unions, DTI, Treasury, DETR and the Scottish Office. The membership was intended to reflect the broad spectrum of interest, while also being of manageable size.

  A key objective of the Task Force is to stimulate new oil and gas projects on the UK Continental Shelf; it was therefore necessary to ensure the participation of different types of oil companies with significant UK interests. The choice of the contractors and supplier companies reflects the breadth of the industry, with large, medium and smaller companies contributing at managing director level.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many staff and contracted staff have benefited from the introduction of a national minimum wage. [87613]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  All House of Commons rates of pay are higher than the national minimum wage. Therefore, no staff of the House have benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage. It is not possible to state how many contractors staff may have benefited, as the House does not keep records of the rates of pay of staff employed by contractors.

  Staff Salaries
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what was the largest percentage increase in
  273
  (a) salary and (b) bonus payments paid to staff earning over £50,000 in the House of Commons in the last year for which figures are available. [87464]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 18 June 1999](a) In the year 1999–2000, the highest percentage increase in salary to a member of staff earning over £50,000, including a special performance award, was 10.2 per cent. (b) The highest bonus or special performance award was equal to 5.4 per cent. of salary.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many House of Commons staff in the £50,000 to £200,000 salary range in the financial years(a) 1998–99 and (b) 1997–98 received percentage pay awards in excess of those given to non-Senior Civil Service grades. [87466]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 18 June 1999]There are four groups of House of Commons staff covered by separate pay settlements each year. They are the Senior Commons Staff (SCS), staff in the main structure (Pay Bands A to E), the Refreshment Department Catering Staff and the Works Directorate Craft Staff.

  The pay of the Senior Commons Staff is directly linked to that of the Senior Civil Service. The pay of the other groups is kept broadly in line with civil service rates of pay. The pay awards for staff in the SCS and Pay Bands A to E are performance related, whereas staff in the Craft and Catering Bands are paid a rate for the job.

  In the years 1997–98 and 1998–99, the percentage increases for most of the staff in Pay Bands A to E were higher than those for the SCS Staff. No staff in the SCS pay bands received a percentage increase higher than the highest percentage increases paid in Pay Bands A to E.

  In 1997–98 and 1998–99, the average percentage increases for staff in the Catering and Craft pay bands were higher than the average non-performance (new money) increases, excluding the self-financing performance elements, for the SCS and Bands A to E. Because of the operation of the performance systems, it is not possible to make meaningful comparisons of percentage increases on an individual basis.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many House of Commons staff earn more than £100,000 per year. [87465]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 18 June 1999]Only one member of staff of the House earns more than £100,000 a year. This information is published in the Commission's Annual Report.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Debt Write-offs
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox), of 19 April 1999,Official Report, columns 420–21, regarding debt write-offs for outstanding loans, if she will list the loans written-off for Indonesia, in each case stating (a) the
  274
  nature of the aid project, (b) the date on which the loan was written-off and (c) the reason for the loan being written-off. [85849]

  Clare Short
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer provided on 22 June 1998,Official Report, column 397. Balances of all Indonesian aid loans were written off in 1979. This was in support of a resolution by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in 1978, a statement on which was made to the House on 31 July 1978, Official Report, column 25. However, the consequential amount of annual debt relief is currently reported as expenditure in the year in which the payments would have been due. Details are set out in the publication 'Statistics on International Development', a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

  Heavily Indebted Poor Countries
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the countries included in the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative. [87291]

  Clare Short
  The list of countries eligible for the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt Initiative was agreed by the international community in 1996, and identified the 40 poorest, most indebted countries. However, others may be included in HIPC if a good case can be made. For example, Malawi will now be considered for HIPC debt relief. Being on the list, however, entitles a country only to be considered for HIPC debt relief. Countries which are not part of HIPC can still obtain debt relief from official bilateral creditors who form the Paris club.

  Angola

  Benin

  Bolivia

  Burkina Faso

  Burma

  Burundi

  Cameroon

  Central African Republic

  Chad

  Democratic Republic of Congo

  Congo

  Equatorial Guinea

  Ethiopia

  Ghana

  Guinea

  Guinea-Bissau

  Guyana

  Honduras

  Kenya

  Laos

  Liberia

  Madagascar

  Malawi

  Mali

  Mauritania

  Mozambique

  Nicaragua

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  Niger

  Rwanda

  Sao Tome Principe

  Senegal

  Sierra Leone

  Somalia

  Sudan

  Tanzania

  Togo

  Uganda

  Vietnam

  Yemen

  Zambia.

WALES

  Parliamentary Questions (National Assembly)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many (i) written and (ii) oral questions were answered by his Department in 1998; and how many of them were on matters which will be the responsibility of the National Assembly for Wales. [86361]

  Mr. Michael
  Ministers at the Welsh Office answered 1,676 written and oral questions in 1998. A breakdown in the format requested is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  In written and oral replies to parliamentary questions answered after 27 January 1999 we have indicated those matters which will become a matter for the National Assembly on 1 July.

  NHS Reform
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for reform of the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [86343]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  My right hon. Friend's vision for the NHS was set out in his statement to the House of Commons on 3 December 1998,Official Report, columns 1053–66, and in the measures that have been taken to improve the health of the population, devolve decision taking and encourage co-operation in the planning and provision of services.

  From 1 July, responsibility for this issue will fall to The National Assembly for Wales.

  Sites of Special Scientific Interest
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many Sites of Special Scientific Interest there were in Wales on 31 March; and what was their total area in hectares. [87270]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  On 31 March 1999 there were 962 Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Wales covering some 223,000 hectares, approximately 10.6 per cent. of the land area in Wales.

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

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  European Commission Staff
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many senior grades at the European Commission hold secondary employment; if he will list the directors-general so engaged, with the nature of their additional employment; and if he will make a statement. [86726]

  Ms Quin
  We do not have information about individual cases. But officials working in the European Commission may not hold any secondary employment, whether gainful or not, without first obtaining permission. Staff regulations state that permission would be refused if the nature of the work would impair the official's independence or be detrimental to the work of the Communities.

  Chinese Prisoners
  Dr. Desmond Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what reports Her Majesty's Government have received on the welfare of the following prisoners(a) Ye Kensheng (Xinyang Municipal Labour Educational Camp), (b) Xiao Minghai (Xinyang Municipal Labour Educational Camp), (c) Xu Dajiang (Xinyang Municipal Labour Educational Camp),(d) Zhang Jinchen (Xinyang Municipal Labour Educational Camp), (e) Wang Xuehua (Xinyang Municipal Labour Educational Camp), (f) Li Zhongchang (Nanhu Labour Educational Camp, Anhui), (g) Zhan Guohua (Hefei Labour Educational Camp, Anhui), (h) Li Liya (Nanhu Labour Educational Camp, Anhui), (i) Hou Feng (Nanhu Labour Educational Camp, Anhui), (j) Tian Lin (Nanhu Labour Educational Camp, Anhui), (k) Meng Qingli (Shangqiu Labour Educational Camp, Anhui), (l) Wu Guifang (Urumqi Labour Educational Camp, Xinjiang), (m) Guei Chuan-Lun (Bao-feng Labour Educational Camp, Xuan-zhou, Anhui), (n) Liu Hai-Kuan (Bao-feng Labour Educational Camp, Zuan-zhou, Anhui), (o) Zhang Wan-Bao (Bao-feng Labour Educational Camp, Xuan-zhou, Anhui), (p) Lin Ke-Wei (Nanhu Agricultural Labour Educational Camp), (q) Peng Shu-Xia (Women Labour Educational Camp in Hefei, Anhui) and (r) Wang Chuan-Bing (Qing-gang Detention Centre (of the PSB), Heilongjiang); and what representations Her Majesty's Government have made on their behalf to the Chinese authorities; [87257]

  (2) what reports Her Majesty's Government have received on the welfare of the following prisoners (a) Huang Dehong (Baokkang prefectural Labour Educational Camp), (b) Huan Debao (Wuwei Labour Educational Camp, Gansu), (c) Hei Qunhu (Wuwei Labour Educational Camp, Gansu), (d) Dai Chenggang (Zhenglin Labour Educational Camp, Zhaoyang, Hubei), (e) Zhang Shangkui (Zhenglin Labour Educational Camp, Zhaoyang, Hubei), (f) Li Qingshu (Zhenglin Labour Educational Camp, Zhaoyang, Hubei), (g) Zhang Jun (Local township Labour Educational Camp, Hubei), (h) Brother Song (Local township Labour Educational Camp, Hubei), (i) Hu Shoubin (Shayang Labour Educational Camp, Hubei), (j) Jia Ping, (Shayang Labour Educational Camp, Hebei), (k) Huang Zhihai, (Tangshan Labour Educational Camp, Hebei), (l) Fan Jinxia (Tangshan Labour Educational Camp, Hebei), (m) Yang

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  Xiaofang (Tangshan Labour Educational Camp, Hebei), (n) Liang Fujuan (Tangshan Labour Educational Camp, Hebei), (o) Huang Xiaojuan (Tangshan Labour Educational Camp, Hebei), (p) Zhu Qin (Tongxian Labour Educational Camp, Hebei), (q) Zheng Fang (Shibalihe (18 miles River) Labour Educational Camp, Zhengzhou, Henan) and (r) Xu Ying, (Shibalihe (18 miles River) Labour Educational Camp, Zhengzhou, Henan); and what representations Her Majesty' s Government have made on their behalf to the Chinese authorities. [87258]

  Mr. Hoon
  It is not possible to raise with the Chinese authorities each individual case of concern that is brought to our attention, such as those of the Christian "house church" worshippers listed by my hon. Friend. But we do take every opportunity to raise individual cases, both bilaterally and in conjunction with our EU partners.

