Written Answers of 22 June 1999

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  European Structural Funds
  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to negotiate a share of the EU population coverage under the urban strand of Objective 2 of the EU Structural Funds for the United Kingdom which reflects the degree of urbanisation in the United Kingdom. [87786]

  Mr. Wills
  A maximum of 18 per cent. of the European Union's population will be covered by the new Objective 2. The suggested breakdown by strand for Objective 2 of 10 per cent. to industrial areas, 5 per cent. to rural, 2 per cent. to urban and 1 per cent. to fisheries is purely indicative across the EU.

  The UK's overall population coverage under Objective 2 is defined by the safety net which limits the reduction in coverage to one-third of the existing Objective 2 and 5b population.

  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that areas designated in the United Kingdom under the urban strand of Objective 2 of the Structural Funds will be densely populated areas made up of contiguous units with a minimum population of 100,000. [87787]

  Mr. Wills
  The public consultation on the determining UK areas for Objective 2 eligibility ended on 25 May. The Government are carefully considering all the submissions received and the eligibility criteria suggested.

  Before the UK propose their Objective 2 areas to the Commission, the Government will define, through discussions with the Commission, the geographical unit to be used to express urban areas within the UK.

  Small Business Service
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress made to establish the Small Business Service. [87797]

  Mr. Wills
  The Government announced plans to set up the Small Business Service in the Budget statement. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry reinforced this in his Post-Budget statement to the House on 10 March 1999,Official Report, columns 367–79.
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  We will be publishing a consultation document in the near future on the specific role and functions of the Small Business Service. I will be pleased to hear the views of all interested parties.

  National Minimum Wage (Riding Schools)
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effect of the national minimum wage on riding schools and equestrian centres; and if he will make a statement. [87810]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I have made no such assessment. We have asked the Low Pay Commission to evaluate the impact of the national minimum wage, with particular reference to the effect on pay, employment and training. They will soon be gathering evidence and will no doubt invite this sector, along with many others, to provide information.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will exempt riding schools from the national minimum wage. [87811]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  No. Under the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act, individual sectors of employment cannot be excluded from coverage.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Car Park Charges
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will introduce workplace car park charging within the Parliamentary Estate. [87611]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  The Commission has no plans at present to introduce charges for parking in the parliamentary estate. But the Greater London Authority Bill contains provisions which would allow the authority or the London borough of Westminster to introduce a levy on parking in the Palace of Westminster. The Commission will consider the position if and when either authority makes proposals for the introduction of a levy.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Church Land (GM Trials)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what his policy is in respect of the use of church land to grow trial genetically modified crops. [87608]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The issue of whether Government trials of genetically modified crops should take place on land owned by the Commissioners is being initially considered by the Church's Ethical Investment Working Group (EIWG), which develops a co-ordinated ethical investment policy for the Church. The EIWG is made up of representatives of each of the central Church investing bodies and the General Synod's Board for Social Responsibility.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Maria Bamieh
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the case of Maria Bamieh and the Crown Prosecution Service. [87808]

  The Attorney-General
  The decision of the Employment Tribunal in the case brought by Maria Bamieh against the Crown Prosecution Service is long and detailed and needs to be studied carefully. The Crown Prosecution Service takes the decision very seriously and is giving it urgent consideration.

  Hayes v. Attorney-General
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Attorney-General what were the terms of settlement of the case of Hayes v. Attorney-General; and if he will make a statement. [87807]

  The Attorney-General
  The proceedings brought by Ms Hayes were of historical interest only. I had put in hand a review of the system of appointing barristers to act for the Crown, with the intention that it should be made more open and transparent, before Ms Hayes commenced her proceedings. I have followed this wholly new system for making appointment, since July 1998. Settling the case has brought the matter to a close and has saved further expenditure of public money on a lengthy hearing.

  The terms of my agreement with Ms Hayes were as follows:

  Appointments Procedure

  1. The Attorney-General confirms that he will maintain the principles of transparency and open competition followed since July 1998 in appointments to the Panels of Treasury Counsel, including First Junior Counsel to the Treasury, namely:

  (a) that vacancies are advertised:

  (b) that applications and written references are considered by a selection board who make recommendations to the Attorney-General on the basis of those applications and references only;

  (c) that the Attorney-General does not appoint any candidate who has not been recommended to him by the selection board;

  (d) that the Attorney-General does not seek opinions from persons other than the selection board and the candidate's referees.

  Jurisdiction

  2. In the event of any future dispute, the Attorney-General will accept the jurisdiction:

  (a) of an employment tribunal in the case of appointments as First Junior Treasury Counsel (Common Law) and First Junior Counsel to the Treasury (Chancery);

  (b) of a county court in the case of appointments of other counsel.

  The Applicant's Case

  3. The Attorney-General does not accept that the Applicant or any other prospective appointee has, in fact, been subjected to discrimination. Nevertheless, he readily accepts that it was unsatisfactory that, until he changed the appointments system in 1998, although several women barristers had been appointed to the Supplementary Panels and as standing counsel to other departments, only one had been appointed to the main Chancery and Common Law panels of Treasury Counsel. Informal consultation may have a tendency to result in the recommendation of people known personally to the consultees and the purpose of the new system set up by the Attorney-General is to end such consultation. He recognises
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  that the system of appointments which was previously in place may have contributed to the under-representation of women on the main panels. In recognition of this, he has agreed to make a donation of £5,000 to the Fawcett Society.

  4. On the above basis, the parties agree that the Applicant will:

  (a) withdraw her county court claim;

  (b) withdraw her application to the employment tribunal in each case with no order as to costs.

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Attorney-General what measures he proposes to ensure that the Crown Prosecution Service communicates with families affected by their decisions in child abuse cases. [87456]

  The Attorney-General
  Currently, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) provides to the police information about prosecution decisions for them to forward to victims, or their families, as appropriate. How much information can be given may depend on the circumstances of individual cases. The CPS must balance openness with victims with the interests of others in the case. In particular cases senior CPS lawyers will be available to meet with victims and their families to explain in general terms reasons for CPS casework decisions.

  I am aware that a particular case of child abuse in the hon. Member's constituency has prompted this question and that the local Chief Crown Prosecutor will be meeting the victim's family to explain the decision to discontinue proceedings.

  As to the generality of cases in the future, the CPS is presently considering whether or not to take from the police the responsibility for informing victims of the reasons for CPS prosecution decisions. This stems from one of the recommendations of Sir lain Glidewell's report into the Crown Prosecution Service on which I intend to make a statement shortly.

HEALTH

  CJD
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement regarding the safety of medical appliances in respect of the transmission of CJD. [86030]

  Ms Jowell
  Measures are in place to minimise the risk of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease of any type in known and suspect sufferers being passed on to other patients via surgical instruments. These are set out in the joint guidance of the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens and the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee published in April 1998 entitled "Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies: safe working and the prevention of infection". This guidance says that no instruments used on a known or suspect patient, whatever the procedure, should be re-used. In addition, for patients regarded as potentially at risk of CJD (for example recipients of human pituitary derived growth hormones), instruments used in procedure involving brain, spinal cord or eye cannot be re-used. This is kept under constant review and new findings are assessed as a matter of priority.
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  We have commissioned research into ways of detecting proteins on surfaces and improving decontamination and inactivation techniques. Meanwhile, current procedures give a high degree of protection and people should not be deterred from undergoing surgery where this is clinically necessary. The benefit to the patient must be weighed against any theoretical risk from CJD.

  Junior Doctors
  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out the rest requirements for an on-call rota for junior hospital doctors, pursuant to the Health Service Circular 1998/240; and if he will list those health authorities and hospitals in which the requirements of that circular are being observed. [86708]

  Mr. Denham
  Doctors employed on an on-call rota are contracted to work a maximum average of 72 hours per week, 40 standard hours and up to 32 additional duty hours, with the expectation that they should not actually work more than 16 of the additional duty hours.

  Health Service Circular 1998/240, issued on 23 December 1998, provided further national guidance to trusts on rest requirements. Doctors should spend at least one half of the out-of-hours duty period at rest between 5pm and 9am Monday to Friday or 9am to 9am Saturday and Sunday. Within these periods there should be a minimum continuous 5-hour rest period between the hours of 10pm and 8am.

  We have not collected specific data on compliance solely within the terms of HSC 1998/240. However, trusts who comply fully with the New Deal are entitled to apply for accreditation. As at 31 March 1999, out of a total of 343 trusts in England, 67 trusts have been granted accreditation, and 77 are under consideration for accreditation.

  Paediatric Cardiac Care (Bristol)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the implications of the costs of (i) participation in the inquiry into paediatric cardiac care in Bristol and (ii) any consequent compensation for the resources available to the United Bristol Healthcare Trust and the Avon Health Authority. [86358]

  Mr. Dobson
  The costs of participating in the Bristol inquiry, like unforeseen costs which affect other large trusts, fall to be borne by the United Bristol Healthcare Trust. The majority of likely implementation costs will, however, be borne by funds set aside nationally to meet such settlements and are likely to be spread over some years.

  Cancer
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will invite cancer research bodies to plan and share research and expertise. [87368]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Government are currently considering plans to take this forward. Details will be announced shortly.
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  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will set up a national survey of cancer patients' experiences. [87365]

  Mr. Hutton
  Officials are currently working with the relevant professional and patient groups to design a survey to take place later this year.

  Royal Commission on Long-term Care
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his plans for the implementation of the report of the Royal Commission on Long-Term Care. [87627]

  Mr. Hutton
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my right hon. Friend the Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) on 4 May 1999,Official Report, columns 360–61.

  Infertility Treatment
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take measures to ensure the uniform availability of infertility treatment from all health authorities. [87848]

  Ms Jowell
  We have pledged to tackle unacceptable levels of geographical variations in access to IVF treatment and have set in motion a programme of work to achieve that aim. A Departmental survey of current health authority infertility service provision is taking place at the moment to enable the cost implications of any policy changes to be estimated. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists aim to complete their third, and final, set of evidence-based clinical guidelines on infertility this autumn and these will indicate the circumstances in which infertility treatment can be most clinically effective. We can then move towards fairer access to National Health Service infertility services, where those most able to benefit from such treatment receive it.

  NHS Regions (Chairman)
  Mr. Geraint Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for the appointments to the posts of chairman of the eight NHS regions once the terms of office of the incumbent comes to an end. [88062]

  Mr. Dobson
  The terms of office of the chairmen of the eight National Health Service regions end on 1 November 1999. Professor Alasdair Breckenridge has already agreed to stand down to concentrate on his role as chairman of the Committee on the Safety of Medicines. Philip Hammersley, chairman of Trent Region has indicated that he does not wish to be considered for re-appointment.

  Of the remaining chairmen, I have re-appointed the following for a further three-year term:

  Ian Mills: London Region

  Janet Trotter: South West Region

  Sir William Wells: South East Region.

  The following have been re-appointed for a four-year term:

  Zahida Manzoor: Northern and Yorkshire Region

  Rosie Varley: Eastern Region

  Clive Wilkinson: West Midlands Region.

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  The rigorous, open and transparent appointment procedures set down by the Commissioner for Public Appointments are followed for these posts, although they do not fall within the Commissioner's remit. Advertisements will therefore be placed in the national press shortly to recruit new chairmen for the North West and Trent Regions.

  Medicines Control Agency
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the future of the Medicines Control Agency. [88110]

  Mr. Denham
  We have published the report of the Quinquennial Review of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA). Copies have been placed in the Library. The Review confirms that the MCA is a world leader in its field, with an international reputation for professional excellence. It has performed well against its targets, and has secured more work under the European licensing system than any other national authority. The Review also shows that the MCA has used Executive Agency status well, and recommends that it should retain that status. We accept that recommendation.

