Written Answers of 19 March 1999

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  EU Fraud
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what(a) discussions she has had and (b) proposals her Department has put forward at Council of Ministers' meetings in respect of EU fraud; and if she will make a statement. [77781]

  Clare Short
  The Development Council most recently discussed EU fraud on 30 November 1998 in the context of allegations about the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO). The Government seek to ensure that anti-fraud considerations are taken fully into account when new policies are being developed and new or revised Regulations are on the table.

  Specific discussions on fighting EU fraud will be discussed at ECOFIN where the Treasury leads. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will provide details in answer to the hon. Member's question.

  Commonwealth Development Corporation
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list what her Department's budget for the Commonwealth Development Corporation was or is for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [77624]

  Clare Short
  The relevant figures are as follows:

  Voted in estimates

  £ million

  Payments to CDC

  Receipts from CDC

  Net provision

  1997–981

  23.286

  33.276

  -9.900

  1998–992

  35.919

  35.919

  0

  1999–20003

  38.670

  38.670

  0

  1outturn

  2 estimated outturn

  3budget

  Non-voted budget figures score as part of my Department's public expenditure figures. These reflect changes in CDC's cash deposits between year ends, not the absolute amount of cash balance which CDC holds. (A negative figure means an increase in cash deposits over the year). Relevant figures for the period in question are £12.5 million, -£15.2 million, and zero respectively.

  British Council
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her Department's expenditure or budgeted expenditure through the British Council for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [77619]
  824
  Clare Short
  In 1997–98 we provided a grant-in-aid of £29.8 million to support the British Council's development activities. In 1998–99 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) assumed responsibility for the Council's grant-in-aid and the resources set aside in the Department for International Development's (DFID) budget—some £30.3 million—have been transferred to the FCO.

  The Council also undertakes work for DFID under contract arrangements, typically project management. In 1997–98 the value of contracts which they won was £28.7 million.

  Debt Relief
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much debt relief was granted by her Department in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99. [77622]

  Clare Short
  In 1997–98 the Department for International Development (DFID) approved new debt relief arrangements totalling £26.1 million. To date in 1998–99 a further £10.3 million of debt relief has been granted. In addition, over the past two years, we have foregone repayments of aid loans totalling £38.8 million under debt relief arrangements reached before April 1997.

  As well as cancelling aid debts owed to my Department, we have provided assistance to countries to help them meet their debt service payments. We have provided £10 million to Mozambique in 1997–98 and £16 million in 1998–99 for this purpose. For Tanzania we have provided £16.6 million in 1997–98 and £25 million in 1998–99, and we contributed £5 million to the Multilateral Debt Trust Fund for Rwanda in January 1999. Most recently, in March 1999, we contributed £10 million to the Trust Fund set up following Hurricane Mitch, to assist Nicaragua and Honduras meet their international debt service payments.

  DFID is also assisting the international financial institutions in providing debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. In June 1998, we contributed £6.3 million to the HIPC Trust Fund to assist the African Development Bank (AfDB) with its costs in providing debt relief for Uganda. We have pledged a further £30 million for the AfDB, £11 million of which is earmarked for Mali and Mozambique, who are expected to receive HIPC debt relief later this year.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people were directly employed by her Department on 1 March. [77620]

  Clare Short
  Statistics are produced on a quarterly basis. As at 1 January 1999, the Department for International Development directly employed 1,130 staff.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  999 Calls
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many 999 calls were received by each police force in each of the last five years. [77287]
  825
  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested is as follows:

  AC2a total 999 calls received

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Avon and Somerset

  89,235

  159,800

  159,095

  197,706

  198,390

  Bedfordshire

  43,200

  51,192

  34,466

  59,863

  56,870

  Cambridgeshire

  53,504

  58,805

  73,923

  79,332

  82,541

  Cheshire

  75,094

  80,035

  90,243

  94,953

  102,2665

  City of London1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cleveland

  67,398

  84,346

  87,253

  89,061

  86,318

  Cumbria

  33,985

  34,729

  37,047

  37,749

  36,206

  Derbyshire2

  49,457

  n/a

  94,632

  96,746

  103,413

  Devon and Cornwall

  102,391

  121,798

  148,381

  165,013

  175,942

  Dorset

  55,155

  54,791

  71,700

  71,362

  73,005

  Durham

  29,447

  29,923

  31,424

  46,178

  51,729

  Dyfed-Powys

  21,231

  24,068

  25,208

  25,374

  29,382

  Essex

  110,005

  114,883

  121,934

  129,165

  176,374

  Gloucestershire

  40,462

  45,388

  46,678

  62,790

  57,833

  Greater Manchester

  416,873

  446,345

  500,820

  501,093

  584663

  Gwent

  32,191

  35,360

  36,088

  53,471

  57,143

  Hampshire

  162,082

  170,560

  191,090

  211,000

  225,355

  Hertfordshire

  67,610

  77,071

  87,256

  101,283

  107,675

  Humberside

  85,632

  88,402

  87,653

  95,238

  106,042

  Kent

  130,015

  141,769

  161,149

  170,908

  168,849

  Lancashire

  71,986

  102,984

  156,349

  132,194

  177,088

  Leicestershire

  100,232

  114,314

  129,686

  130,940

  127,316

  Lincolnshire

  34,694

  45,828

  46,556

  46,102

  48,247

  Merseyside

  200,711

  220,432

  251,985

  326,654

  246,646

  Metropolitan Police

  1,347,207

  1,538,385

  1,681,620

  1,772,871

  1,875,381

  Norfolk

  37,143

  48,984

  56,261

  63,684

  69,852

  Northamptonshire

  25,027

  32,256

  55,994

  60,028

  69,581

  Northumbria

  213,369

  224,569

  222,835

  229,478

  227,129

  North Wales

  39,945

  40,575

  42,864

  48,131

  71,690

  North Yorkshire

  31,956

  56,646

  60,561

  53,226

  43,423

  Nottinghamshire

  119,489

  115,695

  129,831

  147,739

  156,239

  South Wales

  150,370

  158,006

  179,586

  175,535

  196,599

  South Yorkshire

  123,144

  149,178

  153,276

  177,278

  180,197

  Staffordshire

  58,935

  65,266

  74,900

  76,400

  87,737

  Suffolk

  27,521

  30,253

  56,112

  60,951

  61,961

  Surrey

  56,182

  67,268

  74,763

  80,201

  82,399

  Sussex

  94,251

  138,265

  151,652

  162,452

  172,250

  Thames Valley

  125,754

  195,016

  221,119

  228,508

  240,002

  Warwickshire

  43,468

  48,870

  54,921

  60,861

  63,503

  West Mercia

  80,894

  98,539

  99,012

  110,688

  111,924

  West Midlands

  358,009

  412,211

  455,056

  462,052

  479,112

  West Yorkshire

  267,786

  323,081

  348,120

  342,199

  353,125

  Wiltshire

  25,000

  42,768

  56,064

  60,762

  48,243

  England and Wales Total2

  5,297,040

  26,088,654

  6,881,163

  7,297,219

  7,670,039

  1 Calls included in with the Metropolitan Police.

  2 Figures for Derbyshire are missing for 1994–95 due to the installation of a new call logging system.

  Interception of Communications Act 1985
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many warrants under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 were(a) in force on 31 December 1998 and (b) issued during the course of 1998 for (i) the interception of telecommunications, (ii) the interception of letters and (iii) in total. [77276]

  Mr. Straw
  The Commissioner appointed under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 publishes figures on the number of interception warrants issued by the home Secretary in his annual reports. In his report for 1998, (which will shortly be presented to the Prime Minister) the Commissioner will record the following numbers.
  826

  Numbers of interception warrants issued by the Home Secretary: 1998

  Number

  Interception warrants in force on 31 December 1998:

  Telecommunications

  385

  Letters

  48

  Total

  433

  Interception warrants issued during the course of 1998:

  Telecommunications

  1,646

  Letters

  117

  Total

  1,763

  827
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for warrants under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 were refused in each of the last five years. [77278]

  Mr. Straw
  The information requested is not available. Each application for interception of communications is subject to careful scrutiny at a number of stages before a warrant is issued. The application is submitted by a very senior officer following scrutiny within the Agency concerned. Within my Department, it will normally be examined by officials at four successive levels of seniority before being presented to me for approval. I examine each application carefully before issuing the warrant.

  At any stage in this process the case may be, and on occasion is, referred back to the applicant agency for clarification or further detail. This may, and occasionally does, result in a decision that the application should be withdrawn or that a warrant should not be issued. Records are not kept in a form which would enable the information requested to be extracted without disproportionate cost. But given the very careful scrutiny which I have described, it is seldom necessary for the Home Secretary to refuse to issue a warrant.

  Surveillance
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the consequence of incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into United Kingdom law for the use of police and security service surveillance methods; and if he will make a statement. [77293]

  Mr. Straw
  Surveillance by the police and security service must be carried out in a way compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights to which the United Kingdom adheres, even before its incorporation into United Kingdom law. My Department is currently considering whether further changes are needed to the framework of controls on the use of surveillance.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list, by date, the number of people who have been turned away after queuing at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate on each day after 1 February. [77809]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  From 1 February to 4 March, all callers attending the Immigration and Nationality Directorate Public Caller Unit (PCU) were seen by an officer. On Wednesday 4 March, following a disturbance by certain individuals in the queue, it proved necessary to close the doors to the public early. In the light of the incident it was decided that for Health and Safety reasons and for a temporary period, only the first 400 callers would be allowed in to the PCU each day. This restricted service was also in operation on 5, 8 and 9 March whilst managers considered how to provide better facilities for callers. I regret that figures were not kept of the number of callers turned away during those four days.

  Since 10 March, additional temporary accommodation has been used and all callers to the PCU are again being seen on the day by a member of staff. I am informed that the PCU is now dealing with more people each day than it was in the second half of last year.
  828
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints he has received about the operation of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate since 1 January. [76962]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  There has been an increase in complaints about the operation of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) following the introduction of the new caseworking arrangements in IND headquarters in Croydon and the disruption caused by the relocation of about 900 staff and 200,000 files. However, the numbers of complaints are not recorded.

  Police Statistics
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers were in post in each constabulary in Wales(a) in April 1997 and (b) at the latest available date. [77554]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested is set out in the table:

  Force

  31 March 1997

  30 September 19981

  Dyfed-Powys

  1,005

  1,013

  Gwent

  1,243

  1,254

  North Wales

  1,369

  1,395

  South Wales

  2,976

  2,946

  Total

  6,593

  6,608

  1Latest date for which figures are available

  Court Welfare Officers
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of training court welfare officers in each of the last two years; and what training was made available to such officers. [77556]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The total spent on centrally supported training for family court welfare officers was £68,950 in 1997–98 and £65,710 in 1998–99. This training took the form of a modular learning programme for staff new to family court welfare work. Additional training has been provided by individual probation services, but figures for the amounts spent are not held centrally. There is also a training manual, "An introduction to the work of the family court welfare service", which was prepared in 1996 by the Association of Chief Officers of Probation, and a copy of which is in the Library.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training is provided to(a) court welfare officers and (b) relevant members of the judiciary on parental alienation syndrome. [77558]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The training material provided for family court welfare officers covers the psychology of children in separating families. The training of members of the judiciary is a matter for the Lord Chancellor.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) for what reasons Her Majesty's Government have not ratified the Council of Europe: Protocol of amendment to the European convention for
  829
  the protection of vertebrate animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes; and if he will make a statement; [77988]

  (2) for what reasons Her Majesty's Government have not ratified the Council of Europe's European convention for the protection of vertebrate animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes; and if he will make a statement. [77285]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The United Kingdom signed, but postponed ratification of European Convention ETS 123 at the request of the European Commission. Through an agreement brokered during the United Kingdom's Presidency of the European Union in 1998, the way has been cleared for the Community and member states to accede to the Convention by 1 January 2000.

  We intend to lay instruments of accession to meet this timetable. This will include ratification of the Amending Protocol. As part of our preparation, we are canvassing
  830
  the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland about their wishes with regard to ratification.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those people he has appointed to public bodies since 1 November 1998, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed and if they receive remuneration. [76417]

  Mr. Straw
  The information showing appointments to public bodies between 1 November 1998 and 28 February 1999 is shown in the tables.

  I am unable to publish the names of those appointed to the Boards of Visitors in England and Wales because of concerns for their personal safety, but I can say that 100 new appointments were made between 1 November 1998 and 28 February 1999. These posts are not remunerated.

  Table showing people appointed to Home Office public bodies between 1 November 1998 and 28 February 1999 who are remunerated

  Name of body

  Name

  Position

  Horserace Betting Levy Appeals Tribunal

  Mr. Brian Waters1

  Member

  Police Discipline Appeals Tribunal

  Mr. Michael Bennett

  Member

  Mr. John Burrow

  Member

  Mr. Martin John Wale

  Member

  Commission for Racial Equality

  Ms Shushila Patel

  Member

  Police Complaints Authority

  Mrs. Molly Meacher

  Deputy Chair

  Ms Mehmuda Mian

  Member

  Criminal Injuries Compensation Board

  Mrs. Suzan Matthews QC

  Member

  Parole Board

  Mrs. Mollie Weatheritt

  Member

  1 Re-appointment

  Table showing people appointed to Home Office public bodies between 1 November 1998 and 28 February 1999 who are not remunerated

  Name of body

  Name

  Position

  Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs

  Mrs. Joy Barlow1

  Member

  Mr. Raj Boyjoonauth1

  Member

  Mr. Alexander Cameron1

  Member

  Dr. William Clee1

  Member

  Dr. Michael Donmall1

  Member

  Dr. Anthony John Duxbury1

  Member

  Professor Griffith Edwards1

  Member

  Dr. Laurance Gruer1

  Member

  Ms Lorraine Hewitt1

  Member

  Mr. Roger Howard1

  Member

  Professor Ronald Jones1

  Member

  Professor Malcolm Lader

  Member

  Professor Otto Meth-Cohen1

  Member

  Mr. Michael Narayn-Singh1

  Member

  Dr. Diana Patterson1

  Member

  Dr. Roy Robertson1

  Member

  Dr. Sue Ruben1

  Member

  Mr. Ian Sherwood1

  Member

  Professor Gerald Stimson1

  Member

  Professor John Strang1

  Member

  Mr. Peter Walker1

  Member

  Animal Procedures Committee

  Professor Ronald Anderson1

  Member

  Professor Christopher Atterwill

  Member

  Mr. Michael Baker

  Member

  Professor Grahame Bulfield

  Member

  Professor Stephen Clark

  Member

  Professor Paul Flecknell1

  Member

  Mr. Alan Holland

  Member

  Professor Colin Johnston

  Member

  Dr. Ian Purchase1

  Member

  Professor Genrvra Richardson

  Member

  Alcohol Education and Research Council

  Professor Donald Broom

  Member

  Baroness Shreela Flather1

  Chair

  831

  Table showing people appointed to Home Office public bodies between 1 November 1998 and 28 February 1999 who are not remunerated

  Name of body

  Name

  Position

  Firearms Consultative Committee

  Deputy Chief Constable Graham Bennet

  Member

  Chief Constable Anthony Thomas Burden

  Member

  Mr. Brian George Carter

  Member

  Dr. C. J. Robin Cooper

  Member

  Mr. Jim Duncan

  Member

  Mr. Charles Alexander Ewing

  Member

  Mr. Joseph William Harriman

  Member

  Mr. John Anthony Hill

  Member

  Lt. Col. John David Hoare

  Member

  Mr. Barry Michael Hughes

  Member

  Mrs. Gillian Marshall-Andrews

  Member

  Assistant Chief Constable David McCrone

  Member

  Mr. David John Penn

  Member

  Mr. Robert James Pitcher

  Member

  Lord Charles Shrewsbury

  Chair

  Dr. Stephen Murray Smith

  Member

  Mr. Ian Sneddon

  Ex officio member

  Mr. Thomas Alfred Warlow

  Member

  Mr. Graham Widdecombe

  Ex officio member

  Mr. James Arthur Winnington

  Member

  Parole Board

  The Hon. Mr. Justice Scott Baker

  Member

  1Re-appointments

  Fires
  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many fires there were in domestic premises in(a) 1997 and (b) 1998; [77199]

  (2) how many fires were started by arson in (a) 1997 and (b) 1998. [77198]

  Mr. George Howarth
  In 1997, the United Kingdom fire service attended a total number of 86,400 primary fires (those involving property or casualties) which were of malicious or suspected deliberate ignition. The number of arson offences recorded by the police in England and Wales for the same period was 31,500.

  The total number of dwelling fires attended by the United Kingdom fire service was 72,200. Data for 1998 are not yet available.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many refugees who have been granted asylum are currently resident in Britain; and what percentage are known to be in receipt of means-tested benefits. [76605]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I regret that information regarding the number of refugees currently resident in the United Kingdom is not available.

  It is possible to say how many people are granted asylum in any one year, but not whether they have remained in the United Kingdom. Some refugees decide to go back to their country of origin when circumstances improve. Nor is it possible to determine the percentage of refugees in receipt of means-tested benefits.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the numbers of refugees seeking asylum in the United Kingdom by(a) nationality and (b) country of origin in (i) 1996, (ii) 1997 and (iii) 1998. [R] [76751]
  832
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The requested information is given in the table. I regret that information on the country of origin is not held centrally and could be collated only at substantial cost.

  Applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, by location of application, by nationality,1996 to 1998

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Europe

  Bulgaria

  305

  545

  165

  Cyprus

  615

  495

  90

  Poland

  900

  565

  1,585

  Romania

  455

  605

  1,015

  Former Soviet Union

  1,400

  2,015

  2,820

  Turkey

  1,495

  1,445

  2,015

  Former Yugoslavia

  1,030

  2,260

  7,980

  Others

  275

  1,220

  2,075

  Total

  6,475

  9,145

  17,745

  Americas

  Colombia

  1,005

  1,330

  425

  Others

  765

  1,495

  550

  Total

  1,765

  2,825

  975

  Africa

  Algeria

  715

  715

  1,260

  Angola

  385

  195

  150

  Cameroon

  105

  175

  95

  Democratic Republic of Congo

  680

  690

  660

  Ethiopia

  205

  145

  345

  Gambia

  245

  125

  45

  Ghana

  780

  350

  225

  Ivory Coast

  125

  70

  95

  Kenya

  1,170

  605

  885

  Liberia

  330

  205

  70

  Nigeria

  2,900

  1,480

  1,380

  Rwanda

  80

  90

  280

  Sierra Leone

  395

  815

  565

  Somalia

  1,780

  2,730

  4,685

  South Africa

  40

  50

  65

  Sudan

  280

  230

  250

  Tanzania

  225

  90

  80

  Togo

  50

  30

  60

  Uganda

  215

  220

  210

  Zimbabwe

  130

  60

  80

  Others

  450

  445

  895

  Total

  11,290

  9,515

  12,380

  833

  Applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, by location of application, by nationality,1996 to 1998

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Middle East

  Iran

  585

  585

  745

  Iraq

  965

  1,075

  1,295

  Lebanon

  145

  160

  155

  Others

  455

  515

  595

  Total

  2,150

  2,335

  2,785

  Far East

  Afghanistan

  675

  1,085

  2,395

  Bangladesh

  645

  545

  460

  China

  820

  1,945

  1,925

  India

  2,220

  1,285

  1,030

  Pakistan

  1,915

  1,615

  1,975

  Sri Lanka

  1,340

  1,830

  3,505

  Others

  275

  265

  650

  Total

  7,885

  8,570

  11,940

  Other and Unknown Nationalities

  80

  105

  190

  Grand total

  29,640

  32,500

  46,015

  Notes:

  1. Provisional and estimated figures rounded to the nearest 5 with * = 1 or 2

  2. Includes relevant revisions to the number of in-country applications lodged in September-December 1996

  Immigration and Asylum Appeals
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) appeals were lodged against deportation by overstayers and others not lawfully in the UK and (b) immigration/asylum appeals there were in total, in the last full year for which figures are available; and how many of those appeals were allowed in each case. [76579]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  In 1998, the Immigration Appellate Authority (IAA) received a total of 24,720 appeals to immigration adjudicators. Of these, 15,440 related to applications for asylum and 9,275 to other immigration cases.

  In the same period, 25,320 adjudicator appeals, in asylum cases, were determined by the IAA. It is estimated that of these, 2,355 were allowed. I regret that information regarding the number of non-asylum appeals allowed is not available.

  With regard to appeals lodged against deportation by overstayers and others not lawfully in the United Kingdom, information at this level of detail could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Immigration Detainees
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigration detainees there were at the latest date for which figures are available in (i) immigration detention centres and (ii) prison establishments who(a) had been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK, (b) were awaiting removal following a recommendation for deportation made by a court, (c) were awaiting removal having exhausted all appeal rights and (d) who were not within the above categories. [76614]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The available information, on all persons detained solely under Immigration Act powers in immigration detention centres and prisons in the United 834
  Kingdom as at 31 January 1999, is given in the table. The detailed information requested can be obtained only through the examination of individual case records and is, therefore, available only at disproportionate cost.

  Persons recorded as being in detention1 in the United Kingdom solely under Immigration Act powers as at 31 January 1999 by place of detention

  Location

  Total detainees

  Immigration detention centres

  Campsfield

  183

  Dover Harbour

  15

  Harmondsworth

  91

  Heathrow's Queen's Building

  15

  Manchester Airport

  16

  Tinsley House

  147

  Prison establishments

  Bedford

  2

  Belmarsh

  16

  Blakenhurst

  3

  Brixton

  8

  Bullingdon

  2

  Canterbury

  10

  Dorchester

  3

  Edinburgh

  5

  Feltham

  2

  Haslar

  130

  High Down

  23

  Holloway

  15

  Holme House

  3

  Leeds

  2

  Lewes

  2

  Longriggend

  16

  Maghabberry

  2

  Magilligan

  7

  Manchester

  3

  Norwich

  3

  Pentonville

  6

  Rochester

  191

  Swansea

  2

  Wandsworth

  9

  Woodhill

  2

  Wormwood Scrubs

  16

  Other prison establishments

  12

  Total

  962

  1 Excluding persons detained in police cells (other than at Dover)

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many civil servants in his Department have been invited to waive the Working Time Directive requirement to work less than 48 hours a week on 17 consecutive weeks; how many civil servants in his Department have refused to waive the requirement; and what is the total cost of compliance with the Directive. [76806]

  Mr. Straw
  No figures of the kind sought by the hon. Member are currently available. The standard terms and conditions of service for staff employed by the Home Office are well within the limits set by the Working Time Regulations. The Regulations do not require employers to keep records of the number of workers who refuse to sign an opt-out agreement and no central records are kept by the Home Office. Compliance costs are not kept centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
  835

  Immigration and Asylum Bill
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library the representations he received on which he based his statement under section 1g (1)(a) of the Human Rights Act 1998 with respect to the provisions of the Immigration and Asylum Bill. [76973]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  No. The statement was based on internal advice which is exempt from disclosure in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Ministerial Meetings (US)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 22 February 1999,Official Report, column 121, if he will list the dates and locations of the meetings he has had with the US Attorney General since 1 June 1998. [77152]

  Mr. Straw
  In the period covered by the Question, I have not met personally with the United States Attorney-General. However, I have chaired one meeting of G8 counterparts on 16 December 1998, which was conducted by video conference, at the request of Janet Reno, and spoken with her by telephone from time to time.

  West Yorkshire Police
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information was obtained by unauthorised persons gaining access to the West Yorkshire Police internal communications system; and what assessment he has made of the current security of the system. [76977]

  Mr. Boateng
  I understand that an individual gained access to the West Yorkshire Police voicemail system and was able to access messages left on voicemail boxes that had not been password protected. He also gained access to the Crimestoppers Line.

  The security of the communications system is an operational matter for West Yorkshire Police. I understand they have implemented a number of security measures to prevent further breaches. Calls to the Crimestoppers line now go directly to a manned extension and are no longer on the internal voicemail system.

  European Elections
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if votes will be published by constituencies as well as by regions in the European elections. [77758]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Votes will be counted at Westminster Parliamentary constituency level though the regulations will provide that where the same person is acting returning officer for two or more constituencies he or she will be able to combine them for counting purposes. Local results will be communicated to the regional returning officers who will perform the seat allocation calculation for each of the 11 regions.

  The results of all local counts will be made public as well as the final regional result.
  836

  West Mercia Police Force
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what proportion of the West Mercia Police Force police officer posts for 1998–99 were vacant at the latest available date; and what was the average length of such vacancies. [77324]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 18 March 1999]: It is for the Chief Constable to determine the number of police officers in the force, within the resources available. I understand from the Acting Chief Constable of West Mercia that there are 2,063 budgeted posts in the force. On 1 March the force had 52 full-time equivalent vacancies. The average number of vacancies in 1998–99 has been 45, which represents 2 per cent. of the budgeted posts available. It is not possible for the force to provide information on the average length of a vacancy during 1998–99.

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire can expect a reply to his letter of 19 January on behalf of his constituent, Sir Stephen Hastings. [77445]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 18 March 1999]: I am sorry that the right hon. Member did not receive an earlier reply to his letter. A full reply was, however, sent on 16 March.

  Electronic Red Boxes
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will name the Ministers in his Department who are regular users of electronic Red Boxes. [76175]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office on 16 March 1999,Official Report, column 651.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Pensioners (Minimum Income Guarantee)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he held with pensioners' groups before increasing the minimum income guarantee for pensioners; and if he will make a statement. [77363]

  Mr. Timms
  We meet representatives of pensioners' organisation regularly to discuss a broad range of issues. We are determined that even the least well off of today's pensioners should share in rising national prosperity, and the proposed increase from next April in line with earnings will build further on the significant boost we are giving to the incomes of these pensioners this year.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the number of pensioners who will have an income below the minimum income guarantee level who will not qualify for the minimum income guarantee. [77552]
  837
  Mr. Timms
  I refer the hon. Member to the Written Answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Sutton (Mrs. Gilroy) on 11 March 1999,Official Report, column 346.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners he estimates will be ineligible for the minimum income guarantee, following the Budget, due to the level of their savings; and if he will make a statement. [77362]

  Mr. Timms
  This information is not currently available. Estimates of the number of pensioners ineligible for the Minimum Income Guarantee due to the level of their savings are based on the data used to produce the published estimates of take-up of income-related benefits. These estimates are currently being revised following the discovery in December of an error, the effect of which was to understate income brought to account. The estimates will be republished in May. We will then be in a position to provide an answer to this question.

  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are estimated to be eligible for benefits under the minimum income guarantee for pensioners aged(a) 60 to 74 years, (b) 75 to 79 and (c) over 80 years, (i) in total and (ii) by gender. [75858]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is not currently available in the form requested.

  In total, we estimate there are approximately 1.5 million pensioners in receipt of Income Support who will be eligible for the Minimum Income Guarantee in 1999–2000. Additionally, we estimate there are between about 400,000 and 700,000 pensioners who are not claiming Income Support but who would be entitled to it if they claimed. The estimate is provisional, as revised estimates of the take-up of income-related benefits are currently being worked on.

  We will in a position to provide final estimates and the breakdown requested in May, when revised estimates of the take-up of income-related benefits are due to be published.

  Notes:

  1. "Pensioners" for the purposes of the Minimum Income Guarantee, means single persons aged 60 or over, and couples where at least one partner is aged 60 or above.

  2. The figure is rounded to the nearest quarter of a million and does not include pensioners living in residential care and nursing homes.

  Minimum Funding Requirement
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security who will be undertaking the Minimum Funding Requirement review; and if he will list all those involved in the review. [77553]

  Mr. Timms
  The Pensions Board of the Faculty and Institute of Actuaries have been asked to carry out the review in partnership with this Department. The Department is also advised by the Government Actuary. The Pensions Board may decide to set up technical working groups to research particular aspects. The Confederation of British Industry, Trades Union 838
  Congress, National Association of Pension Funds and the Association of British Insurers have been invited to comment on the scope of the review.

  Statutory Sick Pay
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many recruitment or contracting companies have been required to administer statutory sick pay to workers they contract to other companies since 1998; and what has been the consequent average additional annual (i) premiums for professional indemnity, public liability and employee's liability insurance and (ii) time which a company has had to spend administering the new rules. [77807]

  Mr. Bayley
  The legislation governing the payment of Statutory Sick Pay to employees engaged on short-term contracts has remained unchanged since 1982. Those provisions were clarified in a Court of Appeal judgment in October 1996 and further guidance to reflect that judgment was issued to employment agencies in 1998. Information on the effect, if any, on insurance premiums and the amount of time on which a company has to spend administering the scheme is not available.

  Pensioners (Income Support)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the percentage of those pensioners who are entitled to claim income support who actually do so. [77364]

  Mr. Timms
  The latest available figures suggest that between 68 per cent. and 79 per cent. of pensioners entitled to Income Support actually claim it. These figures are, however, a provisional estimate following the discovery of an inaccuracy in the published estimates of take-up of income-related benefits. Work continues towards a fully revised set of figures to be published in May.

  Note:
  "Pensioners" in the context of Income Support, means pensioner benefit units—a single person aged 60 or over, or a couple (counted as one "benefit unit") where one or both members is aged 60 or over.

  Bereavement Benefits
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the(a) number and (b) proportion of widows in each region and nation who are in receipt of occupational pension payments. [76106]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  Number and proportion of widows in receipt of occupational pension by Government Office Region/Home Nation (1996–97)

  Government Office Regions (excluding NI)

  Number of widows (000s) in receipt of occupational pension

  Percentage of widows in receipt of occupational pension

  All widows

  1,760

  50

  North East

  100

  53

  North West and Merseyside

  210

  46

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  190

  54

  East Midlands

  120

  48

  West Midlands

  170

  50

  Eastern

  150

  48

  London

  170

  42

  839

  Number and proportion of widows in receipt of occupational pension by Government Office Region/Home Nation (1996–97)

  Government Office Regions (excluding NI)

  Number of widows (000s) in receipt of occupational pension

  Percentage of widows in receipt of occupational pension

  South East

  240

  55

  South West

  160

  53

  England

  1,490

  50

  Wales

  110

  52

  Scotland

  160

  48

  Notes:

  1. The estimates are for all widows including those over pension age.

  2. All figures are estimates and are taken from the Households Below Average Income (HBAI) data set based on the Family Resources Survey (FRS). The FRS does not include Northern Ireland. 1996–97 is the latest year for which information is available.

  3. Numbers are given in thousands and are rounded to the nearest 10,000.

  4. Due to rounding, components may not sum to totals.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost of including entitlement to extended payments of housing benefit to those moving into work who had been in receipt of incapacity benefit alone. [77239]

  Angela Eagle
  The cost of including entitlement to extended payments of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit to all those moving into work who had been receiving Incapacity Benefit is estimated at £3.4 million. Of this £2.3 million is in respect of claimants on Income Support and Incapacity Benefit and £1.1 million in respect of those on Incapacity Benefit without Income Support.

  Private Pensions
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what interest rate has been paid to persons who opted out of SERPS and who normally receive a lump sum for investment in their private pension scheme, during the delay in issuing payments by his Department's computer systems. [77658]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave to the hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr. Duncan Smith) on 2 March 1999,Official Report, columns 710–11.

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) pursuant to his answer of 10 March 1999,Official Report, columns 250–51, on Select Committee reports, if he will list the occasions on which Ministers discussed the contents of Social Security Committee reports or draft reports of the deliberations of the Committee with members of the Social Security Committee prior to their publications; [77810]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 10 March 1999, Official Report, columns 250–51, on Select Committee reports, if he will conduct an investigation into whether special advisers or civil servants reviewed or discussed Social Security Committee reports, drafts or parts of reports or their conclusions, prior to their publication. [77811]
  840
  Mr. Darling
  There have been no occasions on which I, or my ministerial colleagues, have discussed reports or draft reports with members of the Social Security Committee prior to their publication.

  Also, other than embargoed copies of Social Security Committee reports, issued under House of Commons Standing Orders, neither civil servants nor the special adviser have discussed reports or draft reports prior to their publication. I see no reason or basis for an investigation.

SCOTLAND

  Meat Imports
  Mr. Alan Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to stop the import of meat grown abroad in conditions not allowed in the UK. [76737]

  Mr. Macdonald
  All consignments of fresh meat imported into the UK, whether from other EU member States or third countries, must have been produced in accordance with the harmonised Community rules laid down in Council Directive 64/433/EEC. Products not subject to Community rules may be imported only if they comply with our national rules. Food which fails to meet food safety requirements can be refused entry into the UK or it can be seized under the Food Safety Act 1990.

  Trade implications of any suspension of imports are a matter for the EU Commission. Any action taken or imposed must be in accordance with the sanitary and phytosanitary agreement of the World Trade organisation.