  My predecessor, the late Member for Leeds, Central, did so when he visited China in April. In addition, through our continuing bilateral and EU/China human rights dialogues, we have expressed our deep concern to the Chinese authorities about the harassment and detention of Christians who worship in "house churches". We will continue to encourage China to look upon religion as fulfilling a basic human need and not as a threat.

  Yugoslav Embargo
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which states have indicated their consent to the visit and search regime for merchant vessels suspected of breaching the Yugoslav embargo; what total proportion of global shipping tonnage this represents; what measures he is taking to increase the number of countries giving their consent; and if he will make a statement. [87335]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  NATO forces in the Adriatic continue to monitor shipping entering FRY ports, while the EU oil embargo remains in place. A number of non-EU and non-NATO states, including some of those frequently used for flags of convenience, have expressed their willingness to comply with the embargo. However, their consent to a visit and search regime will not be sought formally while NATO plans are kept under review in the light of recent political developments.

  President Suharto
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have to make submissions to the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague concerning actions carried out by order of former President Suharto of Indonesia in East Timor. [87494]

  Mr. Hoon
  We have no such plans.

  Diplomatic Representation
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with how many countries the UK(a) exchanges ambassadors or high commissioners and (b) maintains other types of representation; and if he will make a statement. [87418]

  Mr. Hoon
  The UK has resident Ambassadors or High Commissioners in 143 countries. We maintain diplomatic and consular relations with a total of 183 countries.

  Ambassadors for British Business
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports are submitted by the Ambassadors for British Business. [87652]

  Mr. Hoon
  There is no requirement for the Ambassadors for British Business to submit reports. However, Ambassadors for British Business generally provide informal feedback to Ministers and officials on the events in which they have participated.

SCOTLAND

  Sites of Special Scientific Interest
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many sites of special scientific interest there were in Scotland on 31 March; and what was their total area in hectares. [87271]

  Mr. Macdonald
  On 31 March 1999 there were a total of 1,448 sites of special scientific interest in Scotland covering 919,597 hectares.

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

  Mussel Fisheries
  Mr. Maclennan:
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact of his proposed extension of the Dornoch Firth and Morrich More sites as candidate special areas of conservation under the EC Habitats Directive on the Tain mussel fisheries. [87450]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The Scottish Office has assured the managers of this fishery that, as currently prosecuted, it forms a sustainable part of the management of the Dornoch Firth and Morrich More candidate Special Area of Conservation.

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

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Driving Tests
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) for what reasons the Driving Standards Agency plans to recruit a further 85 examiners in 1999; [86247]

  (2) what effect current trends in demand for driving tests are having on examiner staffing levels. [86245]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Driving Standards Agency closely monitors demand for driving tests. The forecast level of demand for practical driving tests in 1999–2000 is similar to 1998–99, at 1.4 million. However, the introduction of the longer driving test, with examiners conducting seven rather than eight tests a day, means each
  279
  examiner conducts 12.5 per cent. fewer tests. Taking account of retirements, the Agency estimates that it will need to recruit 80 to 85 examiners during 1999–2000. They will be recruited on a contract basis to enable the Agency to respond flexibly to fluctuations in demand.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what future changes are planned for the driving test centre estate; and what assessment he has made of the effect of these on present levels of public service. [86223]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Driving Standards Agency keeps the practical test centre estate under review as part of the business management. Any changes will be considered on their merits, with a view to increasing the efficiency of property use whilst improving customer service.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many contractual examiners are currently employed by the Driving Standards Agency; and under what circumstances they are used. [86244]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Driving Standards Agency currently employs 157 contract driving examiners nationally, on a variety of three-yearly contracts. Some staff are guaranteed a minimum of one day's work per month, while others may be working full time. The amount of work on offer is determined by local demand for driving tests and the need to cover absences in the permanent examiner workforce. The Agency plans to standardise existing contracts as they come up for renewal.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Driving Standards Agency will conduct comparative studies of driving test arrangements in other countries in order to identify and evaluate best practice. [87153]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Transport Research Laboratory is reviewing the practical car driving test. This includes an examination of arrangements in other countries. A final report is expected next year.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce arrangements for self-regulation in the driving test industry. [87151]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  No. We regard it as essential that the public can have assurance that we issue driving licences only after candidates have passed statutory tests that are conducted in a fair, consistent and independent manner.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will establish mobile driving test centres for local areas whose test centres have been closed. [87152]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Occasional driving test centres are used in some of the more remote parts of the country where the demand for tests is very low. But we have no plans to use mobile centres in areas where permanent test centres have been closed. The decision to close a280
  permanent test centre is taken only after careful consideration has been given to the availability of other centres in the locality.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make financial compensation available to approved driving instructors whose businesses have been affected by driving test centre closures. [87148]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We have no plans to pay compensation to driving instructors when a test centre closes. The demand for their services relates to where their pupils live, rather than the particular location of a driving test centre.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the improvements his Department has made in local services provided by the Driving Standards Agency following closures of driving test centres. [87150]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Savings achieved from restructuring the test centre estate in 1998–99 have helped pay for eight new test centres and the new driving test booking system.

  Independent Complaints Advisory Service
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to reform the Independent Complaints Advisory Service. [86263]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Department has appointed an independent complaints adviser to investigate complaints about the Department's agencies. There are no plans to change these arrangements.

  Goods Vehicle Licences
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce legislation to permit the impounding of commercial vehicles used without a goods vehicle operator's licence; and if he will make a statement.
  [86395]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Earl Attlee has introduced a Bill in another place which would give powers for the impounding of illegally operated heavy goods vehicles. A consultation exercise carried out by my Department last year showed that there was overwhelming support for an impounding scheme and the Government will therefore support this Bill.

  Alleyways
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the provisions of Section 116 of the Highways Act 1980 to allow local authorities to apply to magistrates for the closure of alleyways to reduce anti-social behaviour. [86867]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  This matter is being considered in the context of an on-going review of road traffic regulation law.
  281
  A number of representations have also been received since the announcement by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment on 8 March 1999, Official Report, columns 21–33, of the Government's intention to introduce legislation to improve the rights of way system. We expect to issue a consultation paper on rights of way shortly.

  Allergenic Material
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment the Environment Agency has made of the release of allergenic material caused by the movement of grain within the dock system at Seaforth. [86833]

  Mr. Meale
  It is presumed that the question relates to the release of allergenic material to air. The Environment Agency is responsible for assessing releases to air from processes requiring authorisation under Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The Agency confirms that at the present time there are no processes dealing with grain within the Seaforth dock area that are authorised under Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

  Releases to the air from these processes would therefore fall within the remit of Sefton Borough Council Environmental Health Department and/or the Port Authority. The Agency is not involved in this process.

  Strategic Rail Authority
  Mr. Tony Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress is being made in establishing the Strategic Rail Authority. [86989]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The shadow Strategic Rail Authority has been operational from 1 April. We are committed to establishing a statutory Strategic Rail Authority at the earliest legislative opportunity.

  Lorries
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the average weight of a loaded lorry as found by the weighbridge inspectors(a) in the latest year for which figures are available, and (b) (i) five years, (ii) 10 years and (iii) 20 years before that year. [87012]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Enforcement officers from the Vehicle Inspectorate do not retain weight records of vehicles weighed, unless the vehicle is overloaded. The records held are not kept in a central database. It is not possible, therefore, to provide the information requested.

  Railtrack
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what response he has received from the Rail Regulator on the merits or otherwise of direct funding for Railtrack; and if he will make a statement. [86749]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 15 June 1999]The Deputy Prime Minister asked the Rail Regulator to advise on the advantages and disadvantages of direct funding. That advice has been received and we will announce our conclusions in due course.
  282
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the total investment planned by Railtrack, excluding moneys for maintenance and renewal, over the next five years intended to increase freight movements by rail. [86434]

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Railtrack concerning the capital development plan and public investment in it; and if he will make a statement. [86892]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answers 15 and 16 June 1999]Railtrack's proposals for investment in the rail network over the next 10 years—for both passenger and freight—were set out in its 1999 Network Management Statement (NMS), published in March. The Rail Regulator is currently considering whether the investment proposed in the NMS meets the reasonable requirements of the industry and its funders. In doing so the Regulator will take into account the views of the industry and the shadow Strategic Rail Authority.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to his Department for written answer on a named day since 15 April; and what percentage of them received a substantive response on that day. [87326]

  Mr. Meale
  Since 15 April, 298 questions have to date been tabled for answer on a named day. 68 per cent. have received a substantive answer on that day.

  Lapwings
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to reverse the decline in the lapwing population; and if he will make a statement. [87277]

  Mr. Meale
  My Department is working with MAFF to assess the impact of changing farming practices on the lapwing. A 5-year project, involving collaboration between MAFF and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Game Conservancy Trust (GCT) and the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, is investigating the role of pesticides and other factors in the decline of farmland bird species.

  The Government also fund agri-environment and other schemes to encourage farmers to provide conditions which will benefit breeding lapwing. The Government are committed to a continuing expansion of areas under the major agri-environment schemes is making an extra £40 million available over three years for these schemes in England.

  In addition MAFF has commissioned research into:
  the possible relationship between farming practices over the last 20 years and the changes in the populations of a number of representative farmland birds,
  the effects of agricultural change on bird populations
  the effects on birds of changes in lowland grassland management.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many London borough councils provide housing accommodation for homeless people within their borough. [87288]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Under the homelessness legislation, all local housing authorities must provide accommodation for eligible households who are unintentionally homeless and in priority need, if no suitable alternative accommodation is available in the district. Accommodation provided must be within the authority's own district, so far as is reasonably practical. Information about the location of accommodation provided under the homelessness legislation is not held centrally.

