Written Answers of 10 March 1999

DEFENCE

  Electronic Range Simulators (London)
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of electronic range simulators in London. [71662]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  There are currently three electronic range simulators in Greater London; these are located in Wellington Barracks in Central London, Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow, and at RAF Uxbridge. In addition, the simulator at RAF St. Mawgan in Cornwall will move to RAF Northolt in September this year.

  Defence Agencies
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently employed in the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency; and what the figure was at the time of its establishment. [72806]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 24 February 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Brigadier P. D. Foxton to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 10 March 1999
  I refer to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the staff currently employed within the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency (ABSDA) and when the Agency was established. As Chief Executive of ABSDA I am replying as this falls within my area of responsibility.
  The numbers of staff currently employed within ABSDA are 3,666 civilians and 376 military. When the Agency was established in April 1995 the figures were 5,800 civilians and 600 military.

  Ministry of Defence Police
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes he proposes in his Department's police manpower over the next five years. [73133]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 25 February 1999]: The policing needs of the Department are kept under review at all times. Certain options are currently being studied, and announcements will be made at the appropriate time. Police numbers will not, however, be reduced below the level needed to fulfil long-term commitments.

  Army Technical Support Centre
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which targets the Army Technical Support Centre did not meet in 1997–98; and what monitoring he has undertaken for those targets in 1998–99. [72817]
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  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 25 February 1999]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Army Technical Support Centre. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Brigadier A. D. Ball to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 10 March 1999:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the Key Target achievement for 1997–98 for the Army Technical Support Agency (ATSA), as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the ATSA.
  As reported in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts, ATSA did not achieve 2 out of its 9 key Targets set for 1997–98. These were:

  Key Target 1: Influence equipment design by attaining an involvement of 80% of MoD(PE) ILS projects wherein ATSA's contribution is equal or greater than one half man-year of effort.

  Key Target 9: Respond to 100% of Equipment Failure Reports (or equivalent) submissions within 14 calendar days of receipt.

  These Key Targets were both new for that year and were untested for achievability when set. They subsequently proved unreasonable within the Agency's operating resource constraints. The Agency's actual achievement and the business impact for each target was analysed by the Agency's Owner, the Director General of Equipment Support (Army) (DGES(A)). Despite non-achievement, the customers remained satisfied with the Agency's performance in both areas over the year. Both targets were more precisely defined and agreed by the Owner and customers so as to meet more effectively their needs through the following year.
  Performance against the subsequent Key Targets for 1998–99 is monitored by the Chief Executive and the Executive Management Board of the Agency on a monthly basis. This performance is reported quarterly to the Agency's Owner and annually to Ministers through publication of the Next Steps Report and the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts. Key Target achievement is also considered by the National Audit Office during the annual submission of the Accounts for external audit.
  As at 26th February 1999, the Agency is on target to achieve these redefined Key Targets for 1998–99.
  I hope that you find this information helpful.

  Dr. Asaf Durakovic
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has to introduce testing for British Gulf War veterans using protocols recommended by Dr. Asaf Durakovic; [74716]

  (2) what discussions his Department has held with Dr. Asaf Durakovic; and if he will make a statement. [74715]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Dr. Asaf Durakovic is Clinical Professor of Nuclear Medicine at Georgetown University, Washington DC. He discussed his current work in general terms with MOD officials at a meeting last month, when he explained that, in conjunction with others, he is carrying out a study into uranium levels amongst veterans of the 1990–91 Gulf conflict, in which a small number of UK Gulf veterans are participating. Our understanding is that Dr. Durakovic and his colleagues plan to publish their findings later this year: hence we look forward to seeing full details of the methodology they are using and the results obtained in due course.

  MOD continues to advise UK Gulf veterans who are concerned that their health has been adversely affected by service during the Gulf conflict, including by possible exposure to depleted uranium (DU), that they are entitled to seek a referral to the Gulf veterans' Medical Assessment Programme (MAP) for a full medical assessment. Any tests

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  which are considered clinically appropriate by the examining MAP physician, including those to detect the presence of uranium, will be arranged.

  Auxiliary Oiler Contract
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if the Auxiliary Oiler contract is(a) on schedule and (b) proceeding to budget; and if he will make a statement; [75125]

  (2) what (a) detailed and (b) major changes his Department has sought to make to the design of the ships under the Auxiliary Oiler contract; what was the cost to his Department of such changes and what measures have been taken to ensure that costs do not increase on the contract; and if he will make a statement; [75123]

  (3) what stage the work on the Auxiliary Oiler contract has reached for (a) the first and (b) the second ship; and if he will make a statement. [75124]

  Mr. Spellar
  Progress continues on the design, material procurement and construction of the two ships. Construction of the central section of the first ship, comprising four major blocks, is nearing completion. For the second ship, fabrication of units for the first major block has recently started. A small number of detailed design changes have been agreed, costing the MOD around £0.5 million, mostly related to "Spend to Save" programmes to achieve reduction in through life operating costs. None of these changes affects the delivery schedule and the project remains within budget. The prime contractor is currently reviewing its overall work programme. The outcome of this review will be discussed with MOD officials shortly. It is not possible to state at this stage the extent to which this might result in delay to the deliver of the ships, although some slippage is anticipated.

  Training Cycle
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) in what ways he will reduce the burden of training on individual army units in the training cycle; [75275]

  (2) what plans he has to achieve a more balanced operational and training cycle for the United Kingdom's deployable divisions in the UK and in Germany. [75273]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  As part of the Strategic Defence Review, we plan to introduce by 2001 a new formation readiness cycle in which each deployable brigade will carry out a three year cycle with formation-level training, commitments and other tasks. This new cycle will enable units to achieve required readiness states and to balance training requirements with operational commitments. It will be made possible by the reorganisation of army formations, including creation of a new mechanised brigade, into a more balanced force structure of two deployable divisions, one armoured and one mechanised, and will as a result help to reduce overstretch and the burden of training on individual units in the cycle.

  Vectra Technologies
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role Vectra Technologies has at the RN base Clyde; and what experience that organisation has in work on nuclear submarines. [75248]
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  Mr. Spellar
  Vectra Technologies supply specialist safety, engineering and project management services. It is an approved Defence contractor, providing the Royal HM Naval Base Clyde with expert consultancy support in the production of safety cases for nuclear support services, in the development of nuclear safety management systems, and on management system audits.

  Vectra Technologies has current experience in working for the MOD on nuclear submarines at HM Naval Base Devonport, where they have a contract for the deep cleaning of reactor compartments and for the provision of Health Physics Monitors. The company also provided Health Physics Supervisors and Monitors at the HM Naval Base Clyde between November 1992 and June 1997.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what further preparations are being made for a possible NATO force in Kosovo. [75693]

  Mr. George Robertson
  NATO remains ready to lead an international force in Kosovo to help implement an interim political agreement. Should such a force be required, it must be ready to go into Kosovo as quickly as possible after an agreement. This means that we must have forces ready in the region.

  The Government announced on 22 February 1999, Official Report, column 3, the deployment of some 2,225 personnel of 4 Armoured Brigade Headquarters and the Lead Armoured Battle Group to Greece and Macedonia, and enablers for the headquarters of Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC). On 26 February, the Government announced the deployment of the majority of the remaining equipment and personnel of 4 Armoured Brigade Headquarters and the Lead Armoured Battle Group. Additional engineering and support assets are also being deployed to provide necessary engineering infrastructure support: their deployment was planned as part of the overall force, but has been brought forward to cover a longer than anticipated stay in Macedonia. NATO has now decided to deploy advance elements of the HQ ARRC to manage the build up of NATO forces in Macedonia. The UK is the framework nation for this headquarters.

  Together with national support elements and the British contribution to HQ ARRC, I expect the total number of British personnel in Greece and Macedonia by mid-March to be some 4,800. This figure is consistent with the overall British contribution of some 8,000 which I announced to the House on 11 February 1999, Official Report, columns 565–66. It is a substantial number, and clearly signals our resolution to support the efforts of the international community.

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department takes to ensure the compatibility of equipment held by the Falkland Islands defence force and that held by British troops stationed on the islands. [75641]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Falkland Islands Defence Force, FIDF, is raised and funded independently by the Falkland Islands Government. We encourage the FIDF to
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  purchase compatible equipment but are not in a position to require that they do so. The compatibility of forces is fostered by combined UK/FIDF exercises.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the decision to reduce Tristar flights to the Falklands. [75640]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 9 March 1999,Official Report, column 120, to my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle).

  Royal Fleet Auxiliary
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what gapping of(a) officers and (b) other crew exists on each Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel. [75556]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The following billets on RFA ships were gapped as at 5 March 1999.

  Gapped billets

  RFA vessel

  (a) Officers

  (b) Other crew

  Argus

  —

  1

  Bayleaf

  2

  2

  Fort George

  —

  3

  Fort Grange

  1

  —

  Oakleaf

  1

  —

  Olna

  —

  align="right">2

  Olwen

  5

  align="right">4

  The total gapped billets are therefore 21. This figure is subject to change on a daily basis.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total number of deck officers employed by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary; and what is the planned complement. [75555]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The total number of seagoing Deck Officers currently employed by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary is 212. The planned seagoing complement, which includes a margin for leave and training, is 229. A further 22 Deck Officers are in complemented billets ashore.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Regional Television
  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what assessment he has made of the prospects for removing regional anomalies in television coverage following the introduction of digital terrestrial television services; [75464]

  (2) if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy on communities receiving appropriate regional television broadcasting; [75463]

  (3) what estimate he has made of the cost of (a) using digital terrestrial television transmitters to remove regional anomalies in analogue broadcasting and (b) using digital capacity to simulcast different regional variations from a single transmitter in order to remove these anomalies. [75462]
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  Janet Anderson
  Responsibility for the delivery of analogue and digital terrestrial television (DTT) services rests with the BBC and Independent Television Commission. The ITC recently received an encouraging report of a study it commissioned into the prospects for increasing DTT coverage. The ITC will soon commence planning for the next phase of DTT transmitter in conjunction with the BBC. The prime objective of this work is further to extend DTT coverage. The Government have made it clear to the ITC and BBC that delivery of regional services is an important element to consider in development of the digital transmission network. The studies are, at this stage, designed to look at general principles and will not focus on the costs of employing digital transmissions to remove regional anomalies.

  London Tourist Board
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the total funding his Department gave to the London Tourist Board in(a) 1995, (b) 1996, (c) 1997, and (d) 1998. [75278]

  Janet Anderson
  The Government do not provide funding directly to the London Tourist Board. It does, however, directly fund the English Tourist Board which has for many years provided funding to the LTB and other regional tourist boards to complement the ETB's role in delivering national and regional programmes for tourism. Also, since 1996–97, a proportion of the Government's grant-in-aid to the BTA has been earmarked to help fund the LTB's Focus London campaign, which promotes London overseas as a major tourist destination and as the gateway to Britain. The funding that the LTB has received from the ETB and the BTA is as follows:

  £

  ETB

  BTA

  1995–96

  791,153

  —

  1996–97

  546,110

  650,000

  1997–98

  489,828

  923,000

  1998–99

  447,310

  1,500,000

  Airport Capacity
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions have taken place between his Department and the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions about incoming passenger and airport capacity in England. [75424]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: Discussions took place at official level last year on incoming passenger forecasts. My Department's new Tourism Strategy, "Tomorrow's Tourism", makes explicit reference to the Government's work on preparing a UK airports policy looking some 30 years ahead which will reflect our policies on sustainable development and integrated transport. My Department and DETR will maintain close liaison during the preparation of this document.

  Tourism Strategy
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his strategy for tourism, "Tomorrow's Tourism", what initiatives the
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  Government are taking to widen access to tourism for the 40 per cent. of the population who do not take a long holiday. [75697]

  Janet Anderson
  "Tomorrow's Tourism" makes it clear that, if we are to widen access to tourism, we must first find out from those who do not take holidays what prevents them from doing so. Research into this is currently being carried out by the English Tourist Board. This will help to identify the market potential as well as any special needs which are not currently being met, and the level of training needed, to make sure that tourism businesses are able to cater for all customers.

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if(a) he, (b) civil servants in his Department or (c) special advisers in his Department have (i) had sight of drafts of select committee reports, in whole or in part, or (ii) been informed of conclusions of select committee reports prior to their publication by the select committees. [75877]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for East Surrey (Mr. Ainsworth) on 9 March 1999,Official Report, column 195.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the President of the Council if(a) she, (b) civil servants in her Department or (c) special advisers in her Department have (i) had sight of drafts of select committee reports, in whole or in part, or (ii) been informed of conclusions of select committee reports prior to their publication by the select committees. [75872]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 1 March 1999,Official Report, column 531. There have been no instances of members of departmental select committees giving me or the Parliamentary Secretary drafts of select committee reports, or of parts of reports including their conclusions, before publication. Nor, to the best of my knowledge, have there been any occasions on which members of departmental select committees have given such material to civil servants or special advisers in my Department. This excludes embargoed copies of reports issued under House of Commons Standing Orders.

  However, as chair of the Modernisation Committee, I am responsible for drawing up its draft reports and these are also seen by my immediate advisers, that is, members of my private office and one or two officials who advise me on parliamentary matters and one of my special advisers. As a member of the House of Commons Commission, I also see some of the papers of the Domestic Committees; these are also seen by my immediate advisers.

  As chair of the Cabinet Committee on future legislation, I have also been consulted about the possibility of legislation to enact the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Parliamentary Privilege.
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  Millennium Compliance
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the President of the Council when she will publish the Government's recent quarterly report on millennium computer compliance; and if she will arrange to meet transport providers to ensure that insurance cover is available for travel on 1 January 2000. [75679]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I will be announcing the results of the latest quarterly review shortly.

  Responsibility for the transport and insurance industries rests with the Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions and Treasury respectively. I therefore have no plans to meet transport providers, nor have such providers sought a meeting.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Education Business Partnerships
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what support(a) TECs and (b) his Department give to education business partnerships; [75616]

  (2) what plans he has for education business partnerships to be supported in the future by (a) TECs and (b) his Department. [75617]

  Mr. Blunkett
  My Department supports a range of programmes which promote education business links—principally, work experience for pupils mentoring programmes and teacher placements to industry. Support for these programmes in the year ahead, made available through Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs), will be £13.5 million. My Department also provides £145,000 support per year to the National Education Business Partnership Network.

  The support that we make available to Education Business Partnerships through TECs has been an important element in the TEC Review which has been under way. I am today announcing some changes to the operation of TECs, arising from the first phase of the TEC Review. These will strengthen partnership and accountability, improve the quality of work-based training and streamline contracting arrangements.

  In the light of the TEC Review, the responses we have received to the "Learning Age" Green Paper, the Further Education Funding Council (FEFC) Quinquennial Review report—which has been published today and copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses—and the setting-up of the new local learning partnerships, I propose now to undertake a wider assessment of how we can best meet the learning and skills challenge. We shall also take into account the forthcoming Moser Report on basic skills, the University for Industry Corporate Plan, the further report of the Skills Task Force and the Social Exclusion Unit report on disaffected 16 to 18-year-olds.

  Drawing on the TEC Review, we will want to examine the local and national arrangements relating to the delivery of lifelong learning, work-force development and skills, excluding higher education. This will include consideration of new opportunities for business involvement in meeting the skills challenge.
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  I have today written inviting all those concerned with this key part of the learning and skills agenda to contribute to this process, following which I intend to publish specific proposals in the summer. I will, of course, work closely with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry—as he takes forward his proposal to establish the new Small Business Service—and the Deputy Prime Minister on the role of Regional Development Agencies.

  Our aim is to ensure that we have the skills required for the new century in which knowledge, application and our capacity to learn will be crucial both to individual employability and economic success. As we set out in the "Learning Age" Green Paper, our goals are to increase the number of people engaged in learning; promote excellence and quality in its delivery; ensure coherent provision of further education and work-based training; provide support for all young people in making the transition from school to further learning or employment; involve employers in the promotion of lifelong learning; ensure that provision best meets the economy's needs for skills, creativity and innovation; make the most effective use of resources; and meet our National Learning Targets.

  School Transport
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will review the current statutory three-mile requirement for the provision of free school transport. [74820]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The School Travel Advisory Group, formed with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Department of Health and other interested parties, together with officials in my Department, is already considering the legislation governing home-to-school transport, including the three-mile walking distance, and will offer advice in due course.

  Education Budgets
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what in the last five years for which information is available was the expenditure per pupil in full-time education in the(a) whole education budget, (b) general schools budget, (c) potential budget and (d) aggregate schools budget. [74977]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The following table gives, for schools in England for the financial years 1994–95 to 1998–99 inclusive, the averages of the(a) General Schools Budget, (b) Potential Schools Budget and (c) Aggregated Schools Budget, per pupil. Information on the whole education budget, per pupil, is not held centrally.

  LEA-Maintained schools in England Average Per pupil

  £

  ASB

  PSB

  GSB

  1998–99

  1,893

  2,090

  2,563

  1997–98

  1,839

  2,028

  2,471

  1996–97

  1,814

  2,005

  2,453

  1995–96

  1,752

  1,948

  2,398

  1994–95

  1,730

  1,990

  2,399

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  IT Initiatives
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much money has been made available for information technology initiatives since May 1997 for(a) initial teacher training and (b) schools. [75021]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  In respect of initial teacher training (ITT), the Teacher Training Agency has allocated just over £6 million for measures to improve the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) across the curriculum. This includes £1 million to support implementation of Qualified Teacher Status standards and the ITT National Curriculum for primary English and mathematics. During this period, support for £666 million of ICT-related initiatives in schools in England has been announced as part of a £1 billion programme to implement the National Grid for Learning.

  Higher Education (Durham)
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the amount of funding per student in higher education in Durham in the last five years. [74976]

  Mr. Mudie
  The following tables show, for each of the last five years, public funding per student at the University of Durham from recurrent grant from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and tuition fees paid from public funds.

  Consistent data for the five years concerned are not available. For the years 1994–95 to 1996–97, the figures are based on data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and the unit of funding is in respect of full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students combined. For 1997–98 to 1998–99, the figures are based on data from the HEFCE and the unit of funding is in respect of full-time undergraduate students.

  Table 1

  Academic year

  Public funds 1(£ million)

  Students 2(Thousand)

  Funding per student (£)

  1994–95

  40.7

  7.9

  5,150

  1995–96

  42.4

  8.0

  5,300

  1996–97

  44.0

  8.4

  5,240

  1 HESA 'Resources of Higher Education Institution'. Published in June 1996, June 1997 and May 1998

  2 HESA 'Students in Higher Education Institution', published May 1996, July 1997 and June 1998

  Table 2

  Academic year

  Public funds 1(£ million)

  Students 2(Thousand)

  Funding per Student (£)

  1997–98

  42.4

  7.9

  5,370

  1998–99

  45.1

  8.1

  5,570

  1 HEFCE recurrent funding circulars in February 1997 and March 1998

  2 Student numbers are those with the University's maximum aggregate student number (MaSN)—Predominantly full-time undergraduate students

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  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many mature students entered higher education in Durham in each year since 1995. [74978]

  Mr. Mudie
  The information is given in the following table.

  Mature 1 entrants to higher education courses at the University of Durham

  Year

  Mature entrants2

  1995–96

  1,860

  1996–97

  1,310

  1997–98

  1,470

  1Mature students are defined as postgraduates aged 25 and over and undergraduates aged 21 and over.

  2The numbers are census counts of enrolments, at 1 December, onto the first year of both full-time and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate HE courses.

  Note:

  Provisional higher education entrant figures for 1998–99 will be available in April 1999

  Classroom Assistants
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress the Government have made against their target of(a) placing 20,000 classroom assistants in schools by 2001–02 and (b) placing 2,000 more classroom assistants in schools by April 1999. [74737]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  As part of the National Literacy Strategy, we have allocated £22 million to the Additional Literacy Support programme in 1999–2000. This will fund the deployment of about 2,000 full-time (or equivalent) classroom assistants. This is the first step in meeting our overall figure of an additional 20,000 full-time posts (or equivalent) by 2002. Further funding will be made available to create these additional posts in the years 2000–2001 and 2001–2002

  Local Government Expenditure (Schools)
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much of the allocation to local government in England earmarked for schools in July 1997 was received by schools. [74734]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Of the unhypothecated £1,017 million education SSA increase for 1998–99, which derived from the July 1997 announcement, £916 million has been reflected in LEAs General Schools Budgets (excluding capital items and including Annual Maintenance Grant for comparability).

  FE Colleges
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pay awards have been made by further education colleges for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000 in the categories (a) 0 per cent., (b) greater than 0 per cent. but less than 1 per cent., (c) greater than 1 per cent. but less than 2 per cent., (d) greater than 2 per cent. but less than 4 per cent., (e) greater than 4 per cent. but less than 6 per cent. and (f) 6 per cent. or more. [74970]

  Mr. Mudie
  This information is not held centrally.
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  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many colleges of further education are in financial health category (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) C in(a) the North West and (b) England. [74969]

  Mr. Mudie
  The following table shows the categories of colleges' financial health:

  North West

  England

  A

  32(51%)

  204(47%)

  B

  26(41%)

  146(34%)

  C

  5(8%)

  85(19%)

  Total

  63

  435

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on how many occasions he has met representatives of BT to discuss internet connections to further education colleges. [75447]

  Mr. Mudie
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has met the BT Chairman for discussion on a range of issues. Other Ministers have also had contact with representatives of the company. These meetings have typically covered a range of issues, rather than specifically relating to internet connections to FE colleges.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what is the average(a) capital and (b) running cost per link to the internet for further education colleges; and if he will list the range of such costs; [75444]

  (2) what steps he is taking to monitor the terms under which free connections to the internet for further education colleges are being made; and if he will make a statement; [75445]

  (3) (a) how many and (b) what percentage of further education colleges have been connected to the internet free of installation charge to date. [75448]

  Mr. Mudie
  Information relating specifically to the terms and arrangements for FE colleges access to the internet is not held centrally.

  Discretionary Rate Relief
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate his Department has made of the total cost up to the end of the current financial year to schools of the removal of discretionary rate relief [74722]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  None. There has been no change in the position that local authorities do not have the power to grant discretionary rate relief to schools of which they are themselves the ultimate occupier. Education authorities are responsible for ensuring that their own schools are in a position to meet their financial obligations.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of youngsters currently attending special schools will be sent to mainstream schools as a result of the Programme of Action for meeting special educational needs. [74815]
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  Ms Estelle Morris
  We are not setting targets for the number of pupils with special educational needs that will in future be accommodated in mainstream schools. We have made it clear to local education authorities that, in line with their duties under the Education Act 1996 to arrange suitable provision for pupils with special educational needs, they should continue to give due weight to the views of parents—both where parents wish their children to attend special schools and where they wish them to attend mainstream schools. We expect that in future increasing numbers of mainstream schools will be able to offer high-quality provision to pupils with special educational needs.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many representations he has received from parents of pupils attending special schools in Essex in respect of the Programme of Action for meeting special educational needs; and how many parents supported the policy of inclusion within mainstream schools. [74813]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Responses from parents both to the Green Paper "Excellence for all" and the subsequent Programme of Action were not recorded on a territorial basis.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from Essex Local Education Authority in respect of the Programme of Action for meeting special educational needs; and what proposals he has received from Essex LEA to shut special schools. [74812]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We have received no representations from Essex LEA in respect of the Programme of Action. Essex has made no formal proposal to the Department to close a special school.

