Written Answers of 30 June 1999

DEFENCE

  Chemical Weapons Convention
  Liz Blackman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role his Department is playing in the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. [89515]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  My Department is playing a full part in meeting the UK's obligations under the Convention. Since the convention's entry into force in April 1997, the UK has received 28 routine verification inspections, of which 19 have been to defence or former defence facilities in the UK. All have been conducted successfully by the international Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, who oversee the treaty. Earlier this month, we held the latest in a series of successful exercises to simulate an incoming challenge inspection (which could be requested by another State Party) to a defence facility in the UK, in which inspectors and observers from the OPCW and overseas countries participated.

  I am pleased to report that Ambassador Bustani, Director General of the OPCW, announced yesterday that CBD Porton Down has achieved the status of Designated Laboratory under the CWC, following its success in a series of demanding proficiency tests. This means that Porton is internationally recognised as competent to carry out analysis of chemical samples to the highest levels of accuracy. Such samples could be taken during routine or challenge inspections, including in cases of the alleged use of chemical weapons. Porton is one of only 12 laboratories worldwide to achieve this status.

  Yesterday's announcement confirms both the world class scientific and technical excellence of Porton and the UK's full commitment to ridding the world of chemical weapons.

  Meteorological Office, Newcastle
  Mr.Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the Meteorological Office in Newcastle; and if he will make a statement. [88280]

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

  Letter from Peter Ewins to Mr. Eric Martlew, dated 30 June 1999:
  I am replying to your question to The Secretary of State for Defence about Newcastle weather centre. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Met. Office.
  Following a comprehensive review of our forecasting processes, we recently announced plans to rationalise our national network of weather centres. The opportunities offered by improved technology will allow us to make greater use of automation in the production of weather forecasts and concentrate our activities at fewer locations,
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  thereby maintaining the quality of the services we offer at a much reduced cost. As a result, we plan to close 5 weather centres over the next 2½ years, including Newcastle by the end of 2001.
  I am confident that the accuracy of forecasts will remain as high as ever in the Newcastle area, and indeed improve as meteorology continues to advance. In particular, we aim to provide a better service to the public through closer working relationships with the BBC regions. We will also continue to collect observational data locally. Knowledge of local geography and meteorological conditions will always be important, but the latest advances in technology together with improved communications, will enable us to prepare and deliver forecasts remotely, more cost-effectively.
  I can assure you that we remain wholly committed to our primary aim of providing our customers, now and in the future, with the range of services they require, in a timely and effective manner, at a price they can afford.

  Service Children's Education
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure(a) parity of standards and (b) equality of opportunity between Service Children's Education and local authority provision in the UK. [88361]

  Mr.Spellar
  [holding answer 28 June 1999]: Service Children's Education was established as a Defence Agency specifically to provide an education service to the children of Service and MOD personnel serving overseas, that conforms, as far as possible, to the scope and standards required by the Education Acts in England and Wales. Key Targets are set annually and those for 1999 were announced in the House on 9 June 1999, Official Report, column 329. Performance against Key Targets is reported in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts which are laid before the House each year prior to the summer recess. To date, the Agency's performance has been slightly ahead of the UK LEA average.

  The Agency's ownership is delegated by the Secretary of State for Defence to the Adjutant General, who is assisted in this task by an Owner's Advisory Board, the membership of which includes senior representatives from the DfEE, Ofsted, and Wiltshire LEA. All the Agency's teachers are UK qualified and all the Agency's schools are subject to regular inspections by Ofsted. The Agency is implementing all the Government's latest education initiatives, in particular the literacy and numeracy strategies, in its schools worldwide. It has also successfully introduced the provision of free nursery education for 4 year olds in 48 nursery and pre-school locations worldwide.

  Parents have the right to express a preference in their choice of SCE school, although there is clearly less opportunity for choice in the more isolated locations. Although the Agency does try to meet Special Education Needs in its schools, it is not always possible to accommodate children with certain, more specialised needs especially in those areas lacking appropriate inter-agency support.

  We have also taken action, through the Families Task Force, to ensure that local education authorities are sensitive to the position of Service children returning from abroad. There is now specific guidance on this point in the DfEE Code of Practice on Schools Admission Policy.

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
  Sir Michael Spicer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, under the public-private partnership proposals
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  for DERA, that organisation will be deemed to carry the full risk of bankruptcy for the purpose of being able to borrow freely in the private capital market. [87372]

  Mr.Spellar
  No decisions have been made on the form of a PPP for DERA. However, regardless of the precise form of PPP, the Government would wish to ensure that it had rights to retain access to any strategic capabilities for use only in extreme circumstances, such as bankruptcy.

  Millennium Compliance (Russia)
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the level of cooperation with Russia over year 2000 compliance. [87654]

  Mr. Spellar
  MOD officials took part in discussions with Russia on the Millennium compliance problem under the auspices of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council prior to the commencement of the air campaign in the Balkans, when Russia suspended formal cooperation on defence issues. In April, a technical expert from the MOD attended a G8 Y2K meeting in Moscow. The possibility of trilateral talks between the UK, the US and Russia is being pursued.

  Mutual Defence Agreement (USA)
  Mr.Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the number of personnel currently working in the United States under the auspices of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement, (b) which US facility they are working in and (c) their purpose for being there. [88136]

  Mr. Spellar
  There are four UK officials serving in the US under the auspices of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement (MDA). All are located in the British Embassy, Washington, DC. Their duties are to facilitate the conduct of bilateral business within the provisions of the MDA. In addition, there are three staff seconded from AWE Aldermaston to the US to assist with the technical development of facilities of mutual interest. Currently, two are stationed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and one at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visits of UK personnel to the US under the auspices of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement have occurred in the last 12 months. [88138]

  Mr. Spellar
  During the period 1 June 1998 to 31 May 1999, a total of 235 visits to the US, involving one or more individuals, took place under the auspices of the 1958 UK/US Mutual Defence Agreement.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many EIVRs have been generated as a result of exchanges of information under the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement in each of the last five years; and if he will place unclassified versions in the Library. [88139]

  Mr. Spellar
  Two Exchanges of Information by Visit and Report, EIVRs, have occurred within the last five years. One, on the subject of Test Monitoring, was generated in 1997 and first met in 1998. The most recent, on matters concerned with the future contract to manage the Atomic Weapons Establishment, was both created and met in 1998. The details of such exchanges are invariably classified and are withheld under the terms of Exemption 160
  Category 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information relating to defence, security and international relations. Accordingly, no unclassified version is, or will be, available.

  Aldermaston
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many French personnel have visited AWE Aldermaston in the last 12 months. [88140]

  Mr. Spellar
  During the period 1 June 1998 to 31 May 1999, a total of 82 French personnel visited AWE Aldermaston.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visits of US personnel to AWE Aldermaston have occurred in the last 12 months. [88137]

  Mr. Spellar
  During the period 1 June 1998 to 31 May 1999, a total of 110 visits to AWE Aldermaston by US personnel, involving one or more individuals, took place.

  Tanks (Yugoslavia)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many tanks were(a) destroyed and (b) significantly damaged during the military action against Yugoslavia. [88079]

  Mr. George Robertson
  [holding answer 24 June 1999]: Now that KFOR troops have deployed into Kosovo, a fuller assessment of the damage inflicted on Yugoslav forces is under way. This will take some time to complete. But the measure of the campaign's success lies in the fact that it resulted in the withdrawal of Milosevic's troops from Kosovo, the entry of KFOR and the return of the refugees.

  Controlled Substances (Emissions)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the letter of 3 October 1998, D/MIN/(DP)(TG)/3521/98M, on atmospheric pollution, what collaborative research and development programmes aimed at identifying further alternatives to ozone-depleting substances in the applications where they are still necessary have been carried out in the last nine months; and what reduction has taken place in controlled substances where acceptable alternatives are available. [87386]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 29 June 1999]: In my response to the hon. Member's earlier question on this subject on 18 January 1999, Official Report, columns 312–13, I reported on the continuing progress made by the MOD in reducing its use of ozone depleting substances.

  Since the beginning of the year, a number of CFC and halon systems have been converted to alternative substances. The Royal Navy has completed the conversion or replacement of refrigeration plant on HMS Fearless, HMS Illustrious, HMS Leeds Castle, HMS Sultan, HMS Lancaster and RFA Black Rover. Modification kits have been procured for conversion of refrigeration plants on HMS Spartan, HMS Torbay and HMS Trenchant, and for a chilled water plant on HMS Spartan. Installation of a new chilled water plant has started on HMS Torbay. Action has been taken to procure the kits for conversion of

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  refrigeration plants on the Type 23 frigates. The Army has completed trials of alternatives to halon fire extinguishants for use in in-service armoured vehicle engine compartments and an acceptable fire extinguishant has been identified. A programme of work to convert these systems is now being drawn up. Work to convert CFC environment cooling systems in armoured vehicles has also started. The Defence Procurement Agency has completed the majority of its trials of alternative refrigerants in equipment for which it is responsible and the final report on the conversion of the Challenger 2 engine fire protection systems is expected during July. The Royal Air Force has completed the conversion of refrigerators on all but two of the E3 Sentry aircraft; these remaining aircraft will be modified as soon as operational commitments allow. In a number of cases, equipment that used ozone-depleting substances has been decommissioned as surplus to requirements. At DERA Chertsey, for example, this has reduced the installed quantity of CFC refrigerants by approximately 230 tonnes.

  The use of CFC refrigerants will be necessary until conversion programmes can be completed or, where conversion is not technically and economically feasible, until equipment is removed from service. For halon systems which protect, amongst others, existing aircraft, ship machinery spaces and armoured vehicle crew compartments, acceptable alternatives have not been identified, despite considerable international effort. The MOD Corporate Research Programme is funding a study by DERA into alternative fire extinguishants for use in normally occupied enclosed spaces. The study has identified two classes of material with promising fire extinguishing properties. These are the tropodegradable bromoalkenes and a range of phosphorus-containing compounds. The aim is to identify one or more chemicals with good performance and acceptable toxicological and environmental characteristics. This work is being undertaken in close collaboration with the US Advanced Agent Working Group and the US Department of Defence's Next Generation Fire Suppression Technology Program. The Royal Navy continues its sponsorship of research into water mist technologies for potential use in fire protection in new warships. The work has demonstrated that low pressure fine water spray systems with certain additives can give a very effective performance and this work will be validated with real-scale tests over the next 18 months. Close contact is being maintained with the US Navy and US Coast Guard who are also developing water-based technologies for use in future ships.

  Security Facilities Executive
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department has taken to market test services previously supplied to it by the Security Facilities Executive. [87775]

  Mr. Spellar
  SAFE, now the Security Facilities Division of the Cabinet Office, continues to supply specialist security advice and services. The MOD has not market tested these services.

  France (Stockpile Programme)
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the broad areas of assistance that have been provided to date to France to aid their stockpile stewardship programme. [88141]

  Mr. Spellar
  The MOD continues to maintain contacts with France on a range of technical and scientific issues relating to nuclear weapons. I am withholding more specific information under the terms of Exemption Category I of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information relating to defence, security and international relations.

  European Communities Working Groups
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the European Communities working groups which met over the last 12 months with a representative from his Department in attendance; if he will list the number of times each met; if he will indicate the nature of the Government's representation; and if he will make a statement. [88484]

  Mr. Spellar
  Ministry of Defence officials have attended meetings of POLARM, an ad hoc EU working party on European armaments policy, on four occasions in the last 12 months.

  Aldermaston Health and Safety at Work Committee
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place copies of the minutes of the nine meetings of the Aldermaston Health and Safety at Work Committee in the Library. [89018]

  Mr. Spellar
  I have arranged for this to be done.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Rover
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of the new BMW-Rover deal on United Kingdom suppliers to the company. [88501]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 28 June 1999]: The new R30 model this investment secures comes into production in 2003. Rover have therefore yet to open discussions with suppliers. The action taken by the Government to secure the future of Longbridge will provide opportunities for UK suppliers which otherwise would not have been available.

  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library the conditions he has set for the Government investment in Rover, Longbridge. [88503]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 28 June 1999]The exact conditions of the aid package to Rover are commercially confidential.

  Small Business Service
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for the Small Business Service; and if he will make a statement. [89517]
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  Mr. Byers
  The Government are planning to set up a Small Business Service with three main tasks: to act as a voice for small businesses at the heart of Government; to simplify and improve the quality and coherence of Government support for small businesses; to help small firms deal with regulation and ensure small firms' interests are properly considered in future regulation.

  We want to ensure that opportunities for enterprise are open to all; and to create an environment where more entrepreneurs emerge and are successful.

  The Small Business Service will be headed by a Chief Executive who will report to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and have direct access to Ministers across Government. He or she will have a substantial and wide-ranging role, including:
  a right to be consulted on all new Government legislation presented to Parliament in Westminster that is likely to affect small businesses; and a right to be consulted on all new proposals for business support likely to affect small business in England;
  representing the interests and concerns of small firms and ensuring they are taken into account by Government;
  responsibility for ensuring that all Government services directed primarily or mainly to small businesses-led are accessible through Small Business Service local outlets, thus taking forward the Business Link network;
  responsibility for ensuring that the delivery of business support services reflects local priorities so that it is business-led and Government-backed. In addition, local delivery arrangements will be shaped by the overall economic strategies developed by the Regional Development Agencies.

  I am today launching a public consultation on the Small Business Service, which includes a range of proposals in addition to the role and responsibilities of the Chief Executive.

  One particular proposal is to set up the Small Business Service as a Next Steps Agency within the Department of Trade and Industry as from April 2000.

  Other key proposals include:
  creating an independent advisory body—the "Enterprise Council" to advise the Chief Executive and report regularly to Ministers on matters of concern to small business;
  making the Small Business Service responsible for managing the Government's Enterprise Fund;
  making the Small Business Service responsible for providing practical help with payroll administration;
  giving the Small Business Service responsibility for providing co-ordinated information for small firms on their regulatory obligations and for developing ways to work with regulators so as to ensure that they provide information and guidance material tailored to the needs of small businesses.

  Copies of the consultation document and a summary leaflet with the main proposals have been placed in the Library of the House. I am inviting comments on my proposals by 30 September.

  Director General of Fair Trading
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to publish the report by the Director General of Fair Trading for 1998. [89518]
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  Dr. Howells
  The 25th annual report by the Director General of Fair Trading has been published today. It covers the period from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 1998. Copies of the report have been laid before Parliament.

  Interconnector (France)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the amount of electricity received via the interconnector with France in each of the last five years. [88205]

  Mr. Battle
  The following table shows the quantities of electricity imported from France in each of the last five years:

  GWh

  1994

  16,887

  1995

  16,306

  1996

  16,677

  1997

  16,558

  1998

  12,819

  These imports amounted to 3½ per cent. of United Kingdom electricity requirements in 1998.

  Mineworkers (Respiratory Diseases)
  Mr. HomeRobertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress of compensation payments to former mineworkers affected by respiratory diseases in(a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) each of the English regions; how many claims are still outstanding; and when he expects the process to be completed. [87584]

  Mr. Battle
  As at 17 June 1999, IRISC, the Department's claim handling agent, have received some 71,500 claims from former miners and their dependants. These can be broken down into(a) Scotland—5,500; (b) Wales—20,500; and (c) North West—4,100; North East—7,700; North and West Yorkshire—4,700; South Yorkshire—14,100; East Midlands—10,100; West Midlands—3,400; South—1,200; Overseas—200.

  The contract for a national programme of spirometry testing for all respiratory disease claimants has been awarded to Healthcall Services Ltd. Healthcall have established testing centres in Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Newcastle, Sheffield, Nottingham, Leeds and Glasgow and will shortly be opening at least 17 more in other coalmining areas. The programme of spirometry will enable us to make further interim payments beyond the £25 million already offered and, in some cases, full and final offers to those who may not wish to pursue their claim further.

  Discussions have taken place with Scottish solicitors and similar handling arrangements to those in England and Wales are close to being agreed to compensate ex-miners in Scotland.

  Environmental Measures
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the emission savings that could be achieved(a) by an additional

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  5 per cent. tax on domestic energy consumption and (b) by the introduction of the climate change levy; and if he will make a statement. [88318]

  Mr. Battle
  For social policy reasons, the Government have no intention of introducing new taxes on domestic consumption of fuel and power. The climate change levy will encourage energy efficiency in business and is expected to save around 1.5 million tonnes of carbon a year by 2010.

  Electricity Supply Interruptions
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he proposes to take in response to the report on Electricity Supply Interruptions. [88308]

  Mr. Battle
  While we recognise that security of supply is of paramount importance even in open markets, ensuring this is a matter for the Director General of Electricity Supply. The report, which he commissioned, followed the disruption to electricity supplies as a result of gale force winds on 26 December 1998. The report contains a number of recommendations concerning electricity distribution network performance, restoration of supplies, communications with customers and payments to customers under Standards of Performance Regulations.

  Comments on the full list of recommendations, together with suggestions for other areas where further investigation is merited, were invited, and the period for those comments ends on 25 June. Any feedback will be used to inform the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets' continuing review of the companies' performance.

  Aero Engine Manufacturers (US)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the(a) direct and (b) indirect support given by the United States Government to United States aero engine manufacturers. [88122]

  Mr. Battle
  My Department is aware of the substantial support the United States Government provide to their aero engine manufacturers, mainly through various NASA and Department of Defence programmes, while noting that the US economy is six times that of the UK.

  The key US civil programmes which have supported propulsion research and development include NASA's programmes on High Speed Civil Transport; Advanced Subsonic Technologies; and Advanced General Aviation Transport Experiment.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on legally-binding targets for renewables in the EU; and if he will make a statement. [86859]

  Mr. Battle
  I have received letters from Greenpeace, RSPB and Climate Network Europe.

  The adoption of targets can assist in promoting the greater use of renewable energy. In the UK, we are working towards a target of 10 per cent. electricity from renewables as soon as possible. We hope to achieve this by 2010. Other member states have set their own targets.
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  Support schemes for renewables should be designed to operate in the most cost-effective way possible. This will require the introduction, in due course, of a system which promotes competition between renewables providers, in order to ensure that costs are driven down as far as is practicable. I want to see renewables come in from the margins into the mainstream, and I believe that competition-based schemes are the right way we will achieve this.

  I remain committed to the promotion of renewables. I pressed the case at the Energy Council on 11 May, called for action by the Commission, and sought to persuade all member states to implement national strategies to increase significantly the contribution of renewables to Europe's energy supply.

  Aerospace Industry
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussion he has had with(a) BAe and (b) other UK aerospace companies about the restructuring of the industry; and if he will make a statement. [88873]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 29 June 1999]: I and officials in my Department maintain regular contact with BAe and other UK aerospace companies about restructuring and other strategic issues facing the industry. When I attended the ministerial meeting of Airbus partners and the Paris Air Show recently, I was able to meet a wide range of industry's key players for this purpose.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans his Department has to assist and co-ordinate efforts by British companies in reconstruction projects in Kosovo and the neighbouring countries. [88596]

  Mr. Battle
  At the Secretary of State's initiative, the Department has already established a joint Government private sector Taskforce to promote and co-ordinate the UK's response to the reconstruction arising in Kosovo; its prime objective is to ensure that the UK is co-ordinated to play their role in the rebuilding process. The Taskforce, which has already met twice, is chaired by Nigel Thompson of Ove Amp; the other private sector representatives on the Taskforce are from: AMEC, Mott MacDonald, Kennedy Construction, Taylor Woodrow, Crown Agents, British Consultants Bureau and the Confederation of British Industry.