  Trade Associations (Landlords)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number and percentage of private sector landlords who are members of a trade association of landlords. [87350]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Department does not have this information.

  However, we know that the National Federation of Residential Landlords has 42 affiliated landlord associations covering some 10,000 members and that the Residential Landlords Association has 560 individual landlord members. Additionally, the British Property Federation has over 500 members, which include companies, individuals and associations, who own, manage and invest in and develop property in the commercial and residential sector. Overall there are some 2 million privately renting households and the median number of lettings in a landlord's portfolio is seven.

  Housing Stock (Lancashire)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the costs of bringing up to standard the housing stock in(a) Burnley, (b) Pendle, (c) Blackburn, (d) Hyndburn and (e) Rossendale. [87351]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Department has not made specific estimates of the cost of bringing up to standard the housing stock in these areas.

  As part of the annual Housing Investment Programme round, local authorities provides estimates of expenditure required on capital work to bring the housing stock they own into a satisfactory condition. The table provides these estimates for the above local authorities at 1 April 1998.

  Authorities do not supply similar estimates for the private sector or stock owned by registered social landords.

  Local Authority estimates of the need for capital work to the council housing stock, at 1 April 1998

  Local Authority

  £000

  Burnley

  35,965

  Pendle

  4,562

  Blackburn with Darwen

  90,599

  284

  Local Authority estimates of the need for capital work to the council housing stock, at 1 April 1998

  Local Authority

  £000

  Hyndburn

  16,865

  Rossendale

  49,606

  Source:

  Housing Investment Programme—Annual Plan form

  Unlicensed Tips
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many (i) successful and (ii) unsuccessful prosecutions have been brought against persons operating an unlicensed tip in each year since 1992. [87346]

  Mr. Meale
  Records for prosecutions by waste regulation authorities before their functions were transferred to the Environment Agency in April 1996 are not held centrally by the Agency. Whilst the results of prosecutions by the Agency since April 1996 are held centrally, the information is neither available on a database nor is it possible for the Agency, at reasonable cost, to distinguish between prosecutions for unlicensed tipping and other prosecutions under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

  Sites of Special Scientific Interest
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many sites of special scientific interest there were in England on 31 March; and what was their total area in hectares. [87272]

  Mr. Meale
  As of 31 March, there were 4,045 Sites of Special Scientific Interest in England, covering 1,035,821 hectares.

  Polegate Bypass
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects work to begin on the Polegate bypass scheme. [87174]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Nigel Waterson, dated 21 June 1999:
  The Minister for Transport in London, Glenda Jackson, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking when work is due to start on the A27 Polegate Bypass.
  You will recall that Lord Whitty announced last December that we would start construction work on the scheme in the financial year 2000–2001, making it one of the first in the Targeted Programme of Improvements to start.
  We are aiming to award the construction contract for this scheme next summer, although we are looking to see if a more optimistic target could be met. Some advance works have already taken place with the demolition of derelict buildings on the route and the planting of around 5,000 trees and shrubs that will help shield properties from the new road.

  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much has been paid to contractors in respect of the Polegate bypass scheme to date. [87173]
  285
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The overall levels of compensation are close to being finalised with those tenderers who submitted tenders for the cancelled Weald and Downland DBFO Project, which included the Polegate Bypass scheme among others. Interim on-account payments totalling £5.0m (including VAT) have been made.

  Northumberland National Park Authority (Parish Council Representatives)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that the appointments of parish council representatives are confirmed in time for the annual meeting of the Northumberland National Park Authority on 23 June. [87507]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 18 June 1999]Results from the elections for parish council representatives in all seven English National Parks are currently being received in the Department. They will be considered by the Secretary of State as quickly as possible. It is unlikely that the appointments will be made by 23 June.

  Wood Recovery
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made on the review of the definition of wood recovery in respect of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 from 1 January 2000. [87683]

  Mr. Meale
  From 1 January 2000, wood packaging—including pallets and tea chests—will be covered by the Regulations. Obligated businesses will be required to recover a specified amount of wood packaging based on the quantity which they handled in the preceding year. There is no separate recycling obligation for wood.

  The Environment Agency is currently considering the types of activity which may be regarded as 'recovery' in respect of wood packaging. It is anticipated that from 1 January 2000, a number of wood reprocessors will be accredited by the Agency and be able to issue Packaging Waste Recovery Note (PRNs) as evidence of recovery.

  The Environment Agency is working with the Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation (TIMCON) to establish the weight of wood packaging, providing an average figure for each of the common pallet types. Such agreement is necessary because of the moisture content of a pallet varies throughout its life sometimes by as much as 50 per cent. An agreement on weights will help to make the Regulations easier to work with for obligated businesses and regulators alike. It is anticipated that a protocol will be agreed during the summer.

  Canal Towpaths (Cabling)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many miles of canal towpath are used by cable companies for their transmission network. [87649]

  Mr. Meale
  British Waterways manages 2,000 miles of canals and inland waterways in England, Scotland and Wales. There are 1,600 miles of canal towpath and around 450 miles are used by cable companies for a variety of communication purposes.

  Local Government Commission
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the outcome was of Stage II of the Financial Management and Policy Review of the Local Government Commission for England; and if he will make a statement. [87903]

  Ms Armstrong
  I have today placed in the Library a copy of the Report on Stage II of the Financial Management and Policy Review of the Local Government Commission for England (LGC), which I announced on 17 November 1997,Official Report, column 9. I have also placed in the Library a copy of the Action Plan for implementation of this Report's recommendations.

  The report makes a number of detailed recommendations on the internal management of the LGC and the way the Periodic Electoral Reviews are carried out. These recommendations have been accepted and are being implemented as set out in the Action Plan.

  Out-of-town Shopping Developments
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to amend Planning Policy Guidance Note 6 in respect of out-of-town shopping developments; and if he will make a statement. [87770]

  Mr. Raynsford
  None.

  Local Government Finance
  Gillian Merron
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made on reviewing the local government finance system; and in particular what research is being undertaken in support of the review. [87965]

  Ms Armstrong
  My Department has let five contracts. Two cover research into the use of prudential indicators to regulate local authority borrowing, and a non-statutory scheme for debt provision. The other three contracts are in support of the review of the Revenue Grant Distribution System and comprise an opinion survey of local authorities, comparative lessons from approaches and developments in other countries, and potential new data sources for use in grant distribution. Further details of these projects are given in the Department's 1999/2000 Local and Regional Government Research. programme Annual Newsletter, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

  The Government plan to publish a consultation paper on local government finance in spring 2000.

HEALTH

  Autism
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding his Department has allocated for each of the last three financial years for(a) research into and (b) the treatment of autism; and if he will make a statement. [87010]
  287
  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has not directly commissioned national research on autism recently but a new research initiative on learning disabilities will be launched in the autumn which may attract proposals for research into autism.

  The Department also manages the National Health Service research and development levy which is used to support research and development to the NHS in hospitals, general practice and other health care settings, and to fund the NHS research and development programme.

  Management of much of the research supported by the NHS research and development levy is devolved and details of expenditure at project level are not collected routinely by the Department.

  Project details of work directly funded by the Department or supported through the NHS research and development levy can be found on the National Research Register (NRR), copies of which are available in the Library. The NRR lists over 30 projects concerning autism for which the Department will be providing support funds.

  In addition, the Medical Research Council (MRC)—which receives most of its income via grant-in-aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry—funds medical research as part of the Government's funding of the science and engineering base.

  The figures for the expenditure by the MRC on autism over the last 3 years are:

  Year

  £000

  1995–96

  770

  1996–97

  825

  1997–98

  905

  The MRC have also recently made 2 major awards to researchers in the field (spend for which will not yet be reflected in the figures). These are: Professor P. A. Jacobs (Universities of Cambridge and Southampton) £1,100,000 over five years; and Professor A. Bailey (Institute of Psychiatry)£1,800,000 over four years.

  The Department does not specifically allocate resources for the treatment of autism. It is for health authorities to decide how best to use the resources that have been allocated to them.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to investigate the use of the drug Secretin for treating sufferers from autism; and if he will make a statement. [87009]

  Mr. Hutton
  I understand that Secretin has been used by a number of professionals in the treatment of autism particularly in the United States. However, it is not licensed for use for that purpose either here or in the United States. We are keeping the developing situation in the United States under review.

  NHS Appointments
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the NHS trust and health authority appointments which were not made by the due date and which remained outstanding on 1 June. [87334]

  Mr. Denham
  All health authority appointments due on 1 April 1999 were completed on time. A small number of appointments to National Health Service trusts and health authorities which expired in 1998 remain vacant. Details are given in the table.

  List of health authority and national health service trust appointments which expired in 1998 and for which no appointment had been made by 1 June 1999

  Region/Body

  Number of chairs

  Number of Non-executives

  Eastern

  Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS

  Trust

  0

  1

  North West

  Liverpool Women's Hospital

  NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Wirral Hospital NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Northern and Yorkshire

  Calderdale and Kirklees Health

  Authority

  0

  1

  London

  City and Hackney Community

  Services NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Croydon Community Health

  NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Enfield Community Care NHS

  Trust

  0

  1

  Trent

  Central Nottinghamshire

  Healthcare NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Grantham and District Hospital

  NHS Trust

  0

  1

  South East

  East Surrey Health Authority

  0

  1

  South West

  Gloucestershire Ambulance

  Service NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Royal United Hospital Bath

  NHS Trust

  0

  1

  West Midlands

  Birmingham Heartlands and

  Solihull (Teaching) Hospitals

  NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Walsall Community Health

  NHS Trust

  0

  1

  Total

  0

  14

  Correspondence
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he proposes to reply to letters from the hon. Member for Colchester of 22 April, 18 May and 3 June in respect of the future of cancer services in Colchester. [87355]
  289
  Ms Jowell
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State replied to the hon. Member on 17 June 1999.