  Youth Community Action Plan
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his Department's policy concerning Article 1.3 of the amended proposals establishing a community action plan for youth (COM(98)695–98/0197(COD) as regards the development of a European education area; and what is his voting position thereon. [75082]

  Mr. Mudie
  The UK, with a number of other EU Member States, takes the view that the basis of the concept of a European education area in European Community law is doubtful. We would therefore oppose the use of this formulation on Community legislation.

  Literacy Summer Schools
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many literacy summer schools have been established since 1 May 1997; how many children have attended; and what proportion of all school children they represent. [74773]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Since 1 May 1997, the Government have made available funding to establish 607 literacy summer schools, catering for over 18,000 pupils. This summer, the literacy summer schools programme will run in over 900 schools with 27,000 pupils in 220
  attendance. This represents nearly 5 per cent. of the overall Year 6 cohort of pupils attending primary schools in England.

  Advanced Skills Teachers
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many advanced skills teachers are currently in post. [74783]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The number of teachers who had been appointed to Advanced Skills Teacher posts by 22 February 1999 was 112.

  Parent Governors
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many parent governors of schools there were in each of the last 10 years. [74767]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  This information is not collected by the Department.

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the actions he has taken to improve teacher training; indicating the cost involved; and if he will make a statement. [74784]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has set new requirements to improve initial teacher training (ITT). These represent a major step change in the expectations and requirements of new teachers and include:

  (a) new high standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status introduced for all trainees graduating from May 1998. These ensure that all new teachers have the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to do their job effectively;

  (b) national curricula in primary English and mathematics and the effective use of information and communication technology (ICT) in subject teaching for all trainees introduced from September 1998;

  (c) national curricula in secondary English and mathematics and science for all phases will come into force in September 1999;

  (d) an induction year was introduced by the Teaching and Higher Education 1998 Act. This will give all new teachers, from September 1999, structured support and training to consolidate and extend the skills they gained in initial training. Teachers who fall short of the standards will not be able to be confirmed as members of the profession.

  The Teacher Training Agency (TTA) has been asked to support the introduction of the new requirements and has been funded to undertake a range of measures, which include:

  (a) development of exemplification materials to assist in the implementation of the national curriculum for ICT in all subjects and phases, to ensure accurate assessment of trainees against the standards (including video and CD ROM formats) and the requirements in the standards concerned with teaching pupils from ethnic minority groups;

  (b) assisting providers to improve the quality of their provision. The Agency is in the process of producing material to assist providers in auditing trainees' subject knowledge in English and mathematics and to improve the partnerships between higher education institutions and schools;

  (c) mounting conferences for providers to brief them on the new requirements and to assist all new providers in developing course proposals;

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  (d) visiting all ITT providers with unsatisfactory or borderline Ofsted report grades and assists them to develop a programme for improvement;

  (e) assisting in the development of trainees ICT skills through the provision of intensive two day ICT courses for all those trainees who have to follow the new curriculum need additional help.

  To support the implementation of the new curriculum for the use of ICT across the curricula the TTA to date has awarded ITT providers with additional funding totalling just over £6 million. A further £1 million was awarded for the implementation of the primary English and maths curricula. Other costs of developing the national curricula and exemplification materials fall within TTA's budget and are not disaggregated.

  Our Green Paper on the modernisation of the teaching profession, "Teachers: meeting the challenge of change", published in December, sets out major new proposals to strengthen teacher training further as part of modernising the profession.

  We are also giving priority to skilling serving teachers and have backed this with some £500 million in the Standards Fund this year, the majority of which supports in-service training.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Sudan
  Mr. Prior
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the programme of British assistance to Sudan. [73836]

  Clare Short
  We were a major donor in the 1998 crisis. There will be substantial humanitarian needs in Sudan this year and we are prepared to continue to help. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) currently holds enough food stocks until at least early summer. I am therefore authorising an initial pledge for 1999 of £4 million for humanitarian assistance which will be available to international NGOs and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). We shall monitor the situation closely in the coming months and, as needs become clearer, we shall respond further as required. We shall continue our dialogue with the UN on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Operation Lifeline Sudan and will press for progress on the peace process which remains crucial to resolving Sudan's long term problems.

  Chernobyl
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid her Department is currently providing to assist victims of the Chernobyl disaster. [73838]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We provide assistance in response to the Chernobyl disaster through the European Community and through DFID's bilateral aid programme. In total, the Government have provided over £20 million since 1997. The bulk of our support has been for the re-building of the sarcophagus, but we also give modest direct support to Chernobyl charities, especially those helping children.

  Debt Relief
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department 222
  is taking to promote debt relief initiatives for highly indebted poor countries; and if she will make a statement. [73842]

  Clare Short
  The Chancellor and I have recently proposed faster and deeper debt relief for poor countries. We are working for agreement to cancel $50 billion of debt, and for the money saved from debt repayments to be used to reduce poverty. We are contributing to the review of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. The review is examining how the initiative needs to be redesigned, to ensure that the countries can escape from the burden of debt which prevents them from tackling poverty effectively.

  Palestinian Authority
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the effectiveness of aid in contributing to the development of(a) economic opportunity and (b) civil society in the Palestinian Authority. [73843]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Assistance from donors, including the Department for International Development, has been crucial in attempting to foster development in the West Bank and Gaza, although the weakness of the peace process and reduction in opportunities to work in Israel have led to a growth in poverty. We are working to help the Palestinian Authority to build a legal and institutional framework in which the private sector and civil society can flourish. But greater transparency and accountability are required, and economic opportunity remains constrained by severely restricted access to outside markets.

  Tanzania
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she held on development during her visit to Tanzania in 1998. [73844]

  Clare Short
  I visited Tanzania, one of the poorest countries in the world, in August 1998. I discussed a range of development issues with the President, government and opposition politicians, and private sector and civil society representatives. I outlined Britain's policy for international development, which matches closely with Tanzania's own poverty eradication strategy. We discussed the urgent need to tackle corruption and to reform the health and education sectors.

  British Council
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she last met the chairman of the British Council to discuss collaboration on development projects. [73846]

  Clare Short
  I met Baroness Kennedy, the Chairperson of the British Council, on 26 January. We agreed that, although the Council and my Department have different objectives, there is room for collaboration on some activities.

  Good Governance
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the linkage of good Government criteria to the provision of aid by her Department. [73847]
  223
  Clare Short
  Good governance, which brings effective, equitable and transparent administration and which works to secure all human rights for all, is essential for sustainable development. It is not an optional extra. We support the reduction of poverty and this includes effective and accountable government.

  Kosovo and Montenegro
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the current humanitarian situation in Kosovo and Montenegro; and if she will make a statement. [73848]

  Clare Short
  There has been a continuation of violence in Kosovo, leading to continuing displacement of civilians. In recent weeks, an estimated 9,000 people have been driven from their homes. Fighting north of Pristina has also prevented the return of 15,000 people displaced from around 17 villages.

  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, (UNHCR) in consultation with NGO partners, believe the number of displaced people inside Kosovo stands at about 210,000, while there are an estimated 25,000 displaced in Montenegro.

  UNHCR report that assistance has continued almost uninterrupted throughout the month of February despite the violence and severe weather, and that they have succeeded in gaining access to those newly displaced, (except where fighting is actually occurring). UNHCR has coordinated and led three multi-agency convoys every day, six days per week. DFID continue to keep in close touch with the main humanitarian agencies.

  Bananas (Windward Isles)
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the implementation of the banana recovery plan in the Windward Isles. [73849]

  Clare Short
  With the Department for International Development's (DFID) active support, the European Commission have committed substantial funds, including STABEX, together with a technical assistance team, to support the Windward Islands banana industry Production Recovery Plan. However, more still needs to be done by the industry—in terms of restructuring, the planning and management of production, and the implementation of the certified grower programme—in order to establish itself on a commercially viable basis. Both DFID and the Commission continue to encourage and support this essential process.

  Labour Standards (Developing Countries)
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the role of company codes of conduct in protecting labour standards in developing countries. [73850]

  Clare Short
  Codes of conduct have considerable potential as a tool for protecting labour rights in developing countries. Last year, my department produced a widely circulated report entitled "A review of UK company codes of conduct". The report contained an analysis of the content of UK company's voluntary codes and showed that codes of conduct are being used by a224
  small, but growing, number of UK companies which source their products from overseas. The best of these codes included specific references to the International Labour Office's (ILO) core labour conventions. There is less consensus on the best means of monitoring the effectiveness of codes. We are working to find ways of implementing and monitoring codes in order to assist UK companies work with their suppliers to improve the conditions of workers in poorer countries. My Department is also supporting the Ethical Trading Initiative whose members—companies, development NGOs and Trades Unions—are piloting best practice through monitoring the ETI code of conduct.

  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support the Government are giving to initiatives to raise public awareness in developing countries on codes of conduct on labour standards. [75234]

  Clare Short
  The Department for International Development has supported the following initiatives to assist in raising awareness of codes of conduct on labour standards in developing countries:The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which provides practical support to efforts to develop codes of conduct and promote positive engagement between UK importers and their developing country suppliers to improve workers conditions (£530,400 over 3 years).
  ETI is currently carrying out three pilot projects in the horticulture industry in Zimbabwe; the wine industry in South Africa and the clothing industry in China. The pilot projects are designed to identify ways that companies can improve labour standards amongst their suppliers by addressing the ETI code of conduct. This involves building capacity locally to ensure that there is an understanding of how the ETI code of conduct works.
  ETI has also conducted a consultation exercise of developing country based NGOs for their views on codes of conduct (£25,000).
  Support to a British based NGO—Women Working World wide—to carry out work in Asia (Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka) and Central America (Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic and Guatemala) to inform women workers about company's codes of conduct as a part of a workers' awareness and education campaign. (£44,000).

  GDP-Aid Ratio
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she estimates that the internationally agreed target for a proportion of gross domestic product to be spent on humanitarian aid will be reached by the United Kingdom. [73851]

  Clare Short
  As we pledged, we have reversed the decline in development spending which continued throughout the life of the previous administration. The oda/GNP ratio for 1997 was 0.26 per cent. The Comprehensive Spending Review announced a significant increase of £1.6 billion in development spending which will increase the oda/GNP ratio to an estimated 0.30 per cent. by 2001. We have not set a target date for reaching 0.7 per cent.

  Lomé Agreement
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with EU and ACP ministers on the successor to the current Lomé agreement. [73852]
  225
  Clare Short
  I met Commissioner Pinheiro and ACP and EU Ministers in Dakar on 8–9 February for the first substantive Ministerial discussion of successor arrangements to the Lomé Convention. The meeting made good progress. There was a consensus on the main objectives of the next Convention and, although the ACP were not ready to accept the inclusion of good governance as a new essential element, they agreed to work on reaching a common definition of the concept. There was a large measure of agreement on development strategies, providing support for private sector development and the need to rationalise the existing instruments and improve aid management procedures. Progress was more limited on the future of support for short term fluctuations in earnings from basic products. The EU proposed updated, more flexible and more effective arrangements for helping countries where economic and wider reforms were jeopardised from such fluctuations, but the ACP continue to favour the retention of current arrangements. I participated in the discussion on trade and economic co-operation, the area of greatest divergence between the ACP and EU positions. I put the case for alternatives to the Commission's favoured regional free trade option. This was taken up by the ACP and reflected in the final report.

  St. Helena
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to visit the Island of St. Helena to discuss ways of improving the standard of living of islanders. [73853]

  Clare Short
  I have no plans to visit St. Helena. The framework for the island's development over the period 1997/98–1999/2000, and the level and scope of HMG development assistance, is set out in the Country Policy Plan agreed by HMG and the St. Helena Government in 1997. A new CPP, for the period 2000/01–2003/04, is scheduled to be agreed by the end of 1999.

  Caribbean
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to review the assistance programme for Caribbean states. [73854]

  Clare Short
  Documents outlining our strategies for the next three years will be published in the course of this year and early next year. The strategies are being prepared in consultation with a wide variety of local and other stakeholders.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on aid to Zimbabwe. [73855]

  Clare Short
  A Country Strategy Paper for Zimbabwe will be published shortly. The strategy will focus on reducing poverty in Zimbabwe in line with the objectives of the White Paper "Eliminating World Poverty". Copies—like all our Country Strategies—will be placed in the Library of the House.
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  Conflict Reduction
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's conflict-reduction strategy. [73856]

  Clare Short
  My Department's conflict reduction strategy is set out in our Policy Statement on Conflict Reduction and Humanitarian Assistance. A copy is available in the Library of the House.

  Private Investment
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the contribution made by private investment in supporting overseas aid projects. [73857]

  Clare Short
  Private investment can bring substantial economic benefits to developing countries; partnership with business can therefore support development assistance projects overseas, and help promote the achievement of the International Development Goals. We have established a new Business Partnership Unit in the Department and have instituted new arrangements to consult the private sector when drawing up our country strategies.

  Humanitarian Emergencies
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to improve the effectiveness of its response to humanitarian emergencies; and if she will make a statement. [73858]

  Clare Short
  We have recently published a Policy Statement outlining our strategies for conflict reduction and humanitarian assistance. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Following a disaster, most lives are saved by immediate local effort. We are giving priority to building up the disaster response capacity of communities and institutions in disaster-prone poor countries. We also look first to agencies that are well established in the country and have the local knowledge and expertise to deliver assistance most quickly and effectively. It is important that we not only save lives and relieve suffering following a humanitarian crisis but also reduce risks and vulnerability to future crises. Therefore, we are assisting disaster-prone countries to include risk reduction, disaster management and mitigation in their development planning process and supporting community initiatives to reduce their vulnerability to risks. This includes analysing common hazards and their impact on poor people, and assessing the effect of recurrent crises on achieving the targets of sustainable international development.

  Much of my Department's humanitarian response is channelled through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the United Nations humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organisations. We are working closely with these agencies to strengthen international systems for dealing with humanitarian crises, particularly to improve response capacity and accountability, and the development of common standards for technical performance and reporting. We are also

  227
  promoting better co-ordination within the European Union, especially through the European Community Humanitarian Office.

  Debt Targets
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the target set of reducing the debts of the poorest countries by £50 billion. [73920]

  Clare Short
  The Government are committed to the international development targets, which include halving the proportion of people living in absolute poverty by 2015. For the poorest, most indebted countries, who are similarly committed to poverty eradication, faster and deeper debt relief is required to enable them to invest sufficient resources in poverty reduction programmes to meet these targets. The Chancellor of the Exchequer and I have therefore challenged the international community to increase debt relief and increase aid flows to poor countries. Our objective over the coming months is to get agreement to cancel $50 billion of debt and to increase development assistance to $60 billion by the year 2000.

  Ethical Trading
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action the Government are taking to raise public awareness of ethically and fairly traded products. [75233]

  Clare Short
  Both I and my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State have spoken at a number of public events aimed at raising awareness of ethical and fair trade. DFID also supports the Ethical Trading Initiative, whose work includes promoting positive engagement between UK importers and developing country suppliers. We are also supporting, through our development awareness funding, a range of activities which are designed to raise public awareness in this area.

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if(a) she, (b) civil servants in her Department or (c) special advisers in her Department have (i) had sight of drafts of select committee reports, in whole or in part, or (ii) been informed of conclusions of select committee reports prior to their publication by the select committees. [75880]

  Clare Short
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 1 March 1999,Official Report, column 531. There have been no instances of members of select committees giving me, or my ministerial colleagues, drafts or select committee reports, or of parts of reports including their conclusions, before publication. Nor, to the best of my knowledge have there been any occasions on which members of select committees have given such material to civil servants or special advisers in my Department. This excludes embargoed copies of reports issued under House of Commons Standing Orders.

  Colombia (Sniffer Dogs)
  Mr. Alan Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had 228
  with colleagues at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food regarding the immunisation of sniffer dogs sent by her Department to assist in rescue work in Colombia. [75230]

  Clare Short
  My Department did not send any dogs to Colombia following the recent earthquake and therefore there have been no discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food about immunisation.

  Biotechnology Companies
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the biotechnology companies which have placed staff(a) on secondment and (b) on placement within her Department since 1 May 1997. [74843]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 5 March 1999]No biotechnology companies have placed staff(a) on secondment or (b) on placement within my Department since 1 May 1997.

  PHARE Programme
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she last met her colleagues from other member states of the European Union to discuss matters relating to the PHARE Programme. [73840]

  Mr. Foulkes
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State regularly meets with colleagues at the Development Council, the last of which was held on 30 November 1998. PHARE was not specifically on the agenda. She has regular informal contact with her counterparts regarding a range of issues including the PHARE programme.

PRIME MINISTER

  Single Currency
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish a White Paper setting out the constitutional, economic and political implications of the UK joining the European single currency. [73873]

  The Prime Minister
  The Government's policy on the single currency was set out by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his statement to the House of Commons on 27 October 1997,Official Report, columns 583–88.

  Secondary School Funding
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Prime Minister what is the central Government funding per pupil at secondary schools in(a) Staffordshire and (b) Hertfordshire in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [73878]

  The Prime Minister
  The secondary standard spending assessment per pupil allocation for 1999–2000 is £2,759 for Staffordshire and £3,023 for Hertfordshire.

  We inherited the current system for calculating Standard Spending Assessments from the previous Government. The Government will be carrying out research over the next few years as part of a review of the way different Local Education Authorities are funded.
  229
  The aim of this review will be to secure a fairer way of allocating resources from central Government to local authorities.

  Engagements
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10 March. [73871]

  The Prime Minister
  This morning I had meetings with Ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House I will have further such meetings later today.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Turkey
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last visited Turkey; and if he will list the people he met on his visit. [74623]

  Ms Quin
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State last visited Turkey on 19 May 1998. During his visit he met the President of the Turkish Republic, Mr. Suleyman Demirel, the Prime Minister, Mr. Mesut Yilmaz, the Foreign Minister, Mr. Ismail Cem, and the President of the Human Rights Association, Mr. Akin Birdal, who was recovering in hospital.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has for discussions with the Turkish Government about forthcoming elections in Turkey; and if he will encourage Turkey to invite foreign election observers to witness the elections; and if he will make a statement. [74632]

  Ms Quin
  Our Embassy in Ankara is closely following the forthcoming elections in Turkey.

  On the question of election monitoring, we encourage all OSCE (Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe) Participating States to acknowledge their standing commitment to election observation as expressed in the OSCE Copenhagen Document of 1990.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Turkey on proceedings against Abdullah Öcalan; and if he will make a statement. [74627]

  Ms Quin
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Edmonton (Mr. Love) on 3 March 1999,Official Report, column 797.

  Dubai
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response he has had from the Government of Dubai to his note verbale of 10 November 1998. [74625]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The Government of Dubai have not replied to our Note Verbale of 10 November 1998 requesting Mr. Atkinson's release on the basis of the decision of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. His trial concluded on 13 December 1998 and he was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment.
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  European Communities Budget
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place copies of the audits of budget line A-3021 of the European Communities in the Library; and if he will list the sponsors and referees who supported the successful applicants for that budget line. [75079]

  Ms Quin
  The Report on Beneficiaries of Community Grants 1997 was placed in the Library last year. The 1998 Report will be placed in the Library when it is published.

  Decisions on spending under this budget line are made by the Commission alone.

  EU Fifth Framework Programme
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if there has been a change in the view of EU partners on Israel's participation in the Fifth Framework Programme since his answer of 28 January 1999,Official Report, column 395. [75181]

  Ms Quin
  The UK has always supported Israel's Association with the Fifth Framework Programme in principle. It became clear recently that EU partners were also moving towards a positive view, and we were able to see this agreed at the General Affairs Council on 22 February.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the EU will decide on Israel's participation in the Fifth Framework Programme of research. [75165]

  Ms Quin
  The EU General Affairs Council on 22 February agreed to Israel's participation in the Fifth Framework Programme of Research.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what criteria are used by the EU to decide on the participation of non-EU member states in the Fifth Framework Programme. [75167]

  Ms Quin
  There are no generalised criteria. Proposals for third country association with the Fifth Framework Programme (FP5), and for project-by-project participation by researchers from third countries, are assessed on their individual merits in the context of the EU's interests.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent(a) each of the 10 Central and Eastern European countries, (b) Cyprus, (c) Israel and (d) Switzerland meet the criteria for participation in the Fifth Framework Programme. [75166]

  Ms Quin
  These countries are at various stages in the process of negotiation for full participation as countries associated with the Fifth Framework Programme (FP5). There are no generalised criteria: each case is assessed on its merits in the context of the EU's interests.

  Arms Sales
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the countries to which(a) the British Government and (b) United Kingdom companies over the last five years have sold arms, the type of weapons sold and the total value of sales. [75516]
  231
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The forthcoming Annual Report on Strategic Exports will list by country of destination the numbers of export licences issued by this Government between 2 May and 31 December 1997 in each equipment category and give details of the military equipment for which licences have been granted. It will also set out the value of defence exports to each country in 1997. This information will also be given in future reports.

  As regards information on export licensing decisions taken by the previous administration, it was normal practice for such statistics to be placed periodically in the Library of the House. However, as the then Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry, my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), made clear in her answer of 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 870–71, such information should be treated as indicative only. As regards information on actual defence exports in the last five years, I refer to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence on 31 March 1998, Official Report, columns 444–45.

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of the removal of the Lan Chile flight on the people of the Falklands. [75642]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Lan Chile link has commercial and social benefits to communities in both the Falklands and southern Chile. We would regret any action which penalised these communities. We have expressed our regret to the Chilean Government over their decision to ask Lan Chile to suspend flights to the Falklands and said we do not believe this to be justified. We hope that Lan Chile will continue to fly to the Falklands after 31 March.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the extent of human rights violations on vessels operating in waters around the Falklands. [75639]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Both HMG and the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) take seriously any violation of human rights on vessels fishing in Falkland Islands waters while there are clearly considerable difficulties in assessing the conditions on board such fishing vessels, every effort is made to monitor the situation. The FIG investigate all cases where complaints are made. A successful prosecution was brought against the Captain of a fishing vessel in April last year. We continue to work closely with FIG on this issue.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he plans to take if Lan Chile does not continue its flights to the Falklands after 31 March. [75888]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  While we hope that Lan Chile will continue to fly to the Falklands, we are considering other options with the Falkland Islands Government, including flights to other countries, improve surface travel, and the possibility of the Falkland Islands Government leasing their own aircraft.
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  EU Officials
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 20 January 1999,Official Report, column 505, concerning indicted EU officials, when the Minister of State, the right hon. Member for Gateshead, East and Washington, West (Ms Quin), proposes to write to the hon. Member for Ludlow. [75723]

  Ms Quin
  I continue to press the European Commission for the information requested by the hon. Member for Ludlow. I will write as soon as it is received.