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

  Local Government Employees (Pay)
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average full time pay without overtime of(a) teachers, (b) local authority manual workers, (c) council APT and C staff and (d) council chief officers in (i) 1998–99, (ii) 1993–94, (iii) 1988–89, (iv) 1983–84 and (v) 1978–79, in 1998–99 prices. [76620]

  Mr. McLeish
  The information requested is not available centrally, nor is it readily available from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

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

  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what resources he is providing to enable councils to fund pay increases for(a) teachers and (b) other local government employees. [76750]

  Mr. McLeish
  Over the next three years the Government are to provide an extra £530 million in support of Scottish local authorities' revenue expenditure. This represents real terms increases in each of the next three years. It is the responsibility of local authorities to decide how to allocate the money available to them and to meet the cost of pay increases from within their overall resources.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
  841
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the percentage pay increases agreed in Scotland for(a) teachers, (b) local authority manual workers, (c) council APT and C staff and (d) council chief officers in each year since 1993–94. [76624]

  Mr. McLeish
  The information requested is as follows:

  percentage

  Year

  Teachers

  Local authority manual workers

  APT and C

  Chief officers

  1993

  1.5

  1.5

  1.5

  1.5

  1994

  2.3

  2.3

  2.3

  2.0

  1995

  2.0

  2.2

  2.2

  2.3

  1996

  3.0

  2.9

  2.9

  2.9

  1997

  2.5

  12.5

  12.5

  2.5

  1998

  3.0

  3.0

  3.0

  3.0

  1Or £4 per hour minimum if greater

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

  Sentencing Policy
  Ms Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the members of the committee established under Lord MacLean to review the sentencing and treatment of serious violent and sexual offenders. [78296]

  Mr. McLeish
  The following have accepted my invitation to serve on Lord MacLean's Committee:

  Mr. Andrew Brown, Chief Constable, Grampian Police

  Mr. David Burns QC, Advocate

  Dr. Derek Chiswick, Consultant Psychiatrist, Edinburgh Healthcare NHS Trust

  Professor David Cooke, Professor of Forensic Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University

  Mr. Douglas Crawford, Depute Director of Social Work, Renfrewshire Council

  Ms Jeane Freeman, Parole Board member, Chief Executive, APEX

  Professor Christopher Gane, Professor of Scots Law, University of Aberdeen

  Mr. William Gilchrist, Regional Procurator Fiscal, North Strathclyde

  Mr. Roger Houchin, Governor, Barlinnie Prison

  Mr. Murray Macara, Solicitor Advocate, Beltrami and Co.

  Mr. Jamie Malcolm, Nursing Officer, Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

  Dr. Linda Treliving, Consultant Psychotherapist, Dundee Healthcare NHS Trust

  Sheriff Charles Stoddart, Director of Judicial Studies.

  Arrangements for taking evidence will be announced later.

PRIME MINISTER

  Select Committee Reports
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will issue instructions to Ministers on the actions 842
  to be taken following unauthorised receipt of (a) drafts and (b) final unpublished versions of Select Committee reports; [77846]

  (2) pursuant to the answer to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border, 16 March 1999, Official Report, columns 641–42, if he will require the Chancellor to return the leaked Select Committee report to the Chairman of the Social Security Committee; [77844]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the Government's policy when Ministers receive leaked copies of a Select Committee report in (a) draft and (b) unpublished form. [77845]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 1 March 1999,Official Report, column 531.

  EU Political Committee
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish the agenda for the forthcoming EU Political Committee meeting of 22 March. [77161]

  The Prime Minister
  The agenda for the 22 March Political Committee has not yet been decided. As has been the case since 1970, draft agendas for Political Committees are not usually circulated until a few days before the meeting takes place, and are often amended up to the last minute.

  EU Special European Council
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish the agenda for the forthcoming EU Special European Council of 24 to 25 March. [77159]

  The Prime Minister
  The timetable for the Agenda 2000 negotiations was agreed at the end of the UK Presidency when the Cardiff European Council concluded that there should be political agreement on the package no later than March 1999. The purpose of the Special European Council is to meet that timetable. The negotiations are being conducted on the basis of a Presidency paper which sets out the issues for discussion. The Presidency regularly updates this document as negotiations progress. A copy of the latest version was placed in the Libraries of both Houses today.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister how many representations he has received from the United States Government on genetically modified organisms since 1 May 1997; on what dates each representation was received; in what form each representation was made; and from which United States department each originated. [77113]

  The Prime Minister
  None.

  Commission for Racial Equality
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister what steps he has taken to meet the CRE's leadership challenge. [76963]

  The Prime Minister
  I accepted the CRE's Leadership Challenge on 12 May 1998.
  843
  I have made clear my commitment to Britain being a beacon to the world on race equality. This Government are taking a clear lead in improving race equality.

  The Lawrence inquiry has done much to identify the problems to which we must all face. With my full support, my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary is developing a comprehensive response to the report. He announced to the House on 24 February 1999, Official Report, columns 389–93, his intention to extend the Race Relations Act 1976 to cover all public services. A wider action plan is also being developed.

  In my role as Minister for the Civil Service, I am committed to ensuring that the Civil Service reflects at all levels the diversity of our society. I also commend the Charter for Action recently launched by the Minister for the Cabinet Office, the head of the Home Civil Service and the Council of Civil Service Unions, to redress the under-representation of the ethnic minorities in the Civil Service.

  Iraq
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 20 January 1999,Official Report, column 484, when he expects to issue an updated report on the results of military action against Iraq. [77589]

  The Prime Minister
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence sent an updated report on the results of Operation Desert Fox to all Members of the House on 18 January 1999.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library his reply to the letter from K. M. Kirk of Paphos, Cyprus, of 20 December 1998, about Iraq. [77355]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 18 March 1999]: As far as I am aware, the most recent correspondence I have had from Mr. J. M. Kirk was a letter from him dated 3 March 1998.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Prime Minister when he expects to reply to the letters sent to him by the right hon. and learned Member for Folkestone and Hythe on 14 January and 3 March. [77662]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the right hon. and learned Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Windsor (Mr. Trend) on 17 March 1999,Official Report, column 706.

  Patten Commission
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy that no information from the Patten Commission on policing which is not in the public domain will be shared with(a) any other Government and (b) any private group. [77583]

  The Prime Minister
  The Commission on Policing is independent. Its terms of reference, set out in the Good Friday Agreement, require it to "consult widely and to report no later than Summer 1999". It is not for the Government to say what the Commission should discuss or with whom. The Commission's report will be made 844
  public in its entirety and implementation of its recommendations will be discussed with the political parties and the Irish Government.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she expects the Patten report on policing in Northern Ireland to be published. [76739]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Belfast Agreement states that the Independent Commission on Policing should report no later than the Summer of 1999. The Government look forward to receiving the report, which is expected within the timescale established by the Agreement.

  Oil Payments
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those Governments with whom the United Kingdom Government to Government service and contract agreements allow for payments in oil; and for what dates such agreements were made. [71811]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]: Payments in oil to the UK Government for supplying goods or services are not precluded under existing rules provided they represent the most cost effective and practical method. It is a matter for individual Government Departments to negotiate appropriate contracts after considering each case on its merits. Because of this, no centralised records are kept of the agreements reached.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Northern Ireland Electricity Report
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions she plans to hold with the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Consumer Committee on Electricity and the Regulator concerning the report published by Northern Ireland Electricity into the storm on 26 December 1998; and the implementation of the recommendations. [76642]

  Mr. Ingram
  None at present. Consumers' interest are being pursued vigorously by the Director General of Electricity Supply who is considering the Northern Ireland Electricity report on the storms. He will be discussing his conclusions with both the company and the Chairman of the Consumer Committee for Electricity and then publishing a consultation paper seeking the views of consumers on the action programme proposed by Northern Ireland Electricity. Ministers have requested a further report from and discussion with the company later in the year on progress with the action programme.

  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the report from Northern Ireland Electricity published on Thursday 4 February into the storm of 26 December 1998. [76643]

  Mr. Ingram
  Protection of consumers' interests is primarily a matter for the independent Director General of Electricity Supply for Northern Ireland. He is considering the report by Northern Ireland Electricity on the recent storms; will meet with the company and the Chairman of the Consumer Committee for Electricity; and then publish a consultation paper.
  845

  Birth Defects
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many children have been born with(a) Downs Syndrome and (b) other abnormalities in each health and social services board in each of the last 10 years. [76641]

  Mr. McFall
  The table provides figures for the number of births of babies with Downs Syndrome and other selected congenital malformations notified in Northern Ireland and each Health and Social Services Board area for the years 1986 to 1996 (the latest year for which figures are available).

  Northern Ireland

  Year

  Anencephalus

  Hydrocephalus

  Spina Bifida

  Downs Syndrome

  1986

  17

  8

  37

  41

  1987

  20

  11

  43

  39

  1988

  9

  8

  27

  27

  1989

  5

  113

  20

  151

  1990

  5

  12

  21

  132

  1991

  5

  14

  22

  52

  1992

  2

  11

  20

  29

  1993

  2

  10

  11

  31

  1994

  3

  6

  19

  29

  1995

  3

  10

  12

  25

  1996

  6

  5

  8

  38

  1 For 1989 and 1990 individual figures for health and Social Services Board areas do not sum to Northern Ireland figures due to additions to the Northern Ireland total being made by the Department of Medical Genetics. These amendments are not available at Board level.

  Health Care
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what impact the Chancellor's Budget statement will have on health care provision in Northern Ireland. [76744]

  Mr. McFall
  The Chancellor's Budget statement confirmed the Government's continuing commitment to modernise the NHS. I am equally determined that health services in Northern Ireland are equipped to provide a first class service, and am considering how this can best be achieved.

  Northern Ireland Assembly
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is her estimate of the cost of(a) the Northern Ireland Assembly, (b) each of the 10 departments of Government and (c) the offices of the First and Deputy Ministers in the first full year of their operation. [76837]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Assembly Commission recently estimated the operating costs of the Assembly at £36 million in 1999–2000.

  Biological Scientists
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many biological scientists are employed in each hospital in Northern Ireland; what are the qualifications required for such work; and what are the salary scales for such posts. [76884]
  846
  Mr. McFall
  Clinical Scientists are employed in pathology laboratories in the following Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Trusts:

  Number

  Belfast City Hospital

  35

  Green Park

  1

  Mater Infirmorum Hospital

  2

  Royal Group of Hospitals

  26

  Ulster Community and Hospitals

  1

  United Hospitals

  2

  The basic entry qualifications to the grade of Clinical Scientist is a First or Second Class Honours degree.

  There are three grades of Clinical Scientist, the salary scales of which are set out in the following table.

  Clinical scientists: Grades and spine points, effective 1 December 1998

  Grade

  Spine points

  Salary £

  A

  01

  13,290

  02

  13,822

  03

  14,375

  04

  14,949

  05

  15,546

  06

  16,169

  07

  16,817

  08

  17,486

  B1

  09

  18,188

  10

  18,915

  11

  19,671

  12

  20,458

  13

  21,276

  14

  22,127

  15

  23,013

  16

  23,931

  17

  24,891

  18

  25,885

  19

  26,919

  20

  27,998

  21

  29,118

  22

  30,283

  23

  31,494

  24

  32,753

  25

  34,065

  C

  26

  35,426

  27

  36,844

  28

  38,318

  29

  39,851

  30

  41,443

  31

  43,102

  32

  44,825

  33

  46,620

  34

  48,485

  35

  50,424

  36

  52,443

  37

  54,539

  1 Individual posts will be assigned a payscale of three consecutive points within the range 09 to 25 on the spine

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many civil servants in her Department have been invited to waive the Working Time Directive requirement to work less than 48 hours a week on 17 consecutive weeks; how many civil
  847
  servants in her Department have refused to waive the requirement; and what is the total cost of compliance with the Directive. [76803]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  To date members of the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments and agencies have not systematically been invited to waive the 48 hour limit. However, a small number of staff who have been identified as working regularly in excess of the 48 hour average limit have signed the waiver. There have not been any refusals.

  The cost of the introduction of some minor modifications to existing administrative procedures, particularly record keeping, cannot readily be identified. No additional staffing requirements have been identified.

HEALTH

  NHS Appointments
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his written answer of 16 February 1999,Official Report, column 730, (1) if he will give the total amount of annual fees which is payable to (a) Labour, (b) Liberal Democrat, (c) Conservative and (d) independent councillors appointed to NHS trusts or health authorities since 1 May 1997; [72623]

  (2) if he will list the numbers of councillors of each political party appointed to each NHS trust or health authority since 1 May 1997; [72624]

  (3) if he will list the health authorities and NHS trusts to which each named individual has been appointed, indicating in each case whether the appointment is as (a) chairman and (b) board member. [73898]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answers 22 February and 1 March 1999]: Copies of the following information have been placed in the Library.

  A list of all individuals appointed to chairman and non-executive positions on National Health Service trust or health authority boards since 1 May 1997 and who were known to be councillors at the time of their appointment. The listing shows their appointment by name, NHS trust or health authority, political party and whether they were appointed as chairman or non-executive member; and a list of the same information but grouped according to the trust or health authority concerned.

  These listings include the names of 12 individuals who were not discovered by the database search of 15 February and reported in my answer of 16 February.

  Chairmen receive remuneration in one of three bands according to the turnover of their NHS trust or the allocation made to their health authority.

  Band 1: £19,285

  Band 2: £17,145

  Band 3: £15,125.

  All non-executive members or directors receive £5,000.
  848
  In a full year, the councillors listed (excluding those whose terms of office have ended) would receive remuneration as follows:

  £

  Chairmen

  Non-executives

  Total

  Labour

  390,895

  990,000

  1,380,895

  Conservative

  51,555

  45,000

  96,555

  Liberal Democrat

  62,520

  125,000

  187,520

  Other (including independents)

  0

  40,000

  40,000

  Local councillors account for 9.9 per cent. of those serving on NHS boards and receive 8.4 per cent. of the total amount of remuneration payable. They bring to the NHS invaluable experience and commitment to the service of their communities.

  All appointments are made on merit in accordance with Nolan principles. Information was not collected on the political activity of all non-executives appointed by the last Government, so full comparisons are not possible.

  Free Eye Prescriptions
  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many pensioners will be eligible for free eye prescriptions in(a) the Medway towns and (b) Chatham and Aylesford in April. [75553]

  Mr. Denham
  From 1 April 1999, everyone aged 60 and over will be eligible for free National Health Service sight tests. We cannot make population estimates for areas within local authority boundaries. We estimate that there are some 40,000 people aged 60 and over resident in the area of the Medway Unitary Authority.

  Medical School Places
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what weighting he will give to regional needs when deciding which universities will benefit from the proposed allocation of an additional 1,000 medical school places; [75924]

  (2) in deciding where to allocate the proposed additional 1,000 medical school places, he will conduct an impact assessment on the consequences for (a) public health and (b) community regeneration of approving a new medical school at Hull University. [75935]

  Mr. Denham
  The responsibility for allocating medical student places in England lies with the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

  A joint implementation group has been established to take forward this work. The objectives, which were approved by Ministers, have been placed in the Library. The group wrote to all universities in England on 8 January 1999, inviting them to submit bids for a share of the extra medical student places by 12 March 1999. The group will consider all proposals received, and make recommendations to the HEFCE, which will announce the allocations later in the year.

  Elderly People (Care)
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the future of private sector care homes for the elderly. [75920]
  849
  Mr. Hutton
  The Government's policy in this area was set out in the White Paper "Modernising social services".

  The commissioning of long-term residential care is a matter for local authorities. The Government have no ideological view as to the choice of private or public ownership. What is important is that the arrangements made by authorities should be based on judgments about best value and optimum outcomes for individual users.

  Tobacco
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to raise in the EU Health Council the health effect of EU policy in relation to tobacco growers. [76935]

  Mr. Hutton
  We expect the German Presidency to include an item on tobacco on the agenda of the Health Council meeting on 8 June 1999. The Commission will report on progress made in implementing the recommendations of its 1996 report on the Community's role in combating tobacco consumption, which includes the issue of tobacco production in the European Union. We intend to indicate our support for co-ordinated action.

  CS Gas
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many times since 1 January 1996 UK chief medical officers have discussed the issue of CS sprays at meetings of their group. [77115]

  Mr. Hutton
  The United Kingdom Chief Medical Officers meet on an informal ad hoc basis and there is no record of any discussion of CS spray at any of their meetings which have taken place since 1 January 1996.

  Termination Payments
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by NHS region the termination payments made by(a) NHS trusts and (b) health authorities to (a) chief executives, (b) other board members and (c) senior managers, for each of the last five years. [76476]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: The information available is shown in the tables.

  The only data collected centrally for National Health Service trusts relate to the total 'Compensations for loss of office' within the category of 'Executive Director's Remuneration'.

  The only data collected centrally for health authorities and family health service authorities relate to the total 'Compensations for loss of office' within the category of Non-Executive Director's Remuneration', and to `Compensations for loss of office' for 'Chief Executive'. The figure for chief executive will be included within the overall total for non-executive directors.

  Information was not collected for health authorities and family health service authorities in 1993–94.

  Separate data are available for 'senior managers' however it is included here in those figures relating to NHS trusts.
  850

  Family health service authorities—FAA10 1994–95

  £000

  Compensations for loss of office

  Executive

  Chief executive

  Northern and Yorkshire Region total

  0

  0

  Trent Region total

  54

  54

  Anglia and Oxford Region total

  0

  0

  North Thames Region total

  0

  0

  South Thames Region total

  0

  0

  South and West Region total

  0

  0

  Anglia and Oxford Region total

  0

  0

  South and West Region total

  8

  8

  West Midlands Region total

  32

  32

  North West Region total

  0

  0

  Grand total

  94

  94

  Source:

  Family Health Services Authorities Annual Accounts 1994–1995.

  Family health service authorities—FAA10 1995–96

  £000

  Compensations for loss of office

  Executive

  Chief executive

  Northern and Yorkshire Region total

  0

  0

  Trent Region total

  58

  0

  Anglia and Oxford Region total

  0

  0

  North Thames Region total

  56

  56

  South Thames Region total

  95

  95

  South and West Region total

  17

  17

  Anglia and Oxford Region total

  8

  8

  South and West Region total

  51

  51

  West Midlands Region total

  40

  40

  North West Region total

  206

  206

  Grand total

  529

  465

  Source:

  Family Health Services Authorities Annual Accounts 1995–1996.

  NHS Trust—TAC07 1993–94

  Board members—compensation for loss of office

  Sub code £000

  Northern total

  0

  Yorkshire total

  0

  Trent total

  0

  East Anglian total

  30

  North West Thames total

  132

  North East Thames total

  197

  South East Thames total

  166

  South West Thames total

  31

  Wessex total

  19

  Oxford total

  5

  South Western total

  144

  West Midlands total

  157

  Mersey total

  104

  North Western total

  0

  Grand total

  985

  Source:

  NHS Trusts summarization schedules 1993–94.

  NHS Trust—TAC07 1994–95

  Board Members—compensation for loss of office

  Sub code £000

  Northern and Yorkshire total

  130

  Trent total

  86

  Anglian and Oxford total

  233

  North Thames total

  516

  South Thames total

  386

  South & West total

  97

  851

  NHS Trust—TAC07 1994–95

  Board Members—compensation for loss of office

  Sub code £000

  West Midlands total

  271

  North West total

  411

  Grand total

  2,130

  Source:

  NHS Trusts summarisation schedules 1994–95.

  NHS Trusts—TAC07 1995–96

  Executive Directors—compensation for loss of office

  Sub code £000

  Northern and Yorkshire total

  302

  Trent total

  123

  Anglia and Oxford total

  74

  North Thames total

  432

  South Thames total

  372

  South and West total

  203

  West Midlands total

  400

  North West total

  166

  Grand total

  2,072

  Source:

  NHS Trusts summarization schedules 1995–96.

  NHS Trusts—TAC07 1996–97

  Executive Directors—compensation for loss of office

  Sub code £000

  Northern and Yorkshire total

  221

  Trent total

  38

  South Thames total

  737

  North Thames total

  426

  Anglia and Oxford total

  229

  South and West total

  574

  West Midlands total

  195

  North West total

  321

  Grand total

  2,741

  Source:

  NHS Trusts summarization schedules 1996–97.

  NHS Trusts—TAC07 1997–98

  Executive Directors—compensation for loss of office

  Sub code £000

  Northern and Yorkshire total

  236

  Trent total

  97

  Anglia and Oxford total

  423

  North Thames total

  479

  South Thames total

  875

  South and West total

  221

  West Midlands total

  366

  North West total

  129

  Grand total

  2,826

  Source:

  NHS Trusts summarization schedules 1997–98.

  Health Authorities—HAA5 1994–95

  £000

  Compensations for loss of office

  Executive

  Chief executive

  Northern and Yorkshire Region total

  19

  0

  Trent Region total

  186

  0

  Anglian and Oxford Region total

  56

  37

  North Thames Region total

  136

  112

  South Thames Region total

  211

  69

  South and West Region total

  0

  0

  Anglian and Oxford Region total

  26

  0

  852

  Health Authorities—HAA5 1994–95

  £000

  Compensations for loss of office

  Executive

  Chief executive

  South and West Region total

  93

  93

  West Midlands Region total

  138

  52

  North West Region total

  0

  0

  Grand total

  865

  363

  Source:

  Health Authority Accounts 1994–95.

  Health Authorities—HAA5 1995–96

  £000

  Compensations for loss of office

  Executive

  Chief executive

  Northern and Yorkshire total

  67

  0

  Trent total

  200

  0

  Anglian and Oxford total

  228

  0

  North Thames total

  132

  91

  South Thames total

  322

  72

  South and West total

  0

  0

  Anglian and Oxford total

  74

  0

  South and West total

  97

  0

  West Midlands total

  388

  336

  North West total

  0

  0

  Grand total

  1,508

  499

  Source:

  Health authority Accounts 1995–96.

  Health Authorities—HAA05 1996–97

  £000

  Compensations for loss of office

  Executive

  Chief executive

  Northern and Yorkshire total

  281

  180

  Trent total

  238

  225

  Anglian and Oxford total

  32

  0

  North Thames total

  0

  0

  South Thames total

  11

  0

  South and West total

  79

  79

  West Midlands total

  30

  0

  North West total

  0

  0

  Grand total

  671

  484

  Source:

  Health Authority Accounts 1996–97.

  Health Authorities—HAA05 1997–98

  £000

  Compensations for loss of office

  Executive

  Chief executive

  Northern and Yorkshire total

  1

  0

  Trent total

  0

  0

  Anglian and Oxford total

  0

  0

  North Thames total

  285

  0

  South Thames total

  106

  84

  South and West total

  0

  0

  West Midlands total

  30

  30

  North West total

  0

  0

  Grand total

  422

  114

  Source:

  Health Authority Accounts 1997–98.

  Advertising Expenditure
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list, by region, expenditure by the NHS on advertising in each of the last five years. [76485]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: Information about national Health Service expenditure on

  Advertising expenditure 1993–94 to 1997–98 trusts and health authorities

  £

  Region

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Northern/Yorkshire

  3,222,848

  3,612,511

  5,108,073

  4,614,783

  4,694,683

  Trent

  2,704,686

  3,327,513

  3,654,782

  3,473,188

  4,212,484

  Anglia and Oxford

  2,860,525

  4,263,608

  5,207,245

  5,288,974

  5,302,599

  North Thames

  5,383,073

  8,301,039

  10,787,87

  10,743,83

  11,084,23

  South Thames

  4,354,905

  6,448,038

  8,664,092

  7,935,490

  8,428,801

  South and West

  2,944,936

  4,121,499

  4,971,958

  4,450,681

  5,739,418

  West Midlands

  2,110,235

  3,655,466

  5,001,479

  4,618,611

  4,789,712

  North West

  2,485,535

  3,295,971

  4,453,542

  3,916,934

  4,558,358

  Sources:

  1. Financial returns of trusts and health authorities 1996–97 to 1997–98

  2. Financial returns of trusts, district health authorities, regional health authorities and special health authorities of the London postgraduate teaching hospitals 1993–94 to 1995–96 (this is not audited data)

  3. Regional aggregates as in 1997–98 have been used rather than the 14 regions in existence prior to 1 April 1996

  4. Regional data differs from information previously supplied because of (a) movement of NHS trusts and health authorities between regions, and (b) inclusion of special health authorities within the Thames regions. National totals remain consistent.

  Opencast Mining
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish the results of his investigation into the effects of opencast mining on health; and if he will make a statement. [77196]

  Mr. Hutton
  The study being undertaken at the University of Newcastle is funded jointly by the Department and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. The findings of the study will be reviewed at the Institute for Environment and Health at the end of March as part of an annual review of air pollution research contracts. The results will be made available as soon as the staff undertaking the work are happy that this should be done and publication in a peer reviewed scientific journal is likely. This work will form a part of a wider review of the effects on health of emissions of dust and other substances from opencast coal mining sites which is being prepared by the Department's Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants. The Committee hopes to consider this subject at its meeting in October.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Residence Applications
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department how many fathers had their application for residence awarded in each of the last two years. [77555]

  Mr. Hoon
  This information is not collected.

  Contact Orders
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Minister of state, Lord Chancellor's Department how many contact orders 854
  advertising is given in the following table. It includes expenditure in a number of different areas including recruitment advertising, health promotion initiatives and measures to improve local accountability such as the production of annual reports and information about services.

  were not kept in 1998 resulting in applications to the courts; and how many penalties were awarded by the courts where contact orders were broken. [77559]

  Mr. Hoon
  This information is not collected.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Osborne House
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, (1) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Hastings and Rye (Mr. Foster) of 4 February 1999,Official Report, column 694, when he will bring forward legislation to repeal the Osborne Estate Act 1902. [77215]

  (2) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Hastings and Rye (Mr. Foster) of 4 February 1999, Official Report, column 694, if the King Edward VII Convalescence Home at Osborne House remains open for new convalescents, [77216]

  (3) how many members of (a) the Armed Forces and (b) the Civil Service used the facilities of the King Edward VII Convalescent Home at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight in each of the last five years. [77210]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  We plan to introduce the necessary legislation at the earliest opportunity. In the meantime, I can confirm that the King Edward VII Convalescent House at Osborne House remains open for new convalescents.

  The figures for use of the facilities offered by the home in each of the last five years are:

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  The Armed Forces

  Residents

  111

  111

  114

  113

  110

  Convalescents

  231

  267

  313

  274

  238

  855

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Average number of convalescents per week

  4

  5

  6

  5

  5

  The Civil Service

  Residents

  5

  16

  16

  15

  14

  Convalescents

  62

  96

  86

  88

  94

  Average number of convalescents per week

  1

  2

  2

  2

  2

  1 These figures represent the total number of residents at one time or another during a year including admissions, deaths and departures to other accommodation.

TREASURY

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 16 March 1999,Official Report, columns 641–42, (1) if (a) special advisers and (b) officials (i) saw the draft report and (ii) discussed the preliminary draft of the report with (A) the Parliamentary Private Secretary and (B) members of the Social Security Committee; [77852]

  (2) if (a) he and (b) his Ministers discussed the Social Security Committee's Draft report with (i) his Parliamentary Private Secretary, (ii) members of the Social Security Committee, (iii) special advisers and (iv) officials. [77886]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 16 March 1999,Official Report, columns 641–42.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made for(a) small and medium enterprises and (b) larger companies of the number of man hours that a company will be required to spend to establish and administer the working families tax credit in (i) its first year and (ii) subsequent years; [76672]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the (i) first year and (ii) subsequent year compliance costs for (a) small and medium enterprises and (b) larger companies of their role in administering the working families tax credit system. [76869]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 16 March 1999]: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the draft Regulatory Impact Assessment which was published on 3 February 1999.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the change from the Family Credit programme to the Working Families Tax Credit programme on the number of claimants in Portsmouth. [69935]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Working Families Tax Credit, which will replace Family Credit on 5 October, will have a higher threshold and an increased taper. These improvements will result in an increase in take-up nationally.

  The introduction of Working Families Tax Credit will ease the poverty trap by allowing people to keep more of what they earn as they increase their earnings, thereby increasing the incentive to move from welfare to work.

  Tax Burden
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the average net change in the tax burden on individuals since May 1997 in Scotland; [77005]

  (2) what is the average net change in the tax burden on individuals since May 1997 in Lancashire; [77004]

  (3) what is the average net change in the tax burden on individuals since May 1997 in Wales. [77006]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 16 March 1999]: Figures for tax receipts are not available by region. Financial year figures for UK tax receipts and social security contributions, net of tax credits, as a proportion of gross domestic product were published in table B27 of the March 1999 Financial Statement and Budget Report.

  Stamp Duty (Shares)
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue from stamp duty on shares if the rate was(a) increased to 1 per cent. and (b) lowered to ¼per cent. [R] [74066]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 2 March 1999]: As set out in Table B10 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report, the revenue from duty on transactions in shares and other securities is forecast to be £3.1 billion in 1999–2000. If the rate of duty was raised from the current 0.5 per cent. to 1 per cent., then it is estimated that revenue would be £5.4 billion in 1999–2000 whereas, if it was reduced to ¼ per cent., then revenue would be £1.7 billion. These estimates take account of the impact the relevant changes would be expected to have on the value of share transactions.

  EU Fraud
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what(a) discussions he has had and (b) proposals his Department has put forward at Council of Ministers' meetings in respect of EU fraud; and if he will make a statement. [77778]

  Ms Hewitt
  Fraud against the Community budget is something which the Government take very seriously and I can confirm that this informs our discussions with other member states at Council meetings. The Government aim to ensure that anti-fraud considerations are taken fully into account when new policies are being developed and new or revised regulations are on the table.

  Regular discussions on fighting EU fraud take place and specific proposals are considered at the ECOFIN Council where the Treasury is the lead UK Department. The Commission's annual "Fight against Fraud" report and work programme was discussed at the May 1998 ECOFIN which, under the UK Presidency, was devoted to fraud, financial management and budget issues. The Court of Auditors' Report for 1997 focused on improving financial management and fighting fraud and waste and was discussed at the March 1999 ECOFIN.

  The November 1998 ECOFIN discussed the European Court of Auditors' Special Report 8/98 concerning the Commission's services engaged in the fight against fraud. The Council concluded that there must be a policy of zero tolerance towards fraud and called for substantial improvements to be made without delay with fraud inside

  857
  the Community Institutions as the first target. It called on the Commission to consider all of the options for strengthening the fight against fraud.

  At the January 1999 ECOFIN the Chancellor called for a strong independent head of fraud investigations who would have wide ranging powers and rights matched by responsibility and accountability including reporting to the European Parliament and the Council. The March 1999 ECOFIN discussed the Commission's proposal of December 1998 for an independent fraud investigation office, and the 1997 European Court of Auditor's Report. The Council called on the Commission to bring forward amended proposals for a strengthened fraud investigation office, indicating the key elements it would wish the amended proposal to incorporate, which were in line with the Chancellor's January initiative.

  There may also be discussions of specific frauds against particular EC programmes in the relevant Council meeting, for instance on allegations of fraud against the EU humanitarian aid programme which were discussed at the November 1998 Development Council.

  Budget Publications
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what departmental guidelines govern the content of the Treasury publication, "Budget 99, Building a Stronger Economic Future for Britain"; and if he will make a statement. [77301]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 18 March 1999]: "Budget 99, Building a Stronger Economic Future for Britain" complies with the Cabinet Office guidance on the work of the Government Information Service.

  Capital Gains Tax
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people paid CGT in financial years(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98; and what is his estimate for (d) 1998–99. [R] [74063]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 2 March 1999]: The number of taxpayers with a Capital Gains Tax liability arising in the years 1995–96 to 1998–99 is as follows:

  Capital Gains Tax: Number of taxpayers 1

  Year

  Number

  1995–96

  100

  1996–972

  110

  1997–982

  160

  1998–992

  190

  1 Excludes companies as their capital gains are charged to Corporation Tax.

  2 Provisional. These figures were previously published in Table 1.6 of Inland Revenue Statistics 1998 (IRS 1998) and have been revised in line with outturn and the March 1999 Budget forecast.

  Business Taxes
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish for each tax levied on businesses(a) the amounts paid in 1996–97 and 1997–98 and (b) his estimate for 1998–99. [75293]
  858
  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: Detailed historical data on receipts from individual taxes can be found in Chapter 2 of "Financial Statistics".

  Estimates of tax receipts in 1998–99 can be found in Table B10 of the March 1999 Financial Statement and Budget Report.

  Duty Free
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the increased revenue to his Department as a result of the abolition of duty-free shopping in financial year 1999–2000. [77441]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Such estimates are sensitive to a whole range of assumptions about the nature of the successor regime and the post abolition marketing strategies of the duty-free operators. There is insufficient certainty on either of these points to make meaningful predictions at this stage.

  RAF Airfields (Exports)
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions permission has been given by HM Customs and Excise for private companies to export goods from RAF airfields in each of the last five years. [77246]

  Dawn Primarolo
  HM Customs and Excise does not keep records of such information.

  Military Cargo
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if HM Customs' permission was given for a military cargo to be exported from RAF Manston in Kent in May 1998, which subsequently went missing en route to South Africa. [77251]

  Dawn Primarolo
  HM Customs and Excise did give authority for the loading of a shipment of goods to South Africa, which moved via the UK having been released for export from the Community by Customs in another Member State. Information available at the time of shipment did not indicate that the cargo included any controlled military goods.

  VAT Liability
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on changes to United Kingdom determination of VAT liability, pursuant to(a) COM (98) 660 and (b) COM (98) 663; what legislation will be required; and what effect this will have on income to the Exchequer. [74444]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Explanatory memoranda were placed in the Library of the House in respect of draft Directive Com (98) 660.

  Petroleum
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much extra revenue will be raised in excise duty on petroleum due to changes made since 1 May 1997 in 1997–98 and each of the following four years. [76575]
  859
  Dawn Primarolo
  HM Customs and Excise estimate the extra revenue raised in excise duty on petrol due to the changes made since 1 May 1997 to be:

  £ million

  Financial year

  Extra revenue

  1997–98

  350

  1998–99

  740

  1999–2000

  600

  2000–01

  820

  2001–02

  1,000

  The figures have been calculated by comparing estimated revenue streams under the current Government's duty commitments (as shown in table C.1 of the 1998 FSBR and table IB.2 of the 1999 ESBR/FSBR) with an estimate of what revenue streams would have been under the previous Government's 5 per cent. escalator.