  Alzheimer's Disease
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research the Government have commissioned into Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in the last three years; [87500]

  (2) what money the Government have provided for research into Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in each of the last five years; what assessment he has made of the need for further research into dementia; and if he will make a statement. [87499]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Government fund health and medical research in a number of ways.

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

  Priorities for departmental research and development support for the development of policy are determined through discussion with policy colleagues, the Departmental Research Committee and Ministers. In the NHS research and development programme, priorities take account of widespread consultation with those using, delivering and managing services, within a framework overseen by the Central Research and Development Committee for the NHS. In all cases, priorities for our budgets reflect analysis of the burden of disease, potential benefits and Government priorities, and take account of the responsibilities and work of other funders.

  The MRC has recently made a number of substantial investments in the area of dementia. A new centre Development Grant in Brain Ageing has been awarded in partnership with the University of Newcastle and will examine the pathology and diagnosis of dementia—this will commence next year. In addition, the Multicentre Study of Cognitive Function on Ageing is an on-going major 10 year study funded in collaboration with Department of Health.

  In addition the MRC has supported 53 projects on Alzheimer's/dementia in the last three years. Copies of the list have been placed in the Library. MRC spend has been as follows:

  Year

  £000

  1994–95

  3,795

  1995–96

  5,703

  1996–97

  4,780

  1997–98

  5,549

  1998–99

  6,050

  290
  Through the policy research programme and the NHS research and development programme the Department has invested the following amounts approximately on research into Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia (excluding research related to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Parkinson's disease) over the last five years:

  Year

  £000

  1994–95

  236

  1995–96

  225

  1996–97

  149

  1997–98

  198

  1998–99

  287

  Management of much of the research supported by the NHS research and development levy is devolved and details of expenditure at project level are not collected routinely by the Department. Total investment in this area will therefore be greater than that listed above.

  Projects funded by Department include:
  Older people with dementia and their carers: professional intervention in primary care.
  A longitudinal study of carer burden and comprehensive costs in dementia.
  Husbands and wives who care for elderly people with dementia and functional psychiatric disorder.
  Re-Analysis of Dementia Data Sets.
  Development of Screening Tests for Dementia and Depression in Ethnic Elders.
  AD2000—A study which aims to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of Donepezel and Aspirin in Alzheimer's Disease

  Project details of work directly funded by the Department or supported through the NHS research and development levy can be found on the National Research Register (NRR), copies of which are available in the Library and most medical libraries on CD Rom, and on the internet: http://www.doh.gov.uk/nrr.htm. The NRR also contains many details of projects/trials funded by the MRC and other funders.

  The NHS Health Technology Assessment programme is considering research looking at "new drugs for dementia". Full proposals will be considered at a specially convened meeting in June.

  Solar Eclipse
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue advice to the residents in the areas from which the solar eclipse can be witnessed on the precautions to be taken when viewing it, to avoid damage to their sight. [87312]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 18 June 1999]We have supported the optical professions in producing a leaflet "Observing Solar Eclipses—Taking care of your sight", which will be distributed to tourist information centres, libraries, optical practices and other locations places to which the public have ready access. A summarised version of the leaflet has already been made available to general practitioners and we will shortly be sending the same information to schools with details of how copies of the leaflet may be obtained.

  We are collaborating with the press and other media in further publicising advice on how to view the sun safely and have let them know that they are free to reproduce the contents of the leaflet.
  291
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations he has received regarding possible dangers to sight that may be caused by the August solar eclipse; [87469]

  (2) if he will publish details on how Government information regarding eclipse safety can be accessed on the Internet; [87479]

  (3) what consultations he has had with (a) broadcasters and (b) newspapers regarding publicising the dangers to ocular health of the solar eclipse; [87482]

  (4) what discussions he has had with the Department for Education and Employment regarding informing pupils of the dangers of the August solar eclipse before the end of the school year; [87470]

  (5) what advice he has issued to family doctors and other Health Service personnel regarding the treatment of injuries caused as a result of the solar eclipse; [87471]

  (6) what advice he is planning to issue to parents regarding the dangers of the solar eclipse; [87472]

  (7) what plans he has to encourage the use of indirect pinhole projectors by children wishing to observe the solar eclipse; [87473]

  (8) what advice he intends to issue regarding the safety of solar viewers whose safety has not been authorised by optical bodies; [87474]

  (9) what plans he has to advise users about the safety of solar filters or spectacles; [87480]

  (10) what plans he has to warn people about the dangers of viewing the solar eclipse through binocular projection; [87475]

  (11) what public advertising campaigns he intends to commission on the dangers of the solar eclipse; [87476]

  (12) what advice he has been given regarding damage to the retina caused by the solar eclipse; and what plans he has to publicise the fact that retina damage occurs in a painless manner. [87478]

  Mr. Denham
  The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, the College of Optometrists and the Royal National Institute for the Blind were among the first bodies to advise us of the need for guidance on viewing the eclipse. We agreed to help them with the production and distribution of a leaflet, "Observing Solar Eclipses—Taking care of your sight", which is published on 23 June for distribution to tourist information centres, libraries, optical practices and other places to which the public have ready access.

  In summary, the leaflet warns that looking directly at the sun is very dangerous. The radiation could permanently damage the eye. The safest way to view the eclipse is indirectly with, for example, a pinhole projection viewer. If people ignore this advice and decide to use a solar filter or a pair of eclipse spectacles, they do so at their own risk. They would be well advised to buy the device from a reputable outlet and ensure that it had a CE mark to show it had been approved under the Personal Protective Equipment Directive and also ensure that it came with full instructions for use, that it fitted closely to the face and that the lenses were not scratched or
  292
  damaged. Even with covers for the eyepiece, binoculars and telescopes are dangerous because they can still expose the eye to excessive radiation.

  We have arranged with the Department for Education and Employment for a summary of the advice to be included in the July edition of the "Spectrum" journal, which is sent to all heads of schools and chairs of governors. A summarised version of the leaflet has already been made available to all general practitioners and hospital doctors.

  The College of Optometrists will publish the leaflet on their web site: www.College-optometrists.org and see that reference to it is included in the main Internet indexes.

  We recognise that the media have a key role in educating the public on the risks to sight from the sun and we are collaborating on a series of news items in the period up to 11 August.

  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the August solar eclipse will be visible in each county in the UK; and what plans he has to publicise this information more widely. [87477]

  Mr. Denham
  The Royal Greenwich Observatory has, by way of illustration, calculated the percentage of eclipse as follows: Cornwall and Devon 100 per cent., London 95 per cent., Manchester 90 per cent., Newcastle 85 per cent., Dundee 80 per cent., Western Isles 75 per cent., West Orkneys 70 per cent. The leaflet which the optical professions are producing notes the variable effect, but the risks from viewing the sun directly are the same whatever degree of partial eclipse.

  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of consultant eye surgeons who will be(a) on duty and (b) on call during the day of the August solar eclipse. [87481]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available centrally, but I am confident that the contingency planning undertaken by health authorities and National Health Service trusts will ensure that hospital eye departments are appropriately staffed on 11 August. However, it would be misleading to give any impression that radiation damage to the eye is treatable. In most cases there is some recovery of sight in the months which follow the injury but, if visual acuity is permanently affected, the only help available is through the prescription of an optical appliance.

  Hospital Food (Waste)
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost of hospital food which is thrown away annually in England and Wales. [87281]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available centrally. However, National Health Service trusts have been advised to monitor food waste regularly and record the value of waste against explicit targets to demonstrate that food budgets are properly used.

  Mental Health Tribunal (Removal)
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health in how many cases under section 86 of the Mental Health Act 1983 the Mental Health Review Tribunal has refused to give its approval to removal since 1983. [87467]
  293
  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is not available centrally.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to abolish the single room rent limits for housing benefit; and if he will make a statement. [87175]

  Angela Eagle
  We are currently examining all the available research evidence, including our own research, to ascertain the impact of rent restrictions on tenants and the private rental market. We will take account of the findings in our current review of Housing Benefit.

  Mortgage Interest Payments
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the expenditure in each of the last five years on the provision of help with mortgage interest payments for(a) all income support claimants and (b) lone parents receiving income support. [87176]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  Income Support (all cases) in Great Britain with mortgage interest 1993–98

  Year

  Number of claimants

  Estimated annual expenditure £ million

  1993–94

  550,000

  1,137

  1994–95

  517,000

  995

  1995–96

  488,000

  996

  1996–97

  377,000

  671

  1997–98

  295,000

  501

  Income-based jobseeker's allowance (all cases) in Great Britain with mortgage interest 1996–98

  Year

  Number of claimants

  Estimated expenditure £ million

  1996–97

  94,000

  99

  1997–98

  67,000

  144

  Income Support (lone parents) in Great Britain with mortgage interest 1993–98

  Year

  Number of claimants

  Estimated annual expenditure £ million

  1993–94

  120,000

  280

  1994–95

  120,000

  274

  1995–96

  116,000

  291

  1996–97

  101,000

  233

  1997–98

  86,000

  201

  294

  Income-based jobseeker's allowance (lone parents) in Great Britain with mortgage interest 1996–98

  Year

  Number of claimants

  Estimated expenditure £ million

  1996–97

  2,000

  2

  1997–98

  2,000

  4

  Notes:

  1. Figures are based on a 1 per cent. sample in May 1993 and a 5 per cent. sample thereafter.

  2. Figures are based on an average of payments and numbers of claimants in the inquiry week using an average of the four quarters of the financial year.