  All the private sector members of the Taskforce are well aware that they are on it as representatives of the UK business community generally, not their own companies. As all the companies represented on the Taskforce have seats on national or international bodies covering their sector interests, this is second nature to them. These industry bodies are the channels through which the messages from the Taskforce are being disseminated to the business community more generally. Indeed, to reinforce the message that the Taskforce is representing the interests of all UK companies, the minutes of its meetings are circulated freely to all interested parties.
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  Although in existence for only a very short time, the Taskforce is already making good progress. I am leading a group of six companies on a visit to Kosovo between 28 and 29 June to assess the initial likely reconstruction opportunities, and how best UK companies can position themselves so that they are able to play their role in the rebuilding of Kosovo. A post-mission conference, organised by my Department, is being held on 1 July so that the findings of the visit can be disseminated more widely to UK companies.

  Initially, the work of the Taskforce will concentrate on Kosovo; but in due course it is hoped that it will also be able to focus on the wider region.

  Vibration White Finger
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the timetable for the compensation payments awarded by the High Court to be paid to the former miners diagnosed with Vibration White Finger; and how many people(a) are eligible for payments, (b) are awaiting payments and (c) have received payment in full. [87984]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 24 June 1999]: The Department proposes to settle the bulk of compensation payments awarded by the High Court to former miners diagnosed with Vibration White Finger (VWF) as soon as practically possible, the majority being settled by March 2001.

  (a) To date the Department has received some 42,000 claims.

  (b) As at 20 June 1999 there were 37,222 claims outstanding at IRISC, the Department's claim handling agents. However, it is difficult to give an accurate total of claimants awaiting payment until medical evidence has been obtained and an assessment of liability in each of these cases has been completed.

  (c) As at 20 June 1999 2,748 claimants have received payments in full.

  We have awarded the contract for the delivery of the medical assessments to the SEMA Group and are hopeful that significant offers of full and final payments will start flowing in the late summer.

  Benefit Payments
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of benefit payments made to pensioners were paid by automated credit transfer in the most recent year for which figures are available; and if he will provide a comparable figure for the payment of benefits by automated credit transfer to non-pensioners. [88109]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 24 June 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  In the year ending 31 March 1999, 14.5 per cent. of all Retirement Pension and Widows Pension payments were made by automated credit transfer (ACT). The percentage of Retirement Pension and Widows Pension clients receiving payment by ACT as at 31 May 1999 was 43 per cent.

  In the year ending 31 March 1999, 15 per cent. of all benefit payments made to clients in receipt of benefits other than Retirement Pension and Widows Pension were
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  paid by ACT. The percentage of clients receiving benefits other than Retirement Pension and Widows Pension by ACT as at 31 May 1999 was 28 per cent.

  The reason for the difference between the percentage of payments made by ACT and the percentage of clients being paid by ACT is that, in general terms, clients who are paid by ACT receive payments less frequently than those clients paid by order book or girocheque.

  Supermarkets (Local Production)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy to seek means of encouraging supermarket companies to facilitate the sale of goods produced within the vicinity of their outlets; and if he will make a statement. [87996]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have been asked to reply.

  The sourcing of supplies in supermarkets is a matter for the commercial judgment of retailers rather than Government. "Food from Britain" are working with the multiple retailers to encourage level sourcing and several major supermarket chains are now showing more interest in regional products.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  FCO Establishment (Morwenstow)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many(a) UK personnel and (b) US personnel are based at his Department's establishment at Morwenstow, Cornwall; and what is the rank of the most senior (i) UK officer and (ii) US officer. [88637]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer 29 June 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 22 June 1999, Official Report, column 360. It is Government policy not to provide details about the staffing and organisation of the intelligence services. This information is withheld under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Panel 2000
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 14 June 1999,Official Report, column 31, if he will list the detailed steps (i) taken, (ii) under consideration and (iii) rejected on the recommendations from Panel 2000. [88601]

  Mr. Hoon
  All the recommendations in the Panel 2000 Consultation Document have been accepted following a broad welcome during the consultation process. At its meeting on 17 December the Panel gave priority to the recommendations on one stop shops, showcasing, a campaign in Germany in 2000, and the opportunities offered by Millennium activities to promote Britain abroad. Progress has been made in all of these areas as well as on implementation of other recommendations. We remain engaged with individual Panel members about further ways of enhancing how Britain is perceived. The full Panel will meet in the second half of this year to assess progress.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Kosovo
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department is offering to(a) the Yugoslav authorities and (b) the Kosovar refugees and returnees to provide post-trauma counselling to children affected by the war. [88609]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The UK will play its part in international efforts to meet real humanitarian needs within Serbia. But we expect to provide assistance through intermediaries such as the UN agencies and non-governmental organisations, rather than directly to the Yugoslav authorities.

  We are supporting the provision of psycho-social assistance to Kosovar refugee children in neighbouring countries. Part of our contribution of £2.25 million to United Nations Children's Fund's (UNICEF) regional programme will support help for traumatised children. We are also funding training for care providers in Macedonia through the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture.

  Through our Humanitarian Assistance Field Office in Pristina, we will continue to identify further areas of support in accordance with the needs of the returning refugees and the displaced people of Kosovo.

  Yugoslavia
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment is being made of the environmental effects of NATO's military action in Yugoslavia; and if she will place in the Library copies of the work done in this area by the United Nations Environment Programme. [88653]

  Mr. Foulkes
  A team of environmental experts from the UN-sponsored Balkans Task Force on the Environment and Human Settlement will carry out a full scale assessment of the environmental impact of the conflict on the region. They paid a preliminary visit to Serbia and Montenegro earlier this month.

  Reports of work already done in this area are available on the internet at http"//www.grid.unep.ch/btf, as will that of the full-scale assessment mission when it is available. We will arrange to place a copy of the full-scale report in the Library of the House.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Planning Procedures
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he intends to bring forward to clarify planning procedures where the planning authority has a possible conflict of interest over a piece of land. [88176]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The procedures to be followed when a local authority has an interest in land for which a planning application is made are set out in the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992, with guidance contained in DOE Circular 19/92. The general principle 170
  underlying these Regulations is that local authorities must make planning applications in the same way as any other person applying for planning permission. The proposals must be advertised in the usual manner. However, applications may not be determined by a committee or officer responsible for the management of the land or buildings concerned. If it is intended to approve such a proposal, and it is not in accordance with the provisions of the development plan in force in the area, the application must be notified to the Secretary of State so that he can decide whether it should be "called in" for his own determination. We have no evidence to suggest that the procedures are unclear.

  Housing Associations
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what checks he makes on the administrative overheads of housing associations; [88178]

  (2) what checks he undertakes of the salaries paid to the chief executives and other senior officers of housing associations. [88179]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Housing Corporation, sponsored by my Department, is responsible for regulating the activities of housing associations, now known as Registered Social Landlords (RSLs). RSLs are independent bodies, and members of their governing bodies serve in a voluntary capacity. The setting of salaries for chief executives and other senior executives is a matter for each RSL' s board.

  The Housing Corporation measures RSLs' performance annually against performance standards which cover their propriety, probity, financial management and accountability. It requires RSLs to publish in their annual report and accounts details of the remuneration of any executive earning more than £40,000 per annum. As part of its performance review process, the Corporation assesses RSLs' accounts and other financial information and publishes performance indicators for England's 371 largest RSLs. These include specific indicators on management and maintenance costs and on staffing costs.

  The Corporation has also put in place a Best Value framework for RSLs which expects them to hold down and reduce their running costs (including salaries) whilst improving the quality of services provided to their residents.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what monitoring he undertakes where housing previously under the control of a local authority has been transferred to a housing association, with particular reference to(a) rent levels, (b) repairs, (c) new building and (d) specialist provision. [88180]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Where local authority housing has been transferred to a registered social landlord, the Housing Corporation is responsible for monitoring the performance of the new landlord.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions his Department has had with housing associations about rent levels during the last year. [88181]
  171
  Mr. Raynsford
  My Department has discussed rent levels with the National Housing Federation, the representative body for registered social landlords (RSLs), on several occasions. We also meet representatives of individual RSLs from time to time, when rents may be one of the issues under discussion.

  Rail Crossing, Rovie
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received about the safety of the rail crossing at Rovie, Rogart, Sutherland; and what response he has made. [89088]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Secretary of State has recently received an application from Railtrack for an Order under the Level Crossing Act 1983 to authorise the most appropriate safety measures for the level crossing at Rovie. Railtrack has written to the Highland Council giving them two months to make any representations on Railtrack's proposals to the Secretary of State. My Department has also received a copy of a letter written by the Highland Councillor for the area to the Secretary of State for Scotland commenting on safety at this level crossing. In deciding the most appropriate safety measures for this crossing the Secretary of State will also take advice from the Health and Safety Executive.

  Household Projections (Hampshire)
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 28 June 1999,Official Report, column 26, on new households in Hampshire, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the increase in the number of projected households since the 1992-based household projection. [89255]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Kettering (Mr. Sawford) on 29 March 1999,Official Report, columns 470–74.

  Health and Safety Appraisal
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made on the strategic appraisal of Health and Safety which he announced on 30 March. [89575]

  Mr. Meacher
  I will be launching a public consultation document entitled "Revitalising Health and Safety" tomorrow, jointly with the Health and Safety Commission. Copies will be placed in the House Libraries. This is an important initiative aimed at injecting new impetus into the health and safety agenda. Everyone concerned with health and safety is encouraged to respond to this consultation.

  Driving Tests
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the Driving Standards Agency's written submission to the Minister recommending the closure of 172
  a Driving Test Centre is not made publicly available; and if he will make it his policy to publish such submissions in future. [86257]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The reasons why a test centre might be closed are put into the public domain as part of public consultation about the issue. To protect the integrity of decision-making, we have no plans to publish policy advice from officials to Ministers. This is in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, exemption number 2-internal discussions and advice.

  Speed Policy
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what organisations have been or will be invited to take part in the speed policy review; and what steps are being taken by his Department to ensure maximum involvement by professional organisations in the speed policy review process. [86349]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The full list of those who will be invited to take part has yet to be finalised, but it will include professional organisations suggested by the relevant divisions in DETR and other Government Departments.

  Officials have already met the Automobile Association, Royal Automobile Club, County Surveyors' Society, Association of Chief Police Officers, the groups represented by the Slower Speeds Initiative.

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to make available a speed policy document for consultation. [86350]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  It is proposed to have a consultation document available for consideration towards the end of July.

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress of the speed policy review announced in the white paper, A New Deal For Transport. [86348]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave our hon. Friend the Member for The Wrekin (Mr. Bradley) on 9 June 1999,Official Report, columns 319–20.

  Vehicle Mileage
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the average annual mileage travelled per road vehicle(a) in the latest year for which figures are available, and (b) (i) five years, (ii) 10 years and (iii) 20 years before that year. [87013]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The figures are given in the table. The earliest date from which figures for vehicle numbers by body type is available is 1982.
  173

  Average annual distance travelled by vehicle type in thousand kilometers

  Year

  Cars and taxis

  Motor-cycles, etc

  Buses and coaches

  Light vans

  Goods vehicles

  1982

  14

  4

  49

  18

  32

  1988

  16

  4

  57

  20

  41

  1993

  15

  4

  62

  20

  43

  1998

  16

  3

  63

  23

  48

  Traffic estimates are based on observations of traffic flows, matched with road length figures. Vehicle licence data are provided by DVLA.

  Average mileage for each type of vehicle is derived by dividing the total annual mileage by the estimated number of vehicles of that type.

  Fuel Tax Escalator
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the environmental effects of the fuel tax escalator; and if he will make a statement. [87570]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government regularly undertake assessments of the environmental impact of the fuel duty escalator, to inform the development of transport and environment policies. The latest estimate of the carbon savings from the escalator, published in the consultation document for the UK Climate Change Programme, stated that the escalator between 1996 and 2002 is expected to save 2–5 million tonnes of carbon in 2010. The impact of the escalator on air quality is also kept under review.

  Mother Teresa's Funeral
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people travelled with him to Mother Teresa's funeral, excluding members of the Royal Family and their private staff. [88100]

  Mr. Prescott
  I represented my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister at Mother Teresa's funeral, and was accompanied by two members of my staff. Because of the short notice available to make the arrangements, and the unavailability of scheduled flights, it was necessary to charter an aircraft for the journey to Calcutta. In order to ensure best value for money the flight was shared with five members of the Royal party.

  Wal-Mart
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many meetings Ministers in his Department have had with representatives of Wal-Mart; and what were the main subjects of discussion. [88099]

  Mr. Caborn
  Neither I nor any other Minister in the Department have met representatives of Wal-Mart.

  GM Organisms
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to use his power under Part VI of the Environmental 174
  Protection Act 1990 to vary existing genetically modified marketing consents issued thereunder to include a condition requiring post-release monitoring. [88159]

  .Mr. Meacher
  There are no plans to vary existing consents issued in compliance with Part C of Council Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Once a GM crop has Part C (marketing) consent under the Directive it applies across all member states. Individual member states cannot vary a consent unilaterally. Under the new arrangements agreed in the Environment Ministers' Council last December, all new applications for part C consent will have to include plans for post market monitoring. Government and industry, through SCIMAC (Supply Chain Initiative for Modified Agricultural Crops), have a voluntary agreement that for consents already granted or currently under consideration crops will be grown and managed in accordance with the SCIMAC Guidelines which include post-release monitoring.

  London Underground
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what studies into passenger levels on the London Underground have been commissioned by his Department since 1 May 1997. [88431]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  London Underground makes studies of both existing and future passenger demand on a regular basis. The results of these studies are reported to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what studies have been carried out into the practical effects of the closure of the London Underground Circle Line between Gloucester Road and High Street Kensington stations from 12 June to 15 August. [88430]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Before engineering works began between Gloucester Road and High Street Kensington, London Underground made a full Hazard and Operability study into the line closure and the proposed changes to train and station operations. This study forecast the impact on passenger flows across London's public transport system and also assessed the probable effect on congestion levels and waiting times.

  Graveyards
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the planning regulations relating to the sale of graveyards; and if he will make a statement. [88450]

  Mr. Raynsford
  There are no planning provisions which apply specifically to a proposed disposal of a graveyard, although a local authority may need a disposal consent in certain circumstances, for example to dispose of the land for less than the best consideration that can reasonably be obtained. A disused burial ground, which is no longer used for human interment, falls within the definition of open space for the purposes of local government and town and country planning powers. A local authority proposing to sell or otherwise dispose of or appropriate open space land must advertise the proposal and consider any objections. The disturbance of
  175
  buried human remains normally requires a licence from the Home Office or, in relation to consecrated ground, a Faculty from the Bishop. Planning permission would normally be required for the carrying out of any development of land. We have no plans to review the present planning controls relating to the sale of graveyards.

  Westminster Tube Station
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the construction work on Westminster tube station will be completed. [88444]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  London Underground expect to complete the construction work on Westminster tube station in late autumn this year.

  Birmingham Northern Relief Road
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will list in respect of those properties which have been acquired in the past by his Department in relation to the Birmingham Northern Relief Road(a) those which he intends to dispose of because he no longer needs them in relation to the road and (b) the acquisition price of each such property and the price at which each such property has been placed on the market; [89119]

  (2) if he will list in respect of those properties which have been acquired in the past by his Department in relation to the Birmingham Northern Relief Road (a) those which have been disposed of by him because he considers he no longer needs them in relation to the road and (b) the acquisition price and the money received on disposal in relation to each such property. [89129]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to reply to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Dr. Tony Wright, dated 30 June 1999:
  The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Glenda Jackson, has asked me to reply to your recent questions about properties that have been bought and sold in relation to the Birmingham Northern Relief Road (BNRR).
  I am afraid I am unable to provide the information in the form that you have requested. To list properties and prices would make public the amounts that private individuals have received or paid. I am sure you agree that such information should remain confidential.
  The Agency has purchased 24 properties in connection with the BNRR that have since been sold. The total purchase price was £2.105m and the amount received on disposal of these same properties was £1.741m.
  A further 5 properties, purchased at a total cost of £415,250, have been identified as surplus to requirements. Two of these are under offer at a total price of £135,000. The remaining properties have yet to be valued. We expect other properties to be declared surplus as the scheme progresses.
  These figures relate to both the former publicly funded road and the privately financed Midland Expressway Ltd scheme. They include discretionary purchases (that is properties seriously affected by but not required for the road) as well as statutory blight purchases.

  Waste Strategy
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made in developing a waste strategy for England and Wales. [89296]

  Mr. Meacher
  Consultation responses to "Less Waste: More Value" last year were overwhelmingly supportive of the vision set out in that document which we have now developed into a blueprint for a more sustainable, integrated waste management system for England and Wales.

  This blueprint is described in "A Way with Waste: A Draft Waste Strategy for England and Wales" which is published today for further public consultation. "A Way with Waste" makes clear that a step change is needed in the way we think about and manage our waste which applies equally to municipal and industrial waste. We need substantial increases to both recycling and energy recovery if we are to meet the challenges of sustainable development and of the European Directive on the landfilling of waste's stringent targets for diverting waste from landfill.

  We have therefore set two goals by 2010 of recovering 45 per cent. of municipal waste (by recycling, composting and incineration with energy or heat recovery) and of recycling or composting 30 per cent. of household waste. To do this we must meet, as soon as possible, the existing targets of 40 per cent. recovery and 25 per cent. recycling or composting. We aim to do this by 2005. Beyond 2010 we must do more. By 2015 we expect to recover value from two thirds of household waste, half of this by recycling or composting.

  We need to develop stronger markets for recyclate. The Government set up a Market Development Group to look at this and its report and recommendations are published for comment today alongside the draft strategy. Some of its recommendations are for Government and we will be addressing them with vigour, seeking further views as necessary. Some are for other bodies whom the Government calls on to address these proposals with same degree of energy.

  It will of course be for the National Assembly for Wales to decide how to take forward this draft strategy, and the responses to the consultation on it, to produce a final strategy for Wales.

  Tree Planting
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if there will be specific mechanisms proposed in the Urban White Paper to encourage the planting of trees in urban areas. [88807]

  Mr. Meale
  The Urban White Paper will look at ways of improving the quality of life for people in our towns and cities. Urban greening, including the contribution of trees, will be an important part of this.

  The Government already acknowledge the important role of trees in urban regeneration by sponsoring a range of programmes which involve tree planting as part of a wider strategy to improve the urban environment. These include the Community Forest programme, the National Forest and others under the Single Regeneration Budget.
  177
  We also support the work of the National Urban Forestry Unit. They have shown that, by using simple, low-cost techniques urban forestry can help to improve the environment in a practical way and make trees a more significant feature of the urban landscape.