  Foreign Media Articles
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 2 March 1999,Official Report, columns 684–85, for what reason he does not hold it to be a worthwhile use of resources to record which of the Prime Minister's articles for publication by the foreign press his Department has facilitated placing. [75549]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The resources available to the FCO News Department and press and public affairs sections in our overseas posts are already fully committed in support of the FCO' s objectives. To maintain the records proposed by the right hon. Member would therefore require the diversion of resources from other more essential activity.

  Russia
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about his visit to Murmansk. [75772]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary had the opportunity, as part of his trip to Russia, to visit the Murmansk region on 3 March to see for himself the scale of one of the largest concentrations of nuclear reactors, spent fuel and waste in the world.

  The sheer number of nuclear submarines awaiting decommissioning is stretching the Russian facilities to breaking point. My right hon. Friend saw for himself the "Lepse", which has been used as a storage vessel for spent nuclear fuel rods for the past twenty years and is now in a rapidly deteriorating state in Murmansk Harbour.

  My right hon. Friend also met Foreign Minister Ivanov, who welcomed UK assistance in the management of Russian nuclear waste. In particular, my right hon. Friend stressed the importance we attach to Russia reaching agreement with donors on liability and taxation in the field of nuclear assistance.

  Whilst at Murmansk, my right hon. Friend was pleased to be able to announce a new British programme, backed by over £3 million in additional funds, to help Russia with these problems.

  We are not alone in seeking to resolve these issues. It will take a coordinated international effort and other countries are already making a contribution. The countries of Scandinavia, the United States and the European Union, amongst others, already have programmes dealing with the decommissioning of Russian nuclear submarines

  233
  and the management of spent nuclear fuel and waste. We hope to work with these other countries and with Russia in building a wider international programme of assistance.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions he has had with the Russian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister about Russian defence exports in Syria; [75799]

  (2) if he will make a statement on his talks with the Russian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. [75771]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met Foreign Minister Ivanov in Moscow on 4 March, and had further talks with him and Prime Minister Primakov in Sochi on 5 March. The talks covered a number of current foreign policy issues, including Iraq and Kosovo, Russia's discussion with the IMF, and human rights. The Foreign Secretary emphasised the need for rapid agreement between Russia and the IMF, which he reinforced with a personal message from the Prime Minister. On Kosovo, the Foreign Secretary welcomed Russia's continuing involvement in the search for a lasting settlement. On Iraq, both sides agreed to continue working together for a common position in the Security Council. Arms exports to Syria were not specifically discussed, but the Foreign Secretary and Ivanov agreed on the need to avoid destabilising and uncontrolled arms exports. Ivanov plans to visit the UK in May.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Russian Prime Minister about the Christian school in St. Petersburg that is under siege. [75804]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made no representations to the Russian Prime Minister about the Christian school in St. Petersburg. Our representatives in St. Petersburg and Moscow are, however, following the situation closely as it develops.

  South Africa
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to(a) Spain, (b) France, (c) Portugal, (d) Italy and (e) Greece about their refusal to endorse the free trade agreement with South Africa. [75768]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: At the General Affairs Council on 22 February, which my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I attended, the UK pressed hard for endorsement of a Trade & Cooperation Agreement between the EU and South Africa. My hon. Friend the Prime Minister has also urged member states to support the latest deal, most recently at the informal European Council on 26 February.

  Sierra Leone
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what steps were taken by(a) special advisers, (b) Ministers, (c) officials or (d) other persons on behalf of his Department to seek to obtain (i) a draft copy and (ii) the key conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Committee report on Sierra Leone; [75887]
  234
  (2) on what date and at what time he told the Permanent Secretary that he had received (a) the leaked draft and (b) the leaked key conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Committee report on Sierra Leone; [75885]

  (3) if he informed the hon. Member for Dundee, West (Mr. Ross) that he had received from him the copy of the leaked draft of the Foreign Affairs Committee report on Sierra Leone. [75886]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 4 March 1999,Official Report, columns 875–76.

  Foreign Affairs Committee
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many copies were made of the leaked Foreign Affairs Committee documents on(a) its Human Rights inquiry and (b) its European Union enlargement inquiry; and to whom they were circulated; [75859]

  (2) what means the copies of the leaked Foreign Affairs Committee documents on (a) its Human Rights inquiry and (b) its European Union enlargement inquiry were sent to him or his Department; [75860]

  (3) when (a) he, (b) his Ministers, (c) his officials, (d) his advisers and (e) departmental parliamentary private secretaries first had sight of the leaked Foreign Affairs Committee documents on (i) its Human Rights inquiry and (ii) its European Union enlargement inquiry; and what use he and they made of the leaked documents. [75861]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on the 4 March 1999,Official Report, column 876.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when proposals for a directive concerning the regulations for growing and sale of genetically modified crops were first received by his Department from the European Commission; what observations were made by his Department prior to publication of the draft directive and on what evidence these observations were based; on what dates relevant explanatory memoranda were signed by ministers and placed in the Vote Office; and if he will publish the terms of such memoranda in the Official Report. [72178]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 22 February 1999]: The Directive 90/220 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms was negotiated in the late 1980s and adopted on 23 April 1990. The Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 were made under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and came into force on 1 February 1993.

  The European Commission adopted a Report on the review of Directive 90/220 on 10 December 1996. Following this, the Commission published its proposal for

  235
  the amendment of Directive 90/220 in February 1998. UK Government officials participated in discussions on the draft proposal, prior to its adoption by the Commission, during meetings of the 90/220 Competent Authorities.

  The Competent Authorities for Directive 90/220 submitted written comments on a Commission Working Document in Autumn 1997. These focused on, among other issues, the difficulties in implementing the current directive due to differences between Member States about interpretation and delays by the Commission. These comments were based on experience of operating the directive. The views of interested parties were actively sought throughout this process.

  An Orientation Debate was held in the June 1998 Council of Environment Ministers under the British Presidency of the European Union. Negotiations were subsequently held under the Austrian Presidency and the proposal was further considered by Ministers at the December 1998 Environment Council. The German Presidency has not yet indicated its timetable for discussion of the proposal.

  Explanatory Memorandum 6378/98 covering the Commission's proposal was submitted by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on 23 March 1998. EM 6378/98 was considered by the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee on 29 April 1998. The committee recommended that the document was of political interest and requested further information. The Minister for the Environment responded to the points raised by the Committee in a letter dated 27 November 1997. At their meeting of 9 December 1998, the Committee recommended the proposal for debate in Standing Committee A. The debate has yet to take place, but will be held in good time before any decision is taken in the Council of Ministers.

  Mr. Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which parts of (a) the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and (b) the European Directive 90/220 concerning the growing of genetically modified crops for purposes of research are administered by his Department; how many applications he has received for such cultivation and where the locations of such cultivations are publicly listed; what surveillance is undertaken by officers of his Department in respect of such activities; and what tests are applied by them in advising the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and his officials concerning applications to them for cultivation for market sales. [72177]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 22 February 1999]: The release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for research purposes are governed by the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 (amended 1995 and 1997) which give effect to Part VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Together, these Regulations implement Council Directive 90/220/EEC
  "on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms",
  of which Part B refers to deliberate releases for research and development purposes. These regulations are administered by my Department, in consultation with MAFF, the Scottish Office and the Welsh Office. This is
  236
  a matter for which the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies will also be responsible after devolution.

  Since the regulations came into force on 1 February 1993, 153 consents have been issued for the release of genetically modified crops. Details of these consents, including the locations at which they have been released, are on the statutory public register held in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  All applications received by my Department for the release of genetically modified crops, either for research or for marketing, are copied for comment to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The statutory Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment which advises the Secretary of State on the safety of GMOs in the environment also advises MAFF Ministers.

  The Secretary of State has delegated the inspection and enforcement powers provided under Part VI of the Environment Protection Act 1990 to the Health and Safety Commission and Executive. HSE specialist inspectors visit a proportion of release sites to ensure that the releases are being conducted in accordance to the specifications set out in the consent. Full reports of the inspections are sent to DETR.

  Seahorse and Exodus Incident
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations his Department has received on the Seahorse and Exodus incident of March 1997; if his Department has been informed of the findings of the investigation; if he will deposit those findings in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [74440]

  Dr. Reid
  A collision occurred between the United Kingdom registered fishing vessel Seahorse and the Irish registered fishing vessel Exodus in Bantry Bay, Ireland in March 1997. One crew member of the Exodus died. The Marine Accidents Investigation Branch undertook an Inspector's Investigation into the incident. The Inspector's report has not been published but a copy was forwarded to the Irish Maritime Authorities. The collision took place in Irish waters and the Irish Maritime Authorities are undertaking their own investigation into the incident. Their report will be published in due course. Following the incident the master of the Seahorse was successfully prosecuted by the Irish Authorities for a breach of the International Collision Regulations.

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the cost-effectiveness of campaigns to improve the take-up of energy efficiency measures in the domestic sector. [75207]

  Mr. Meale
  Each of the schemes to improve take-up of energy efficiency measures in the domestic sector is monitored, performance, including cost effectiveness,
  237
  is reviewed at regular intervals and schemes are amended where that is appropriate. For example:
  The performance of the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme is reviewed quarterly, and a full review of the scheme is taking place as part of the Government's review of fuel poverty policy.
  Independent impact assessment of the Best Practice Programme, which covers the managed housing stock, is undertaken on an ongoing basis.
  Each of the Energy Saving Trust's projects is monitored and assessed. In addition the Trust's programme of work for my Department is reviewed quarterly, and a full evaluation of the Trust's programmes is planned in the next year.
  The Energy Regulator's Standards Of Performance schemes were recently reviewed by NAO.

  London River Services
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to ensure that the introduction of new commuter services on the River Thames does not undermine established tourist operations; [75265]

  (2) what representations his Department has received concerning the honouring by London River Services after 1 April 1999 of agreements and licences which the Port of London Authority entered into with boat operators; [75261]

  (3) what steps his Department is taking to ensure that agreements and licences which the Port of London Authority entered into with boat operators are honoured by London River Services after 1 April. [75262]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My Department has received a number of representations from and on behalf of Catamaran Cruisers Ltd. and the Thames Passenger Services Federation about this matter. London River Services Ltd. (LRSL) has been set up to manage river services operating from the piers currently owned by the Port of London Authority and certain other new piers.

  The Government support LRSL's objectives, which are to:
  Provide a comprehensive network of high quality river boat services (commuter and leisure) to meet London's river travel needs, having regard to efficiency, economy and safety of operation;
  Maximise passenger benefits and usage within the funds available;
  Support multi-modal travel facilities;
  Develop and improve the infrastructure and information services which support the river network.

  In pursuing these objectives within the context of the Government's Thames 2000 initiative, we believe that opportunities will be created for improving and expanding services on the River to the potential benefit of all operators. Neither the Government nor LRS has any wish to undermine existing operators, especially those which deliver a good quality of service and which have invested in new vessels and facilities.

  At the operational level, it is for LRS to determine how best to meet these objectives, having regard both to developing the market for river services and the potential impact on the sustainability of existing operators' services. I understand that LRS's proposals have generally been well received by boat operators; and that they are
  238
  currently in active discussion with Catamaran Cruisers Ltd. about the latter's applications for new licences and are hopeful that an agreed solution can be reached.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that London River Services does not sell the Thames piers in its ownership. [75263]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Whilst LT retains the right to dispose of assets that are not required for the purposes of its business, the Government believe that its subsidiary, London River Services Ltd., would not be able to fulfil the objectives it was set up to achieve—and which we fully support—without retaining ownership of the key central London piers. Other assets may be disposed of only with the Secretary of State's consent.

  In due course it is intended that ownership of the piers should pass to Transport for London. One of Transport for London's main transport duties will be to implement the Mayor's integrated transport strategy. In drawing up that strategy the Mayor will be under a duty to have regard to the desirability of encouraging the use of the River Thames, in particular for the provision of passenger transport services and for the transport of freight.

  Landfill
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the statutory status of the EU Landfill of Waste Common Position Paper 49/98 with regard to United Kingdom legislation. [75344]

  Mr. Meale
  The EU Landfill Directive is still being discussed at European Council and is in draft form. The Common Position paper [Common Position (EC) No 49/98] is the latest official version of the draft directive. As the Directive has not yet been adopted by the European Council, and has yet to enter into force in the European Union, it has no status in UK legislation.

  Public Safety Zones
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to issue guidance to local authorities on public safety zones. [75220]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The preparation of draft guidance is in hand. We hope to issue it for consultation in the Spring.

  Rural Public Transport
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many new rural public transport routes have been created since 1997. [75501]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My Department does not collect detailed information on specific public transport routes.

  We have distributed the greater part of England's share of the additional £50 million a year for rural public transport to local authorities in the form of the Rural Bus Subsidy Grant. Local authorities have used this money to let contracts for new services, either serving communities

  239
  for the first time or enhancing existing routes, in accordance with the guidance which we issued to them. Many new services are now in operation.

  My Department will be gathering information from local authorities in the coming weeks to assess systematically the impact of this year's Rural Bus Subsidy Grant.

  We have also approved 46 bids, totalling £11.4 million, for grant under the Rural Bus Challenge competition to promote innovative local authority bus schemes in England, as well as making £4.2 million of the new money available each year for a Rural Transport Partnership scheme to reduce rural isolation and social exclusion by supporting community-based projects which enhance access to jobs and services.

  Road Accidents
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of road accidents caused by drivers falling asleep. [75266]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  There is no national estimate of the number of accidents caused by drivers falling asleep. However, research has shown that tiredness is a principal factor in around 10 per cent. of all accidents. Accordingly, it is estimated that around 23,000–24,000 injury accidents a year result from driver fatigue.

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he or his ministers have received any advance copy or draft or briefing on the contents of any select committee report before its due publication date and time; and if he will make a statement. [75766]

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if(a) he, (b) civil servants in his Department or (c) special advisers in his Department have (i) had sight of drafts of select committee reports, in whole or in part, or (ii) been informed of conclusions of select committee reports prior to their publication by the select committees. [75868]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: I refer the right hon. and hon. Members to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 1 March 1999, Official Report, column 531. There have been no instances of members of Select Committees giving me, or my ministerial colleagues, drafts of Select Committee reports, or of parts of reports including their conclusions, before publication. Nor, to the best of my knowledge, have there been any occasions on which members of Select Committees have given such material to civil servants or special advisers in my Department. This excludes embargoed copies of reports issued under House of Commons Standing Orders.

  Millennium Compliance (Water Industry)
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what contingency plans he has for making water available in the event of the interruption of supplies caused by the millennium non-compliance of computer systems in the water industry; and if he will make a statement. [76057]
  240
  Mr. Meale
  In accordance with the Security and Emergency Measures Direction issued by my Department last year, all water and sewerage companies are required to have plans in place to deal with any emergency. The new plans are required to be independently certified and must be with the Department by 1 April. Water companies expect to complete the testing and any rectification of embedded IT systems by the end of July and they will also test and, if necessary, upgrade their contingency plans. The Director-General of Water Services is monitoring the water industry's progress in ensuring that potential millennium problems are minimised and he has appointed an independent assessor to check on the completion of the rectification work by water companies and the testing of their contingency plans. The assessor's report will be published by OFWAT in the summer.

  National Parks (Appointees)
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those of his appointees currently serving on national park authorities who have military backgrounds. [75569]

  Mr. Meale
  We do not hold a comprehensive central record of the military service undertaken by Secretary of State appointees to the National Park Authorities; there is no specific requirement for candidates to list military service as part of the appointments process. I will undertake some inquiries and write to the hon. Member.

  Housing
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action his Department is taking to follow up the proposal, in his July 1998 statement on housing and regeneration policy, for a single allocation to local housing authorities for capital investment in housing; and if he will make a statement. [76017]

  Ms Armstrong
  In October, my Department issued a consultation paper on creating a single housing allocation for capital investment to local authorities, which followed up proposals contained in the Deputy Prime Minister's statement on housing and regeneration policy in July 1998. A single capital allocation for housing is part of the Government's agenda for modernising local government finance. It aims to give local authorities more discretion in deciding their capital programme for housing. The proposal will have some impact on distribution to authorities with high levels of capital receipts relative to need. Such authorities will be expected to make a greater contribution to capital investment in housing in their area from these resources. Authorities with greater need will receive more resources.

  Most respondents to the consultation paper welcomed the main principle of our proposals. Some expressed concerns about the effect on the distribution of resources between local authorities, the possible impact on private sector renewal activity, and the timing of the change. I have given careful consideration to all these issues, but I have concluded that we should proceed as planned with the introduction of a single housing capital allocation in 2000–01. The guidance to be issued to local authorities for this year's Housing Investment Programme will cover the detailed implementation of the single pot. It will also

  241
  address concerns raised in consultation responses about the importance of taking full account of the needs of the private sector in authorities' housing strategies.

  I accept that some arrangements will be necessary to facilitate the transition to a single allocation. My officials will shortly be writing to the local authority associations with details of the arrangements we propose to make.

  Racing Pigeons
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has received a report of the research which he commissioned into the predation of racing pigeons; and if he will make a statement. [75571]

  Mr. Meale
  My Department has received a draft final report from the contractors, which will be published as soon as possible.

  Rail Freight
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of freight was transported by rail in the last year for which figures are available; and what assessment he has made of the capacity of the railways to deal with increases in demand. [75300]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  In 1997, rail accounted for 7 per cent. of total tonne kilometres moved in Great Britain. The need to further develop rail freight is one of the key reasons for setting up the Strategic Rail Authority. One of the Authority's most important tasks will be to address the needs of freight as well as passengers, and the balance between the capacity demands of each.

  Planning
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to(a) speed up and (b) simplify planning procedures. [75303]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Government are committed to making the planning system operate more efficiently and effectively. My right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Regions, Regeneration and Planning set out a range of measures to achieve this in the Modernising Planning Statement he published on 15 January 1998. This included proposals to improve the delivery of local plans and unitary development plans; increase the regional ownership and effectiveness of regional planning guidance; speed up the handling of planning appeals; and improve local planning performance through "Best Value".

  The Government have recently published for public consultation a draft revised Planning Policy Guidance note 12 (PPG12) on improving the quality and speed of development plan preparation and a draft PPG11 on more streamlined and inclusive arrangements for regional planning guidance. Good practice guides on development briefs and the one-stop-shop approach to development-related approvals were published in April 1998 and the Department is funding a good practice guide on "Best Value" in planning being drawn up by the Planning Officers' Society. A number of other initiatives are underway, including reviews of consultation procedures for planning applications and of procedures for handling
  242
  listed building consent applications, and inclusion of streamlining planning decisions for business as a theme for the first year of Beacon Councils in the prospectus issued in February 1999.

  The Government issued for consultation last year proposals to improve appeal procedures and are currently considering the outcome. Proposals to streamline the handling of major infrastructure projects are being developed for consultation. The Department sets targets for the handling of planning appeals by the Planning Inspectorate. We have recently published improved, long-term targets so that, by 2001–02, the Inspectorate will be expected to decide 80 per cent. of appeals by written representations within 16 weeks; 80 per cent. of appeals by hearing within 22 weeks; and 80 per cent. of appeals by inquiry within 30 weeks.

  The Department is continuing to monitor closely local authorities' performance in reaching decisions on planning applications and publishes regular Planning Performance Checklists. My right hon. Friend is currently holding a series of meetings with a selection of local authorities in each English region to discuss what more might be done to improve handling of planning applications as well as development plan preparation and to share good practice. These meetings are part of our wider commitment to work in partnership with local government to deliver a modernised planning system. We have recently agreed with the Local Government Association a Planning Concordat which sets out our shared objectives as the basis for taking our partnership forward.

  Big Leaf Mahogany
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase international protection for big leaf mahogany; and if he will ban its import. [75301]

  Mr. Meale
  All populations in the Americas of Big-leaf mahogany(Swietenia macrophylla) are already listed on Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and Annex C of the EC Wildlife Trade Regulation, which implements CITES within the European Union. Imports of Big-leaf mahogany therefore require an export permit or certificate issued by the country of origin before they can enter the EU. In addition, the importer has to provide a notification form. By this close monitoring, the EU aims to ensure that international trade remains at sustainable levels.

  Regeneration
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of single regeneration budget money under rounds one to four was targeted on schemes in non-conurbation localities which have areas of multiple deprivation comparable with conurbation areas; and if he will make a statement. [75308]

  Mr. Meale
  Support from the SRB is given to partnerships under a bidding process which includes a competitive element. Bids are judged against programme objectives and assessment criteria given in a Bidding Guidance for each round. SRB (Challenge Fund) Rounds 1 to 4 are under way with over 600 regeneration schemes
  243
  being supported. The table gives an estimate of the proportion of SRB Rounds 1–3 resources by seven groupings.

  Area type

  Total SRB spend rounds 1–3 estimated £million

  Percentage of total SRB spend

  London Borough

  822

  26

  Metropolitan Cities and Districts

  1,289

  41

  Non-metropolitan Cities

  313

  10

  Districts with industrial areas or new towns

  429

  14

  Resort, port and retirement

  126

  4

  Urban and rural-urban mixed

  83

  3

  Remoter mainly rural

  65

  2

  England

  3,127

  100

  Note:

  The estimates for rounds 1–3 are based on data from an exercise carried out by the University of Cambridge as part of their evaluation of the SRB—'The distribution of SRB CF Expenditure in relation to Local Area Needs in England' and which was published in March 1998. A similar analysis for Round 4 funding is not yet available.

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to tackle the causes of social and economic decline in(a) conurbation localities, (b) non-conurbation localities and (c) rural areas. [75309]

  Mr. Meale
  Following the Comprehensive Spending Review, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister set out details of the New Deal for Regeneration in his Housing and Regeneration Policy statement on 22 July 1998, which will receive over £3 billion over the next three years. This included a reshaped Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) with about 80 per cent. of new SRB resources targeted on the most deprived areas, based on the 1998 Index of Local Deprivation. SRB resources may contribute to schemes also supported by European funding, including Structural Funds. Also there is a new programme, the New Deal for Communities, which combats social exclusion through focused and intensive neighbourhood renewal, in the most deprived neighbourhoods.

  English Partnerships promote job creation, inward investment and environmental improvement by bringing derelict, vacant and contaminated land back into productive use.

  Rural areas benefit from resources directed through the SRB. The Rural Challenge Fund previously managed by the Rural Development Commission (RDC) has been incorporated into the SRB and bids covering rural areas will be eligible for SRB support. In addition, the RDC's rural regeneration programmes continue to support a variety of regeneration projects in the rural development areas designated by the RDC, as do English Partnerships and European structural funds in Objective 5b areas. The Government will be setting out their policies for rural England in a White Paper to be published later in the year.

  The regional activities of English Partnerships, the administration of the SRB and the RDCs' rural regeneration programmes will transfer to new Regional Development Agencies on 1 April 1999 (from April 2000 in London).
  244
  The Government strongly support the Local Government Association's New Commitment to Regeneration initiative which is seeking a more co-ordinated and flexible approach to regeneration in 22 pathfinder areas through the preparation of comprehensive regeneration strategies for their areas.

  The Government will be setting out their policies for cities and towns in an Urban White Paper to be published later this year.

  Electoral Review
  Mr. Linton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes next to implement the periodic electoral review recommendations which he has received from the Local Government Commission for England; what is his policy for implementing future reviews; and if he will make a statement. [76016]

  Ms Armstrong
  Where we accept the LGC periodic electoral review recommendations our intention is to implement them as soon as practicable on a normal election day whilst ensuring that no council holds whole council elections in consecutive years.