  In the light of the Agency's excellent performance, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Keith Jone's appointment as Chief Executive of the MCA has been extended for a further three years.

PRIME MINISTER

  Joint Consultative Cabinet Committee
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will bring to an end the Joint Consultative Cabinet Committee. [87631]

  The Prime Minister: No.

  Lords Lieutenant (Appointment)
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will describe the process by which Lords Lieutenant are chosen; and what are the qualifications required, the responsibilities involved and the length of time for which an appointment is made. [87960]

  The Prime Minister
  The prime duty of Lords Lieutenant is to be The Queen's representatives in their county or area. Other than in four Scottish cities (where the Lord Provost is Lord Lieutenant by virtue of his/her office) Lords Lieutenant are appointed under the Royal Prerogative by The Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of the day. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the consultations that precede an appointment are carried out by the relevant territorial Department. In England, consultations are carried out by the Prime Minister's Secretary for Appointments. Those appointed as Lords Lieutenant are people of standing in their local communities, most frequently on account of their record of voluntary activity for the good of the community. Lords Lieutenant may serve until they are 75 years of age.

  Pro-euro Campaign
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will be attending the forthcoming launch of the pro-euro campaign. [87822]

  The Prime Minister
  My forward diary will be announced in the usual way. The Government's policy on membership of the single currency remains as set out by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in October 1997. The determining factor is whether the economic benefits to the UK from joining are clear and unambiguous.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Chief Superintendent Barry Mason
  Mr. Corbyn:
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will place in the Library a transcript of the trial at Birmingham Crown Court of former West Midlands Police Chief Superintendent Barry Mason in April. [87701]

  Mr. Vaz
  No. Parties in cases may place an order for transcript (at their own expense) with the court reporters responsible for taking the verbatim record of the case. The contractor can provide transcripts to anyone else only once they have received approval in writing from the court. In this case the transcript runs to about 70 pages and would cost approximately £350.

  Hayes v. Attorney-General
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the implications of the case of Hayes v. Attorney-General for the secret soundings system in the appointment of silk; and if he will make a statement. [87806]

  Mr. Vaz
  There is no 'secret soundings' system for the appointment of silks, and the Hayes case has no implications for the silk system.

  The vacancy for Treasury Junior, for which Ms Hayes complained that she should have been considered, was not advertised. Applications for silk, however, are openly invited by published advertisement and all applicants are judged equally, on their merits alone, according to published criteria. The list of successful applicants is published, together with a complete statistical breakdown of applications and appointments. Unsuccessful applicants are invited to speak to a senior member of the Lord Chancellor's Department for feedback on their application; nearly 140 have already taken up this invitation this year. In addition, officials are always willing to discuss the principles, policies and procedures of the silk system.

  The information which, together with the application forms, informs the Lord Chancellor's decisions on silk is gathered through a comprehensive and detailed consultation system. The guide for consultees is publicly available; this explains the Lord Chancellor's policies and criteria, according to which consultees are asked to comment. A list of all those whom the Lord Chancellor consults is also published, and applicants may nominate additional consultees if they feel that the wider consultation community is not able to give the Lord Chancellor

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  sufficient information about their suitability for silk. Almost all consultation is carried out in writing, to ensure that consultees focus on the published criteria. As an indication of the scale of this exercise, this year's silk round involved consultation with over 425 general consultees and correspondence with over 500 nominated consultees, who in total submitted over 4,600 comments to the Lord Chancellor.

  The silk system is not, therefore, secret. The comments are, of course, confidential, for reasons which Parliament accepted in the Home Affairs Select Committee Report on Judicial Appointments Procedures in 1996 and in the Data Protection Act 1998. Even given that, however, applicants will be invited to respond to any comment which alleges misconduct, even if this involves identifying the accuser (if the accuser is unwilling to stand by his accusation in this way, the Lord Chancellor will ignore the allegation). In addition, the substance of the comments will, while respecting their confidentiality, be freely discussed with unsuccessful applicants who ask for feedback on their application.

  Joint Working Party on Equal Opportunities in Judicial Appointments and Silk
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the members of the Joint Working Party on Equal Opportunities in Judicial Appointments and Silk. [87801]

  Mr. Vaz
  The membership of the Joint Working Party on Judicial Appointments and Silk is currently as follows:Lincoln Crawford Esq. OBE (Chairman, Bar's Race Relations Committee)
  Mrs. Pamela Bhalla (Equal Opportunities Officer, Bar Council)
  Mrs. Kathryn Hamylton (Equal Opportunities Officer, Bar Council)
  Raj Joshi Esq. (Society of Black Lawyers)
  Gelaga King Esq. (African, Caribbean and Asian Lawyers' Group)
  Ms Margaret McCabe (Barrister—Woman Lawyer Forum founder)
  Oba Nsugbe Esq. (African, Caribbean and Asian Lawyers' Group)
  Miss Eileen Pembridge (Council of The Law Society)
  Miss Jacqueline Perry (Association of Women Barristers)
  Ms Jenny Staples (Association of Women Solicitors)
  Miss Sangita Unadkat (Society of Asian Lawyers)
  John Cavanagh Esq. (The Bar's Sex Discrimination Committee)
  Richard Wilson Esq. (African, Caribbean and Asian Lawyers' Group)
  Ms Marcia Williams (Equal Opportunities Officer, The Law Society).

  The Working Party's secretariat is provided by officials of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

  The representation of some of the groups has changed during the life of the Working Party.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on progress of the work of the Joint Working Party on Equal Opportunities in Judicial Appointments and Silk. [87803]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Joint Working Party on Judicial Appointments and Silk was initiated by the legal profession, not by the Lord Chancellor, and the Lord Chancellor has no direct control over its progress.
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  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he expects the Joint Working Party on Equal Opportunities in Judicial Appointments and Silk to report. [87805]

  Mr. Vaz
  I understand that the Joint Working Party is producing a report for submission to the Lord Chancellor. The timing of the report is a matter for the Joint Working Party itself.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he proposes to publish the report of the Joint Working Party on Equal Opportunities in Judicial Appointments and Silk. [87809]

  Mr. Vaz
  The decision as to whether or not to publish its Report would be a matter for the Joint Working Party itself, not for the Lord Chancellor.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the dates on which the Joint Working Party on Equal Opportunities in Judicial Appointments and Silk met. [87802]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Joint Working Party on Equal Opportunities in Judicial Appointments and Silk has met on the following dates:

  23 July 1997

  22 September 1997

  20 October 1997

  3 December 1997

  28 January 1998

  28 April 1998

  9 June 1998

  16 July 1998

  22 September 1998

  27 October 1998

  17 May 1999.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department for what reasons the Joint Working Party on Equal Opportunities in Judicial Appointments and Silk was set up. [87804]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Joint Working Party on Equal Opportunities in Judicial Appointments and Silk was set up at the instigation of the Bar. The Lord Chancellor agreed to officials of his Department taking part in the Working Party's deliberations and providing its secretariat.

  The purposes of the Joint Working Party are to consider and propose action to increase the number of applications for judicial appointment and Silk from women and black and Asian lawyers with the appropriate seniority and relevant experience; to consider and propose possible changes to judicial appointments and Silk procedures for further consideration by the Lord Chancellor; and (where appropriate) to advise and assist in the implementation of action.

TREASURY

  European Taxation (Veto)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the use of the veto in relation to European taxation measures. [86587]
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  Dawn Primarolo
  All EC proposals on tax require unanimity before they can be adopted. We will not accept any proposals which are not in the national interest.

  German EU Presidency
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress made on tax and currency matters during the German Presidency of the EU. [86610]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Under the German Presidency of the EU the emphasis has been the need to make tax systems in Europe more employment-friendly and to combat harmful tax competition.

  Brazil (Financial Assistance Package)
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to review and audit the UK contribution to the financial assistance package for Brazil; and if he will take into account the impact of the adjustment policies agreed by the Brazilian Government in negotiations with the IMF on the poor and vulnerable. [87585]

  Ms Hewitt
  Financial tensions in Brazil have eased significantly, following the IMF-led international financial support package agreed last year. The UK Government will continue to play an active role in monitoring Brazil's performance under its IMF programme. Continued adherence, under the IMF programme, together with an appropriate contribution from private sector creditors, underpins the BIS co-ordinated credit line, to which the UK has also contributed.

  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has consistently stressed the importance of preserving investment in the health, education and social programmes which are essential for growth and poverty reduction. He has pressed for the World Bank's work on good practices in social policy to be drawn upon by the World Bank and the IMF when designing adjustment programmes. In Brazil, the IMF and the World Bank and the INTER American Development Bank worked together closely to ensure that the impact of the adjustment programme on the poor and vulnerable was minimised. Both banks have undertaken a number of projects in Brazil with a social dimension. Economic recovery in Brazil should benefit all sections of society.

DEFENCE

  Research (GM Organisms)
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the research projects which have been commissioned by his Department from(a) universities, (b) research institutes and (c) industry which involve genetically modified organisms since 1995 indicating the places involved and the value and purpose of the contracts. [84211]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.
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  Letter from John Chisholm to Joan Ruddock, dated 22 June 1999 I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question about research involving genetically modified organisms as part of the research programme which the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) undertakes on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) uses techniques of this nature.
  The Chemical and Biological Defence (CBD) sector of DERA, which is based at Porton Down, uses genetic modification techniques as a scientific research tool to develop protective measures for the UK and its Armed Forces in the event of exposure to biological weapons. CBD also commissions other research establishments to undertake some of this work. Since 1995 seven universities and six institutes have been involved in this type of work at a total cost of some £4291000. To provide details of the universities and institutes taking part in this research may break confidentiality agreements. I am, therefore, withholding this information under Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Operational Areas
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the operational areas opened since 1 May 1997 indicating the impact on the defence budget in each case; and if he will make a statement. [86443]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Details of expenditure by operational area since 1 May 1997 are set out in the following table. In both financial years the impact on the defence budget has been offset by claims on the Government's Contingency Reserve, in accordance with established practice.

  £ million

  Operational area

  Outturn Financial year 1997–98

  Provisional outturn Financial year 1998–99

  Bosnia

  180.9

  147.1

  Gulf/Iraq

  15.6

  35.4

  Kosovo

  —

  23.2

  Total

  196.5

  205.7

  Relief from Reserve

  178.0

  85.0

  Chinook Helicopters
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the incidences of failure of FADEC systems which have caused safety-critical accidents in Chinook helicopters. [86445]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Since the Chinook's introduction into service, there have been no accidents caused by malfunction of the FADEC units.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will assess the Computer Weekly investigation report into the Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre, a copy of which has been supplied to him; and if he will make a statement. [86444]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Although I have yet to receive an official copy of the report from Computer Weekly themselves, my officials have obtained a copy of the document from the internet and are analysing its content.