  3. Figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand, and the estimated annual expenditure is rounded to the nearest million pounds.

  4. Prior to November 1995 figures on amounts of Income Support Mortgage Interest paid to claimants were published in the Quarterly Statistical Enquiry. From November 1995 onwards these have been replaced by figures on housing costs payable to claimants with mortgage interest payments. This change is due to alterations in Income Support rules and provides a more accurate reflection of the help actually provided to claimants under the housing cost rules. From 1993–94 onwards, the estimates that have been used for this answer have been based on amounts of housing requirements payable to claimants with mortgage interest payments, and will include amounts for ground rent and other miscellaneous housing costs, although the majority of the amount is paid for mortgage interest.

  5. Income Support figures exclude the unemployed from October 1996, as Income Support for the unemployed was replaced by Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance from this point.

  6. The February 1998 quarterly figure used in the annual 1997–98 Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) figure include nil mortgage cases (i.e., cases with housing requirements only). JSA estimated expenditure for 1996–97 represents a six month estimate from the introduction of Income-based JSA, the 1997–98 is an annual estimate.

  7. Lone parents have been defined as single people with dependants not in receipt of a disability or pensioner premium.

  Source

  1. Jobseeker's Allowance Statistics Quarterly Enquiries, November 1996-February 1998.

  2. Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiries, May 1993–February 1998.

  Widows
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 8 June 1999,Official Report, column 303, on widows, what advice he has received on the availability of full-time paid work for widows aged 45 to 60 years entering the job market in different parts of the country. [86940]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 14 June 1999]The availability of full-time paid work for widows aged 45 to 60 years will depend on local labour market conditions. Nationally, the total number of people in work has reached 27 million and unemployment has fallen to its lowest level in 19 years with 1.285 million out of work and claiming benefits.

  We are committed to tackling age discrimination in employment and have recently published its code of practice on "Age Diversity in Employment". The impact of the code will be evaluated and this will inform future plans for legislation in this area.

  War Pensions
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) for what reasons travel expenses to medical examinations for war pension claimants were changed; [84857]

  (2) when he plans to review travel expenses to medical examinations for war pension claimants. [84856]

  Mr. Bayley
  The administration of the War Pensions Agency is a matter for its Chief Executive, Mr. Gordon Hextall. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Gordon Hextall to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 21 June 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions, about the reasons why travel expenses to medical examinations for war pension claimants were changed and when he plans to review travel expenses to medical examinations for war pension claimants.
  I should explain that the War Pensions Agency uses the medical services of the Benefits Agency with the exception of hearing tests which are arranged by contractors working direct to the War Pensions Agency. The arrangements for paying travelling expenses to medical examinations for War Pension claimants are the same as those for benefits administered by the Benefits Agency. At present medical examinations are arranged by SEMA Group Medical Services who are responsible for paying travelling expenses. The Benefits Agency took a decision from 1 July 1998 to amend the expenses rate 6.5 pence per mile for claimants using their own vehicles to attend examinations.
  The change was made in order to correct the wide variations in the interpretation of previous instructions. It was concluded that the Benefits Agency was paying rates which were not consistent with existing policies and that expenses payments should be reduced from 22.5p per mile to 6.5p per mile to cover actual fuel costs. This level was consistent with paying actual public transport costs and was introduced in order to ensure that all claimants are treated in the same way regardless of where they live. The new rate was not introduced as a result of the contracting out of the Benefits Agency Medical Services but was introduced by the Benefits Agency before the private sector took over the delivery of the service.
  I am advised that the Benefits Agency is currently undertaking a review of the above rate to ensure the objectives of the original change are still being met. The results of the review will be made available in due course.
  I hope this is helpful and if you need any further information, I will be happy to assist.

  Security and Investigation Service
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many Benefits Agency Security and Investigation Service staff are employed in each administrative region; how many job vacancies in the Service currently exist in each region; and how many of these have existed for more than a year. [86901]

  Mr. Timms
  Operational matters are the responsibility of the Chief Executive, Peter Mathison. He will write to my right hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Frank Field, dated 17 June 1999:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many Benefit Agency Security and Investigation Service (BASIS) staff are employed in each administrative region; how many job vacancies in the Service currently exist in each region; and how many of these have existed for more than a year.
  296
  As of today's date, BASIS staffing levels are as follows:

  Northern Territory

  Southern Territory

  Complement

  85

  136

  Current vacancies

  17

  50

  Vacancies existing for one year

  9

  11

  The vacancies existing for one year are part of the overall vacancies total, not in addition to it. Five of the above vacancies in the Northern Territory and thirty-one in the Southern Territory are due to the expansion of BASIS' remit.
  These figures do not include the Identity Fraud Management Unit which did not become part of BASIS until January 1999.
  I hope that this is helpful.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has for setting a target for employers to take on a specific percentage of disabled employees. [86626]

  Ms Hodge
  We have no plans to introduce such a target for employers. The 3 per cent. quota scheme, established under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944, was appropriate before there was any specific legislation to give disabled people individual rights not be discriminated against in employment. Under Part II of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 disabled people can now seek redress through Employment Tribunals if they believe they have been discriminated against at work.

  We are raising awareness of these rights through our current National Disability Campaign, which was launched on 9 June 1999 by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment. The Campaign aims to encourage more understanding of the barriers and discrimination that disabled people face, highlighting that costs can be low and benefits high when employing disabled people. We believe that these measures, along with the proposed establishment of a Disability Rights Commission, will help improve employment opportunities for disabled people.

  Women's Organisations (Consultation)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the women's organisations which have been consulted over proposed legislation by his Department during this session; and if their responses have been published. [87186]

  Ms Hodge
  The Government are committed to making sure that policies are inclusive and take full account of the needs and experience of all those affected by them. Guidelines on Policy Appraisals for Equal Treatment in November 1998 commit policy makers to assessing how proposals affect different groups of people. Application of the guidance has been the responsibility of individual Departments. Within this Department we are making use of consultation, research projects and disaggregated statistics to identify the impact of policy upon women.
  297
  The Government's proposals for a Disability Rights Commission, the Bill to establish which is currently before this House, have been influenced directly by the views of the Equal Opportunities Commission. They have also been the subject of extensive public consultation. Over 7,000 copies of the White Paper "Promoting disabled people's rights" were issued, including to a number of women's organisations. Five national consultation conferences on the White Paper were held in September and October 1998. An analysis of responses to the White Paper has been placed in the Library.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Ethical Investment Policy
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what account the ethical investment working group takes of scripture in reviewing the commissioners' ethical investment policy. [86570]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The commissioners' ethical investment policy is exercised in the context of their duty to manage their inherited assets to provide financial support for the clergy of the Church of England, especially in area of need and opportunity.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Agriculture Council
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the latest agenda of the Agriculture Council of 14 to 15 June, prior to the meeting. [86831]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  The Agenda for the June Agriculture Council covers the following items:Approval of the list of "A" Items
  Contamination of certain foodstuffs by Dioxins—Information by the Commission
  Commission proposals on the prices for agricultural products (1999/2000)
  Proposal for a Council Regulation supplementing, in respect of livestock production, Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs
  Proposal for a Council Directive laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens kept in various systems of rearing
  Commission Communication to the Council on Bananas
  Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) No 2377/90 laying down a Community procedure for the establishment of maximum residue limits of veterinary medicinal products in foodstuffs of animal origin.

  Pet Transport Regulations
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on(a) the new vaccination and identification systems and (b) the process for approving the laboratories in the EU, which will be necessary before the introduction of the new pet transport regulations. [86239]
  298
  Mr. Rooker
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for South-East Cambridgeshire (Mr. Paice) on 15 June 1999,Official Report, column 120.

  Genetically Modified Seeds
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his assessment is of the consequences of a ban for the time being on the placing of genetically modified seed varieties on the National Seed List. [87022]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 16 June 1999]The purpose of the National List system is to establish that varieties of agricultural seeds, which are proposed for addition to the List, are distinct, uniform and stable as well as showing an improvement in agronomic performance over varieties already on the List.

  The Government's policy is not to accept entry of any genetically modified variety on to the National List unless it has obtained the necessary clearances under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and regulations made under it, relating to environmental and safety aspects. It would, however, be outside the scope of the National List system to introduce a general ban on the addition of genetically modified varieties.

  Raw Milk
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he will take to publish as early as possible the results of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission inquiry into the selling of raw milk in Great Britain. [86699]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry alone is responsible for deciding when the MMC report should be published and what the Government's response to any recommendations should be. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr. Heath) on 6 May 1999,Official Report, column 1069.

  Genetically Modified Foods
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies have been undertaken into the possible effects of antibiotic resistance gene markers retained in foods produced by the genetic modification of crops on(a) humans and (b) animals; and if he will make a statement. [86315]

  Mr. Rooker
  As well as its two reports on the use of antibiotic resistance markers (ARMs) in foods (published in 1994 and 1996), as part of its rigorous assessment of individual GM foods, the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) always looks very carefully at the use of ARMs. It recommends against approval in those circumstances where it considers that there is a theoretical finite risk that their use might give rise to an increase in resistance against clinically important antibiotics. Studies are currently in progress to try to ascertain the exact size of such a risk, although this is expected to be very small.