  Accordingly we are now proposing, for those district councils and county councils where final recommendations are received no later than July 2000, and where we accept them, that implementation should be on the normal election day in May 2001. For those district councils and county councils where final recommendations are received between August 2000 and July 2002 and, where we accept them, implementation should be on the normal election day in May 2003.

  This means that in May 2001, the normal election day for all county councils in England, there will be additional whole council elections for certain district councils. In May 2003, the normal election day for all whole council district council elections, there will be additional elections for certain county councils.

  We are not making any special proposals for implementing the Commission's reviews of London boroughs. We envisage their implementation on the next normal election day for the boroughs in May 2002, a timetable consistent with the Commission's recommendations being received between June 1999 and January 2000.

  We are now consulting the Local Government Association, the National Association of Local Councils, the Association of Electoral Administrators, the Local Government Commission, the Parliamentary Boundary Commission and the main political parties on the proposals. Following this consultation we will decide how to proceed.

  Airports Policy
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the timetable for the review of his Department's UK airports policy and implementation of resulting recommendations. [75425]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We announced in "A New Deal for Transport" (Cm 3950) that we will prepare a UK airports policy looking some 30 years ahead, and that in
  245
  doing so we will take account of the Inspector's report on the Heathrow Terminal 5 Inquiry. After the Secretary of State has received the Inspector's report, the Government will, of course, need to consider it carefully before we can come to decisions on his recommendations and can publish the new airports policy. In the meantime we are pressing ahead with preparatory studies needed for the review of airports policy.

  Air Safety
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many incidents there have been in each of the last five years of objects falling from commercial airlines over the UK; and how many such falling objects have caused(a) personal injury and (b) damage to building. [75676]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The number of incidents of falling objects reported to the Civil Aviation Authority are as follows:

  Total number of incidents

  Number causing damage on ground

  Personal injury

  1994

  52

  27

  0

  1995

  41

  23

  0

  1996

  56

  32

  0

  1997

  61

  29

  0

  1998

  60

  34

  0

  Note:

  These objects include ice fragments and other miscellaneous items. Generally it is not possible to confirm the precise origin of such objects. The figures for incidents of damage on the ground include damage to items such as cars, garden furniture and patios as well as buildings.

  Rail Services
  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what provision he is making for the cost of rail services secured by the English Passenger Transport Executive in 1999–2000. [76409]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  A special grant report has been laid before the House today for the payment of Metropolitan Railway Passenger Service Grant in 1999–2000 to English Passenger Transport Authorities (PTAs). The main purpose of the grant is to provide support to those PTAs for the local rail services provided by franchise operators and secured by the PTAs' Passenger Transport Executives under the terms of the franchise agreements with franchisees and the Director of Passenger Rail Franchising.

  Ships (Inspections)
  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many ships were found to be unhygienic as a result of the inspections of ships for nuisances; and how many special notices were served under the provisions of the Public Health (Ships) Regulations 1979 in each year since 1990. [74968]

  Ms Jowell
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Department does not keep central records on the results of tests made under the Environmental Health Act 1990 and the Public Health (Ships) Regulations 1979,
  246
  which are a local inspection function. However, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has provided figures on the number of ships detained under Merchant Shipping legislation where deficiencies have included food and hygiene items. Figures before 1994–95 are not available.

  Year

  Number of ships detained where deficiencies included food and hygiene items

  1994–95

  48

  1995–96

  63

  1996–97

  64

  1997–98

  75

WALES

  Bell Pottinger Good Relations
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his decision to award the contract for providing information about the National Assembly to Bell Pottinger Good Relations. [73005]

  Mr. Michael
  My Department appointed Howell Henry Chaldecott Lury following a competition arranged by the Central Office of Information on behalf of the Welsh Office. They were appointed on the basis that they gave the strongest, most effective response to the tendered campaign.

  All competing Agencies were required to demonstrate that they could deal effectively with local issues and operate effectively with the Welsh Office in Cardiff. Howell Henry Chaldecott Lury invited sister company Bell Pottinger Good Relations to assist them in the competition to meet this requirement, and to provide wider expertise for the National Assembly for Wales campaign.

  This appointment was ratified by the Independent Advisory Committee on Advertising.

  Council Housing
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last discussed housing problems with council housing authorities; and if he will make a statement. [74180]

  Mr. Michael
  As Chair of the Welsh Consultative Council on Local Government Finance, I meet local authority housing representatives on a regular basis. At the last of these meetings on 15 December housing issues were discussed.

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

  A4042 (Llanover)
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from the pupils of Llanover Primary School concerning the speed limit on the A4042 in Llanover, near Abergavenny; what plans he has to review the speed limit on the road; and if he will make a statement. [74888]
  247
  Mr. Hain
  The Headteacher of Llanover Primary School sent the former Secretary of State a selection of letters from pupils concerning the speed of traffic along the nearby A4042 in May 1998.

  Since traffic generally travels at under 50 mph along this stretch of road past the village, there are no plans for a reduced speed limit as it would not essentially be self regulating.

  We will however continue to keep this part of the A4042 under review and will review the speed limit if there is any significant change in the situation there.

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

  As announced in the White Paper on the future of transport, a national review is under way to develop a speed policy that takes account of the contribution of reduced speeds to environmental and social objectives as well as to road safety.

  Departmental Cash Limits
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what changes he proposes to make to his voted cash limits for the current year. [76353]

  Mr. Michael
  Subject to the approval of the related Supplementary Estimate, I propose to increase the cash limit on class XIV, vote 2 by £4,144,000 from £851,924,000 to £856,068,000. This increase results from an addition to the education programme for the purchase of school books, as announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget statement on 9 March 1999,Official Report, columns 173–90. Schools will have until July of this year to spend their allocations of these extra resources. This increase will be met from the Reserve and will not add to the overall level of public expenditure.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will announce his decisions on the amended proposals to reconfigure NHS trusts in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. [76399]

  Mr. Michael
  I have today announced my decision to establish the University Hospital of Wales and Llandough NHS Trust and the Cardiff and District Community NHS Trust to become operational on 1 April 1999. This decision follows public consultation which ended on 28 January, and supports my vision for the NHS in Wales made in my statement to the House on 3 December 1998,Official Report, columns 1053–66. The establishment of these two trusts is a first step towards creating a single integrated health service for Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan with acute, community and mental health services delivered through a single trust. In order to bring as much certainty as possible to the process so that staff in the new trusts know exactly where they stand, a further public consultation will start in July on the details of the process of forming the single trust and on the timing, which it is hoped will be sooner rather than later.

  A copy of the press release detailing my announcement, along with a summary of all responses received by the Welsh Office on this matter during the consultation period, a copy of the report of the reconfiguration project
  248
  team on local consultation and a copy of the report of independent consultants who were commissioned to undertake an evaluation of the consultation proposals, has been placed in the Library of the House.

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

  Housing Association (House Starts)
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are the planned starts for homes to be built by housing associations in 1998–99. [75494]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Housing associations are expected to achieve starts on up to 2,300 homes during the year, of which approximately 70% will be new build.

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

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if(a) he, (b) civil servants in his Department or (c) special advisers in his Department have (i) had sight of drafts of select committee reports, in whole or in part, or (ii) been informed of conclusions of select committee reports prior to their publication by the select committees. [75879]

  Mr. Michael
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 1 March 1999,Official Report, column 531. There have been no instances of members of Select Committees giving me, or my ministerial colleagues, drafts of Select Committee reports, or of parts of reports including their conclusions, before publication. Nor, to the best of my knowledge, has there been any occasion on which members of Select Committees have given such material to civil servants or special advisers in my Department. This excludes embargoed copies of reports issued under House of Commons Standing Orders.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Interpreters
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the occasions on which cases have(a) collapsed and (b) gone to appeal on the basis of inadequate interpreter provision for defendants in each of the last two years. [75341]

  Mr. Hoon
  I regret that this information is not collected, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what professional standards and qualifications are required of interpreters working in English courts. [75342]

  Mr. Hoon
  Interpreters working in English courts are not required by law to have a formal qualification or to have reached a specific professional standard. However, all agencies in the criminal justice system are parties to an agreement with the aim that, by the end of 2001, every interpreter working in courts should be selected from the National Register of Public Service Interpreters or the
  249
  Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP) National Directory of sign Language Interpreters. An inter-agency working group is monitoring progress of the agreement. Those arranging interpreters are encouraged to find an interpreter from the National Register or Directory in the first instance. Where a person cannot be found from those sources, they will look elsewhere for an interpreter of at least the same standard.

  In the civil courts it is the responsibility of the plaintiff or defendant or their legal adviser to provide any foreign language interpreter. The court can refer inquiries from parties to appropriate lists. The Court Service has an agreement with the Royal National Institute for Deaf People to provide a sign language interpreter, who must be registered by the CACDP, whenever such an interpreter is required.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what measures exist to ensure that accused persons whose first language is not English receive a fair trial in English courts. [75340]

  Mr. Hoon
  Where the accused's first language is not English, and he would not otherwise understand the proceedings, the court will arrange a foreign language or sign language interpreter for him at court. The only exception is where the defendant appears in court within up to two working days of being charged, where it is for the police or other prosecuting agency to make the necessary arrangements. The interpreter's fee is paid from public funds.

  Retirement Ages
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department how many magistrates are aged between 65 and 70 years. [75267]

  Mr. Hoon
  3,767 magistrates in England and Wales (excluding the Duchy of Lancaster) are aged between 65 and 70 years.

  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the retirement age for lay members of each of the tribunals for which he has responsibility. [75268]

  Mr. Hoon
  Of the tribunals for which the Lord Chancellor has ministerial responsibility, only three include a lay membership. They are lay members of the Immigration Appeal Tribunal; service and medical members of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal; and surveyor members of the Lands Tribunal. Under the terms of the Judicial Pensions and Retirement Act 1993, lay members appointed to each of these tribunals on or after 31 March 1995 shall vacate office when they attain the age of 70. However, the Judicial Pensions and Retirement Act contains provisions which allows the Lord Chancellor, in exceptional circumstances, to authorise continuance in office up to the age of 75 and transitional provisions which preserve the pre-existing compulsory retirement age of the end of year of service in which they reach 72 for those already serving on 31 March 1995.
  250

  Legal Aid (Foreign Nationals)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of the legal aid budget was spent on cases pursued by foreign nationals in courts in England and Wales in(a) 1989 and
  (b) in each of the last three years. [75222]

  Mr. Hoon
  The information requested is not available. The nationality of an applicant is not one of the qualifying factors for legal aid. Therefore, the data collected by the Legal Aid Board and the courts do not identify separately applications made for legal aid by foreign nationals.

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if(a) he, (b) civil servants in his Department or (c) special advisers in his Department have (i) had sight of drafts of select committee reports, in whole or in part, or (ii) been informed of conclusions of select committee reports prior to their publication by the select committees. [75869]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 1 March 1999,Official Report, column 531. There have been no instances of members of Select Committees giving me, or the Lord Chancellor, drafts of Select Committee reports, or of parts of reports including their conclusions, before publication. Nor to the best of my knowledge have there been any occasions on which members of Select Committees have given such material to any civil servant or the Special Adviser in my Department. This excludes embargoed copies of reports issued under House of Commons Standing Orders.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if(a) he, (b) civil servants in his Department or (c) special advisers in his Department have (i) had sight of drafts of select committee reports, in whole or in part, or (ii) been informed of conclusions of select committee reports prior to their publication by the select committees. [75881]

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if(a) ministers, (b) parliamentary private secretaries, (c) special advisers and (d) civil servants have discussed the contents of the Committee's reports with any members of the Social Security Committee prior to their publication; [75841]

  (2) if (a) ministers, (b) parliamentary private secretaries, (c) special advisers and (d) civil servants in his Department have received copies of any Social Security Select Committee (i) draft reports and (ii) reports prior to their publication. [75840]

  Mr. Darling
  I refer the right hon. and hon. Members to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 1 March 1999,Official Report, column 531. There have been no instances of members of Select

  251
  Committees giving me, or my Ministerial colleagues, drafts of Select Committee reports, or parts of reports including their conclusions, before publication. Nor to the best of my knowledge have there been any occasions on which members of Select Committees have given such material to civil servants or special advisers in this Department. This excludes embargoed copies of reports issued under House of Commons Standing Orders.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will list the groups of disabled people which will automatically be exempted from the new system of periodically reviewing awards of disability living allowance; [69224]

  (2) if the proposed system of periodically reviewing awards of disability living allowance announced on 28 January will include the safeguards announced on 9 February 1998 in respect of the Benefit Integrity Project. [69220]

  Mr. Bayley
  [pursuant to his reply, 11 February 1999, c. 381–82]: From April 1999 a new system of periodically reviewing entitlement to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will be introduced. We intend to incorporate the lessons already learned and to evaluate and refine the process as it develops. At the outset, not only DLA recipients whose cases were examined by the Benefit Integrity Project (BIP) will be excluded from the process, but also people in any one of the specific categories listed who were previously excluded from the action of the BIP will be excluded.

  Groups to be exempt at the outset:
  People receiving the higher rate of the DLA mobility component and either the highest or the middle rate of the DLA care component who are:

  Paraplegic;

  Tetraplegic;

  Quadriplegic;

  Both deaf and blind;

  Double amputees;

  Over the age of 65; or

  With an award made prior to April 1992.

  People receiving the higher rate of the DLA mobility component and the highest rate of the DLA care component with:

  Cystic Fibrosis;

  Dementia;

  Haemodialysis;

  Hyperkinetic Syndrome;

  Learning difficulty1

  Multiple Allergy Syndrome;

  Multiple Sclerosis;

  Motor Neurone Disease;

  Neurological Disease (including Muscular Dystrophy);

  Parkinson's Disease;

  Total Parenteral Nutrition or who are Severely Mentally Impaired.2

  People treated as being terminally ill under criteria set out in Section 66(2)(a) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 will also be excluded, as will anyone with a fixed period award due to end within the next three years. Safeguards developed and introduced during the
  252
  lifetime of the BIP will be carried forward into the new process. This will include the changes in evidence gathering introduced on 9 February 1998; which ensured that no decision to reduce or remove entitlement to DLA is based solely on the information provided by the claimant.
  1 This category applies to people whose main disabling condition has been recorded as "mental subnormality"
  2 This category applies to people who meet the criteria set out in Section 73(3) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 and Regulation 12(5)&(6) of the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations 1991.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 8 February 1999,Official Report, column 68, on pensioner incomes, if the information requested is now available. [75028]

  Mr. Timms
  The information requested is now available and is in the tables.

  Pensioners receiving a means-tested benefit and not paying income tax

  Thousand

  Single male pensioners

  Single female pensioners

  Pensioner couples

  All pensioner benefit units

  60–64

  90

  100

  170

  360

  65–69

  70

  220

  200

  490

  70–74

  70

  300

  150

  520

  75–79

  80

  330

  140

  550

  80+

  100

  550

  130

  770

  Total

  400

  1,500

  790

  2,690

  Pensioners not receiving a means-tested benefit and not paying income tax

  Thousand

  Single male pensioners

  Single female pensioners

  Pensioner couples

  All pensioner benefit units

  60–64

  20

  20

  90

  130

  65–69

  40

  70

  190

  290

  70–74

  30

  130

  250

  400

  75–79

  40

  130

  190

  360

  80+

  50

  190

  150

  390

  Total

  170

  540

  870

  1,580

  Pensioners not receiving a means-tested benefit and paying income tax

  Thousand

  Single male pensioners

  Single female pensioners

  Pensioner couples

  All pensioner benefit units

  60–64

  110

  160

  910

  1,180

  65–69

  120

  220

  590

  930

  70–74

  100

  240

  420

  760

  75–79

  80

  190

  190

  450

  80+

  90

  190

  130

  400

  Total

  490

  990

  2,240

  3,720

  253

  Pensioners receiving a means-tested benefit and paying income tax

  Thousand

  Single male pensioners

  Single female pensioners

  Pensioner couples

  All pensioner benefit units

  60–64

  20

  40

  50

  100

  65–69

  20

  30

  20

  80

  70–74

  20

  50

  10

  80

  75–79

  20

  30

  *

  50

  80+

  20

  50

  10

  70

  Total

  90

  200

  90

  390

  Notes:

  1. Figures are given to the nearest 10,000 pensioner benefit units, although they are not necessarily accurate to that degree. Figures of less than 5,000 pensioners are denoted by'*'.

  2. Figures may not sum to row or column totals due to rounding.

  3. Figures should be treated with caution since taxpaying status is not directly measured by the Family Resources Survey, but has been imputed using a model based on policies announced up to and including the 1998 budget statement.

  4. Pensioner benefit units are defined as single people and couples (married or cohabiting) where at least one partner is aged over 59. Couples are allocated to age bands according to the age of the older partner.

  5. Taxpaying pensioner benefit units are defined as those where at least one individual in the benefit unit is modelled as liable to income tax.

  Source:

  Family Resources Survey 1996–97

  Family Resources Survey
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate is provided by his Department's Family Resources Survey of the number and proportion of(a) local authority tenants, (b) other social tenants, (c) private renters and (d) owner occupiers who are families with dependent children. [75168]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  Number and proportion of households with families and dependant children, by tenure type

  Tenure type

  Number

  Percentage

  Local authority tenants

  1,250,000

  28

  Other social tenants

  330,000

  30

  Private renters

  410,000

  21

  Owner occupiers

  3,940,000

  25

  Notes:

  1. "Local authority tenants" were defined as those households where the landlord was either a local authority/council, a New Town development or Scottish Homes and where the property did not go with the job of anyone in the household. "Other social tenants" was defined as those households where the landlord was either a Housing Association, a co-operative or a charitable trust and where the property did not go with the job of anyone in the household. "Private renters" were defined as those households where the landlord was an employer, friend or relative of a household member, or another private landlord or organisation. "Owner occupiers" were identified as those households that were either owned outright, being bought with the help of a mortgage or loan, or were part rented and part mortgaged.

  2. "Households with families and dependant children" were defined as those households where there was at least one couple or lone parent with at least one dependant child. Pensioner couples with any dependant children were also included in this definition.

  3. Absolute values are rounded to the nearest ten thousand. Percentages are rounded to the nearest integer.

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

  Source:

  1996–97 Family Resources Survey (GB).
  254

  Cold Weather Payments
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the locations at which temperature readings were taken for the cold weather payments scheme in 1998–99. [75260]

  Angela Eagle
  72 weather stations are being used in the scheme this winter.

  A schedule of the weather stations and postcodes linked to each of them is contained in the Social Fund Cold Weather Payments (General) Amendment Regulations 1998 (SI 1998 No. 2455), a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Overseas Pensioners
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he has held with other Governments about extending bilateral agreements to protect the position of UK overseas pensioners; and if he will make a statement. [75237]

  Mr. Timms
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has held no discussions about extending bilateral Social Security agreements to cover uprating of UK State Pensions paid to pensioners living overseas. Bilateral agreements can be the means of providing annual increases of Retirement Pension, but that is not their primary purpose. An agreement is not strictly necessary to allow payment of pension increases, as that could be achieved through changing UK domestic legislation.

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many children will benefit from this April's increase in child benefit in(a) the Medway towns and (b) Chatham and Aylesford. [75554]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of Child Benefit is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Jonathan Shaw, dated 9 March 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked Peter Mathison to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many children will benefit from this April's increase in child benefit in (a) the Medway towns and (b) Chatham and Aylesford. As Mr. Mathison is away from the office on leave, I am replying.
  Unfortunately the information to identify families, by region, who are receiving Child Benefit is not readily available. These figures could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
  I can however, explain the new rates of Child Benefit from April 1999. They will be £14.40 for the eldest child and £9.60 for each subsequent child. The increase for the eldest child includes the extra £2.50 a week announced in the March 1998 budget, plus uprating. This is an overall increase of £3.25 for a family with two children.
  I am sorry I could not be of more help on this occasion.

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many families in(a) the Tamworth constituency and (b) Staffordshire will receive the increase in child benefit. [75656]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of Child Benefit is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. He will write to my hon. Friend.
  255
  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Brian Jenkins, dated 9 March 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked Peter Mathison to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many families in (a) the Tamworth constituency and (b) Staffordshire will receive the increase in child benefit. As Mr Mathison is away from the office on leave, I am replying.
  Unfortunately the information to identify families, by region, who are receiving Child Benefit is not readily available. These figures could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
  I can however, explain the new rates of Child Benefit from April 1999. They will be £14.40 for the eldest child and £9.60 for each subsequent child. The increase for the eldest child includes the extra £2.50 a week announced in the March 1998 budget, plus uprating. This is an overall increase of £3.25 for a family with two children.
  I am sorry I could not be of more help on this occasion.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Sexual Offences
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Attorney-General what official changes in prosecution policy were made in respect of the offences of(a) buggery, (b) indecent assault on a male, (c) indecency between males, (d) rape, (e) indecent assault on a female, (f) unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 years, (g) unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 16 years, (h) incest and (i) gross indecency with a child, between 1987 and 1997. [75033]

  The Attorney-General
  The Crown Prosecution Service reviews and prosecutes all cases in accordance with the principles set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, issued under section 10 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985. The provisions of the Code are set out in the Director of Public Prosecution's Annual Report, copies of which are in the Library of the House. The Code, first published in 1986, was subsequently revised in 1992 and again in 1994. The 1994 edition of the Code simplifies the language of the Code; it clarifies the evidential criterion and the public interest factors in favour of a prosecution.

  The general principles set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors are supported by internal CPS guidance. The internal guidance is not presently in the public domain. In any event, tracing its development over the period covered by the question would not be practical and would involve a disproportionate cost.