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  Once this work is complete, I will write to the hon. Member with our findings and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent review his Department has undertaken of the FADEC software fitted to Chinook helicopters; and if he will make a statement. [86378]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  FADEC, like any other in-service component, is subject to regular review to ensure it remains reliable and supportable throughout its service life. As a result of this process, MOD has recently initiated a software update which incorporates a number of minor changes in order to maintain the software's long-term supportability.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports have been(a) made and (b) assessed by his Department relating to the computer FADEC used on Chinooks since Air Vice Marshall Jenner's statement to the Defence Committee last year; and if he will make a statement. [86438]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Since the HCDC evidence session in March last year, there have been no reports from RAF personnel expressing flight safety concerns over FADEC.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what grounds his Department took legal proceedings against Textron Lycoming in respect of the FADEC computer system. [86362]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  MOD took legal action against Boeing Helicopters and Textron Lycoming who were both responsible for an engine overspeed during ground testing of a pre-production FADEC system at the Boeing facility in Wilmington, Delaware which resulted in damage to the MOD owned Chinook helicopter on which the FADEC had been fitted. Following the Wilmington incident, the FADEC software was redesigned before it was introduced on to the Chinook Mk2 and it was therefore of a very different standard from that installed on ZD576 which crashed on the Mull of Kintyre.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received requesting the reopening of the inquiry into the loss of the RAF Chinook on the Mull of Kintyre in 1994; and if he will make a statement. [86393]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Since the beginning of this year, there has been a representation from the Lord Chalfont and, following some recent media coverage, my officials have also received a handful of letters from members of the public.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will seek to ascertain if United States or other NATO forces, other than those from the United Kingdom, used depleted uranium weapons in Kosovo. [87412]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The United States has confirmed that it used depleted uranium based ammunition during the Kosovo air campaign. Whether or not other nations used such ammunition is a matter for them.
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  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many pieces of ordnance were used by UK forces in the Kosovo conflict. [87814]

  Mr. George Robertson
  UK aircraft used a total of 1,005 bombs and missiles in operations against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. I am withholding details of UK cruise missile firings under exemption 1a of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the proportion of the ordnance used in Kosovo which has been millennium non-compliant. [87821]

  Mr. George Robertson
  None of the ordnance used by UK forces in recent operations in the Balkans has been affected by Year 2000-related problems.

  AWE Aldermaston
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on how AWE Aldermaston intend to treat and dispose of the plutonium-contaminated rainwater that has accumulated on-site following heavy rainfall on 19 May. [87709]

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

  Letter from Sir Robert Walmsley to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 22 June 1999 I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the treatment of contaminated rainwater at AWE Aldermaston. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  During a storm on 19 May, an inch of rain fell within an hour taking up about one third of the capacity of the North Ponds Water Management System. It is standard procedure for the contents of full tanks to be analysed before discharge and on this occasion, low levels of plutonium were detected in two of them.
  The silt suspended in the water has now had time to settle and it has become apparent that while the silt does contain low, but detectable, levels of plutonium, the water itself is not contaminated. AWE intend to decant the water from the two tanks and then retest it. Once they are satisfied that the water is clean, it will be discharged. The silt remaining at the bottom of the tanks will be collected and dealt with by proven methods. This will be done with the approval of the Environment Agency.
  This incident has proved that the North Ponds system works as intended, in allowing flood water to be collected on site, then tested and, where appropriate, treated before discharge.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many gloveboxes are in storage at AWE Aldermaston awaiting treatment and disposal. [87711]

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

  Letter from Sir Robert Walmsley to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 22 June 1999 I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about storage of gloveboxes at AWE Aldermaston. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  There are at present forty two gloveboxes stored at AWE Aldermaston awaiting treatment and disposal.
  329
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the plant for conditioning the plutonium-bearing sludges currently stored in stainless steel tanks at AWE Aldermaston commenced operations. [87708]

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

  Letter from Sir Robert Walmsley to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 22 June 1999 I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence which asked about operation of plant for the conditioning of plutonium-bearing sludges at AWE Aldermaston. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  Options for dealing with the plutonium-bearing sludges are still being evaluated by AWE. In the meantime, the sludges remain safely in the tanks, whose integrity is regularly monitored. The tanks are made of rubber lined mild steel rather than stainless steel.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much storage space for intermediate and low-level nuclear waste awaiting a final repository will be left at AWE Aldermaston once the unsuitable waste stores have been emptied and the plutonium-bearing sludge has been conditioned and stored. [87712]

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

  Letter from Sir Robert Walmsley to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 22 June 1999 I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about storage space for intermediate and low-level nuclear waste at AWE Aldermaston. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  There are currently nine ILW stores at AWE and all are fit for purpose. However, two of the stores were converted from laboratories and these will be emptied and their contents transferred to modern facilities in a programme scheduled to start in September. A contract has recently been placed for a new store which is expected to be brought into service in 2001. This will enable the contents of an ageing store to be emptied and the building decommissioned. Seven stores will remain in use and will provide sufficient capacity for holdings of ILW, and such Low Level as cannot be disposed of to the BNFL site at Drigg, for the period up to 2005/2006.

  Nuclear Submarines
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the submarine nuclear emergency plan that covers berths in Gibraltar. [87710]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the Gibraltar Public Safety Scheme, which provides background information and guidance on the action to be taken in order to protect the public in the event of an accident involving the reactor of a nuclear powered submarine in Gibraltar. A copy of this document is already held in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to publish the results of his Department's review of its decommissioned nuclear submarine storage and disposal policy. [87713]
  330
  Mr. Spellar
  The outcome of the initial phase of the review into options for the interim storage of the decommissioned nuclear submarines should be announced later this year. The purpose of this initial phase is to review all practical options and determine the most viable. During the next phase of the review, these options will be developed, involving industry experts as appropriate, and detailed costing work will be undertaken.

SCOTLAND

  Women's Organisations (Consultations)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [86995]

  Dr. Reid
  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 including the assessment of the potential for differential impact on particular groups in society. In Scotland full use is made of consultation, research projects and disaggregated statistics to identify the impact of policy upon women. The Scottish Office Good Practice Guidance on consultation advises including the Women's National Commission in all consultations. In addition we have set up the Women in Scotland Consultative Forum whose members cover a wide spectrum of women's organisations and which regularly meets officials and Ministers.

  We have also developed a database now numbering over 600 organisations with a women's issues remit who are available for consultation. For example our Action Plan on Violence Against Women was sent to all organisations on the database. All responses to Scottish Office consultation papers are made publicly available unless the respondent has indicated otherwise.

  Genetically Modified Fish
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what advice he has received concerning the farming of genetically modified fish in Scotland; [87260]

  (2) which organisations he has consulted in connection with the licensing of farming of genetically modified fish in Scotland. [87261]

  Mr. Macdonald
  None. No applications for consent to release GM fish into the environment have been made under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 (as amended). Unless there is a consent to release, any work with GM fish would have to be undertaken in contained premises which had been notified under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 1992 (as amended).

  Further Education
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will publish his report on the discharge of his duties in relation to Further Education in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [87989]
  331
  Dr. Reid
  My report on Further Education in Scotland for 1998 was published today. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  The Report, entitled "Further Education in Scotland 1998: Report by the Secretary of State for Scotland", details this Government's commitment to widening access to further education and providing lifelong learning opportunities for all.

  During 1998 that commitment was backed by a Comprehensive Spending Review settlement identifying an additional £214 million for investment in further education over three years. We also set a new target for the expansion of FE provision. In three year's time the Government expects to see at least 40,000 more students embarking on courses in further education colleges, and from groups which to date have been under-represented among student numbers.

  New initiatives and new resources will help both to stabilise and modernise the FE sector, ensuring that it can fulfil its role at the heart of the Government's lifelong learning agenda for the new millennium.

  Our vision for further education is focused and clear. So too is our expectation that the FE colleges will work together in partnership in rising to meet the challenges which lie ahead.

WALES

  CADW
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which committee within the National Assembly for Wales will be responsible for the activities of CADW; and if he will issue revised guidelines on its responsibilities. [85541]

  Mr. Michael
  This is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in his Department and its associated bodies and agencies have benefited from the introduction of a National Minimum Wage. [86091]

  Mr. Michael
  Eighty five casual Welsh Office staff had their pay increased as a result of the introduction of the National Minimum Wage.

  Information about salary levels in NDPBs is not collected centrally.

  Hospital Beds
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many hospital beds in Wales are occupied by patients of pensionable age who could be discharged from hospital if alternative care provision existed; and if he will make a statement. [86843]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The latest available information relating to delayed discharges from hospital is shown by NHS trust in the following table. An age breakdown is not available. Information relates to a chosen day in January 1999 (usually 31 January 1999), as reported 332
  in local authority responses to the Survey of Delayed Discharges from Hospital. The survey requested information on the number of hospital patients known to local authority social services departments, who were medically fit to be discharged, but were still occupying a hospital bed. All patients medically fit to be discharged are counted; this may include patients whose delay came within agreed timescales for the discharge process.

  NHS trust

  Number of delayed discharges January 1999

  Bridgend and District

  5

  Cardiff Community Healthcare

  8

  Carmarthen and District

  12

  Ceredigion and Mid Wales

  4

  Clwydian Community Care

  17

  East Glamorgan

  1

  Glan Clwyd General Hospital

  16

  Glan Hafren

  111

  Glan-y-MÖr

  31

  Gwent Health Care1

  27

  Gwynedd Community2

  26

  Gwynedd Hospitals

  7

  Llandough Hospital

  12

  Llanelli Dinefwr

  20

  Morriston Hospital

  69

  Nevill Hall and District

  31

  North Glamorgan

  28

  Pembrokeshire and Derwen

  5

  Powys Health Care

  12

  Rhondda Health Care

  32

  Swansea

  38

  University Hospital of Wales Healthcare

  68

  Velindre

  1

  Wrexham Maelor Hospital

  9

  Total

  590

  1As reported by Caerphilly County Borough Council on post April 1999 trust basis

  2Includes 6 patients with delayed discharges at February 1999

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

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Women's Organisations (Consultation)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions 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. [87187]

  Mr. Meale
  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. On the transport side, for example, we are conducting an audit of women's transport requirements

  333
  and developing a checklist for transport providers. Similarly, in housing, we are reviewing the support and accommodation provided by local authorities to households experiencing domestic violence to see if it fits women's needs. This project has an advisory group with representation from women's groups.

  Rent and Service Charges
  Valerie Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the average rent and service charge for registered social landlord housing in the south west for(a) general needs rented housing, (b) shared ownership housing, (c) sheltered housing and (d) supported or special needs housing in 1998–99. [87616]

  Mr. Raynsford
  For all self-contained general needs properties (including sheltered housing) owned by registered social landlords (RSLs) in the south-west region the average weekly rent and service charge as at 31 March 1998 (the most recent data available) was £54.24. These data are collected by the Housing Corporation in the Regulatory and Statistical Returns completed by RSLs.

  Information about rents and service charges for shared ownership and supported or special needs housing is not currently collected for all lettings. Average rents and service charges on all new shared ownership and supported housing lettings during the year ending 31 March 1998 will be published shortly in the CORE Annual Report. The most recent data available from CORE show that the average monthly rent on new shared ownership properties in the South (which includes south-east and south-west regions) during the period April to September 1998 was £114.00; and the average weekly rent and service charge on new supported housing lettings in the south west during the period April to September 1998 was £110.91.

  Housing Grants
  Valerie Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much(a) social housing grant, (b) supported housing management grant and (c) local authority social housing grant, was paid to registered social landlords in the south-west in 1998–99. [87615]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Housing Corporation paid the following amounts to registered social landlords in the south-west region for the financial year 1998–99:

  £million

  Social Housing Grant

  42.29

  Supported Housing Management Grant (SHMG)

  111.5

  Local Authority Social Housing Grant

  46.09

  1This figure includes all projects which were entitled to claim SHMG. A few of these projects will not have claimed SHMG during 1998–99 because they were still in development. They will claim as soon as the schemes are occupied by tenants.

  Environment Agency
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent meetings he has had with officials of the Environment Agency to discuss(a) implementation of the Agency's
  334
  corporate plan, (b) concerns over employment conditions raised by staff trades unions and (c) levels of resources available to support the Agency's statutory responsibilities. [87496]

  Mr. Meacher
  I shall be meeting the Chairman, Chief Executive and other officials of the Environment Agency shortly to discuss the Agency's corporate plan for 2000–01 and I will be raising employment conditions and levels of resources at these meetings.