  Local Authority Finance
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department makes of previous spending patterns by individual local authorities in its calculations of total standard spending for that authority. [89023]

  Mr. Meale
  The formula for Standard Spending Assessments is built up from formulae relating to blocks of services. Those formulae are, in many cases, based on statistical analysis of the variations between authorities in spending on those services.

  Oil and Fat Waste
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 22 June 1999,Official Report, column 334, on oil and fat waste, what factors underlay his decision not to commission research. [89007]

  Mr. Meale
  There are statutory provisions to ensure that sewerage undertakers can monitor, control, restrict and deal with discharges into public sewers. The Department is not aware of any significant problems associated with these problems.

  Sports Clubs (Rate Relief)
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the cost of allowing mandatory rate relief to voluntary sports clubs. [88579]

  Mr. Meale
  The Central Council of Physical Recreation estimate that there are 150,000 voluntary sports clubs affiliated to the national governing bodies of sport in the United Kingdom. However, we do not hold centrally information on the number of clubs subject to non-domestic rates, their rateable values or their rates bills reflecting discretionary rate relief awarded by local authorities. Therefore, we cannot make a reasonable estimate of the cost of allowing mandatory rate relief to voluntary sports clubs.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  European Communities Working Groups
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list the European Communities working groups which met over the last 12 months with a representative from his Department in attendance; if he will list the number of times each met; if he will indicate the nature of the Government's representation; and if he will make a statement. [88469]

  The Attorney-General
  No representative of my Department has attended any European Community Working Group during the last 12 months

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Good Friday Agreement
  Mr. Paul Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions she had in June with members of the Irish Government concerning the implementation of the Good Friday agreement. [87721]

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions she has had with members of the Irish Government concerning the implementation of the Good Friday agreement. [87728]

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions she has had with members of the Irish Government concerning the implementation of the Good Friday agreement. [87729]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I have regular contact with representatives of the Irish Government concerning the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. I was in Dublin just a week ago with Ministers and, since Monday, I have been in constant contact in the talks in Belfast—including over breakfast this morning.

  Peace Process
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on international support for the peace process in Northern Ireland. [87722]

  Ms Ryan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on international support for the peace process in Northern Ireland. [87738]

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on international support for the peace process in Northern Ireland. [87740]

  Mr. Ingram
  International support, both economic and political, has been overwhelming. It is a generous sign of growing international confidence in the people of Northern Ireland and what they have achieved over the last decade.

  The Government will continue to work to seek the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement on which so much of that support is based.

  Residential Colleges (Student Funding)
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reasons her Department is proposing to discontinue funding students from Northern Ireland attending adult residential colleges in Great Britain. [87723]

  Mr. McFall
  The Government will invest an additional £47.5 million over the next three years in Lifelong Learning in Northern Ireland. This will provide some 10,000 additional student places in further and higher education, together with continued support for access courses to higher education provided by local colleges. To make this possible, reductions in some programmes, including the very few adult education bursaries in Great Britain, were inevitable.

  Equality Commission
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made on the establishment of an Equality Commission in Northern Ireland. [87727]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given today,Official Report, column 331 to my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Mr. Shaw).

  Paramilitary Organisations (Crime)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the number of crimes attributed to paramilitary organisations committed in Northern Ireland in 1999. [87731]

  Mr. Ingram
  Statistics for crimes believed to be attributed to paramilitary organisations are collated under the headings in the following table. These show the number of incidents recorded as being of paramilitary style during the period 1 January to 18 June 1999. This figure is not exhaustive, however, and is subject to amendment

  Number

  Paramilitary style incidents

  Deaths

  5

  Shootings

  66

  Bombings

  46

  Casualties as a result of paramilitary style attacks

  Shootings

  43

  Assaults

  81

  Note:

  These figures are subject to amendment

  Northern Ireland Executive
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions she has held with the leaders of the political parties concerning the setting up of the Northern Ireland Executive. [87732]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I and my ministerial colleagues have had regular discussions with the leaders of all political parties in Northern Ireland concerning the setting up of the Executive and the implementation of all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement.

  Decommissioning
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of when decommissioning of illegally held arms and explosives will begin. [87733]

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of when decommissioning of illegally held arms and explosives will begin. [87743]

  Mr. Ingram
  I have welcomed the start to decommissioning made by the LVF on 18 December last. The Decommissioning Commission continues its vital work. It is time for all groups to play their part in the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement; they should start to decommission now

  Royal Ulster Constabulary (Pay Settlement)
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of this year's police pay settlement on RUC neighbourhood policing and other commitments. [87734]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 gives the responsibility for, and control of, all the resources required to deliver a policing service to the Chief Constable. It is for him, in conjunction with the Police Authority, to decide upon priorities and allocate resources in line with the Policing Plan. One of the objectives of this is to work in partnership with local communities and other agencies, to improve the quality of service delivered by the police to all the people of Northern Ireland.

  Drumcree Parade
  Mr. Borrow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to deal with the disputed parade planned at Drumcree. [87735]

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has for dealing with the parade at Drumcree. [87744]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave today,Official Report, column 332, to my hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes (Shona Mclsaac).

  Long-term Unemployment
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the current level of long-term unemployment in Northern Ireland. [87736]

  Mr. Ingram
  Latest estimates from the Labour Force Survey for the period February to April 1999 show that approximately 29,000 persons in Northern Ireland have been unemployed for one year or more. This represents 53 per cent. of the total unemployed and 3.9 per cent. of the workforce.

  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures are being taken to tackle long-term unemployment in Northern Ireland. [87737]

  Mr. McFall
  New Deal 25+ will provide up to 30,000 developmental placements over 18 months for eligible long-term unemployed. From 1 August 1999, Worktrack will provide 2,100 places annually for those not eligible to join the various New Deals.

  New Deal for young people seeks to prevent young people becoming long-term unemployed.

  Northern Ireland (Location of Victims' Remains) Act 1999
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial provision she has made to support the search for victims' bodies under the Northern Ireland (Location of Victims' Remains) Act 1999. [87739]
  181
  Mr. Ingram
  Section 2 of the Northern Ireland (Location of Victims' Remains) Act provides that"the Secretary of State may make payments to the Commission or to members of the Commission; and provide for the Commission such premises and facilities, and the services of such staff, as he thinks appropriate".

  Devolution
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the prospects for devolved Government in Northern Ireland. [87741]

  27. Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the prospects for the establishment of a cross-community Executive to govern Northern Ireland. [87742]

  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the prospects for devolved Government in Northern Ireland. [87726]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I refer my hon. Friends to the reply I gave to my hon. Friends the Members for Harrow, East (Mr. McNulty) and Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) and to the hon. Member for Rochford and Southend, East (Sir T. Taylor), today,Official Report, column 334–35.

  Northern Ireland Assembly
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to involve Northern Ireland Assembly Members in decision making in Northern Ireland. [87725]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Intensive discussions are currently taking place between all of the parties represented in the Assembly and the British and Irish Governments to agree a way forward to complete the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement including devolving power to the Northern Ireland Assembly. Until devolution takes place, Ministers in the Northern Ireland Office will continue to consult the Northern Ireland political parties in the normal way about any decisions they take.

  RUC (Portadown)
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many incidents of(a) assault and (b) affray occurred in the Thomas Street and Market Street/Woodhouse Street area of Portadown town centre between 1 April 1996 and 27 April 1997; and how many arrests were made. [85499]

  Mr. Ingram
  The RUC have advised that there were three recordable offences of assault in this area between the dates in question. Of these, two were assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one was grievous bodily harm. One person was arrested in each case. There were no recorded offences of affray.

  Chief Constable
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she plans to lay before each House the annual report for 1998 of the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. [89357]
  182
  Marjorie Mowlam
  Copies of the Chief Constable's annual report for 1998 have today been placed in the Library. It is a general report on the carrying out of the RUC of their functions during 1998 which is submitted to the Police Authority for Northern Ireland and also to me for laying before Parliament in accordance with Sections 48 and 49 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.

  Security Arrangements
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made towards the normalisation of security arrangements in Northern Ireland. [87730]

  Mr. Ingram
  Since the Good Friday Agreement, routine military patrolling has been reduced by almost two thirds. Since the start of the year, there have been under 15,000 service personnel on operational duties in Northern Ireland, fewer than at any time since 1970, although there may be some short term increases over the summer period. Military installations have been closed and some demolished.

  We are committed to as early a return as possible to normal security arrangements, consistent with the level of threat.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Sentencing
  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he has made to implement sections 80 and 81 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. [89576]

  Mr. Straw
  Section 80 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 places a duty on the Court of Appeal to consider producing or revising sentencing guidelines when a suitable case arises.

  Section 81 of the Act establishes a new Sentencing Advisory Panel which must be consulted by the Court whenever it decides that guidelines are necessary. The Panel may also propose that the Court frame or revise guidelines and I may direct it to do so.

  Both sections come into force on 1 July 1999.

  The Lord Chancellor will appoint the following members to the Panel:

  Professor Martin Wasik (Chairman)

  Professor Andrew Ashworth

  Pamela Brown

  Dr. Michael Chan

  Anne Fuller

  Heather Harker

  Professor Frances Heidensohn

  Peter Jones

  David Mallen

  Judge Michael Mettyear

  Sir Richard Tilt.

  Prime Minister (Security Vehicles)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that the lead security vehicle for the Prime Minister is a British-made vehicle. [88161]

  Mr. Straw
  The Metropolitan Police are responsible for the purchase and supply of the lead security vehicle used for the protection of the Prime Minister. The vehicle currently used is a Land Rover Discovery.

  Police Manpower
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish figures for each police authority in England and Wales setting out(a) the percentage changes in their budget and (b) the numbers of police officers in the force between 1 April 1998 and 31 March 1999. [89577]

  Mr. Straw
  The information requested is set out in the table. The information on changes in police numbers is based on provisional strength figures at March 1999 provided by forces.

  Police numbers—comparison between percentage change in numbers and changes in budgets for 1998–99

  Percentage

  Percentage change in police numbers

  Percentage change in budget

  Force

  March 1998 to March 1999

  March 1998 to March 1999

  1997–98 to 1998–99

  5–5.9 per cent. reduction in strength

  City of London

  -5.7

  (-46.8)

  -7.3

  Cleveland

  -5.2

  (-76.8)

  +5.1

  4–4.9 per cent. reduction in strength

  Lincolnshire

  -4.3

  (-51.5)

  +1.1

  Nottinghamshire

  -4.2

  (-98)

  +3.8

  3–3.9 per cent. reduction in strength

  Bedfordshire

  -3.4

  (-37.2)

  +3.8

  Cumbria

  -3.2

  (-37.5)

  +3.7

  Norfolk

  -3.4

  (-48.2)

  +3.8

  Sussex

  -3.7

  (-107.9)

  +3.8

  West Yorkshire

  -3.4

  (-172.7)

  +3.8

  2–2.9 per cent. reduction in strength

  Devon and Cornwall

  -2.5

  (-74.5)

  +4.5

  Dorset

  -2.7

  (-35.9)

  +3.7

  Greater Manchester

  -2.0

  (-138.8)

  +3.8

  Humberside

  -2.3

  (-46.8)

  +3.8

  Northamptonshire

  -2.7

  (-31.2)

  +3.7

  North Yorkshire

  -2.2

  (-30.7)

  +4.0

  Staffordshire

  -2.4

  (54.5)

  +3.7

  0–1.9 per cent. reduction in strength

  Cambridgeshire

  -1.3

  (-17)

  +3.8

  Derbyshire

  -0.8

  (-13.6)

  +3.8

  Essex

  -1.3

  (-38)

  +3.7

  Hampshire

  -0.5

  (-16.1)

  +3.8

  Hertfordshire

  -0.9

  (-16.2)

  +3.8

  Kent

  -1.5

  (-50)

  +4.4

  Lancashire

  -0.4

  (-12.3)

  +3.8

  Metropolitan Police

  -0.08

  (-20.7)

  +3.7

  South Yorkshire

  -0.4

  (-14)

  +3.8

  Thames Valley

  -0.7

  (-27.4)

  +3.8

  Warwickshire

  -1.7

  (-15.4)

  +3.7

  West Mercia

  -0.5

  (-10.5)

  +3.8

  Wiltshire

  -0.5

  (-5.3)

  +3.7

  184

  Police numbers—comparison between percentage change in numbers and changes in budgets for 1998–99

  Percentage

  Percentage change in police numbers

  Percentage change in budget

  Force

  March 1998 to March 1999

  March 1998 to March 1999

  1997–98 to 1998–99

  Forces with increases in police numbers

  Gloucestershire

  +0.02

  (0.2)

  +3.8

  Avon and Somerset

  +0.8

  (23.4)

  +3.8

  Cheshire

  +1.4

  (-28.7)

  +3.8

  Durham

  +3.5

  (53.1)

  +4.9

  Dyfed-Powys

  +2.4

  (24)

  +3.8

  Gwent

  +1.2

  (14.3)

  +3.8

  Leicestershire

  +0.5

  (10.1)

  +3.8

  Merseyside

  +2.3

  (95.1)

  +3.8

  Northumbria

  +1.9

  (71.5)

  +4.7

  North Wales

  +0.4

  (5)

  +3.8

  South Wales

  +0.13

  (3.8)

  +3.8

  Suffolk

  +0.4

  (4.4)

  +3.8

  Surrey

  +3.3

  (53.5)

  -1.0

  West Midlands

  +2.3

  (165.3)

  +3.8

  Overall total

  -0.6

  (-793.3)

  +3.7

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 18 May 1999,Official Report, column 296, concerning police manpower, when he intends to publish figures for the number of police officers, per force and in total, on 31 March; and if he will make a statement. [88192]

  Mr. Straw
  The information requested is set out in the table. The figures are provisional and subject to validation.

  Under legislation passed by the previous Government in 1994, it is for individual chief constables to determine the number of police officers in their force area, within the resources available to them. The Home Secretary no longer has any power to set entitlements of forces.

  Police numbers as at 31 March 1999

  Force

  Police numbers1

  Avon and Somerset

  2,999.3

  Bedfordshire

  1,041.3

  Cambridgeshire

  1,274.4

  Cheshire

  2,070.6

  City of London

  778.1

  Cleveland

  1,406.6

  Cumbria

  1,126

  Derbyshire

  1,758.6

  Devon and Cornwall

  2,887

  Dorset

  1,274.1

  Durham

  1,567.9

  Dyfed-Powys

  1,026.3

  Essex

  2,890.5

  Gloucestershire

  1,104

  Greater Manchester

  6,809.9

  Gwent

  1,247.1

  Hampshire

  3,473.4

  Hertfordshire

  1,723.7

  Humberside

  1,974.4

  Kent

  3,200.8

  Lancashire

  3,244.8

  Leicestershire

  1,993.2

  Lincolnshire

  1,139.6

  Merseyside

  4,311.5

  185

  Police numbers as at 31 March 1999

  Force

  Police numbers 1

  Metropolitan Police

  26,073.1

  Norfolk

  1,381.4

  Northamptonshire

  1,137.5

  Northumbria

  3,840.2

  North Wales

  1,401

  North Yorkshire

  1,336.5

  Nottinghamshire

  2,224.6

  South Wales

  2,990

  South Yorkshire

  3,168

  Staffordshire

  2,237.6

  Suffolk

  1,190.2

  Surrey

  1,661.9

  Sussex

  2,846.8

  Thames Valley

  3,748.1

  Warwickshire

  908.7

  West Mercia

  1,999.1

  West Midlands

  7,320.8

  West Yorkshire

  4,982

  Wiltshire

  1,151

  Force total strength

  123,921.5

  1Figures are for full-time equivalents, are provisional and subject to validation

  UK Passport Agency
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what preparations are being made by the UK Passport Agency for the processing of criminal record checks; and if he will make a statement. [88167]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Passport Agency has set up a team in Merseyside to manage the introduction of the Criminal Records Bureau.

  Detailed planning is under way with the aim of commencing operations on a phased basis.

  Procurement of accommodation and Information Technology services is now under way by open competition and advertisements have been placed in the Open Journal of the European Community (OJEC).

  Road Safety
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are in place between his Department and the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for linking the aims and objectives for the Police Service with the National Road Safety Strategy. [88315]

  Mr. Straw
  The over-arching aims and objectives for police forces in England and Wales which were published last year include an objective of contributing to improving road safety and the reduction of casualties. That links with the police's aim to promote safety and reduce disorder. The performance measures related to the new duty of best value are likely to include performance measures in relation to this area of policing. These measures are to be agreed following a period of consultation over the summer. The new National Road Safety Strategy and casualty reduction targets for 2010 are being developed by the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) in close consultation with officials in my Department and with representatives of the Association of Chief Police Officers' Traffic Committee. DETR expect to be able to publish the strategy and targets in the autumn.

  Subversion
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his oral answer of 21 June 1999,Official Report, column 783, what the role of F Branch of the Security Service formerly dealing with subversion currently is; what proportion of its work relates to the pensions of former F Branch employees; if the threat assessment set out on page 12 of the Home Office publication of 1998, "MI5 The Security Service", with particular reference to subversion, still applies; and if the statement on page 19 that there are no investigations into subversion is still valid. [88224]

  Mr. Straw
  The 1998 booklet "MI5 The Security Service" contains as much information as it is possible to disclose on this subject. The information which it contains on Security Service investigations of subversion remains valid. It would not be in the public interest to provide further details of the kind requested.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will survey those persons admitted to young offenders' institutions over the next three calendar months to establish how many and which had been members of uniformed youth organisations; for what duration; and what percentage of admissions this represents. [88420]

  Mr. George Howarth
  No. The Government believe that the 'what works' and related research provides a reliable basis for developing ways to tackle offending by young people and have no plans to commission a survey of this nature.

  However, I have set up some focus groups with young offenders to discuss in more general terms their backgrounds, experience of the criminal justice system, their perceptions of custody and their plans for the future. A draft report has been received and the final report should be made available to me very shortly.

  Prisons (Drugs)
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of prison drug tests proved positive in(a) drug-free wings and (b) other wings in the latest period for which figures are available. [88306]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The proportion of random mandatory drug tests that proved positive for the period 1998–99 was 18.3 per cent. which is 1.7 per cent. less than the target of 20 per cent. set for the year. This can be compared with the previous years' figures of 24.4 per cent. positive in 1996–97 and 20.8 per cent. in 1997–98. Figures for drug testing results from voluntary testing units are not collated centrally.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) arrests have been made on suspicion of smuggling drugs into prison, :(b) prosecutions have been brought and (c) convictions have been obtained in the most recent period for which figures are available. [88303]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox) on 23 June 1999,Official Report, column 379.

  Means Assessments (Convicted Criminals)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review court procedures for conducting means assessments prior to sentencing of convicted criminals. [R] [87556]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 29 June 1999]Courts are required by law to inquire into the financial circumstances of a convicted offender before fixing the amount of any fine. Means assessments are also currently carried out in criminal cases before the grant of legal aid.