SCOTLAND

  Newspapers and Magazines
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the total expenditure of his Department, agencies and related public bodies on newspapers and magazines in(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99 and (d) 1999–2000; if he will list (i) the titles taken and (ii) which titles have been added and which deleted since 1 May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [69198]

  Mr.Dewar
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]: My Departement purchases or obtains free of charge a wide range of newspapers and periodical publications. A list of
  256
  their titles and those added and deleted since 1 May 1997 has been placed in the House Library. Information about non-departmental public bodies is not held centrally. Details of the total cost for my Departments and Executive Agencies are as follows:

  Departments/agencies

  £

  The Scottish Office

  1996–97

  220,116

  1997–98

  212,431

  1998–99 (estimate)

  210,113

  1999–2000

  Budget not yet set

  Historic Scotland

  1996–97

  5,220

  1997–98

  5,644

  1998–99

  6,000

  1999–2000

  6,700

  Scottish Agricultural Science Agency

  1996–97

  23,595

  1997–98

  26,264

  1998–99

  30,021

  1999–2000

  30,500

  Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency

  1996–97

  1,507

  1997–98

  1,906

  1998–99

  1,960

  1999–2000

  Budget not yet set

  Scottish Prison Service

  1996–97

  2,251

  1997–98

  2,624

  1998–99

  2,808

  1999–2000

  2,878

  Student Awards Agency for Scotland

  1996–97

  52

  1997–98

  71

  1998–99

  81

  1999–2000

  90

  Scottish Office Pensions Agency

  1996–97

  1,346

  1997–98

  1,704

  1998–99

  1,032

  1999–2000

  1,200

  Fisheries Research Services

  1996–97

  76,400

  1997–98

  79,300

  1998–99

  97,336

  1999–2000

  Budget not yet set

  General Register Office for Scotland

  1996–97

  975

  1997–98

  994

  1998–99

  1,009

  1999–2000

  1,044

  National Archives of Scotland (formerly Scottish Record Office)

  1996–97

  2,699

  1997–98

  2,371

  1998–99

  2,338

  1999–2000

  2,206

  Registers of Scotland

  1996–97

  Not available

  1997–98

  5,605

  1998–99

  5,524

  1999–2000

  5,700

  257

  Departments/agencies

  £

  Scottish Courts Administration

  1996–97

  643

  1997–98

  705

  1998–99

  721

  1999–2000

  756

  Scottish Court Service

  1996–97

  324

  1997–98

  338

  1998–99

  411

  1999–2000

  411

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

  Task Forces
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a list of (1) task forces and (2) policy reviews established by his Department since

  Task forces and policy reviews

  Review of the Scottish Roads Programme

  Consultation Paper: 'The Appraisal of Trunk Road Investment' (published August 1998)

  Review of Transport Policy

  Consultation Paper: 'Regional Transport Partnerships and the National Transport Forum for Scotland' (published January 1999)

  Consultation Paper: 'Local Transport Strategies Preliminary Guidance' (published February 1999)

  Working Group on Council Tax Collection

  Consultation Paper: 'It Pays to Collect' (published November 1998)

  Land Reform Policy Group

  Consultation Paper: 'Identifying the Problems' (published February 1998)

  Consultation Paper: 'Identifying the Solutions' (published September 1998)

  Series of public meetings (November 1998)

  Review of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Scotland

  Consultation Paper: 'People and Nature' (published September 1998)

  Scottish Water Industry Review

  Consultation Paper: 'Scottish Water Industry Review' (published July 1997)

  Working Group on Vulnerable and Intimidated Witnesses

  Consultation Paper: 'Towards a Just Conclusion' (published November 1998)

  Ministerial Action Group on Standards

  Consultation Paper: 'Setting Targets—Raising Standards in Schools' (published 4 March 1998)

  Review of Aspects of Gaelic Broadcasting

  Consultation Paper: 'A Review of Aspects of Gaelic Broadcasting' (published June 1998)

  Committee on Post-School Education and Training of Young People with Special Needs

  Consultation workshops (January 1999)

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

  School Computers
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pupils there are per computer in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each local authority area. [74546]

  Mrs. Liddell
  According to the most recent Annual Survey of Listening, Viewing and Computing (ASLVC) conducted on behalf of The Scottish Office in 1998, there are 15 pupils per computer in primary schools, 49 per cent. of which are more than four years old and 6 pupils per computer in secondary schools, 54 per cent. of which are over four years old. The sampling arrangements for the ASLVC do not provide information 258
  May 1997 which (a) had external members recruited by way of public advertisement, and details of any person so appointed and (b) engaged in public consultation exercises, and the form that these took. [74472]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: No members of task forces or policy reviews established since 1 May 1997 were recruited by way of public advertisement. Most task forces and reviews are short-term bodies established to give thorough consideration to important and difficult issues. External members are invited to sit on some task forces and reviews because they are able to contribute specific experience and expertise. In such cases, public advertising would be inappropriate and disproportionate. Since 1 October 1998, appointments to those task forces which qualify for classification as advisory non-departmental public bodies have come within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

  The following task forces and policy reviews are engaged in public consultation exercises.

  at the local authority level. This information will be collected in future as part of the monitoring arrangements for the Excellence Fund.

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

  Nursing Vacancies
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many NHS nursing vacancies there were at the latest available date. [74515]

  Mr. Galbraith
  As at 31 March 1998, there were 1,097 whole-time equivalent qualified nursing staff vacancies in the NHS in Scotland. This represents a vacancy rate of 3.5 per cent. part of which is turnover.
  259
  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Internet (Schools)
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many and what percentage of schools have internet and e-mail access for pupils in each local authority area. [74531]

  Mrs. Liddell
  According to the most recent Annual Survey of Listening, Viewing and Computing (ASLVC) conducted on behalf of The Scottish Office in 1998, 22 per cent. of primary schools and 73 per cent. of secondary schools have some form of internet access. 39 per cent. of primary schools and 72 per cent. of secondary schools have e-mail facilities. The sampling arrangements for the ASLVC do not provide information at the local authority level. This information will be collected in future as part of the monitoring arrangements for the Excellence Fund.

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

  Electoral Roll
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many individuals are on the electoral roll in Scotland. [75507]

  Mr. McLeish
  There were 4,005,720 local government electors on the electoral registers for Scotland which came into force on 16 February 1998. Local government electors are also entitled to vote in Scottish Parliament elections. There were 3,992,502 Parliamentary electors on the registers which came into force on 16 February 1998. Numbers of electors on the electoral registers published on 16 February 1999 are not yet available centrally. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as this information can be obtained.

  Teachers
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the total number of(a) primary and (b) secondary school teachers in Scotland was in each year since 1992. [74510]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  Number of full-time equivalent teachers in publicly funded primary and secondary schools in Scotland

  Primary

  Secondary

  1992–93

  22,747

  24,041

  1993–94

  22,472

  24,326

  1994–95

  22,659

  24,522

  1995–96

  22,550

  24,593

  1996–97

  22,483

  24,265

  1997–98

  22,187

  23,875

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

  Government Expenditure
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the balance 260
  between Government expenditure spent in Scotland and Government revenues raised in Scotland in each of the last five years. [75710]

  Mr. Dewar
  The latest estimates of the fiscal position in Scotland were set out in Table 20 of Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland 1996–1997, published in November 1998.

  Gas-fired Power Station, Gartcosh
  Dr. Moonie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will announce his decision on the application submitted by PowerGen for consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to construct and operate a new natural gas-fired power station at Gartcosh, North Lanarkshire. [R] [76350]

  Mr. Dewar
  I have decided to refuse consent for PowerGen's application. This decision has been taken after careful consideration of the Report of the public inquiry into the application and all subsequent representations received (which related mainly to the Government's new energy policy), and is founded on the Reporter's recommendation that consent be refused. A copy of my decision letter will be placed in the Library of the House of Commons.

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

  Ferry Services
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the estimated timetable for the tender and award of franchises for the passenger ferry services to Orkney and Shetland; and if he will make a statement. [75680]

  Mr. Dewar
  My hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for transport in Scotland announced on 14 October 1998 the start of a competitive tendering process for a subsidy to provide lifeline ferry services to the Orkney and Shetland Islands from 2002.

  A draft initial proposals document was issued on 22 December 1998 to the Islands Councils and others for comments. Comments received are currently being assessed. A shortlist of potential operators is being draw up. Those selected will be invited soon to submit initial proposals for the services. It is estimated that an award of a contract will be made before the end of 1999.

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

  Nurses
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many whole-time equivalent(a) bank, (b) agency and (c) contract nurses were employed, and at what cost, by health board area in each of the last 10 years. [74990]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 5 March 1999] [pursuant to his reply, 8 March 1999, c. 65–66]: The table in the previous reply was incorrectly reproduced.

  The information available for agency nursing staff is shown in the table. No cost data to match the staff numbers are available. Information for bank and contract nursing staff is not available centrally.
  261

  Agency nursing staff: average Whole Time Equivalent 1 by health board: year ending 30 September

  Health board

  21988

  21989

  21990

  21991

  21992

  21993

  21994

  21995

  21996

  21997

  2,31998

  Scotland2

  238.6

  187.3

  317.4

  255.6

  249.4

  301.1

  195.3

  382.6

  459.3

  455.7

  500.9

  Argyll & Clyde

  —

  1.3

  0.2

  1.1

  0.1

  4.6

  11.6

  39.0

  39.8

  57.0

  68.4

  Ayrshire & Arran

  2.1

  7.2

  1.7

  3.0

  0.2

  0.5

  0.4

  0.4

  0.0

  3.0

  6.0

  Borders

  19.8

  4.4

  —

  —

  0.0

  0.1

  0.3

  0.0

  3.0

  —

  0.2

  Dumfries & Galloway

  —

  —

  —

  0.4

  0.4

  1.3

  0.1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Fife

  —

  —

  2.3

  1.3

  0.6

  —

  3.7

  0.2

  1.8

  6.5

  2.3

  Forth Valley

  —

  1.1

  10.3

  0.1

  0.0

  0.4

  0.0

  17.3

  63.1

  54.1

  22.5

  Grampian

  13.0

  6.1

  8.0

  11.9

  35.3

  33.6

  26.5

  46.2

  29.4

  21.8

  38.3

  Greater Glasgow

  80.2

  66.0

  179.8

  155.2

  148.7

  127.3

  76.8

  92.8

  67.7

  110.9

  133.7

  Highland

  —

  —

  0.8

  0.5

  —

  0.5

  0.1

  2.4

  4.1

  12.3

  13.2

  Lanarkshire

  —

  —

  0.2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.2

  0.3

  0.3

  10.1

  Lothian

  123.5

  100.4

  111.2

  81.0

  64.0

  132.8

  75.8

  184.0

  249.0

  187.8

  203.8

  Orkney

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.2

  0.2

  Shetland

  —

  0.8

  2.8

  0.9

  —

  —

  —

  0.0

  —

  —

  —

  Tayside

  —

  —

  —

  0.1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1.0

  1.8

  2.3

  Western Isles

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.0

  1 To calculate the average, 1 W. T. E. is taken as a contribution of 37.5 hours per week x 52 = 1,950 hours per year.

  2 Data for 1997 and 1998 are based on one six month period ending 30 September. Data for 1991 to 1996 are based on two six month periods ending 31 March and 30 September. Data for 1988 to 1990 are based on two three month periods ending 31 March and 30 September.

  3 Provisional data

  Note:

  Rounding of individual figures may produce slight differences between the sum of constituent items and totals.

  Source:

  ISD(M)18

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

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  University Challenge
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is yet in a position to announce the outcome of the University Challenge competition. [76012]

  £million

  University of Leeds/University of Sheffield/University of York (White Rose Consortium)

  4.5

  University of Manchester/UMIST

  4.5

  University of Bath/University of Bristol

  3.75

  University of Birmingham/University of Warwick

  3

  University of Cambridge/The Babraham Institute

  3

  University of Cardiff/University of Wales College of Medicine

  3

  Imperial College, London

  3

  King's College London/Queen Mary and Westfield College London

  3

  London Business School/King's College London/Queen Mary and Westfield College/University College London

  3

  University of Oxford

  3

  University of Strathclyde/University of Glasgow

  3

  University College London/Institute of Cancer Research/Cancer Research Campaign Technologies Ltd./School of Pharmacy, University of London/Imperial Cancer Research Fund/Royal Veterinary College

  3

  University of Edinburgh/The Moredun Foundation/The Roslin Biotechnology Centre/The UK Astronomy Technology Centre of PPARC/Edinburgh Station of the British Geological Survey

  2.25

  Queen's University Belfast/University of Ulster

  2

  University of Aberystwyth/The Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER)

  1

  The total value of proposed awards is £45 million. Awards are subject to the applicants' compliance with all competition requirements. For awards to consortia of institutions, the university leading the bid is listed first.

  Late Payment
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the response by business to legislation on the late payment of debt. [71477]
  262
  Mr. Battle
  One of the Government's key science policy initiatives is to encourage the commercialisation of outcomes from our excellent research base. In that connection, I am delighted to be able to announce the winners of the University Challenge Fund Competition which has been funded and operated jointly by Government, the Wellcome Trust and the Gatsby Charitable Foundation.

  The successful applications are:

  Mr. Wills
  Late payment has a devastating impact on Britain's small businesses. This Government are determined to improve the UK's payment culture to ensure that small businesses can thrive and prosper.

  The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 commenced on 1 November 1998 and provides small suppliers with a statutory right to claim interest on late paid bills and transfers the cost of late payment from the supplier to the late payer.
  263
  My Department is working with the Credit Management Research Group at Leeds University to monitor the legislation, although it is too early to draw conclusions about its impact. However, evidence from the recent Grant Thornton International/Business Strategies Ltd. survey has shown an improvement in the time taken by business in the UK to pay its bills. In addition, evidence from other European Countries that have introduced legislation shows that effective legislation can tackle late payment, particularly when supported by other measures.

  Mortgages
  Valerie Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how he will make the mortgage market more transparent for the benefit of consumers. [76352]

  Mr. Byers
  Consumers need clear and comparable information about loan offers so they can identify the best deal. I shall be working with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a package of measures to bring greater clarity, comparability and fairness to the marketing of mortgages and other types of credit.

  We will shortly specify the way in which the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for low-start and discount mortgages is calculated to require it to reflect the interest and total charges throughout the entire life of the loan. This will ensure that lenders advertise these products on a basis which will permit consumers to compare more easily the cost of one offer with another.

  In the next two months, we shall also consult on proposals to limit the circumstances in which interest rates other than the APR can be shown in credit advertisements and pre-contractual information to those in which alternative interest rates give information which is of real use to consumers in choosing between products.

  We are also consulting on a proposal to require warnings such as "Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loan secured on it" to be shown in all pre-contractual information. This change will ensure that such warnings are included in brochures, pre-contractual letters and other documents which set out details of loan offers. If we implement this change, we shall remove the requirement for such warnings on advertisements between programmes on radio, television and cinema where they seem to be less useful for consumers.

  We will shortly implement an EU Directive which requires only one formula to calculate the APR to be used throughout the European Union. This will enable consumers to make easy comparisons between different loan offers from lenders throughout Europe.

  We will also extend the scope for bodies in addition to the Director General of Fair Trading to take injunctive action under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1994. Regulators, including the Financial Services Authority, as well as consumer bodies will receive these powers.

  Over the next year, we will consult on further measures to improve consumer protection.

  I am concerned that the current provisions on extortionate credit in the Consumer Credit Act 1974 do not adequately safeguard vulnerable consumers against
  264
  the charging of unjust interest rates. DTI has commissioned research on which we shall base proposals to improve consumer protection in this crucial area.

  We will also consult on a proposal to change Regulations on the terms on which loans are settled early, and to ensure that consumers know before they take out the loan the terms on which they can settle it. We propose to replace the Rule of 78 with a simpler formula which will be fair and equitable for consumers in a range of circumstances. We also propose to require reasonable indications of the terms of early settlement to be given in pre-contractual information so that consumers have another measure with which they can compare offers.

  We will also review the regulation of credit advertising with the aim of making the regulations simpler and more sharply focused on requiring informative and truthful advertising.

  Finally, we shall review the practice of exempting named mortgage lenders from the requirement to make regulated agreements under the Consumer Credit Act.

  British Ski Instructors
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the ability of British ski instructors to offer ski courses in France; and if he will make a statement. [74402]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  My Department has received representations from the British Association of Ski Instructors (BASI), and from individual ski instructors, about difficulties which British-qualified ski instructors have been experiencing when trying to work in France on the basis of the their British qualifications. The Government have been pursuing this matter with the French authorities over the past year. Progress has been slower than we would have wished, but BASI are now talking to representatives of French ski instructors, with the aim of developing a joint technical test. This may offer the prospect of significant progress towards resolving this issue. My Department will, however, continue to keep in close touch with BASI on developments.

  World Trade Agreement (Genetically Modified Foodstuffs)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish those parts of the World Trade Agreement that prevent the United Kingdom, or any member state of the European Community from restricting the import of foodstuffs from the United States of America, solely on the grounds of their genetically modified character; the date and place when the agreement was concluded; the names and status of those persons negotiating and signing that agreement on behalf of the United Kingdom; and when that part relating to the import of such foods was considered by Parliament. [73723]

  Mr. Wilson
  Approval of genetically modified foodstuffs for importation into the EU is governed by EU legislation, specifically the Novel Foods Regulation (258/97/EC). The principles of this Regulation adhere to the WTO Agreement on Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, which recognises the right of members to take measures necessary for the protection of human, animal or plant health but requires that any trade
  265
  measures are based on scientific principles and are not maintained without sufficient scientific evidence. This agreement formed part of the WTO Agreement which concluded the Uruguay round of multilateral trade negotiations on 15 December 1993. The WTO Agreement was negotiated by the European Commission in consultation with EC member states under the provisions of the EC Treaties. The Agreement was signed on behalf of the United Kingdom by Mr. Tim Sainsbury in Marrakesh on 15 April 1994. Under the Ponsonby rule, the Agreement was laid before Parliament in May 1994 and debated on 14 June 1994, Official Report, columns 521–601. The United Kingdom's instrument of Ratification to the WTO Agreement was deposited with the GATT Legal Adviser on 30 December 1994. For the EC, the WTO Agreement was accepted by means of a Council decision and assent given by the European Parliament. The Agreement entered into force on 1 January 1995. The main WTO Agreement was published as Treaty Series No. 57 of 1996 (Cm 3277), and the Agreement on Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures as No. 54 of 1996 (Cm 3275). The UK's certified copy of the WTO Agreement resides in the Public Record Office.

  Departmental Cash Limits
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes will be made to the cash limits for his Department. [76351]

  Mr. Byers
  Further to my answer given to the House on 11 February 1999,Official Report, columns 412–13, and subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary revised supplementary estimate, the cash limit for Class V, Vote 2—Department of Trade and Industry: Science—will be increased by £15,000,000 from £1,367,459,000 to £1,382,459,000. This net increase results from additional provision of £15,000,000 for part funding of the University Challenge Fund.

  This net increase will be charged to the reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the export credit guarantee cover given to non-military exports to Indonesia since May 1997. [74411]

  Mr. Wilson
  Since 1 May 1997 ECGD has issued guarantees in respect of two civil projects in Indonesia.

  These were, firstly, for power station extensions being undertaken by Allen Power of the Outer Islands Diesel Generating Plant and, secondly, for Reyrolle's provision of 500 KV transmission lines between Ungaran and Klaten and of a 500–150 KV sub-station at Klaten.

  Confectionery (Toys)
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) which manufacturers of confectionery containing toys have provided instructions for action to be taken in the event of ingestion of such toys or their container; [73825]
  266
  (2) if he will consult consumer, safety and medical experts on the risks to children of choking on toys placed inside confectionery and the steps necessary to prevent it. [73827]

  Dr. Howells
  I am not aware of any manufacturers providing medical advice on action to be taken in the event of toys being ingested. All toys supplied in the UK—no matter how they are packaged—must meet the safety requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995 which implement harmonised European requirements. Research undertaken by DTI has established that the main causes of choking involving children under three years of age are sweets, coins and food objects—none of which is required to be accompanied by medical advice.

  DTI has had the issue of choking accidents involving young children under review for some time; has considered information published in various papers; has considered various comments received; and has commissioned research on accident data collected by the Home Accident Surveillance System. However, I would of course welcome any new data or results of research that consumer organisations may be aware of.

  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) which reporting category in the HASS system specifically covers choking on, or ingestion of, toys placed by manufacturers inside confectionery; [73826]

  (2) which manufacturers of confectionery containing toys have asked his Department for product-specific case listings from the Home and Leisure Accident Surveillance System. [73828]

  Dr. Howells
  Injuries involving toys or parts of toys are recorded under category 21 of table 10 in the Home Accident Surveillance System report. Details of accidents, including case listings, can also be extracted from the database according to the accident mechanism, e.g. choking. The various ways in which HASS can be interrogated ensures that all the home accidents treated by the A&E departments of the participating hospitals can be accessed.

  Data from HASS records are freely available on request to manufacturers, organisations and individuals with an interest in consumer safety. Comprehensive lists of those requesting information are not maintained.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Task Forces
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a list of (1) task forces and (2) policy reviews established by his Department since May 1997 which(a) had external members recruited by way of public advertisement, and details of any person so appointed and (b) engaged in public consultation exercises, and the form that these took. [74461]

  Mr. Straw
  No task forces or policy reviews established since May 1997 have had external members
  267
  recruited by public advertisement. Most task forces and policy reviews are short-term, established to give thorough consideration to important and difficult issues. External members are invited to take part in some reviews and task forces because they are able to contribute to specific experience and expertise. In such cases, public advertising would be inappropriate and disproportionate.

  Review

  Form of consultation

  Review to Consider Permanent UK-Wide Counter Terrorism Legislation

  Consultation document published 17 December 1998.

  Interdepartmental Review of Police Pensions

  Consultation document published on 31 March 1998.

  Working Party on Electoral Procedures

  Concerned the sale of the electoral register and not about the Working Party's remit as a whole. News release published on 3 August 1998 invited initial responses and is being followed up by meetings and correspondence with interested parties.

  Review of Family Court Welfare

  A joint consultation document from the Home Office, Lord Chancellor's Department and Department of Health was published in July 1998.

  Review of the Interdepartmental Working Group on Preventing Unsuitable People from Working with Children and Abuse of Trust

  Written public consultation in August/September 1998, supported by seminars. Further written consultation in January/February 1999.

  Review of Immigration and Asylum Appeals

  Consultation paper issued on 13 July 1998.

  Review on Measures on Community Safety

  Consultation paper published September 1997.

  Prisons-Probation Review

  Consultation paper issued 6 August 1998.

  Review of Anti-Social Behaviour

  Consultation paper issued September 1997.

  Sex Offences Review

  Consultation leaflet issued on 25 January 1999.

  Interdepartmental Review of Vulnerable or Intimidated Witnesses

  Views invited by letter and conference. The report of the Review's Working Group was published for consultation on 10 June 1998.

  Review of Arrangements for Confiscation of Criminal Assets

  Report issued for consultation in November 1998.

  Working Group considering a possible new offence of misuse of public office

  Expected to report later in 1999 via a consultation paper.

  Task Force on Youth Justice

  Draft guidance on establishing youth offending teams published for consultation in February 1998.

  Decision 276/1999/EC
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what the nineteenth recital of Decision 276/1999/EC refers; and what is his Department's policy in respect of it. [75055]

  Kate Hoey
  The 19th recital states that the Community action plan on promoting safer use of the internet by combating illegal and harmful content on global networks should take account of the work accomplished in the field of justice and home affairs. The Government support this proposal, which closely follows our own approach to this issue.

  Europol
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans his Department has to make use of Council Act 1999/c26/01 of 3 November 1998 with regard to the supply and sharing of and access to Europol material; what data the United Kingdom have already supplied to (i) the Europol Agency and (ii) the Schengen authorities; for what reason storage is required under the Act; if Article 10.4 enables Europol to carry out intelligence assessments in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [75056]

  Kate Hoey
  The Europol Convention entered into force on 1 October 1998. Europol has not yet, however, taken up the full range of its activities. There are two
  268
  Since 1 October 1998, appointments to those task forces which qualify for classification as advisory non-departmental public bodies have come within the remit of the Commissioner of Public Appointments.

  Consultation exercises were associated with the following task forces and policy reviews:

  outstanding sets of implementing regulations yet to be agreed and two member states have yet to notify ratification of one of the protocols to the Convention.