  MOX Plutonium Fuels Plant (Sellafield)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library copies of the documents submitted(a) to and (b) by his Department in response to the recommendation by the Environment Agency that Government departments should be involved in considering the wider national and international matters arising from the proposal to operate the new MOX plutonium fuels plant at Sellafield. [87502]

  Mr. Meacher
  On 11 June, my right hon. Friends the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced the go-ahead for uranium commissioning and a further round of consultation into the economic case for the Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel fabrication plant at Sellafield. A final decision on the full operation of the MOX plant will not be made until after the consultation finishes on 23 July and all responses have been considered.

  Once a final decision has been taken on the operation of the MOX plant, we will place it in the Library of the House:

  (a) all documents on the MOX plant submitted to my Department in response to our further consultation on the plant's economic case, except those which we have been specifically requested not to make public; and

  (b) all documents published by my Department as part of that final decision.

  Oil and Fat Waste
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the extent of oil and fat waste being put down sewers and drains. [87622]

  Mr. Meale
  The Department has not commissioned any research on this issue and has no plans to do so.

  Genetically Modified Oil Seed Rape
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what permission has been given to grow genetically modified oil seed rape at Stanton, Gloucestershire; and if he will make a statement. [87508]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 18 June 1999]No consent to release a genetically modified crop has been issued in respect of Stanton, Gloucestershire.

  Dioxins
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the revised World Health Organisation tolerable daily intake for dioxins (1–4 pg TEQ/Kw bw day). [87843]

  Mr. Meale
  The Department of Health Advisory Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) has not yet had the opportunity to review the data used by the recent WHO consultation which recommended the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for dioxins of 1–4 pg TEQ/kg bw/day. Therefore this TDI has not been adopted formally by the Government. The COT will undertake a review when a full report of the consultation is available. In the interim, current exposure data will be considered using both the current UK TDI (10 pg TEQ/kg bw/day) and the recently recommended WHO TDI.

  TCDD
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the conclusion of the International Agency for Research on Cancer at their meeting in Lyon, February 4 to 11, 1997, on the classification of TCDD as a known human carcinogen. [87842]

  Mr. Meale
  The Department of Health Advisory Committee on the Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COC) reviewed the conclusion of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to classify 2,3,7,8-TCDD as a known human carcinogen in 1998. The COC concluded that there are insufficient epidemiological and toxicological data on TCDD to conclude a causal link with cancer in humans, but it would be prudent to consider TCDD as a 'probable weak human carcinogen'. A copy of the full COC statement is being deposited in the Library of the House.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many new lettings, in the most recent 12 months for which figures are available, by(a) local authorities and (b) other social landlords were to (i) lone parents and (ii) teenage lone parents. [87777]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The information requested for local authorities is not collected centrally. For other social landlords the information for England in 1997–98 is as follows:

  General needs accommodation

  Support accommodation

  Total lets to lone parents of which:

  33,048

  4,992

  Lone parent aged 16–19

  2,656

  394

  Source

  Housing Corporation Continuous Recording (CORE) system administered by the Joint Centre for Scottish Housing Research (JCSHR).

  GM Poplars (Zeneca)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment of potential environmental impact he undertook before permission was given to Zeneca to plant genetically modified poplar trees near Bracknell. [87604]

  Mr. Meacher
  Two consents have been issued to Zeneca Ltd. to plant small scale trials of genetically modified poplar trees in the Bracknell area. Each application included a pre-planting environmental audit and risk assessment that were assessed by the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment. The trees for both trials are derived from female clones and will not therefore produce pollen. The trees will be coppiced after four years to ensure that they remain in a juvenile phase and do not flower and the trials will be terminated prior to flowering after a further four years. In addition there is specific monitoring at both sites for precocious flowering each spring and any flower buds are removed to prevent pollination. A copy of the consent documents and the environmental risk assessment is available on the public register at the Department.

  Unleaded Petrol
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the maximum percentage of lead permitted in unleaded petrol. [87606]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Directive 85/210/EEC limits lead in unleaded petrol to a maximum of 0.013 grammes per litre. This limit will be lowered to 0.005 grammes per litre from 1 January 2000 in accordance with directive 98/70/EC.

  Rented Dwellings
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of new dwellings to be completed for(a) housing association rent and (b) local authority rent in each London borough in (i) 1999–2000 and (ii) 2000–01. [87818]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Department does not forecast the volume of new housebuilding at local level.

  Social Housing
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the proportion of social housing on new developments in each London borough in the current year; and if he will make a statement. [87820]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The latest available information on the proportion of housebuilding completions that were of social housing in each London borough is for 1998–99, as follows:

  London borough

  Percentage

  Barking and Dagenham

  1—

  Barnet

  11

  Bexley

  9

  Brent

  37

  Bromley

  1—

  Camden

  19

  337

  London borough

  Percentage

  City of London

  0

  Croydon

  58

  Ealing

  27

  Enfield

  45

  Greenwich

  25

  Hackney

  45

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  15

  Haringey

  72

  Harrow

  3

  Havering

  10

  Hillingdon

  51

  Hounslow

  3

  Islington

  17

  Kensington and Chelsea

  21

  Kingston upon Thames

  0

  Lambeth

  57

  Lewisham

  46

  Merton

  54

  Newham

  58

  Redbridge

  5

  Richmond upon Thames

  1

  Southwark

  1—

  Sutton

  6

  Tower Hamlets

  1—

  Waltham Forest

  73

  Wandsworth

  4

  Westminster

  15

  1Not available

  Source

  Local authority P2 returns; NHBC

  Local Authority Housing
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of single people who are unable to be placed on local authority housing waiting lists and are in need of affordable rented housing in each London borough. [87816]

  Mr. Raynsford
  No estimates are held centrally.

  Private Hire Vehicles (Plymouth)
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what steps he is taking to persuade Plymouth City Council to adopt the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 in its regulation of Plymouth-based private hire vehicles;[87824]

  (2) what discussions his officials have had with Plymouth City Council officers in the past six months concerning the regulation of Plymouth-based private hire vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [87825]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The decision as to whether to adopt the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 is a matter for the City Council. They will no doubt take into account the fact that (once the relevant provisions of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 have come into effect) adoption of the 1976 Act will enable private hire vehicles licensed by the City Council to pick up passengers in London. My officials have corresponded this year with officers of Plymouth City Council about these issues.

  Housing Revenue Account Consultation Paper
  Mr. White
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the 338
  response was to the consultation paper, "A New Financial Framework for Local Authority Housing: Resource Accounting in the Housing Revenue Account"; and if he will make a statement. [88061]

  Ms Armstrong
  Our proposals for reforming the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) were intended to make local authority housing management more efficient. Responses to the consultation generally welcomed the proposals to introduce resource accounting. I confirm that we intend to move to a new form of accounts with:a cost of capital charge, linked to stock values, showing the resources tied up in local authority housing;
  a major repairs (or depreciation) allowance, paid through the subsidy system, to meet the costs of keeping the stock in good condition; and
  a requirement to prepare a business plan as the framework for managing the stock.

  The proposal to remove rent rebates from the HRA, making it a pure landlord account, was also welcomed in principle. This will go ahead, subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary legislation. We will then have to redistribute surpluses to ensure that resources go to councils with the greatest need. We will be consulting on the detailed arrangements later in the year.

  Other areas on which we will be consulting further include: the method by which valuations are to be carried out, the calculation of the major repairs (or depreciation) allowance, business plans and the detailed form of accounts. In response to points made in consultation, we intend to make the new form of accounts simpler.

  On the question of the basis to be adopted for valuing housing stock for the cost of capital charge in the account, respondents overwhelmingly favoured existing use value as social housing, rather than open market value. I confirm that this will be the basis for valuation.

  Authorities expressed concern that the timetable for moving to the new system was too ambitious. So we are now giving them some extra time to prepare. Authorities will be required to keep the HRA in the new form (including business plans) from 2001–02. As long as they have completed the necessary preparatory work satisfactorily, including producing satisfactory business plans, they will be eligible for additional subsidy for the major repairs allowance from that year. Rent rebates will be removed from the HRA at the same time or, if the necessary legislation has not been passed by then, as soon as it is in place.

  Authorities were also concerned about the costs of the work needed to prepare for the changes, particularly valuations and the preparation of business plans. We will be making an extra £15m available through the HRA subsidy system in 2000–01 and a further £15m in 2001–02 to help with these costs, and will consult authorities on proposals for doing so later in the year.

  I am grateful to all those who responded to the consultation paper. I am placing a list of the respondents, excluding any who requested confidentiality, in the House Library together with a report providing an analysis of the responses. The list and specific responses are available in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Library, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE, telephone 0171 890 3039. We will shortly be writing to authorities setting out our response

  339
  and the next steps in more detail. I believe that, working with local government, we can move forward to a new financial framework for local authority housing which is more suitable for the modern, high-quality tenant-focused service which we want to see.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Tuition Fees
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will estimate the cost of exempting all university students aged over(a) 21 and (b) 25 years living in (i) Scotland, (ii) Wales, (iii) Northern Ireland and (iv) England from tuition fees. [84063]

  Mr. Mudie:
  [holding answer 13 June 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 10 June 1999, Official Report, column 385.

  Special Measures
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the schools in England currently under special measures, identifying for each school(a) how long it has been under special measures and (b) the percentage of its pupils receiving free school meals. [87018]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 15 June 1999]Information for each school on special measures at 21 April 1999 is shown in tables, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  In June last year the Government announced a tough new policy to stop prolonged failure in schools. Since September 1998, schools which fail an Ofsted inspection must be turned around by local education authorities within two years. If a school is not out of special measures within two years it must be given a fresh start or closed. There are too many schools which failed under the previous administration and are still failing over two years later. We have made it clear that this must not continue and of the 46 such schools on the list provided, 12 have published or had closure proposals approved (three of which will close and Fresh Start schools open), and a further nine have been removed from special measures during the Summer terms already. The rest are now making good progress and we expect virtually all of them to be removed from special measures either this term or next.

  The decisive action we have taken to tackle failure in our schools since May 1997 has cut the average turn-around time from 25 months to 18 months. We are moving from laying the foundations for improvement to delivering the benefits.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has for improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities. [86625]

  Ms Hodge
  Disabled people are already benefiting from the New Deals and other changes that the Government have introduced in the last two years. The New Deal for Disabled People is piloting a range of 340
  initiatives, to help disabled people and those with long-term illness on incapacity benefits into work and training through the Government's Welfare to Work approach, at a cost of £195 million. In addition there are a range of existing employment programmes targeted at people with disabilities. They include the Supported Employment Programme, Access to Work and the Job Introduction Scheme. Last October my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that a further £30 million would be spent over 3 years to expand these programmes. This will bring planned spending on specialist disability measures to some £570 million for the next three years.

  Higher Education Funding
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects to announce funding for higher education in England for year three of the Comprehensive Spending Review settlement 2001–02. [87360]

  Mr. Mudie
  The guidance to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) on 8 December 1998 announced £250 million for investment in capital and research in 2001–02, and told the Council to plan on the basis that funds would be made available in that year to sustain quality and standards, and to provide for continuing growth in student numbers.

  The Department will provide further details of the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review for 2001–02 in due course.

  Drugs Education
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools had policies on drug education in line with his Department's guidance at the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [87440]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The latest figures, which are provided by Ofsted following a survey in 1997, show that 86 per cent. of secondary schools and 61 per cent. of primary schools have drug education policies. We strongly encourage those schools who have not developed an agreed policy to join those who have already taken that step. Our drug education good practice guidance, issued in November last year, provides important advice on the value of schools developing such policies and guidance on the key components for those policies.