  A case is pending before the European Court of Human Rights questioning the role of the Justices' Clerk in conducting means inquiries in magistrates courts. Once the outcome of the case is known the Government will consider what action, if any, needs to be taken.

  The Access to Justice Bill includes a proposal to transfer from the Justices' Clerk to the Justices' Chief Executive the administrative responsibility for collecting fines. The Bill also proposes the abolition of means assessments before the granting of legal aid and the introduction of a power at the end of a case for the higher courts to order defendants to meet some or all of the defence costs. There will be power to assess the defendant's means before any such order is made.

  The Government have no other plans to review court procedures in this area.

  Public Safety Radio Communications Project
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what progress is being made with respect to the Public Safety Radio Communications Project; and if he will make a statement; [88605]

  (2) what funding arrangements will be put in place for the Public Safety Radio Communications Project. [88606]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO), a Home Office Non-Departmental Public Body, is managing the Public Safety Radio Communications Project (PSRCP). This is a major Public Private Partnership project designed to replace the police service's existing radio communications systems with a modern national infrastructure delivered under a service provision contract. The Service Provider will design, build, fund and own the infrastructure and individual police forces will contract to take a range of core (mandatory) and menu (optional) services for anticipated contract periods of 15 years.

  A Project Definition Study has been completed and negotiations on price and contractual terms are now in progress with British Telecommunications as the candidate Service Provider. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Association of Police Authorities (APA) are being kept fully briefed of progress. When negotiations are concluded, a formal business case will shortly be put to Ministers, ACPO and the APA, for a decision on its acceptance.

  Over the next three years the police service will receive an additional£1.24 billion in central government funding. It is a matter for each police authority to set their budget and for each chief constable to determine how to use the resources that are available. The scope for additional funding for PSRCP is under consideration.

  Released Prisoners
  Lorna Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what programmes there are to help prisoners find accommodation on their release. [88675]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Prison and Probation Services work closely together to help prisoners released on licence to maintain or secure appropriate accommodation. For prisoners not subject to statutory supervision there are a number of sources of advice and guidance. These include prison officers trained by "National Association for Care and Resettlement of Offenders", accommodation specialists from the probation service and independent organisations.

  Lorna Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his Department has done to identify debt problems affecting prisoners that could increase the likelihood of an individual re-offending, if not dealt with before the prisoner's release. [88672]

  Mr. George Howarth
  It is recognised that financial considerations can be related to the risk of re-offending in some cases. While no specific programme is in place to identify problems of debt, it is a factor which is taken into account in wider assessments for sentence planning and in the provision of advice and information.

  Lorna Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what work is being done in the Prison Service to ensure that a resettlement service is provided for each prisoner. [88673]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Adult prisoners with six months or more to serve and young offenders serving one month or more are subject to a system of sentence planning to determine what can be done during their time in custody and on licence to contribute to successful release. The Prison Service invests annually in the "National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders" prison link unit, providing £226,000 for 1999–2000, to train prison officers to provide advice and information on resettlement issues, and for specially trained staff to provide pre-release courses.

  Individual prisons liaise with probation services and other statutory and independent organisations, to provide resettlement services appropriate to local circumstances.

  The Government have also invested nearly £3.5 million in piloting Welfare to Work in 11 prison establishments. In the 12 months the pilot has been in operation, over 2,500 young prisoners have joined, and over 1,700 have completed, the programme.

  However, the Government recognise that there may be a particular difficulty in pro viding effective resettlement advice and support for prisoners serving sentences of less than a year. Under the Crime Reduction Programme, pilots are therefore to be established in seven areas to test out and evaluate new ways of meeting the resettlement needs of short term prisoners.

  Firearms
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take measures to ensure that information as to whether firearms used in crime are legally or illegally held is provided by the police; and if he will publish this information. [88706]
  189
  Mr. Boateng
  Information as to whether firearms used in crime are legally or illegally held is not published in the annual Criminal Statistics because, although the police are asked for this information, in practice they are only able to provide it in some six per cent. of cases. The information is thus not complete enough at present to make statistical analysis or publication worthwhile. The Home Office Research and Statistics Directorate is considering how to improve the quality of this data.

  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offences involving pistols led to charges in the 12 months up to 1 October 1997 and in the 12 months thereafter. [88694]

  Mr. Boateng
  No information is kept centrally on the number of offences involving firearms that lead to charges.

  The readily available information relates to notifiable offences recorded by the police in England and Wales in which handguns were reported to have been used. Annual figures are contained in "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales", copies of which are in the Library.

  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what has been the cost to date of paying compensation to firearms' owners; [88695]

  (2) how many people have been charged for failing to surrender.22 pistols; [88692]

  (3) what has been the cost to date of processing claims for firearms compensation; [88696]

  (4) how many firearms have been surrendered following the ban on.22 pistols; [88691]

  (5) how long, on average, it has taken for compensation to be paid for surrendered firearms. [88693]

  Mr. Boateng
  Payments under options A and B of the compensation schemes for large and small-calibre handguns have been made in an average of 21 weeks, and in an average of 63 weeks under option C of the schemes. A total of £60.3 million has been paid in compensation to individual firearm certificate holders. The administration costs of the compensation scheme total £4.6 million. In addition, a total of £3.8 million was provided to police forces in England, Wales and Scotland to help meet their costs in handling the surrender exercise.

  A total of 19,183 small-calibre pistols were surrendered to the police in England, Wales and Scotland during February 1998 following the passage of the Firearms (Amendment) (No 2) Act 1997. This is in addition to the 26,371 small-calibre pistols surrendered voluntarily under the Government's ex gratia payment scheme, which began in July 1997. Information on the number of persons charged for failing to surrender or otherwise lawfully dispose of.22 pistols was not collected centrally.

  Accident Reports (Government Departments)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what grounds it is proposed that accident reports from Government Departments will be exempt from publication under the draft Freedom of Information Bill. [88725]
  190
  Mr. Straw
  The exemption was considered necessary to avoid the possibility of compromising future legal proceedings by giving a right of access to such information. The Bill as drafted requires the authority holding information falling within this class to consider disclosing it, pursuant to clause 14, in the exercise of any discretion it may have to do so. Our view was that it was appropriate to place responsibility for considering the disclosure of such information on the authority concerned.

  When I appeared before the Select Committee on Public Administration on 22 June 1999, I accepted that there were arguments in favour of extending rights in this area and I undertook to reconsider the scope of this exemption.

  Seat Belts
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance his Department has given police forces about enforcing the wearing of car seat belts by children; and if he will make a statement. [88726]

  Mr. Boateng
  None. The enforcement of road traffic law is an operational matter for chief officers of police.

  European Council (Tampere)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 15 June 1999,Official Report, column 91, concerning the topics to be raised by the special European Council meeting at Tampere, Finland, concerning co-ordination of judicial and home affairs, if he will define the phrase, European Judicial Area, and provide reference to the relevant Treaty articles providing a basis for its use. [88677]

  Mr. Straw
  Following the conclusions of the Vienna European Council, which asked for"particular attention to be paid to the creation of a European Judicial Area, in accordance with the Treaty of Amsterdam",
  the Government understands the phrase "European Judicial Area" as referring principally to closer judicial co-operation in criminal and civil matters between the Member States. The relevant Treaty Articles are Article 65 of the European Community Treaty, and 29, 31 and 32 of the Treaty on European Union.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 15 June 1999,Official Report, column 91, concerning the agenda items and related documents to be discussed at the additional European Council to be held in Tampere, Finland, in October, to consider the European Judicial Area, what criteria were used to determine which documents are inappropriate for publication; and what committees of either House of Parliament will be able to consider those published prior to that council meeting. [88690]

  Mr. Straw
  As I indicated in my reply on 15 June 1999,Official Report, column 91, the documents to be submitted to the European Council will not be known until shortly before the meeting. When they are received they will be subject to the provisions relating to deposit for Parliamentary scrutiny as laid down in paragraph 127(1) of House of Commons Standing Order No. 143. Documents deposited under these provisions are sent to

  191
  the European Scrutiny Committee and to the European Communities Committee of the House of Lords. Copies are also sent to the Home Affairs Select Committee.

  Article 36 Committee
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 15 June 1999,Official Report, column 89, concerning the duties and meetings of the Article 36 Committee of the Home and Justice Ministerial Committee, what means he intends to adopt concerning communicating to Parliament its conclusions and recommendations prior to their consideration and decision by the Home Affairs Ministerial Council. [88664]

  Mr. Straw
  As I informed my hon. Friend in my reply of 8 June 1999,Official Report, column 259, it was not the general practice of the Government to report to Parliament on the business of the K4 Committee. This policy will continue to apply to the work of the Article 36 Committee. The conclusions and recommendations of that Committee are considered by the Council, and a report of the Council's proceedings is of course made to Parliament.

  City of London (Protection)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to increase the protection of workers in the City of London from violent demonstrators. [88440]

  Mr. Boateng
  It is vital that the people who work in the City are allowed to go about their business without fear of harassment or intimidation. It is an operational matter for the police service to ensure that public order is maintained and that the public is protected from disorderly or violent conduct. The Government will liaise closely with the City of London Police, and will consider any changes to policy or practice which the police service indicate would assist them in preventing further disruption.

  PAVA Incapacitant Spray
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research is being conducted by the Police Scientific Development Branch into the incapacitant spray PAVA; what is the aim of this research; for what reason it has been started; when this research began; when it is expected to end; and if the results of this research will be published. [88439]

  Mr. Boateng
  Some research has been commissioned privately by Hertfordshire Constabulary into the use of Pelargonic Acid Vanillylamide (PAVA) as a potential incapacitant spray. The Police Scientific Development Branch (PSDB) are not conducting any research into PAVA at present. Discussions have been held with Hertfordshire Constabulary to assess the research they have carried out to date and to assess what still needs to be done before PAVA could be considered for use in the United Kingdom. No decision has yet been taken on the future involvement of PSDB in any further research.

  Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 28 January 1999,Official Report, column 371, concerning the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998, when he intends to announce the appointment of an independent reviewer of those provisions of the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998 which were not incorporated into the Prevention of Terrorism (Termporary Provisions) Act 1989; when the first review will take place; and if he will make a statement. [88809]

  Mr. Straw
  Arrangements are currently in hand to identify potential candidates for this appointment. We hope to be able to make an announcement shortly. The reviewer will, on taking up post, review the operation of sections 5–7 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998 since they came into force in September 1998.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applications were received from(a) Serbia and (b) Colombia in 1998; and how many of the applications (i) were agreed, (ii) were refused and (iii) await decision; and if he will make a statement. [88835]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The available information is given in the table. I regret that it is not possible, without involving disproportionate cost, to separately identify Serbians within the statistics held on nationals of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

  Applications1 received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, and initial decisions 2.3 for nationals of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Columbia, 1998

  Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

  Columbia

  Applications received

  7,395

  1,360

  Total decisions of which:

  1,570

  425

  Recognised as a refugee and granted asylum

  935

  20

  Not recognised as a refugee but granted exceptional leave

  75

  25

  Refused asylum and exceptional leave

  565

  380

  Applications outstanding at end of year4

  7,700

  2,260

  1 Provisional figures rounded to the nearest 5

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

  3 Decision figures do not necessarily relate to applications made in 1998

  4 Estimated figures

  Criminal Record Bureau
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure that the structure of application fees for the Criminal Record Bureau does not discourage volunteering. [88850]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Criminal Record Bureau will be run on a full cost recovery basis and the cost of the fees for certificates from the Bureau will be kept to the minimum necessary to recoup costs. All applicants will be treated equally.

  SCOTLAND

    Ministerial Meetings (US)
    Mr. Matthew Taylor
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 4 May 1999,Official Report, column 337, what were the names of the two individuals from the US Government whom he met on 17 March. [84343]

    Dr. Reid
    [holding answer 21 May 1999]: My right hon. Friend the former Secretary of State met Stuart Eizenstadt, Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs at the US Department of State and Ambassador Peter Scher, US Special Trade Negotiator.

    Special Advisers
    Mr. Matthew Taylor
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what dates special advisers from his Department have travelled in an official capacity to the United States since 2 May 1997; what were the names of the special advisers; and if they accompanied ministers. [84325]

    Dr. Reid
    [holding answer 21 May 1999]: One special adviser travelled to the United States with my predecessor on 15–19 March 1999. In accordance with convention, the name of the special adviser has not been given.

    A9 (Strathsteven)
    Mr. Maclennan
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps(a) have been taken and (b) are planned following the accident investigation and prevention study by the National Roads Directorate to improve road safety on the A9 to Strathsteven, Brora. [89089]

    Forestry commission land currently on the open market

    Property

    Area (hectares)

    Grid ref.

    Category of Land

    Date first put on the market

    Access classification

    England

    Benacre wood

    25.0

    TQ945440

    FL

    22 October 1996

    3

    Black Plantation, Seaton Ross

    14.0

    SE794367

    FL

    28 June 1995

    3

    Brandon Central Depot

    16.0

    TL786875

    O

    1 June 1998

    4

    Deershill Wood

    11.0

    SS520172

    FL

    18 June 1999

    2

    Seaton Old Wood, Seaton Ross

    16.5

    SE787394

    FL

    28 June 1995

    3

    Stanley Cottages Plantation

    31.0

    NZ168390

    FL

    1 January 1989

    1

    Wales

    Allt Parc Y Dilfa

    14.0

    SN640335

    FL

    31 July 1998

    2

    Amnodd Wood

    101.0

    SH810372

    FL

    19 April 1996

    3

    Bryn Glas 2

    2.9

    SJ091056

    FL

    13 August 1998

    2

    Coed Cochion

    17.0

    SJ110725

    FL

    29 June 1999

    2

    Coed Hengefn

    10.0

    SJ083048

    FL

    13 August 1998

    2

    Coed Mynydd Mawr

    24.0

    SH365406

    FL

    17 July 1998

    3

    Coed Pandy

    22.0

    SJ 190363

    FL

    7 September 1998

    2

    Coed Pwynt

    5.0

    SJ118197

    FL

    13 August 1998

    2

    Coed Y Graig

    35.0

    SH641078

    FL

    17 July 1998

    3

    Craig Yr Arail

    58.0

    S0210044

    FL

    24 March 1995

    2

    Cwm Prysor (Penllyn Forest)

    56.0

    SH790380

    FL

    19 April 1995

    3

    Eglwyseg Mill Wood

    6.0

    SJ215461

    FL

    29 June 1999

    2

    Fagwr Fran (Trecwn)

    80.0

    SM995315

    FL

    17 July 1998

    2

    Foel Eglwyseg

    162.0

    SJ203465

    FL

    29 June 1999

    2

    Gelli Dywyll

    25.0

    SH686413

    FL

    17 September 1998

    2

    Graianog

    19.0

    SH464488

    FL

    30 April 1997

    1

    Graig Ynysgollen

    10.0

    SN802013

    FL

    4 June 1987

    2

    Nant Y Stalwyn

    44.0

    SN820097

    FL

    2 March 1993

    1

    194
    Mr. Macdonald
    (a) Works to strengthen the edge of the carriageway, boundary wall and verge are currently being undertaken. (b) An Accident Investigation and Prevention study is to be commissioned to identify any appropriate low cost accident prevention measures for this location. Any measures agreed will be implemented during this financial year, providing sufficient funds are available.

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

    Forestry Commission
    Mr. Etherington
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those Forestry Commission land sites currently on the market in(a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales indicating for each proposed sale (i) the total area, (ii) location, (iii) type of land, (iv) length of time on the market and (v) the provisions for securing continuing public access. [87444]

    Mr. Macdonald
    The subject of the question relates to matters undertaken by Forest Enterprise. I have asked its Chief Executive, Dr. Bob McIntosh, to arrange for a reply to be given.

    Letter from Bob McIntosh to Mr. Bill Etherington, dated 30 June 1999:
    The Secretary of State for Scotland has asked me to reply to your Question about Forestry Commission land that is currently on the market.
    I enclose a table which gives the information you have requested.
    The table does not include negotiated sales, such as sales of houses and agricultural land to sitting tenants or sales of land to conservation bodies through our sponsorship arrangements, as these are not available on the open market.
    I hope that this is helpful.
    195

    Forestry commission land currently on the open market

    Property

    Area (hectares)

    Grid ref.

    Category of Land

    Date first put on the market

    Access classification

    Pengwern

    15.0

    SH696427

    FL

    17 September 1998

    1

    Pennsylvania Wood

    35.0

    SJ886832

    FL

    18 June 1999

    2

    Pen y Clawdd Plantation

    37.0

    SJ200458

    FL

    29 June 1999

    3

    Pen Y Gribin

    12.0

    SH680190

    FL

    17 July 1998

    2

    Rassau/Carno

    93.0

    SO158134

    FL

    8 September 1998

    1

    Rhiwbach and Tyddyn Bach

    106.0

    SH743462

    FL

    11 January 1995

    1

    Rhiwlas

    14.2

    SS833901

    O

    12 October 1998

    4

    Tan Y Clawdd

    13.0

    SH436491

    FL

    30 April 1996

    1

    Tan Y Graig

    23.0

    SJ234405

    FL

    7 September 1998

    2

    Trecwn

    182.0

    SN381312

    FL

    17 July 1998

    2

    Ty Mawr Hill

    15.0

    SJ129018

    FL

    13 August 1998

    2

    Tyn Rhos and Coed Cefncoch

    13.0

    SH834037

    FL

    23 June 1998

    2

    Wern Land

    77.4

    SN853142

    O

    1 December 1998

    4

    Scotland

    Badiebath Woods

    46.0

    NJ831397

    FL

    23 December 1998

    1

    Barnbarroch

    62.0

    NX400505

    FL

    1 September 1998

    1

    Braes of Gight

    91.0

    NJ822390

    FL

    23 December 1998

    1

    Claigan Plantation

    252.0

    NG266530

    FL

    19 October 1998

    3

    Dunvegan Woodlands

    258.0

    NG2455I6

    FL

    19 October 1998

    3

    Field at Hillhead

    0.4

    NH522239

    O

    1 June 1999

    4

    Gartochorrans

    199.0

    NS465845

    FL

    10 June 1999

    2

    Knockbain

    145.0

    NX 166900

    FL

    1 September 1998

    2

    Land at Savary

    6.7

    NM635461

    O

    21 April 1999

    4

    Land at A836, Stittenham

    7.2

    NH653750

    O

    19 May 1999

    4

    Lochbank

    23.0

    NY075840

    FL

    10 June 1999

    2

    No. 1 Savary and Land

    1.8

    NM635461

    O

    21 April 1999

    4

    Soutra

    156.2

    NT460565

    FL

    25 September 1998

    2

    Whitslade Hill (Pt)

    23.0

    NT095335

    FL

    9 October 1998

    2

    Codes:

    Category of Land

    O—Other Land (Agricultural land, hilltops etc.

    Access Classification

    1 Access agreement in place

    2 Offer of access agreement not accepted by Local Authority

    3 Access agreement not possible due to third party constraints

    4 The arrangements for access agreements do not apply to other land

    Energy Efficiency
    Mr. Alan Simpson
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many households in Scotland would meet the eligibility criteria for the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme if it were to be applied in Scotland. [88152]

    Dr. Reid
    The information is not held centrally.