  Once Europol is fully up and running, our law enforcement agencies will, through the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS), make full use of the criminal intelligence analysis facilities Europol offers. In the meantime, information exchange takes place between the NCIS and United Kingdom liaison officers based at Europol's predecessor the Europol Drugs Unit (EDU).

  Article 2 of the Europol Convention sets out the objectives of Europol and Article 3 its tasks. Article 10 and related regulations, all of which have been deposited for scrutiny, set out the circumstances in which data will be collected, processed, used and exchanged. Europol will be able to store only data that are necessary to enable it to carry out its remit. In the case of personal data, prior permission will be needed from Europol's Management Board and from Europol's Independent Data Protection Authority before such data can be collected and stored in an analysis file.

  The assessment of information and intelligence relating to serious criminal activity in the United Kingdom is the responsibility of NCIS.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the planned level of involvement of Europol in internal EU fraud investigations. [75054]
  269
  Kate Hoey
  Europol's remit does not at present extend to fraud. As far as I am aware, no proposals have been made for Europol to become involved in internal European Union fraud investigations.

  Local Crime and Disorder Strategies
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures he has established to ensure that local crime and disorder strategies will be monitored, evaluated and audited for evidence of success; and if he will make a statement. [75247]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 requires the responsible authorities—the police and local authorities—to review progress against objectives and targets set in their strategies so as to monitor effectiveness. My Department will continue to work with the Audit Commission, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and other key partners to support the local crime and disorder reduction partnerships in their vital work.

  Community Orders
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of community orders were completed successfully at the latest date for which figures are available, and what were the relevant targets of his Department. [75241]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The table gives provisional results from 1997, shown against targets for 1997–98. While completions will continue to be collected and published, they are no longer key performance indicators and there are no current targets.

  Per cent.

  1997–98 target: to achieve the following completion rates within the framework of the enforcement requirements of National Standards

  1997 results (provisional)

  Probation order

  82

  85

  Community service order

  80

  78

  Supervision order

  80

  85

  Combination order

  80

  79

  Reconviction Rates
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what were the (i) predicted and (ii) actual

  Actual reconviction rate within two years

  Rate adjusted for pseudo-reconvictions

  1994

  Community service—service order

  48

  41

  Probation with probation centre or specified activity requirement

  62

  57

  Other probation

  58

  52

  Combination order

  60

  55

  Custody

  56

  54

  1995 (1st quarter)

  Community service—service order

  51

  44

  Probation with probation centre or specified activity requirement

  62

  57

  Other probation

  58

  52

  Combination order

  60

  55

  Custody

  55

  53

  270
  reconviction rates for persons sentenced to (a) prison and (b) community orders over the last two years for which figures are available; [75240]

  (2) what was the two year reconviction rate, with adjustments for pseudo-reconvictions, for (a) community service orders, (b) probation orders, (c) probation centre with specific activities orders, (d) combination orders and (e) imprisonment at the latest date for which figures are available. [75239]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The most recent available information relates to samples of offenders commencing community penalties or discharged from custody in 1994 and in the first quarter of 1995. Results of a comparison between reconviction rates for the two types of disposal were reported in paragraphs 9.25 to 9.27 in "Prison Statistics, England and Wales, 1997".

  The following table contains actual and predicted reconviction rates (within two years of commencement of order or discharge from prison) that were used in this analysis:

  Community penalties 1

  Custody

  1994

  Actual reconviction rate within two years

  54

  56

  Predicted rate2

  53

  59

  Actual-Predicted

  1

  -3

  1995 (1st quarter)

  Actual reconviction rate within two years

  56

  55

  Predicted rate2

  54

  58

  Actual-Predicted

  2

  -3

  1 Probation, community service and combination orders

  2 Predicted on the basis of a prediction model applied to community penalty and custody results for a year

  The differences between actual and predicted rates do not take account of effect of pseudo-reconvictions. After allowing for the influence of pseudo-reconvictions (effectively a four percentage point adjustment in favour of community penalties) the difference between reconviction rates for those commencing orders or discharged from prison in 1994 was, using unrounded percentages, 0.1 percentage points in favour of custody. This suggests there is currently no discernible difference between reconviction rates for custody and community penalties. The difference for the 1995 samples indicates a similar picture with a difference in favour of custody of one percentage point after the adjustment for predicted rates and pseudo-reconvictions had been made.

  The two year reconviction rates for different types of community order and imprisonment are as follows:
  271

  Community Safety
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives his Department is undertaking to ensure that other Government departments are identifying areas where they can improve community safety and reduce crime; and if he will make a statement. [75245]

  Mr. Boateng
  We are working with the Departments of Health and for Education and Employment to produce guidance on how the services for which they are responsible can make a constructive contribution to the work of local crime and disorder reduction partnerships. We will consider what more can be done to ensure that all Departments take account of community safety.

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the Audit Commission report Safety in Numbers, Promoting Community Safety. [75244]

  Civilian and traffic warden strength 1, by Police Force, as at 31 March 1997 and 30 September 1998

  Civilians2

  Traffic wardens

  31 March 1997

  30 September 1998

  31 March 1997

  30 September1998

  Avon and Somerset

  1,439

  1,435

  108

  101

  Bedfordshire

  484

  513

  31

  26

  Cambridgeshire

  607

  572

  39

  37

  Cheshire

  735

  786

  34

  33

  City of London

  347

  334

  0

  0

  Cleveland

  609

  585

  22

  24

  Cumbria

  451

  462

  21

  19

  Derbyshire

  723

  802

  50

  52

  Devon and Cornwall

  1,159

  1,224

  114

  117

  Dorset

  615

  691

  61

  46

  Durham

  583

  551

  22

  21

  Dyfed-Powys

  322

  346

  20

  16

  Essex

  1,199

  1,260

  136

  123

  Gloucestershire

  435

  451

  33

  35

  Greater Manchester

  2,612

  2,616

  208

  172

  Gwent

  452

  491

  34

  32

  Hampshire

  1,316

  1,381

  77

  72

  Hertfordshire

  818

  827

  72

  49

  Humberside

  718

  797

  60

  58

  Kent

  1,384

  1,502

  58

  36

  Lancashire

  1,126

  1,242

  115

  109

  Leicestershire

  755

  766

  79

  75

  Lincolnshire

  521

  524

  24

  25

  Merseyside

  1,343

  1,453

  132

  105

  Metropolitan Police

  13,493

  12,033

  1,383

  1,062

  Norfolk

  603

  641

  43

  42

  Northamptonshire

  554

  608

  25

  24

  Northumbria

  1,365

  1,430

  112

  73

  North Wales

  476

  489

  18

  15

  North Yorkshire

  520

  535

  26

  27

  Nottinghamshire

  1,003

  995

  68

  57

  South Wales

  1,206

  1,149

  106

  105

  South Yorkshire

  1,291

  1,254

  80

  82

  Staffordshire

  763

  878

  37

  31

  Suffolk

  522

  595

  33

  33

  Surrey

  727

  734

  30

  25

  Sussex

  1,149

  1,216

  140

  133

  Thames Valley

  1,825

  1,827

  117

  101

  Warwickshire

  376

  403

  12

  9

  West Mercia

  942

  979

  38

  30

  West Midlands

  2,739

  2,605

  210

  204

  West Yorkshire

  2,234

  2,281

  136

  123

  Wiltshire

  475

  542

  21

  17

  NCS

  n/a

  306

  0

  0

  NCIS

  n/a

  265

  0

  0

  Total strength

  53,011

  53,370

  4,181

  3,570

  1 Figures rounded to the nearest full-time equivalent

  2 Staff seconded to National Crime Squad (NCS) and National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) are not separately identified but are included in the force figures

  272
  Mr. Boateng
  I welcome the Audit Commission report; it provides a valuable analysis of progress to date and we are studying carefully the recommendations which it contains. We have worked closely with the Audit Commission and other key partners in developing the local crime and disorder reduction partnerships. We intend to continue that co-operation so as to ensure that the initiative is effective.

  Police (Civilian Staff)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (i) civilian staff and (ii) traffic wardens were employed in each police force area on(a)the last date for which figures are available and (b)31 March 1997. [75246]

  Mr. Boateng
  The latest available information is set out in the table.
  273

  Crime (Costs)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate his Department has made of the annual total cost of crime in each region of England and Wales, and in total in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [75338]

  Mr. Boateng
  No single measure of the total cost of crime currently exists for England and Wales. But within the context of the crime reduction programme, the Home Office is currently working to develop an estimate of the cost of crime, including the full costs to the victim.

  Outside Consultants
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of times since 1 May 1997 that his Department has employed outside consultants indicating in each case(a) the task and (b) the cost of the contract. [75449]

  Mr. Straw
  Information on the number of times since 1 May 1997 that the Department has employed outside consultants, the tasks they undertook and the cost of each contract is not recorded centrally and could be obtained at short notice only at disproportionate cost.

  However, a planned exercise will take place in April this year to gather information on the Department's use of consultants and it is expected that the data will be available during May. I will place this information in the Library when it is available, and will write to the hon. Member at the same time.

  Lighter Fuel Refills
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what age limit he proposes to introduce for the purchase of lighter fuel refills; [75469]

  (2) when he proposes to announce new regulations covering the sale of lighter fuel refills. [75468]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We are still considering the responses to the consultation paper on sales of gas lighter refills.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what publicity he plans to produce on the dangers of lighter fuel refills; and if he will make a statement. [75470]

  Ms Jowell
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Health Education Authority includes information on the risk of volatile substance abuse, including lighter refills, in its general publicity material and information leaflets on drugs misuse.

  In addition, it is planning a publicity campaign targeted at retailers to raise awareness of the issue of volatile substance abuse. It will also inform retailers of their legal responsibilities when selling products that could be used for the purpose of volatile substance abuse.

  Wheel Clampers
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to regulate wheel dampers; and if he will make a statement. [75259]
  274
  Mr. Boateng
  In the transport White Paper "A new deal for Transport; Better for Everyone", we announced our intention to introduce regulation of wheel clamping on private land as part of a package of statutory measures to regulate the private security industry as a whole. I intend to bring forward firm proposals for regulating the private security industry, and will be making an announcement to that effect soon.

  Immigration
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to acknowledge the application of Mrs. Devi Singh-Clark for a residence visa on 16 November 1998 and to return her and her husband's passports. [75645]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I regret that we are unable to identify the application of Mrs. Devi Singh-Clark from the details supplied by the hon. Member. If the hon. Member wishes to write to me giving Mrs. Devi Singh-Clark's date of birth and nationality and, if possible, her Home Office reference number, I will be able to provide him with the information requested.

  Deaths in Custody
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the procedure for disclosure in inquest cases to take account of the recommendations in the Annual Report of the Police Complaints Authority 1995–96 regarding deaths in police custody and the recommendations of the Parliamentary Ombudsman in the case of Kenneth Severin (C993/97 and A27/99). [75884]

  Mr. Boateng
  Guidance is shortly to be issued to Chief Officers of Police about the disclosure of documentary evidence to interested parties in advance of inquest hearings which concern deaths in police custody. The guidance advises that disclosure should be normal practice in all cases of deaths in police custody, as well as deaths arising from fatal road crashes involving the police.

  The Prison Service has reviewed its practice in relation to investigations into deaths in prison custody, as a result of which it proposes to investigate any death occurring after 1 April 1999 on the basis of disclosure, before the inquest, to those whom the Coroner believes to have a proper interest in preparing for it.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review whether the policy of the Prison Service in relation to disclosure of internal inquiry reports is in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information; and if he will make a statement. [75890]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Prison Service has reviewed its practice in relation to investigations into deaths in prison custody, as a result of which it proposes to investigate any death occurring on or after 1 April on the basis of disclosure, before the inquest, to those whom the Coroner believes to have a proper interest in preparing for it. This disclosure must not, of course, compromise the inquest or any criminal proceeding or infringe the legal rights of witnesses. Each case will be reviewed in accordance with the code.
  275
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will release to the family of the deceased the internal Prison Service inquiry report into the recent death at HMP Belmarsh of Peter Knox. [75892]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The report has been received by the director of dispersal prisons, who commissioned it. He will review the family's request under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, and in consultation with the Coroner. Members of the family have met the senior investigating officer who carried out this investigation. She has passed their specific concerns to the director.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Prisons Ombudsman regarding complaints about deaths in prison custody and the rights of a deceased person's family; and if he will make a statement. [75893]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Prisons Ombudsman meets Home Office Ministers on a regular basis to discuss a range of issues. An internal Home Office review, which reported in November 1998, considered whether the Prisons Ombudsman's terms of reference should be extended to include the investigation of complaints relating to deaths in prison custody. The report recommended that a decision on this issue should be deferred until the Prison Service had established its policy on the disclosure of its internal investigation reports.

  A protocol allowing pre-inquest disclosure of investigation reports to properly interested parties is to be introduced on 1 April. We intend to reconsider whether the Prisons Ombudsman's remit should include deaths in custody once the impact of this protocol has been properly assessed.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken or proposes to take following the publication of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration's reports (C993/97 and A27/99) on his investigation into the complaint from the family of the late Kenneth Severn. [75889]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Prison Service has accepted the criticisms made by the Parliamentary Commissioner (Reports C993/97 and A27/99). In his reports, the Commissioner acknowledges the improvements in procedures which were made in the light of the three tragic deaths following restraint which occurred in 1995. Good progress has been made both locally and nationally by the Prison Service in improving control and restraint procedures, and improvements have been made at Belmarsh. I wish to acknowledge the contribution which the Parliamentary Commissioner's investigation and report has made to these.

  The Prison Service has accepted the Commissioner's judgment that the internal investigation report into Mr. Severin's death should now be made available to the family.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken following his meeting with the hon. Members for Erith and Thamesmead and for Bristol, East (Ms Corston) on 21 July 1998 concerning the deaths of Kenneth Severin, Alton Manning and Dennis Stevens. [75891]
  276
  Mr. George Howarth
  My right hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead, East and Washington, West (Ms Quin), the then Minister with responsibility for prisons and probation, met with the hon. Members for Erith and Thamesmead and for Bristol, East (Ms Corston) on 21 July 1998 to discuss their concerns about the deaths of Kenneth Severin, Alton Manning and Dennis Stevens. Since that meeting, the Prison Service has continued to work on a range of measures to improve control and restraint training, investigations into deaths in prison custody and the handling of relatives following a death.

  A full review of policy on control and restraint procedures was carried out last year. A revised training syllabus for basic training is nearing completion which reinforces instructions that officers will release prisoners from restraint holds as quickly as possible. Improved monitoring and auditing of the use of force will be adopted by the introduction of a new Prison Service Order on the use of force, which is shortly to be issued.

  In the autumn of last year, a Prison Service instruction was issued reinforcing standardised procedures to be adopted in investigations into deaths in custody. At the same time, a Prison Service Order was issued outlining guidance and good practice in the sensitive handling of bereaved relatives during the traumatic aftermath of a death in custody. This work will continue with moves towards greater openness in pre-inquest disclosure of information to families from 1 April this year.

  Following the recent decision by the Crown Prosecution Service that no charges should be laid in connection with the death of Mr. Alton Manning at Blakenhurst in 1995, the Prison Service has commissioned an investigation as to the reinstatement or revocation of the certification of the prison custody officers involved.

  The death of Mr. Dennis Stevens at Dartmoor in 1995 is under investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration following a complaint by Inquest on behalf of the family.

  Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report
  Sir Norman Fowler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if(a) he and (b) his officials had seen a copy of the edition of The Sunday Telegraph of 21 February containing a number of paragraphs from the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report before he sought an injunction against that paper; and if he will make a statement. [75819]

  Mr. Straw
  No. Neither I nor my officials had seen a copy of The Sunday Telegraph of 21 February before I sought an injunction against that paper. I explained the circumstances and the information available to me, which led me to seek an injunction, in my oral statement to the House on 22 February 1999, Official Report, columns 21–34.

  Sir Norman Fowler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what time on 20 February he informed the Minister of State, Home Office, the hon. Member for Brent, South (Mr. Boateng), that he intended to seek an injunction against The Sunday Telegraph; and if he will make a statement. [75817]
  277
  Mr. Straw
  The Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Brent, South (Mr. Boateng), was informed by a Private Secretary at around 8.30pm on Saturday 20 February that I intended to seek an injunction against The Sunday Telegraph.

  Sir Norman Fowler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what time on 20 February he informed the Prime Minister's Office he intended to seek an injunction against The Sunday Telegraph; and if he will make a statement. [75816]

  Mr. Straw
  The Prime Minister's Office was informed around 7pm on Saturday 20 February that I intended to seek an injunction against The Sunday Telegraph.

  Sir Norman Fowler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what time on 20 February he applied for an injunction against The Sunday Telegraph; and if he will make a statement. [75818]

  Mr. Straw
  The application was made by telephone by Counsel acting on my behalf between 8pm and 8.15pm on the evening of Saturday 20 February. I made an oral statement to the House on 22 February 1999,Official Report, columns 21–34.

  Mentally Ill Offenders
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of offenders in each year for the last 10 years for which figures are available who have been directed under section 39 of the Mental Health Act 1983 for appropriate hospital treatment but have remained in prison. [74798]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The available information relates to receptions of persons into prisons in England and Wales under section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983, and is given in the table.

  Reception of persons into prisons in England and Wales under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983, 1989 to 1998

  Year

  Number of receptions into prisons

  1989

  165

  1990

  159

  1991

  121

  1992

  1—

  1993

  148

  1994

  271

  1995

  202

  1996

  216

  1997

  196

  19982

  192

  1 Not available

  2 Provisional

  Mrs. D. J. L. Sidey
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will ensure the return to Mrs. D. J. L. Sidey of 4 Hoskings Court, Strode Road, Buckfastleigh, South Devon TQ11 OPF, before the end of March of her passports currently at Lunar House, Croydon, including her old Chinese passport No. 2041144; [75205]
  278
  (2) if he will ensure that, when Mrs. D. J. L. Sidey of 4 Hoskings Court, Strode Road, Buckfastleigh, South Devon TQ11 OPF, receives her new passport from the Immigration and Nationality Department it is endorsed with the grant of indefinite leave to remain. [75204]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Mrs. Sidey's new and expired passports were returned to her on 1 March 1999 unendorsed, as requested in the letter of 5 February 1999.

  Prisoners (Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation)
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the(a) nature, (b) content and (c) success rate of (i) alcoholism and (ii) drug rehabilitation programmes for prisoners. [74799]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Prison Service currently provides a range of rehabilitation programmes applicable to both drug and alcohol addiction. These include Minnesota 12-step, cognitive behavioural and relapse prevention programmes, in addition to longer-term therapeutic communities.

  Although the programmes vary in structure, content and delivery, they all incorporate educational and counselling group-work forms of therapy. Community drug agencies are involved in the development and delivery of all drug rehabilitation programmes and work in partnership with prison staff.

  Independent evaluation of the first tranche of drug rehabilitation programmes found completion rates to be broadly comparable to those achieved in the community. The Prison Service requires all rehabilitation programmes to gain central accreditation by April 2002 and, over the next three years, will commission independent research to assess the longer-term effects of rehabilitation upon offending and drug misuse.

  Prison Medical Service
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish the joint report with the Health Department on the Prison Medical Service. [74800]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Department of Health and Home Office Ministers have been considering carefully the review's findings and recommendations, in consultation with other Ministers with an interest. I anticipate the Government will be in a position to make an announcement and publish the report shortly.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what estimate he has made of the number of prison medical officers and doctors needed by the Prison Service with a diploma in psychiatric medicine or a more advanced qualification; [74802]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the number of appropriately qualified prison medical officers needed for the Service; and if he will make a statement. [74804]

  Mr. George Howarth
  About 230 full-time or part-time doctors currently provide primary care in Prison Service establishments. There are 25 vacancies. The most recent survey indicates that at least 20 doctors have a postgraduate qualification in psychiatric medicine.
  279
  The issues of organisation, staffing and qualifications of staff working in prison health care are among those considered by a joint Prison Service and NHS Executive Working Group. The Group's Report is currently under consideration by the Government, and it is planned to publish the Report and to make an announcement shortly.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have gained the Nottingham University Diploma in Prison Medicine since its inception; and what proportion of diploma holders are currently working in the Prison Service. [74803]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Nine prison doctors have graduated in the two-year Diploma in Prison Medicine since it started at the University of Nottingham in 1996. I was present when they all graduated in December 1998. They are all currently in the employment of the Prison Service.

  Prisoners (NHS Hospitals)
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners(a) on remand and (b) sentenced are awaiting transfer to an NHS hospital. [74801]

  Mr. George Howarth
  On 4 March 1999, the Mental Health Unit of the Home Office, which authorises transfers to hospital exercising the warrant of the Secretary of State, had 20 cases of remand prisoners on which medical reports had been submitted by prisons recommending transfer to hospital under section 48 of the Mental Health Act 1983. On the same date, the Unit also had 18 cases of sentenced prisoners on whom medical

  Review

  Actual report date

  Anticipated report date

  Comments

  Review of prison drugs strategy

  May 1998

  —

  —

  —

  Independent commission on Voting Systems

  29 October 1998

  —

  —

  —

  Working group considering a possible new offence of misuse of public office

  —

  —

  Expects to report later this year via a consultation paper.

  —

  Review of the Prison Service Quantum project

  February 1999

  —

  —

  Made recommendations to enable the Prison Service to meet its business objectives through more efficient use of IT and processes.

  Review of prison investigation strategy

  Reported to Ministers in Autumn 1998

  —

  New procedures expected to be implemented in Summer 1999.

  —

  Prison Service quinquennial review

  —

  —

  Set up in August 1998 to review performance of the agency and alternative options for delivery of service. Has not yet reported.

  —

  Review of the operation of release of prisoners on temporary licence

  —

  —

  Started August 1997 and is ongoing.

  —

  Retail crime reduction action team

  —

  —

  Established in May 1998 to cut/reduce retail crime and develop intervention strategies which prevent the occurrence of retail crime.

  —

  280
  reports had been submitted by prisons recommending transfer to hospital under section 47 of the Mental Health Act 1983.

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if(a) he, (b) civil servants in his Department or (c) special advisers in his Department have (i) had sight of drafts of select committee reports, in whole or in part, or (ii) been informed of conclusions of select committee reports prior to their publication by the select committees. [75870]

  Mr. Straw
  Apart from the transcripts of evidence given by Ministers and officials, and embargoed copies of reports supplied in the normal way by Select Committees under House of Commons Standing Orders, there have been no instances of members of Select Committees giving me drafts of Select Committee reports, or of parts of reports including their conclusions, before publication. Nor, to the best of my knowledge, have there been any occasions on which members of Select Committees have given such material to civil servants or special advisers in my Department.

  Task Forces
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what(a) reviews, (b) task forces and (c) advisory groups have been established by his Department since 1 May 1997; what costs they have incurred to date; and what reports they have published. [71509]

  Mr. Straw
  [pursuant to his reply, 25 February 1999, c. 383–88]: I should like to update the information provided on Task Forces and Reviews, established by my Department since 1 May 1997. Some other, previous inaccuracies have also been corrected.
  281

  Review

  Actual report date

  Anticipated report date

  Comments

  Vehicle crime reduction action team

  —

  —

  Established in September 1998 — to achieve the Home Secretary's target for a 30% reduction in vehicle crime over a five-year period from September 1998.