  Livestock Producers
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) cereal, (b) sheep, (c) beef and (d) other livestock producers have gone out of business since 1 May 1997. [86473]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information requested is not available. Figures are published in the Digest of Agricultural Census Statistics on the number of holdings undertaking various types of farming. Holdings can continue with the same activities even though they change ownership and conversely can change their activities while continuing in the same farming business.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many pig farmers have gone out of business in the United Kingdom since 1 May 1997. [86474]

  Mr. Rooker
  Information in the form requested is not available. The available information relates to the number of main holdings with pigs at the June agricultural census, which were estimated to be 14,243 at June 1997 and 14,278 at June 1998. Results from the 1999 June census are not yet available. Holdings can continue with the same activities even though they change ownership and conversely can change their activities while continuing in the same farming business.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to his Department for written answer on a named day since 15 April; and what percentage of them received a substantive response on that day. [87327]

  Mr. Vaz
  Since 15 April 1999, 21 parliamentary questions for written answer on a named day have been tabled to the Lord Chancellor's Department; 100 per cent. received a substantive response on that day.

  Women's Organisations (Consultation)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the women's organisations which have been consulted over proposed legislation by his Department during this session; and if their responses have been published. [87193]

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

  Application of the guidance has been the responsibility of individual Departments. Within this Department we are making use of consultation, research projects and disaggregated statistics to identify the impact of policy upon women. During this Session no women's organisation has been specifically consulted over proposed legislation.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMISSION

  National Audit Office
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time administrative staff are employed by the National Audit Office. [86566]

  Mr. Sheldon
  On 31 March 1999 the National Audit Office employed 130 full-time staff involved in the delivery of support services and 18 staff working on a part-time basis. These represent 19 per cent. of all NAO staff and comprise specialists involved in the delivery of a range of key Support Services.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Women's Organisations (Consultation)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list the women's organisations which have been consulted over proposed legislation by his Department during this session; and if their responses have been published. [87192]

  The Attorney-General
  My Department has not proposed any legislation during this Session.

DEFENCE

  Royal Hospital, Haslar
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many representations he has received on the future of the Royal Hospital, Haslar. [86535]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Since 14 December 1998, my Department has received around 500 representations on the future of the Royal Hospital, Haslar. This figure includes letters and petitions from hon. Members and members of the public. Together with my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health, I have also had a meeting with the hon. Member for Gosport (Mr. Viggers), my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, North (Mr. Rapson), the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) and the right hon. Member for Fareham (Sir P. Lloyd), plus local representatives, on the closure of the Royal Hospital, Haslar.

  Territorial Army (Balkans)
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the Territorial Army are currently serving in the Balkans. [86545]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  As of 15 June 1999, 393 members of the Territorial Army were serving in the Balkans. Three hundred and fifty-five of these are deployed to Bosnia, representing some 10 per cent. of our troops in the country.

  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the Territorial Army is currently deployed on operations. [86564]
  301
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Three hundred and ninety three members of the Territorial Army (TA) are currently deployed on operations, and these represent some 0.79 per cent. of the overall TA. The majority of these are in Bosnia.

  Iraq
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 18 May 1999,Official Report, column 303, on Iraqi no-fly zones, if he will take steps to investigate the Iraqi claims of civilian casualties caused on 29 and 30 April and 12 May. [86546]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I am aware of Iraqi claims of civilian casualties occurring on the dates in question. As we have repeatedly said, we make every effort to reduce the risk of any such casualties and very much regret if they occur. But I can confirm that on all three days, repeated and direct threats from Iraqi forces, including heavy anti-aircraft fire, forced coalition aircraft patrolling the northern no fly zone in Iraq to take defensive action.

  NATO
  Mr. Beard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress towards NATO enlargement. [86547]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Enlargement of NATO was discussed by NATO Heads of State and Government at the Washington Summit in April. In his statement to the House on 26 April 1999,Official Report, columns 21–23, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said that he and his NATO colleagues reaffirmed the alliance's continuing openness to new members and agreed a membership action plan for countries that aspire to join the alliance.

  Learning Forces Initiative
  Mr. Borrow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the Government's Learning Forces Initiative. [86548]

  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the Government's Learning Forces Initiative. [86550]

  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the Government's Learning Forces Initiative. [86562]

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

  Green Transport Plans
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's green transport plans. [86551]

  Mr. Spellar
  The turbulence associated with the refurbishment of the Ministry of Defence's Main Building in Whitehall has made it impracticable to introduce green 302
  transport plans for MOD buildings in London. Work involved in their production would inevitably be largely nugatory.

  Outside London, a draft green transport action plan has been prepared for MOD's Abbey Wood site at Bristol. Work on green transport plans for other MOD sites is due to start once analysis has been completed of recent pilot surveys on commuting and duty travel conducted at three representative MOD sites.

  In the meantime, the Department is concentrating on more efficient fleet management, an approach which is consistent with our intention to handle green transport plans, as part of wider Environmental Management Systems.

  Kosovo
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the implications of the Kosovo conflict for the future military structure of NATO. [86552]

  Mr. George Robertson
  NATO and the UK will be looking closely at the military and other lessons to be learned from the Kosovo conflict. But because operations are continuing, it is too early to make any firm assessments of its impact on NATO's military structure.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the use by his Department of Antonov aircraft in the Kosovo crisis. [86554]

  Mr. George Robertson
  During the course of operations in connection with the crisis in Kosovo, the UK Ministry of Defence has, as of 11 June, chartered 32 Antonov 124 heavy lift aircraft. We will continue to spot-charter Antonov aircraft, among others, as required.

  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his plans for British forces' future involvement in the NATO operation in Kosovo. [86556]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the oral answer I gave today to the hon. Member for Southwark, North and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes),Official Report, 21 June 1999, column 750.

  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role Britain's reserve forces will play in assisting refugees to return to Kosovo. [86560]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Members of the Reserve forces in Kosovo are fully integrated with the Regular units with which they are serving. They will therefore be assisting with all operational tasks required to create a safe environment in which the refugees can return to their homes.

  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the use of depleted uranium and cluster bombs in the Kosovan theatre. [86561]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Cluster bombs have been used by the RAF in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia when suitable targets were identified, such as armoured and
  303
  soft-skinned vehicles, mortar and artillery positions, and fielded forces. In every case the greatest care was taken to reduce the risk of civilian casualties.

  Depleted uranium based ammunition has not been used by UK forces in Yugoslavia. But to ensure, should it be required, that British troops would have the most effective means for self-protection, I have approved the deployment of some depleted uranium based tank ammunition.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the Exchequer of peacekeeping in Kosovo in each of the next three years. [87103]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Given previous uncertainties over Milosevic's actions and the responses that would be needed, it is not possible to produce useful cost estimates. Following the recent peace agreement, we should soon have a clearer basis on which to estimate likely future costs.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total cost to the Exchequer of the military action in Kosovo up to 10 June. [87102]

  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.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if British aircraft have used depleted uranium munitions during the bombing in Kosovo; and if he will make a statement. [86992]

  Mr. George Robertson
  DU-based ammunition were not used by the UK forces in air operations over Kosovo and Serbia.

  I have approved the deployment of some depleted uranium tank ammunition to theatre to ensure that British troops would have the most effective means for self-protection, if it were required.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans NATO has to remove all combat-effective firearms from private ownership in Kosovo; and if he will make a statement. [87337]

  Mr. George Robertson
  NATO has no plans to remove all combat-effective firearms from private ownership in Kosovo. However, UNSCR 1244 demands the demilitarisation of the KLA and other armed Kosovo Albanian groups, in accordance with the requirements laid down by the commander of KFOR.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what numbers of(a) small arms, (b) man-portable and (c) larger weaponry are deemed to be held in Kosovo (i) by the KLA and (ii) in private hands. [87305]

  Mr. George Robertson
  We have no reliable information on the number of weapons held by the KLA, or in private hands.

  We assess that the majority of the KLA's small arms are old and probably originated from Albania. During the past year, they have acquired more modem and
  304

  sophisticated weapons systems, including anti-tank and anti-air. We also assess that KLA have few heavy weapons.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason the Kosovo Agreement was classified as NATO Confidential. [87338]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The Military Technical Agreement is not classified. A copy of the agreement has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the rotation plans for troops to be deployed in Kosovo, with particular reference to the replacement of British troops by those of other nationalities. [87302]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The Permanent Joint Headquarters is currently drawing up plans for the rotation of UK forces involved in operations in and around Kosovo. With regard to burden-sharing with other nations, Canadian forces are already working closely with British forces in Kosovo. We are consulting closely with NATO and non-NATO allies about other possibilities for co-operation, but it is not yet clear whether this will result in arrangements which could see British troops being replaced by other national contingents.

  Defence Establishments, Shoeburyness
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the disposal and reorganisation of the defence establishments in Shoeburyness. [86553]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Old Ranges and Horseshoe Barracks are still being prepared for disposal. Formal marketing will commence shortly, with a view to completing the sale by the end of the year. Informal negotiations are currently underway with several interested parties.

  With regard to the New Ranges, I am pleased to announce that, with effect from 16 June 1999, a new partnership contract has been agreed with the existing supplier, SERCO. Over the course of the next few weeks the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and SERCO will be working together in order to move forward on exploiting the potential of the site, both for additional range activity and for diversification.

  Macedonia
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops there are currently in Macedonia. [86555]

  Mr. George Robertson
  As of today, there were some 2,900 UK Service and civilian personnel in Macedonia.