  Diesel
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much extra revenue will be raised in excise duty on(a) diesel and (b) ultra-low sulphur diesel due to changes made since 1 May 1997 in 1997–98 and each of the following four years. [76574]

  Dawn Primarolo
  HM Customs and Excise estimate the extra revenue raised in excise duty on(a) diesel and (b) ultra-low sulphur diesel due to the changes made since 1 May 1997 to be:

  Financial year

  Diesel

  Ultra-low sulphur diesel

  1997–98

  220

  -5

  1998–99

  570

  10

  1999–2000

  120

  430

  2000–01

  0

  900

  2001–02

  0

  1,040

  The figures have been calculated by comparing estimated revenue streams under the current Government's duty commitments (as shown in table C.1 of the 1998 FSBR and table IB.2 of the 1999 ESBR/FSBR) with an estimate of what revenue streams would have been under the previous Government's 5 per cent. escalator. It has been assumed that after 1999–2000 all diesel will have been replaced with ultra-low sulphur diesel.

  Although it was legislated for under the previous Government, the separate rate for ultra-low sulphur diesel did not come into effect until after 1 May 1997 and has therefore been treated as a change since that date.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Toddington Primary School
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on what date he received the Statement of Case from Gloucestershire County Council on its proposals to close Toddington Primary School. [77365]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The statement of case was received on 12 March 1999.

  Under-fives
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions he had with(a) teachers, (b) playgroup staff and (c) parents before proposing guidelines for the teaching of the under-fives; what extra provision he is making in terms of (i) teachers and (ii) buildings for implementing the guidelines; and if he will make a statement. [77367]

  Ms Hodge
  The Qualification and Curriculum Authority held eight consultative conferences with representatives of Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships, which include providers of early education and parents, before issuing its consultation document on the review of the desirable learning outcomes on 22 February. The consultation document has been sent to EYDC Partnerships, Local Education Authorities, teachers associations and to a sample of schools. Alongside this, the Secretary of State is considering responses to the consultation on the regulation of early education and day care which covered issues including adult:child ratios, qualifications and premises requirements.

DEFENCE

  Military Exercises
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the airborne exercise in France carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998. [72925]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  This exercise was a reciprocal exchange exercise between the Parachute Regiment and the French 1 Regiment de Chasseurs Parachutistes, involving 80 personnel from the Parachute Regiment, which took place in France in September 1997. The only additional cost for this exercise was for personnel to travel to and from France at a cost of £3,100 as exercises conducted under a reciprocal agreement are at no cost to the visiting force because personnel exchange places and use the supporting assets that are already in place.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of, which countries had armed forces involved in, what assessment he has made of the value of and how many personnel were deployed on the air exercises in the USA carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998. [76597]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The UK was involved in a number of air exercises in the USA in the specified time period, all of which provided excellent and valuable training opportunities for the participating forces. Holland, Brazil, Singapore and Spain also participated in the exercises, with the UK and the US. For fast jet exercises, the total additional cost to the UK was some £1.85 million, with a total of 1,600 UK personnel being deployed in the specified time period, although no more than 500 personnel were deployed for a single exercise. For Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) exercises, the total additional cost to the UK was some £600K, with a total of 550 UK personnel being deployed in the specified time period, although no more than 200 personnel were deployed for a single exercise.
  861
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of, which countries had armed forces involved in, and how many personnel were deployed on the jungle training exercise in Singapore carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998. [76590]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  835 personnel from the Royal Marine Command deployed, via Singapore, for a jungle training exercise in Malaysia. The exercise formed part of the Ocean Wave Far East deployment and the additional cost incurred was £51K. The exercises involved personnel of the UK and Royal Malaysian Armed Forces.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel were deployed on the jungle training exercise in Thailand carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998. [76593]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  136 personnel of the Royal Marine Command participated in this exercise.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the three infantry battalion exercises in Kenya carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998. [72971]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 1 March 1999]: The cost of the three infantry battalion exercises in Kenya carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998 was as follows:

  £million

  Exercise

  Cost

  Grand Prix 1/97

  0.063

  Grand Prix 2/97

  0.622

  Grand Prix 3/97

  0.672

  Total

  1.357

  The cost of Grand Prix 1/97 excludes the costs of movement by RAF transport aircraft and from Kenya, as these figures are no longer available. The costs of ammunition and of spares consumed during the exercise are also excluded as these costs are not separately identified.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the combined maritime and

  Army

  RN

  RAF

  Year

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Total

  Officers

  1989

  Not available

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  1

  1

  1990

  2

  1

  3

  3

  0

  3

  1

  0

  1

  7

  1991

  2

  0

  2

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  2

  4

  1992

  1

  0

  1

  1

  0

  1

  1

  1

  2

  4

  1993

  2

  0

  2

  0

  0

  0

  2

  1

  3

  5

  1994

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1995

  0

  0

  0

  4

  1

  5

  4

  0

  4

  9

  1996

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  1

  3

  0

  3

  4

  1997

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  1

  2

  0

  2

  3

  1998

  Not available

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  1

  1

  Other ranks

  1989

  —

  —

  132

  8

  1

  9

  —

  —

  119

  60

  1990

  20

  19

  39

  11

  1

  12

  14

  5

  19

  70

  1991

  21

  16

  37

  5

  1

  6

  4

  1

  5

  48

  1992

  13

  15

  28

  12

  3

  15

  6

  4

  10

  53

  1993

  18

  15

  33

  12

  1

  13

  9

  3

  12

  58

  1994

  17

  12

  29

  7

  6

  13

  5

  3

  8

  50

  1995

  21

  6

  27

  13

  1

  14

  11

  1

  12

  53

  1996

  28

  11

  139

  10

  7

  17

  3

  4

  7

  63

  1997

  18

  13

  131

  8

  5

  13

  5

  0

  5

  49

  1998

  26

  16

  142

  11

  6

  17

  3

  2

  5

  64

  1 These figures represent administrative discharges only. They do not include figures for dismissals

  862
  air exercise in Malaysia carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998. [76611]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  As I advised the hon. Member on 4 March 1999,Official Report, column 866, the RN participated in Exercise "Flying Fish" as part of their "Ocean Wave" deployment, the total additional cost of which was approximately £9.8M. The additional cost to the RAF of Exercise "Flying Fish" was some £800K.

  EU Directives and Regulations
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what EU directives and regulations affect compensation and pension arrangements for those for whom he and his Department are responsible, both military and civilian. [76960]

  Mr. Spellar
  MOD military and civilian personnel are entitled to membership of the relevant occupational pension schemes, Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) and the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) respectively. There are no EU directives or regulations which specifically govern public service pension schemes. However, more general EU directives and regulations governing employment and pay may in some cases have an impact on occupational pension schemes, including the AFPS and PCSPS.

  Service Personnel (Homosexuality)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) male and (b) female service personnel were discharged or dismissed on grounds of homosexuality in each of the past 10 years; how many of these, in each year, have challenged the decision at the European Court of Human Rights and at what cost to public funds, under the European Convention's (i) Article 3 (inhuman or degrading treatment), (ii) Article 8 (right to privacy), (iii) Article 10 (freedom of expression), (iv) Article 14 (freedom from discrimination) and (v) other Articles. [76955]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Based on the latest available figures, the numbers of those discharged or dismissed since 1989 are:
  863
  Six personnel are currently challenging their dismissals at the European Court of Human Rights. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no other cases in the last 10 years.

  All six of the applicants have claimed violation of their rights under:
  Article 8—right to respect for private and family life.
  Article 14—discrimination on any ground "such as sex, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or other status.". of the Convention.

  Two of the applicants have also claimed violations of their rights under:
  Article 3—torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
  Article 5—liberty and security of person.
  Article 10—freedom of expression.

  The Court, however, declared their complaint under Article 5 alone, and in conjunction with Article 14, inadmissible.

  The costs to public funds which can be separately identified are, to date, approximately £11,000, including VAT. There are also internal staff costs associated with defending these cases: these could not be separately identified.

  Depleted Uranium
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to review the hazards of exposure to depleted uranium. [74714]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  None. The hazards from depleted uranium are well documented in the scientific literature and are reviewed as new information becomes available. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my noble Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement on 17 February 1998,Official Report, House of Lords, column 21 and that given by the Under-Secretary of State for Defence on 13 May 1998, Official Report, columns 128–29. I have today placed a copy of the Ministry of Defence's Report on Depleted Uranium in the Libraries of the House.

  Naval Bases and Supply Agency
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently employed by the Naval Bases and Supply Agency; what was the figure at its inception; on what date the Naval Bases and Supply Agency published its report for 1997–98; and what was the cost of production of the report. [76894]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Naval Bases and Supply Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from J. A. Trewby to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 19 March 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Defence has asked me to reply to your Question about the number of people employed by the Naval Bases and Supply Agency and about the Agency's Annual Report as this falls within my area of responsibility.
  The Agency is currently complemented to employ 11,232 staff, including 2,954 military staff, compared to 13,350 on launch on 11 December 1996. This number will increase to 11,923 on 1 April this year with the creation of the new tri-service explosives
  864
  organisation within the Agency. Our 1997/98 Annual Report and Statement of Accounts was published on 27 July 1998 at a cost of £2,930.

  Ships Support Agency
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently employed by the Ships Support Agency; what was the figure at its inception; on what date the Ships Support Agency published its report for 1997–98; and what was the cost of production of the report. [76876]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Ships Support Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from J. D. Coles to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 19 March 1999:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State about the number of people currently employed by the Ships Support Agency, and at its inception; and about the date on which the Agency's report for 1997–98 was published and the cost of its production, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Agency.
  On 31 January 1999, the number of people employed by the Ships Support Agency was 2,903 (2,460 civilian and 443 military). When the Agency launched in December 1996 its strength was 2,810 (2,450 civilian and 360 military).
  The Agency's Annual Report for 1997–98 was placed in the Library of the House on 29 July 1998. External printing of the Report cost £3,393. All production work was undertaken by Agency internal resources.

  Pay and Personnel Agency
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently employed by the Pay and Personnel Agency; what was the figure at its inception; on what date the Pay and Personnel Agency published its report for 1997–98; and what was the cost of production of the report. [76897]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Pay and Personnel Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from M. A. Rowe to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 19 March 1999:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the number of people employed by the Pay & Personnel Agency, and its annual report for 1997/98; as these matters fall within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the agency.
  There are 739 people currently employed by the PPA, and the comparable number was 956 at 1 February 1996, the date of the agency's inception. All staff in the agency are civilians. The agency's report for 1997/98 was published on 23 July 1998 and the cost of production was £19,922.

  Medical Supply Agency
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently employed by the Medical Supply Agency; what was the figure at its inception; on what date the Medical Supply Agency published its report for 1997–98; and what was the cost of production of the report. [76889]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Medical Supplies Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
  865
  Letter from B. E. Nimick to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 19 March 1999:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the Medical Supplies Agency's manning and Annual Report as these matters fall within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Medical Supplies Agency.
  As at 12 March 1999 there were 354 employees funded by the Medical Supplies Agency. This Agency was formed in March 1996 and the total number of persons in post at 1 April 1996 was 301. Prior to its launch, the combined establishments of organisations that later formed the Medical Supplies Agency totalled 403. The reduction from 403 to 301 was achieved by means such as the removal of much of the military management, the closure of units in Germany and Hong Kong and the loss of a blood collection team. A Military/Civilian breakdown of these figures is shown below:

  Period

  Military

  Civilian

  Total

  Pre-Agency

  138

  265

  403

  1 April 96

  61

  240

  301

  12 March 99

  40

  314

  354

  A draft copy of the Medical Supplies Agency's Annual Report and Accounts for 1997/98 was circulated to members of the Surgeon General Owners' Review Board on 23 June 1998 and the final version was published on 19 January 1999. The report was written in-house by existing staff. It was designed using Ministry of Defence facilities, without incurring hard charges, and was printed at a cost of £1,204.

  Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently employed by the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre; and what was the figure at its inception. [76893]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from S. J. Lloyd to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 19 March 1999:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the number of people currently employed at the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre Defence Agency as this falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive.
  A total of 458 people are currently employed by the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre as at 11 March 1999. The figure at its inception in April 1996 was 485.
  I hope that you find that this answer gives you the information that you are seeking.

  Defence Dental Agency
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which targets the Defence Dental Agency did not meet in 1997–98; and what monitoring he has undertaken for those targets in 1998–99. [72838]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 1 March 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Dental Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
  866
  Letter from I. G. McIntyre to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 19 March 1999:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the 1997/98 achievement against targets and the monitoring of these targets in 1998/99, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive for the Defence Dental Agency.
  The Defence Dental Agency had six key targets for 1997/98 two of which were only partially met. Target number 6 which was to complete all Service Level Agreements with major customers. This target was specific to 1997/98, and although not met within the year due to delays in obtaining signatures from two of our customers, has now been achieved.
  Target number 2 which was, for each Service, to achieve a dental fitness target of 75% for all Service personnel, was not achieved in respect of Army personnel. It was recognised when the target was set that the Agency was not resourced to meet it for the Army. It was therefore set as an "aspirational" target in that respect. This target remains the same for 1998/99.
  Key targets are monitored continuously and reviewed quarterly. Quarterly results are published and submitted to the Owners Review Board, and the meetings of relevant Customer Advisory Group. Additionally end of year results will be published in the Next Steps Report.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date the Defence Dental Agency published its report for the year 1997–98; and what was the cost of production of the report. [72841]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 1 March 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Dental Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from I. G. McIntyre to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 19 March 1999:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about publication of the report for the Defence Dental Agency for the year 1997/98, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Dental Agency. The Defence Dental Agency did not publish a report for 1997/98.

  Gulf Veterans
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the basis for the statement of 15 February by Mr. Alan Casson of his Department's Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Unit that it is highly unlikely that local populations would have been exposed to any significant amount of respirable dust. [77257]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 18 March 1999]: I believe that the statement to which the hon. Member refers was made in a letter dated 15 February from Mr. Alan Casson, an official in my Department's Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Unit, to a member of the public. The basis for that statement was fully explained in that letter, the text of which is repeated in its entirety as follows:

  Letter from Mr. Alan Casson, Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Unit to a member of the public, dated 15 February 1999:
  Thank you for your letter of 19 October to the Secretary of State for Defence, Mr. Robertson, which enclosed a copy of an article from the Independent concerning ill-health in southern Iraq and an alleged link to the use of depleted uranium (DU) based ammunition by UK and US forces during the 1990/91 Gulf. I have been asked to reply and apologise for not doing so sooner.

  867
  Both US and UK forces did indeed use DU-based ammunition during the Gulf War. UK forces used a new 120mm tank round which contained a solid DU penetrator core with a protective (non-DU) coating in its Challenger 1 tanks. US forces used 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 105mm and 120mm ammunition rounds in its tanks, aircraft and ships. The MOD's current assessment is that UK tanks fired fewer than one hundred 120mm rounds against Iraq's military forces during hostilities (which equates to less than 1 metric tonne of DU), although additional rounds were fired during earlier work-up training to establish the round's Mean Point of Impact (MPI). In a paper published in August last year, the US Government reported that US forces in the Gulf had fired ammunition rounds containing some 290 metric tonnes of DU.
  It might be helpful if I explained the properties of DU and how the metal used in the manufacture of UK DU-based ammunition is produced. Uranium exists in three forms, known as isotopes. These isotopes are uranium-238, uranium-235 and uranium-234 and, in naturally occurring uranium, are found in the ratio 99.3% 238 U:0.7% 235 U:0.006% 234 U. Uranium in an 'enriched' form is used in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. The term enriched is used because the concentration of 234U has been artificially enhanced from that found in naturally occurring uranium. The by-product of this enrichment process is the production of DU, which involved the removal of virtually all234U and a reduction of the proportion of 235U to a low level. Typically, by weight, DU contains 99.7% 238 U, 0.2% 235 U and 0.00007% 234U.
  It might also be helpful if I explained the potential health hazards posed by the use of DU. Depleted uranium is defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency as a Low Specific Activity material; this means that its level of radioactivity is considerably lower than that of most man-made radionuclides such as plutonium and americium. DU-based ammunition rounds can produce a small amount of radioactive and toxic particulate material when they impact with a hard surface, which could present a health risk if inhaled or ingested. However, this material is fairly rapidly diluted and dispersed into the environment by the weather, to the point where it becomes difficult to detect, usually within a few hundred metres of impact, even with the most sophisticated radiation monitoring equipment. Thus, it is unlikely that anyone other than those in an armoured vehicle hit by a DU projectile or those spending prolonged periods within a few tens of metres of the point at which a DU-based round had impacted with a hard target would be exposed to large enough quantities of the material for their health to be a risk.
  Solid DU fragments present only a localised external radiation hazard to anyone handling them as only a very small fraction of the radiation emitted is able to penetrate the (dead) outer layer of the skin and because these fragments are too large to be inhaled or ingested. It would be necessary for a DU fragment to be in direct contact with the skin for tens of hours before any statutory UK dose limit for members of the public would be exceeded and even this would not give rise to any observable medical effects or a significant increase in the long term cancer risk.
  Another potential health hazard from DU is posed by its level of chemical toxicity, which is similar to that of other heavy metals such as lead. This could give risk to health problems if soluble DU were to be ingested or inhaled but this is very unlikely as the DU residues found on the battlefield are generally in the form of solid DU fragments or relatively insoluble oxides. Should any of these insoluble oxides be ingested, most would pass straight through the body and the risk of any health effects arising from this exposure route is therefore negligible. The inhalation of insoluble oxides gives rise to effects which result from the radioactive rather than toxic properties of DU. This is because insoluble particles are retained in the lung for prolonged periods and are excreted very slowly and at concentrations unlikely to affect the kidneys which are the organ at most risk from any toxic effects.
  The Independent article referred to a paper written by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) in April 1991 entitled "Kuwait—Depleted Uranium Contamination", which was produced for Royal Ordnance plc (rather than the Ministry of Defence) on a commercial basis. (A copy of this paper is attached for your information.) The paper calculated 500,000 potential deaths if 50 tonnes of DU dust was left in the area.
  868
  However, a number of assumptions made in this paper are very far from realistic. Indeed, the paper itself makes clear that it is not a rigorous scientific analysis of the actual situation, but a theoretical appraisal of the possible worst-case effects of firing DU-based ammunition in Kuwait. In particular, the paper assumes that all the DU fired in Kuwait was converted into respirable dust and that all of this dust was inhaled by a very large number of people.
  However, as I have already explained above, a DU penetrator core needs to hit a very hard target to cause the burning which produces radioactive and toxic dust. In practice, this only occurs when a DU penetrator hits extremely hard armour such as is found on only the most modern Main Battle Tanks. Such burning does not occur if the penetrator hits other, softer, types of armoured vehicles or if it misses its target and hits the ground. Of the DU-based rounds fired in Kuwait and Iraq, only a relatively small percentage would have hit a target hard enough to cause the DU penetrator to burn. Furthermore, our assessment, based on a large number of trials carried out in the UK and US, is that only about 20% of the DU in a DU-based round that has hit such a target is converted into respirable dust. Since the DU-based rounds were fired in the desert, many kilometres from the nearest village, it is highly unlikely that the local population would have been exposed to any significant amount of respirable dust.
  The Government does not have any information concerning the levels of DU currently present in the Gulf and cannot, therefore, comment on this matter. However, the UK tanks which were equipped with DU-based rounds during the Gulf conflict did not operate in the areas in southern Iraq in which it has been suggested that there is an elevated level of ill-health compared to that in other areas in Iraq (see next paragraph). After crossing the Saudi Arabian/Iraqi border north of Hafr al Batin, these tanks, which were part of 1 (UK) Armoured Division, turned east, entered Kuwait and pushed towards Kuwait City. We assess that 1 (UK) Armoured Division came no closer than about 75 kilometres from Az Zubayr and about 40 kilometres from Urn Qasr. The maximum range of a DU-based round fired from UK tanks is less than 15 kilometres.
  The article attached to your letter and a number of other articles by Robert Fisk have suggested that the use of DU-based ammunition during the Gulf War is affecting the health of some of the Iraqi population. The Government is aware that there have been suggestions, particularly in the Independent, that the use of DU-based ammunition during the Gulf conflict has caused an increase in ill-health, including deformities, cancers and birth defects, in southern Iraq (particularly around Basra, Az Zubayr and Urn Qasr). However, the Government has not seen any peer-reviewed epidemiological research data on this population to support these claims and it would, therefore, be premature to comment on this matter. Furthermore, there is no evidence that the illnesses of the types highlighted in the article attached to your letter (or in other Independent articles) are uniquely associated with exposure to DU. The Government would, of course, consider carefully any medical or scientific data which was presented on this subject.
  Finally, it might be helpful if I set out the role that the Government has taken to alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people under Saddam Hussein's regime. Since 1991, the UK has donated around £100 million bilaterally and via the European Union for use in projects throughout Iraq (many of which have specifically targeted the needs of children and widow-headed families), making the UK one of the largest donors. The UK also co-sponsored UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 986 which set up the original 'oil-for-food' programme under which Iraq can sell oil to fund the purchase of humanitarian supplies. More recently, we drafted Resolutions improving and expanding the programme so that Iraq can sell US$5.3 billion of oil every 6 months (more than double the original amount).
  I hope this is helpful.

  A copy of the paper by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, which is mentioned in the letter, has already been placed in the Library of the House.
  869
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the response of Mr. Alan Casson of the Gulf Veterans Illness Unit to the letter of Mr. Bill Griffin of Templevisce, Glanmire (reference D/GVIV/a/I), 2 of 23 February, regarding depleted uranium. [77326]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 18 March 1999]: I am advised that Mr. Griffin telephoned a member of my Department's Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Unit (GVIU) on 22 January and discussed a number of depleted uranium (DU) related issues. During this telephone conversation, Mr. Griffin offered to provide the Ministry of Defence with copies of research papers which he suggested showed that the use of DU-based ammunition by UK and US forces during the 1990–91 Gulf conflict has caused a significantly higher incidence of ill-health—including cancers and birth defects—in southern Iraq. So far, however, my officials have not received any further communication from Mr. Griffin. The Government would, of course, consider carefully any medical or scientific data which was presented on this subject.

  Lorna Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 3 March 1999,Official Report, column 776, when he expects to publish the paper setting out his Department's position concerning the testing of UK Gulf veterans for the presence of depleted uranium. [78299]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I am today publishing a detailed paper entitled "Testing for the presence of depleted uranium in UK veterans of the Gulf conflict: The Current Position". Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Macedonia
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about arrangements for the sending and receipt of personal mail by Her Majesty's forces deployed in Macedonia. [77494]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Mail to and from Macedonia and the UK is conveyed six days a week Monday to Friday and Sunday from London Heathrow to Skopje via Vienna and return.

  Mail to and from Macedonia and British Forces in Germany is conveyed five days a week Tuesday to Friday and Sunday outbound and Monday to Friday inbound from Dusseldorf to Skopje via Vienna.

  On both routes the mail is moved by commercial airline as this provides a quick, sustainable and reliable service. This core service is supplemented by RAF flights whenever they are flying to Macedonia and have space available for mail. Additional civilian routings are also being investigated.

  The current transmission time to Macedonia is four to five days from the UK and two to three days from Germany. Once the mail has arrived at Skopje, individual units collect and distribute the mail to their service personnel.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Territorial Army personnel are(a) currently deployed in Macedonia and (b) planned to be deployed in Macedonia; and whether notice has been given to TA units and personnel of intention to deploy them. [77491]
  870
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Ten personnel from the Territorial Army are currently deployed in Macedonia, and it is planned to deploy a further six on 22 March. At this stage general notice has not been given to TA units of an intention to deploy them to Macedonia. Individual members are being identified for particular posts as the requirement arises. If there is a requirement for further TA personnel a general trawl will be conducted, as was the case for Bosnia.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what units of the Defence Medical Services will be deployed in support of operations in Macedonia. [77492]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  In addition to medical personnel deployed as part of formed units, a number of specialist medical elements have been deployed to Macedonia on Operation "Agricola" with the main contribution being from 2 Armoured Field Ambulance which is supported by a surgical team and a small detachment of RAF medical personnel. Other specialist medical personnel from the three Services fill a variety of posts as part of the existing NATO Extraction Force, Kosovo Verification Co-ordination Centre, the Kosovo Verification Mission and UK headquarters staff.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Internet and e-mail facilities will be available for the personal and welfare use of British forces deployed in Macedonia. [77493]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Internet facilities are not normally provided for personal and welfare purposes on operations. The main means of communication from theatre to home are letter and telephone, both of which are funded or subsidised by the MOD. In other operational theatres, where there is a demand, units have installed and maintained Internet terminals on their own initiative from non-public unit funds.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the(a) current and (b) planned entitlement for welfare telephone calls for personnel deployed in Macedonia; and whether such calls will be available through his Department's satellite links or commercial contractors. [77495]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Service personnel, where operationally feasible, are permitted a weekly 10-minute private call home at public expense while on operations. This concession currently applies to all ground forces in Macedonia (and also supporting elements in Greece). Where possible, calls are made using the Macedonian commercial PTT system. In some locations, where this is not available, arrangements are in hand for civilian contractors to provide a service. In cases where neither option exists, troops are permitted to use the military communications network to make weekly private calls home.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on the supply of bottled mineral water to British troops in Macedonia; and if he will make a statement. [77496]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The majority of our forces deployed in Macedonia obtain their drinking water from local sources which have been assessed as safe to drink either by local Government laboratories or the in-theatre Royal Army Medical Corps Environmental Health
  871
  Officer. For those personnel in specific locations where local water sources are suspect, bottled water is provided. The bottled water supplied to British troops is either potable drinking water or still bottled water. It is not classed as "mineral" water.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of British troops in Macedonia are currently accommodated(a) under canvas and (b) in CORIMEC 20 foot equivalent units and (c) in other shelters; and if he will make a statement. [77497]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Approximately 20 per cent. of the British troops currently deployed in Macedonia are accommodated under canvas, less than 1 per cent. in CORIMEC-type units and the remainder in other accommodation.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many 20 foot equivalent CORIMEC accommodation units are(a) in place in Macedonia, (b) in transit to Macedonia and (c) on order for use by (i) the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and (ii) other British forces. [77498]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  No such accommodation units are currently in place, in transit or on order for use by the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps or other British Forces in Macedonia. However, accommodation will be provided, as necessary, in relation to the size of any force and the timing of its deployment.

  "Just in Time"
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he plans to take to ensure that "Just in Time" supply chain logistics support for military operations works effectively. [74661]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 4 March 1999]: "Just in Time" logistics is one of a range of supply management techniques which are being examined by a study team reporting to the Chief of Defence Logistics. Whilst there may be some scope for broadening the existing selective application of "Just in Time" logistics in the defence sector, the degree to which this is achievable would be dependent on the nature of military operations which need to be supported.

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which of the following Territorial Army units are classified as infantry units(a) Bn HQ RRW, (b) RHQ Tpt Regiment, (c) RHQ 104 Regt RA and (d) Bn HQ, Wales. [77535]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 18 March 1999]: Of the units listed, only the Battalion headquarters, Royal Regiment of Wales (Bn HQ RRW) is an infantry unit. This will be replaced by the Battalion headquarters for the new TA infantry battalion for Wales (Bn HQ Wales) in the new structure.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the(a) current and (b) planned future locations, including counties, of the following TA headquarters (a) Bn HQ RRW, (b) RHQ Tpt Regiment, (c) RHQ 104 Regt RA and (d) Bn HQ, Wales. [77534]
  872
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 18 March 1999]: The Battalion headquarters, Royal Regiment of Wales (Bn HQ RRW) is currently located in Cardiff, Glamorgan. It will not exist in the new TA structure, but will be replaced int he same location by the Battalion headquarters of the new TA infantry battalion for Wales (Bn HQ Wales). The Regimental headquarters of 155 Transport Regiment (RHQ Tpt Regt) is currently located in Cardiff, Glamorgan, and will remain there in the new structure. The Regimental headquarters of 104 Regiment Royal Artillery (RHQ 104 Regt) is currently located in Newport, Gwent, and will also remain there in the new structure.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many questions he has answered from the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) since 1 January; and at what cost to his Department's budget. [77483]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Since 1 January 1999, our records show that 287 questions have been tabled to my Department by the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) of which 240 have been answered to date. The cost to my Department's budget of answering individual Parliamentary Questions is not held centrally, however, the advisory cost limit of answering a Parliamentary Question is £500; therefore answering this number of questions may have cost some £120,000.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Sierra Leone
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Mr. Peter Penfold sent any message during 1997 to London from any German or US diplomatic premises in Africa. [75801]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: Mr. Penfold was consulted about the answer to a previous question from my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Mr. Mackinlay), 26 January 1999, Official Report, column 149, and had said it was not necessary for him to use the communication facilities at the German Embassy to communicate with London. A commercial fax facility was available at his hotel and allowed him to communicate with London directly. This answer was incomplete.

  Mr. Penfold has been consulted again, and has again confirmed that he did not use classified communication facilities at the German Embassy to send messages to London. He has added that some of his and the other British High Commission staff's messages were, however, sent by fax from the commercial fax machine in the German Embassy in Conakry. Mr. Penfold believes he did on occasion also use the telephone at the German Embassy to communicate with London.

  Other than the unclassified messages sent on commercial channels from the German Embassy in Conakry, Mr. Penfold has said he did not, to his best recollection, use German or US diplomatic premises in Africa in 1997 for sending messages to London.

  Dubai
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will meet with the UAE Ambassador to request an explanation for the failure of the Government of Dubai to respond to his note verbale of 10 November 1998. [76945]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 16 March 1999]: Our Embassy in Dubai asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dubai on 11 March when we might expect a reply to the Note Verbale of 10 November 1998.

  Human Rights
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on Protocol number 4 to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms; and if he will make a statement. [77001]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The fourth Protocol raises difficult issues, including the need for legislation. We will keep them under consideration.

  Firearms
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the resolution of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly on control of the acquisition and possession of firearms by individuals; and if he will make a statement. [77000]

  Mr. Boateng
  I have been asked to reply.

  The European Convention on the Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Firearms by Individuals was agreed in 1978. It has been signed by the United Kingdom but not ratified.

  The Convention has effectively been superseded for European Community (EC) member states by the adoption of an EC Directive on the Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons. This was incorporated into domestic law by virtue of the Firearms Acts (Amendment) Regulations 1992. The Directive contains many similarities to the Convention in that it established procedures for the notification of movement of firearms between member states.

WALES

  Airports and Air Services
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what progress has been made on the study of the economic impact of regional airports and regional air services announced in A New Deal for Transport; when these studies will be completed in Wales; and if he will make a statement; [76989]

  (2) what plans he has (a) to approve and (b) to initiate developments relating to airports before the completion of the economic impact studies covering airports and air services announced in A New Deal for Transport; and if he will make a statement. [76990]
  874
  Mr. Hain
  Work is currently under way on an air services study for Wales, in line with the commitment given in the White Paper, "A New Deal For Transport", and the Welsh transport policy statement "Transporting Wales into the Future". The study, which is focusing on the scope for new and enhanced services as well as the role of airports in economic development, is expected to be completed in the summer. I have no plans to initiate or approve developments relating to airports before that time, although I am continuing to consider improved surface access to Cardiff International Airport.

  It will be for the National Assembly, in collaboration with the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, to decide how to take forward the findings of the study in the context of the national airports policy which is being developed.

  Links Magazine
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the cost of producing(a) the November edition and (b) the September edition of Links magazine. [77487]

  Mr. Hain
  The first edition of Links was issued in November 1997 and cost £8,184.

  The sixth edition of Links was issued in November 1998 and cost £7,459.

  The first edition of Links cost slightly more than subsequent issues because of additional origination costs.

  In neither year has there been a September edition.

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

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the average cost of producing each edition of Links magazine in the current financial year. [77488]

  Mr. Hain
  The average cost of producing each edition of Links in the current financial year is £7,577.50.

  Printing costs in this financial year for the supplement of Links extra have been £710.00.

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

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Science Budget
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the allocation of the science budget to each research council and other funded bodies, at cash and constant terms for (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97, (iii) 1997–98 and (iv) 1998–99 and the planned figures for(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02; and the proportion of this money allocated to Scotland. [76860]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 16 March 1999]: Details of Science Budget spend and allocations in cash and at 1998–99 prices are set out in the following tables.
  875

  Science budget spend and allocations 1995–96 to 2001–02

  £ million

  Council etc.

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Cash

  BBSRC

  180.0

  179.6

  183.0

  190.8

  198.3

  203.0

  208.2

  EPSRC

  368.9

  378.0

  386.3

  389.4

  397.6

  410.9

  427.2

  ESRC

  61.5

  63.7

  65.2

  67.5

  69.8

  71.2

  72.9

  MRC

  278.1

  282.1

  289.1

  294.0

  304.5

  319.2

  334.1

  NERC

  167.8

  157.3

  166.2

  175.0

  178.5

  181.8

  187.5

  PPARC

  202.7

  213.5

  197.9

  207.4

  186.8

  200.7

  204.2

  CCLRC

  2.4

  1.5

  1.2

  1.5

  2.0

  2.0

  2.0

  Royal Society

  21.1

  22.1

  22.3

  22.6

  23.9

  24.6

  25.7

  Royal Academy of Engineering

  2.6

  3.1

  3.4

  3.4

  3.7

  4.0

  4.3

  OST Initiatives

  1.8

  1.6

  1.8

  2.3

  2.8

  2.8

  2.9

  Superannuation Supplement

  8.2

  9.9

  14.7

  13.3

  12.0

  14.4

  14.8

  LINK/Foresight

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1.0

  3.0

  4.0

  University Challenge

  —

  —

  —

  15.0

  10.0

  10.0

  —

  Synchrotron Radiation Source

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  15.0

  20.0

  Joint Research Equipment Initiative

  —

  —

  —

  —

  7.0

  10.0

  10.0

  Joint Infrastructure Fund

  —

  —

  —

  —

  75.0

  100.0

  125.0

  Science Enterprise Challenge

  —

  —

  —

  —

  25.0

  —

  —

  International/Contingency Reserve

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  15.0

  15.0

  Total

  1,295.1

  1,312.4

  1,331.0

  1,382.3

  1,497.8

  1,587.5

  1,657.6

  £ million

  Council etc.