  Review of the TOTE

  —

  April 1999

  To look at the scope of greater — private involvement in the Horserace Totalisator Board (the TOTE).

  —

  Review

  Actual report date

  Anticipated report date

  Terms of reference

  Working party on electoral procedures

  —

  —

  Established in January 1998 to review current electoral procedures.

  Task Force

  Human Rights Task Force

  —

  —

  Joint/Government/Officials/non-government organisation group announced at Commons third reading of the Human Rights Bill on 21 October 1988.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) reviews, (b) task forces and (c) advisory groups have been established by her

  Reviews/task forces/advisory groups

  Costs (£)

  Reports published

  NIO

  Criminal Injuries Compensation Review

  56,170

  —

  NI Drugs Strategy Review

  51,945

  —

  Independent Commission on Policing

  1,067,685

  —

  Review of the Criminal Justice System in NI

  147,439

  Consultation Paper 27 August 1998

  Review of Information Services

  10,998

  November 1997

  DED

  New Deal in NI Task Force

  5,131

  —

  NI Skills Task Force

  —

  —

  Review of Training Centres and Further Education Colleges

  1,961

  September 1998

  Review of Industrial Development Support Services: NI

  8,192

  —

  Working Group to plan for a single NI Equality Commission

  2,540

  Consultation paper 2 February 1999

  Fundamental Review of the Economic Development Strategy in NI

  144,000

  —

  Implementation of the EU Directive on the Internal Market in Electricity

  32,000

  —

  Advisory Group on the NI Science Park

  1,168

  —

  University for Industry (NI) Advisory Group

  1,663

  —

  DENI

  Youth Service Policy Review Group

  60,400

  (i) Initial considerations December 1997

  (ii) Youth Service Policy Review, a Consultation Report, October 1998

  Working Group on the Strategic Promotion of Education for Mutual Understanding in schools

  —

  —

  Millennium Volunteers Advisory Group

  —

  —

  Working Party on Integrated Education

  1—

  Towards a Culture of Tolerance: Integrating Education December 1998

  Transformation Working Group

  1—

  —

  Strategic Management Group for Education Tehcnology in Schools

  43,198

  —

  Further Education Consultative Committee

  —

  —

  DHSS

  Review of the 1993 Strategy for the Support of the Voluntary Sector and for Community Development in NI

  11,689

  —

  Review of the District Councils' Community Services Programme

  24,000

  —

  The NI Strategy on Alcohol Misuse—A Policy Development Project

  2,653

  —

  282
  Department since 1 May 1997; what costs they have incurred to date; and what reports they have published.[71513]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments is as follows:
  283

  Reviews/task forces/advisory groups

  Costs (£)

  Reports published

  Review of Ambulance Provision in NI

  12,000

  —

  Review of Services for Acutely III Children

  1,700

  September 1998

  Review of Cardiology Services in NI

  3,937

  —

  Nursing & Midwifery Workforce Advisory Group

  —

  —

  NI Advisory Committee on Blood Safety

  —

  —

  DOE

  Review of the NI Transport Holding Company

  10,000

  Announcement in Parliament 18 September 1998

  Review of Trust Ports in NI

  50,000

  Announcement in Parliament 12 May 1998

  1 This information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Hospitality
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent on hospitality and entertainment in each month of 1998, broken down by department. [73893]

  £

  Jan

  Feb

  Mar

  Apr

  May

  Jun

  Jul

  Aug

  Sep

  Oct

  Nov

  Dec

  NIO

  25,536

  20,872

  21,364

  17,097

  21,266

  25,276

  44,435

  18,987

  19,466

  38,698

  25,206

  21,431

  DANI

  2,513

  7,283

  2,313

  12,261

  7,781

  7,518

  4,779

  2,114

  2,207

  26

  3,666

  3,371

  DED

  24,734

  14,526

  33,241

  9,271

  17,970

  15,731

  24,988

  8,851

  14,275

  18,269

  13,493

  13,102

  DENI

  6,277

  4,462

  608 cr

  3,009

  1,517

  1,206

  2,248

  524

  3,395

  2,756

  1,777

  1,993

  DFP

  2,850

  4,988

  9,995

  4,450

  4,010

  10,333

  4,436

  2,511

  10,164

  3,341

  5,568

  6,641

  DHSS

  10,117

  13,830

  16,720

  5,337

  7,080

  10,890

  6,058

  2,944

  5,869

  6,444

  7,101

  8,786

  DOE

  6,911

  10,965

  12,974

  8,350

  14,563

  17,898

  10,717

  9,125

  7,415

  12,675

  9,104

  14,910

  78,938

  76,926

  95,999

  59,775

  74,187

  88,852

  97,661

  45,056

  62,791

  82,209

  65,915

  70,234

  Note:

  Figures cover both Ministerial and Departmental spend.

  Paramilitary Violence
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for East Londonderry (Mr. Ross) of 4 February 1999,Official Report, columns 698–702, if she will set out the circumstances of the deaths in 1998 due to the security situation. [74009]

  Mr. Ingram
  Of the 17 deaths attributed to loyalists: three were the Quinn children, who died as a result of a petrol bomb attack upon their home; one was a police officer, who died as a result of injuries received in a blast bomb attack; one person was murdered by Loyalist prisoners whilst on remand for terrorist offences; and the remaining twelve victims all died as a result of shooting incidents.

  Of the 37 deaths attributed to Republicans, twenty-nine were as a result of the Omagh bombing and eight died as a result of shooting incidents.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if she will list for the week ended 27 February the number of(a) punishment beatings and (b) punishment shootings which took place in Northern Ireland indicating how many in each category were committed by (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups; [75270]
  284
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments is as follows:

  (2) if she will list for the week ended 27 February the number of violent incidents involving paramilitary groups which took place in Northern Ireland and indicate how many involved (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups. [75269]

  Mr. Ingram
  The numbers of security incidents during the period 21 February-27 February are shown.

  Shooting incidents: Nil

  Bombing incidents: One.

  The numbers of casualties as a result of paramilitary-style attacks during the period are as follows:

  Loyalist

  Republican

  Assaults

  2

  1

  Shootings

  0

  0

  Total

  2

  1

  Notes:

  1.Figures may be subject to minor amendment in the light of further information becoming available

  2.The bombings cannot as yet be attributed to a grouping

  Human Rights Commission
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many members of the outgoing Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights applied for membership of the new Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; and how many were successful. [75142]
  285
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Nine members of the outgoing Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights applied for a Commissioner post in the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and two were successful.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what evidence on the statutory requirement regarding representatives in section 53 (3) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 was put before her relating to the list of candidates submitted to her from which to make the selection of Northern Ireland Human Rights Commissioners. [75147]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Of the 154 applicants 23 were interviewed, and the recommendations of the panel were submitted to the Secretary of State. The recommendations took into account the applicants' performance against the key criteria identified for the appointments and the requirements for the Commissioners, as a group, to be representative of the community in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who were the members of the interview panels for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; and how many names were submitted to herself. [75140]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The panel that interviewed candidates for the Chief Commissioner post was chaired by Mr. J. Pilling and that for the other Commissioners by Mr. W. Jeffrey. The other panel members in both cases were Mr. G. Loughran and Mrs. J. Eve. The panels submitted their recommendations on all of those interviewed, 8 in the case of Chief Commissioner and 23 for Commission members.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications for membership of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission were solicited by her Department; how many of these applications were successful; and how many of the members were proposed or endorsed by outside bodies. [75141]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  No candidates for Commissioner posts were solicited by the Department. Five candidates were endorsed by the Irish Government; of those, two were successful. All candidates completed the same application form and all were appointed on merit.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what basis she determined that the members of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission as a group are representative of the community in Northern Ireland. [75146]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The recommendations of the interview panels were submitted to the Secretary of State. These took into account the applicants' performance against the key criteria identified for the appointment and the requirement for the Commission, as a group, to be representative of the community in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of the members of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission recorded themselves as being or having been members of(a) the SDLP, (b) the Ulster Unionist Party and (c) the Democratic Unionist Party. [75143]
  286
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  All applicants for the posts of Commissioners were asked to record their political activity over the past 10 years. One member was declared to have been a member of the SDLP, none of the UUP and none of the DUP.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of the members of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission are legally qualified. [75144]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  66 per cent. of the members of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission hold legal qualifications.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of(a) the applicants for and (b) those appointed to membership of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission were recorded as (a) Protestants, (b) Roman Catholics and (c) neither. [75145]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Of the 154 applicants 47 per cent. were recorded as Protestant, 47 per cent. Catholic and 6 per cent. as neither. The religious background of individual candidates is established for monitoring purposes only. It is not the Government's policy to release the affiliation of each member, but we are satisfied that the Commissioners, as a group, are representative of the community in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many application forms were issued for membership of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; how many were returned completed; and how many candidates were shortlisted and interviewed. [75139]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  283 forms were issued, 154 completed and returned and 23 candidates were shortlisted and interviewed.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make it her policy to ensure that members of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission display in statements and external public activities the political detachment specified in the job description details provided to applicants for membership of the Commission. [75148]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  An extract from the Guidance in Public Appointments in Northern Ireland was included in the information pack for all candidates; it states that"members of public bodies should not serve as officers carrying out executive duties in any political party".

  Stricter limitations apply to full-time members. This guidance is based upon Government policy.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the human rights commissions were established in(a) the Republic of Ireland and (b) Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the implementation of the human rights section of the Belfast Agreement. [75046]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was established on 1 March 1999. This is the central feature of the additional protections for human rights in Northern Ireland envisaged in the Belfast
  287
  Agreement. I understand that the Irish Government are preparing legislation to establish a human rights commission in the Republic of Ireland.

  Belfast Agreement
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will work to ensure the implementation of the entire Belfast Agreement by all participating Governments and political parties. [75086]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The Belfast Agreement must be implemented in full. That is the Government's objective and we will work with all the parties and with the Irish Government to ensure that this objective is achieved. We are living up to all our commitments under the Agreement and it is essential that every other party does likewise.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the Republic of Ireland has taken, as a signatory to the Belfast Agreement, to demonstrate its respect for the different traditions in the island of Ireland since 10 April 1998; and if she will make a statement. [75042]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I understand the Irish Government have taken a number of steps to demonstrate its respect for the different traditions in the island of Ireland. The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs has established an Interdepartmental Committee with the task of bringing forward proposals for the development of the site of the Battle of the Boyne. This will be a major project and is expected to be part of the Republic's Millennium Programme. In addition, the Irish Government contributed £150,000 towards the building of a memorial in Messines in Belgium in honour of Irish soldiers from both traditions who died in World War I.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Republic of Ireland introduced the equal status legislation required under the Belfast Agreement; and if she will make a statement. [75043]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I understand that it is the intention of the Irish Government to publish an Equal Status Bill before the end of the Dail's Easter recess.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress the Republic of Ireland has made in implementing the enhanced employment equality legislation required under the Belfast Agreement; and if she will make a statement. [75044]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I understand that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform announced on 8 March a new infrastructure for equality which will comprise an Equality Authority and an Office of Equality Investigations. In addition, I understand that he has appointed the members of the Equality Authority Designate. An Employment Equality Act was enacted last year and a target date of 1 September 1999 has been set for its complete implementation.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Republic of Ireland ratified the Council of Europe Framework Convention on National Minorities; and if she will make a statement about the implementation of this section of the Belfast Agreement. [75045]
  288
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I understand the Irish Cabinet recently approved proposals for the ratification of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on National Minorities. These proposes will be debated shortly in Dáil Eireann and formal ratification will take place immediately afterwards.

  Fisheries Conservancy Board
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the members of the Northern Ireland Fisheries Conservancy Board; on what date each was appointed; on what date each is due to retire from membership of the Board; if on the basis of attendance at board meetings, all existing members comply with the requirements of membership; and if she will make a statement. [75053]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The current members of the Fisheries Conservancy Board for Northern Ireland and their appointment and cessation dates are set out in the table. The table includes a list of vacant posts which will be filled during April 1999.

  The attendance of one current member at meetings of the Board is in breach of the requirements of Schedule 2 of the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966. This matter is being pursued and an explanation has been sought from the member for his non-attendance.

  Name

  Period of appointment

  Fisheries Conservancy Board—Membership of the Board

  Chairman: Dr. J. Parsons

  1 May 1996–31 December 1999

  Deputy Chairman: Mrs. C. M. Kennedy

  1 May 1998–31 December 1999

  Commercial Fishing Company Representatives

  Mr. F. G. Conlon

  15 May 1996–14 May 2002

  Mr. F. Tennyson

  15 May 1996–14 May 2002

  Sir P. Macnaghten

  15 May 1996–14 May 2002

  Commercial Fishermen's Representatives

  Rev. O. P. Kennedy BA, BD

  15 May 1996–14 May 2002

  Mr. R Shaw

  15 May 1996–14 May 2002

  NIAAC Representatives

  Mr. R. J. Haughey

  15 May 1996–14 May 2002

  Mr. J. Tisdall

  15 May 1996–14 May 2002

  Ulster Farmers' Union

  Mr. R. Farrell

  15 May 1996–14 May 2002

  Mr. Brian H. Johnston

  22 June 1997–14 May 2002

  Independent Anglers

  Mr. A. Hanna

  15 May 1996–14 May 2002

  CBI Representative Sport and Recreation Representative

  Dr. Caro-Lynne Ferris

  20 April 1998–19 April 2001

  Tourism Representative

  Mrs. Annie Courtney

  21 April 1998–30 June 2000

  District Council Representative

  Mr. Sean McGirr

  12 December 1997–30 May 2001

  Department of Agriculture Representative

  Mr. J. D. Houston

  15 May 1996–14 May 1999

  Current vacancies

  1 post vacant from 20 February 1999

  Northern Ireland Angling Advisory Council Representatives

  2 posts vacant from 20 February 1999

  Ulster Farmers' Union Representatives

  1 post vacant from 20 February 1999

  Independent Anglers

  1 post vacant from 20 February 1999

  CBI Representative

  1 post vacant from 20 February 1999

  289

  Police Complaints
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current staffing of(a) the Independent Commission for Police Complaints and (b) the RUC's Complaints and Discipline Department; and what is the planned staffing for the Police Ombudsman's Office. [74568]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]The Independent Commission for Police Complaints currently has 171 members of staff and a full time Chairman and deputy Chairman and five part time members. The RUC's Complaints and Discipline Department has 1152 staff. The Government's initial estimate, produced for the purpose of advertising the post of Police Ombudsman, is a staff of about 60. The precise figure is being considered in working groups which include my officials and representatives of the RUC and the Independent Commission for Police Complaints. In addition, we will be consulting the Police Ombudsman when appointed.

  1(this includes a job share post)
  2 (this includes an ACC who covers two departments and officers temporarily seconded to assist with particular investigations)

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the annual financing of(a) the Police Ombudsman's Office, (b) the Complaints and Discipline Department of the RUC and (c) the Independent Commission for Police Complaints for the next three years. [74567]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: The available information is as follows. The Independent Commission for Police Complaints is to be replaced by the Police Ombudsman's Office and, therefore, there is no forecast for the next three years. The current budget for the Independent Commission for Police Complaints is £883,000.

  Although a figure of £3 million has been produced for the Police Ombudsman's office, this was a preliminary estimate for the advertisement of the post of Police Ombudsman. The precise budget of the Police Ombudsman has still to be determined, as have the financial implications of the changes on the Complaints and Discipline Department. (Figures for it were given in answer to my hon. Friend on 25 February 1999, Official Report, column 360.) Both matters are being considered in working groups which include my officials and representatives from the RUC, the Independent Commission for Police Complaints and the Police Authority for Northern Ireland.

  The Government have made it clear that they are committed to making the necessary resources available for the office of Police Ombudsman.

TREASURY

  Securities Legislation
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes he intends to make to the Public Offers of Securities Regulations 1995 and the Companies Act 1985 following the consultation on securities legislation announced on 20 August 1998; and if he will make a statement. [76235]
  290
  Ms Hewitt
  The Treasury had today made Statutory Instruments amending the Public Offers of Securities Regulations 1995 and commencing certain repeals of provisions in the Companies Act 1985. It is intended that these changes will have effect from 10 May 1999.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the report on Information Requirements in Economic and Monetary Union, as agreed by Ecofin, with regard to its effects on the operation of statistical research in the United Kingdom; what effect the changes in Intrastat will have on the figures for imports and exports between the United Kingdom and the rest of the EU; and what the operational costs of the changes will be. [75057]

  Ms Hewitt
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from John Kidgell to Mr. David Maclean, dated 10 March 1999 In the absence of the Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question regarding the Report on Information Requirements in Economic and Monetary Union.
  The ONS welcomes the recommendations in the report, which are in line with the priorities and work programmes of the UK, other Member States and the Commission/Eurostat.
  The UK already produces quarterly national accounts, public finance statistics and most short-term statistics in line with the Economic and Financial Committee (EFC) recommendations. Work is in hand to meet requirements for labour market statistics.
  Officials at HM Customs and Excise have provided the following information on the changes in Intrastat. The changes proposed for Instrastat would reduce the level of detail currently required on arrivals and dispatches between Member States participating in the euro-area. This would, in principle, allow the present Instrastat system to be simplified and other methods explored to arrive at a suitable output. It is not possible at this stage to say what impact such simplifications might have on the statistics of UK trade with the rest of Europe or what the cost of such changes would be. However, the proposed simplifications are intended to meet the needs of users of information at a European level—many other users, including the UK government and UK business, are likely to continue to need detailed UK trade data. The needs of these users, and of the providers of this data, will be fully taken into account when changes to Intrastat are discussed.
  The ONS has in place a system of announcing in advance the release of key statistical outputs. This is in line with the EFC recommendations.

  Winter Deaths
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will breakdown the excess winter deaths in England and Wales for each of the last three years by socio-economic class, indicating(a) all ages, (b) those aged 60 to 70 years and (c) those aged 70 years and over. [75451]

  Ms Hewitt
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Dr. Norman A. Godman, dated 10 March 1999 As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on the breakdown of excess winter deaths.

  291
  The information requested is shown in the attached table.
  Excess winter deaths are defined as the difference between the number of deaths during the four winter months (December to March) and the average number of deaths during the preceding autumn (August to November) and the following summer (April to July).

  Excess winter deaths 1, England and Wales, 1994/95–1996/97

  Winter 1994/95

  Winter 1995/96

  Winter 1996/97

  Social Class

  men

  women

  men

  women

  men

  women

  Ages 16–74

  I

  Professional

  190

  0

  80

  20

  100

  10

  II

  Managerial and technical occupations

  820

  140

  1,030

  370

  860

  460

  IIInm

  Skilled occupations—non-manual

  230

  260

  340

  590

  490

  710

  IIIm

  Skilled occupations—manual

  1,810

  180

  2,130

  190

  1,660

  280

  IV

  Partly skilled occupations

  1,110

  100

  1,160

  370

  1,270

  520

  V

  Unskilled occupations

  400

  180

  520

  340

  600

  340

  Armed forces

  10

  10

  60

  0

  -20

  0

  Inadequately described occupations

  30

  -20

  30

  10

  -20

  0

  Unoccupied

  210

  1,900

  110

  2,490

  300

  2,330

  Total

  4,810

  2,750

  5,470

  4,380

  5,230

  4,660

  Ages 60–69

  I

  Professional

  30

  -10

  10

  10

  40

  0

  II

  Managerial and technical occupations

  250

  80

  400

  120

  430

  180

  IIInm

  Skilled occupations—non-manual

  110

  70

  110

  160

  150

  270

  IIIm

  Skilled occupations—manual

  670

  60

  860

  90

  700

  120

  IV

  Partly skilled occupations

  390

  60

  400

  160

  570

  210

  V

  Unskilled occupations

  230

  60

  220

  160

  180

  160

  Armed forces

  0

  10

  30

  0

  –10

  0

  Inadequately described occupations

  20

  –20

  20

  10

  –10

  –10

  Unoccupied

  50

  570

  30

  850

  70

  940

  Total

  1,750

  870

  2,090

  1,550

  2,120

  1,880

  Ages 70–74

  I

  Professional

  70

  10

  50

  10

  50

  –10

  II

  Managerial and technical occupations

  270

  40

  350

  150

  260

  120

  IIInm

  Skilled occupations—non-manual

  50

  130

  170

  170

  220

  280

  IIIm

  Skilled occupations—manual

  580

  50

  790

  80

  570

  110

  IV

  Partly skilled occupations

  320

  50

  380

  140

  510

  160

  V

  Unskilled occupations

  160

  70

  150

  70

  280

  130

  Armed forces

  10

  0

  10

  0

  10

  0

  Inadequately described occupations

  10

  –10

  20

  10

  –10

  10

  Unoccupied

  50

  740

  60

  940

  60

  860

  Total

  1,510

  1,090

  1,970

  1,580

  1,940

  1,660

  1 As the number of excess winter deaths is a crude measure of the increase in mortality associated with winter conditions, the numbers of excess deaths have been rounded to the nearest 10.

  292
  Social Class of the deceased is not available for deaths to those aged over 75. However, around 75 per cent. of excess winter deaths occur in this age group. Children under 16 can be assigned to a Social Class at death on the basis of their parent(s) occupation. Deaths in this age group have been excluded. Figures are shown separately for men and women as the distribution of deaths by Social Class differs markedly; this is because occupation is poorly recorded for women at death registration.
  293

HEALTH

  District Nurses
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many district nurses were assigned to each health authority for each month in 1997 and 1998. [73479]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not collected on a monthly basis. The table shows the numbers of district nurses in post by health authority area in England as at 30 September 1997. Information for 1998 is not yet available.