  Technology College Status
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the next round of applications for technology college status is to be invited; and what advice and guidance is to be offered to previous unsuccessful applicants to assist resubmission of their applications. [87630]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The closing date for the next round of applications for Technology College status is Friday, 8 October 1999. A new guidance document for schools wishing to apply in the autumn competition will be available to schools in July. Schools unsuccessful in the March competition will be sent the guidance automatically. These schools receive feedback on the main reasons why they were not approved and a wide
  341
  range of advice and support is available to applicant schools from the Technology Colleges Trust which is grant aided by the DfEE.

  Further Education Funding Council
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects the Further Education Funding Council to inform colleges of the amount of access funds to be made available for students for 1999–2000. [87140]

  Mr. Mudie
  [holding answer 18 June 1999]The Further Education Funding Council plan to issue their Access Funds circular, including allocations to colleges, later this month.

  Science Teaching
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to raise standards of teaching in the sciences(a) in schools and (b) in higher education establishments. [87366]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The initial teacher training National Curriculum for primary and secondary science, which comes into effect this September, will ensure that all newly qualified teachers are fully prepared to teach science. We are also encouraging more specialist science graduates to apply for teaching through the £5,000 financial incentive announced last October.

  The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education is testing new procedures for assessing quality and safeguarding the standards of all higher education qualifications, including science qualifications. The new Institute for Learning and Teaching will accredit training programmes for higher education teachers, including science teachers.

  Academic Salaries Review
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he plans to publish the Bett review on academic salaries. [87841]

  Mr. Mudie
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Milton Keynes, South-West (Dr. Starkey) on 8 June 1999,Official Report, column 316.

  Islington revenue and capital funding

  £ million

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Education SSA of which

  80.442

  81.095

  81.230

  87.980

  91.713

  Nursery/Primary/Secondary

  70.883

  72.211

  73.145

  80.035

  84.257

  GEST/Standards fund

  1.143

  1.375

  1.589

  2.473

  6.274

  Nursery education grant

  —

  —

  2.076

  0.343

  —

  Capital

  ACG/SCA/VA grant

  —

  0.250

  0.531

  0.588

  1.210

  NDS capital

  —

  —

  0.296

  1.174

  0.656

  Energy efficiency

  —

  —

  —

  0.049

  —

  Total capital

  0.000

  0.250

  0.827

  1.811

  1.866

  Note:

  1997–98 figures were reduced by £2.068m in respect of nursery voucher scheme.

  Family Responsibilities (Employment)
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the benefits to the economy of policies which allow employment to be combined with family responsibilities. [86503]

  Ms Hodge
  [holding answer 17 June 1999]Family-friendly policies can help to boost the economy by increasing the number of skilled people in the labour market, and increasing the numbers returning to education and training. These policies can enhance financial independence—specially for women—both immediately as they benefit from a higher standard of living, and after retirement as a result of building up a better pension entitlement. And these policies can help increase the sustainable level of employment, and improving productivity, leading to an increase in overall living standards.

  Islington Education Service
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what monitoring he is undertaking of the Islington Education Service; and what meetings he has held with representatives of the education service; [87817]

  (2) what is the expenditure by his Department on the contracting out of part of Islington Education Service. [87819]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Department and Islington Local Education Authority have commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to advise on contracting out of most or all services to Islington schools and their pupils, to draw up specifications for such services and to advise on the suitability of interim arrangements. Officials are in regular contact with the authority's officers, and I met head teachers in Islington on 16 June. The Department will contribute towards the cost of PricewaterhouseCoopers' consultancy but has made no payments to date.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much(a) revenue support and (b) capital allocation was provided to Islington Education Service for education up to the age of 16 years in each of the past five years. [87815]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The following table gives, for each financial year from 1995–96 to 1999–2000, the amounts allocated to the Islington local education authority for revenue support and for capital.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Ministerial Meetings (Ireland)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on how many occasions Ministers in his Department have held meetings with Ministers and officials of the Irish Government since 1 January 1998 indicating the dates and locations, the Ministers involved and the names of the Irish Ministers and officials in each case. [87430]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I met the Irish Culture Minister, Sile de Valera, on 17 June 1999 at my office—at the Department. She was accompanied by Tadhg O hEalaithe, Secretary General to the Department for the Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.

  My hon. Friend the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting met Seamus Brennan TD, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Taoiseach's office, on Monday 5 October 1998, again at the Department. Mr. Brennan was accompanied by Richard Holland from that office.

  My hon. Friend the Minister for Sport met Chris Flood, the Irish Junior Minister for Sport, at the Annual Dinner of London GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) at the Emerald Rooms at the Emerald Gaelic Grounds, West End Road, Ruislip on 13 February 1999, and Dr. James McDaid, the Irish Minister for Sport, at the Sports Industry Exhibition, Earls Court on 24 February 1999. My hon. Friend met Dr. McDaid again at the EU Sports Ministers conference in Paderborn on 31 May 1999.

  Millennium Dome (Voluntary Work)
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures will be taken to enable voluntary organisations to promote their activities within the Dome. [86932]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 14 June 1999]The New Millennium Experience Company receives many requests from a very large number of different organisations concerning events in the Dome. It is not possible for the company to accede to all these requests, but it is considering how some voluntary organisations might be incorporated during the millennium.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps will be taken to promote the issue of volunteering within the Dome. [86933]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 14 June 1999]The New Millennium Experience Company is finalising details of a National Programme initiative that addresses issues of volunteering in the broad context of good citizenship. An announcement will be made in due course.

  Lost Theatre
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with Hammersmith and Fulham Council regarding the future of the Lost Theatre; and if he will make a statement. [87812]
  344
  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have not discussed the future of the Lost Theatre with representatives from the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

  BBC
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 15 June 1999,Official Report, column 88, if he will place in the Library copies of the external audit reports on BBC Worldwide and BBC Resources for the years 1997–98 and 1998–99. [87823]

  Janet Anderson
  The 1998–99 Annual Reports of BBC Worldwide and BBC Resources have been placed in the Libraries of the House. The Reports will include opinions by the external auditors on the financial statements and on corporate governance matters. Publication of the full external audit reports on BBC Worldwide and BBC Resources is a matter for the BBC.

  BBC Worldwide's 1997–98 Annual Report was laid before Parliament on 14 July 1998. The 1998–99 Annual Report is the first for BBC Resources.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Kosovo
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the impact of the demands of relief aid in Kosovo and Albania upon other areas of development support. [83277]

  Clare Short
  The Government have recently announced a further commitment of up to £50 million for humanitarian aid to Kosovo bringing the total commitment to £90 million. This is in addition to our share of EU assistance.

  The commitment for Kosovo, and for any other major humanitarian emergencies later in the financial year, will be found from the Department for International Development's Contingency Reserve and from the Government's Central Reserve.

  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what resources, additional to existing commitments, will be made available by the United Kingdom for mine clearance and education about mines in Kosovo. [87375]

  Clare Short
  Mines are a serious problem in Kosovo and could prove a severe constraint to refugee return. Twenty or more incidents have been reported in the first few days alone—resulting in several casualties.

  As part of the Government's recently announced package of£50 million for humanitarian and rehabilitation assistance for Kosovo, £5 million has been allocated for mine clearance and mine awareness education. We have provided grants and practical assistance for UN Mines Advisory Service (co-ordination and oversight), Halo Trust (region wide survey), and clearance teams from Mines Action Group.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what programmes have been curtailed as a result of the £50 million extra money for Kosovo. [87590]
  345
  Clare Short
  No programmes have been curtailed. The £85 million of the £90 million commitment to the needs of Kosovar refugees has been funded from the Department for International Development contingency reserve and the Government central reserve. The remaining £5 million was already committed to the area.

  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has for giving aid to those households in Macedonia and Albania which are currently housing Kosovan Albanian refugees. [87401]

  Clare Short
  Our humanitarian assistance during the Kosovo crisis has included support for communities and families in the region who are hosting refugees in their own homes, with priority given to the poorest and most vulnerable.

  DFID is helping to fund a range of international organisations and NGOs. We have given £2.5 million to the Red Cross movement, whose work includes provision of support to host families. In Albania, we are funding Children's Aid Direct and Catholic Relief Services to provide education for both refugees and the local Albanian population. In Macedonia, DFID is funding CARE to provide assistance for vulnerable people, mainly elderly and handicapped, among both refugees and host families. Although many refugees are now returning to Kosovo, I have made it clear that DFID will continue to honour the commitments it has made to the local communities and the refugees that remain in Albania and Macedonia.

  Women's Organisations (Consultation)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the women's organisations which have been consulted over proposed legislation by her Department during this session; and if their responses have been published. [87191]

  Clare Short
  We have proposed no legislation during the current session. But we make strong efforts to ensure that our international development work priorities women's interests and views.

  Written Questions
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to her Department for written answer on a named day since 15 April; and what percentage of them received a substantive response on that day. [87323]

  Clare Short
  Sixty-two parliamentary questions have been tabled to my Department for written answer on a named day since 15 April 1999. 71 per cent. received a substantive response on that day.

  Overseas Aid
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the current percentage of GDP spent on overseas aid; and if she will make a statement. [87422]
  346
  Clare Short
  I refer my hon. Friend to my written answer on 11 June 1999,Official Report, column 413, for details.

  Genetically Modified Terminator Seeds
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the impact of genetically modified terminator seeds in Third World countries; and if she will make a statement. [87567]

  Clare Short
  We are commissioning a study to assess the potential impacts on developing countries of so-called "terminator" gene technologies. The study will examine the potential effects which such technology can have on economic, social and environmental aspects of farming systems important to poor people. We recently published a Background Briefing on genetically modified organisms and developing countries. Copies are in the Library of the House.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Women's Organisations (Consultation)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home 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. [87190]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Home Office consults regularly with a wide range of organisations on both proposed changes to legislation and the development of policy. It also issues public consultation documents on which both organisations and individuals are invited to comment. One such document is "Supporting Families" and, on 8 June, I published details of the responses to it.

  Europol/Interpol Co-operation
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on promoting co-operation between Europol and Interpol; and if he will make a statement. [87449]

  Kate Hoey
  Once Europol takes up the full range of activities, we hope it will be able to quickly establish formal co-operation arrangements with non European Union members and bodies such as Interpol as outlined in Article 42 of the Europol Convention. We are encouraging close co-operation between the two organisations, with both of whom the United Kingdom has good working relations.

  Conventions on Refugees
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to propose changes to the international conventions on refugees; and if he will make a statement. [87381]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Government have no present plans to propose changes to the main international instruments on refugees. We are strongly committed to the principle of protection for those genuinely fearing persecution. In the longer term, it will be nece0073sary to ensure that the totality of international law and
  347
  agreements continues to support this principle effectively, taking account of the many developments since the Geneva Convention of 1951, in particular the growing problem of false claims for protection being used to circumvent legitimate controls on immigration.

  Drugs (Repeat Offending)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current level of repeat offending among drug-misusing offenders; and if he will make a statement. [87439]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The most recently available relevant information relates to reconvictions in samples of prisoners discharged from prison in 1995 and of offenders commencing community penalties in 1995.

  Reconviction rates for offenders sentenced for drugs offences1 within two years for prisoners discharged from custody in 1995 or commencing community penalties2 in 1995

  Original disposal

  Custody

  Community penalties2

  Total sampled

  3,377

  1,556

  Percentage reconvicted3

  36

  50

  Percentage reconvicted for any drugs offence1

  17

  29

  1All indictable drug related offences. The offence categorisation is based on the most recent offence recorded on the Offenders Index prior to discharge from prison or commencement of a community penalty.