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  1998–99 prices

  BBSRC

  195.0

  188.6

  187.6

  190.8

  193.5

  193.2

  193.3

  EPSRC

  399.5

  397.1

  395.9

  389.4

  387.9

  391.1

  396.7

  ESRC

  66.6

  67.0

  66.9

  67.5

  68.1

  67.7

  67.7

  MRC

  301.2

  296.4

  296.3

  294.0

  297.1

  303.8

  310.2

  NERC

  181.8

  165.3

  170.3

  175.0

  174.2

  173.0

  174.1

  PPARC

  219.5

  224.3

  202.8

  207.4

  182.2

  191.0

  189.6

  CCLRC

  2.6

  1.5

  1.2

  1.5

  2.0

  1.9

  1.9

  Royal Society

  22.8

  23.2

  22.8

  22.6

  23.3

  23.4

  23.9

  Royal Academy of Engineering

  2.8

  3.3

  3.5

  3.4

  3.6

  3.8

  4.0

  OST Initiatives

  1.9

  1.7

  1.9

  2.3

  2.7

  2.7

  2.6

  Superannuation Supplement

  8.9

  10.4

  15.0

  13.3

  11.7

  13.7

  13.7

  LINK/Foresight

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1.0

  2.9

  3.7

  University Challenge

  —

  —

  —

  15.0

  9.8

  9.5

  —

  Synchrotron Radiation Source

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  14.3

  18.6

  Joint Research Equipment Initiative

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6.8

  9.5

  9.3

  Joint Infrastructure Fund

  —

  —

  —

  —

  73.2

  95.2

  116.1

  Science Enterprise Challenge

  —

  —

  —

  —

  24.4

  —

  —

  International/Contingency Reserve

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  14.3

  13.9

  Total

  1,402.6

  1,378.8

  1,364.3

  1,382.3

  1,461.2

  1,511.0

  1,539.3

  Notes:

  Figures for 1995–96 to 1997–98 are taken from the Appropriation Accounts

  1998–99 data are the amounts voted in Supplementary Estimates

  Figures for 1999–2000 to 2001–02 are the allocations announced on 27 October 1998 but PPARC's 1999–2000 figure includes the International/Contingency Reserve of £3 million.

  Allocations of resources by OST, the Research Councils and other bodies funded from the Science Budget are made on a scientific not a regional basis. Decisions are based on the quality of the science or the project involved.

  In the years 1995–96 to 1996–97, the latest years for which complete data are available, Research Councils' expenditure in Scotland totalled £121 million and £140 million respectively, 8.9 per cent. and 10.1 per cent. of the Councils' total expenditure (including non-science budget funds). Scottish institutions also benefit from access to UK and international facilities supported by the Research Councils.

  University Science Projects
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what projects in university science, supported by his Department's funding, will lead to the ownership of intellectual property by(a) the Wellcome Trust or (b) the Gatsby Foundation. [76071]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]: None.

  Longbridge
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had within the EU on the subject of grant aid to BMW at Longbridge; and what responses he has received. [76256]
  877
  Mr. Byers
  In line with the practice of successive Administrations, should an aid package be forthcoming, it will be notified to the Commission and clearance sought in accordance with the Community framework for State aid to the motor vehicle industry.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list consents he has given, specifying under what legal authority, for cultivation of genetically modified crops for(a) research and (b) sale; and for each consent the name of (i) applicant, (ii) company and (iii) owner, if different, (1) the area of (A) enclosed and (B) open tillage of the crop, and (2) its location; the purpose of (x) research and (y) sale, together with any purchaser if known, and the period of permission. [72562]

  Mr. Meacher
  The legal authority for giving consent for the cultivation of genetically modified crops for research purposes or for sale (placing on the market) arises from the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and associated regulations covering the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms. To date 153 consents for research purposes have been issued. The information in the form requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, it is available on the statutory public register held in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. With respect to the placing on the market of genetically modified crops, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) on 5 March 1999,Official Report, column 960.

  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will list the(a) number, (b) type and (c) locations of genetically modified crops grown in (i) North East Cambridgeshire, (ii) Cambridgeshire and (iii) East Anglia; [73943]

  (2) if he will list the (a) number, (b) type and (c) location of genetically modified crop testing sites in (i) North East Cambridgeshire, (ii) Cambridgeshire and (iii) East Anglia. [73944]

  Mr. Meacher
  The information in the form requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, it is already available to the public, as information on all consents given for the cultivation of genetically modified crops is contained in the statutory public register held in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he has discussed with representatives of the biotechnology industry the introduction of a voluntary three-year halt in the planting of herbicide-tolerant genetically modified crops; [77679]
  878
  (2) what steps his Department has taken to delay the commercial release of herbicide-tolerant genetically modified crops through voluntary agreements with the biotechnology industry. [77680]

  Mr. Meacher
  My officials have been discussing with representatives of the biotechnology industry their proposals for the introduction of genetically modified crops for commercial growing by farmers once all relevant approvals have been granted. My officials have also been seeking to obtain assurances from the biotechnology industry that the commercial introduction should be restrained until results from the farm scale evaluations indicate that commercial activity may take place in accordance with the concept of managed development as set out in my statement to the House of Lords on 21 October 1998.

  Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason employees of environmental non-Governmental organisations are not eligible for membership of the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment; and if he will make a statement. [76271]

  Mr. Meacher
  There is no such barrier to employees of environmental non-governmental organisations becoming members of ACRE. The present ACRE includes one member who is employed by Green Alliance, although she serves in her individual capacity and not as a representative of that organisation.

  Driving Tests
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people passed their driving test examination in the United Kingdom in 1998. [76818]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  In 1998, 690,745 people passed the theoretical part of their driving test and 581,728 passed the practical part in Great Britain. These figures are inclusive of car, motorcycle and vocational tests.

  The corresponding figures for Northern Ireland are 26,360 theoretical driving test passes, and 24,817 practical test passes. These figures also include car, motorcycle and vocational tests.

  Car Ownership
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the number of registered car owners in the United Kingdom. [76817]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The record maintained by the Driver and Licensing Agency is a register of vehicle keepers. On 31 December 1998, there were records for 24,840,942 cars and light vans.

  R. J. B. Mining Ltd.
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the status of the application by R. J. B. Mining Ltd. to mine the
  879
  Cutacre and Wharton Hall spoil tips and land between Over Hulton and Little Hulton (planning application 48800/96); and when he expects it to be determined. [77197]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The appeal has been referred back to the parties who appeared at the local inquiry to see if they wish to make further representations or fresh submissions in the light of the emerging policies in the draft revised guidance on Coal Mining and Colliery Spoil Disposal published for consultation in October last year. In the light of those representations my Department will consider how best to proceed to determine the appeal and will issue a decision on the appeal as soon as it is possible to do so.

  Fast-growing Hedges
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many representations he has received on the issue of fast-growing hedges; how many responses have been received from local authorities to the recent circular issued by his Department; whom he has consulted other than local authorities on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [77459]

  Mr. Meale
  This Department has received around 2,500 letters on the issue of fast-growing hedges in 1998 and 1999. The number of telephone calls received has not been recorded.

  114 local authorities have so far responded to the circular issued by the Local Government Association on 11 February 1999.

  The Department is working with the members of the Leylandii Working Group to draw up a voluntary code of practice on the information to be provided on the sale of hedging plants. The members of the Leylandii Working Group are the Local Government Association, the Horticultural Trades Association, the Arboricultural Association, The British Association of Landscape Industries and the Consumers Association. My Department has contacted a number of other bodies, including the Garden Centre Association, the House Builders Federation, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Planning Officers' Society, the National Association of Tree Officers, Mediation UK and the Hedgeline campaign group.

  We are considering whether there is anything further the Government should do to address the problems caused by high hedges. We will announce our conclusions in due course.

  Planning Inspectorate
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to improve the efficiency of the Planning Inspectorate. [77312]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate, Mr. Chris Shepley, to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from C. J. Shepley to Mr. Keith Vaz, dated 19 March 1999:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Question about the efficiency of the Planning Inspectorate.
  880
  Our track record on efficiency is already excellent. Indeed we have achieved our Ministerial target for efficiency gains every year since we became an Agency in 1992.
  We have also improved our performance in our main business area, the processing of planning appeals, dramatically in recent years:

  Handling times (for 80 per cent. of caseload)

  1996–97

  1998–99 (year to date)

  Cases by:

  Written Representation

  25

  17

  Hearing

  47

  27

  Inquiry

  58

  41

  Note:

  All times expressed in weeks from receipt to decision.

  But that is not to say that further improvements cannot be made, and we expect our new targets for the coming three year period following the Comprehensive Spending Review to be even more demanding. We have a number of measures in hand to ensure that we rise to the challenge.

  Tyres
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to prevent the sale in Scotland of part-worn tyres which are below United Kingdom safety standards. [77421]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 seek to control the safety and supply of part-worn tyres throughout the United Kingdom. The Regulations stipulate that, before being offered for sale, part-worn tyres must have been properly examined internally and externally to ensure suitability for their intended use and must be marked "PART WORN" adjacent to their European or British Standards approval markings. They must also have a minimum tread depth of 2mm across the whole breadth of the tyre. The priority afforded to enforcement of these requirements is a matter for Local Authority Trading Standards bodies.

  Airports (Passenger Service Charges)
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each airport in the United Kingdom, in rank order, the schedule of passenger service charges for passengers (i) arriving and (ii) departing from and to destinations within(a) the United Kingdom, (b) the EU and (c) elsewhere. [77297]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 18 March 1999]: Passenger charges are levied on the airlines by airports for services and facilities provided by the airport operator. A schedule of passenger charges at UK airports subject to economic regulation by the CAA under the Airports Act 1968 are set out in the table. As the structure of charges varies widely between airports, it is not possible to rank them. Charges are generally shown for domestic and international passengers, and distinctions between EU and other international destinations are not made. Airport levy charges on either departing passengers or arriving passengers, but not both.
  881

  Passenger charges at UK airports 1998–99

  Airport

  Charged on arriving or departing passengers

  Charge £

  Aberdeen

  Departing

  9.22

  Domestic-Peak

  8.18

  Domestic-Off peak

  13.50

  International

  Barra, Campeltown, Islay, Tiree, Wick

  Arriving

  6.28

  Domestic

  16.18

  International

  Benbecula, Inverness, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh

  Arriving

  6.36

  Domestic

  16.26

  International

  Belfast City

  Arriving

  8.10

  Domestic

  11.55

  International

  Belfast International

  Arriving

  9.60

  Domestic

  12.20

  International

  Birmingham

  Departing

  6.44

  Domestic

  10.71

  International

  Blackpool

  Arriving

  8.00

  Domestic

  11.25

  International

  Bournemouth

  Arriving

  3.00

  Domestic

  7.50

  International

  Bristol

  Arriving

  4.20

  Domestic

  9.50

  International

  Cardiff

  Arriving

  5.25

  Domestic

  11.85

  International

  East Midlands

  Departing

  3.86

  Domestic-Peak

  3.36

  Domestic-Off peak

  8.80

  International-Peak

  7.83

  International-Off peak

  Edinburgh

  Departing

  7.96

  Domestic-Peak

  7.41

  Domestic-Off peak

  12.20

  International-Peak

  10.70

  International-Off Peak

  Exeter

  Departing

  3.25

  Domestic

  9.45

  International

  Gatwick

  Departing

  3.40

  Domestic

  6.10

  International-Peak

  4.85

  International-Off peak

  4.85

  Ireland-Peak

  3.60

  Ireland-Off peak

  Glasgow

  Departing

  8.00

  Domestic-peak

  7.45

  Domestic-Off peak

  13.55

  International-Peak

  10.70

  International-Off peak

  Heathrow

  Departing

  3.50

  Domestic

  6.50

  International

  5.25

  Ireland

  Humberside

  Arriving

  5.05

  Domestic-Small aircraft

  7.65

  Domestic-Large aircraft

  12.30

  International

  Leeds-Bradford

  Departing

  6.46

  Domestic

  11.92

  International

  Liverpool

  not known

  1.80

  Domestic-Small aircraft

  7.25

  Domestic-Large aircraft

  3.50

  International-Small aircraft

  12.50

  International-Large aircraft

  882 883

  Passenger charges at UK airports 1998–99

  Airport

  Charged on arriving or departing passengers

  Charge £

  London City

  Arriving

  6.40

  Domestic-Peak

  5.75

  Domestic-Off peak

  12.10

  International-Peak

  10.90

  International-Off peak

  Luton

  Departing

  3.50

  Domestic

  7.90

  International-peak-Long flights

  3.50

  International-Peak-Short flights

  3.50

  International-Off Peak

  Manchester

  Departing

  1.34

  Domestic-Peak-Small aircraft

  1.08

  Domestic-Off Peak-Small aircraft

  5.59

  Domestic-Peak-Large aircraft

  5.05

  Domestic-Off Peak-Large aircraft

  8.52

  International-Peak

  5.05

  International-Off Peak

  5.74

  International-Early Morning-Summer

  2.38

  International-Early Morning-Winter

  Newcastle

  Arriving

  6.80

  Domestic

  11.82

  International

  Norwich

  Arriving

  6.76

  Domestic

  12.17

  International

  Plymouth

  Departing

  4.35

  Domestic

  8.71

  International

  Prestwick

  Departing

  8.00

  Domestic-Peak

  7.45

  Domestic-Off Peak

  13.60

  International-Peak

  10.65

  International-Off Peak

  Southampton

  Departing

  6.34

  Small aircraft

  8.18

  Large aircraft

  Southend

  Arriving

  9.00

  —

  Stansted

  Departing

  3.35

  Domestic

  6.00

  International-Peak

  4.75

  Internation-Off Peak

  4.75

  Ireland-Peak

  3.50

  Ireland-Off peak

  Teesside

  Arriving

  7.80

  Domestic

  11.90

  International-Peak

  8.50

  International-Off Peak

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is his target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the United Kingdom by 20 per cent. of the 1997 level by 2010; and if he will make a statement. [77623]

  Mr. Meale
  At Kyoto, the EU agreed to a legally binding target to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 8 per cent. below 1990 levels over the period 2008–12: under the UK Presidency this target was shared out between the member states, with the UK agreeing to a 12.5 per cent. reduction. Achieving this target must be our priority. But the Government are committed to moving beyond that towards our domestic goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010.

  Birth Defects
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into a link between contaminated waste sites and birth defects in the local area. [77800]

  Mr. Meale
  (a) Following the publication of the EUROHAZCON study on congenital anomalies near hazardous landfill sites, the following research has been commissioned:

  The Small Area Health Statistics Unit (SAHSU) (Imperial College) has been commissioned to carry out a study of health effects around landfill sites, including congenital malformations.

  (b) The following research has been evaluated.
  885
  A one day meeting of experts was held on 26 January 1999 by the MRC Institute of Environment and Health, at the request of this Department, to discuss the links between health effects, especially congenital anomalies, and landfill sites. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss recent research findings, to identify gaps in the knowledge base, and to agree and prioritise further research requirements. The meeting made a number of recommendations for further research work. We are currently considering the best way to take forward these recommendations.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the members of regional development agencies regarding their environmental role; what plans he has to monitor the environmental impact of RDAs; what plans he has to assess the implementation of the regional strategy of the RDAs; and if he will make a statement. [77366]

  Mr. Meale
  Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) have a statutory purpose to contribute to sustainable development, and a statutory duty to formulate a regional strategy in relation to all their purposes. The statutory guidance we will be giving to RDAs in relation to their strategies, which will be supplemented with more detailed advice from my Department, will emphasise the fact that sustainable development is integral to the RDAs' work. An RDA's strategy will be expected to include an appraisal of the contribution the strategy will make to sustainable development, and how it will foster the four key principles of sustainable development: high and stable levels of economic growth and employment; social progress which recognises the needs of everyone; effective protection of the environment and prudent use

  Authority

  Purpose

  Value (£ million)

  Political control

  Woking

  Town centre regeneration

  4.1

  Liberal Democrat

  Sheffield

  Waste incinerator

  17.0

  Labour

  Plymouth

  TCAs for self-financing schemes

  n/a

  Labour

  Harrogate

  Harrogate International Centre

  6.6

  Liberal Democrat

  Note:

  None of the applications was successful.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 15 March 1999,Official Report, column 469, if he will list the applications for trading credit approvals which were successful in 1998–99, and the political control of each local authority concerned with the applications. [77616]

  Ms Armstrong
  None was successful.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 15 March 1999,Official Report, column 469, what effect granting the trading credit approval applied for by Harrogate Borough Council would have had on the PSBR for 1999–2000. [77617]
  886
  of natural resources; and integration of economic, social and environmental objectives. RDAs are aiming to submit their first strategies by October 1999.

  We are working with RDAs to develop an effective monitoring and evaluation framework. This will take some time, and we have therefore produced an interim framework which includes a number of core indicators which RDAs should use in developing their strategies. The indicators cover each of the five statutory purposes of RDAs, including sustainable development, and provide both a regional context and a measure of key aspects of RDA activity. Further indicators which reflect the particular features of each region will be developed by the RDAs themselves.

  My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment discussed with the Chairmen of RDAs on 19 February their sustainable development role. Officials, from my Department and from the Government Offices for the Regions regularly discuss with RDAs the work they are doing in preparation for their strategies.

  Trading Credit Approvals
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 15 March 1999,Official Report, column 469, if he will list the local authorities that made trading credit approval applications in 1997–98, indicating (a) the value of each application, (b) the purpose for which the trading credit approval was sought, (c) the political control of the local authority concerned and (d) whether the application was successful. [77618]

  Ms Armstrong
  My reply to the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough on 15 March 1999,Official Report, column 469, listed Trading Credit Approval applications by local authorities considered in 1998. In each case the applications were received in late 1997 or early 1998. Records show a further application, received in January 1997, which is also listed.

  Ms Armstrong
  If the Trading Credit Approval of £4.3 million applied for by Harrogate Borough Council for next year had been approved it would have been expected to increase the PSBR for 1999–2000 by that amount.

  Countryside Agency
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the appointment of members of the Countryside Agency will be announced. [78297]

  Mr. Meacher
  I am very pleased to announce that the following people have accepted my invitation to become members of the Board of the Countryside Agency.
  887

  Kate Ashbrook

  Janet Bradbury

  Bishop Alan Chesters

  Martin Doughty

  Dr. Victoria Edwards

  Prof. Philip Lowe

  Catherine Mack

  Miles Middleton

  Frances Rowe

  David Woodhall.

  Direct Labour Organisations
  Liz Blackman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what further action he proposes to take against those local authorities whose direct labour and direct service organisations failed to meet their statutory financial objectives in 1997–98. [78347]

  Ms Armstrong
  On 18 December 1998, 26 statutory notices were served on 18 local authorities concerning the failure of their direct labour and service organisations (DLOs/DSOs) to meet the required financial objectives in 1997/98. My right hon. Friend has now considered the responses to those notices, and has decided to give nine directions to seven local authorities.

  The Directions require authorities to retender the work by 13 December 1999 if they fail to meet the financial objective in 1998/99, and to seek the Secretary of State's consent where the work has to be retendered and where the authority subsequently wish to award the work in-house.

  The directions take the following form:

  Coventry City MBC (vehicle maintenance)

  London Borough of Croydon (building maintenance)

  London Borough of Redbridge (building maintenance)

  London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (refuse collection, other cleaning, other catering)

  South Tyneside MBC (grounds maintenance)

  London Borough of Tower Hamlets (construction and maintenance of sewers)

  West Wiltshire District Council (refuse collection).

  The Secretary of State has also decided to take no further statutory action in respect of financial failure in 1997–98 by:

  Company

  Date of meeting

  Company

  Date of meeting

  Novartis

  3 August 98

  Monsanto

  18 November 1998

  Zeneca

  6 August 1998

  Zeneca

  28 January 1998

  Novartis

  22 September 1998

  Zeneca

  5 February 1999

  AgrEvo

  23 September 1998

  Novartis

  11 February 1999

  AgrEvo

  14 October 1998

  Novartis

  16 February 1999

  Novartis

  5 November 1998

  AgrEvo and Rhone-Poulenc

  22 February 1999

  Novartis

  9 November 1998

  Zeneca

  8 March 1999

  Cyanamid

  11 November 1998

  Cyanamid

  9 March 1999

  Zeneca

  12 November 1998

  Zeneca

  10 March 1999

  Cyanamid

  17 November 1998

  Cyanamid

  11 March 1999

  AgrEvo

  18 November 1998

  —

  —

  888

  Colchester Borough Council (grounds maintenance)

  London Borough of Hackney (supervision of parking and legal services)

  Harborough District Council (building and grounds maintenance)

  London Borough of Hillingdon (finance)

  London Borough of Merton (refuse collection)

  North Somerset Unitary Council (grounds maintenance)

  Northumberland County Council (vehicle maintenance)

  Oadby and Wigston District Council (management of sports and leisure facilities and grounds maintenance)

  London Borough of Redbridge (building cleaning)

  London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (building maintenance)

  Stafford Borough Council (highway maintenance)

  London Borough of Waltham Forest (building maintenance).

  Reviews of the financial operations of other councils' activities are ongoing.

  Compulsory Competitive Tendering is due to be replaced in 2000 with a duty for councils to achieve Best Value for their local taxpayers. In the run up to Best Value the Government remains committed to ensuring that local authorities' accounts for the delivery of goods and services remain in good financial health and that pressure to minimise costs to council taxpayers is maintained.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the occasions since 29 July 1998 when(a) he, (b) his colleagues and (c) his officials have met representatives of biotechnology or seed companies, stating in each case (i) what matters were discussed, (ii) what the outcome of the meeting was and (iii) the names of those at the meeting. [70555]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for South Swindon (Ms Drown) on 19 November 1998, Official Report, column 285, in which dates of ministerial meetings with companies about genetically modified organisms are provided. No further meetings of this type have taken place since the answer was provided.

  I can also confirm that the following meetings between officials and biotechnology/seed companies have taken place since 29 July 1998:
  Meetings with biotechnology/seed companies and officials since 29 July 1998
  Meetings to discuss pesticide regulatory matters
  889
  Meetings with the Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops (SCIMAC)
  Meetings with SCIMAC to discuss the industry's progress towards establishing guidelines for the growing of new types of herbicide tolerant crops took place on the following dates: 2 October 1998,9 October 1998,13 November 1998,9 December 1998,11 December 1998,29 January 1999 and 3 February 1999.

  Company

  Date of meeting

  Company

  Date of meeting

  Monsanto, AgrEvo and Cyanamid

  28 July 1998

  Dow Agrosciences and Monsanto

  14 December 1999

  Monsanto

  30 July 1998

  Dow Agrosciences

  5 January 1999

  Zeneca and AgrEvo

  3 August 1998

  CPB Twyford and PGS

  8 January 1999

  Zeneca

  5 August 1998

  Zeneca

  11 January 1999

  Advanta

  19 October 1998

  Cyanamid, Monsanto and AgrEvo

  27 January 1999

  Advanta Seeds

  2 December 1998

  —

  —

  Meetings related to administration of plant breeders' rights and related matters
  The administration of plant breeders' rights, national listing and seed certification call for frequent meetings and other contacts between officials and representatives of plant breeding and seed companies. Since 29 July 1998 officials of the Plant Variety Rights & Seeds Division have had meetings with members of Sharpes International Seeds Ltd., Midland Shires Farmers, J. E. & V. M. Doultons Ltd., M. Hancocks & Son Ltd., Monsanto, Pioneer Hibred, Novartis, English Sugar Beet Co., AgrEvo, Advanta Seeds, CPB Twyfords, and the British Agro Chemical Association. The Plant Health & Seeds Inspectorate also made numerous visits to seed companies and held discussions with them in pursuance of the Inspectorate's duties.

  Other meetings
  A meeting took place with Monsanto on 20 January 1999 to discuss their GM cotton seed application under EC Regulation 90/220.

  Date

  Destinations

  Methods of travel

  12–13 May 1997

  Brussels and The Hague

  Scheduled flight and train

  20–21 May 1997

  Brussels

  Scheduled flight

  25–27 May 1997

  Domburg

  Scheduled flight

  15–16 June 1997

  Stockholm

  Scheduled flight

  23–25 June 1997

  Luxembourg

  Chartered flight

  15–16 July 1997

  Strasbourg and Bonn

  Scheduled flight

  22–23 July 1997

  Brussels

  Scheduled flight

  7 September 1997

  Luxembourg

  Scheduled flight

  22–23 September 1997

  Brussels

  Scheduled flight

  10–12 October 1997

  Rome

  Scheduled flight

  13–14 October 1997

  Dusseldorf

  Scheduled flight

  20–21 October 1997

  Luxembourg

  Scheduled flight

  6–12 November 1997

  South Africa

  Scheduled flight

  16–19 November 1997

  Brussels

  Scheduled flight

  15–16 December 1997

  Brussels

  Scheduled flight

  9–12 January 1998

  St. Lucia

  Scheduled flight

  19–20 January 1998

  Brussels

  Scheduled flight

  2–3 February 1998

  Brussels

  Scheduled flight

  16–17 February 1998

  Brussels

  Scheduled flight

  4–6 March 1998

  Paris

  Scheduled flight

  10–11 March 1998

  Madrid

  Scheduled flight

  12 March 1998

  Brussels

  Scheduled flight

  16–17 March 1998

  Brussels

  Scheduled flight

  23–24 March 1998

  Brussels

  Eurostar and scheduled flight

  30–31 March 1998

  Brussels

  Eurostar and scheduled flight

  20–21 April 1998

  Luxembourg

  Chartered flight

  22–28 April 1998

  Beijing and Hong Kong

  Scheduled flight

  25–26 May 1998

  Brussels

  Scheduled flight

  3 June 1998

  Brussels

  Scheduled flight

  7–9 June 1998

  Luxembourg

  Chartered flight

  15–16 June 1998

  Strasbourg and Rotterdam

  Chartered flight

  22–26 June 1998

  Luxembourg

  Chartered flight

  20 July 98

  Brussels

  Scheduled flight

  890
  Meetings to discuss research projects
  Meetings to discuss various research projects, including those under the BRIGHT (Botanical and Rotational Implications of GM Herbicide Tolerance) project, SAPPIO (Sustainable Arable Production through Precision and Input optimisation) project and environmental management and wildlife conservation projects, took place with companies listed below on the dates given.

  Overseas Visits (Right hon. Member for Copeland)
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish a list of the overseas visits made by the right hon. Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) during his period as Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food giving details for each visit of(a) dates, (b) destinations, (c) methods of travel and (d) cost of hotels. [68087]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  During his period as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the right hon. Member for Copeland made the overseas visits listed.

  Where hotel stays were involved these were judged to fall within the guidelines on travel in the Ministerial Code.

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire can expect a reply to his letter of 19 October 1998 on behalf of his constituent, Mr. Moston. [77444]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 18 March 1999]: I replied to the right hon. Member on 4 November 1998.

  Artificial Insemination
  Lorna Fitzsimons
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when work will resume on the revision of the regulations controlling artificial insemination of cattle and pigs. [78298]

  Mr. Rooker
  The exercise was suspended last April to re-deploy staff to work on lifting the beef export ban. I am pleased to announce that we are now able to resume this work. One of our first jobs will be to write to interested parties inviting them to send in comments on outstanding issues. We aim to progress the work as quickly as possible thereafter.

  Crustacea
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr. Quinn) of 12 March 1999,Official Report, columns 428–29, on
  892
  shellfish, what further representations he has received from shellfish interests about measures to protect lobsters and crawfish. [78300]

  Mr. Morley
  Some shellfishermen have urged very strongly that stocks need protection through a national UK ban on the landing of V-notched lobsters being introduced at as early a date as possible. I have, therefore, decided that legislation to extend the ban to the whole of the UK should be brought forward as soon as practicable. It already exists in Northern Ireland. The opportunity will also be taken to regulate the landing of V-notched crawfish.

  The other measures referred to in my answer to the hon. Member for Scarborough and Whitby are linked to changes in EU rules which will be coming into effect on 1 January 2000 and as already announced it is preferable for them to take place at the same time.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Terry Lewis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) when he expects to answer questions tabled by the hon. Member for Worsley on 25 January and 9 February 1999 concerning ministerial flights; [73804]

  (2) when he expects to answer the questions tabled by the hon. Member for Worsley on 25 January, 9 February and I March, concerning ministerial flights. [77853]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I replied to my hon. Friend on 17 March 1999,Official Report, column 653.

DEFENCE

  Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those people he has appointed to public bodies since 1 November 1998, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed and if they receive remuneration. [76420]

  Mr. Spellar
  The names, positions of those appointed or reappointed to the MOD Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPB) by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence or officials on his behalf since 1 November 1998 are as follows:

  Royal Naval Museum
  Vice Admiral Sir Barry Wilson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, nil remuneration

  Royal Navy Submarine Museum
  Rear Admiral Anthony Hoddinott, Member of the Board of Trustees, nil remuneration

  RAF Museum
  Marshall of the RAF, Sir Michael Beetham, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, nil remuneration

  Defence Scientific Advisory Council

  (Members of the Register are paid on a daily basis)

  Mr. G. R. Beldbin, Member of the Register

  Mr. J. R. Holloway, Member of the Register

  Mr. D. G. Money, Member of the Register

  Mr. D. M. Clunie, Member of the Register

  Mr. D. J. Q. Carter, Member of the Register.

  In addition, in this period a reappointment was made by the Lord Chancellor to the Advisory Committee on Conscientious Objectors (a MOD NDPB): Mrs. R. Nugee, Member, remuneration is per meeting.

  European Defence Policy
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions he has held with the non-NATO members of the European Union on the future of European defence policy; and if he will make a statement; [76261]

  (2) what discussions his Department has had with the countries associated with the Western European Union on the future of the WEU and the European Union. [76265]

  Mr. George Robertson
  We have invited all our Partners and Allies, including all countries associated with the Western European Union and non-NATO members of the European Union, to join us in thinking afresh about how to strengthen both European defence capabilities and the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy. This initiative has been very positively received, and I look forward to continuing the discussions with my colleagues over the coming months.

  External Consultants
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names of external consultants indicating the fees agreed in each case and nature of studies undertaken since 2 May 1997. [74745]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 4 March 1999]: Full details of consultancy engagements since 1 May 1997 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, I can confirm that, in financial year 1997–98, the total expenditure on external consultancy by the MOD was £148.1 million involving more than 3,000 separate consultancy appointments and, in the first half of this financial year, £62.8 million involving over 1,000 appointments. Details of this expenditure is placed in the Library of the House annually.

  The work undertaken by external consultants since May 1997 has included specialist input to procurement programmes and support to a number of Department efficiency initiatives, including market testing, the introduction of Resource Accounting and Budgeting, the review of the Department's UK estate and the development and implementation of SMART procurement.

  Heathlands
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when his Department expects to complete management plans for its sites containing lowland heathland in accordance with section 5.1.6 of the costed habitat action plan for lowland heathland in the United Kingdom Biodiversity Steering Group report; [76495]

  (2) how many sites owned by his Department hold more than 10 hectares of lowland heathland; how many of these sites are notified as sites of special scientific interest; and how many have management plans with specific targets for the maintenance and re-creation of lowland heathland agreed with the statutory nature conservation agencies; [76494]

  (3) what is the extent of lowland heathland owned by his Department; and what proportion of the United Kingdom total of lowland heathland this constitutes; [76493]

  (4) what sums his Department has allocated to bring lowland heathland habitats on its land into favourable nature conservation condition since May 1997; [76498]

  (5) how much of the target for the re-establishment of lowland heathland in the United Kingdom that was published in 1995 in the United Kingdom Biodiversity Steering Group report his Department has achieved on its land to date; and how much it is planning to achieve on its land by the year 2005; [76496]

  (6) what assessment he has made of the nature conservation condition of heathlands owned by his Department; how many of these sites were considered to be in favourable condition; and how many were in an unfavourable condition at the last assessment. [76497]

  Mr. Spellar
  The information requested is not held centrally and in order to provide a full response it will have to be collated from disparate sources around the country, making reference as necessary, to the statutory
  571
  conservation bodies. I will write to the hon. Member once this process has been completed and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Armed Forces (Recruitment)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it the policy of Her Majesty's Government to support the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on Human Rights to raise the age of recruitment to the armed forces to the age of 18 years. [74308]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The UK has played, and will continue to play, a full and active part in negotiations on the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We consider our current recruiting and deployment policies to be in line with the principles that are being sought internationally. We recruit only volunteers into the Armed Forces, and then only with the written consent of parents/guardians in the case of personnel aged under 18. The Services provide young people with a rewarding and challenging career, together with the opportunity to develop skills and civilian recognised qualifications in a wide range of trades and occupations.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 1991 by the British and Indonesian Governments is still in force; when it was last revised; and what assessment he has made of the benefits the Memorandum of Understanding has resulted in for British Governments. [76114]

  Mr. Spellar
  The MOU signed by the MOD with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in 1991 made provision for UK MOD support to the sale to the Indonesia Navy of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Green Rover. All arrangements provided for under the terms of the MOU have now been completed and the MOU is, to all intents and purposes, no longer in force. I understand that the MOU has achieved its aim of ensuring the efficient conduct of business over this sale.

  Operation Desert Storm
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people under the age of 18 years were in active service during Operation Desert Storm. [75015]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  HMS Vengeance
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date HMS Vengeance is expected to start contractors' sea trials; what was the original planned date; and if he will make a statement. [76234]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: HMS Vengeance is due to start Contractor's Sea Trials later in the year. The exact date is classified for reasons
  572
  of physical security. The currently planned date is later than the original, due to the need to replace components found to be defective during system testing at the shipbuilding. The components have now been changed and the submarine's systems are performing well.