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

    Pollok Centre, Glasgow
    Mr. Davidson
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total rateable value of the Pollok Centre in Glasgow; how much was paid in rates by the centre during the last financial year; and how much and what percentage of the total raised was made available to Glasgow City Council. [88160]

    Mr. Macdonald
    Assuming full occupation, the total rateable value of the Pollok Centre is £2,374,550, of which almost £1.2 million was paid in rates by the centre in the last financial year. This amount will be included in Glasgow's contribution to the Non-Domestic Rates Pool for 1998–99. Each council's share of Aggregate External Finance (AEF) is calculated according to relative spending need or assessed by Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE). Once specific grants have been top-sliced the 196
    balance of the AEF share is made up of two components, Non-Domestic Rates Income (NDRI) and Revenue Support Grant (RSG). NDRI is distributed pro-rata to population and the balance then becomes the council's RSG.

    Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989
    Mr. Lidington
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date his Department was first informed that Parts IV A and IV B of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 were no longer in force. [88796]

    Dr. Reid
    [holding answer 28 June 1999]: My Department was advised on 21 June that these provisions were no longer in force.

    Vacant Land
    Mr. David Marshall
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures the Government will take to implement the recommendations of the Scottish Office/Pieda Study, Towards a Strategy for Vacant Land, that(a) dereliction considered to have adverse environmental effects should be dealt with by 2010 and (b) no local authority should have more than 0.5 per cent. vacant land by 2010; and if he will make a statement. [89022]
    197
    Dr. Reid
    The two specific recommendations cited from Pieda's report to the Scottish Office have not been adopted as targets. The Government have, however, allocated £3 million a year to bring vacant and derelict land in Glasgow up to a standard suitable for housing. In addition remediation of contaminated land will be addressed by Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which it is planned will be brought into force by the end of 1999. A number of National Planning Policy Guidelines also make clear to planning authorities that priority should be given to the re-use of vacant and derelict land. The information in the Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey has been improved to record the development potential of sites and to enable planning authorities to prioritise sites for re-use.

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

    Opencast Coal
    Sir Teddy Taylor
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications have been made to local authorities for the development of opencast coal over the past 12 months; and how many have been approved.[R] [88943]

    Mr. Macdonald
    [holding answer 29 June 1999]: Information on planning applications made to and approved by local authorities in respect of open-cast coal developments is not held centrally. General information on planning statistics is collected by the Scottish Office Development Department. However, there is no detailed provision for authorities to inform the Department of applications made for opencast coal developments unless the proposal falls within the scope of the Town and Country Planning (Notification of Applications) (Scotland) Direction 1997.

    Belgian Food Products
    Mr. Yeo
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland from whom information about the contamination of Belgian food products was first received by his officials. [88951]

    Mr. Macdonald
    [holding answer 29 June 1999]: Scottish Office officials initially received this information from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

    Mr. Yeo
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when(a) he and (b) his officials were informed of the contamination of Belgian food products. [88950]

    Mr. Macdonald
    [holding answer 29 June 1999]: My right hon. Friend first learned of the contamination of Belgian food products on 3 June 1999. Scottish Office officials first learned of this problem on 1 June 1999.

  CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

    School Sports Co-ordinators
    Valerie Davey
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how the sports co-ordinators for schools will be apportioned(a) by individual sport, (b) by school sector and (c) in other ways; and if they will include co-ordinators for swimming events. [88183]
    198
    Mr. Banks
    Sport England are currently working up detailed plans for the role the Co-ordinators will play. However, it is not envisaged that Co-ordinators will be apportioned by individual sport, but play a generic role covering all sports, including swimming. They will be based in secondary schools, with the target being up to 600 Active Schools Co-ordinators operating in 1,000 secondary schools and associated primary schools over the next 10 years.

    Mr. Spring
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the announcement of the appointment of school sports co-ordinators was first made; and by whom. [88453]

    Mr. Banks
    The announcement of the appointment of Active Schools Co-ordinators was first made in Sport England's Lottery Strategy in May. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recently announced that he had written to Sport England to ensure that arranging competitive fixtures between schools was a key part of the Co-ordinators' job description.

    Sports Participation (Asian Community)
    Lorna Fitzsimons
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action his Department is taking to encourage participation by and representation of the Asian community at national level in cricket, badminton, hockey and football. [88676]

    Mr. Banks
    Sport can play a major role in ridding society of racism, especially given the positive influence it can have on young people. It is an issue which impacts on all sports and must be tackled by them.

    Sport England, in conjunction with the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), has established a Racial Equality Advisory Group to work with all sports national governing bodies to encourage racial equality in sport. The group meets on a regular basis and comprises representatives from a variety of agencies. The Group examines issues relating to ethnic minorities in sport, and advises Sport England to ensure that its policies offer equal opportunities to all people, irrespective of their ethnic background.

    Furthermore, all recipients of grant-in-aid must agree to have all facilities, courses and events open to the whole community. Similar criteria are also used in assessing applications for grants from the Lottery Sports Fund.

    Much has been done to address the problems of racism in football. I am pleased to acknowledge the good work undertaken by the Commission for Racial Equality and the Professional Footballers Association, who were involved in the Lets Kick Racism Out of Football campaign. The Football Task Force Report on Racism in Football, produced earlier this year, has also been very well received alongside initiatives such as Kick it Out and Show Racism the Red Card.

    I want to ensure that the lessons and proposals highlighted in that report are extended to other sports. To this end I have recently written to the governing bodies of five major sports as a first step asking how they are going about addressing any problems within their sports. I intend to call a meeting with those governing bodies, the Commission for Racial Equality and the Local Government Association to root out this problem.

    Youth Sports Schemes
    Mr. Gorrie
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to ensure that equal opportunities are offered to girls and boys in youth sports schemes funded or promoted by the Government. [88593]

    Mr. Banks
    The Government fund Sports England to develop programmes for young people and they do this through their Active Schools programme. A key principle of the programme is that every child—having due regard for differences in ability, gender and background—should benefit from the programme.

    Tourism
    Mr. Hoyle
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much was spent per head of population on tourism in England in the last year for which figures are available. [88600]

    Janet Anderson
    The total amount spent in England in 1997 by tourists who stayed at least one night is estimated at £21.7 billion, equivalent to £440 per head of the population. Including the spending during tourism day visits would almost double these amounts.

    Mr. Hoyle
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on his expenditure plans for tourism for the next three years. [88813]

    Janet Anderson
    My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced his expenditure plans for tourism over the next three years on 14 December 1998. They include an extra £5 million over three years for the British Tourist Authority and an extra £4 million to transform the English Tourist Board into a new strategic body, the English Tourism Council (ETC). The launch of the ETC heralds new regional funding arrangements enabling a greater proportion of funds to be provided direct to Regional Tourist Boards to provide extra support for tourism in the regions of England.

    Sports Sites
    Mr. Nigel Jones
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the accuracy of the National Register of Sports Sites. [88462]

    Mr. Banks
    The proposals for a national register of Recreational Land were originally put forward during the preparation of The Playing Pitch Strategy by the GB Sports Council, the National Playing Fields Association and the Central Council for Physical Recreation in 1989. The objectives of the Register from the outset were to monitor change in the recreational land resource; to assist in policy development at the local and national level; and to provide information to the public. An independent evaluation of the Register 1994 found a number of shortcomings with the data. These shortcomings were due to a number of factors, including the voluntary nature of the project, with owners and managers of sites under no obligation to provide data, and many refusing to co-operate.

    A review of the effectiveness of the Register in 1998 indicated that the likelihood of achieving and maintaining a comprehensive, accurate, up-to-date national inventory of playing pitches was remote. Sport England, with the support of the DCMS, the National Playing Fields
    200
    Association and the Central Council for Physical Recreation, is currently working with local authorities on a suitable model of the Register which can be used by local authorities to undertake assessments of playing field need and provision in their area.

    Mr. Nigel Jones
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the criteria are for the funding of sports sites through the allocation of National Lottery money. [88463]

    Mr. Banks
    Sport England is the statutory distributor of Lottery funding for sport in England. It dispenses these funds according to its own published criteria within a general policy framework agreed with the Government. The Council takes individual funding decisions based on a number of principles independently of Government.

    Sport England has established stringent assessment criteria for applicants in which priority is given to those projects which demonstrate a commitment to increasing active sporting participation within the community, particularly those members of the community who may previously have been under-represented, for example, people with disabilities, women and junior participants. Projects that demonstrate a well thought out, structured programme for achieving this and those which expand the choice of sports available to the community are more likely to receive support. Sport England reaches its award decisions after a thorough appraisal of the many different aspects of each proposal. These criteria are fully explained in an application pack that is made available to all potential applicants to the Sport England Lottery Fund. Copies of the pack have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

    Physical Training and Recreation Act 1937
    Mr. Nigel Jones
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to amend the Physical Training and Recreation Act 1937. [88460]

    Mr. Banks
    I have announced that we will seek to amend the Physical Training and Recreation Act 1937 so that chess may become eligible for funding from the Sports Council. Primary legislation will be required and proposals to do so will be introduced when Parliamentary time allows.

    Playing Fields
    Mr. Nigel Jones
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will assess the advantages and disadvantages of making the National Playing Fields Association a statutory consultee on playing fields development. [88461]

    Mr. Banks
    Any decision to include the National Playing Field Association as a statutory consultee on playing fields development is one for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions. We have already introduced a number of measures to protect playing fields which require local education authorities, schools and developers to consider carefully the needs of school children and local communities for whom playing fields are a vital resource.
    201
    Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and myself are in the closest contact with Ministers at the Department for Education and Employment and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions to monitor these arrangements, and we will consider any further action which may be needed.

    Sports Clubs
    Mr. Nigel Jones
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will assess the advantages and disadvantages of allowing mandatory rate relief to voluntary sports clubs. [88746]

    Mr. Banks
    The issue of mandatory rate relief is a matter primarily for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, though I take a close interest in the potential for developing grass roots sport.

    We made a Manifesto commitment to review the current arrangements under which local authorities give business rate relief to non-profit-making sports clubs in England, Scotland and Wales. The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions will issue a consultation paper later in the year.

    Private Sports Grounds
    Mr. Nigel Jones
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many applications have been received to finance retention of private sports grounds with funds from the Sportsmatch programme; and if he will list them. [88745]

    Mr. Banks
    Sportsmatch, which is administered by the Institute of Sports Sponsorship, launched the Company Sports Facilities Initiative pilot scheme last year to encourage companies with sports facilities to open them to wider use by local communities and sports clubs. Discussions are in hand with potential company sponsors, but no applications have been received to date. The retention of private sports facilities is not eligible for Sportsmatch funding.

    Activity Holidays (National Minimum Wage)
    Mr. Spring
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations his Department has made to the Department of Trade and Industry on the impact of the national minimum wage on activity holidays; and if he will publish them. [88454]

    Janet Anderson
    We have received a number of representations from the tourism and hospitality industry on the national minimum wage, including some from the activity holiday sector, which we have passed on to the Department of Trade and Industry. The industry had good and productive discussions during 1998—99 with the independent Low Pay Commission and the Government subsequently set the National Minimum Wage at the sensible level recommended by the Commission.

    The Government have asked the Low Pay Commission to monitor and evaluate the impact of the introduction of the national minimum wage. The Commission will welcome views from tourism and hospitality operators on the impact the new legislation is having in practice.

    English Tourism Council
    Mr. Spring
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what legislative changes will be required to establish the English Tourism Council. [88452]

    Janet Anderson
    No legislation is needed at this stage. The Development of Tourism Act 1969 still applies. Following its launch on 19 July, the English Tourism Council will be the trading name for the English Tourist Board. The new name reflects the change in the body's remit and will be changed formally when a legislative opportunity arises.

    Mr. Fearn
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he expects to announce who has been appointed to be the(a) chairman and (b) chief executive of the new English Tourism Council. [89135]

    Janet Anderson
    We are announcing today that the chairman of the English Tourism Council is to be Alan Britten. He will take up the post on Monday 12 July. The appointment of a chief executive is a matter for the ETC.

    Millennium Wheel
    Mr. Gordon Prentice
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is(a) the cost and (b) the design life of the Millennium Wheel; and how long it is planned to remain at its County Hall location. [88838]

    Janet Anderson
    The Millennium Ferris Wheel (London Eye) is an entirely privately funded project sponsored by British Airways; no application for funding has been made to any Government Department or Agency. Temporary planning permission was granted for a period of five years and any plan to extend this period would have to be made through my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

    Wembley Stadium
    Mr. Fearn
    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what is his Department's estimate of the cost of transport projects involved in the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium as the centrepiece for a bid to host the Olympic Games; [89139]

    (2) what is his Department's estimate of the total cost of the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium as the centrepiece for a bid to host the Olympic Games. [89133]

    Mr. Banks
    The British Olympic Association are currently undertaking feasibility studies involving Sport England, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Government Office for London on the key aspects of mounting a successful bid for a future Olympics. These cover environment, transport, Olympic village and sports facilities, including a stadium capable of staging the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics events. These working groups are expected to report in December with a full assessment of what is in place and what needs to be in place to bid for and stage the Olympic Games.

  SOCIAL SECURITY

    Incapacity Benefit
    Mr. Berry
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many 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 have an occupational pension; and, for those who receive an occupational pension, what is the average weekly pension payment. [87588]

    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 for the occupational pension income of Incapacity Benefit recipients whose claims began after April 1995. Such information as is available is in the table. The table shows levels of occupational and personal pensions for all current Incapacity Benefit recipients. No existing Incapacity Benefit recipient will be affected at the point of change by the proposal to take some account of occupational and personal pensions over £50 a week.

    Income Support claimants by Government Office Region and age of claimant, February 1999

    Thousand

    Region

    All claimants

    18–24

    25–49

    50–64

    65–84

    85 and over

    North East

    211

    20

    80

    38

    55

    19

    North West

    563

    48

    226

    103

    135

    51

    Yorks and Humber

    339

    30

    123

    60

    89

    37

    East Midlands

    237

    19

    87

    40

    63

    27

    West Midlands

    360

    29

    128

    66

    103

    34

    Eastern

    263

    19

    97

    44

    69

    34

    London

    573

    43

    270

    104

    118

    37

    South East

    353

    25

    134

    59

    89

    45

    South West

    267

    20

    96

    45

    70

    35

    Notes:

    1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand cases.

    2. Based on a 5 per cent. sample and as such subject to a degree of sampling error

    3. Income Support claimants are defined as aged 16 or over and as such there are nil claimants aged 0 to 8.

    4. All claimant figure excludes Income Support claimants aged 16 and 17 years

    5. Government Office Region codes are assigned by matching postcodes against the 1999 version I postcode directory.

    Source:

    Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiry, February 1999.

    Mr. O'Hara
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish the most recent figures showing how many people in each of the regions covered by the new Regional development agencies have(a) telephones and (b) central heating in their homes in the age ranges (i) 0 to 8, (ii) 18 to 24, (iii) 25 to 50, (iv) 50 to 65, (v) 65 to 85 and (vi) 85 years and over [88649]

    Angela Eagle
    Information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables.
    204

    Levels of occupational and personal pensions for Incapacity

    Benefit recipients 1996—97

    Occupational and personal pension income (£ per week)

    Number of recipients

    0

    1,120,000

    less than £25

    120,000

    £25 to £49.99

    110,000

    £50 to £74.99

    110,000

    £75 to £99.99

    90,000

    £100 to £124.99

    40,000

    £125 to £149.99

    40,000

    £150 to £199.99

    50,000

    £200 or more

    40,000

    All IB recipients

    1,710,000

    Notes:

    1. The average gross occupational and personal pension income for Incapacity Benefit recipients with non-State pension incomes in 1996—97 was £85 per week.

    2. All estimates are based on data from the 1996—97 Family Resources Survey and are in gross 1996—97 prices.

    3. Estimates are based on sample counts that have been adjusted for non-response.

    4. Estimates are subject to sampling error and to variability in non-response.

    Income Support
    Mr. O'Hara
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish the most recent figures showing how many people are on Income Support in the age ranges (i) 0 to 8, (ii) 18 to 24, (iii) 25 to 50, (iv) 50 to 65, (v) 65 to 85 and (vi) 85 years and over in each of the regions covered by the new regional development agencies. [88648]

    Angela Eagle
    The information is shown in the Table.

    Individuals with access to a telephone by Regional development

    agency and age

    Thousand

    Age of individual

    Regional development agency

    0–17

    18–24

    25–49

    50–64

    65+

    North East

    630

    250

    960

    510

    390

    North West and Merseyside

    1,490

    540

    2,290

    1,230

    930

    Yorkshire and Humber

    1,010

    310

    1,600

    850

    690

    East Midlands

    880

    350

    1,420

    820

    540

    West Midlands

    1,200

    440

    1,740

    900

    710

    Eastern Region

    1,200

    430

    1,880

    1,010

    770

    London

    1,730

    560

    2,710

    1,040

    850

    South East

    1,640

    610

    2,590

    1,400

    990

    South West

    970

    300

    1,570

    900

    770

    205

    Individuals with central heating in their homes by Regional development agency and age

    Thousand

    Age of individual

    Regional development agency

    0–17

    18–24

    25–49

    50–64

    65+

    North East

    660

    260

    980

    490

    380

    North West and Merseyside

    1,330

    490

    2,030

    1,090

    790

    Yorkshire and Humber

    910

    290

    1,420

    760

    570

    East Midlands

    860

    340

    1,350

    780

    510

    West Midlands

    1,040

    390

    1,540

    820

    590

    Eastern Region

    1,170

    420

    1,820

    960

    720

    London

    1,680

    540

    2,570

    980

    730

    South East

    1,520

    570

    2,440

    1,290

    890

    South West

    860

    280

    1,390

    820

    700

    Notes:

    1. Age ranges provided in the tables do not exactly match those requested as these had missing ranges and overlapping boundaries. In addition, sample sizes for the highest age range are too small to support reliable estimates of the statistics in question. Therefore, age ranges which are as close as possible to those requested have been used.

    2. The estimates are based on sample counts that have been adjusted for non-response using multi-purpose grossing factors that control for region, Council Tax Band and a number of demographic variables. Estimates are subject to sampling error and to variability in non-response

    3. All figures are provided in thousands and have been rounded to the nearest ten thousand.

    Source:

    1997—98 Family Resources Survey (Great Britain)

    Disability Living Allowance
    Mr. Hesford
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress has been made on the implementation of The Activities for Management of Life test for entitlement to disability living allowance, suggested by the disability benefits forum; and if he will make a statement. [89046]

    Mr. Bayley
    In line with recommendations from the Social Security Select Committee, we have discussed with the Disability Benefits Forum the possibility of developing alternatives to the current tests for entitlement to Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance, and it was agreed that further work should be undertaken. We are now exploring the possibility of using a set of activities undertaken by disabled people in managing their lives (AMLs) as a means of assessing need; work on this is being carried out by an AMLs Working Group which includes representatives from disability organisations in its membership.