  2Combination orders, community service and probation. Figures relate to offenders sentenced in the first quarter of the year.

  3All standard list offences, this includes all indictable offences and some of the more serious summary offences.

  The source of this information on reconvictions is the Home Office Offenders Index. This does not contain information on cautioning of offenders. It should be borne in mind that this information relates to reconviction rather than reoffending and is restricted to offenders who have been sentenced to custody or a community penalty. It also relates to offenders convicted for drugs related offences, rather than offenders who commit other forms of crime to pay for drugs.

  Base line levels of repeat offending among drug misusing offenders are currently being established. The targets set recently by the United Kingdom Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator include reducing levels of such offending by 50 per cent. by 2008 and 25 per cent. by 2005.

  Prostitute Cards
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to complete his consultations on the placing of cards in telephone boxes by prostitutes. [87595]

  Mr. Boateng
  We have asked for comments on our consultation paper "New Measures to Control Prostitutes Cards in Phone Boxes" by 18 August 1999.

  Prisoner Employment
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners held in each of the London prisons were employed within the prison on a daily basis as at 1 June. [87453]
  348
  Mr. George Howarth
  The information my hon. Friend requested is contained in the table.

  Name of prison establishment

  Number of prisoners employed as at 1 June 1999

  Belmarsh

  1580

  Brixton

  214

  Holloway

  414

  Pentonville

  2335

  Wandsworth

  854

  Wormwood Scrubs

  443

  1 No prisoners actually attended for work on I June as a result of lightning striking, although 580 were scheduled to attend and normally did so before and after this interruption.

  2472 prisoners were normally employed at Pentonville around this time. There was reduced work on 1 June following the bank holiday.

  Cycling Convictions
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been convicted of riding a bicycle without lights in each of the last three years. [87452]

  Mr. Boateng
  Available information for the years 1995 to 1997 is given in the table. 1998 data will become available later this summer.

  Number of persons cautioned or convicted for pedal cycle lighting and reflector offences1, England and Wales, 1995–97

  Disposal

  Year

  Cautioned

  Convicted

  1995

  339

  293

  1996

  379

  333

  1997

  406

  377

  1 Offences under Road Traffic Act 1988 s81 and Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989

  Cleveland Police
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will extend his investigation into police integrity to include Cleveland Police Force; and if he will make a statement. [87572]

  Mr. Boateng
  We are not conducting an investigation into police integrity. However, I was pleased to launch Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary's (HMIC) report on police integrity on 14 June. That report dealt with integrity in its widest sense, encompassing issues such as fairness, probity, behaviour and equal treatment. Its 11 recommendations, in areas such as training, recruitment, vetting, management and financial accounting, are relevant to all forces including Cleveland.

  The practical guidance offered by the HMIC report gives us a framework in which chief officers can tackle integrity problems and ensure corrupt and unacceptable practices are rooted out.

  Paedophiles
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what restrictions apply to the distribution of information between departmental Agencies on paedophiles about to be released back into communities. [87413]
  349
  Mr. George Howarth
  Section 115 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 put beyond doubt the power of any person to disclose information, where necessary or expedient for any provision of the Act, to a chief officer of police, a police authority, local authorities, probation service or health authority. Such disclosure is, however, not a duty and must take account of the common law duty of confidence and statutory restrictions on disclosure, including date protection legislation.

  Last year, the Home Office and the Data Protection Registrar issued a joint statement on information sharing under the Act.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what role is played by(a) local area child protection committees, (b) local authority social services, (c) the Probation Service, (d) the Prison Service, (e) Customs and Excise, (f) the NSPCC and (g) the Police in (i) sharing of information on and (ii) measures taken against predatory paedophiles. [87497]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Multi-agency co-operation is essential for the proper assessment and management of the risk that sex offenders pose in the community, the working of area child protection committees and risk assessment panels and the setting up of written protocols for protecting the public. The composition of these bodies can be agreed locally and may include a wide range of organisations.

  Section 115 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 gives an explicit power to disclose information for the purposes of the Act, and we are currently working with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), the Association of Chief Officers of Probation (ACOP) and others to produce guidance on the disclosure of information about sex offenders who might pose a risk to children and others.

  Released sex offenders are supervised by the probation service within a national framework. Such offenders may also be monitored by the police. The Crime and Disorder Act empowers courts to impose an extended period of supervision and provides for a sex offender order where the present conduct of a released sex offender gives rise to concern.

  Drug Treatment Programmes
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many people, including prisoners, participated in publicly funded drug treatment programmes in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement; [87442]

  (2) how many people in drug treatment programmes reported (i) injecting drugs and (ii) sharing needles in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [87441]

  Ms Jowell
  I have been asked to reply.

  In the six month period ending 31 March 1998, 23,916 people were reported to the Regional Drug Misuse Databases in England as presenting for treatment at drug misuse agencies in the community. It is not possible to give precise figures for only those participating in publicly funded drug treatment programmes. However, it is estimated that around two thirds of those reported as
  350
  presenting for treatment attended statutory services; most of the remainder attended voluntary services, although a small number attended private agencies.

  Of those 23,916 people, 46 per cent. of drug users whose injecting status was known had injected in the previous four weeks. Of those who had injected in the previous four weeks, 15 per cent. of drug users whose sharing status was known had shared injecting equipment in the previous four weeks.

  No information is yet available centrally on prisoners participating in drug treatment programmes. A monitoring system to record such information is being established as part of the Prison Service's implementation of its Drugs Strategy.

  The questions relate to the United Kingdom Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator's First Annual Report and National Plan. A statement was made by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office in the House on 25 May 1999, Official Report, 161–63. New research is to be commissioned to establish more robust baselines this year.

  Hillgrove Farm Cattery
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received on the treatment of cats at Hillgrove Farm, Oxfordshire. [87673]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I have received a number of letters via hon. Members and directly from members of the public; I have received a petition calling for the establishment to be closed; and I have answered a number of questions in this House on this subject.

  The scientific community has also made its concerns known to me with regard to:

  (i) the damage that could be caused to important medical and veterinary research should the establishment close; and

  (ii) the increased welfare costs to cats if they have to be obtained from overseas sources.

  I understand that representatives of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have visited the establishment, have seen the animals and have reviewed copies of some of the breeding records sent to them by members of the public. They have not made any formal representations to me on this issue.

  Animal Procedures Committee
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish the latest annual report of the Animal Procedures Committee. [88129]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I have placed the committee's annual report for 1998 in the Library today. I am grateful to the committee for its valuable work over the year and welcome this latest report. I wish the committee well in tackling the continuing agenda of work which the report identifies.

  Communications (Interception)
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish his proposals for updating the legislation on interception of communications. [88130]
  351
  Mr. Straw
  I announced last September that I had put in hand a comprehensive review of the interception regime and that a consultation document would be published in due course. The review is now complete and I am today publishing a consultation paper "Interception of Communications in the United Kingdom" in which our proposals are laid out in detail. A copy has been placed in the Library (copies are available in the Vote Office).

  The extraordinary pace of change in the communications industry, particularly in the last decade, has revolutionised communications and brought benefits to us all. This new technology, however, brings new opportunities for criminals and terrorists, which they have been quick to exploit. The law has not kept pace with these developments. We need to bring our interception law up to date to ensure the continued success of this essential investigative tool.

  There are also some areas in which we need to improve the protection offered to the individual. There is currently no basis in law, for example, for the interception of communications on private telephone networks. We intend to put such interception on a statutory footing for the first time. This will ensure that the privacy of those who use these networks is respected, and that they have a means of redress if their communications are intercepted unlawfully.

  The Government are committed to building a safe, just and tolerant society. In the field of interception, there is a difficult balance to be struck. I believe our proposals strike the right balance and will be grateful for views on any of the proposals in the consultation paper.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  RUC (Portadown)
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which units of(a) the Army and (b) the Royal Irish Regiment were available for call out by Portadown RUC Sub-Division to assist with security problems between 11 p.m. on Saturday 26 April 1997 and 4 a.m. on Sunday 27 April 1997. [85500]

  Mr. Ingram
  Soldiers from three Royal Irish and one Argyll and Southern Highlanders would have been the most immediately available for call out by Portadown RUC Sub-Division during the period in question. Military assistance was not requested, however, as sufficient police resources were available.

  Robert Hamill
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the progress of the Royal Ulster Constabulary investigation into the murder of Robert Hamill. [86272]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]The RUC interviewed a number of people suspected of being involved in the murder of Robert Hamill. Although charges against five were subsequently withdrawn at the direction of the DPP, a sixth man was convicted of affray and sentenced to four years' imprisonment. The RUC have advised that all available lines of inquiry have been 352
  pursued fully. Whilst the investigation remains open, further progress is dependent upon new information or evidence coming to light.

  Rosemary Nelson
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the present role of the Chief Constable of Kent Constabulary in the police investigation into the murder of Rosemary Nelson. [86175]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 8 June 1999]The Chief Constable of Kent continues to provide advice, when requested by Deputy Chief Constable Colin Port, who is directing and controlling the investigation. Mr. Port speaks to him on a regular basis.

  Internet Public Service Website
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the submissions to the Patten Commission that have been posted on the internet public service website for press releases. [87484]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 21 June 1999]Publication of submissions to the independent Commission on Policing on the internet or otherwise is a matter for it and those making the submissions.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures she will take to encourage a public debate on the future of policing in Northern Ireland by means of the NIO internet public service website. [87485]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 21 June 1999]The independent Commission on Policing has been established under the Good Friday Agreement"to make recommendations for future policing arrangements in Northern Ireland including means of encouraging widespread community support".

  The Commission has consulted widely and has its own website at: www.belfast.org.uk

  The e-mail address is: PolComm B @ belfast.org.uk

  The Commission's report will be made available on the
  internet.

  Higher Education Places
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will provide details of the allocation to each college of further and higher education of the 600 additional full-time higher education places to be made available over the next two years. [87886]

  Mr. McFall
  The additional 600 full-time higher education places over the next two academic years have been allocated to further education colleges as follows:

  College

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Total

  Belfast Institute of F&HE

  62

  62

  124

  North West Institute of F&HE

  26

  26

  52

  North Down and Ards Institute of F&HE

  33

  33

  66

  Lisburn Institute of F&HE

  13

  13

  26

  Upper Bann Institute of F&HE

  22

  22

  44

  Newry and Kilkeel Institute of F&HE

  48

  48

  96

  353

  College

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Total

  North East Institute of F&HE

  45

  45

  90

  East Antrim Institute of F&HE

  14

  14

  28

  Fermanagh College of F&HE

  12

  12

  24

  NI Hotel and Catering College

  13

  13

  26

  East Down Institute of F&HE

  12

  12

  24

  Total

  300

  300

  600

  Omagh Bombing
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many individuals have been charged with offences in connection with the bomb explosion in Omagh, County Tyrone on 15 August 1998. [87891]

  Mr. Ingram
  On 24 February, Co1m Murphy was charged in the Republic of Ireland with membership of an illegal organisation and with conspiracy to cause an explosion between 13–16 August 1998. The RUC and Garda Siochana continue to co-operate fully in their painstaking investigations. I pay personal tribute to both police services for their complete dedication and tenacity in this investigation.

  Ministerial Visits (RUC)
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the visits she has made to(a) RUC Headquarters and (b) RUC stations since she took office as Secretary of State stating the duration of each such visit; and if she will provide the same information in respect of each of the Ministers in her Department. [87597]

  Mr. Ingram
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a) RUC Headquarters:

  Private office have details of two visits to RUC Headquarters; one by Mr. Ingram on 12 May 1997 which was scheduled to last 1 hour and one by Mr. Murphy which took place on 8 January 1998, lasting one hour.