  RAF Logistic Support Services
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently employed by the RAF Logistic Support Services and how many there were at its establishment; on what date it published its report for the year 1997–98; and what was the cost of production of the report. [76617]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Logistics Support Services Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from P. Rawson to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 16 March 1999:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the number of people employed by the RAF Logistics Support Services and the production date and cost of its report for the year 1997–98 as this matter falls within the areas of responsibility of the Chief Executive of Logistics Support Services Agency. The Chief Executive, who is away on business, has agreed the content of this reply.
  On Agency vesting in December 1996, the established strength of Logistics Support Services was 1201 personnel; the current establishment is 1107.
  Logistics Support Services was not directed to produce an Annual Report for 1997–98 and therefore incurred no costs. The first published report and accounts will be for 1998–99.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on progress in implementing the recommendations of the Glidewell review of the Crown Prosecution Service. [77020]

  The Attorney-General
  I refer the right hon. Member to my written answer on 30 November 1998,Official Report, column 67, to my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea, East (Mr. Anderson), which set out the interim response of the Government to the Review of the Crown Prosecution Service. On that day I placed in the Library of the House a chart setting out the position in relation to each recommendation.

  The Crown Prosecution Service and other Departments with responsibility for criminal justice matters have continued work on consideration and implementation of the Report. The most significant recent steps have been the appointment by the Director of Public Prosecutions of Chief Crown Prosecutors and Area Business Managers for each of the proposed 42 areas of the Crown Prosecution Service, which will come into being in April 1999. As I told the House on 30 November 1998, I expect to put a full response to the Review of the CPS before the House by the end of June.

PRIME MINISTER

  Security and Intelligence Service
  Jacqui Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about the Staff Counsellor for the Security and Intelligence Services. [76586]

  The Prime Minister
  Sir Christopher France GCB has served as Staff Counsellor for the Security and Intelligence Services since April 1995. He will retire from this post on 31 March 1999 and I express the Government's gratitude to him for the way in which he has fulfilled the duties of this very sensitive post. Sir John Chilcot, GCB who was Permanent Under-Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office until 1997, will succeed him as Staff Counsellor from 1 April 1999.

  Iraq (Medical Goods)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his letter to the hon. Member for Linlithgow of 9 March, if he will examine the UN's procedures in relation to the distribution of medical goods to meet humanitarian needs which have arrived in Iraq since the end of 1996; and what assessment he has made of the memorandum from the Under Secretary of the Iraqi Foreign Office on this subject, a copy of which has been sent to him. [76781]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: According to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Iraq and the United Nations on implementation of the "oil for food" programme, it is Iraq, not the UN, which is responsible for the distribution of medical supplies in central and southern Iraq. Iraq's record on distribution is woeful. According to the UN Secretary General's latest report of 22 February on the implementation of "oil for food", over half the medicines and medical supplies which have arrived in Iraq since the start of the "oil for food" programme have accumulated in warehouses. These supplies are worth over $275 million. The Secretary General also noted that the quantity of medical equipment in warehouses was "alarmingly high".

  This issue is one which will no doubt be considered by the panel established by the UN Security Council on 30 January to assess the humanitarian situation in Iraq. We would support proposals from the panel to increase the role of the UN in distributing medical supplies in central and southern Iraq in the interest of getting these supplies to the Iraqi people.

  It should be noted that in the northern governorates, where distribution is carried out by UN agencies, no problems in the distribution of medical goods were noted in the Secretary General's report.

  The Iraqi Memorandum is an unconvincing attempt by Iraq to divert responsibility for the distribution problems in the centre and south onto others.

  President-elect Obasanjo
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister what communication he has had with the President-elect of Nigeria. [76964]
  574
  The Prime Minister
  Following the elections on 27 February I sent a message of congratulations and a letter to President-elect Obasanjo.

  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met President Obasanjo in Nigeria on 10 March. We look forward to welcoming him to Britain soon.

  Select Committees (Leaked Documents)
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 9 March 1999,Official Report, column 169, on leaked documents, if (a) he, (b) civil servants in his Department or (c) special advisers in his Department have (i) had sights of drafts of select committee reports in whole or in part, from any civil servant, special adviser or Minister or (ii) been informed of conclusions of Select Committee reports by any civil servant, special adviser or Minister prior to their publication by the select committees. [76743]

  The Prime Minister
  In my answer of 9 March 1999,Official Report, column 169, what I say about members of Select Committees is equally true as regards civil servants, special advisers or Ministers.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Leaded Petrol
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 27 January 1999,Official Report, columns 253–54, on leaded petrol, what estimate his Department has made of the costs of the (a) engine adjustments and (b) lead replacement petrol to motorists. [72327]

  Dr. Reid
  Lead replacement petrol is expected to become widely available by the end of this year, enabling those motorists that currently use leaded petrol—estimated at approximately 5.3 million—to switch seamlessly to this fuel without any engine adjustments and, hence, no additional associated costs.

  Indeed, of these 5.3 million motorists, it is estimated that some 0.7 million could make immediate savings on their fuel bills by switching to ordinary premium unleaded petrol now. A further 2.3 million could do so with timing adjustments to their engines costing in the order of £50.

  The remaining 2.3 million vehicles will need lead replacement petrol or, alternatively, separate additives to provide lubrication to critical engine parts. However, most of these vehicles can have engine modifications that would permit them also to save on running costs by using premium unleaded petrol. Such modifications, which are typically £200–£400 for a small family car, but higher for more sophisticated or specialist vehicles, would be offset by subsequent savings on running costs.

  Council Tax Benefit
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received since the introduction of the changes to the regulations relating to council tax benefit on 1 April 1998. [76268]
  575
  Ms Armstrong
  We consulted on our detailed proposals for council tax benefit subsidy limitation on 2 December 1998. We received 129 representations. I have placed in the Library a list of those that responded.

  SSSIs
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the implications for Sites of Special Scientific Interest of his access to the countryside proposals. [76275]

  Mr. Meacher
  We do not expect a new statutory right of access on foot to have a significant impact generally on the scientific interest of the land concerned. Provision will be made to close land, or otherwise restrict access, on nature conservation grounds, where this is justified. Such land may include areas notified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

  Countryside Access (MOD Land)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the application of his proposals for access to the countryside to Ministry of Defence property; what assessment he has made of the effect of the proposals on (i) security and (ii) property prices; and what consultations he has held with Ministers in the Ministry of Defence on this issue. [76280]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government's proposal for a new statutory of access to open countryside will apply to mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land. Provision will be made for the Ministry of Defence to continue to close land, or otherwise restrict access, where necessary, in the interests of defence. Provision will also be made to close land, or otherwise restrict access, on grounds of conservation, land management and health and safety. The new right of access will not apply to developed land or to agricultural land other than that used for extensive grazing.

  An economic appraisal study for the Government by independent consultants supports the view that the economic impact on property prices is likely to be limited.

  In developing the Government's proposals, I have consulted Ministerial colleagues in all Departments with an interest, including the Ministry of Defence.

  Home Energy Efficiency Schemes
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many home energy efficiency schemes have been introduced since 1 May 1997. [76435]

  Mr. Meacher
  My Department funds the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme and a wide range of programmes which are run by the Energy Saving Trust to improve energy efficiency in the home. The Trust has introduced three new schemes since 1 May 1997. They are schemes to promote the development of energy services, encourage the installation of small scale Combined Heat and Power in residential premises and promote the installation of energy efficient boilers and heating controls. In addition a large number of schemes is run by others, including local authorities and electricity suppliers.
  576

  Recycling
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's future programme for encouraging recovery and recycling of household waste. [76209]

  Mr. Meacher
  We are revising the existing waste strategy for England and Wales. A draft will be produced later in the Spring for consultation, and will include among other things our proposals for dealing with household waste. The final strategy will be published by the end of the year.

  Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those people he has appointed to public bodies since 1 November 1998, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed and if they receive remuneration. [76415]

  Mr. Meale
  The information requested has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Jubilee Line
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the results of London Transport's Jubilee Line Extension cost review; and if he will make a statement. [76634]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I refer my hon. Friend to my reply of 3 March 1999,Official Report, column 730, to the hon. Member for Croydon, South (Mr. Ottaway).

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 3 March 1999,Official Report, column 730, concerning the cost of the Jubilee Line extension, when the cost review undertaken in August 1998 was completed; and when the results were made available to ministers. [76752]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  London Transport's August 1998 Jubilee Line Extension cost review was completed in August 1998 and its results were issued to my Department immediately after they had been submitted to the LT Board. A copy was made available to the Secretary of State's Agent, Ove Arup, who commented on it in a report to Ministers dated 11 August 1998.

  Climate Change
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the European Community strategy on climate change. [76193]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: The UK plays a leading role in developing and arguing the Community's position in international negotiations on climate change.

  Within the Community, the UK brokered the agreement reached in June 1998 sharing out the EU' s 8 per cent. reduction target from Kyoto, under which the UK took on a share of -12.5 per cent. The UK Presidency also

  577
  brokered a set of key agreed areas where policies and measures at Community level were called for to support action taken by Member States to meet their targets.

  Black Cabs
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 9 March 1999,Official Report, column 164, concerning black cabs, if a taxi licensed by the Public Carriage Office will be permitted also to be licensed by another licensing authority to ply for hire outside the new Metropolitan Police District boundary. [76473]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: This decision will rest with the relevant local licensing authority. But I can see a number of practical reasons, particularly in relation to taximeters and licence plates, why a local authority would choose not to grant a second taxi licence for a vehicle which has already been licensed as a London taxi.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of taxi cabs that will be affected within each suburban licensing sector by the realignment of the Metropolitan Police District. [76474]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: Of the 22,700 London licensed taxi drivers, 1,365 hold suburban licences which entitle them to ply for hire in one or more of the nine suburban sectors which will be directly affected by the Metropolitan Police District boundary change. 444 drivers hold licences covering sectors 3A (Epsom) and 3B (Carshalton); 338 covering sectors 1A (Woodford); 237 covering sectors 4A (Kingston) and 4B (Hounslow); 215 covering sector 5B (Ruislip); and 131 covering sectors 6A (Finchley), 6B (Wood Green) and 6C (Walthamstow). Drivers holding suburban licences will still be entitled to ply for hire throughout the relevant suburban zone; the Public Carriage Office is currently reviewing the boundaries of suburban sectors in the light of the Metropolitan Police District boundary change, with a view to ensuring that each sector is of reasonable size. In addition, the 20,400 drivers with all-London licenses will continue to be entitled to ply for hire throughout the Metropolitan Police District (as defined by the new boundary).

  Railway Stations (Access)
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussion he has had with the rail regulator on the obligations to be placed on Railtrack and train operating companies regarding access to railway stations for people with disabilities when part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 takes effect; and if he will list them. [77158]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My Department keeps in close touch with the Rail Regulator on mobility issues generally, although we have had no specific discussions on these issues. In relation to station access, Railtrack and the train operating companies, are subject to the provisions of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act in the same way as any other service provider.

  From October 1999, they will have to take reasonable steps to change practices, policies or procedures which make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled
  578
  people to use a service; provide auxiliary aids or services, for example induction loops or information in Braille, which would enable disabled people to use a service; and overcome physical barriers by providing a service by a reasonable alternative method.

  From 2004, they will have to take reasonable steps to remove, alter, or provide reasonable means of avoiding physical features that make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service. For example, the provision of a ramp to allow wheelchair access into a station.

  Railtrack and the train operating companies were informed about these requirements at a seminar organised by my Department and the DfEE at the end of last year.

  Thames Gateway (Rail Links)
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 9 March 1999,Official Report, column 149, on the Thames Gateway, what assessment he has made of the regeneration potential of (a) the proposed Woolwich rail tunnel, (b) a rail and (c) a rapid transit link to Thamesmead. [76769]

  Mr. Caborn
  The regeneration potential of new cross river public transport links were assessed within the East Thames Appraisal Framework report, commissioned by the Government Office for London, which reported in July 1998. The options considered in the report included a rail tunnel at Woolwich, and light rail and guided bus links to Thamesmead.

  GM Vegetables
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the applications he has received in respect of genetically modified vegetables where the purpose of modification is to enable contaminants to be removed from soil; what is the approved disposal route for such vegetables; and if he will make a statement. [76509]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have received no applications for consent to release this type of genetically modified crop.

  Traffic Reduction
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his oral answer of 9 March 1999,Official Report, column 172, if he will list the areas where he aims to secure a real reduction in traffic levels. [76513]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 3 November 1998,Official Report, columns 458–59.

  Train Punctuality
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to eliminate the setting of artificially late expected arrival times at destinations by train operating companies where the object is to meet punctuality targets. [76516]
  579
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Passenger Service Requirements (PSR) in franchise agreements prescribe maximum journey times based on pre-privatisation practice. Train operating companies' timetables must comply with PSRs.

  Soil Crops
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has received from ACRE of the recent report from the Soil Association on genetically modified crops, with particular reference to the distance beyond the precautionary 200 metre boundary around genetically modified plants which pollen can spread; if he will publish the evidence for that assessment; and what assessment he has made of their conclusions. [76518]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment will discuss the Soil Association commissioned report on the dispersal of maize pollen at their next meeting on 25 March. Its advice will then be made public through the minutes of the meeting.

  Retroviruses
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those retroviruses approved for release into the environment, giving in each case the date of approval given for release. [76504]

  Mr. Meacher
  No genetically modified retroviruses have been approved for release into environment in the UK.

  Rural Railways
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the railway routes classified as rural where the present frequency of service exceeds that required under the relevant franchise agreement, giving in each case (i) the minimum frequency required, (ii) that currently applicable and (iii) that applicable in 1988. [76506]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy in respect of the present minimum frequency levels required by current franchise agreements in respect of rural railway services. [76505]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The present minimum frequency levels in respect of all services are matters of contract. We have made it clear we are prepared to renegotiate existing franchise agreements if greater investment and better performance can be obtained for passengers and on terms that represent value for money for the taxpayer.

  Railway Security
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in respect of the annual report 1997–98 of the Director and Co-ordinator of Transport Security, (i) if he will list the 37 stations referred to in Paragraph 24, (ii) if he will list the problems identified as requiring rectification in Paragraph 24, (iii) how many bomb-warnings, in Appendix A Paragraph 3, proved to 580
  relate to bombs and (iv) how many (a) suspicious packages and (b) bomb threats, in Appendix A Paragraph 6 proved to relate to bombs or other material capable of endangering life. [76507]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  In answer to (i) and (ii), for security reasons it would not be appropriate to reveal the actual stations inspected or the issues identified for rectification. The stations inspected included major stations throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

  (iii) None.

  (iv) During the period 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998 no suspicious packages proved to be actual devices. One bomb threat proved to be a device and this exploded at Leeds Station in April 1997.

  Community Transport
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the report into the role of voluntary and community transport services. [76511]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  A draft of the final report was presented last week to the project steering group which includes representatives of the Community Transport Association, the Rural Development Commission and local authorities. Subject to their comments and final drafting changes, it should be possible to publish the report within the next few weeks.

  Traffic Increases
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his oral answer of 9 March 1999,Official Report, column 172, what estimate he has made of the overall increase in traffic levels by 2010 having taken into account those areas where road traffic levels will be reduced. [76514]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The answers I gave to the hon. Member on 12 January 1999,Official Report, column 189, explained that my Department is undertaking further analysis of the expected effect on traffic of the policies in last year's Transport White Paper—taking into account information from local authorities on what measures they plan to introduce—in order to inform reports under the Road Traffic Reduction (National Targets) Act 1998. The first such report will be published by the end of this year.

  National Rail Timetable
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many train journeys were advertised in the national rail timetable for each year from 1980 to date. [76517]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The information requested is not available.

  Greater London
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received concerning the European Commission's assessment of the levels of(a) wealth and (b) deprivation in Greater London. [77167]
  581
  Mr. Raynsford
  This Department has received no representations concerning the European Commission's assessment of the levels of(a) wealth and (b) deprivation in Greater London.

  Regional Expenditure
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what the reduction in expenditure by English Partnerships in 2000–01 will be relative to that for 1999–2000 in the south-east region of England; and in what areas spending will be reduced; [77026]

  (2) what the reduction in expenditure by English Partnerships in 2000–01 will be relative to that for 1999–2000 in the central region of England; and in what areas spending will be reduced; [77022]

  (3) what the reduction in expenditure by English Partnerships in 2000–01 will be relative to that for 1999–2000 in the east midlands region of England; and in what areas spending will be reduced; [77027]

  (4) what the reduction in expenditure by English Partnerships in 2000–01 will be relative to that for 1999–2000 in the west midlands region of England; and in what areas spending will be reduced; [77021]

  (5) what the reduction in expenditure by English Partnerships in 2000–01 will be relative to that for 1999–2000 in the north east region of England; and in what areas spending will be reduced; [77030]

  (6) what the reduction in expenditure by English Partnerships in 2000–01 will be relative to that for 1999–2000 in the Yorks and Humber region of England; and in what areas spending will be reduced; [77028]

  (7) what the reduction in expenditure by English Partnerships in 2000–01 will be relative to that for 1999–2000 in the south-west region of England; and in what areas spending will be reduced; [77023]

  (8) the reduction in expenditure by English Partnerships in 2000–01 will be relative to that for 1999–2000 in the north-west region of England; and in what areas spending will be reduced; [77029]

  (9) what the reduction in expenditure by English Partnerships in 2000–01 will be relative to that for 1999–2000 in the eastern region of England; and in what areas spending will be reduced. [77024]

  Mr. Meale
  From 1 April 1999, responsibility for the regional elements of the land and property budget (with the exception of London which will transfer a year later) will move from English Partnerships to the Regional Development Agencies. Regional budgets for 2000–01 have not yet been confirmed. The decision on budgets for that and subsequent years needs to wait for RDA regional strategies and corporate plans.

  The grant in aid voted by Parliament for the total land and property programme will be £208m for 2000–01, compared with £216m1 in 1999–2000, as set out in the CSR settlement. The balance of funding for the programme is made up from capital receipts.
  1 The CSR settlement for 1999–2000 is £230m, but £15m of this total is ring-fenced for the Greenwich Millennium project.
  582
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what targets he has set the East of England RDA for 2000–01. [76942]

  Mr. Meale
  Targets have not yet been set for any RDAs for 2000–01.

  RDA Hearings
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which officials in his Department attended the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee hearings on RDAs(a) at Westminster and (b) elsewhere; what was the purpose of their attendance; and what was the cost. [76941]

  Mr. Caborn
  In addition to those from my Department and the Government Offices who gave evidence to the Committee, the following attended the sessions:

  (a) Westminster

  Date of session

  Number of officials attending

  16 February

  3

  2 March

  2

  9 March

  6

  (b) Elsewhere

  Date of session

  Number of officials attending

  22 February, Newcastle

  3

  22 February, Leeds

  1

  23 February, Manchester

  2

  23February, Birmingham

  1

  25February, Chelmsford

  1

  The purpose of their attendance was to inform their work in briefing those appearing as witnesses and/or staff development. On 9 March, the officials included a private secretary and two press officers.

  The cost, over and above salaries (standard class travel, and subsistence) was £306.48.

  Environment Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the outcome of the Environment Council held in Brussels on 11 and 12 March; and if he will make a statement. [77248]

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the issues discussed at the Environment Council on 11 and 12 March, indicating the positions adopted by the UK Government. [76201]

  Mr. Meacher
  I represented the United Kingdom at the Environment Council which took place in Brussels on the 11 March.
  583
  The Council reached a common position on the proposal for a Water Framework Directive following the receipt of the European Parliament's opinion in February. This is a major environmental proposal which will set demanding but achievable targets for improvements in the quality of both surface and groundwaters to be delivered through co-ordinated plans, where necessary between Member States, for each river basin. It was agreed to postpone a final decision on the End of Life Vehicles Directive until the next Council meeting in June.

  Discussions took place on Council Conclusions establishing the Community's negotiating position on climate change for the next round of global negotiations. These focused in particular on the definition of a concrete ceiling on the use of emissions trading and other off-set mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol. A final consensus was not reached on this despite protracted negotiations, and Ministers will return to this issue in the near future.

  Council Conclusions were adopted on the Commissions negotiations with Japanese and Korean car manufacturers, which seek to secure an equivalent voluntary agreement to that reached with ACEA last October. This is part of the EU Strategy on reducing carbon dioxide emissions from cars. The Conclusions impress on the Commission to conclude their negotiations by May and report back to the Council by June.

  First Ministerial debates were also held on two other dossiers. The first, on a proposal to amend the Directive limiting emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants, is an integral part of the Commission's Acidification Strategy. It will reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxides, both of which can potentially cause acidification and health problems. During discussions on whether the directive should cover existing plants emissions, I argued that these were better covered by the current IPPC directive and National Emissions Ceilings Directive being developed by the Commission. The second debate was held on a proposal that would allow voluntary participation by organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme. Both of these proposals will return to the Council in June, along with a proposal for a directive on the incineration of waste. At this Council the Commission reported on the progress of negotiations in working group of this dossier.

  I welcomed the Presidency announcement on its plans to reach a common position at the June Council on the proposal for a revision to the 90–220 Directive controlling the release and marketing of genetically modified organisms. In addition, Council Conclusions were agreed that reflect on the suspension of discussions on the biosafety protocol in Cartegena last month, and agree that a strategy be developed with a view to completing the negotiations.

  Lorry Accidents
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the number of road accidents involving lorries for each year since 1980. [77211]

  Dr. Reid
  The number of road accidents involving a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) is shown in the following table.
  584

  Road accidents involving at least one HGV1: 1980–97

  Year

  Number of accidents 2

  1980

  14,117

  1981

  13,283

  1982

  13,307

  1983

  12,328

  1984

  12,950

  1985

  13,073

  1986

  13,435

  1987

  13,642

  1988

  14,775

  1989

  16,107

  1990

  15,063

  1991

  13,616

  1992

  13,016

  1993

  13,173

  1994

  13,178

  1995

  12,613

  1996

  12,426

  1997

  13,122

  1 HGV: From 1 January 1994 the weight definition changed to those vehicles over 3.5 tonnes maximum permissible gross weight. Prior to that these vehicles were defined as goods vehicles over 1.524 tonnes unladen weight and included vehicles with six or more tyres, some four wheel vehicles with extra large bodies and larger rear tyres and tractor units travelling without their usual tailer.

  2Accidents may involve more than one HGV.

  Bus Service Partnerships
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many quality partnerships for delivery of bus services are currently in place; and what plans he has to put such partnerships on a statutory basis. [77175]

  Dr. Reid
  I am aware of over 30 quality partnerships in existence, and more in prospect. We announced in the Transport White Paper our intention to provide statutory backing for quality partnerships and will be publishing further details shortly.

  Government Grants
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what grants each(a) unitary, (b) shire county, (c) shire district, (d) metropolitan district and (e) London borough council received for 1998–99 from central Government other than those included in the total external support figure; and if they were ring-fenced for any purpose; [76789]

  (2) what grants each (a) unitary, (b) shire county, (c) shire district, (d) metropolitan district and (e) London borough council will receive for 1999–2000 from central Government other than those included in the total external support figure; and if they will be ring-fenced for any purpose. [76790]

  Ms Armstrong
  The information has been placed in the Library of the House. It has been assumed that the question relates to grants for revenue purposes. All revenue grants, apart from those included in total external support, are specific or special grants which are, by definition, earmarked for the purpose indicated by their title.

  Shipping
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the measures his Department is taking to develop shipping and ports. [77180]

  Dr. Reid
  The Government's policy for developing British shipping is set out in the White Paper "British Shipping: Charting a new course", published in December 1998. A ports policy paper is currently out for consultation and should be issued later this year.

  Cycling
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish advice to local authorities on good practice in improving the safety and convenience of cycling. [77177]

  Dr. Reid
  The Department generates a wide range of advice to local authorities on encouraging safer and better conditions for cycling. In addition to our Local Transport Notes and Traffic Advisory Leaflets, we have worked with the Institution of Highways and Transportation, the Cyclists' Touring Club and the Bicycle Association to produce "Cycle-friendly Infrastructure". We have also collaborated with the Institution of Highways and Transportation to produce "Guidelines for Cycle Audit and Cycle Review". Four new Traffic Advisory Leaflets on cycling will be produced in April.

  Access to Countryside
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice his Department plans to issue to landowners regarding public liability insurance as a result of his Department's plans to provide a statutory right of access to open countryside. [76792]

  Mr. Meacher
  It is, in the first instance, for individual landowners and their advisers to decide what insurance, including public liability insurance, is most appropriate for their needs. The Government have made clear that the liability owed by landowners to people exercising a new statutory right of access will be limited to that owed to trespassers.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the extra public liability insurance costs for landowners as a result of his Department's plans to provide a statutory right of access to open countryside. [76796]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government do not expect a new statutory right of access on foot to open countryside to have a significant impact on public insurance costs for landowners. An economic appraisal study for the Government by independent consultants suggests that any increase in the public liability insurance premium will be small.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to place on local councils a statutory duty to protect the homeless. [77088]
  586
  Ms Armstrong
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for London and Construction to my hon. Friend the Member for Edmonton (Mr. Love) on Monday 1 March 1999,Official Report, columns 519–20.

  Roads Maintenance
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to introduce public/private partnerships for the maintenance of roads. [77179]

  Dr. Reid
  Existing DBFO contracts already cover a significant proportion of the maintenance obligations for the trunk roads network. We have announced that we intend to increase this through pursuing the DBFO procurement method for certain schemes announced in the Accelerated Review and in our targeted programme of improvements. In addition, we are currently examining the scope for further public private partnerships for trunk road maintenance.

  London Transport Plans
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the first local transport plans will be published; and when he expects such plans to be placed on a statutory basis. [77178]

  Dr. Reid
  Local highway authorities in England (outside London) need to submit their provisional local transport plans (LTPs) to the Department by 31 July. Full LTPs are to be submitted by 31 July 2000. Publication is a matter for the local authorities, but we expect LTPs to be readily available locally.

  We believe there would be advantages in making LTPs statutory and propose to legislate in due course. However, LTPs can be implemented on an administrative basis, which will provide an opportunity to test the system and identify the necessary requirements of any subsequent legislation.

  House Sales
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he has put in place to tackle problems arising from the non-enforceability of verbal agreements to sell houses. [77011]

  Ms Armstrong
  The Government published for consultation on 7 December 1998 a package of proposals aimed at making the home buying and selling process easier and more efficient. The consultation period ends on 31 March. We will consider carefully responses to the consultation in reaching conclusions on action required to improve the process in the interests of all responsible home buyers and sellers.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 30 November 1998,Official Report, column 48, what representations he has received from BNFL Ltd. concerning (a) its investment in Pangea

  587
  Resources Inc., and (b) its support for Pangea's plans to construct an international repository for nuclear waste in Australia. [77170]

  Mr. Meale
  No representations relating to this issue have been received by DETR from BNFL Ltd.

  Light Dues
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on light dues. [77456]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I am pleased to announce that there will be no changes to the light dues rates for 1999–2000. Current rates were set in 1997,When charges were reduced by an average of 4.6 per cent., following four years of stability. The ability to maintain light dues at current levels is an indication of the General Lighthouse Authorities' continuing efforts to achieve greater efficiency.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Police Manpower
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in the latest year for which figures are available how many police officers and of what ranks are engaged exclusively in(a) complaints and discipline and (b) drug squad duties in each constabulary in Great Britain; and what is the total manpower of each constabulary. [75908]

  Kate Hoey
  I can answer only in respect of England and Wales. Information is not available centrally on the number and ranks of police officers engaged exclusively in complaints and discipline duties. The number of officers engaged exclusively in drugs duties in 1997–98 in each force area is in the table. Information is not collected centrally on the ranks of the officers involved. In some forces, the detection of drugs offences will form part of a wider range of responsibilities undertaken by officers.

  Figures for the number of officers in each force in England and Wales at the end of September 1998 are also in the table.

  Year: 1997–98

  Forces

  Number of dedicated drugs officers

  Avon and Somerset

  38

  Bedfordshire

  13

  Cambridgeshire

  6

  Cheshire

  6

  City of London

  0

  Cleveland

  4

  Cumbria

  0

  Derbyshire

  21

  Devon and Cornwall

  10

  Dorset

  18

  Durham

  14

  Dyfed-Powys

  16

  Essex

  8

  Gloucestershire

  23

  Greater Manchester

  30

  Gwent

  10

  Hampshire

  19

  Hertfordshire

  11

  Humberside

  14

  Kent

  0

  588

  Year: 1997–98

  Forces

  Number of dedicated drugs officers

  Lancashire

  0

  Leicestershire

  13

  Lincolnshire

  9

  Merseyside

  6

  Metropolitan Police

  83

  Norfolk

  21

  Northamptonshire

  25

  Northumbria

  31

  North Wales

  21

  North Yorkshire

  0

  Nottinghamshire

  17

  South Wales

  26

  South Yorkshire

  80

  Staffordshire

  27

  Suffolk

  24

  Surrey

  11

  Sussex

  0

  Thames Valley

  27

  Warwickshire

  10

  West Mercia

  9

  West Midlands

  38

  West Yorkshire

  105

  Wiltshire

  18

  England and Wales total

  862

  Number of officers—police forces in England and Wales

  Forces

  30 September 1998

  Avon and Somerset

  2,965.8

  Bedfordshire

  1,050.9

  Cambridgeshire

  1,285.9

  Cheshire

  2,054.9

  City of London

  792.5

  Cleveland

  1,453.2

  Cumbria

  1,153

  Derbyshire

  1,768.5

  Devon and Cornwall

  2,918.1

  Dorset

  1,286.4

  Durham

  1,559.1

  Dyfed-Powys

  1,013.3

  Essex

  2,903.1

  Gloucestershire

  1,090.9

  Greater Manchester

  6,890.2

  Gwent

  1,254.3

  Hampshire

  3,489.9

  Hertfordshire

  1,706.4

  Humberside

  2,003.4

  Kent

  3,200.2

  Lancashire

  3,245.1

  Leicestershire

  1,974.5

  Lincolnshire

  1,159.2

  Merseyside

  4,270.4

  Metropolitan Police

  26,106.3

  Norfolk

  1,409.6

  North Wales

  1,395

  North Yorkshire

  1,359.8

  Northamptonshire

  1,162.3

  Northumbria

  3,802

  Nottinghamshire

  2,269

  South Wales

  2,945.6

  South Yorkshire

  3,170.6

  Staffordshire

  2,271.1

  Suffolk

  1,179.7

  Surrey

  1,614.7

  Sussex

  2,923.9

  Thames Valley

  3,789.6

  Warwickshire

  923.5

  West Mercia

  2,024.2

  West Midlands

  7,215.3

  West Yorkshire

  5,065.7

  Wiltshire

  1,147.8

  Total

  124,264.8

  Common Market Referendum
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Boston and Skegness (Sir R. Body), of 21 January 1999,Official Report, column 553, on the Common Market referendum, which provisions of the Public Records Acts relating to the timing of release of documents apply to the files relating to the referendum. [76365]

  Mr. Straw
  The 30-year-rule established by section 5(1) of the Public Records Act 1958, as amended by the Public Records Act 1967, generally applies. However, the Lord Chancellor may give his approval for records more than 30 years old to be retained by the Security Service under section 3(4) of the 1958 Act if they are required for administrative purposes or ought to be retained for any other special reason. In the case of Security Service records, the special reason may be that the records in question contain highly sensitive information relating to national security.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 30 November 1998,Official Report, columns 80–81, what conclusions he has reached in respect of the requirement to report figures relating to the overbreeding of animals listed in Schedule 2 to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. [76515]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I have not yet reached any conclusions on this issue. There are a number of issues that need to be carefully explored, including the practicalities of collating this information.

  Lighter Refills
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the banning of the sale of cigarette lighter refills to under 16-year-olds. [77010]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Burnley (Mr. Pike) on 10 March 1999,Official Report, column 273.

  Victims of Crime
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he has put in place to ensure that victims of crime are kept fully informed about the progress of their cases. [77015]

  Mr. Boateng
  The 1996 Victim's Charter places responsibility on the police for keeping victims informed about significant developments in their case. Pilot projects to establish best ways of doing this were set up later that year. Interim findings of an evaluation managed by the Home Office Research and Statistics Directorate and carried out by Bristol University were published late last year, and drawn to criminal justice agencies' attention in Home Office Circular 55/1998 issued on 23 December 1998. This also reminded the police, and other agencies, of their responsibilities for keeping victims informed.590
  A final evaluation report and recommendations are expected later this year, after which it is hoped good practice guidelines can be issued.

  Youth Offender Teams
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many youth offender teams have been established; at what cost; and what plans he has to monitor their effectiveness. [77019]

  Mr. Boateng
  Youth offending teams under section 39 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 have been established in 10 areas, by 16 local authorities working in partnership with the police, probation service and health authorities. These areas are piloting the teams, together with new powers for the police and the courts under the 1998 Act, ahead of national implementation. The Government expect all areas of England and Wales to have youth offending teams in place by April 2000, when it intends to implement section 39 nationwide.

  The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, established under section 41 of the 1998 Act, is monitoring progress in all areas in preparing for national implementation of the Act's provisions for youth offending teams and other new youth justice measures and will monitor the effectiveness of the new teams in reducing youth offending. The Board is aware that youth offending teams have so far been substantially established on a non-statutory basis in around 35 local authority areas to undertake existing work with young offenders.