    The Working Group is currently in the process of carrying out initial testing of models based on AMLs, and progress was discussed with the Working Group on 25 June 1999. It was agreed that testing and analysis of the results should continue; it is, however, too early to say if it will be possible to produce an AMLs system which represents a significant and worthwhile improvement on the present methods of assessing entitlement to the benefits.

    Annuities
    Mr. Field
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of pensioners on Income Support are receiving income from an annuity. [89004]
    206
    Mr. Timms
    Estimates from the Family Resources Survey 1997—98 suggest that less than 1 per cent. of pensioners on Income Support were receiving income from an annuity.
    Notes:

    1. Pensioners are defined as single people aged 60 years or over and couples where at least one partner is aged 60 years or over.

    2. Estimates of receipt of Income Support and annuity income are based on respondent's own assessment and therefore may be subject to mis-reporting

    Pension Upratings
    Mr. Drew
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the difference was in each year since 1980 between the amount by which pensions would have increased if based on(a) the retail prices index and (b) average earnings. [88177]

    Mr. Timms
    The information is in the table.

    >£ per week

    Uprating date

    Actual rate paid increased by Retail Price Index

    Rate if increased by average earnings

    Rate if increased by higher of earnings or prices

    November 1980

    27.15

    27.60

    27.60

    November 1981

    29.60

    30.75

    30.75

    November 1982

    32.85

    33.35

    34.15

    November 1983

    34.05

    36.25

    37.10

    November 1984

    35.80

    38.05

    39.00

    November 1985

    38.30

    41.35

    42.40

    July 1986

    38.70

    43.20

    44.30

    April 1987

    39.50

    45.60

    46.80

    April 1988

    41.15

    49.15

    50.45

    April 1989

    43.60

    53.50

    54.90

    April 1990

    46.90

    58.70

    60.25

    April 1991

    52.00

    64.30

    66.80

    April 1992

    54.15

    69.20

    71.90

    April 1993

    56.10

    72.50

    75.35

    April 1994

    57.60

    74.80

    77.75

    April 1995

    58.85

    77.35

    80.40

    April 1996

    61.15

    79.50

    83.55

    April 1997

    62.45

    82.85

    87.05

    April 1998

    64.70

    86.25

    90.60

    April 1999

    66.75

    90.50

    95.05

    Notes:

    1. The Retail Prices Index (all items) has been used as published by the Office for National Statistics.

    2. Average Earnings Index Whole Economy (Non Seasonally Adjusted) as published by the Office for National Statistics.

    3. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 5 pence at each uprating.

    4. From April 1994 the basic rate of Retirement Pension has been increased by 50p to reflect VAT on fuel.

  WALES

    North Wales Health Authority
    Mr. Wigley
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date his Department informed the North Wales Health Authority of its capital expenditure allocation for 1999–2000. [87998]
    207
    Mr. Jon Owen Jones
    Capital allocations for 1999–2000 were issued to health authorities on the 27 May 1999 as part of the health authority cash allocation announcement. NHS Trusts were issued with their capital allocations on 22 June 1999.

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

    European Social Fund
    Mr. Wigley
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what preparations he is undertaking to develop within Wales appropriate financial management and payment systems for European Social Fund delivery for the period after 2000; and if he will make a statement. [87994]

    Mr. Jon Owen Jones
    My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is in discussion with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment over arrangements under which responsibility for payments and financial management of ESF in Wales would transfer to the National Assembly for Wales from 2000. The terms will, however, need to be acceptable to the Assembly.

    Non-departmental Public Bodies
    Mr. Rowlands
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales for how many appointments to non-departmental public bodies he was responsible prior to the passing of the Government of Wales Act 1998; and for how many he is currently responsible. [88587]

    Mr. Michael
    I currently have sole responsibility for making 404 appointments to Executive, Advisory and Health Non-departmental Public Bodies in Wales. Responsibility for all these appointments will transfer to the National Assembly for Wales on 1 July.

    As Secretary of State, I will retain responsibility for a small number of appointments to bodies which do not have NDPB status, such as the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for Wales and the Courts and Councils of the Universities.

    There are also several UK bodies to which I make appointments, or where I have joint responsibility for making appointments, or am consulted on appointments. These responsibilities will also transfer to the Assembly by means of an Order in Council under Section 30 of the Government of Wales Act 1998.

    Detailed information about public appointments for which I have had responsibility as Secretary of State for Wales is published quarterly in "Appointments made by the Secretary of State for Wales". The latest edition is dated March 1999 and is available in the House of Commons Library.

    Mr. Rowlands
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many non-departmental public bodies there were in Wales prior to the Government of Wales Act 1998; and how many there are currently. [88586]

    Mr. Michael
    There were 42 non-departmental public bodies sponsored by my Department immediately prior to the Government of Wales Act 1998; there are now 37. The five bodies that have been abolished since 31 July 1998 are the Development Board for Rural Wales; the 208
    Land Authority for Wales; the Residuary Body for Wales; Tai Cymru; and the Welsh Advisory Committee on Drug and Alcohol Misuse.

    Mr. Rowlands
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list(a) the non-departmental public bodies which have been abolished and (b) established since May 1997. [88642]

    Mr. Michael
    Since 1 May 1997, the following non-departmental public bodies have been abolished: the Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales; the Development Board for Rural Wales; the Land Authority for Wales; the Residuary Body for Wales; the Staff Commission for Wales; Tai Cymru; the Welsh Advisory Committee on Drug and Alcohol Misuse; and the Welsh Council for Post-Graduate Medical and Dental Education. In addition, the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation has been identified for abolition. No new non-departmental public bodies have been established by the Secretary of State since 1 May 1997.

    Heart Bypass Operations
    Mr. Edwards
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are currently waiting(a) 0 to six months, (b) six to 12 months and (c) over 12 months for heart bypass operations in each NHS trust in Wales. [88924]

    Mr. Jon Owen Jones
    Information on the number of people waiting less than six months for coronary heart bypass operations is not collected centrally. At 31 March 1999, the numbers waiting 6 to 12 months and over 12 months in each of the relevant NHS trusts in Wales is given in the following table.

    Numbers waiting over six months for coronary heart bypass graft surgery by NHS trust, 31 March 1999

    Number waiting

    Trust

    6 to 12 months

    over 12 months

    Morriston Hospital NHS trust1

    36

    3

    University Hospital of Wales NHS trust2

    76

    5

    1Forms part of the new Swansea NHS trust

    2 Forms part of the new UHW/Llandough trust

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

    Refugees
    Mr. Livsey
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the Welsh Administration and Welsh local authorities about the implications of the Immigration and Asylum Bill for refugees in Wales. [89049]

    Mr. Jon Owen Jones
    The Home Office is in the lead on this matter, but Welsh Office officials have been directly involved in considering the strategic and operational implications for Wales from the outset.

    Strategically, Welsh Office officials liaise with the Home Office and, together with the Welsh Local Government Association and Welsh Refugee Council, attend meetings of the Home Office Stakeholder Group.

    Operationally, with particular regard to the proposed support and consortium arrangements, Welsh Office officials initiated consultation with interested parties in

    209
    Wales such as the WLGA, Local Authorities, the Welsh Refugee Council and other potential consortium agencies, and play an active part in the planning group which has arisen from this consultation.

    Internally, a group drawing together all the relevant interests meets on a regular basis.

    From 1 July, this role will fall to the National Assembly for Wales. I expect Assembly officials will continue to play an active and supportive role in conjunction with other interested parties to ensure that the implications of the Bill for Wales are fully considered and that the interests of Wales are fully taken into account.

    NHS Waiting Lists
    Mr. Touhig
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average waiting time for appointments with consultants in(a) obstetrics, (b) trauma and orthopaedics, (c) ENT, (d) coronary, (e) general surgery, (f) urology, (g) ophthalmology, (h) oral surgery, (i) gynaecology and (j) other specialties in each health authority area in Wales. [88904]

    Mean waiting times for selected specialities, by health authority, patients seen in 19981—mean waits given to the nearest whole week

    Speciality

    Gwent

    Bro Taf

    Dyfed Powys

    North Wales

    Morgannwg

    General surgery

    16

    15

    17

    13

    12

    Urology

    12

    10

    10

    12

    12

    Trauma and orthopaedic

    29

    23

    26

    23

    22

    Ear, nose and throat

    20

    17

    16

    22

    16

    Ophthalmology

    22

    19

    19

    18

    21

    Oral surgery

    9

    8

    13

    12

    10

    Cardiac surgery

    31

    26

    27

    13

    22

    Obstetrics

    3

    8

    3

    3

    4

    Gynaecology

    12

    11

    7

    11

    10

    All other specialties

    9

    9

    6

    8

    11

    1Mean waits are calculated using information in respect of each health authority treated in Welsh hospitals during 1998

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

    NHS Consultants
    Mr. Touhig
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in each health authority area in Wales were referred to hospital out-patient departments between 1990 and the last year for which figures are available to see consultants in(a) obstetrics, (b) trauma and orthopaedics, (c) ENT, (d) coronary, (e) general surgery, (f) urology, (g) opthalmology, (h) oral surgery, (i) gynaecology and (j) other specialties. [88934]

    Mr. Jon Owen Jones
    Data are reported to the Welsh Office on the total number of referrals to NHS trusts in Wales. The totals for Wales in each of the years 1994—95 to 1998—99 are given in the following table. A breakdown of the data by health authority and specialty is not held centrally.

    The total number of referrals to NHS trusts in Wales, 1994—95 to 1998—99:
    210
    Mr. Jon Owen Jones
    Information on routine out-patient waiting times for some common procedures, by consultant, is contained in the quarterly "Hospital Waiting Times Information for GPs and Patients" publication, a copy of which is held in the Library.

    Information on average out-patient waiting times by health authority and specialty is not collected centrally.

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

    Mr. Touhig
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average waiting time between first appointments and any surgery deemed necessary in(a) obstetrics, (b) trauma and orthopaedics, (c) ENT, (d) coronary, (e) general surgery, (f) urology, (g) ophthalmology, (h) oral surgery, (i) gynaecology and (j) other specialties in each health authority area in Wales. [88905]

    Mr. Jon Owen Jones
    For all patients treated in a given period, data is available which gives the average waiting time between the decision of a consultant to admit a patient for treatment and the actual date of admission to hospital. For 1998, the average (mean) waiting times in weeks for each specialty and health authority are given in the following table.

    Year

    Number of referrals 1

    1994—95

    578,462

    1995—96

    577,831

    1996—97

    610,117

    1997—98

    651,815

    1998—99

    680,985

    1 Data as reported to the Welsh Office by Welsh NHS trusts. They include estimates for Powys Health Care NHS trust for 1994—95 and 1995—96.

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

    Mr. Touhig
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many consultants there are in each health authority area in Wales working on(a) full-time contracts and (b) part-time contracts in (i) obstetrics, (ii) trauma and orthopaedics, (iii) ENT, (iv) coronary, (v) general surgery, (vi) urology, (vii) ophthalmology, (viii) oral surgery and (ix) gynaecology and (x) other specialties. [88936]

    Mr. Jon Owen Jones
    Information on NHS medical and dental staff is collected annually as at 30 September. The latest available information relates to September 1997 and is given in the following table.
    211

    Hospital medical and dental consultants in post at 30 September 1997 (excluding locums)

    Full-time

    Part-time

    Total

    Bro Taf

    Obstetrics and gynaecology

    11

    6

    17

    Trauma and orthopaedics

    12

    2

    14

    ENT

    7

    2

    9

    Cardiology

    6

    2

    8

    Cardio-thoracic surgery

    1

    4

    5

    General surgery

    10

    13

    23

    Urology

    3

    3

    6

    Ophthalmology

    4

    3

    7

    Oral surgery

    7

    5

    12

    Other specialties

    196

    141

    337

    Dyfed Powys

    Obstetrics and gynaecology

    6

    11

    17

    Trauma and orthopaedics

    8

    10

    18

    ENT

    2

    9

    11

    Cardiology

    1

    2

    3

    Cardio-thoracic surgery

    —

    —

    0

    General surgery

    10

    9

    19

    Urology

    1

    2

    3

    Ophthalmology

    5

    6

    11

    Oral surgery

    5

    1

    6

    Other specialties

    115

    40

    155

    Gwent

    Obstetrics and gynaecology

    7

    5

    12

    Trauma and orthopaedics

    8

    5

    13

    ENT

    1

    3

    4

    Cardiology

    —

    —

    0

    Cardio-thoracic surgery

    —

    —

    0

    General surgery

    9

    4

    13

    Urology

    2

    1

    3

    Ophthalmology

    1

    3

    4

    Oral surgery

    2

    I

    3

    Other specialties

    114

    32

    146

    Morgannwg

    Obstetrics and gynaecology

    6

    5

    11

    Trauma and orthopaedics

    6

    5

    11

    ENT

    5

    1

    6

    Cardiology

    4

    —

    4

    Cardio-thoracic surgery

    3

    —

    3

    General surgery

    12

    6

    18

    Urology

    1

    2

    3

    Ophthalmology

    5

    2

    7

    Oral surgery

    4

    —

    4

    Other specialties

    163

    20

    183

    North Wales

    Obstetrics and gynaecology

    6

    8

    14

    Trauma and orthopaedics

    7

    4

    11

    ENT

    2

    5

    7

    Cardiology

    2

    —

    2

    Cardio-thoracic surgery

    —

    —

    0

    General surgery

    9

    9

    18

    Urology

    2

    2

    4

    Ophthalmology

    7

    2

    9

    Oral surgery

    I

    2

    3

    Other specialties

    147

    33

    180

    Wales1

    Obstetrics and gynaecology

    36

    26

    62

    Trauma and orthopaedics

    39

    22

    61

    ENT

    16

    15

    31

    Cardiology

    13

    2

    15

    Cardio-thoracic surgery

    3

    4

    7

    General surgery

    51

    35

    86

    Urology

    8

    9

    17

    Ophthalmology

    20

    14

    34

    Oral surgery

    12

    8

    20

    Other specialties

    703

    231

    934

    1A consultant working in more than one health authority area is counted in each authority in which they work but only once in the data for Wales as a whole.

    212
    Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

    Hepatitis C
    Mr. Win Griffiths
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the cost of introducing a scheme to provide financial assistance for people who contracted hepatitis C through their haemophilia treatment; over how many years the scheme would last; and how many people would be eligible for such assistance. [89035]

    Mr. Jon Owen Jones
    In Wales, we believe there about 105 haemophiliacs who have been infected with hepatitis C through NHS treatment. We estimate that the cost for a special payment scheme for haemophiliacs would be in the region of £7m—£8m based on UK estimates.

    Government policy remains that those infected with hepatitis C through NHS treatment should not receive special payments, as the same considerations would apply to patients infected with another illness or otherwise harmed as a result of medical or surgical procedure not resulting from negligence.

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

    Mr. Win Griffiths
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people with haemophilia were infected with hepatitis C through their NHS treatment before 1986; and how many are still alive. [89034]

    Mr. Jon Owen Jones
    The information requested is not available centrally.

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

    Mr. Win Griffiths
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of financial assistance schemes for people who contracted hepatitis C through contaminated blood products in(a) Canada, (b) Ireland and (c) Italy; and if he will assess the benefits of introducing similar schemes in Wales. [89036]

    Mr. Jon Owen Jones
    It continues to be Government policy that compensation or other financial help to particular patients or groups of patients is paid only where the NHS or individuals working in it have been at fault. We are aware of compensation schemes in other countries, but these relate to the specific policy and operational circumstances in those countries and a direct comparison would not be appropriate

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

    Dental Services
    Mr. Win Griffiths
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of general dental practices are linked electronically to the Dental Practice Board in each health authority area. [89037]
    213
    Mr. Jon Owen Jones
    The position as of 31 March 1999, as reported by the Dental Practice Board (DPB), is that the percentage of general dental practices that are able to transmit claims (i.e. are linked) electronically to the Dental Practice Board in each health authority area are:

    Per cent.

    Gwent

    49.1

    Bro Taf

    49.6

    Dyfed Powys

    44.9

    North Wales

    49.2

    Iechyd Morgannwg

    46.9

    This represents a figure of 48.1 per cent. for Wales as a whole. May I clarify the answer I gave my hon. Friend on 15 March 1999, Official Report, column 529. The figure of 66 per cent. quoted in my answer, based on data provided by the DPB, referred to general dental practitioners in Wales who utilised information management and technology systems at that time, of which a proportion were linked electronically to the DPB.

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

    Mr. Win Griffiths
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if local health groups will be required to make available funding for dental audit on at least the same scale as the funding which is already available. [89038]

    Mr. Jon Owen Jones
    The new clinical governance agenda gives local health groups an important role to play in encouraging and supporting quality improvement projects. This therefore provides a mechanism for the dental profession to have equal access to funding for dental audit projects. Applications from the primary health care sector, including dentists, will be assessed by the relevant local health group, all of whom have an elected dental member. Funding will be made available on the basis of the merits of the application/business case submitted.

    In addition, the Department funds a Dental Adviser post whose primary role is to encourage and support successful applications for funding from the dental profession in Wales.

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

  CABINET OFFICE

    Drugs
    Mr. Flynn
    To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what is his estimate of the amounts of confiscated illegal drug assets that will be used for anti-drugs measures in each of the next 10 years; and what percentage he estimates this will be of the total value of illegal drugs trafficked in the United Kingdom. [86955]

    Dr. Jack Cunningham
    The first annual report of the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator sets out that from the financial year 1999—2000, assets seized from drug traffickers in the UK will be channelled back into anti-drugs work through a new Confiscated Assets Fund (CAF). The activities to be funded will be identified by 214
    the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator based on his assessment of the strategic priorities. For 1999—2000 the Fund will total £3 million; this should rise to £5 million in 2000—01 and —7 million in 2001—02. The amounts allocated to the Fund thereafter will be set according to receipts in the previous year

    There are no figures available for the value of illegal drugs trafficked.

  LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

    European Communities Working Groups
    Mr. Bercow
    To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the European Communities working groups which met over the last 12 months with a representative from his Department in attendance; if he will list the number of times each met; if he will indicate the nature of the Government's representation; and if he will make a statement. [88468]

    Mr. Vaz
    Officials from my Department regularly attend meetings of Council working groups. Occasionally my Department is represented by officials from the United Kingdom's Permanent Representation to the European Union. I have listed the working groups with which my Department is most closely involved, and the number of times these have met in the last 12 months.

    Working group

    Meetings

    Extension of the Brussels Convention

    1

    Rome II

    5

    Revision of the Brussels and Lugano Conventions

    7

    Treasury Counsel
    Mr. Dismore
    To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what(a) representations were made, (b) correspondence was had and (c) meetings were held by (i) the Lord Chancellor and (ii) the Parliamentary Secretary's predecessor about (1) the creation of the vacancy for Treasury Counsel (Common Law) in May 1997 and (2) the filling of the vacancy. [89114]

    Mr. Vaz
    Soon after the Lord Chancellor was appointed to that office in May 1997, it became apparent to him that the then First Treasury Counsel (Common Law) should be recommended to Her Majesty for appointment as a puisne judge of the High Court. He informed the Attorney-General that this appointment would be offered. The Attorney-General and the then Solicitor-General consulted widely as to who should be appointed to the post of First Treasury Counsel, and the Lord Chancellor was among those who were consulted. Once the Attorney-General had decided who should be appointed, his Department had correspondence with the Lord Chancellor's Department to synchronise the announcement of the two appointments.