  NHS hospital and community health services: total district nurses, by health authority area, in England as at 30 September 1997

  Whole time equivalent

  Health authority

  Number

  Total District Nurses

  11,340

  Avon Health Authority

  190

  Barking and Havering Health Authority

  50

  Barnet District Health Authority

  70

  Barnsley Health Authority

  40

  Bedfordshire Health Authority

  110

  Berkshire Health Authority

  200

  Bexley and Greenwich Health Authority

  170

  Birmingham Health Authority

  360

  Bradford Health Authority

  100

  Brent and Harrow Health Authority

  60

  Bromley Health Authority

  50

  Buckinghamshire Health Authority

  140

  Bury and Rochdale Health Authority

  130

  Calderdale and Kirklees Health Authority

  110

  Cambridge and Huntingdon Health Authority

  70

  Camden and Islington Health Authority

  40

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health Authority

  60

  County Durham Health Authority

  70

  Coventry Health Authority

  50

  Croydon Health Authority

  50

  Doncaster Health Authority

  50

  Dorset Health Authority

  130

  Dudley Health Authority

  60

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham Health Authority

  150

  East and North Hertfordshire Health Authority

  70

  East Kent Health Authority

  50

  East Lancashire Health Authority

  160

  East London and The City Health Authority

  170

  East Norfolk Health Authority

  130

  East Riding Health Authority

  100

  East Surrey Health Authority

  70

  East Sussex, Brighton and Hove

  210

  Enfield and Haringey Health Authority

  90

  Gateshead and South Tyneside Health Authority

  120

  Gloucestershire Health Authority

  140

  Herefordshire Health Authority

  50

  Isle of Wight Health Authority

  40

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  160

  Kingston and Richmond Health Authority

  30

  294

  NHS hospital and community health services: total district nurses, by health authority area, in England as at 30 September 1997

  Whole time equivalent

  Health authority

  Number

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

  230

  Leeds Health Authority

  100

  Leicestershire Health Authority

  130

  Lincolnshire Health Authority

  130

  Liverpool Health Authority

  130

  Manchester Health Authority

  130

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth Health Authority

  200

  Morecambe Bay Health Authority

  120

  Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority

  120

  North and East Devon Health Authority

  140

  North and Mid Hampshire Health Authority

  110

  North Cheshire Health Authority

  140

  North Cumbria Health Authority

  80

  North Derbyshire Health Authority

  70

  North Essex Health Authority

  250

  North Nottinghamshire Health Authority

  60

  North Staffordshire Health Authority

  180

  North West Anglia Health Authority

  130

  North West Lancashire Health Authority

  110

  North Yorkshire Health Authority

  210

  Northamptonshire Health Authority

  140

  Northumberland Health Authority

  80

  Nottingham Health Authority

  240

  Oxfordshire Health Authority

  100

  Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Health Authority

  130

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest Health Authority

  120

  Rotherham Health Authority

  50

  Salford and Trafford Health Authority

  170

  Sandwell Health Authority

  60

  Sefton Health Authority

  20

  Sheffield Health Authority

  80

  Shropshire Health Authority

  160

  Solihull Health Authority

  50

  Somerset Health Authority

  90

  South and West Devon Health Authority

  130

  South Cheshire Health Authority

  170

  South Derbyshire Health Authority

  120

  South Essex Health Authority

  160

  South Humber Health Authority

  70

  South Lancashire Health Authority

  110

  South Staffordshire Health Authority

  50

  Southampton and South West Hampshire Health Authority

  80

  St. Helens and Knowsley Health Authority

  60

  Stockport Health Authority

  210

  Suffolk Health Authority

  170

  Sunderland Health Authority

  100

  Tees Health Authority

  150

  Wakefield Health Authority

  70

  Walsall DA

  90

  Warwickshire Health Authority

  90

  West Hertfordshire Health Authority

  60

  West Kent Health Authority

  200

  West Pennine Health Authority

  110

  West Surrey Health Authority

  150

  West Sussex Health Authority

  180

  Wigan and Bolton Health Authority

  50

  Wiltshire Health Authority

  140

  Wirral Health Authority

  70

  Wolverhampton Health Authority

  50

  Worcester and District Health Authority

  180

  Notes:

  Figures exclude learners and agency staff

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10

  Due to roundings, totals may not equal the sum of the component parts

  Source:

  Department of Health Non-medical Workforce Census
  295

  Intensive Care
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurses were assigned to intensive care units in the NHS in each month of 1997 and 1998. [73481]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Midwives
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many qualified midwives were employed in the NHS in each of the last 20 years. [73478]

  Mr. Denham
  The figures requested are shown in the table.

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services Qualified midwives, by year, from 1977 to 1997, in England

  Whole time equivalents

  Year

  Qualified midwives

  1977

  15,183

  1978

  14,774

  1979

  15,382

  1980

  15,705

  1981

  16,272

  1982

  16,486

  1983

  17,320

  1984

  17,830

  1985

  18,430

  1986

  18,850

  1987

  19,320

  1988

  19,290

  1989

  19,420

  1990

  20,170

  1991

  19,610

  1992

  20,240

  1993

  19,510

  1994

  19,240

  1995

  18,292

  1996

  18,548

  1997

  18,310

  Notes:

  I. Figures are rounded to nearest ten.

  2. Figures exclude learners and agency staff.

  3. Data for years prior to 1982 relate to December, while those for subsequent years are staff in post on September 30.

  4. The number of full-time hours was reduced from 40 to 37.5 during 1980 and the 37.5 hour week became mandatory on 31 March 1981. This means that figures for whole time equivalents before 1980 are not directly comparable with those for subsequent years.

  5. Due to a change in classification in 1995 for collecting data, from pay scale to occupation code, 1995, 1996 and 1997 figures are non-comparable with earlier years.

  6.From 1995, figures for qualified midwives include midwives teaching midwifery and managers in the maternity services area of work. Managers may be a nurse, midwife or health visitor who has overall responsibility for budgets, manpower or assets, or who is held accountable for a significant area of work, and who has little or no direct clinical involvement.

  Source:

  Department of Health Non-medical Workforce Census

  Ambulances (Accidents)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have been(a) injured and (b) killed in each year since 1990 as a result of an accident involving an ambulance answering a 999 call. [74629]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is not available centrally.
  296

  Hospital Beds
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) acute, (b) geriatric, (c) mental illness, (d) learning disability and (e) maternity beds each health authority had in each year since 1994–95. [75039]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested has been placed in the Library.

  Cardiac Rehabilitation Courses
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the current waiting time for cardiac rehabilitation courses for each health trust; [75208]

  (2) if he will list the health trusts in England which provide cardiac rehabilitation programmes for people aged (a) 65 to 70, (b) 70 to 80 and (c) over 80 years. [75529]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information is not held centrally about either the waiting times or scope of individual cardiac rehabilitation programmes. There is evidence that there is considerable variation in the service provided around the country and this is one of the areas to be addressed by the National Service Framework for coronary heart disease.

  Residential and Nursing Care
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to end anomalies arising from preserved rights in the residential and nursing care sectors; and if he will make a statement. [75231]

  Mr. Hutton
  We are looking at this issue along with other recommendations in the report of the Royal Commission on Long-Term Care.

  Smoking-related Diseases
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of people who suffered from smoking-related diseases in each of the last five years. [75459]

  Ms Jowell
  The latest figures available in "The UK Smoking Epidemic: Deaths in 1995", by the Health Education Authority, estimate that at least 121,000 people died as a result of their smoking in United Kingdom in 1995. Comparable figures are not available for earlier years.

  No-smoking Areas
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to impose a legal duty on restaurants to provide non-smoking areas. [75458]

  Ms Jowell
  No. We gave careful thought to the legislative option, but concluded that voluntary commitments by the industry were more likely to be implemented effectively and with public support. The White Paper "Smoking Kills" includes a new charter on smoking in public places, agreed by the hospitality industry. The results will be monitored and we will consider the need for any further action in the light of progress.
  297

  Paracetamol Poisoning
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were admitted to accident and emergency departments suffering from paracetamol poisoning in each year since 1996–97. [75013]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: Available information is given in the table. Poisonings by paracetamol are not separately identified.

  Number of admissions (ordinary admissions and day cases combined) via an accident and emergency department with a primary diagnosis of poisoning by 4-Aminophenol derivatives (including paracetamol).

  National Health Service hospitals, England

  Poisoning by 4-Aminophenol derivates 1

  1996–97

  25,874

  1997–98

  28,499

  1ICD10 code T39.1 Poisoning by 4-Aminophenol derivatives.

  Note:

  Figures are provisional, no adjustments have been made for shortfalls in data (i.e. the data are ungrossed).

  Source:

  Department of Health, Hospital Episode Statistics.

  Health Awareness
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase health awareness among men. [75304]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department recognises that the specific health needs of men are an important part of the overall strategy on the nation's health, and factors affecting men's health were highlighted in the recently published report of the "Independent Inquiry into Health Inequalities" led by Sir Donald Acheson.

  The White Paper "Our Healthier Nation" setting out our health strategy, to be published in the Spring, will acknowledge the high levels of avoidable illness and premature death found among men, and the need for men to improve and prolong an active and healthy life. The Department will also continue to fund projects that aim to raise awareness of health issues which are specific to men.

  Long-term Care
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost of implementing the recommendations in the report by the Royal Commission on Long Term Care for a National Care Commission. [75492]

  Mr. Hutton
  We are currently looking at all the recommendations made by the Royal Commission and will be drawing up costings where necessary as part of that process.

  Forensic Psychiatrists
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are currently training to be forensic psychiatrists; and what estimate has been made of the numbers needed to provide appropriate treatment for those for whom it is considered relevant. [74805]
  298
  Mr. Denham
  The Departmental medical and dental work force census shows about a 100 hospital medical staff in forensic psychiatry training grades in England at 30 September 1997. The Specialty Workforce Advisory Group advises Ministers on the numbers needed in higher specialist training in forensic psychiatry so as to provide fully-trained doctors to fill consultant posts in the future. In estimating likely future requirements for higher specialist trainees, it seeks views from the National Health Service on local pressures and service developments and consults the medical profession.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each of the completed Private Finance Initiative projects worth over £1 million,(a) how long the delay was for those not completed on time, (b) the extent of any revisions to the contractual payments, and (c) how long any disputes about the quality of the work took to resolve. [75742]

  Mr. Denham
  No private finance initiative scheme with a capital value of greater than £10 million has yet been completed. Details of individual schemes with a capital cost of less than £10 million are not held centrally.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by region the number, individual value and total value of Private Finance Initiative bids worth less than £1million in each of the last five years. [75778]

  Mr. Denham
  Details on individual schemes with a capital cost of less than £10 million are not held centrally.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list all the projects milestones for each of the major acute sector hospital PFI schemes selected to continue towards financial close under the first prioritisation exercise, as agreed at the point of signature, indicating for each(a) in what respects any of these milestones have not been met, (b) the steps he is taking to remedy this, and (c) the assessment he has made of whether the completion dates for each of these projects will be met. [75776]

  Mr. Denham
  Of the 15 major private finance initiative schemes selected to proceed under the first prioritisation exercise, 10 have reached financial close and have signed contracts with a private sector partner. The remaining project milestone for these schemes is the completion date (when construction is completed and the facility is fully operational). These are:

  Scheme

  Completion due

  Bromley

  November 2002

  Calderdale

  May 2001

  Carlisle

  May 2000

  Dartford and Gravesham

  September 2000

  Greenwich

  May 2001

  Norfolk and Norwich

  January 2002

  North Durham

  November 2001

  South Buckinghamshire:

  —Wycombe site

  January 2000

  —Amersham site

  August 2000

  Wellhouse

  April 2002

  South Manchester

  February 2001

  299
  All the schemes in the table are on target to achieve their due completion date and we are not aware of any that have failed to meet significant internal project milestones.

  Clinical Waste Incinerators
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each of the last five years the independent contractors who have made successful bids for clinical waste incinerators for NHS hospitals. [75777]

  Mr. Denham
  No clinical waste incinerator scheme in the National Health Service involving an independent contractor has a capital value of more than £10 million. Details on individual schemes with a capital cost of less than £10 million are not held centrally.

  Children (Abuse and Neglect)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to reduce the number of children suffering from physical abuse and neglect. [75307]

  Mr. Hutton
  In collaboration with colleagues across Government, I have made protecting children from abuse and neglect a key priority. We have a substantial programme of work under way to help make sure that children are protected from harm and that they are given the best possible start in life. This programme includes:root and branch reform of the regulation system, introducing checks on the full range of children's care services, and strengthening safeguards;
  an extensive range of reforms, set out in the Government's response to the Children's Safeguards Review, to improve the protection of all children living away from home;
  Stronger systems for preventing unsuitable people from working with children; and
  a thorough revision of the Government guidance on child protection to improve the handling of cases where children are suffering, or at risk of suffering, abuse and neglect. The new guidance will also emphasise the importance of agencies working together to help families and children under stress, to help prevent abuse and neglect taking place.

  Child protection will also be improved through the three year "Quality Protects" programme to improve local authority children's services. As part of the Quality Protects programme local authorities must take action to bring their child protection services up to standard. They will be required to show how they:

  carry out thorough and prompt assessments of children's needs;

  have good case records;

  draw up and implement child protection plans which are then reviewed regularly;

  ensure that all children on the child protection register have an allocated social worker;

  know what outcomes they want for children in need of protection and assess whether these are being achieved; and

  have a human resource strategy which identifies the skills and knowledge needed by child protection staff.

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the number of children under the age of five years who have died following abuse or neglect in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [75306]

  Mr. Hutton
  Reliable information on the number of children who die following abuse or neglect is not available. Not all such deaths will be recognised and in 300
  some cases the cause of death may be unclear or wrongly attributed. Currently, local Area Child Protection Committees are required to review cases which involve an incident leading to the death of a child where child abuse is confirmed or suspected, or a child protection issue arises which is likely to be of major public concern arises. Local authorities are required to inform the Department or the Welsh Office (as appropriate) immediately they become aware of any such case. We are improving the consistency and reliability of information provided through this route by revising the child protection guidance "Working Together Under The Children Act 1989—A guide to arrangements for inter-agency co-operation for the protection of children from abuse" and associated measures.

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if(a) he, (b) civil servants in his Department or (c) special advisers in his Department have (i) had sight of drafts of select committee reports, in whole or in part, or (ii) been informed of conclusions of select committee reports prior to their publication by the select committees. [75876]

  Mr. Dobson
  I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 1 March 1999,Official Report, column 531. There have been no instances of members of Select Committees giving me, or my ministerial colleagues, drafts of Select Committee reports, or of parts of reports including their conclusions, before publication. Nor, to the best of my knowledge, have there been any occasions on which members of Select Committees have given such material to civil servants or special advisers in my department. This excludes embargoed copies of reports issued under House of Commons Standing Orders.

  MMR Vaccine
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the take-up rate has been for MMR vaccination for the last five years in(a) Manchester, (b) the North West and (c) England. [75674]

  Ms Jowell
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Percentage of children immunised with measles, mumps and rubella vaccine by their second birthday, 1993–94 to 1997–98

  Percentage

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Manchester Health Authority

  82

  83

  85

  86

  86

  North West Region

  90

  91

  91

  91

  91

  England

  91

  91

  92

  92

  91

  Source:

  Department of Health Statistics Division SD2B COVER/Korner data

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Bovine Tuberculosis
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he intends to conduct into cattle TB during 1999–2000. [76408]
  301
  Mr. Rooker
  The Krebs review concluded that there is no single solution to the problem of TB in cattle. It made a number of recommendations designed to provide a firm scientific basis for future policy. Many of the recommendations were proposals for further research, and it was these that the Government acted on first. We completely reviewed our TB research programme, and on 20 April last year published a document setting out new research requirements for the year beginning on 1 April 1999. Researchers wishing to participate were invited to submit bids by 3 July. 36 bids were received and were appraised by a panel of internal and external experts from Britain and overseas. A subsequent notice invited bids to analyse TB risk factors. Successful bidders were informed last autumn, and we have since been engaged in negotiations. We hope to sign research contracts shortly.

  The new research programme will comprise 19 separate projects and will cost around £3.4 million in 1999/2000, although most of the projects will be carried forward into future years. Many of the projects are integrated into the badger culling trial and epidemiological survey, which take forward other recommendations in the Krebs report and will yield extensive information for analysis.

  There are three main strands to the new programme. First, there is work to develop improved control strategies. Although we shall also spend £55,000 on examining the possibility of using bacteriophages to control Mycobacterium bovis in the environment, the most important work here is on vaccine development. This will be undertaken at the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, with a number of sub-contractors including experts in New Zealand, and will cost £1.4 million. If successful this will also lead to the development of a better test to diagnose TB in live badgers.

  Although improved TB vaccines have eluded researchers for many years, recent advances in molecular biology offer new hopes for success. The genome sequencing project which we are co-funding with the Wellcome Trust is a particular example. This work will be taking place at the frontiers of scientific knowledge. It is important that the various projects contributing to the vaccine programme are taken forward together, and that full account is taken of parallel work in other countries and in human medicine. We have therefore appointed Dr. Jo Colston, the Head of Mycobacterial Research at the National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, as external consultant for this programme.

  Secondly, there is work to improve our understanding of herd breakdowns. We are reanalysing the information in our existing databases on TB risk factors. We shall develop new transmission models and examine a wide range of possible transmission and risk factors, including a variety of possible wildlife reservoirs of infection other than badgers. We shall be looking at better ways of detecting Mycobacterium bovis in clinical and environmental samples. We shall be developing molecular fingerprinting techniques to categorise Mycobacterium bovis strains more precisely. This work, which will cost £1.5 million in total, will be undertaken in a variety of research institutions in Great Britain, and will also draw in expertise from Northern Ireland, the Netherlands and New Zealand.
  302
  Thirdly, we need to examine the role of badgers in TB more closely. We shall be spending £475,000 on work estimating badger numbers, and understanding the role of badgers in disease transmission.

  Details of the projects, contractors and costs are being placed in the Library.

  Although this programme is extensive and will provide answers to many of the questions identified by the Krebs and Bourne Groups and by people who have written to us, it is not exhaustive. We shall be taking forward a project started in 1998 to use geographical information systems to provide better spatial analyses of TB risk factors, and are currently identifying gaps for new projects which we might be able to finance from next year. We are also consulting external appraisers about a project to be commissioned from the Central Science Laboratory to assess the ecological impact of badger culling.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to sequence the genome of the bacterium which causes TB in cattle; and if he will make a statement. [76407]

  Mr. Rooker
  I am pleased to announce that MAFF and the Wellcome Trust have recently agreed joint funding for a three-way collaboration between the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, the Sanger Centre and the Institut Pasteur in Paris to sequence the complete genome of Mycobacterium bovis. MAFF's contribution will be around £800,000, payable largely in the current financial year.

  This is an exciting and important new development in our fight against the rising tide of TB in cattle. Determining the genetic code for the bacterium which causes cattle TB is undoubtedly the best means of catalysing vaccine research and development. The prospect that by March 2000 we will have a completely defined genome sequence of Mycobacterium bovis, the organism which causes TB in cattle, is very encouraging and represents a major advance.

  The time is undoubtedly right for this research to be taken forward. The genome sequence of the human TB strain has already provided valuable leads for vaccine research. Unravelling the secrets of the bovine TB genome is of the highest relevance to the development of an effective cattle vaccine and a diagnostic test which will distinguish between vaccinated and infected animals.

  Quarantine
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) which operators of entry points to the United Kingdom have indicated that they would be prepared to (i) carry and (ii) check animals if the quarantine laws are reformed; [75178]

  (2) how many operators of entry points to the United Kingdom currently have the necessary facilities to implement the changes to the quarantine laws recommended by Professor Kennedy; [75177]

  (3) with which operators of entry points to the UK he has exchanged correspondence or had meetings to discuss reforms to the quarantine laws. [75179]
  303
  Mr. Rooker
  The Government are considering the outcome of the consultation on the report of the Advisory Group on Quarantine, which recommended changes to the quarantine system.

  My officials have held preliminary discussions with operators of those ports and airports in England that Professor Kennedy recommended should be eligible points of entry. These discussions have been for the purpose of identifying appropriate procedures, and determining the scale and cost of facilities that might be required for the movement of qualifying animals through entry points. These discussions have not yet been completed. Discussions have also been held with the British Ports Association and the British Airports Association. We have also corresponded with the Major Ports Group and Eurotunnel Developments Ltd.

  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many responses were received during the consultation period on Professor Kennedy's report on quarantine; and of the responses how many were(a)supportive of reforming the quarantine laws and (b)opposed to changing the law. [75175]

  Mr. Rooker
  During the consultation period, a total of 3,742 responses were received. Some 96 per cent. of respondents expressed overall support for the reforms to quarantine recommended by Professor Kennedy's Group, with 2 per cent. expressing opposition to the changes.

  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many responses to Professor Kennedy's report on quarantine were received from ports, airports, rail operators and other travel operators; and of those how many were(a) supportive of reforming the quarantine laws and (b) opposed to changing the law. [75176]

  Mr. Rooker
  Thirteen responses were received from ports, airports, rail operators and other travel operators. Seven of these responses supported the proposed changes, with the others limiting their comments to specific aspects of the proposals or making practical comments about their implementation. None expressed outright opposition to changing the law.

  EU Subsidies
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his policy is with regard to the capping of subsidies for cereals and root crops within the EU. [75014]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: We are opposed to the capping of subsidies at EU level, as proposed by the European Commission, which would discriminate against UK farmers because of our different farm structure.
  304

  Genetically Modified Food
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what legal advice he has sought to ascertain whether he can introduce an import ban on food that does not meet current standards in terms of genetically modified organism regulations. [75197]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: No genetically modified food (GM) may be sold in the UK unless it has been rigorously assessed for safety and is clearly labelled in accordance with the EC Novel Foods and Ingredient Regulation (258/97) or, in the case of soya and maize, EC Regulation 1139/98.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he plans to take to prevent the importation of food that has not been correctly segregated and labelled under genetically modified organism regulations. [75196]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: All genetically modified (GM) foods sold in the European Union must be approved for safety and labelled in accordance with EC Novel Foods and Food Ingredients Regulation (258/97), or in the case of GM soya and maize, EC Regulation 1139/98. Responsibility for the enforcement of these regulations lies with local authorities.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the segregation of genetically modified food. [74692]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 27 January 1999,Official Report, column 302.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what independent research he has commissioned on the possibility of genetically modified food crops affecting other crops being grown; and if he will make a statement. [75072]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: The Ministry has since 1991 funded a programme of research to assess the risks to agriculture from the release of genetically modified (GM) crops. To date, over £4.1 million has been spent on the programme and the results so far provide no evidence for possible risks to agricultural crops from the release of GM crops.

  Quarantine Regulations
  Mr. Wood
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which organisations were contacted during the consultation process on changes to the quarantine regulations. [73470]

  Mr. Rooker
  The list of recipients of the consultation letter issued by my Department on 23 September 1998 has been place in the Library of the House. Separate consultations were held by the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Wales.

  DFID Forestry Projects
  DFID Forestry Projects
  Immigration Applications: Policy Alteration
  Immigration Applications: Policy Alteration
  Female Prisoners Aged Under 18
  Female Prisoners Aged Under 18
  Medway Secure Training Centre
  Medway Secure Training Centre
  University Challenge Competition Results
  University Challenge Competition Results
  NHS Pension Scheme: Employers' Contribution
  NHS Pension Scheme: Employers' Contribution
  British-Irish Treaties
  British-Irish Treaties
  Nepal: Persecution of Christians
  Nepal: Persecution of Christians
  Mr. Abdullah Ocalan: Trial
  Mr. Abdullah Ocalan: Trial
  Lifelong Learning
  Lifelong Learning
  Civil Procedure Rules: Modernised Terminology
  Civil Procedure Rules: Modernised Terminology
  Defamation Act: Implementation
  Defamation Act: Implementation
  Extradition from Australia
  Extradition from Australia
  Mr. Peter Clarence Foster: Extradition Proceedings
  Mr. Peter Clarence Foster: Extradition Proceedings
  Kosovo: NATO Deployment Plans
  Kosovo: NATO Deployment Plans
  Gypsy Sites: Funding
  Gypsy Sites: Funding
  Genetically Modified Crops and Wildlife
  Genetically Modified Crops and Wildlife
  London Underground
  London Underground
  Correction to Official Report
  Correction to Official Report
  Joint Consultative Committee with Liberal Democrat Party
  Joint Consultative Committee with Liberal Democrat Party
  Cabinet Office Better Regulation Unit
  Cabinet Office Better Regulation Unit