  The pilots will help the Government better to assess the costs and savings associated with the new youth justice measures. The Government are expecting local authorities and their partner agencies to put in place the basic structure of youth offending teams within existing resources, reflecting the work which staff within those agencies should already be undertaking with young offenders and those at risk of offending. Where local areas are being expected to deliver new services under the 1998 Act, the Government recognise that extra resources may be needed. These were estimated in the Financial Memorandum to the Crime and Disorder Bill and these estimates are now being tested through the pilots.

  Crime and Disorder Act 1998
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) local child curfew schemes, (b) parenting orders and (c) anti-social behaviour orders have been made under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. [77016]

  Mr. Boateng
  The power to impose a local child curfew is a permissive one. The decision as to whether or not a local child curfew is appropriate will be one which must be made by a local authority following appropriate local discussion.

  The relevant provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 were brought into force on 30 September 1998. Before imposing a local child curfew, local authorities, in consultation with the chief officer of police and such other persons or bodies that they consider appropriate, must first draw up proposals for a local child curfew scheme,

  591
  including arrangements for consultation with the residents in the area in which the curfew is to apply, and submit these to the Home Secretary for approval.

  No applications for local child curfew schemes have been received at this stage. Such schemes are designed to be part of an integrated response to reducing crime and disorder in local areas. In considering their potential use, local authorities will wish to take into account the wider crime and disorder reduction strategies, also required under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, which are currently being developed.

  Parenting orders have been available since 30 September 1998 in the nine areas which form the greater part of the youth justice pilot exercise. By the end of January 1999, courts in these nine pilot areas had made 12 parenting orders.

  Although the parenting order will be available in several different court arenas, that is, the family proceedings court, a civil magistrates court and all criminal courts, the order has been introduced gradually throughout the youth justice pilot areas. This has been done partly to allow pilot areas to focus initially on the need to establish and operate satisfactorily the new youth offending teams across the full range of existing and new work with juvenile offenders. Also, to see how the parenting order will operate alongside Children Act 1989 based work with children and families in need and to put in place provision for counselling and guidance sessions required under the parenting order.

  The provisions in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 in relation to anti-social behaviour order do not come into force until 1 April 1999.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions there have been for(a) racially aggravated assaults and (b) racially aggravated harassment under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. [77017]

  Mr. Boateng
  These offences came into force on 30 September 1998. Provisional data for the last quarter of 1998 from the Home Office Court Proceedings database should be available in June with provisional data for each quarter of 1999 becoming available at three monthly intervals thereafter.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug treatment and testing orders have been made under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. [77014]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Thirty drug treatment and testing orders had been made in the Crown Court and magistrates courts in the pilot areas (Croydon, Gloucestershire and Liverpool) as at 12 March 1999.

  Sentencing Policy
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he has put in place to monitor the effectiveness of sentencing policy. [77018]
  592
  Mr. Boateng
  The Home Office is committed to monitoring the effectiveness of the sentences imposed by the courts, including their effect on reconviction. It does this through the regular collection of statistics and ad hoc research. All major new initiatives in the field of sentencing policy, as in other areas of criminal justice activity, are accompanied by measures to monitor their effectiveness. In addition, three sentencing projects are being funded under the crime reduction programme. These are in the areas of fine enforcement, restorative justice and the information available to sentencers and are aimed at improving the cost-effectiveness of sentencing.

  Telephone Tapping
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has held with other European countries on co-operation for tapping on request of (i) land lines, (ii) cellular telephones and (iii) electronic mail; what is the intended role of Europol; which countries outside the European Union are involved; what discussions he has had with the United States Government on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [76300]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: A working group operating under the European Union Justice and Home Affairs Council is currently considering a draft Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance which contains proposals for co-operation on the interception of telecommunications. The text of the draft Convention does not distinguish between the kinds of telecommunications mentioned in the Question. The German Presidency has also proposed a draft Council Resolution on the lawful interception of new technologies such as the Internet and satellite communications. The latest texts of these proposals have been submitted to the European Scrutiny Committees for their consideration. Copies are in the Library. This matter has been discussed at formal meetings of the Justice and Home Affairs Council, in which I and other Home Office Ministers have participated, and informally with other European Union Interior Ministers.

  I am not aware of any proposal for Europol to be involved in co-operation on interception matters between member states.

  The draft Convention and Council Resolution apply only to the European Union. Ministers have not discussed them with the United States Government.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Trade Delegations
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the last occasion on which a Government Minister led a trade delegation to(a) Mexico, (b) Morocco, (c) Mozambique and (d) Namibia; and what future trade delegations are planned. [76547]

  Mr. Wilson
  (a) The last Government Minister to lead a trade delegation to Mexico was Lord Laing of Dunphail when President of the Board of Trade in October 1996.
  593
  I will be taking a trade delegation in June this year. Other trend mission planned are as follows:

  Month/Year

  May 1999

  General trade mission led by Wolverhampton Chamber of Commerce

  September1999

  Healthcare mission led by London Chamber of Commerce

  October 1999

  General trade mission led by the Latin America Trade Advisory Board

  November1999

  General trade mission led by the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland

  (b) The last ministerially-led trade delegation to visit Morocco was in December 1997 (a water mission led by the Under-Secretary of State for Social Security, my hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey (Angela Eagle) the then Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  Two trade missions to Morocco are planned:

  Month/Year

  September 1999

  Business Link, Barnsley

  March 2000

  Nottingham Chamber of Commerce

  (c)There have not been any ministerially-led mission to Mozambique. There are plans for three trade missions to visit Mozambique:

  Month/Year

  February 2000

  Business Link, Gloucestershire

  February 2000

  British Water

  Date to be announced

  London Chamber of Commerce

  (d) My hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche) when Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry, led a delegation to the Southern Africa Trade and Investment Conference held in Namibia between 24 and 27 July 1998.

  There is a trade mission in Namibia at present. No others are planned.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the last occasion on which a Government Minister led a trade delegation to(a) Belarus, (b) Bolivia, (c) Botswana, (d) Cambodia and (e) Chile; and what future trade delegations are planned. [76523]

  Mr. Wilson
  There has been no recent ministerially-led trade delegation to Belarus or Botswana and none is planned in the near future.

  Lord Fraser of Carmyllie led a trade mission to Bolivia in November 1996 and I am planning a visit at the end of May 1999. A trade mission run by the Energy Industries Council will also visit Bolivia in May 1999.

  There have been no recent ministerially-led trade delegations to Cambodia and none is planned in the near future. The British Electro Technical and Allied Manufacturers Association are planning a trade mission in November 1999.
  594
  Lord Clinton Davis led a trade delegation to Chile in September 1997. The following trade missions are planned:

  Month/Year

  Trade International Northern Ireland

  April 1999

  Northern Development Company

  May 1999

  British Electro Technical and Allied Manufacturers Association

  June 1999

  Southern Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce/BL North Derbyshire

  September 1999

  Birmingham Chamber of Industry and Commerce

  November 1999

  British Chilean Chamber of Commerce

  November 1999

  London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  March 2000

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the last occasion on which a Government Minister led a trade delegation to(a) Pakistan, (b) Panama and (c) Paraguay; and what future trade delegations are planned. [76553]

  Mr. Wilson
  The last Government Minister to lead a trade delegation to Pakistan was my right hon. Friend the Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett) in January 1998, when President of the Board of Trade. This year trade delegations from Business Link Sussex (March), the Society of British Gas Industries (April), Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (September) and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce (October) will visit Pakistan.

  Sir Martin Laing, BOTB Chairman, led a small delegation to Panama in May 1998. LATAG, the Latin American Trade Advisory Group will be taking a mission to Central America, including Panama this July.

  The right hon. Member for Suffolk, Coastal (Mr. Gummer) led a trade delegation to Paraguay in 1993. There are plans for Mid-Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce (July) and the British Argentine Chamber of Commerce to visit this year.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the last occasion on which a Government Minister led a trade delegation to(a) Georgia, (b) Ghana, (c) Guatemala and (d) Honduras; and what future trade delegations are planned. [76532]

  Mr. Wilson
  There have been no recent ministerially-led missions to Georgia. There are no planned trade missions to that country.

  Lord Fraser of Carmyllie led a trade mission to Ghana from 3–5 March 1996. The following trade missions to Ghana are currently planned:

  Date

  Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce

  6–18 June 1999

  Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

  9–23 September 1999

  London Chamber of Commerce

  February-March 2000

  There have been no recent ministerially-led trade delegations to either Guatemala or Honduras and none is planned. A trade mission run by LATAG, the Latin American Trade Advisory Group, will visit Central America in July 1999; Guatemala will be one of the countries visited.
  595
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the last occasion on which a Government Minister led a trade delegation to(a) New Zealand, (b) Nicaragua, (c) Nigeria and (d) Oman; and what future trade delegations are planned. [76550]

  Mr. Wilson
  The information is as follows:

  New Zealand

  There have been no recent ministerially-led trade delegations to New Zealand. However, New Zealand has been visited by many UK Ministers, including the previous Minister for Trade.

  My Department plans to support nine trade missions to New Zealand in the financial year 1999/2000:

  Date

  Association of British Healthcare Industries

  12–14 July 1999

  Business Link Sussex

  6–10 September 1999

  Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  27–29 September 1999

  North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  13–15 October 1999

  Australia and New Zealand Trade Advisory Committee

  17–19 November 1999

  Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  2–5 February 2000

  Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  14–18 February 2000

  Business Link Shropshire

  20–22 March 2000

  Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  13–15 March 2000

  Nicaragua

  There have been no recent ministerially-led trade delegations to Nicaragua.

  My Department has no plans to support any trade missions to Nicaragua in the financial year 1999/2000.

  Nigeria

  The present Minister for Trade led a trade delegation to Nigeria from 14–16 December 1998.

  My Department is planning to support four trade missions to Nigeria in the financial year 1999/2000:

  Date

  Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  6–18 June 1999

  Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  9–23 September 1999

  Energy Industries Council

  29 November-3 Dec 1999

  London Chamber of Commerce

  February-March 2000

  Oman

  The last occasion on which a Government Minister led a trade delegation to Oman was in October 1996.

  My Department is planning to support four trade missions to Oman in the financial year 1999/2000:

  Date

  Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

  22–24 May 1999

  London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  25–27 September 1999

  Business Link West

  8–17 February 2000

  Middle East Association

  6–8 March 2000

  Trade Promotion
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in(a) Colombia, (b) Cuba, (c) Cyprus, (d) Dominica and (e) the Dominican Republic; [76528]

  (2) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in (a) Pakistan, (b) Panama and (c) Paraguay; [76555]

  (3) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in(a) Belarus, (b) Bolivia, (c) Botswana, (d) Cambodia and (c) Chile; [76525]

  (4) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in (a) India,(b) Indonesia, (c) Israel and (d) Jamaica; [76537]

  (5) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in (a) South Africa, (b) Sri Lanka, (c) Thailand and (d) Uganda; [7656]

  (6) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in (a) Lithuania, (b) Malawi, (c) Malaysia and (d) Mauritius; [76546]

  (7) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in(a) Kazakhstan, (b) Kyrgyzstan, (c) Lebanon and(d) Lesotho; [76543]

  (8) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in (a) New Zealand, (b) Nicaragua, (c) Nigeria and (d) Oman; [76552]

  (9) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in (a) Ukraine and (b) Uruguay; [76564]

  (10) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in (a) Japan,(b) Jordan, (c) Kenya and (d) Kuwait; [76540]

  (11) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in (a) Ecuador, (b) Egypt, (c) Estonia and (d) Gambia; [76531]

  (12) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in (a) Peru, (b) Qatar, (c) Saudi Arabia and (d) Singapore; [76558]

  (13) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in(a) Algeria, (b) Argentina, (c) Australia, (d) Bahrain and(e) Bangladesh; [76522]

  (14) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in (a) Mexico,(b) Morocco, (c) Mozambique and (d) Namibia; [76549]

  (15) what trade promotion priorities his Department has given to United Kingdom trade promoters in (a) Georgia, (b) Ghana, (c) Guatemala and (d) Honduras. [76534]

  Mr. Wilson
  Our export promotion priorities for the majority of the markets mentioned are contained in the Markets and Sectors Matrix, published on 4 March, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. Major trade promotion campaigns are underway in a number of markets included in the Matrix; for example campaigns aimed at new and inexperienced exporters in
  597
  Western Europe and USA, and at the more experienced exporter in Japan, Brazil (in the context of MERCOSUR), India, China/Hong Kong, Egypt, South Africa and Turkey. In the coming months, we shall also be launching campaigns for Canada, Taiwan, Mexico and extending the existing campaign in Poland to cover Central Europe, adding in Hungary and the Czech Republic.

  We provide a range of help for exporters in all markets, including targeted market information, market research services, and where appropriate support for missions and trade fairs.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement on the prospects for increasing United Kingdom trade with(a) Colombia, (b) Cuba, (c) Cyprus, (d) Dominica and (e) the Dominican Republic; [76527]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the prospects for increasing United Kingdom trade with (a) Peru, (b) Qatar,(c) Saudi Arabia and (d) Singapore; [76557]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the prospects for increasing United Kingdom trade with (a) Algeria,(b) Argentina, (c) Australia, (d) Bahrain and (e) Bangladesh; [76521]

  (4) if he will make a statement on the prospect for increasing United Kingdom trade with (a) South Africa, (b) Sri Lanka, (c) Thailand and (d) Uganda; [76560]

  (5) if he will make a statement on the prospects for increasing United Kingdom trade with (a) Mexico, (b) Morocco, (c) Mozambique and (d) Namibia; [76548]

  (6) if he will make a statement on the prospects for increasing United Kingdom trade with (a) India, (b) Indonesia, (c) Israel and (d) Jamaica; [76536]

  (7) if he will make a statement on the prospects for increasing United Kingdom trade with (a) Georgia, (b) Ghana, (c) Guatemala and (d) Honduras; [76533]

  (8) if he will make a statement on the prospects for increasing United Kingdom trade with (a) Kazakhstan, (b) Kyrgyzstan, (c) Lebanon and (d) Lesotho; [76542]

  (9) if he will make a statement no the prospects for increasing United Kingdom trade with (a) Japan, (b) Jordan, (c) Kenya and (d) Kuwait; [76539]

  (10) if he will make a statement on the prospects for increasing United Kingdom trade with (a) Ukraine and (b) Uruguay; [76563]

  (11) if he will make a statement on the prospects for increasing United Kingdom trade with (a) Lithuania, (b) Malawi, (c) Malaysia and (d) Mauritius; [76545]

  (12) if he will make a statement on the prospects for increasing United Kingdom trade with (a) Pakistan, (b) Panama and (c) Paraguay; [76554]

  (13) if he will make a statement on the prospects for increasing United Kingdom trade with (a) New Zealand, (b) Nicaragua, (c) Nigeria and (d) Oman; [76551]

  (14) if he will make a statement on the prospects for increasing United Kingdom trade with (a) Ecuador, (b) Egypt, (c) Estonia and (d) Gambia; [76530]
  598
  (15) if he will make a statement on the prospects for increasing United Kingdom trade with (a) Belarus, (b) Bolivia, (c) Botswana, (d) Cambodia and (e) Chile. [76524]

  Mr. Wilson
  The excellence of many British products and services means that there are prospects for increasing UK trade in all markets to which our companies have access.

  Export Licences
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under what circumstances(a) designs and (b) designs backed up by training or implementation services, require an export licence. [76123]

  Dr. Howells
  Specified exports of technology, including designs, are subject to control under various entries in the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, the Dual-Use and Related Goods (Export Control) Regulations 1996, and Council Decision 94/942/CFSP, and the controls apply irrespective of whether or not the technology is linked to the provision of training on its use or implementation.

  At present, as noted in the White Paper on Strategic Export Controls, published in July 1998, HMG can control only tangible exports, which means that export licences are currently required for controlled technology only when this is exported in physical form e.g. on paper or computer disc. However, the White Paper contained a proposal to provide HMG with the power to control the transfer of technology, whatever the means of transfer, and proposals for the use of that power.

  Firework Safety
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the fireworks injuries statistics for the 1998 firework season; and if he will make a statement. [77007]

  Dr. Howells
  The total number of persons recorded as requiring treatment at hospital casualty departments in Great Britain during the 1998 firework season was 831. This represents a reduction of over 8 per cent. on the previous year's total. Within the overall reduction, there was a 36 per cent. fall in injuries caused by sparklers. My Department's firework safety campaign highlighted the risk of injury from sparklers and I am particularly pleased that this message has been heeded.

  The number of serious injuries fell from 71 in 1997 to 46 last year. Figures also reveal a 12 per cent. drop in hooligan injuries after 21 areas were targeted by my department in partnership with local councils during the campaign to stamp out this anti-social behaviour.

  I am arranging for copies of a summary of the injury figures to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Detailed analytical and regional tables will be published soon.

  US Import Duties
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will compensate Cornflower Fine Art Publishers of Reading for the increase in their export
  599
  costs to the United States as a result of the increase in United States import tariffs; and if he will make a statement; [76778]

  (2) what assessment he has made on the loss of revenue to Kew Gardens as a result of the increase in United States import duties; and if he will make a statement. [76776]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answers 15 March 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 4 March 1999, Official Report, columns 1223–29, that the Government had decided to establish a scheme for the cashmere knitwear industry to guarantee the bonds requested by the United States. The mere threat of US action had been having a particularly significant effect on cashmere, in view of the highly seasonal nature of that industry. The precise details and scope of the bond scheme have still to be decided.

  The Government are very aware of the effect that the US action may have not only on the various industry sectors targeted by the US (including lithographs), but also on the possible implications for others in the UK involved with those sectors.

  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the United States Government on a resolution of the present dispute over United States increased import tariffs; and if he will make a statement. [76783]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: It is of course the European Commission that acts for the European Union on this matter. The UK Government have also discussed this with the US Administration at every level. We have repeatedly made clear our desire to see the dispute resolved within the WTO framework. We have stressed that US retaliatory action will do nothing to resolve the underlying dispute, which is about the compatibility with WTO rules of the EU' s revised bananas regime. We have urged the US to abide by the WTO process currently under way, which offers the best prospect for a resolution of this dispute.

  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate(a) how many United Kingdom companies will incur increased export costs as a result of the increase in United States import tariffs, (b) how many companies Her Majesty's Government have compensated for the increase in their export costs, (c) the cost to public funds of this compensation, (d) the nature of the exports of each company and (e) the cost to United Kingdom businesses of the increase in United States import duties. [76782]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: Against the background of historical levels of exports in each sector, it is not possible to say what the overall impact might be. Much will depend on how long any retaliatory measures remain in place, the ability of the affected firms to find alternative customers and local labour market conditions. The precise details of the bond scheme announced by the Government on 4 March 1999, Official Report, columns 1223–29, have still to be decided. No companies have therefore been compensated so far. The sectors affected by the US action are: cashmere sweaters; batteries; plastics; biscuits; bath oils; candles; lithographs; bed linen; cartons; coffee makers; wallets; handbags; cheese; and felt paper.
  600

  Minister for Science
  Mr. Lanskly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions the Minister for Science has had with the Wellcome Trust concerning their applications for planning permission at Hinxton Hall in South Cambridgeshire. [76069]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]: None.

  Milk Marque
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the conclusions of the MMC investigation into Milk Marque. [76901]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is required to publish all monopoly reports by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. The report will be published as soon as is practicable.

  Supermarkets
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the conclusions of the Office of Fair Trading report of their investigation into the trading practices of the main supermarkets in the United Kingdom. [76900]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: It is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading to decide what he will publish regarding his investigation into the profitability of the major supermarkets in the grocery sector. I understand that he hopes to be in a position to announce his conclusions by the end of this month.

  Edgar Fernandes
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Minister of State will take up the case of Edgar Fernandes during his visit to Turkey. [76428]

  Mr. Wilson
  The purpose of my visit to Turkey is to promote British trade. British consular staff in Ankara, Istanbul and Valetta continue to monitor closely Turkey's request for the extradition from Malta of the man charged with Mr. Fernandes' murder. They have urged both Governments to act swiftly to resolve this case.

SCOTLAND

  Social Work
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to publish the White Paper on Social Work in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [77455]

  Mr. Dewar
  The White Paper "Aiming for Excellence: Modernising Social Work Services in Scotland" is published today. It contains the answers to three key questions—What kind of social work services do we want? How can they be delivered? How will we know if they are being delivered effectively? It sets out proposals to strengthen the protection of children and vulnerable adults, to support a confident and competent workforce and to ensure high quality services which meet people's needs.
  601
  We propose to create a Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care as the independent regulatory of social work services, whoever provides them. The Commission will register all organisations that provide care gainst agreed criteria and will make regular independent inspections to see that they are met. It will regulate residential care homes and nursing homes, making it easier for homes to offer both forms of care. It will introduce for the first time regulation of care services provided in people's own homes and will also cover all relevant children's services.

  We propose that the workforce should be regulated by a Scottish Social Services Council which will have the duty of registering specified groups of staff who have completed approved courses of training as a pre-condition for registration. The Council will also regulate professional and vocational education and will publish codes of conduct and practice. Social work services make a critical contribution to social inclusion, providing crucial support to people at times of personal or family crises. The White Paper also underlines the critical importance for successful services of close and effective partnership working between agencies.

  If enacted by the Scottish Parliament, the proposals in this White Paper will strengthen public confidence, creating modern social work services on which we can all rely.

  Copies of Command Paper No. CM4288 are available in the Library of both Houses.

  Education Budget
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the Scottish Office education budget in cash terms and at 1998–99 prices for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98 and (d) 1998–99; and what is his estimate for (i) 1999–2000, (ii) 2000–01 and (iii) 2001–02. [76866]

  Mr. Dewar
  The information is as follows:

  £million

  Year

  Cash terms

  1998–99 prices

  1995–96

  3,553

  3,848

  1996–97

  3,611

  3,794

  1997–98

  3,524

  3,612

  1998–99

  3,633

  3,633

  1999–2000

  4,039

  3,940

  2000–01

  4,360

  4,150

  2001–02

  4,536

  4,212

  Sources:

  1995–96: 1995 Departmental Report (table 6.2 excluding sport and Gaelic Broadcasting) and GAE announcement

  1996–97: 1996 Departmental Report (table 4.1 excluding sport) and GAE announcement

  1997–98: 1997 Departmental Report (table 4.3 excluding sport) and GAE announcement

  1998–99: 1998 Departmental Report (table 4.2 new deal for schools and table 4.4 excluding SOPA running costs) and GAE announcement

  1999–2000 to 2001–02: Comprehensive Spending Review and 1999 Budget announcement

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

  Fossils
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps Scottish Natural Heritage has taken to prevent the illegal removal of important fossils from sites of special scientific interest in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [76938]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Scottish Natural Heritage is developing a site safeguard plan which will be published shortly.

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

  Agriculture Improvement Scheme
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the budget for the Highlands and Islands Objective 1 area under the agricultural improvement scheme for(a) 1991–92, (b) 1992–93, (c) 1993–94, (d) 1994–95, (e) 1995–96, (f) 1996–97, (g) 1997–98 and (h) 1998–99; and what is the underspend for each year. [76862]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The Agricultural Business Improvement Scheme (ABIS) forms part of the Objective 1 Highlands and Islands Agricultural Programme (HIAP), along with the Marketing Scheme and the Crofting Township Development Scheme. There is no separate budget provision for ABIS.

  The original budget provision for the HIAP was £23 million, but due to the strength of sterling against the ecu, this figure is now nearer £20 million.

  The estimated expenditure and outturn figures from 1994–95, when the programme was launched, to 1998–99 are shown in the table:

  £million

  Financial year

  PES provision

  Expenditure

  1994–95

  1.600

  0.049

  1995–96

  2.178

  1.188

  1996–97

  4.855

  2.528

  1997–98

  4.836

  3.162

  1998–99

  4.830

  12.132

  1To end February 1999

  Total expenditure to date under HIAP is therefore £9.059 million. In addition, there are commitments totalling £4.7 million still to be paid, giving an overall total to date of £13.759 million. The programme remains open for approvals until 31 December 1999 and for payments until 31 December 2001.

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

  Health Budget
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was his Department's health budget in cash terms and at 1998–99 prices for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98 and (d) 1998–99; and what is his estimate for (i) 1999–2000, (ii) 2000–01 and (iii) 2001–02. [76868]
  603
  Mr. Galbraith
  The information is as follows:

  £ million

  Cash terms

  1998–99 prices

  1995–96

  4,105

  4,446

  1996–97

  4,227

  4,441

  1997–98

  4,376

  4,485

  1998–99

  4,626

  4,626

  1999–2000

  4,934

  4,814

  2000–01

  5,225

  4,973

  2001–02

  5,449

  5,153

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

  Special Police Officers
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated number of(a) full-time and (b) special police officers, by rank and force, for (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001 and (iv) 2002. [76859]

  Mr. McLeish
  The information is not available in the form requested. My right hon. Friend does not estimate police numbers in future years. Numbers of regular and special constables at the latest date available are shown in the table.

  At 31 March 1998

  Number of regular constables

  Number of special constables

  Central

  719

  72

  Dumfries and Galloway

  446

  193

  Fife

  841

  132

  Grampian

  1,226

  138

  Lothian and Borders

  2,621

  198

  Northern

  667

  480

  Strathclyde

  7,186

  319

  Tayside

  1,148

  191

  Total

  14,854

  1,723

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

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Structural Adjustment Programmes
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the IMF and World Development Bank concerning the impact of structural adjustment programmes on health and education programmes. [77168]

  Clare Short
  In all my discussions with both the Managing Director of the IMF and the President of the World Bank, I have underlined the importance of protecting anti-poverty spending during adjustment. In particular, I have stressed the importance of avoiding interventions which work against the poor having access to health and education services. We were pleased that the 1998 Review of ESAF proposed that the IMF should pay greater attention to the potential social impact of adjustment programmes, drawing on the expertise of the World Bank and paying particular attention to health and education. We are following closely the implementation of these recommendations.
  604

  South Africa
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to fund(a) police and (b) army training for the Republic of South Africa. [76250]

  Clare Short
  We have committed up to £5.5 million since 1994 to help South Africa develop effective civilian oversight of the police. We have provided international expertise to the national Department of Safety and Security, the national Police Service and the Independent Complaints Directorate and contributed to production of a White Paper on Safety and Security. We have supported community policing projects in Western Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape and North-West Provinces.

  We have no plans to assist South Africa with army training beyond our contribution of £50,000 to Exercise Blue Crane, a peacekeeping exercise by regional armed forces to take place in South Africa in April.

  Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list those people she has appointed to public bodies since 1 November 1998, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed and if they receive remuneration. [76416]

  Clare Short
  The following appointments have been made during the period in question:

  Commonwealth Development Corporation

  Ms Jayne Almond (Deputy Chair): annual remuneration £10,000.

  Mr. Russell Seal (Non-Executive Board Member)>: annual remuneration £7,500.

  Know How Fund Advisory Board

  Baroness Williams of Crosby (Member): unremunerated 1

  Ms Ann McElvoy (Member): unremunerated1

  Professor Robert Deacon (Member): unremunerated1

  Development Awareness Working Group

  Mr. John Westaway (Member): unremunerated1

  Ms Gill Beauchamp (Member): unremunerated1

  Mr. Peter Smith (Member): unremunerated1

  1travel expenses are reimbursed.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Community Trusts
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many part-time staff are employed in the(a) North and West and (b) South and East Belfast community trusts; and how many of them are employed by private businesses with contractual relations with the trusts. [75520]

  Mr. McFall
  The number of part-time staff employed in each Trust is as follows:

  (a) North and West Belfast: 1,873

  (b) South and East Belfast: 2,290.

  None of the part-time staff is employed by private businesses with contractual relations with the trusts.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Digital Radio
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to ensure that people in Derby and South Derbyshire can receive digital radio services. [74448]

  Janet Anderson
  The Government are committed to encourage the take up of digital radio. Responsibility for the roll out of digital radio services across the UK rests with the BBC in accordance with the Royal Charter and Agreement and with the Radio Authority under the framework of the Broadcasting Acts. The BBC national digital radio multiplex is already broadcasting and Digital One's national commercial digital multiplex is expected to commence in the autumn. These national multiplexes will deliver services to the major population centres in Derbyshire, with the lowland populated areas particularly well served. Initially, services may not cover some of the more remote areas in the county where they are shielded from signals by local terrain. It may be necessary to consider improvements to coverage in future transmission plans, in the light of initial experience.

  Tourism
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to promote tourism in the North West of England; and if he will make a statement. [76362]

  Janet Anderson
  The North West, like all parts of England, benefits from the work of the British Tourist Authority and of the English Tourist Board. For 1998–99, the BTA has a grant of £35 million and the ETB a grant of £9.7 million, of which £292,000 is for the North West Tourist Board. New support structures for tourism in England, announced on 14 December, must ensure that more effective use is made of this money in the future, with a greater proportion going to the regions.

  The Government's new tourism strategy, "Tomorrow's Tourism" which was published on 26 February, sets out specific proposals for action by Government, local authorities, tourist boards and the industry to promote the sustainable development of a modern, competitive, high quality tourism industry. This will benefit all regions, including the North West.

  BBC On-line
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the estimated expenditure on BBC on-line over the next three years. [76163]

  Janet Anderson
  Total expenditure on BBC on-line to date is as follows:

  —million

  Date

  1997–98

  18.7

  1998–99

  23.1

  1999 –2000

  23.4(forecast)

  Levels of expenditure in years after 1999–2000 have not yet been determined

  Gardens (Funding)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what support(a) his Department and (b) the National Lottery give to gardens. [76162]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  My Department does not directly fund gardens. However, English Heritage (EH) can offer grants under its Historic Parks and Gardens Grant Scheme and in recent years it has offered an average of £200,000 per year to garden projects. In the past three years it has assisted 20 sites. Grants are, however, restricted to outstanding historic gardens which are graded I and II* on EH' s Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. EH is also currently considering a new integrated grant scheme for gardens, buildings and monuments.

  The Heritage Lottery Fund, National Lottery Charities Board and UK Arts Councils have to date contributed over £84 million to over 223 projects which create, restore or enhance gardens.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 12 March that £125 million of Lottery money will be made available through the New Opportunities Fund, under its Green Spaces and Sustainable Communities Initiative, to help urban and rural communities across the UK to understand, improve and care for their natural and living environment and improve the overall quality of their surroundings. Gardens may well benefit from this new initiative.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Information Superhighway
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools have to date been linked to the information superhighway and at what cost; and when he estimates that all schools will have been linked to the information superhighway and at what total cost. [74760]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Department published last year the results of a survey of ICT provision in schools which indicated that 17 per cent. of primary schools and 83 per cent. of secondary schools were connected to the Internet by March 1998. This is in comparison to the previous year's survey (published in 1997), which indicated that 5 per cent. of primary schools and 47 per cent. of secondary schools were connected to the Internet at that time. Subsequent annual surveys will indicate the change in growth of schools with such connections, although the latest estimates from British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA) are that approximately 30 per cent. of primary schools, 90 per cent. of secondary schools and 45 per cent. of special schools in England currently have some form of Internet access. The Government are committed to ensuring that all schools are connected to the Internet by 2002.

  The Government are supporting expenditure of over £700 million during the period 1998–2002 on the National Grid for Learning Standards Fund. This is enabling schools to connect to the information superhighway and equip themselves with the networking infrastructure and information and communications technology to make

  607
  best use of it. It is not possible to break down this figure into the precise amount that schools spend on use of the Internet.

  Opportunity for Youth
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his policy on the development of an Opportunity for Youth strand to the European Communities budget. [76277]

  Mr. Mudie
  The European Commission has proposed an action programme for youth from the year 2000 that includes support for young people undertaking projects to develop their initiative and enterprise. The Government are participating positively in negotiations with other Member States on the content of the new programme.

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pupils in Oxfordshire at(a) primary school, (b) Key Stage 1, (c) Key Stage 2 and (d) secondary schools were in classes of 31 or more pupils taught by one teacher in (i) January 1997, (ii) January 1998 and (iii) January 1999. [76761]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 19 November 1998, Official Report, column 776, and my subsequent letter of 24 February 1999, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  Information on Class Sizes (Provisional) in Maintained Primary Schools in England: January 1999 will be published in April.

  National Curriculum
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans the Government have to implement the curriculum recommendations of the Panel for Education for Sustainable Development. [76967]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We have asked the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority to take the Panel's recommendations into account in their review of the National Curriculum. This will inform the forthcoming consultation about changes to the National Curriculum from September 2000.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he intends to reply to the letters to him dated 14 October 1998, 7 January and 11 February 1999 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. W. Jackson. [76940]

  Mr. Mudie
  A reply to Mr. Jackson's letter will be issued today, 16 March 1999.

  Suicides
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to reduce the rate of suicide among young men by introducing education in schools to help children recognise the symptoms of depression and sources of help. [76578]
  608
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Department for Education and Employment, together with the Department of Health, announced the Healthy Schools Initiative in May 1998. This will support personal, social and health education in schools and address the issue of emotional health and well being. As part of the initiative we have established the Wired for Health website, providing health information initially for teachers, and later for pupils and students. The site provides a link between the Young Minds Website and the Royal College of Psychiatrists fact sheets on child and adolescent mental health. We will be expanding the information relating to mental health on the website in due course.

  The Government regard children with emotion and behavioural difficulties and mental health problems as having special educational needs. Preventing the development of these problems is a key element of our policy. The recently published Action Programme, "Meeting Special Educational Needs" flagged as priorities measures targeted at young children to prevent them developing problems, and to strengthen provision for older children. Such activities were eligible for support under the 1999–2000 Standards Fund, and approximately 20 Local Education Authorities are to be supported to undertake pilot projects in this field.