    To the best of my knowledge, my predecessor was not in any way concerned with either of these appointments.

  PRIME MINISTER

    Devolution (Scotland)
    Mr. Maxton
    To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement regarding the giving of advice by the First Minister to Her Majesty on the exercise of her functions in connection with the implementation of the Scotland Act 1998. [89358]

    The Prime Minister
    In a number of situations advice is by convention, given by a Minister of the Crown to Her Majesty in respect of the exercise of her functions. The majority of Her Majesty's functions in respect of which she receives advice from a Minister of the Crown in this way relate to the making of appointments and the use of the Royal prerogative.

    As a consequence of the new constitutional arrangements under the Scotland Act 1998, it is proposed that in some of those situations the First Minister instead of a Minister of the Crown will give advice, by convention, to Her Majesty after 1 July in respect of her functions. No formal order is required to give effect to these transfers, which will be carried out by administrative arrangement. In this context "Her Majesty's functions" refer to her statutory functions and cases where Her Majesty acts under her prerogative or common law powers. It concerns only those functions of Her Majesty which she exercises personally and not those which are exercised on her behalf by a Minister of the Crown. It deals only with circumstances in which a Minister of the Crown provides advice to Her Majesty by convention and it does not deal with circumstances in which a Minister of the Crown exercises a statutory function of advising Her Majesty. Where appropriate, provision has been made in the Scotland Act, or in subordinate legislation under the Scotland Act, to transfer these statutory advice-giving functions from the Minister of the Crown to the First Minister

    In cases where Her Majesty exercises a function which is exercisable within devolved competence for the purposes of the Scotland Act 1998 and she is, by convention, advised by a Minister of the Crown about the exercise of that function, then after 1 July she will be advised by the First Minister instead of by a Minister of the Crown.

    For example, Her Majesty exercises the Royal prerogative of mercy and appoints regius professors of the ancient Scottish universities in this way. A list of further examples of circumstances in which Her Majesty will in future be advised by the First Minister instead of by the Secretary of State in relation to the exercise of her functions which relate in whole or in part to a devolved matter has been placed in the Library.

    There are some matters in respect of which the Prime Minister gives advice to Her Majesty on the exercise of her functions and on which it would be appropriate for the Prime Minister to consult or to take advice from the First Minister. These matters include recommendations of Scottish candidates for honours and dignities, which are a
    216
    reserved matter, and advice on the appointment of Lords Lieutenants in Scotland, the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and members of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution and the Forestry Commission. There are also matters where a Minister of the Crown gives advice to Her Majesty and where it also would be appropriate for the First Minister to be consulted by or to give advice to that Minister of the Crown.

    The Scotland Act 1998 confers upon the First Minister various functions of advising Her Majesty either directly or through the Prime Minister. This includes seeking Her Majesty's approval to the appointment of Scottish Ministers and recommending to Her Majesty persons for appointment as Scottish Law Officers. Section 95 of the Act sets out in detail the arrangements for the First Minister to nominate persons for appointment as Lord President of the Court of Session and Lord Justice Clerk to the Prime Minister, who in turn makes recommendations on those appointments to Her Majesty. It also provides for the First Minister to recommend to Her Majesty the appointment of other judges.

    In a number of other situations, Her Majesty is advised in relation to the exercise of her functions by the Privy Council rather than by a Minister of the Crown. The Privy Council deals with various items of Scottish business, both prerogative business and statutory matters, such as the grant of Royal Charters and Privy Council appointments. I have placed a paper in the Libraries of both Houses that briefly describes the circumstances in which the First Minister will, from 1 July, contribute to Privy Council business in the same manner as the Secretary of State for Scotland has done.

    Engagements
    Sir Peter Tapsell
    To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 30 June. [88447]

    The Deputy Prime Minister
    I have been asked to reply.

    As the House knows, the Prime Minister has decided to remain in Northern Ireland today, in order to make every effort to secure agreement between the parties in Northern Ireland.

    I am sure the whole House will wish him, the Irish Prime Minister and all the parties well in their endeavours to bring lasting peace to Northern Ireland.

    United Nations
    Mr. Corbyn
    To ask the Prime Minister what proposals he has put forward for reform of the United Nations. [87763]

    The Deputy Prime Minister
    I have been asked to reply

    I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 23 June 1999, Official Report, column 399.

  HEALTH

    Coronary Heart Disease
    Laura Moffatt
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date the national framework for coronary heart disease will be published. [85963]

    Mr. Hutton
    A rolling programme of National Service Frameworks was announced last year. The first two frameworks—on coronary heart disease and on mental health—are planned to be published this summer.

    Dr. Cable
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 10 March 1999,Official Report, column 296, on cardiac rehabilitation programmes, when he expects to publish the national service framework for coronary heart disease. [87852]

    Mr. Hutton
    A rolling programme of National Service Frameworks was announced last summer. The first two—on coronary heart disease and on mental health—will be published this summer.

    Genetically Modified Crops
    Joan Ruddock
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the antibiotics to which marker genes used in the production of genetically modified crops convey resistance and the medical uses of those antibiotics. [86317]

    Ms Jowell
    The antibiotic marker genes and the antibiotics to which they convey resistance that are used in the production of genetic modification of plant crops are Kanamycin; Ampicillin; Hygromycin; Streptomycin; Spectinomycin; Tetracycline; Amikacin and Gentamycin. There are no currently licensed indications for Hygromycin.

    The licensed indications for the others are:
    Kanamycin:
    For the treatment of infections due to gram-negative organisms resistant to other antibiotics. It may also be used in the treatment of certain staphylococcal infections due to multi-resistant strains, and in gonorrhoea.
    Ampicillin:
    Urinary-tract infections, otitis media, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, invasive salmonellosis, gonorrhoea.
    Streptomycin:
    Tuberculosis, in combination with other drugs; adjunct to doxycycline in brucellosis.
    Tetracycline:
    Exacerbations of chronic bronchitis; brucellosis, chlamydia; mycoplasma, and rickettsia; acne vulgaris, rosacea.
    Spectinomycin:
    Gonorrhoea caused by penicillin-resistant.
    Amikacin:
    Serious Gram-negative infections resistant to gentamicin.
    Gentamicin:
    Septicaemia and neonatal sepsis; meningitis and other CNS infections; biliary-tract infection, acute pyelonephritis or prostatitis, endocarditis caused by viridans streptococci or Enterococcus faecalis (with penicillin); pneumonia in hospital patients adjunct in listerial meningitus.

    Surgical Detritus
    Mr. Gordon Prentice
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 20 May 1999,Official Report, column 425, how much compensation has been paid (a) to persons left with surgical detritus inside them following an operation and (b) to the relatives of those who died as a consequence of such negligence in each of the last three years. [86650]

    Mr. Denham
    The National Health Service Litigation Authority reports that payments in respect of claims arising from a foreign body left inside a patient following surgery amounted to £1,073,192 in the period 1 April 1995 to date.

    Mr. Gordon Prentice
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many actions were brought against NHS trusts alleging negligence arising from surgical detritus left in wounds following an operation for the most recent year for which figures are available. [87671]

    Mr. Denham
    252 claims arising from foreign bodies left inside a patient were reported to the National Health Service Litigation Authority in the period 1 April 1995 to date.

    Radiotherapy
    Mr. Paul Marsden
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the report on the review of radiotherapy provision. [87970]

    Mr. Hutton
    I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 14 June 1999,Official Report, column 11.

    NHS Management Posts
    Dan Norris
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress the Government have made on reducing management posts in the NHS. [88216]

    Mr. Denham
    We recognise the importance of good management in improving health and modernising the National Health Service. We have no plans, therefore, to set targets to reduce the number of management posts in the NHS. However, we remain committed to tackling unnecessary bureaucracy to ensure that a greater proportion of every pound spent in the NHS is directed towards patient care.

    Action taken to reduce NHS management costs in 1997–98 and 1998–99 have already freed up £¼ billion by 1999–2000 that would otherwise have been spent on bureaucracy. Further reductions are planned in 1999–2000.

    Long-term Care
    Mr. Bill O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many long-term care beds for elderly and mentally disabled people were available in each health authority area in England on 1 May. [88227]

    Mr. Hutton
    The information requested on the number of long-term care beds in each Health Authority is not available centrally.

    The available information on the number of residential care beds and beds in wards open 24 hours within each health authority area in England for 1997–98 has been placed in the Library.

    Allergy Bracelets
    Mr. Swayne
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make funds available to Medic Alert in order to defray the costs of re-engraving allergy bracelets for those on low incomes following the proposed changes to telephone numbers in the Central London area. [88656]

    Mr. Hutton
    The Department has no funds available for this purpose. Telephone numbering is a matter for the Office of Telecommunications.

    Waiting Times (South Staffordshire)
    Mr. Fabricant
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the average waiting times from GP referral to inpatient admission for patients living in the South Staffordshire Health Authority area for each of the last four years for which data are available. [88446]

    Mr. Denham
    The Department does not collect data on patients' total waiting time from general practitioner referral to inpatient admission.

  EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

    School Playing Fields
    Mr. Spring
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment where detailed information is kept on the individual school playing fields sold between 1979 and 1999. [88661]

    Mr. Charles Clarke
    Prior to 1 October 1998, there were no restrictions, other than those that may have been imposed by the planning authorities, on the sale of school playing fields by local education authorities. The Department does not, therefore, have any information on the sale of individual school playing fields by local authorities before that date.

    The Department does have information about the sale of school playing fields by grant-maintained schools from 1988 to the present.

    Mr. Spring
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the school playing fields which the Government have prevented from being sold and developed(a) between 1 May 1997 and 30 September 1998 and (b) since 1 October 1998. [88663]

    Mr. Charles Clarke
    Since 1 May 1997, applications by the governing bodies to sell playing fields at the following grant-maintained schools have been rejected:

    Merrill College, Derby

    Cranbrook School, Kent

    Lincoln Christ's Hospital School

    The King's School, Peterborough

    Deacon's School, Peterborough.

    Before 1 October 1998, there was no control over the sale of playing fields by local authorities. The Government introduced control by bringing into force section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. Since then, all application from local authorities to sell, or change the use of school playing fields have been considered against strict criteria. So far, all the applications that have been considered have met the criteria and have, therefore, been approved. It would not
    220
    be in a local authority's interest to submit an application that did not meet the criteria. What we do not know is how many local authorities have been deterred from submitting applications to sell school playing fields that, prior to 1 October 1998, they could have sold without needing consent.

    Mr. Nigel Jones
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will assess the impact on community usage of non-sport development of school sports grounds. [88743]

    Mr. Charles Clarke
    Before a local authority, governing body or foundation body in England may dispose, or change the use of a school playing field, they must first secure the prior consent of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. Applications for consent are considered against four criteria published in DfEE Circular 3/99, "The Protection of School Playing Fields". One of these criteria is that the playing field provision and other sports facilities to be left will meet the needs of the local community. This is in addition to any consideration of proposed development under the planning system.

    Mr. Nigel Jones
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to ensure that schools do not replace all their grass pitches with artificial surfaces. [88496]

    Mr. Charles Clarke
    Whether or not a maintained school's outdoor sporting provision is grass, hard surfaced or artificial surfaced is a decision best taken at local level. However, paragraph 55 of DfEE Circular 3/99 "The Protection of School Playing Fields", highlights the fact that not all types of games can be played on artificial surfaces and that a balance may need to be struck. Our Building Bulletin 85, "School Grounds: A Guide to Good Practice", provides detailed advice.

    Mr. Nigel Jones
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his Department's policy on use of school sports facilities by the community. [88744]

    Mr. Charles Clarke
    Individual governing bodies control the use of their school's premises but, in doing so out of school hours, the law requires them to have regard to the desirability of making their premises available to the wider community. We value community use and the "Code of Practice on LEA-School Relations", published this year, states that
    "schools should seek out opportunities to develop their community role".
    Later this year, the Department will be issuing further guidance on community use of school facilities as part of a drive to better promote community use.

    Climate Change Levy
    Mr. Pearson
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of(a) the cost of the climate change levy to his Department and (b) the savings from the reduction in national insurance contributions that will occur when it is introduced. [88859]
    221
    Mr. Mudie
    The net impact of the climate change levy and the associated reduction in the main rate of employers' National Insurance Contributions on the Department for Education and Employment will depend on the rates of climate change levy. The final rates of climate change levy will not be set until the Finance Bill 2000.

    In addition, the Government are still considering a number of detailed issues on the tax treatment of different energy products which could have a significant impact in some instances. It is therefore not possible to give definitive figures about the impact of the climate change levy on the Department for Education and Employment.

    Key Stage 2 (Attainment Levels)
    Charlotte Atkins
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what steps he has taken to encourage schools with able children to take up the opportunity to sit level 6 tests in English, Mathematics and Science at Key Stage 2 SATS; [88833]

    (2) what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the numbers of children who attained level 6 at Key Stage 2 SATS in 1998 in English; what conclusions were reached; and what future work is planned on this subject area. [88834]

    Mr. Charles Clarke
    It is the role of the teacher to assess which children are working within Level 6 in a subject and therefore which pupils should be entered for both the Levels 3-5 tests and the Level 6 extension test. Level 6 is awarded in a subject only when a child has attained a Level 5 on the main Levels 3–5 National Curriculum tests in addition to achieving sufficient marks on the extension test.

    The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) is currently reviewing National Curriculum extension tests and is taking full account of the recommendations in the recent Select Committee Report on Highly Able Children. The Government will ensure that any changes are consistent with its commitment to improve the education of gifted and talented children.

    The QCA has commissioned research, on behalf of the Secretary of State, from the University of Leeds and the National Federation of Educational Research (NFER) to look at the design of the Level 6 test. Their job will be to incorporate comments received by the QCA about children's performance at Level 6 and how future tests can be designed to make them more accessible to pupils.

    59 pupils achieved the Level 6 English extension test in 1998.

    Out-of-school Clubs
    Mr. Lock
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his policy towards local education authorities seeking to impose full cost recovery or full commercial rate charges on out of school clubs operating out of premises owned by local education authorities for their use of the premises and associated facilities. [R] [88959]

    Mr. Charles Clarke
    [holding answer 29 June 1999]A School's budget may not be used to subsidise non-school activities. Sections 149–152 of the Education Act 1996 and, from 1 September 1999, Schedule 13 to 222
    the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, require that community use of school premises must be self-financing. Rates are not payable by out-of-school clubs. Paragraph 58 of the "Code of Practice on LEA-School Relations" states
    "there may be a natural tendency to maximise profits from letting to community users. But nothing in guidance from LEAs about the costs to be recouped, or in decisions taken by governing bodies…should promote the maximisation of profits at the expense of existing, or potential, benefits to the wider community."
    The department will be issuing further guidance on community use of school facilities later this year.

    Mr. Lock
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance his Department has issued to local education authorities concerning the proper basis upon which out of school clubs operating out of premises owned by local education authorities should be charged for their use of the premises and associated facilities. [R] [88960]

    Mr. Charles Clarke
    [holding answer 29 June 1999]The Department's advice is currently set out in paragraph 58 of the "Code of Practice on LEA-School Relations". This states that
    "there may be a natural tendency to maximise profits from lettings to community users. But noting in guidance from LEAs about the costs to be recouped, or in decisions taken by governing bodies … should promote the maximisation of profits at the expense of existing, or potential, benefits to the wider community."
    Legislation requires that community use is self-financing. A school may not subsidise non-school activities with its own budget. The Department will be issuing further guidance on community use of school facilities later this year.

    Sustainable Development Education Panel
    Mr. Chaytor
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to respond to the recommendations of the First Annual report of the Sustainable Development Education Panel; and if he will make a statement. [88891]

    Mr. Charles Clarke
    These are important and wide-ranging recommendations. I congratulate the Panel on its hard work.

    I met the Chairman of the Panel, Sir Geoffrey Holland, and Panel members in May, and discussed their plans to consult on the recommendations in the Annual Report affecting further and higher education, youth services, and training for employment. As far as the schools sector is concerned, we agreed that the current consultation on the draft National Curriculum would enable the sector to state its views on the coverage of sustainable development, particularly in geography, science and citizenship.

    I am keen to develop appropriate partnerships in the area of out-of-school education, and I asked the Panel to let me have further proposals on this. I am also keen to involve employers as much as possible in spreading sustainable development messages and I hope to speak at an event organised by the Panel in due course.

    I have written to Anthea Millet, the Chief Executive of the Teacher Training Agency, and to Chris Woodhead, HM Chief Inspector of Schools, asking them to meet

    223
    Sir Geoffrey to discuss the Annual Report's implications for teacher training and the inspection framework. The meeting between Sir Geoffrey and Anthea Millett has now taken place, and I understand that the TTA will write to Sir Geoffrey shortly to follow up the meeting with some suggestions on sustainable development.

    I propose to meet the Panel Chairman and members from time to time to review progress.

    EFL Courses
    Mr. Chaytor
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what assessment he has made of the impact on the budgets of those further education colleges which are major providers of English as a foreign language courses of the current proposal by the Further Education Funding Council to withdraw Schedule 2 funding; and if he will make a statement; [88888]

    (2) what discussions he has had with the Further Education Funding Council concerning its proposal to withdraw Schedule 2 funding for English as a foreign language courses; [88890]

    (3) what representations he has received concerning the proposal by the Further Education Funding Council to withdraw Schedule 2 funding for English as a foreign language courses. [88892]

    Mr. Mudie
    The Further Education Funding Council (FEFC) is reviewing the position of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) qualifications with representatives of further education colleges which are major providers of EFL qualifications. But there is no current proposal from the FEFC to withdraw Schedule 2 funding from EFL courses. The FEFC continues to fund EFL qualifications under Schedule 2(f), such courses having previously been funded under Schedule 2(a).

    Further Education
    Mr. Paul Marsden
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how often the Charter for Further Education is reviewed and revised; and if he will make a statement; [88582]

    (2) what assessment he has made of the extent to which the standards in the Charter for Further Education are being met; and if he will make a statement. [88583]

    Mr. Mudie
    The Charter for Further Education was last reviewed and an addendum issued in October 1997. "Service First—the new charter programme" encourages the continued development and revision of local charters in line with the Government's commitment to improving local services. Further Education sector colleges have their own charters which focus on local needs. The national charter remains under review.

    The Further Education Funding Council Inspectorate monitors colleges' performance against local and national charter standards, as part of its ongoing assessment of quality in the sector. Inspectors' findings are routinely included in published college reports. These highlight good practice and, where necessary, issues which need to be addressed.