  (b) RUC Stations visited

  Station

  Date

  Duration

  Secretary of State

  Strand Road

  9 May 1997

  30 mins

  Lurgan

  17 June

  30 mins

  Newtownabbey

  26 September 1997

  40 mins

  Dungannon

  8 October 1997

  30 mins

  Musgrave Street, Belfast

  24 October 1997

  30 mins

  Balleymoney

  7 November 1997

  30 mins

  Enniskillen

  13 February 1998

  30 mins

  Waterside

  13 March 1998

  30 mins

  Strand Road

  12 May 1998

  45 mins

  Antrim

  18 May 1998

  30 mins

  Mahon Road

  10 July 1998

  30 mins

  Coleraine

  10 February 1999

  1 hr

  Woodbourne

  18 May 1999

  40 mins

  Cookstown

  24 May 1999

  40 mins

  PRRT Maryfield

  7 June 1999

  30 mins

  Mr. Ingram

  Shantallow

  6 June 1997

  45 mins

  Edward Street, Portadown

  25 June 1997

  2 hrs 20 mins

  Garnerville

  3 July 1997

  3 hrs

  Lisburn Road, Belfast

  22 September 1997

  50 mins

  Magherafelt

  20 November 1997

  40 mins

  Castlereagh Holding Centre

  26 January 1998

  1 hr 30 mins

  Bangor

  9 March 1998

  15 mins

  Aughnacloy

  27 April 1998

  Joint Visit

  Ballygawley

  1 hr 30 mins

  Coleraine

  11 May 1998

  2 hrs

  Armagh

  20 May 1998

  3 hrs

  Newtownards

  26 May 1998

  45 mins

  354

  (b) RUC Stations visited

  Station

  Date

  Duration

  Downpatrick

  26 May 1998

  30 mins

  Hillsborough

  7 November 1998

  15 mins

  Castlecourt Post

  16 December 1998

  30 mins

  Omagh

  8 March 1999

  1 hr 15 mins

  Strandtown

  19 May 1999

  1 hr

  Newcastle

  17 June 1999

  45 mins

  Downpatrick

  17 June 1999

  40 mins

  Mr. Murphy

  Oldpark

  9 January 1998

  20 mins

  Ballymena

  30 April 1998

  30 mins

  Omagh

  21 May 1998

  30 mins

  Tennent Street

  3 June 1999

  Joint visit

  Antrim Road

  1 hr 25 mins

  Mr. MCFall—Nil return

  Lord Dubs—Nil return.

  It should be noted that the durations shown have been taken from the programme schedules arranged prior to each visit, as opposed to exact times on the day (which are not readily available). Visits of this kind regularly exceed the arranged times.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is Her Majesty's Government's policy that Kosovo should remain a part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. [86589]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Griffiths), column 917.

  Russia (Anti-semitism)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on anti-semitism in Russia. [86593]

  Ms Quin
  We continue to be concerned at anti-semitic incidents in Russia. But it is the anti-semitic comments by Duma deputies Makashov and Ilyukhin last year which caused outrage in Russia and beyond. At our instigation the EU Presidency made representations to the Russian authorities on this subject in January and my right hon. Friend raised the issue with the Russians during his visit to Russia in March. We remain ready to take further action if necessary, including in co-ordination with our EU partners.

  Qualified Majority Voting
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to seek to extend the scope of qualified majority voting in the Council of Ministers; and if he will make a statement. [86594]

  Ms Quin
  The possible extension of qualified majority voting will be one of the subjects covered in the Inter-Governmental Conference starting in early 2000. We will look at options on a case by case basis. Where it makes practical sense to extend QMV, we will support it. But where key national interests need to be protected,
  355
  such as on border controls, Treaty change, taxation, defence and social security, we will insist on retaining unanimity.

  Middle East Peace Process
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress with the middle east peace process. [86597]

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the prospects for the middle east peace process. [86606]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I refer my hon. Friends to the answer that I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, South-East (Dr. Iddon), column 913.

  Entry Clearance Officers (Training)
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what training is given to entry clearance officers on issues relating to the sexuality of applicants for visas. [86598]

  Mr. Hoon
  One of the main objectives of the initial three-week training course for Entry Clearance Officers is to ensure that they treat all applicants with courtesy and respect, and without any form of discrimination or prejudice. This course includes guidance on the handling of Settlement applications under the same-sex concession.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Kosovo. [86599]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  KFOR initial deployments are complete. There are now about 19,000 KFOR forces in Kosovo. The Serbs have complied with the Military Technical Agreement and all Yugoslav and Serb forces have now withdrawn from Kosovo. Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN Interim Special Representative in Kosovo, is now in Pristina and is developing arrangements for the interim civilian administration. According to UNHCR, 73,500 refugees returned to Kosovo last week from Albania and Macedonia.

  However, there is still much to be done to ensure a secure environment in Kosovo and to help returning refugees and internally displaced people to rebuild their lives. Britain will continue to take a leading role in these efforts.

  Mr. Geraint Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to meet the US Secretary of State to discuss developments in Kosovo. [86604]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is and will remain in very regular contact with the US Secretary of State, Mrs. Madeleine Albright, about Kosovo.

  Mr. Martin Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the prospects for refugees from Kosovo being able to return to their homes. [86605]
  356
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  An estimated 140,000 refugees have returned spontaneously to Kosovo from Albania and Macedonia to date and the flow of refugees back to Kosovo continues. The UNHCR will shortly begin a programme of organised returns, once they are sure that the areas to which the refugees are returning are safe. Her Majesty's Government will continue to work closely with the relief agencies to assist the return process.

  Mr. Robert Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to protect the historic Serb religious and cultural sites in Kosovo. [87254]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  UN Security Council Resolution 1244 provides that after the withdrawal of Yugoslav and Serb forces from Kosovo, an agreed number of Yugoslav and Serb military and police personnel will be permitted to return to Kosovo to perform certain functions. These functions include maintaining a presence at Serb historic, religious and cultural sites.

  More generally, KFOR has been tasked with establishing a secure environment throughout Kosovo.

  Iran
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to visit Iran to discuss the upgrading of diplomatic relations. [86601]

  Mr. Hoon
  There are no immediate plans for the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to visit Iran.

  Indonesia
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans his Department has to assist progress towards democracy in Indonesia; and if he will make a statement. [86602]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham), column 917.

  Economic Reconstruction (Balkans)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his plans for economic reconstruction in the Balkans. [86603]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Her Majesty's Government are actively pursuing, with partners, a range of initiatives to promote stabilisation and prosperity in south eastern Europe. The offer of new Stabilisation and Association Agreements for the countries of the region, once they meet the conditions, will help accelerate the EU integration process and make it more inclusive.

  We actively supported the EU presidency initiative for a Stability Pact for south-east Europe, which was launched on 10 June and will provide a new form of co-operation, including on reconstruction issues. We warmly welcome current EU and World Bank efforts to assess the reconstruction needs in Kosovo and the impact of the crisis on the neighbouring region. We will continue

  357
  to play our part in all efforts designed to overcome the consequences of the crisis and bring the countries of the region into the European mainstream.

  European Common Foreign and Security Policy
  Mr. Jim Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with European counterparts about the future development of common foreign and security policy. [86607]

  Ms Quin
  I have regular meetings with my European counterparts, at which the future development of the Common Foreign and Security Policy has been a frequent topic of discussion.

  European Union (Reform)
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the President of the European Commission to discuss the reform of European Union institutions. [86608]

  Ms Quin
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary last discussed institutional reform with Mr. Prodi when he presented his plans for reform of the Commission to the Cologne European Council on 3–4 June. Like us, Mr. Prodi sees a need to overhaul financial and personnel management within the Commission. We shall work with him to help him achieve his plans.

  Kashmir
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the situation in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement. [86609]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Savidge), column 920.

  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will assess the impact on the territorial integrity of(a) Pakistan and (b) India of Kashmir becoming an independent state; and if he will make a statement. [87670]

  Mr. Hoon
  Such an exercise would not be helpful. It is for India and Pakistan to find a solution to this issue. Any lasting solution must involve, and reflect the views of, the people of Kashmir.

  West Bank (Human Rights)
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the latest human rights situation in the occupied territories of the west bank. [86611]

  Mr. Hoon
  We follow closely the human rights situation in the Occupied Territories. We have repeatedly expressed our concern to the Israeli Government about settlement activity, house demolitions and land confiscation. These activities are in breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention, an obstacle to peace and worsen the climate for final status negotiations.
  358
  We have also supported a project to promote human rights within the Palestinian community through the Palestinian Rights Programme, which has been funded by the FCO Human Rights Project Fund and managed by the British Council.

  European Parliaments
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts on improving communication between the national parliaments of Europe. [86578]

  Ms Quin
  The Government believe the national Parliaments have a crucial role to play in giving the European Union legitimacy, and in ensuring that Europe's agenda is set by concerns of Europe's citizens. Improving communications between the national Parliaments will help them to play that role more effectively.

  The Amsterdam Treaty has enhanced their role. We welcome the new six-week minimum scrutiny period for EU legislation, and for a new consultative role for COSAC. These steps will complement the steps we have taken to improve our own scrutiny system.

  In particular, we have extended the scheme for hon. Members to visit EU institutions to include visits to the national Parliaments of our European partners.

  These improved links will help Westminster's voice be heard more clearly in Europe.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 19 April 1999,Official Report, column 405, on special advisers, if he will give the total travel cost of each occasion when (a) departmental and (b) non-departmental advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity since 2 May 1997 and the place visited. [82413]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  For the period 2 May 1997 to 24 April 1999, special advisers in my Department have travelled overseas in an official capacity on 31 occasions. The total cost of travel amounted to £28,475. On most of these visits, special advisers, accompanying Ministers, travelled aboard charter RAF flights at no extra cost to Her Majesty's Government.

  All travel complied with the requirements of the ministerial code and the Civil Service Management code.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Government Ministers have visited Gibraltar since May 1997. [87290]

  Ms Quin
  Since May 1997, the following Government Ministers have visited Gibraltar: Mr. Doug Henderson, the then Minister for Europe, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (7–8 October 1997); Mr. John Spellar, Under-Secretary of State for Defence (16–17 October 1997).

  I am planning to visit Gibraltar on 22–23 July. My visit was originally planned for 13–14 May, but was postponed following the tragic death of the right hon. Derek Fatchett MP.
  359
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last discussed issues concerning Gibraltar and Spain with the Spanish Government; and if he will list the issues discussed. [87287]

  Ms Quin
  My right hon. Friend has regular contact with the Spanish Foreign Minister. We last discussed such issues on 22 March in the margins of the General Affairs Council and 24–25 March in the margins of the Berlin European Council. We covered border delays, allegations of criminality, and preparations for the UK/Spain summit.

  EC Research Projects
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library project summaries on European Communities research contracts(a) SOE1-CT95–1005, (b) SOE2-CT95–3004, (c) SOE2-CT95–3009, (d) SOE2-CT96–3006, (e) SOE2-CT97–3042, (f) SOE2-CT97–3045, (g) SOE2-CT97– 3048, (h) SOE2-CT97–3050,(i) SOE2-CT97–3059 and (j) SOE2-CT97–3060, indicating their sponsoring DGs in each case and the reason for the project's commissioning; how many research projects are currently funded by the Communities; and if he will make a statement. [87380]

  Ms Quin
  The project reference numbers provided are not familiar. If the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) would care to provide further details, I will endeavour to answer his question in full.