  Autistic Children
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what action he has taken since the research project commissioned in 1993 by his Department and the Department of Health into under-identification of autistic children; [76400]

  (2) what statutory provisions require a local education authority in England and Wales to provide a relevant education service for an individual child with autistic spectrum disorder; and if he will make a statement; [76401]

  (3) if he will institute a public inquiry into the educational services provided for children with autistic spectrum disorder in the United Kingdom; [76403]

  (4) what steps the Government have taken to implement the recommendations of the Health Committee's report on health services for children and young people in the community and school (HC 314 of session 1996–97) in respect of education services for children with autistic spectrum disorder. [76440]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Under Part IV Chapter 1 of the Education Act 1996, local education authorities are required to identify and assess children with special educational needs who may require provision beyond that which can normally be met from within the resources of local schools, and to arrange suitable provision where necessary. This includes children with autistic spectrum disorders.

  The final report of the research project commissioned in 1993 by the Departments for Education and Employment and Health, "A Descriptive and Comparative Study of Current Interventions for Children with Autism"

  609
  (Jones, Meldrum, Newson; University of Nottingham, June 1995) found under-identification of children with autism and a shortfall in specialist provision.

  The Government are implementing an SEN Action Programme, announced in November 1998, designed to improve provision for all children with special educational needs, including those with autism. This followed wide-ranging consultation and takes into account the University of Nottingham's report and the Health Committee's recommendations, contained in "The Specific Health Needs of Children and Young People". Last year my Department published a report on existing research into the educational interventions for children with autism which will complement current research into the provision made for such children, commissioned by the Local Government Association. We will consider the findings of the latter research carefully once they are available.

  Provision for children with autism in the rest of the United Kingdom is a matter for my hon. Friends the Secretaries of State of Scotland, for Wales and for Northern Ireland.

  Investors in People
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he is taking regarding the alleged misuse by Classic Collections (UK) Ltd., Slough, of the Investors in People logo; and if he will make a statement. [76129]

  Mr. Mudie
  The guardianship of the intellectual property and associated trademarks of the Investors in People Standard is a matter for Investors in People UK.

  I understand that the Compliance Unit of Investors in People UK received satisfactory assurances on 3 March from the Chairman of Genesis Marketing, the company which owns Classic Collections, that they would cease use of the logo immediately.

  Schools (Exclusions)
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) permanent and (b) temporary exclusions there have been over the last five years. [75023]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The following table shows the number of permanent exclusions from maintained schools in England for each of the school years for which information is available centrally. Data on permanent exclusions in 1997–98 are currently being collated and will be published later this year.

  Permanent exclusions from maintained schools in England

  Year

  Number of permanent exclusions

  1994–95

  11,084

  1995–96

  12,476

  1996–97

  12,668

  610
  The Department does not currently hold information on fixed period (temporary) exclusions. The Department plans to collect information about fixed period exclusions of more than five days from the end of the 1998–99 school year. This information will be used to set a baseline for a national target of a one third reduction in fixed period exclusions by 2002.

  The Government will be spending £493 million over the next three years on initiatives to reduce truancy and exclusions, including the provision of more on-site units in schools for disruptive pupils.

  Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list those people he has appointed to public bodies since 1 November 1998, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed and if they receive remuneration. [76411]

  Mr. Mudie
  The information requested is given in the following table. My hon. Friend will wish to note that this information will be in the Department's Annual Report when it is published this year.

  Name of public body

  Position

  Remuneration

  Construction Industry Training Board

  David Adamson

  Board Member

  None

  Robert Blackman

  Board Member

  None

  Stewart Bonnette

  Board Member

  None

  Engineering Construction Industry Training Board

  Susan Bush

  Board Member

  None

  Douglas Walker

  Board Member

  None

  Education Transfer Council

  Keith Bridge

  Chair

  £15,000 per annum

  Roy Atkinson

  Board Member

  None

  Michael Ellison

  Board Member

  None

  Michael Lodge

  Board Member

  None

  George Mathews

  Board Member

  None

  Mary Schofield

  Board Member

  None

  Equal Opportunities Commission

  Julie Mellor

  Chair

  To be finalised

  FEFC—West Midlands region

  Jock Gallagher

  Board Member

  None

  Christine King

  Board Member

  None

  Roy Pinney

  Board Member

  None

  FEFC—South East region

  John Brookham

  Board Member

  None

  Higher Education Funding Council for England

  John Taylor

  Board Member

  None

  Investors In People UK

  Norman McLean

  Board Member

  None

  Lord Tom Sawyer

  Board Member

  None

  John Steele

  Board Member

  None

  Students Loans Company

  Sir Anthony Battishill

  Chair

  £50,000 per annum

  Brian Booth

  Board Member

  £5,000 per annum

WALES

  Welsh Development Agency
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the amount spent by the WDA in each local authority area in Wales for each of the last five years. [72371]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 25 February 1999]: As the details of the amounts spent by the WDA in each local

  Budget

  Expenditure £ (estimated out-turn)

  Recipient(s)

  Service Increment For Training (Trusts)

  18,544,000

  NHS Trusts involved in undergraduate teaching

  Service Increment For Training (GPs)

  291,500

  Training practices

  Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education

  10,320,000

  University of Wales College of Medicine, NHS Trusts and Health Authorities

  Central contribution to salaries of doctors in postgraduate training

  26,566,000

  NHS Trusts

  Postgraduate Pharmaceutical Education

  703,000

  University of Wales College, Cardiff

  Postgraduate Optical Education

  28,000

  British College of Optometrists, London

  Other training of health professionals

  41,605,000

  Higher education institutions

  Trusts and GPs involved in medical and dental undergraduate training are reimbursed through Service Increment For Training (SIFT) for the ancillary costs incurred as a result of training activity. SIFT money is allocated on a basis that reflects historical costs, but also changing student numbers and distribution.

  The Department's direct contribution of £10,320,000 to postgraduate medical and dental education and training includes a one-off payment of £500,000 from the Welsh Office Primary Care Initiative. This budget is managed and accounted for by the Post-Graduate Dean, UWCM. In addition, the Department contributes towards the salaries of doctors in training, in recognition of the time they spend on their studies. Contracts for education and training of health professionals other than doctors and dentists in higher education institutions in Wales are managed by the Education Purchasing Unit of the Welsh Health Common Service Authority (which will become part of the Department when WHCSA is abolished), which monitors student numbers and pays invoices monthly.

  In addition, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales fund medical and dental undergraduate degrees (and funded degrees in certain other health-related subjects until the end of the 1997–98 academic year), but their funding is calculated on the basis of overall numbers of students in each College, not numbers of students taking particular courses.

  The Department does not monitor that expenditure on education and training which is undertaken by Trusts themselves, though this is included in Trusts' annual accounts together with expenditure on research.

  Trust expenditure includes training purchased from the NHS Staff College. The College receives support from Health Authorities, which totalled £1,278,000 in 1997–98.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.
  612
  authority in Wales for the last five years are lengthy, they have been placed in the Library.

  NHS Training and Education
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what data his Department collects on expenditure on NHS training and education and its distribution. [76943]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information is as follows:

  Departmental expenditure on NHS education and training in 1998–99 is summarised in the table:

  Health Authority Budgets
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the estimated surplus or deficit of each health authority in Wales in 1998–99. [74378]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  [pursuant to his reply, 9 March 1999, c. 175]: I regret that two of the figures given in the answer were incorrect. A corrected answer is as follows:

  The estimated surplus/(deficit) that health authorities and their Trusts will be incurring in 1998–99 is as follows:

  Health authority area

  £ million

  Bro Taf

  (5)

  Dyfed Powys

  (13)

  Gwent

  —

  lechyd Morgannwg

  (2)

  North Wales

  (1)

  Wales

  (21)

  Note:

  These forecasts are based on health bodies' best estimates of their income and expenditure position, and are subject to audit adjustment. The final position will be reported in their 1998–99 annual accounts, which will be available in audited form at the end of July 1999.

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

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Spain
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the current state of relations between the United Kingdom and Spain. [74921]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I have already given earlier in the House today to the hon. and learned Member for Harborough (Mr. Garnier),Official Report, columns 867–68.

  MOX Fuels
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what(a) assessment he has made of and (b) recent representations he has received concerning the proliferation dangers posed by the use and transport of plutonium-based MOX fuels. [74925]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The proliferation risks posed by the use of Mixed Oxide Fuel (MOX) by European Union countries and its transport from EU suppliers to Japan are assessed as being extremely low. Indeed, the use of MOX fuel reduces proliferation risks by gradually reducing plutonium stockpiles.

  I am aware only of representations made by the Fijian-based Pacific Concerns Resource Centre Inc to HMG in August 1998.

  Indonesia
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's relations with Indonesia. [74928]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We enjoy a positive bilateral relationship and look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Indonesia in their efforts to bring about peaceful, democratic reform and economic recovery.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 26 February 1999,Official Report, column 490, on Indonesia, what information he has received from President Habibie since the Minister raised the investigation into the deaths of Malcolm Rennie and Brian Peters in October 1998. [77184]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I still await a full reply. I will continue to press for information.

  Syria
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the Amnesty International report on human rights and democratic representation in Syria. [74929]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have taken note of the report and of the concerns it raises about political detainees in Syria. We raise human rights with the Syrians both bilaterally and together with EU partners.

  East Timor
  Mr. Patrick Hall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on UK policy on the transition of East Timor towards independence. [74930]

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress he has made towards resolving the issue of the status of East Timor. [74933]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We continue to support the efforts under UN auspices to secure a future for East Timor which will fully respect the interests and legitimate aspirations of the East Timorese people. We hope that the Indonesian 614
  Government's recent announcement on East Timor, including their willingness to envisage independence, will prove to be a turning point.

  St. Helena
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the restoration of full British citizenship to residents of the island of St. Helena. [74931]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The issue of British citizenship for those citizens of the UK Overseas Territories who do not already have it was considered as part of our review of policy towards the UK Overseas Territories. The outcome will be contained in the Overseas Territories White Paper, which will be published this week.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to secure peace and conformity with international legal obligations in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. [74932]

  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Kosovo. [74939]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The United Kingdom has played a leading role in international efforts, including in the UN, in NATO, in the EU, in the Contact Group—particularly as co-chairman of the talks which began in Rambouillet in February—and on the ground, to promote a peaceful settlement of the crisis in Kosovo and persuade the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and representatives of the Kosovar Albanians to comply with their obligations to the people of Kosovo and to the international community, including those set out in successive UN Security Council resolutions. This week's resumed negotiations in France are a key element in those efforts.

  British Council
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future funding of the British Council. [74934]

  Mr. Fatchett
  As a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review, the Government have been able to secure for the British Council £133.1 million in the first year, rising to £138.9 million in the third year. This means a real increase of about £2 million for each of those years. The British Council now has the resources to continue the excellent work it does and to develop further programmes.

  Iran
  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations with Iran. [74935]

  Mr. Fatchett
  In September last year, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and the Iranian Foreign Minister, Mr. Kharrazi, came to an agreement concerning
  615
  the Rushdie case. We hope that this agreement will provide the basis for further positive developments in the relationship between Iran and the UK.

  Lebanon
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's relations with Lebanon. [74936]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We enjoy good relations with Lebanon.

  Kashmir
  Mr. McCabe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the recent meeting and agreements between the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan; and if he will launch a new initiative regarding the situation in Kashmir. [74937]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We welcome the recent talks between the Indian and Pakistani Prime Ministers in Lahore, and applaud their joint commitment to intensify efforts to resolve bilateral issues, including Kashmir. We wish them every success in their efforts to find solutions to these problems.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Governments of India and Pakistan regarding the composition of those undertaking talks between the two countries on the issue of Kashmir. [74940]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We regularly discuss Kashmir with representatives of India and Pakistan. We welcome the joint commitment made in Lahore by the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan to intensify efforts to resolve all bilateral issues, including Kashmir.

  Wye Agreement
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next expects to meet President Arafat to discuss the implementation of the Wye agreement; and if he will make a statement. [74938]

  Mr. Fatchett
  President Arafat visited London on 11 March at the personal invitation of the Prime Minister. In addition to talks with my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, he attended a dinner that I hosted at Lancaster House. This visit provided us with a valuable opportunity to explore ways that Europe can help get Wye back on track.

  Together with our EU partners, we have deplored the failure to complete implementation of the Wye River Memorandum within the declared deadline. We continue to urge both sides to implement their obligations in full and without new conditions.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current situation in Sierra Leone. [74941]
  616
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The security situation in Sierra Leone remains fragile following the renewed fighting in Freetown at the start of the year, when rebel forces caused appalling violence and destruction.

  We continue to support strongly the democratically elected Government of Sierra Leone, and the efforts of the Nigerian-led West African force, ECOMOG, to protect the civilian population and deliver lasting peace and stability.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many matching pledges of financial support have been received to date from the international community to match the £10 million package for Sierra Leone. [77172]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  A number of pledges of support for Sierra Leone have been received from the international community following the announcement of the UK £10 million package of assistance. So far, confirmed new pledges have been received from the European Commission, the United States, Italy and Sweden, totalling over £5 million. Several other countries have undertaken to consider making new contributions to Sierra Leone. We welcome the fact that others are now following our lead in helping to promote lasting peace in Sierra Leone.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 8 March 1999,Official Report, column 2, if he will spend any part of the £10 million additional support for Sierra Leone in the event of no matching pledges of financial support being received from other countries. [77171]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Treasury has stipulated that access to the Reserve for up to £10 million for Sierra Leone is conditional upon matching new pledges of support from other international donors. The UK £10 million will be disbursed as we receive these matching pledges from other donors.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the embassies and high commissions which contacted their host country about financial support for Sierra Leone, indicating whom they contacted and when; and if he will place a copy of the letter of contact in the Library. [77173]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  On 2 March, Posts in European Union Member States, and Posts in key countries of the Sierra Leone Contact Group, as well as in other key international donor countries, were instructed to lobby for additional support to Sierra Leone in response to the announcement of the new UK £10 million package of assistance. We continue to receive responses from these countries. The telegram instructing Posts to make contact is classified, and it would therefore not be appropriate to place a copy in the Library.

  Turkey
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on current relations with Turkey. [74942]

  Ms Quin
  We attach considerable importance to our relations with Turkey, and pursue dialogue on a wide range of issues.
  617
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr. Cem.

  Russian Arms Supplies (Middle East)
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Russia about the supply of weapons to countries in the middle east. [74943]

  Ms Quin
  During my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's visit to Russia on 2–5 March, he discussed with Foreign Minister Ivanov the dangers of arms exports and assistance to countries of concern, including the recent speculation about Russian arms exports to Iraq. He has noted the Russian Government's strong statements that they are committed to upholding UN sanctions.

  Euro
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has held with other EU member states about Britain joining the euro. [74944]

  Ms Quin
  There has been no recent discussions on joining the Euro in EU Council meetings. We do, however, keep our partners informed of the Government's position, most recently following the statement by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 23 February 1999.

  EU Enlargement
  Mr. White
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the timetable for enlarging the European Union to include the first group of applicant countries. [74945]

  Ms Quin
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier in the House today to my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Mr. Rammell),Official Report, column 883.

  Al Shifa
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what new information he has received about the functions of the Al Shifa factory. [74946]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 25 January 1999,Official Report, column 148, and the answers I gave the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan) on 16 February 1999, Official Report, columns 751–54, and 22 February 1999, Official Report, column 199.

  Pakistan
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's relations with Pakistan. [74923]

  Mr. Fatchett
  United Kingdom/Pakistan relations are long-standing and friendly. We have a continuing dialogue on a wide variety of issues of mutual concern.

  Algeria
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the European Union is taking in respect of human rights violations in Algeria. [76871]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The European Union takes a close interest in allegations of human rights violations in Algeria. It raises its concerns at both bilateral and multilateral level. The first bilateral dialogue of substance took place in January 1998, when I led the EU Troika of Ministers to Algiers. The presidency has had two further meetings with the Algerian Government since, in Palermo last June led by Robin Cook, and Vienna last October. In Vienna, the Algerian Government agreed to consider individual human rights cases put forward by the presidency. I submitted the UK's contribution, supported by Amnesty International, to the presidency in January.

  On a multilateral level, such as the UN Commission on Human Rights, the EU works to persuade the Algerian Government to co-operate with UN human rights instruments and institutions. This year, the UK will work with the EU to try and persuade the Algerians to invite in UN Special Rapporteurs on Extra-judicial Executions and on Torture.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to strengthen the measures taken by the European Union in respect of human rights violations in Algeria. [76872]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We support efforts by the European Union to establish a constructive dialogue with the Algerian Government on the issue of human rights. These efforts take place at both a multilateral and bilateral level and have made genuine progress in the past six months.

  At this year's UN Commission on Human Rights, the UK will encourage the EU to urge the Algerian Government to invite in UN Special Rapporteurs on Extra-judicial Executions and on Torture.

  British Passport Holders
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on how his Department deals with(a) complaints and (b) inquiries regarding missing or abducted British passport holders in the Indian sub-continent when the persons involved hold dual nationality. [76405]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Complaints received from hon. Members are answered by Ministers, those from the public may also be answered by Ministers or by the relevant Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) department.

  Inquiries about missing or abducted British nationals in the Indian Sub-continent are handled by Consular Division in the FCO, or by our overseas diplomatic and consular missions. Our ability to help dual nationals in the country of their second nationality is limited by international law.

  Arms Exports
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will publish the first annual report on arms exports; and if he will list and define the arms categories to be covered. [76870]
  619
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We will publish the report as soon as possible. As regards the content of the report, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Dr. Jones) on 14 July 1998,Official Report, column 149.

  Recruitment
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of those recruited at the policy entrant point were women in(a) 1996, (b) 1997, and (c) 1998. [77183]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The percentages of women recruited at the policy entrant point in the years requested were as follows:

  Date

  Percentage

  1996

  24

  1997

  36

  1998

  52

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many disabled entrants have been recruited into his Department since the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [77191]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Since the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has recruited 10 staff who have declared themselves to have a disability(s). Total recruitment to the FCO over the same period numbered 750.

  Family Policies
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place a copy of the review of family policies within his Department in the Library. [77174]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  I am placing in the Library of the House a copy of the list of family policies which was drawn up following a process of review of family policies in 1997–98. It includes several items which were added as a result.

  Select Committee Reports
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) of 4 March 1999,Official Report, column 876, from whom his office received (a) the command paper version of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee's report on Human Rights shortly before its publication in December 1998 and (b) the draft version of the Foreign Affairs Committee's report on enlargement. [77095]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  My office received the command paper version of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee's report on Human Rights from the hon. Member for Dundee, West (Mr. Ross).

  There was nothing on the draft version of the Foreign Affairs Committee's Report on enlargement to indicate its source. The hon. Member for Dundee, West has made clear to us that he did not send the document.
  620

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning BNFL Ltd.'s(a) investment in Pangea Resources Inc. and (b) support for Pangea's plans to construct an international repository for nuclear waste in Australia. [77097]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The Australian High Commission in London has sought information about the Pangea project. We have also received two representations from members of the public.

  General Pinochet
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs at what time(a) his office and (b) he personally, was first informed of (i) the presence of General Pinochet in the United Kingdom, (ii) his intention to leave the UK on 20 October, (iii) the reports from the British Embassy in Madrid on Judge Garzon's activities, (iv) the contact between the 5th Central Magistrate's Court in Madrid and the Metropolitan Police and (v) the issuing of an arrest warrant for General Pinochet. [70290]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 9 February 1999]: On the answers to (a) and (b) (i), and (ii) I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 4 November 1998, Official Report, column 601, and to the answer I gave to the hon. Lady on 27 October 1998, Official Report, column 146

  (iii) The reports from our Embassy in Madrid of 12 November 1997 and 23 January 1998 were read at desk level; the reports of 15 and 16 October 1998 were read at senior official level, and drawn on in briefing the Foreign Secretary orally on 16 October before Senator Pinochet was detained.

  (iv) FCO officials were informed of the request to interview Senator Pinochet from the 5th Central Magistrate's Court in Madrid on 14 October. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary was briefed on this request at the same time as he was informed of the request for Senator Pinochet's provisional arrest on 16 October.

  (v) The FCO was informed of the issuing of a warrant for the provisional arrest of Senator Pinochet by the Bow Street Magistrate late on the evening of 16 October. The Foreign Secretary was immediately informed.

  Prisoner Transfers
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government to establish arrangements for prisoner transfers between Venezuela and the UK. [76423]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Her Majesty's Government has encouraged the Venezuelan Government to sign the Council of Europe Convention of the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners. The Venezuelan Government's application to accede to the convention is being processed by the Council of Europe.

  Entry Documents
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in which countries the facilities for obtaining entry documents by people wishing to enter the UK are not available. [76622]

  Mr. Fatchett
  There are no facilities to apply for UK entry clearance in the following countries: Andora, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Macao, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Nauru, Netherland Antilles, North Korea, Niger, Palau, Paraguay, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Sikkim, Suriname Tajikistan, Togo, Tuvalu, Western Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

  Posts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Sudan are closed.

  The following Posts offer a limited entry clearance service: Algiers, Almaty, Baku, Kigali, Riga, Skopje, St. Helena, Taipei, Tallinn, Tashkent, Tblisi, Tehran, Tirana, Tripoli, Vilnius and Yerevan.

  Applicants for visit visas may apply at any UK diplomatic or consular Post offering a full visa service. Applicants for other categories of visas who have no UK entry clearance Post in their country of residence are required to apply to a designated Post, usually in a neighbouring country. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary will write to the hon. Member with full details of such Posts.

  TACIS Programme
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Leicester, South (Mr. Marshall) of 5 March 1999,Official Report, column 940–42, on the General Affairs Council, for what reasons funds from the Russian TACIS programme were transferred to the European Community Humanitarian Office; and if the issue of fraud was raised in the course of this stage of deliberations. [76368]

  Clare Short
  I have been asked to reply.

  TACIS is a technical assistance programme wherever this European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO) provides emergency humanitarian relief. However, the need in this particular case was for emergency assistance. Transferring funds from TACIS to ECHO is the best way to address these needs while at the same time respecting overall budgetary ceilings. There has been no suggestion of fraud in discussion of the transfer.

  Iraq
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 16 February 1999,Official Report, column 739, on Iraq, from whom he received the account of the episode relating to the 16-year-old Iraqi youth. [72887]
  622
  Mr. Fatchett
  [pursuant to his reply, 15 March 1999, c. 511]: An administrative error led to a mistake in my answer to the hon. Member of 15 March. The correct answer should read as follows:

  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary received the information from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many individuals were claiming incapacity benefit in(a) each region and nation of the United Kingdom and (b) in each county, metropolitan or unitary authority in the Government Office-North East Region on 31 May (i) 1996, (ii) 1997 and (iii) 1998. [76124]

  Mr. Bayley
  The available information is set out in the tables.

  Incapacity benefit recipients in the United Kingdom

  31 May 1996

  31 May 1997

  31 May 1998

  All cases

  1,872,328

  1,810,908

  1,720,655

  England

  1,376,060

  133,220

  1,270,720

  North East

  140,600

  133,000

  124,080

  North West

  258,540

  235,040

  221,020

  Merseyside

  81,600

  76,540

  72,560

  Yorkshire and Humber

  162,020

  167,380

  157,640

  East Midlands

  111,780

  109,660

  107,980

  West Midlands

  155,740

  151,060

  144,880

  South West

  100,240

  99,890

  102,420

  Eastern

  111,820

  110,220

  105,220

  London

  98,680

  98,060

  100,840

  South East

  155,040

  152,280

  134,080

  Scotland

  234,220

  225,240

  211,000

  Wales

  175,440

  165,760

  154,920

  Overseas

  8,740

  8,520

  8,000

  Northern Ireland

  77,868

  78,168

  76,015

  Notes:

  1. Great Britain figures are taken from a 5 per cent. sample of the computer and exclude a small number of cases held clerically.

  2. Northern Ireland figures are taken from a 100 per cent. sample of the computer and exclude a small number of cases held clerically.

  Incapacity benefit recipients in the North East region

  31 May 1996

  31 May 1997

  31 May 1998

  Gateshead

  12,038

  11,960

  10,728

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  12,424

  11,649

  11,032

  North Tyneside

  9,175

  8,606

  7,991

  South Tyneside

  8,303

  7,976

  7,664

  Sunderland

  18,534

  17,678

  16,246

  Chester-le-Street

  2,903

  2,760

  2,698

  Darlington

  3,694

  3,552

  3,366

  Derwentside

  5,278

  5,054

  4,746

  Durham

  4,141

  3,937

  3,449

  Easington

  11,145

  10,371

  9,515

  Sedgefield

  6,131

  5,622

  5,355

  Teesdale

  771

  731

  710

  Wear Valley

  3,938

  3,714

  3,429

  Alnwick

  1,015

  1,035

  1,013

  Berwick-upon-Tweed

  873

  731

  689

  Blyth Valley

  3,918

  3,714

  3,448

  Castle Morpeth

  1,705

  1,766

  1,622

  Tynedale

  1,746

  1,624

  1,722

  Wansbeck

  3,918

  3,613

  3,327

  Hartlepool UA

  5,989

  5,683

  5,171

  Middlesborough UA

  7,085

  6,312

  6,044

  Redcar and Cleveland UA

  8,080

  7,713

  7,181

  Stockton-on-Tees UA

  7,796

  7,469

  6,935

  Notes:

  1. Figures are derived from available information about postcodes

  Company Licences
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for(a) small and medium-sized enterprises and (b) larger companies (i) all licences and permits issued by his Department and its agencies to companies permitting them to carry out their business, (ii) the cost of each such licence or permit in (A) 1997–98 and (B) 1999–2000 and (iii) the current number of companies which are in receipt of each such licence or permit. [76848]

  Mr. Timms
  We issue no licences or permits.

  Housing Benefit Fraud
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the level of fraud in respect of housing benefit in(a) Bolton, (b) the North West and (c) England. [75621]

  Mr. Timms
  There are no figures available regarding the level of Housing Benefit fraud in Bolton.

  The results of the 1997–98 Housing Benefit Accuracy Review provide the estimates shown in the table for the percentage of the Housing Benefit caseload in 1997–98 within each of the categories.

  Percentage of caseload

  Confidence limits

  North West

  Confirmed fraud

  1.6

  Below 0.05–3.4

  Strong suspicion of fraud

  4.3

  1.9–6.8

  Mild suspicion of fraud

  1.1

  Below 0.05–2.7

  England

  Confirmed fraud

  1.5

  0.8–2.3

  Strong suspicion of fraud

  4.1

  1.8–7.2

  Mild suspicion of fraud

  1.2

  0.7–2.0

  Great Britain

  Confirmed fraud

  1.9

  1.3–2.6

  Strong suspicion of fraud

  4.0

  1.9–6.8

  Mild suspicion of fraud

  1.1

  0.7–1.7

  Note:

  The main figures provide the best estimate from the review for the percentage of the Housing Benefit caseload in 1997–98 within each of the categories. These estimates are uncertain since conclusions about the level of fraudulent payments were derived from evidence from a sample of HB claims. The uncertainty surrounding an estimate derived from a sample can be quantified by calculating "confidence limits". For the table above 95 per cent. confidence limits have been calculated for each of the estimates and are shown in brackets. These limits indicate the range within which we can be 95 per cent. certain that the true value lies. For each estimate derived there is a 5 per cent. chance that the true value lies outside the stated range.

  Myalgic Encephalitis
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the number of myalgic encephalitis sufferers who(a) were in receipt of disability living allowance, (b) were appealing against being turned down for disability living allowance or having it withdrawn and (c) had successfully appealed against a decision to refuse payment of disability living allowance at the latest date for which figures are available. [76222]
  624
  Mr. Bayley
  Figures are not available in the form requested. The available information for a wider group of people, those with Chronic Fatigue Syndromes including myalgic encephalomyelitis and post viral conditions, is in the table.

  People claiming Disability Living Allowance whose main disabling condition is chronic fatigue syndrome

  Number

  People in receipt of benefit at 31 August 1998 First awards of benefit between 1 April 1992 and 31 August 1998

  8,900

  All first awards

  10,300

  awards on initial claim

  6,500

  awards resulting from review

  2,600

  awards resulting from appeal

  1,300

  Notes:

  1. People for whom myalgic encephalitis is not their main disabling condition may also receive Disability Living Allowance

  2. Figures do not sum owing to rounding

  Source:

  Analytical Services Division: 5 per cent. data

  Health and Safety
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Trillium in managing health and safety issues within the DSS Estate. [77185]

  Angela Eagle
  Prior to awarding the contract, Trillium's credentials and proposals for managing health and safety across the DSS estate were scrupulously examined by an independent Health and Safety assessor and found to be robust and comprehensive. Post contract, Trillium now have fully trained and qualified health and safety professionals in place throughout the country. Their performance is rigorously monitored by a dedicated contract management team which includes a fully qualified in-house health and safety professional together with a team of technical auditors.

  All Trillium's practises and processes are closely monitored to ensure their effectiveness. We are satisfied that all contractual and statutory duties are being met and that they are fully competent to manage health and safety on behalf of the Department.

  Benefits (Ministerial Discretion)
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what guidance is used by Ministers in determining requests to exercise discretion in relation to individual benefit cases; and if he will place a copy of that guidance in the Library; [76239]

  (2) on what grounds the Secretary of State rejected the request by the hon. Member for Mid-Worcestershire to use his discretion in the case of the overpayment of benefit to Ms Linda Knight of 42 Stalls Farm Road, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire; and if he will make a statement. [76237]

  Mr. Timms
  In individual cases of overpayments the Secretary of State can apply his discretion in relation to the recovery of the overpayment. This discretion is exercised only where recovery would cause extreme hardship. Guidance is contained in "Government Accounting", a copy of which is held in the House of Commons Library.

  Pensions
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in what circumstances he proposes to make contracting out of the state second pension compulsory. [76154]

  Mr. Timms
  None.

  Bereavement Benefits
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the numbers of(a) widows and (b) widowers who will be claiming income support with the bereavement premium in each of the first five years after implementation of his proposals for bereavement support as set out in paragraph 1 of his consultation paper on bereavement support. [76103]

  Angela Eagle
  It is estimated that there will be(a) fewer than 5,000 widows and (b) fewer than 5,000 widowers who claim Income Support with the Bereavement Premium in each of the first five years after implementation of our proposals.

  Notes:

  1. The estimates presented above are broad orders of magnitude. They are rounded to the nearest 10,000 and are our best estimate of the number who might be in receipt of the premium, but are subject to a wide range of uncertainty.

  2. Estimates assume that a constant proportion of those affected by the proposed changes to Bereavement Benefits move onto Income Support with the IS bereavement premium.

  3. Estimates use information from the 1995–96 Family Resources Survey, the Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry and forecasts from the Government Actuary's Department concerning the number of men and women affected by the proposed changes.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if it is his policy that widows and widowers who are bereaved below the age of 55 years will be entitled to claim the proposed income support bereavement premium on reaching the age of 55 years if the qualifying conditions for the premium apply on the basis set out in paragraph 1 of his consultation paper on bereavement support. [76102]

  Angela Eagle
  No. The proposed bereavement premium in Income Support, and other income-related benefits, will be available only to those men and women who are aged 55 and over at the start of the new arrangements and who are widowed during the subsequent five years. The premium will be payable once their time-limited benefit, Bereavement Allowance, comes to an end.

  Family Resources Survey
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what evidence is provided by(a) the 1995–96 Family Resources Survey and (b) his Department's administrative data on the housing tenure distribution among pensioners who are (i) receiving income support and (ii) entitled to, but not receiving, income support, and if he will break down his answer for the age groups (1) 60 to 69, (2) 70 to 79 and (3) 80 years or above. [76090]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.626

  Percentage

  Age 60–69

  Age 70–79

  Age 80 or above

  Housing tenure

  Local authority tenants

  50

  54

  43

  Other social tenants

  8

  10

  11

  Private renters

  6

  5

  6

  Owner occupiers

  35

  29

  38

  Other

  1

  1

  2

  Total

  100

  100

  100

  Notes:

  1. Figures are shown as a percentage of the total number of pensioner benefit units receiving income support in each age band.

  2. Estimates are rounded to the nearest whole per cent. Rows may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

  3. Pensioners are defined as single people or couples where at least one partner is aged over 59 years. Couples are allocated to age bands according to the age of the older partner.

  4. Receipt of Income Support is based on respondents' own assessment and may be subject to misreporting.

  5. "Local authority tenants" are 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" are 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" are 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" are defined 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.

  Source:

  Family Resources Survey 1995/96.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many reviews of disability living allowance were undertaken under the Benefit Integrity Project in 1997–98 and the current financial year to date; and how many reviews it is anticipated will be held in 1999–2000 under the new periodic review system. [76840]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mrs. Theresa May, dated 15 March 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many reviews of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) were undertaken under the Benefits Integrity Project (BIP) in 1997–98 and the current financial year to date; and how many reviews it is anticipated will be held in 1999–2000 under the new periodic review system.
  It might be helpful to clarify what we mean by a review. I assume from your question that you are referring to the total number of cases that have been, and will be, checked under the BIP using the most available year to date figures, and the total number that are likely to be checked under the periodic review of DLA awards that starts in April 1999. I have answered your question on this basis.
  The number of DLA cases that were examined and completed by the BIP in the period 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998 was 72,470. For the period 1 April 1998 to 31 December 1998 (the last available figures), the corresponding figure is 88,117.
  A monthly statistical report providing detailed information can be found in the House of Commons library.