  European Defence Co-operation Initiative
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning closer defence co-operation between members of the European Union. [86557]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the oral answer I gave today to my hon. Friends the Members for Harlow (Mr. Rammell), The Wrekin (Mr. Bradley) and Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Smith),Official Report, 21 June 1999, column 747.

  Soldiers (Training)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that soldiers in training are able to cope with the exercise regime without damaging their health. [86558]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The good health and physical well-being of all Service personnel is a priority for my Department, and personnel undergoing training are no exception.

  As far as soldiers are concerned, the Army Training and Recruiting Agency, which is responsible for the initial and skill training of soldiers and officer cadets, takes all possible steps to ensure that both new recruits and trainees are carefully shown how to avoid injury while training. This includes briefing before and after specific training exercises, and a carefully graded introduction to the training regime. The Agency conducts a careful risk assessment and takes steps to ensure that appropriately trained personnel are available at all times to monitor exercises and training to reduce potential risks to a minimum. The details of any injuries that are sustained are the subject of a continuous audit to try to prevent repetition.

  Peacekeeping
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Government intends to sign the memorandum of understanding with the UN in relation to peacekeeping and peace support operations. [86559]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The Government intend shortly to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the UN, which declares UK forces as potentially available for UN peacekeeping operations.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of British forces in international peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions. [86538]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Strategic Defence Review identified that our less stable world will require more international peace support operations. The UK will play its full part in such international efforts, as we are in KFOR in Kosovo.

  UK forces have particular experience and expertise in peace implementation missions such as IFOR and SFOR in Bosnia. Many of the enhancements to our military capability following the Strategic Defence Review will have a direct application in peace support operations.

  MOX Fuel (Japan)
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations he took part in regarding the shipment of MOX fuel to Japan. [86563]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend, the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith) on 2 March 1999,Official Report, column 663 and the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Energy and Industry to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on the same day at column 692.

  Maastricht Treaty
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the changes in Britain's defence requirements resulting from the defence pillar of the Maastricht treaty. [86539]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The tasks which drive our force structure are more demanding than those currently envisaged under the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy. The MOD is committed to the further development of forces that are joint, modern, inter-operable, rapidly deployable and flexible enough to tackle a wide range of militarily demanding, potentially concurrent tasks.

  Harrier Programme
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will visit the British Aerospace, Dunsfold site, to discuss the Harrier programme. [86540]

  Mr. Spellar
  On 7 January I met four Shop Stewards from BAe Dunsfold to discuss some of their concerns and hope to visit Dunsfold in due course.

  Army Statistics
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the size of the Army in terms of(a) front-line troops, (b) non-military personnel and (c) equipment. [86542]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Under the plans announced as a result of the SDR, the regular Army will be strengthened by the creation of some 3,200 new posts. We are creating a sixth deployable brigade, a powerful new Air Assault Brigade, and we are strengthening our logistic support capability. New equipment entering service now and in the next few years will greatly improve our ability to conduct the hard hitting, mobile land operations of the future.

  Balkan Conflict
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of Serb non-portable air defence capability remains unaffected by NATO activity; and what assessment he has made of the threat from such weapons to NATO low-flying capability. [86733]

  Mr. George Robertson
  During Operation Allied Force, the threat posed to low-flying NATO aircraft from man-portable air defence systems has been significant. These systems have a capability from well below 100 feet to over 14,000 feet and from a quarter of a mile to over two miles. NATO has taken appropriate counter measures which have been successful.

  Reports from NATO pilots indicate that around 100 man-portable SAMs were launched by the Serb military during the now suspended air campaign. Man-portable air defence systems, by their nature, are very difficult to track. We believe that a number of these systems were

  307
  destroyed during attacks against Serb military locations, but we estimate that the vast majority probably survived.

  Under the terms of the Military Technical Agreement (MTA), all MANPADS held by the Serb military should now have been withdrawn from Kosovo. The risk to NATO forces from MANPADS is currently assessed to be very low.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance has been issued to troops in the Balkan theatre on measures to be taken to protect them from spent depleted-uranium weaponry. [86359]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Mr. Mackinlay) on 16 June 1999,Official Report, column 148.

  Averages for the weather station at Southport (Greenbank):

  January

  February

  March

  April

  May

  June

  July

  August

  September

  October

  November

  December

  air temperature (degree C):

  1994

  Highest max

  10.7

  9.9

  13.8

  19.7

  21.5

  25.3

  26.2

  25.0

  19.1

  17.4

  15.2

  14.7

  Mean max

  7.6

  5.4

  9.4

  11.3

  14.4

  16.8

  20.7

  18.4

  15.3

  13.5

  12.3

  9.2

  Lowest min

  -2.1

  -5.5

  1.8

  -0.3

  2.7

  6.2

  8.5

  8.2

  5.9

  1.4

  1.5

  -3.1

  Mean min

  2.6

  0.2

  4.4

  4.5

  6.9

  10.7

  12.7

  12.3

  9.6

  7.3

  7.7

  3.8

  Total rainfall (mm)

  86.6

  49.9

  76.9

  58.0

  37.6

  38.4

  72.2

  59.7

  99.6

  115.2

  90.4

  145.5

  Total sunshine (hrs)

  64.6

  66.5

  102.9

  191.0

  175.6

  148.0

  220.0

  174.3

  127.4

  106.6

  58.6

  44.1

  1995

  Highest max

  12.1

  11.3

  15.3

  20.0

  23.8

  29.4

  29.1

  31.2

  21.8

  24.5

  14.0

  11.9

  Mean max

  7.3

  8.7

  8.5

  11.8

  15.4

  17.9

  22.1

  23.7

  17.2

  16.0

  10.6

  4.8

  Lowest min

  -3.7

  0.4

  -2.0

  1.0

  -0.4

  7.0

  10.7

  8.7

  8.2

  3.0

  -2.0

  8.7

  Mean min

  1.8

  3.8

  2.2

  5.3

  7.7

  10.9

  14.5

  14.2

  11.0

  9.7

  4.8

  0.3

  Total rainfall (mm)

  147.5

  106.1

  57.6

  16.2

  67.3

  24.0

  40.8

  12.6

  84.7

  25.2

  48.6

  31.9

  Total sunshine (hrs)

  55.7

  73.5

  132.4

  197.4

  216.0

  233.3

  224.2

  278.1

  154.6

  110.5

  72.6

  40.8

  1996

  Highest max

  11.4

  9.5

  10.5

  19.4

  22.3

  25.7

  24.9

  28.2

  22.1

  18.8

  15.2

  10.5

  Mean max

  6.4

  5.7

  7.2

  11.8

  12.7

  17.4

  18.9

  20.1

  17.3

  14.6

  9.2

  5.9

  Lowest min

  -4.9

  -5.7

  -1.8

  -0.6

  0.1

  4.9

  6.8

  9.6

  3.5

  4.8

  -3.2

  -4.4

  Mean min

  3.0

  -0.1

  2.4

  5.3

  5.4

  8.9

  10.8

  11.8

  8.7

  8.2

  3.0

  0.8

  Total rainfall (mm)

  19.4

  58.3

  30.2

  59.1

  38.0

  31.7

  40.3

  74.3

  42.7

  112.9

  105.5

  47.7

  Total sunshine (hrs)

  21.3

  94.8

  87.5

  121.4

  211.7

  249.4

  218.6

  181.2

  158.6

  103.7

  85.4

  57.5

  1997

  Highest max

  12.3

  12.2

  16.8

  17.2

  25.1

  22.6

  25.1

  29.4

  18.9

  19.6

  16.1

  13.2

  Mean max

  5.7

  9.2

  10.9

  12.2

  15.9

  17.4

  19.9

  22.3

  17.0

  13.9

  11.1

  8.6

  Southport Weather Station
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the monthly(a) maximum and minimum temperatures, (b) mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures, (c) rainfall and (d) hours of daily sunshine for the weather station of Southport (Greenbank) for (i) 1994, (ii) 1995, (iii) 1996 and (iv) 1997. [87165]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Ewins to Mrs. Claire Curtis-Thomas, dated 21 June 1999:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about weather data for the weather station at Southport (Greenbank). This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of The Met. Office.
  The data you requested is given in the attached table.
  309

  Averages for the weather station at Southport (Greenbank):

  January

  February

  March

  April

  May

  June

  July

  August

  September

  October

  November

  December

  Lowest min

  -2.8

  -0.4

  0.4

  0.1

  2.1

  6.1

  8.5

  10.5

  7.3

  -5.0

  2.7

  -4.4

  Mean min

  0.1

  4.3

  4.6

  5.8

  7.9

  10.6

  13.1

  14.3

  11.3

  6.9

  6.8

  3.6

  Total rainfall (mm)

  2.3

  77.7

  35.7

  23.2

  65.7

  74.2

  63.1

  46.1

  62.9

  58.8

  86.1

  105.0

  Total sunshine (hrs)

  50.7

  79.2

  104.3

  121.9

  244.6

  141.6

  237.4

  228.7

  136.2

  123.5

  27.5

  27.7

  European Defence and Security
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 8 June 1999,Official Report, column 209, on European Defence and Security, if he will list the papers relating to other WEU business which were (a) noted and (b) endorsed by ministers at the Council of 10 May. [87340]

  Mr. George Robertson
  At the WEU Council on 10 May, papers were considered in the following areas:Relations between the WEU and NATO
  Relations between the WEU and the EU
  New WEU Associate Members (Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland)
  WEU Operational Development
  WEU Space Activities

  At the session on 11 May, papers were considered in the following areas:
  New WEU Associate Members
  Multinational Advisory Police Element (training the Albanian Police Force)
  WEU De-mining Assistance Mission in Croatia
  Crisex (Crises Management Exercises)
  Relations with Ukraine

  The title and contents of these documents, which were prepared by the WEU and were endorsed or noted by Ministers at the meeting, are classified by the WEU and I must therefore withhold this information under section 1 c of the Code of Practice.