  Strategic Export Controls
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to publish the 1998 Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls. [87448]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We will publish the Report as soon as possible.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to assist in measures to reduce the level of corruption in Zimbabwe. [87699]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Department for International Development, through its projects with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Ministry of Local Government and the Privatisation Agency, is assisting in measures to combat corruption in Zimbabwe; and will continue to support initiatives aimed at improving accountability and tackling corruption.

  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Government support and advice is provided to police forces in Zimbabwe to assist and encourage them to (i) police by consent and (ii) maintain a politically neutral position. [87767]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Under a project funded by the Department for International Development, the Zimbabwe Republic Police receive support and advice from British police forces on many issues, to help them protect individual rights and improve public confidence in police services.
  360
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the level of political violence in Zimbabwe; what representations he has made to the Government of Zimbabwe on this matter; and if he will make a statement. [87700]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  I receive regular reports of political developments in Zimbabwe from our High Commission in Harare. We made representations to the Government of Zimbabwe over the illegal arrest and torture of two newspaper journalists in January 1999. I raised our concerns about human rights with President Mugabe when he visited London in December 1998 and when I visited Harare in February 1999.

  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Government support is provided to the Zimbabwean human rights organisation ZimRights. [87698]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Government supported an organisational/development conference for ZimRights in December 1997. The Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which is largely funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, is currently supporting a three-year ZimRights education programme for domestic and commercial farm workers.

  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports have been received from the EU-funded election monitoring programme in Zimbabwe(a) in general and (b) on the preparations for this year's urban elections; and if he will make a statement. [87697]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The EU is funding an election monitoring training programme in Zimbabwe, run by the non-governmental organisation, ZimRights. They started work in May 1999. The main objective is to build a team of independent national election monitors to be in place for the 2000 General Election and the 2002 Presidential Election. The team will also monitor by-elections and local council elections. They have not produced any reports yet.

  FCO Establishment (Morwenstow)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the purpose of his Department's establishment at Morwenstow, Cornwall. [87601]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The Composite Signals Organisation Station at Morwenstow is part of GCHQ. It is longstanding policy not to provide details about the operations of the security and intelligence services.

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to visit the Falkland Islands to discuss the recent talks with Argentinian officials. [86579]
  361
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  I visited the Falklands in April last year and have made no plans for a further visit. British and Argentine delegations met in London on 25–27 May to discuss South Atlantic issues. Talks were held on issues such as air links, Argentine access to the Falklands, and our common interest in combating illegal fishing.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in how many cases involving claims for jobseeker's allowance in the Lancaster and South Cumbria district Regulation 13(b) of the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations 1996 was applied. [85490]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I have been asked to reply.

  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Foster to Miss Geraldine Smith, dated 17 June 1999:
  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Minister of State has asked Leigh Lewis to reply direct to your question concerning the number of cases involving claims for Jobseeker's Allowance in the Lancaster and South Cumbria district where the provisions of Regulation 13(4) of the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations 1996 have been applied. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to Mr. Lewis as Chief Executive of the Employment Service. I am replying in his absence.
  I regret that the information you have requested is not available. Details of decisions given by Employment Service Adjudication Officers on labour market questions are recorded in a quarterly summary—the 'Analysis of Adjudication Officers' Decisions', a copy of which is held in the Library. The statistics include the number of decisions made in respect of jobseekers who restrict their availability to less than 40 hours a week. Unfortunately, decisions where the only consideration was whether the provisions of regulation 13(4) applied are not recorded separately. Nor are figures separately recorded for individual Employment Service Districts.
  I am sorry that I cannot be more helpful.

  Invalid Care Allowance
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the additional cost to public funds of increasing the level of weekly earnings which are defined as gainful employment for the purpose of claiming invalid care allowance to(a) £55, (b) £60,
  (c) £65, (d) £70, (e) £75 and (f) £100. [86850]

  Mr. Bayley
  It is not possible to cost any of these measures as sufficiently accurate data are not available.

  Housing Benefit (South-West)
  Valerie Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much housing benefit was paid for the tenants of housing associations, local housing companies and other registered social landlords living in the South West in 1998–99. [87614]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.
  362
  The estimated Housing Benefit paid for tenants of housing associations for the South West area in 1997–98 is £155 million.

  Note:

  The data used refer to Housing Association tenants only but may include data for local housing companies and other registered social landlords.

  Sources:

  1. Housing Benefit Management Information Systems Data (May 1997 and May 1998)

  2. Local Authorities' final subsidy claims (1997–98).

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the income levels are of those current incapacity benefit recipients who first made their claim after April 1995 and who have been excluded from the transitional protection provided to former invalidity benefit claimants. [87587]

  Mr. Bayley
  When Incapacity Benefit was introduced transitional arrangements allowed those already in receipt of Invalidity Benefit to continue to receive their previous rate of benefit. This is standard procedure following a major change in Social Security legislation.

  It is not possible to provide figures on income levels just for Incapacity Benefit recipients whose claims began after April 1995. Such information as is available is in the table.

  The number and percentage of all Incapacity Benefit recipients (including those formerly on Invalidity Benefit) in each quintile of the income distribution

  Income quintile

  Number in quintile (BHC)

  Percentage in quintile (BHC)

  Number in quintile (AHC)

  Percentage in quintile (AHC)

  Bottom

  330,000

  19

  350,000

  20

  2

  570,000

  34

  550,000

  32

  3

  390,000

  23

  380,000

  22

  4

  290,000

  17

  300,000

  17

  Top

  130,000

  8

  150,000

  9

  Notes:

  1. BHC = Income quintiles calculated before adjusting for housing costs. AHC = Income quintiles calculated after adjusting for housing costs.

  2. Columns may not sum due to rounding.

  3. These figures are estimates for the latest year available, which was the financial year 1996–97. The data has been derived from the Department of Social Security's Households Below Average Income dataset, which in turn is based upon the Family Resources Survey for the same period.

  4. The income figures are based on household income, adjusted for household size and composition. This reflects the commonsense notion that a household of five adults will need a higher income than a person living alone in order to enjoy the same standard of living. The process of adjusting income in this way is known as equalisation and is needed in order to make sensible income comparisons between households. Each income quintile contains 20 per cent. of the population of Great Britain.

  5. The equivalence scales make allowance for factors such as household size and the age of any children but not for any extra costs that people with disabilities may have. Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance, which are paid to help with the extra costs of disability are included as income in these estimates. Removing Attendance and Disability Living Allowance from income reduces the proportion of Incapacity Benefit recipients in the top half of the income distribution by about 5 or 6 percentage points.

  Retirement Age
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to equalise the retirement age for men and women; and if he will make a statement. [87421]

  Mr. Timms
  The Pensions Act 1995 equalised State pension age for men and women from a future date. Women's State pension age will be increased gradually from 60 to 65 between the years 2010 and 2020. State pension age will be equalised at 65 for both men and women from 6 April 2020.

CABINET OFFICE

  Civil Service Appointments
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office since 1 May 1997, how many(a) Grade One, (b) Grade Two and (c) Grade Three equivalent civil servants have been appointed; how many in each category came from (i) within the Civil Service and (ii) outside the Civil Service; and if the posts were advertised in media available outside the Civil Service. [87600]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Since 1 May 1997, 19 former Grade 1 and 54 former Grade 2 equivalent appointments have been made.

  At Grade 1 six appointments were filled through open competition advertised in the press (two from outside the Civil Service and four from within). The other 13 appointments were made through internal arrangements.

  At Grade 2 equivalent ten appointments were filled through open competition advertised in the press (four from outside the Civil Service and six from within). One appointment was made on secondment. The other 43 appointments were made through internal arrangements.

  Figures are not held centrally for all appointments made at former Grade 3 level. However, 33 appointments at this
  364
  level were filled through open competition advertised in the press. Twenty of the appointees came from outside the Civil Service and 13 from within.

  Class A Drugs
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) if he will estimate the current average age of first use of class A drugs; and if he will make a statement; [87436]

  (2) what estimate he made of the number of 11 to 16-year-olds who use class A drugs; and how many reported so doing in the latest year for which figures are available. [87438]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  There are no reliable figures at this time which relate to illegal drug use specifically for Class A drugs in this age group. We are commissioning new research to establish robust baselines this year.

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proportion of people under 25 years reported using (i) heroin, (ii) cocaine and (iii) any illegal drug in the last(a) month and (b) year for which figures are available. [87437]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  There are no reliable figures at this time which relate to illegal drug use specifically among the under 25 age group. We are commissioning new research to establish more robust baselines this year.

  The 1996 British Crime Survey (England and Wales) percentage figures for 16 to 19-year-olds and 20 to 24-year-olds who indicated they had taken these drugs are as shown.

  Heroin

  Cocaine

  Any Drug

  Last Year

  16–19

  under 0.5

  1

  31

  20–24

  under 0.5

  2

  27

  Last Month

  16–19

  0

  under 0.5

  19

  20–24

  under 0.5

  under 0.5

  18

  Kosovar Refugees: UK Aid
  Kosovar Refugees: UK Aid
  Refugees in Serbia
  Refugees in Serbia
  Animal Procedures Committee
  Animal Procedures Committee
  Communications Interception
  Communications Interception
  Immigration and Nationality Directorate: Contract with Siemens
  Immigration and Nationality Directorate: Contract with Siemens
  Human Rights Act 1998
  Human Rights Act 1998
  Charities and the Human Rights Convention
  Charities and the Human Rights Convention
  Open and Resettlement Prisons
  Open and Resettlement Prisons
  Channel Islands and Isle of Man: EU Powers
  Channel Islands and Isle of Man: EU Powers
  Freight Transfer from Road to Rail: Grants
  Freight Transfer from Road to Rail: Grants
  A.303 Stonehenge Improvement Scheme
  A.303 Stonehenge Improvement Scheme
  Air Traffic Management, Europe
  Air Traffic Management, Europe
  Medicines Control Agency
  Medicines Control Agency
  NHS Regions: Chairmen's Appointment
  NHS Regions: Chairmen's Appointment
  Food Safety
  Food Safety
  Food Poisoning Outbreaks: Causes
  Food Poisoning Outbreaks: Causes
  Palace of Westminster Visitor Charging: Consultants' Study
  Palace of Westminster Visitor Charging: Consultants' Study
  Smoking in the House of Lords
  Smoking in the House of Lords
  Palace of Westminster Guided Tours
  Palace of Westminster Guided Tours
  LEA Secondary School Places: Outborough Pupil Numbers
  LEA Secondary School Places: Outborough Pupil Numbers
  Further Education Colleges: Teaching Staff Ethnic Origins
  Further Education Colleges: Teaching Staff Ethnic Origins
  Prayers
  Prayers
  Appeals: Management Decisions
  Appeals: Management Decisions
  Crown Prosecution Service
  Crown Prosecution Service
  Millennium Dome: Disability Training
  Millennium Dome: Disability Training
  Diazinon Products: Sale Abroad
  Diazinon Products: Sale Abroad
  Meat Hygiene Service
  Meat Hygiene Service
  Pigs Imported from China
  Pigs Imported from China
  Building Maintenance and Repairs: VAT
  Building Maintenance and Repairs: VAT
  European Community Budget: UK contribution
  European Community Budget: UK contribution
  Scottish Parliament Building
  Scottish Parliament Building
  Ministerial Meetings with KLA
  Ministerial Meetings with KLA
  Ascension Island
  Ascension Island
  Turkey: Embassy Staff Visits to Mayors and Officials
  Turkey: Embassy Staff Visits to Mayors and Officials
  Turkey: British Council Work in Diyarbakir
  Turkey: British Council Work in Diyarbakir
  Turkey: Bar Human Rights Committee Visits
  Turkey: Bar Human Rights Committee Visits
  Turkey: Human Rights Reports
  Turkey: Human Rights Reports