    Sixth Forms
    Mr. Paul Marsden
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 25 May 1999,Official Report, column 100, concerning the costs of education and training for 16 to 19 year olds, if he will harmonise the funding per student of sixth form colleges and local education authority-maintained school sixth forms. [88780]

    Mr. Mudie
    At present, it is the responsibility of Local Authorities to allocate funds to schools, and of the Further Education Funding Council to allocate funds to other sixth-form providers.

    Today the Government issued a White Paper "Learning to Succeed", setting out plans for a Learning and Skills Council which will in future fund Further Education colleges. A parallel consultation paper has been published today inviting views on options for the funding of school sixth forms in the light of the new arrangements. I refer my hon. Friend to these documents, which have been placed in the Library this afternoon, and to the statement made to the House this afternoon by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

    Mr. Paul Marsden
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 25 May 1999,Official Report, column 100, about A level funding, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions about the average level of funding of students at sixth-form colleges; and if he will make a statement. [88575]

    Mr. Mudie
    There are regular discussions between the Secretaries of State for Education and Employment and Environment, Transport and the Regions on many issues. The DETR was naturally involved in discussions leading up to the publication today of our White Paper "Learning to Succeed", and a parallel consultation paper on options for future arrangements for school sixth-form funding.

    Mr. Paul Marsden
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions he has had with sixth form teachers and principals about the review of post-16 educational training; and if he will make a statement. [88585]

    Mr. Mudie
    A number of sixth-form colleges responded to our consultation on the post-16 review as well as representative organisations of colleges and teaching unions. I have also recently met the National Union of Teachers. The Government today issued a White Paper setting out its plans for post-16 education and training.

    Mr. Bob Russell
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received regarding the pay levels of teaching staff in sixth form colleges. [88434]

    Mr. Mudie
    We have recently met representatives of the Sixth Form Colleges Employers Forum and the National Joint Council for Sixth Form Colleges to discuss issues about the pay and conditions of sixth form college lecturers. We have received a number of letters from hon. Members about this issue. We have replied to those representations, noting that we are providing very substantial extra funds for further education—£725 million over the next two years. Colleges are responsible for the pay and conditions of their staff. Nevertheless, we take every opportunity to encourage
    225
    unions and employers to work together to determine a sensible way forward under the improved circumstances we have created.

    Mr. Bob Russell
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will take steps to harmonise pay levels of teaching staff in sixth form colleges and staff teaching the same age group in schools with sixth forms. [88433]

    Mr. Mudie
    Sixth Form Colleges are independent, and we do not wish to interfere with that independence. We are providing very substantial extra funds for further education—£725 million over the next two years. This will offer colleges more room to manoeuvre when setting pay levels.

    The Government today issued a White Paper "Learning to Succeed", setting out plans for a Learning and Skills Council which will in future fund further education colleges. A parallel consultation paper was published inviting views on options for the funding of school sixth forms in the light of the new arrangements.

    Departmental Staff
    Mr. Willis
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people were employed by his Department in each of the years from 1993–94 to 1998–99; if he will break down the total into the categories(a) male, (b) female, (c) registered disability and (d) ethnic minority; and if his Department has an equal opportunities policy. [88684]

    Mr. Mudie
    The following table shows the breakdown of staff figures in DfEE from 1993–94 to 1998–99:

    Total employed

    (a) Male

    (b) Female

    (c) Registered disability

    (d) Ethnic minority

    1 April 1993

    8,978

    3,950

    5,028

    —

    —

    1 April 1994

    6,561

    2,887

    3,674

    —

    —

    1 April 1995

    5,683

    2,500

    3,183

    —

    —

    1 April 1996

    5,212

    2,345

    2,867

    240

    324

    1 April 1997

    4,795

    2,206

    2,589

    226

    312

    1 April 1998

    3,956

    1,838

    2,118

    191

    310

    1 April 1999

    4,094

    1,874

    2,220

    247

    347

    DfEE has a comprehensive Equal Opportunities Strategy which overarches our proactive equal opportunities action plans. Equality of opportunity is central to the achievement of DfEE's objectives and values. It is about the effectiveness of everything we do—how we manage ourselves, how we develop policy and how we deliver services. The Department is committed to being an equal opportunities employers. We value and welcome diversity and aim to develop all our staff to enable them to make a full contribution to meeting the Department's objectives, and to fulfil their own potential on merit. DfEE will not tolerate harassment or other unfair discrimination on grounds of sex, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, religion or sexual orientation. We will promote and support the use of a range of flexible working patterns to enable staff to balance home and work responsibilities; and we will treat people fairly irrespective of their working arrangements.

  TREASURY

    Offshore Oil Revenues
    Mr. Jack
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for each of the last five financial years the amount of revenue received per barrel of oil extracted from United Kingdom offshore fields. [88790]

    Mrs. Roche
    North Sea oil tax revenues per barrel of oil produced in the same financial year, including revenues from gas production converted into equivalent amounts of oil, are in the table.

    Financical year

    Tax1Revenue per barrel(£)

    1994–95

    1.20

    1995–96

    1.70

    1996–97

    2.40

    1997–98

    2.20

    1998–992

    1.60

    1Petroleum revenue tax, corporation tax, and royalty

    2Provisional

    VAT
    Mr. Maude
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate the total annual revenue if VAT were charged at(a) 17.5 per cent. and (b) five per cent. on the issue, transfer or receipt of, or any dealing with, any security or secondary security; [88379]

    (2) if he will estimate the total annual revenue if VAT were charged at (a) 17.5 per cent. and (b) five per cent. on the underwriting of the issue of any money, or security, or note or order for the payment of money; [88380]

    (3) if he will estimate the total annual revenue if VAT were charged at (a) 17.5 per cent. and (b) five per cent. on the services of the authorised corporate director of an open-ended investment company so far as they consist in managing the company's scheme property; [88381]

    (4) if he will estimate the total annual revenue if VAT were charged at (a) 17.5 per cent. and (b) five per cent. on the management of an authorised unit trust scheme or of a trust-based scheme by the operator of the scheme; [88382]

    (5) if he will estimate the total annual revenue if VAT were charged at (a) 17.5 per cent. and (b) five per cent. on the making of any advance of the granting of any credit; [88383]

    (6) if he will estimate the total annual revenue if VAT were charged at (a) 17.5 per cent. and (b) five per cent. on the provision of the facility of instalment credit finance in a hire-purchase, conditional sale or credit sale agreement for which facility a separate charge is made and disclosed to the recipient of the supply of goods; [88384]

    (7) if he will estimate the total annual revenue if VAT were charged at (a) 17.5 per cent. and (b) five per cent. on the provision of administrative arrangements and documentation and the transfer of the title to the goods in connection with the provision of the facility of instalment credit finance in a hire-purchase, conditional sale or credit

    227
    sale agreement for which facility a separate charge is made and disclosed to the recipient of the supply of goods if the total consideration therefore is specified in the agreement and does not exceed £10; [88385]

    (8) if he will estimate the total annual revenue if VAT were charged at (a) 17.5 per cent. and (b) five per cent. on the issue, transfer or receipt of, or any dealing with, money, any security for money or any note or order for the payment of money. [88386]

    Dawn Primarolo
    It is not possible to provide the requested estimates due to insufficient data on these specific financial activities.

    Mr. Pearson
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what prior consultations were held by Customs and Excise with trade sectors concerned by the legislative changes enacted by the VAT (Finance) Order 1999; and if he will make a statement. [88920]

    Dawn Primarolo
    Through the regular meetings of the joint finance sector liaison group, businesses have been aware for some time of Customs and Excise concerns in this area. It was not possible to consult on specific proposals because of the risk of tax avoidance. In this area there is a history of forestalling adverse tax changes by the use of artificial pre-payment schemes that side-step the intended effect for some years in the future, leading to considerable loss of revenue.

    Mr. Pearson
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what legal advice he sought on(a) the vires of the VAT (Finance) Order 1999 and (b) its compatibility with European law; and if he will make a statement. [88922]

    Dawn Primarolo
    In considering the content of the Order, Customs took advice from in-house lawyers and from independent leading Counsel.

    Mr. Pearson
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects Customs and Excise to produce written guidance on how the provisions of the VAT (Finance) Order 1999 will be applied; and if he will make a statement. [88926]

    Dawn Primarolo
    HM Customs and Excise produced standard explanatory material on Budget Day when the VAT (Finance) Order 1999 was announced. Immediately following this they undertook detailed explanatory meetings with trade representatives and advisers. Customs have sent a draft of a more detailed guidance note to a number of trade representatives for comment. They aim to publish this by mid July.

    Mr. Pearson
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review with Customs and Excise how they propose to handle judgments of VAT tribunals where both the financial sector and Customs and Excise have agreed beforehand to treat such judgments as test cases; and if he will make a statement. [88923]

    Dawn Primarolo
    The care and management of VAT, including the conduct of litigation, is the statutory responsibility of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise. They did not agree to treat as a "test" case any recent or current case concerning financial services.
    228
    The Tribunal has primary responsibility for determining the facts of a case. Its decisions are binding between the parties but do not constitute binding legal precedent. Either party has a right of appeal on a matter of law to the higher courts; and on matters of European law either the Tribunal or a higher court may refer questions to the European Court of Justice.

    Mr. Maude
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to adopt Article 4.4 of the EC Sixth VAT Directive; and if he will make a statement. [88913]

    Dawn Primarolo
    Article 4.4 of the Sixth VAT Directive has been incorporated into UK law as VAT Act 1994 sections 4 and 43 and Schedule 1 paragraphs 1 A and 2. There are no plans to introduce further legislation.

    Inland Revenue 35
    Mrs. Organ
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations have been received concerning the introduction of Inland Revenue 35. [88415]

    Dawn Primarolo
    [holding answer 29 June 1999]There have been a substantial number of responses both to the Budget Day Press Release IR35 and the subsequent material which the Inland Revenue have been distributing to interested parties. The Government are currently considering the representations.

    Ms Ward
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress is being made on the implementation of Inland Revenue 35. [88222]

    Dawn Primarolo
    The Inland Revenue is currently considering representations received in response to the proposals.

    Duty Free
    Mr. Maude
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise Information Sheet (June 1999) regarding excise duty and VAT arrangements following the withdrawal of duty free sales of goods to intra-Community travellers, what is the VAT liability on goods liable to UK VAT in the domestic market purchased on a flight from London to New York which is subsequently diverted to Paris(a) when the passengers are permitted to disembark at Paris to join a new flight to New York and (b) when passengers remain on the same aircraft until it is able to continue to New York. [88918]

    Dawn Primarolo
    The withdrawal of duty free sales of goods with effect from 1 July only affects travellers on intra-Community journeys. Passengers travelling outside the EU will continue to be able to purchase duty free goods. Diversion of an international flight via another Community airport would not affect the VAT relief of sales to passengers on that flight. In such circumstances passengers, and any duty free goods that they had purchased, would be subject to the usual arrangements whereby they would remain within a Customs controlled area pending their onward flight.

    Community Budget
    Ms Lawrence
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will publish the Statement on the 1999 Community Budget. [89459]
    229
    Ms Hewitt
    I have today laid before Parliament the Statement on the 1999 Community Budget, entitled "European Community Finances". This White Paper is the nineteenth in the series. As in the past, it covers annual budgetary matters and includes details of recent developments in European Community financial management and in countering fraud against the Community Budget. It also describes the Community Budget for 1999 as adopted by the European Parliament, and the United Kingdom's gross and net contributions to the Community Budget between 1996 and 1999.

    I have placed copies of the White Paper in both Libraries of the House.

    Individuals holding a current bank account by regional development agency and age

    Thousand

    Regional Development Agency

    Age of individual

    North East

    North West and Merseyside

    Yorkshire and aHumber

    East Midlands

    West Midlands

    Eastern Region

    London

    South East

    South West

    18–24

    190

    420

    270

    300

    320

    370

    410

    530

    260

    25–49

    840

    1,970

    1,410

    1,270

    1,490

    1,760

    2,330

    2,400

    1,470

    50–64

    420

    1,030

    700

    710

    770

    920

    860

    1,300

    850

    65+

    260

    690

    490

    370

    430

    620

    650

    850

    670

    Notes:

    1. Data are not provided for the under 18 age group as information on children holding current bank accounts is not available. Samples sizes for the highest age group are also too small to support reliable estimates of the statistics in question. Other age ranges provided in the tables do not exactly match those requested as these had missing ranges and overlapping boundaries. Therefore, age ranges which are as close as possible to those requested have been used.

    2. The estimates are based on sample counts that have been adjusted for non-response using multi-purpose grossing factors that control for region, Council Tax Band and a number of demographic variables. Estimates are subject to sampling error and to variability in non-response.

    3. All figures are provided in thousands and have been rounded to the nearest ten thousand.

    Source:

    1997–98 Family Resources Survey (Great Britain)

    Overpaid Tax
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans his Department has to ensure that older people are aware of their right to claim back overpaid tax. [89146]

    Dawn Primarolo
    The Government are considering running a Taxback campaign in the year 2000. The aim of this would be to stimulate free media publicity and to encourage people, including the elderly, who had overpaid tax on their bank and building society interest to claim it back.

    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his Department's estimate of the total amount of overpaid tax by older people on their income from savings. [89147]

    Dawn Primarolo
    No information on which to base an estimate is available from Inland Revenue's records. Tax offices will generally be aware of cases where tax has been overpaid only when tax returns are sent in, or when claims are made for the repayment of tax deducted at source.

  AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

    Meat Hygiene Service
    Mr. Paterson
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will establish an expert multi-disciplinary audit of the Meat Hygiene Service independent of the Joint Food Safety and Standards Group. [88286]

    Bank Accounts
    Mr. O'Hara
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the most recent figures showing how many people hold current bank accounts in each of the regions covered by the new regional development agencies in the age ranges (i) 0 to 8, (ii) 18 to 24, (iii) 25 to 50, (iv) 50 to 65, (v) 65 to 85 and (vi) 85 years and over. [88650]

    Angela Eagle
    I have been asked to reply.

    The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

    Mr. Rooker
    The work of the Meat Hygiene Service is scrutinised by NAO, the Audit Consultancy and Management Services Division of MAFF, operational audits by the State Veterinary Service, the Intervention Board as well as by auditors of the Joint Food Standards and Safety Group.

    Mr. Paterson
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans his Department has to ensure that the performance of the Meat Hygiene Service is independently monitored. [88279]

    Mr. Rooker
    The Meat Hygiene Service's performance targets are set by the Minister and monitored independently by the Audit Consultancy and Management Services Division of MAFF. Information on the Meat Hygiene Service's performance in key areas is made widely available in the monthly publications "Meat Hygiene Enforcement Report" and "BSE Enforcement Bulletin".

    Mr. Paterson
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the current arrangements for auditing the performance of the Meat Hygiene Service. [88396]

    Mr. Rooker
    Audits of the operational performance of the Meat Hygiene Service are carried out by Veterinary Meat Hygiene Advisors of the Joint Food Standards and Safety Group. The auditors visit a selection of licensed premises to assess MHS compliance with the procedures
    231
    and practices set out in the MHS Operations Manual and a report is published annually. This year the audit manual has been revised and changes made to report formats and the categorisation of findings.

    The annual performance targets of the MHS are monitored independently by the Audit Consultancy and Management services Division of MAFF. I am fully satisfied with these arrangements.

    Mr. Paterson
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria are used by veterinary officers of the Joint Food Safety and Standards Group during their routine audits of Meat Hygiene Service performance to assess the competence and performance of official veterinary surgeons. [88283]

    Mr. Rooker
    The audit staff of the Joint Food Safety and Standards Group assess the performance of official veterinary surgeons of the MHS against the procedures contained in the MHS Operations Manual.

    Critical Control Points
    Mr. Paterson
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the definition of the term critical control point used in the hazard analysis and critical control points system; and how many critical control points there should be in(a) a typical slaughterhouse, (b) a red meat cutting plant and (c) a poultry processing plant operation; and at what stages in each operation. [88289]

    Mr. Rooker
    A critical control point is a step at which control can be applied and is essential to prevent or eliminate a food safety hazard or reduce it to an acceptable level.

    Every food operation is unique and it is for each operator to apply the hazard analysis and critical control point system and determine critical control points appropriate to the business. The Government/Industry Working Group on Meat Hygiene's Forward Programmes provide some generic examples of critical control points relevant to the red and white meat industry.

    EU Food and Veterinary Office
    Mr. Paterson
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if staffing of the European Union Food and Veterinary Office is allocated on the basis of national quotas; [88295]

    (2) how many professional grade officials are employed by the European Union Food and Veterinary Office; and how many are (a) United Kingdom citizens, (b) qualified veterinarians and (c) qualified environmental health officers. [88221]

    Mr. Rooker
    This is a matter for the European Commission.

    Mr. Paterson
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations(a) he and (b) his officials have made to the European Union Commission as to the composition of the EU Food and Veterinary Office. [88287]

    Mr. Rooker
    None.

    Wild Boar
    Sir Geoffrey JohnsonSmith
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce measures to protect the health status of the pig herd from the potential threat of colonies of free-living wild boar. [87958]

    Mr. Rooker
    We are considering options for an animal health risk assessment of wild boar. This will examine the potential for disease transmission or other interactions between wild boar and livestock and will help us consider whether action needs to be taken to limit or eradicate the population of wild boar.

    Genetic Modification
    Mr. Chope
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will amend his Department's Fact Sheet issued in June 1999 on genetic modification of crops and food to incorporate the recommendations of the Chief Medical officer and the Chief Scientific Advisor on population health surveillance. [89056]

    Mr. Rooker
    Yes. The fact sheet has already been up-dated.

  River Danube: Environmental Restoration
  River Danube: Environmental Restoration
  Serbia: Aid to Farmers
  Serbia: Aid to Farmers
  Serbia: Refugee Criisis
  Serbia: Refugee Criisis
  Badgers and Tuberculosis
  Badgers and Tuberculosis
  Meat Hygiene
  Meat Hygiene
  Countryside Stewardship Scheme
  Countryside Stewardship Scheme
  Tuberculosis in Dairy Cattle
  Tuberculosis in Dairy Cattle
  Calves' Brains
  Calves' Brains
  Milk Marketing Board: Residual Funds
  Milk Marketing Board: Residual Funds
  Over Thirty Months Scheme: Fraud
  Over Thirty Months Scheme: Fraud
  Fresh Meat Directive
  Fresh Meat Directive
  World Trade Organisation
  World Trade Organisation
  Small Business Service
  Small Business Service
  Northern Ireland: Murders by Persons Previously Convicted of Homicide
  Northern Ireland: Murders by Persons Previously Convicted of Homicide
  Fluoride: Definition
  Fluoride: Definition
  Incapacity Benefit
  Incapacity Benefit
  Sentencing Advisory Panel
  Sentencing Advisory Panel
  Human Rights Act: Compatibility of Legislation
  Human Rights Act: Compatibility of Legislation
  Public Authority Decisions: Publication of Reasons
  Public Authority Decisions: Publication of Reasons
  Turkey: Country Assessment
  Turkey: Country Assessment
  Scotland, Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill
  Scotland, Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill
  Police Budgets and Numbers
  Police Budgets and Numbers