  Armed Forces (Manning Levels)
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 May 1999,Official Report, columns 13–14, on manning levels, on the assumption that (i) progress towards full manning was as predicted in the Strategic Defence Review, (ii) the level of operational commitment was as deployed in Bosnia currently and (iii) 5,000 troops were deployed in Kosovo indefinitely, how many additional (a) major units and (b) trained soldiers the Army would require to sustain 24 month tour intervals. [86277]

  Mr. George Robertson
  This is a hypothetical question. It is impossible at this stage to say what the long-term force levels will be either in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia or in Bosnia. If we were to conduct planning on the basis of the assumptions in this question, as I indicated in my previous answer, many variables could affect the calculation of the number of major units and trained soldiers required.

TREASURY

  Charitable Giving
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount which has been contributed annually to the charitable sector(a) overall and (b) through the gift-aid scheme since the scheme's introduction; what these are as proportions of the total turnover of the charitable sector; and what is the total cost to his Department of the tax refunds resulting from the gift-aid scheme. [86690]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 15 June 1999]Charities received some £760 million under the Gift Aid scheme in 1997–98, of which £177 million were repayments of basic rate income tax, on donations by individuals and companies. Additional relief claimed by higher rate taxpayers for donations under the Gift Aid scheme is provisionally estimated at £40 million for 1997–98.

  Consistent and reliable annual estimates for total donations to charities and for the income and expenditure of this sector are not available centrally. However, the Charities Aid Foundation estimates overall income donated by individuals to be around £5 billion to £6 billion per year. In addition to this charities also benefit from donations by companies and other organisations.

  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.

  Vehicle Excise Duty
  Mrs. Betty Williams
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to extend the availability of reduced rates of vehicle excise duty for vehicles with(a) small engine capacity and (b) fuel efficient engines. [87038]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 15 June 1999]My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer detailed current vehicle excise duty policy in his March Budget Statement, 9 March 1999,Official Report, columns 173–90. He announced that from June 1 vehicles of 1100cc. or less would pay a reduced rate of vehicle excise duty of £100. Around 1.8 million cars will have qualified for the£55 reduction in their vehicle excise duty from the start of this month.
  311
  The Chancellor also announced that a system of graduated vehicle excise duty for new cars would be introduced in Autumn 2000. This will be based primarily on their carbon dioxide emissions, which are the most accurate indicator of fuel efficiency.

  Financial Crises
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions his Department has had with British investors on their role and responsibilities in financial crises in emerging markets; and what part British investors have agreed to play in preventing and resolving future financial crises. [86943]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 15 June 1999]We have been working with our G7 partners to develop a new approach to the involvement of the private sector in financial crisis prevention and resolution. This is designed to help promote more orderly crisis resolution and therefore be of mutual benefit to debtors and creditors. Methods of achieving this could include establishing investor networks and the inclusion of collective action clauses in sovereign bond issues. Private sector investors have been involved in the debate on this issue and we expect an appropriate response from them to any proposals which are agreed.

  Currency Speculation
  Mr. Hesford
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to introduce a tax on currency speculation; and if he will make a statement. [85620]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government have received proposals for a tax on international currency exchange. This idea has a number of practical difficulties, including the problem of achieving global coverage and the scope for avoidance. We have considered carefully whether these difficulties can be overcome, but our work so far suggests that they cannot. Consequently, we have doubts that the tax would achieve our shared objective of a stable international financial system.

  Recycling
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for hypothecated taxes to encourage recycling, with particular reference to the packaging sector. [R] [87000]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government currently have no plans to introduce a new tax to encourage recycling.

  However, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions has commissioned work on the policy instruments which might be used to correct market failures in the demand for secondary raw materials, and products made from secondary raw materials.

  In addition, the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations which set targets for recovery and recycling of packaging waste, will almost double the UK's packaging recovery rate (including recycling) to 50 per cent. by 2001.

  Finally, in the Budget, 9 March 1999, Official Report, columns 173–90, the Government announced increases in the rate of landfill tax which will provide an incentive for further recycling. To promote further the development of
  312
  more sustainable waste management, explicit provision will be made for "recycling" in the list of approved projects which can benefit under the landfill tax environmental bodies tax credit scheme.

  EU Expenditure
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is his policy to support the expenditure covered in the EU budget lines listed under the heading(a) social contacts between staff, (b) early childhood centre and other creches and (c) entertainment and representation expenses; and if he will make a statement. [86657]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government's policy on all spending by the institutions of the European Communities is to push for the same principles of rigour and cost-effectiveness as we apply to the UK budget.

  Pesticides Tax
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on the proposed tax on pesticides; and if he will make a statement. [87293]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has received a number of representations on the design of a possible tax or charge scheme for pesticides. Many of these have been received through the current consultation exercise. The deadline for responses to that consultation is 24 June.

  IMF Gold Stocks
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with IMF officials concerning the sale of IMF gold stocks in order to finance debt relief; and if he will make a statement. [85720]

  Ms Hewitt
  The UK has taken the lead in calling for the sale of $1 billion-$2 billion (approximately 10 million ounces) of IMF gold to meet the costs of an enhanced HIPC initiative falling to the Fund and to deliver faster, wider, deeper debt reduction to the world's poorest countries.

  Aviation Fuel Duty
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the tax yield resulting from imposing duty on aviation fuel at the same rate as on motor vehicle fuel, assuming a similar rate of tax is imposed by other countries. [86698]

  Mrs. Roche
  Imposing duty on aviation fuel at the same rate as unleaded petrol would raise approximately £5 billion, assuming no alteration in demand.

  Lund Humphries Pension Scheme
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when his Department was first contacted regarding the winding up of the Lund Humphries Pension Scheme; and on what date the relevant information regarding guaranteed minimum pension was supplied to the(a) scheme administrators and (b) independent trustee. [87771]
  313
  Ms Hewitt
  The former Occupational Pensions Board was first notified on 22 December 1994 that the employer had gone into liquidation and that the Lund Humphries Pension scheme was to be wound up. However, it was not until 2 February 1996 that the Receiver contacted the former Occupational Pensions Board confirming the discontinuance date of 14 October 1994. Formal action to cancel the scheme was finalised on 23 April 1996. The former Contributions Agency supplied the relevant scheme membership listings and guaranteed minimum pension calculations to the scheme administrator on 9 September 1996. It is normal practice to supply the scheme membership listings and guaranteed minimum pension calculations to the scheme administrator appointed by the trustees unless otherwise instructed.

PRIME MINISTER

  E-Envoy
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Prime Minister when he plans to appoint the e-Envoy; and if he will make a statement. [87055]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 15 June 1999]The Government are committed to appointing an e-envoy to lead their drive to develop the United Kingdom as the best place in the world for e-commerce. The Government will announce their plans for the e-envoy post shortly.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 8 June 1999,Official Report, column 463–79, on disarmament by the KLA, to which KLA officials he was referring. [87359]

  The Prime Minister
  I was referring to my meeting with KLA officials during my visit to Albania on 18 May. I met Mr. Krasniqi, KLA Spokesman, Mr. Sherifi, Political Adviser to Mr. Thaqi, and Mr. Haliti, KLA representative in Tirana.
  314
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister if letters written on his behalf to those who have opposed the military action have changed in content since the successful allied campaign in Kosovo. [87310]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 17 June 1999]All replies to letters about Kosovo have sought to reflect current circumstances, but have been consistent throughout in setting out the legal and moral justification for NATO's military action.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister what information was provided to him by the Leader of the Opposition at the time of his request for an inquiry into the start of the military campaign over Kosovo; and if he will make a statement. [87353]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 17 June 1999]None.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister if he has received correspondence from Mr. H. Pinter over the military campaign in Kosovo. [87309]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 17 June 1999]Over the last two months, I have received an enormous quantity of letters on Kosovo. I have been unable to reply to each letter individually, but all correspondence has received an acknowledgement.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will examine the various records of Ministers in replying to letters from hon. Members and instruct all ministerial heads of departments to set up specific structures within their departments and private offices for effective and speedy response to such letters. [87696]

  The Prime Minister
  The fast and effective handling of correspondence from hon. Members is an issue to which I attach great importance. My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office, has recently published statistics showing how individual departments perform against target in handling correspondence from hon. Members, 11 June 1999,Official Report, columns 403–06. My right hon. Friend has also written to Cabinet colleagues inviting those whose Departments performed poorly to take urgent remedial action, if they have not already done so.

  Hurricane Mitch: EU Aid
  Hurricane Mitch: EU Aid
  Macedonia and Albania: Aid Pledges
  Macedonia and Albania: Aid Pledges
  Open Prisons and Resettlement Facilities
  Open Prisons and Resettlement Facilities
  Freedom of Information Legislation
  Freedom of Information Legislation
  Good Friday Agreement Referendum
  Good Friday Agreement Referendum
  Wave Energy
  Wave Energy
  Benefit Payment Methods
  Benefit Payment Methods
  Habitual Residence Test
  Habitual Residence Test
  Stansted Airport
  Stansted Airport
  Westminster City Council: Commercial Waste
  Westminster City Council: Commercial Waste
  Council Tax: Enforcement
  Council Tax: Enforcement
  Economic Growth Measurement
  Economic Growth Measurement