  627
  Turning now to the number of cases we anticipate dealing with under the new periodic enquiry system from April, the new process will be continually evaluated, refined and developed, in consultation with disabled people and their representatives. Officials will take stock of the findings after six moths. I estimate that over the first six months work will be started on some 10,000 to 15,000 cases, through a mixture of visit and postal enquiry.
  I hope that this is helpful.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Law Firms (Franchising)
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the level of access for rural communities under the proposed new arrangements for the franchising of law firms providing legal aid services. [76287]

  Mr. Hoon
  It is for the Legal Aid Board, through its 13 Regional Legal Services Committees, to establish the legal needs and priorities of any particular community. Contracts will be granted to those quality assured legal service providers who can satisfy, as far as possible within the financial resources available, the communities' needs and priorities. The RLSC's will continue to monitor needs in their regions so that provision can be adjusted as the needs and priorities change.

  Electronic Red Boxes
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will name the Ministers in his Department who are regular users of electronic Red Boxes. [76176]

  Mr. Hoon
  Neither the Lord Chancellor nor I yet use the new "laptop red boxes" described by the Minister for the Cabinet Office in his reply,Official Report, columns 651–52.

  Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list those people he has appointed to public bodies since 1 November 1998, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed and if they receive remuneration. [76464]

  Mr. Hoon
  The following lists the non-judicial appointments made to the Lord Chancellor's non-departmental public bodies since 1 November 1998. It does not include re-appointments.

  Those not receiving remuneration

  Advisory Committees on Justices of the Peace

  Dr. F. Rabiee-Khan (f)

  N. Lowe Esq

  J. W. A. Watkin Esq JP

  Mrs. M. Mann

  Mrs. S. G. Goldie

  Ms S. M. Carey

  Dr. P. R. Ashurst JP (m)

  A. E. Cledwyn Davies Esq

  Mrs. J. M. A. Glossop JP

  Mrs. E. F. Metcalfe

  K. R. Belding Esq JP

  628

  Mrs. G. M. Frame

  Mrs. A. M. Davies

  P. J. Pownall JP

  Mrs. S. Friend-Smith

  M. H. Smart Esq

  Mrs. G. E. A. Wild

  L. Forbes Esq JP

  K. B. Martin Esq JP

  Mrs. J. A. Masterson JP

  Mrs. J. C. Ralli

  K. Savage Esq JP

  Mrs. M. Wyndham JP

  Mrs. C. A. Orton JP

  Mrs. E. A. Hubbick JP

  D. L. Maunder Esq

  Mrs. S. P. Holdstock JP

  Mrs. B. G. Smith

  T. I. J. Mann Esq JP

  C. E. Ewing Esq

  Miss A-M. C. Costa

  P. G. Wells Esq JP

  D. Libby Esq JP

  Dr. D. F. Johnson

  Sir Paul Nicholson LL

  Mrs. P. M. Hunt JP

  Mrs. J. Robson

  K. Moffitt Esq

  Mrs. A. L. Battista

  H. H. J. Radford

  Mrs. M. E. Clibbon JP

  A. J. Hill Esq JP

  D. Redhead Esq

  Ms D. Shandley

  V. A. Stanbrook Esq JP

  Mrs. A. Walker JP

  Advisory Committees on General Commissioners of Income Tax

  Mrs. A. J. M. Taylor

  P. K. Lucas Esq JP

  P. R. Clarke Esq

  C. H. Vero Esq

  C. S. Pratt Esq

  J. A. Clarke Esq JP

  C. D. Suter Esq

  Mrs. D. Meacock

  Mrs. I. R. Moffat

  P. J. Walker Esq

  P. M. Garnett Esq

  W. M. Wannop Esq OBE

  M. J. S. Holwill Esq JP

  D. R. Lewis Esq

  C. J. Cleugh Esq

  Sir Michael Swann

  R. D. C. Jones Esq

  Mrs. J. L. Jenkins JP

  A. J. Cordery Esq

  R. E. F. Hall Esq

  Dr. A. C. Turner

  Lt. Col. J. E. K. Goodbody

  629

  S. A. Watson Esq

  J. E. King Esq

  J. Garner Esq

  H. H. Roberts Esq

  C. P. Butler Esq

  J. R. Trustram-Eve Esq

  B. R. J. O. Hughes Esq

  R. L. Nash Esq

  I. C. Rose Esq

  H. J. Wiseman Esq

  Advisory Council on Public Records

  Professor David Cannadine

  Miss Rosemary Dunhill

  Sir John Chilcot

  Mrs. Anne Hanford

  Professor Rodney Lowe

  Mrs. Shahwar Sadeque

  Crown Court Rule Committee

  Judge Grigson

  Family Proceedings Rule Committee

  Mrs. J. M. Roberts

  Honorary Investment Advisory Committee

  Mrs. P. H. Challens

  Mr. A. H. Clifton

  Mr. I. E. Sands

  Judicial Studies Board

  District Judge Wyn Rees

  Those receiving remuneration

  Advisory Committee on Legal Education and Conduct

  George Pulman QC

  Malcolm Fowler

  Council on Tribunals

  Mr. Emrys Roberts

  Law Commission

  Mr. Justice Carnwath CVO (draws his judicial salary).

HEALTH

  Departmental Reviews
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 22 February 1999,Official Report, columns 134–35, on departmental reviews, if he will give an estimated publication date for each of the reviews which have yet to publish their reports. [73966]

  Mr. Hutton
  The estimated publication date for each of the reviews which have yet to publish their reports are:

  Estimated publication date

  Thoracic Surgical Services Review

  April 99

  United Kingdom Transplant Support Service Authority Review

  Spring 1999

  Mental Health Act Review

  July 99

  Review of general anaesthesia and sedation with dental treatment

  Late summer

  Review of the wheelchair voucher scheme and the provision of electrical and indoor wheelchairs

  Spring 1999

  Physiotherapists
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many physiotherapists are employed by NHS trusts in each region of England; and how many posts are currently vacant in these regions. [74291]

  Mr. Denham
  Information on the numbers of physiotherapy staff employed by National Health Service trusts in each region of England as at 30 September 1997 has been placed in the Library. Information on how many posts are currently vacant in these regions is not available centrally.

  NHS Waiting Lists
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS patients were waiting to be seen(a) following GP written referral and (b) following referral to consultation, for each quarter since 30 March 1997 in each (i) health authority and (ii) English region. [74740]

  Mr. Denham
  Information on outpatient waiting times by health authority is available only from 1998–99.

  Available information on the time patients have been waiting for a first outpatient appointment following general practitioner written referral by health authority has been placed in the Library.

  NHS Running Costs
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total running cost of the NHS in real terms has been in each year since 1979. [74742]

  Mr. Denham
  National Health Service total net expenditure, at 1997–98 prices, is shown in the table:

  Year

  £million

  1978–79

  19,575

  1979–80

  19,899

  1980–81

  21,919

  1981–82

  22,399

  1982–83

  22,810

  1983–84

  23,045

  1984–85

  23,494

  1985–86

  23,597

  1986–87

  24,494

  1987–88

  25,545

  1988–89

  26,439

  1990–91

  27,732

  1991–92

  29,654

  1992–93

  31,665

  1993–94

  31,919

  1994–95

  33,262

  1995–96

  33,795

  1996–97

  33,822

  1997–98

  34,664

  1998–99

  35,961

  Note:

  Using current GDP deflator estimates

  NHS Personnel
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (i) paramedics, (ii) chiropodists, (iii) physiotherapists, (iv) clinical psychologists,
  631
  (v) occupational therapists and (vi) speech therapists were practising in (a) the National Health Service and (b) the private sector at the latest available date. [75243]

  Mr. Denham
  For the available information, I refer my hon. Friend to the "Department of Health NHS Hospital and Community Health Services Non Medical Workforce Census Detailed Results England: 30 September 1997", copies of which are available in the Library. Information is not collected centrally on how many of these grades were practising in the private sector.

  Aricept
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what was the cost to the NHS of the prescription of the drug Aricept in 1998; and how many prescriptions were issued by each health authority; [75530]

  (2) what funds each health authority in England has allocated to consultants and general practitioners for prescribing the drug Aricept in the current year. [75531]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department does not allocate funds specifically for prescribing the drug Aricept. Health authorities are expected to budget for the prescribing of this drug within their overall allocations.

  In the 12 months ending September 1998, 17,000 prescription items for Donepezil Hydrochloride (Aricept) were dispensed in the community. The total net ingredient cost was £1.6 million. The net ingredient cost is the basic cost of a drug and does not take account of discounts, dispensing costs, fees or prescription charges income. Information for prescriptions dispensed in the year ending December 1998 is not yet available. Information about drugs dispensed in hospitals is not available

  Donepezil Hydrochloride was prescribed on the National Health Service in all health authorities in England over the twelve-month period ending September 1998. Information for individual products such as Aricept is not released at health authority level. This is in order to preserve patient, contractor and commercial confidentiality.

  NHS Pay and Pensions Enhancements
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if it is consistent with national guidance for NHS trusts to award pay and pension enhancements(a) on the authority of the Chair and (b) without presenting minutes or reports of remuneration committees to full trust boards. [76131]

  Mr. Denham
  When dealing with issues o f corporate governance, National Health Service trusts should comply with the national guidance contained in the Codes of Conduct and Accountability, which was issued on 28 April 1994, under cover of Executive Letter (94)40, copies of which are available in the Library.
  632
  Trust boards are obliged to establish remuneration committees to advise the Board about the appropriate remuneration of the chief executive and other executive directors. However, approval of the remuneration of such key staff would be a decision of the Board.

  GP Records
  Mr. Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the incidence of tampering with patients' records by general practitioners; and if he will make a statement. [75922]

  Mr. Denham
  Allegations that general practitioners have tampered with patients' records are dealt with locally. There is no evidence that tampering occurs to an extent that would warrant a national assessment.

  Prescribing
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans his Department has to supply copies of the British National Formulary to all essential users in Norfolk; [75910]

  (2) what assessment his Department has made of the (a) economic and (b) safety implications of general practitioners prescribing without access to an up-to-date copy of the British National Formulary; [75911]

  (3) what guidelines his Department lays down for the distribution of the British National Formulary to health care professionals. [75909]

  Mr. Denham
  Copies of the British National Formulary are distributed twice yearly free of charge to all health authorities and trusts. They are responsible for ensuring that it is passed to all essential users.

  The Department recommends that all general practitioners, community pharmacists, hospital doctors, hospital pharmacists and health authority medical and pharmaceutical advisers should receive the formulary. In addition, where possible, there should also be a reference copy on each hospital ward and in each paramedic ambulance. The Department has no reason to believe these recommendations are not being followed.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact on the private sector care industry of the national minimum wage; and if he will make a statement. [75934]

  Mr. Hutton
  It is not possible to estimate with precision the overall impact of the national minimum wage on the private sector industry. Subject to statutory requirements, terms of employment are a matter for employer and employees.

  Front-line Care
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money, in real terms, has been spent on front-line care in the NHS in each year since 1979. [76035]
  633
  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]: Information in the form requested is not available. However, information on expenditure by programme of care within hospital and community health services is provided each year to the Health Select Committee's Public Expenditure Inquiry (HC959), copies of which are available in the Library.

  Dental Services
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health after the publication of the Poswillo Inquiry, how many general dental practitioners underwent training in anaesthesia and equipped their practices to meet the appropriate recommended safety levels; and what contribution his Department made towards this training. [75429]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: Following publication of the Poswillo Report the Department allocated £20.4 million to regional health authorities over the three years 1992–95. We do not have a breakdown of the usage of this money to include numbers trained and the amount spent on equipment.

  Elderly People (Abuse)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the levels of abuse of elderly people in care; if he will publish this assessment; and if he will make a statement. [76484]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: The Department does not keep data on incidents of abuse in adult care homes. However, the Department has provided funding to Action on Elder Abuse for its national helpline service. Furthermore, we are funding an analysis of the first one thousand calls which that helpline has received. National guidelines for dealing with incidents of abuse to vulnerable adults are currently being developed, and this work is financed and led by the Department.

  Incontinence
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list his Department's expenditure on grants to voluntary bodies working on incontinence. [76767]

  Mr. Hutton
  In 1998–99 the Department has funded the following voluntary organisations for continence projects:

  £

  Continence Foundation

  35,000

  Disabled Living

  24,750

  InContact

  6,250

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) completed, (b) published and (c) commissioned on incontinence. [76768]
  634
  Mr. Hutton
  The Department funds research and development to support its work on policy development and evaluation in health and social care. The Department also manages the National Health Service research and development levy, which is used to support research and development of relevance to the National Health Service in hospitals, general practice and other health care settings, and to fund the NHS research and development programme. In addition, the Medical Research Council (MRC), which receives most of its income via grant-in-aid from the Office of Science and Technology in the Department of Trade and Industry, funds medical research as part of the Government's funding of the science and engineering base.

  The NHS research and development programme is currently supporting the following two projects on incontinence:
  Cost-effective night-time management of heavily incontinent adults (Dr. Cottenden, University College London); and
  The treatment of urinary incontinence in stroke patients (Professor Castledon, University of Leicester).

  The Department's policy research programme supported the following research projects:
  The development of methodologies to identify urinary incontinence and set targets for health gain (Professor Pearson, University of Liverpool, completed September, 1995); and
  DH Post Doctoral Fellowship, Dr. Brenda Hilary Roe, University of Oxford, completed March, 1996. (Dr. Roe's research project evaluated health interventions by primary health care teams and continence advisory services related to incontinence.)

  The MRC spent £953,000 in 1997–98 on the following three ongoing projects in the general area of incontinence:
  A randomised trial of open versus laparoscopic colposuspension for genuine stress incontinence, (Professor Kitchener, St. Mary's Hospital);
  Incontinence: a population laboratory approach to the epidemiology and evaluation of care, (Dr. McGrother, University of Leicester); and
  Ion channels in myoctes from human and pig urethra/ bladder-modulation by drugs and role in tissue contractile behaviour, (Dr. Brading, University of Oxford).

  In addition, the MRC also made grants during the mid 1990s for the following projects:
  Can the lower urinary tract be controlled by sacral root stimulation? (Dr. Baxendale, University of Glasgow);
  Oestrogen replacement therapy on urinary tract dysfunction and urogenital collagens in postmenopausal women with stress, (Mr. Jackson, Bristol Urological Institute);
  Determining the outcome of surgery for stress incontinence in women (Professor Black, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine).

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list his Department's budget and planned expenditure relating to incontinence for each of the last 10 years for which figures are available. [76766]
  635
  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is not available centrally. Local health authorities are responsible for commissioning continence services to meet the needs of their local population. The National Health Service Executive is currently reviewing continence services policy with a view to issuing updated guidance in the spring.

  Human Vaccines (Bovine Material)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what was the last date on which human vaccines containing bovine material prohibited for use in human food were used on humans; [76508]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 8 March 1999, Official Report, column 85, on human vaccines, for what reason he is unable to state how those human vaccines which contain bovine material prohibited for use in the human food chain were disposed of; and if he will make a statement. [76500]

  Ms Jowell
  No human vaccines for use in the United Kingdom contain or ever have contained in the finished product bovine material prohibited for use in the human food chain. Therefore, no vaccines have ever been disposed of for the reason that they contained bovine material prohibited for use in the human food chain.

  Xenotransplantation
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has prohibited on ethical grounds the use of primates in xenotransplantation trials. [76501]

  Mr. Hutton
  We recognise that the use of primates as possible source animals for xenotransplantation is an emotive issue arousing strong feelings. The view taken

  Ordinary admissions and day cases combined: number of completed first order episodes by primary diagnosis and Regional Health Authority (RHA) of treatment

  NHS hospitals, England 1993–94 to 1995–96

  Heart attacks

  Strokes

  Regional health authority

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Northern

  8,807

  7,473

  6,987

  8,234

  7,597

  6,387

  Yorkshire

  8,812

  8,132

  7,636

  8,912

  8,535

  6,757

  Trent

  10,119

  9,045

  9,858

  11,150

  10,982

  8,670

  East Anglian

  4,625

  5,791

  4,240

  4,844

  6,647

  4,531

  North West Thames

  5,269

  4,438

  3,996

  6,453

  5,771

  4,624

  North East Thames

  7,208

  6,958

  6,149

  7,980

  8,731

  6,511

  South East Thames

  6,464

  6,246

  5,735

  7,780

  8,198

  6,561

  South West Thames

  5,106

  4,639

  4,321

  6,386

  6,360

  5,296

  Wessex

  6,098

  5,604

  4,530

  6,447

  6,783

  4,623

  Oxford

  3,561

  4,211

  3,504

  4,441

  5,646

  4,059

  South Western

  7,532

  6,713

  7,087

  8,601

  8,237

  7,336

  West Midlands

  11,209

  10,377

  9,756

  13,322

  13,499

  10,440

  Mersey

  5,637

  5,356

  4,780

  6,195

  6,162

  4,579

  North Western

  9,609

  9,429

  8,529

  10,458

  10,705

  8,078

  SHAs

  204

  0

  0

  594

  0

  0

  England

  100,261

  94,411

  87,109

  111,798

  113,853

  88,451

  Notes:

  ICD 10 replaced ICD 9 in 1995–96.

  Heart attack: ICD9 code 410 and ICD10 code 121–122 used.

  Stroke: ICD9 code 430–436 and ICD10 code 160–164 used.

  Data for 1993–94 to 1995–96 are grossed for both coverage and unknown/invalid clinical data.

  Source:
  Hospital Episodes Statistics
  636
  by the Government, as advised by the United Kingdom Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority, is that there should be a strong presumption against the use of primates as sources for xenotransplantation. The use of great apes in scientific procedures, including xenotransplantation, has already been ruled out.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how his Department assesses the risk of a new viral disease emerging via xenotransplantation procedures. [76503]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Government are advised on all issues related to xenotransplantation by the United Kingdom Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority (UKXIRA).

  The UKXIRA membership provides an excellent balance of medical and scientific expertise with appropriate lay representation. The authority keeps itself fully updated on all developments in the field and has developed extensive networks, both in this country and abroad, through which to obtain additional specialist advice. For example, the UKXIRA last year hosted a workshop on the possible risks posed by porcine endogenous retroviruses, involving fifty leading experts from the UK and the United States of America. A report of the day's proceedings is due to be published shortly.

  Heart Attacks and Strokes
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the numbers of(a) heart attacks and (b) strokes in each region in each of the last five years. [75961]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information on the number of patients admitted to hospital for heart attacks and strokes for the financial years 1993–94 to 1997–98 are shown in the following tables.
  637

  Ordinary admissions and day cases combined: number of completed first order episodes by primary diagnosis and regional office of treatment

  NHS hospitals, England 1996–97 and 1997–98

  Heart attacks

  Strokes

  Reginal office of treatment

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Northern and Yorkshire

  12,119

  11,237

  11,533

  10,887

  Trent

  8,333

  8,577

  7,979

  8,828

  Anglia and Oxford

  6,061

  7,284

  7,170

  8,267

  North Thames

  8,647

  9,050

  10,180

  10,811

  South Thames

  9,799

  9,401

  11,605

  10,991

  South and West

  10,556

  10,174

  11,385

  12,206

  West Midlands

  9,084

  9,159

  9,470

  9,409

  North West

  12,392

  12,007

  12,140

  12,289

  Not Known

  0

  85

  0

  79

  England

  76,991

  76,974

  81,462

  83,767

  Notes:

  Heart attack ICD 10 code 121–122 used.

  Stroke: ICD10 code 160–164 used.

  Data for 1996–97 and 1997–98 are provisional, no adjustments have yet been made for shortfalls in data, (i.e. the data is ungrossed).

  Source:

  Hospital Episodes Statistics

  Neurological Services
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the current arrangements for consulting on and drawing-up contracts for the provision of neurological services. [72565]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 22 February 1999]: The White Paper, "The new NHS", set out new arrangements for commissioning services through the introduction of long term service agreements. All commissioning in the new National Health Service will take place through service agreements.

  Health authorities and primary care groups will be responsible for drawing up service agreements with NHS trusts to deliver improvements in health and health care services which meet the needs of their population.

  Increasingly, service agreements will need to reflect the development of long-term relationships between primary care groups and NHS trusts, be based on the shared view of the outcomes of care needed, and cover integrated pathways of care. Guidance on "Commissioning in the new NHS" emphasised that this will apply, in particular, to long-term medical conditions, such as neurological conditions, where, following accurate and timely diagnosis, patient care will largely be managed outside of an acute setting.

  A compendium of good practice on the commissioning of neurological services is currently being considered for development in 1999/2000.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Publications
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the latest volume of "Agriculture in the United Kingdom" to be published. [77432]
  638
  Mr. Nick Brown
  "Agriculture in the United Kingdom 1998" was published today and copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Baby Foods
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is being taken to control pesticide residues in baby foods. [77433]

  Mr. Rooker
  Agreement was reached last week on 2 new EC Directives which impose stringent limits on the levels of pesticides in infant formulae and baby foods. These measures will enhance existing controls and provide even greater protection for the health of this vulnerable group of the population.

  Abattoir Inspectors
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out the number of incidents of harassment of Ministry abattoir inspectors by abattoir staff for each year over the last five years. [66386]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 3 February 1999,Official Report, column 689.

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has held with the Minister for Science, about genetically modified crops. [68067]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I have not held any discussions with the Minister of Science about genetically modified crops.

  Mink Farming
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many visits were made in 1998 to mink factory farms, by county, by Ministry officials(a) for animal welfare inspections and (b) to check compliance with the conditions of the Mink Keeping Regulations 1975 (as amended). [68147]

  Mr. Morley
  Visits in 1998 were made as follows:

  county

  Inspections to check compliance with the animal welfare legislation

  Inspections to check compliance with the Mink Keeping Regulations 1975

  Cornwall

  5

  2

  Dorset

  2

  4

  Hampshire

  4

  8

  Isle of Wight

  2

  2

  Lancashire

  5

  11

  Northumberland

  4

  2

  South Yorkshire

  1

  3

  Staffordshire

  3

  6

  West Yorkshire

  2

  4

  Total

  28

  42

  Fisheries Inspectors (EU)
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many fisheries inspectors there are in each member state of the European Union. [68591]
  639
  Mr. Morley
  Information on the number of inspectors for each Member State, based on the most recent report from the Commission on Monitoring the Common Fisheries Policy in 1995, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House, is set out:

  Country

  Number

  Belgium

  6

  Denmark

  143

  Germany

  30

  Greece

  172

  Spain

  1262

  France

  532

  Ireland

  18

  Italy

  2—

  Netherlands

  56

  Portugal

  12

  Finland

  890

  Sweden

  500

  United Kingdom

  3158

  1 In addition to 30 national inspectors based in Madrid this includes a further 232 inspectors who work for the autonomous regions. Since the report was published we have been informed that the number of national inspectors for Spain has increased to 53.

  2 In theory some 5,200 persons are available for inspection work as part of their duties.

  3 The UK currently has 152 inspectors.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his oral statement of 14 January 1999,Official Report, column 544, in what way the industry indicated its agreement not to take the full recommended allocation of cod. [69396]

  Mr. Morley
  The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea recommended a North Sea cod TAC of 153,000 tonnes for 1998. Following discussion with representatives of the industry, the UK supported a lower TAC of 140,000 tonnes being set in order to help the rebuilding of this stock.

  Meat Hygiene Inspectors
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the charges for inspections under meat hygiene regulations in each of the member states of the European Union in pounds sterling. [69719]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 10 March 1999]: I am currently seeking information about the level of hygiene inspection charges levied on individual meat plants in other EU Member States. Once I have received this information, I will write to the hon. Member.

  Biotechnical Industry
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the biotechnical companies which have placed staff(a) on secondment and (b) on placement within his Department since 1 May 1997. [74842]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 5 March 1999]: Secondments and attachments are part of the Interchange Initiative which promotes the exchange of people and
  640
  good practice between the Civil Service and other organisations. All sectors of the economy are involved: Voluntary, Education, Health, Public and Private.

  No biotechnical companies have placed staff (a) on secondment or (b) on placement within this Department since 1 May 1997.

  Pig Industry
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that the pig industry in other member states in the European Union is competing with the British pig industry on equal terms in respect of animal welfare. [75894]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 10 March 1999]: Pig producers in all EU member states are required to comply with the minimum welfare standards laid down in EU Directive 91/630/EEC. We will continue to press the Commission to come forward with proposals to update EU welfare standards to at least those currently applying in the UK.

  Organic Aid Scheme
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to narrow the definition of unimproved land for the purpose of calculating organic aid scheme entitlements; and what estimate he has made of the effect of such a change on the total grants payable under the organic aid scheme. [76754]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: The regulations introducing the Organic Farming Scheme were laid before the House on 11 March. The new scheme, which follows a comprehensive review, includes aid for an 'unimproved land' category. I have no immediate plans to carry out a further review of aid rates.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations Ministers in his Department have received on genetically modified organisms and the biotechnology industry from the US Government. [72760]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 1 March 1999]: Genetically modified organisms and the biotechnology industry have been discussed on three occasions by Ministers in this Department and representatives of the US Government since May 1997. These discussions took place during meetings between my right hon. Friend the previous Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the US Ambassador to London on 26 November 1997; and between my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and (a) the US Trade Representative, Ambassador Barshefsky, on 23 October 1998 and (b) Mr. Dan Glickman, the US Agriculture Secretary, on 22 January 1999.

TREASURY

  Green-field Development
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to introduce a tax on the development of green-field land. [68800]
  641
  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 9 February 1999]: The Government keep under review the scope for using economic instruments to complement the planning system.

  Customs and Excise (Plymouth)
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the future of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise units in Plymouth. [75515]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 10 March 1999]: Plymouth is a strategic base for Customs work to tackle smuggling and there are currently no plans to change that position.

  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made on the financial saving arising from the closure of the Drug Dog Unit and the Customs Intelligence Unit in Plymouth. [75514]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 10 March 1999]: The Customs Drug Dog Unit in Plymouth is still operational. Customs managers in the South West are currently reviewing the position and a number of options is currently being considered. No final decision has yet been taken.

  Tobacco Sales (Belgium)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with tobacco warehouse owners in Belgium about sales to United Kingdom customers; and if he will make a statement. [R] [73283]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 26 February 1999]: None.

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [75867]

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he or any of his Ministers or his Department's Parliamentary Private Secretaries, advisers or civil servants discussed the contents of the Social Security Committee's report on Child Benefit with any members of the Committee prior to publication of the report; [76079]

  (2) if he or any of his Ministers or his Department's parliamentary Private Secretaries, advisers or civil servants received copies of the Social Security Committee's report on Child Benefit prior to its publication; [76077]

  (3) if he or any of his Ministers or his Department's parliamentary Private Secretaries, advisers or civil servants received any copies of a draft report of the Social Security Committee on Child Benefit. [76078]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  [holding answers 10 and 11 March 1999]: Most of the Treasury's business is dealt with by the Treasury Select Committee, and Treasury Ministers have given evidence to the Committee on
  642
  several occasions. I have also given oral evidence to the International Development Committee and to the House of Lords Committees on European Legislation and on the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England. Neither I nor any other Treasury Minister have seen copies or drafts of any report prepared by these Committees prior to their release.

  Because the Social Security Committee normally deals with the work of DSS, there have been informal discussions between the Treasury and the Committee on how co-operation can best be achieved. The Committee has been anxious to work with the Treasury in two areas: integration of tax and benefits, and child benefit. To discuss tax and benefits, Treasury and Inland Revenue officials have given oral evidence to the Committee. There was also an informal meeting at 11 Downing Street between the whole Committee and myself. More recently, there have been discussions about how best the Treasury can assist the work of the Committee in matters related to the taxation of child benefit. One issue has been detailed questions about the practicalities of implementing arrangements for taxing child benefit. I have talked to the Chairman of the Committee about Treasury officials and Ministers giving evidence; and Treasury and Inland Revenue officials gave evidence on 24 February 1999. It was agreed that, if requested, a Treasury Minister would appear before the Committee following the Budget. A preliminary draft of a report was given to my Parliamentary Private Secretary, but not the final report. Neither I nor any other Treasury Minister was given or read any copy of reports, draft or otherwise, prior to their release.

  Children's Tax Credit
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the children's tax credit allowance will be available for use against investment income. [76657]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: The children's tax credit will reduce the income tax liability of the person claiming the credit up to a set amount. In 2001–02, that amount will be £4,160 at 10 per cent. It will be available to be set against income tax due on earnings and on other sources of income.

  Tax Investigation Notices
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many investigation notices dated 31 January 1999 were issued by the Inland Revenue concerning 1996–97 tax affairs; and if he will make a statement on the implications for revenue collection. [75413]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: A small number of inquiry notices—around 100—were issued on 31 January 1999. In any case where an inquiry notice concerning the Self Assessment tax return for 1996–97 was issued, local tax offices have been advised to inform taxpayers and their agents and to discontinue the inquiry.

  Corporation Tax
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of businesses in
  643
  (a) Tamworth and (b) Staffordshire who will benefit from the reduction in corporation tax scheduled for April 1999; and if he will make a statement. [75657]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: Nationally about 400,000 companies have a corporation tax liability each year. All will benefit from the cuts in the main and small companies' rates of corporation tax scheduled for April 1999, including an estimated 2,200 of the companies dealt with by the Walsall tax office, which covers Tamworth, and 4,000 of the companies dealt with by tax offices in Staffordshire. Other tax-paying companies trading in these areas will also benefit.

  The 1 per cent. reduction in corporation tax rates scheduled for April 1999 builds on the 2 per cent. reduction introduced by this Government from April 1997 and will promote enterprise and encourage investment. The United Kingdom's main rate of corporation tax is the lowest of any major industrialised country.

  Mr. Trickett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of how many businesses in the Wakefield District will benefit from changes in corporation tax which were(a) agreed and (b) proposed since 1 May 1997; [74039]

  (2) what estimate he has made of how many businesses in Hemsworth constituency will benefit from changes in the rate of corporation tax which were (i) agreed and (ii) proposed since 1 May 1997. [74040]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Nationally about 400,000 companies have a corporation tax liability each year. All will benefit from the cuts in the main and small companies' rates of corporation tax, including an estimated 700 of the companies dealt with by the Wakefield tax office and 400 of the companies dealt with by the Pontefract tax office which covers Hemsworth. Other tax-paying companies trading in these areas will also benefit.

  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many businesses in Barnsley and Doncaster will benefit from the proposed reduction in corporation tax scheduled for April. [73371]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Nationally about 400,000 companies have a corporation tax liability each year. All will benefit from the cuts in the main and small companies' rates of corporation tax, including an estimated 1,500 of the companies dealt with by the Barnsley and Doncaster tax offices. Other taxpaying companies trading in the Barnsley and Doncaster areas will also benefit.

  Capital Gains Tax
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate(a) the number of people liable for CGT and (b) the total revenue raised if the individual allowance threshold was raised to (i) £10,000, (ii) £13,600 and (iii) £20,000. [R] [74064]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 2 March 1999]: The March 1999 Budget proposes an Annual Exempt Amount of £7,100 for the tax year 1999–2000, at which level it is projected that 200,000 taxpayers will have capital gains tax liabilities of £3.6 billion. These estimates exclude companies as their capital gains are charged to corporation tax. The effect of raising the Annual Exempt Amount to the specified levels is shown in the table.

  644

  Change to

  Annual Exempt Amount

  Number of taxpayers (thousand)

  Capital gain tax liabilities (£ million)

  £10,000

  –55

  –90

  £13,600

  –90

  –180

  £20,000

  –125

  –310

  1 These estimates take into account the likely effect on capital gains tax yield of changes to volume of disposals in the year brought about by changes to taxpayer behaviour

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the amount of CGT revenue which will be collected in respect of the financial year 1998–99; and what will be the cost of collection. [R] [74062]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 2 March 1999]: The latest available information is given in the table. Information on the cost of collecting Capital Gains Tax in 1998–99 is not available.

  Capital Gains Tax

  £ million

  Year

  Net receipts1

  Cost of collection2

  1997–98

  1,453

  33.4

  1998–99

  32,400

  4—

  1 Excludes tax on gains of companies which are charged to Corporation Tax

  2 Relates mainly to the costs arising from gains to individuals and trustees but some other costs (mainly of land valuations for companies) cannot be separately identified and are included in the collection costs of capital gains tax

  3 Provisional estimate

  4 Not available

  Stamp Duty (Shares)
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with his European colleagues about rates of stamp duty on shares in other EU states. [R] [74061]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 2 March 1999]: My right hon. Friend has frequent discussions with his EU counterparts covering a wide range of matters.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the amount of revenue (i) collected in financial years(a) 1996–97 and (b) 1997–98 and (ii) projected for 1998–99 in respect of stamp duty on shares; and what was the cost of collection. [R] [74065]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 2 March 1999]: The figures are as follows:

  Stamp duty (including stamp duty reserve tax) on transactions of shares and other securities

  £ million

  Year

  Net receipts

  Cost of collection

  1996–97

  1,408

  1.0

  1997–98

  1,960

  1.4

  1998–99 (provisional estimate)

  2,600

  1.4

  645

  Premium Bonds
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the maximum allowed holding of Premium Bonds in each year since 1969. [75944]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]: The maximum holding of Premium Bonds in 1969 was £1,250. Since then it has been increased as follows:

  £

  1 April 1971

  2,000

  11 September 1978

  3,000

  21 April 1980

  10,000

  13 April 1993

  20,000

  Lobbyists
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the role of professional lobbyists in formulating policy in his Department. [74367]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 4 March 1999]: Any contacts with lobbyists by Ministers and civil servants in this Department are conducted in accordance with the "Ministerial Code" and "Guidance for Civil Servants: Contact with Lobbyists."

  Fiscal Policy
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to publish the paper "Fiscal Policy: Public Finances and the Cycle", referred to in the November 1998 Pre-Budget report (Cm 4076), paragraph B24; and if he will make a statement. [75353]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: The paper "Fiscal Policy: Public Finances and the Cycle" was published with other documentation on Budget day, 9 March 1999.

  KPMG
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the services that KPMG have performed for his Department(a) since 1 May 1997 and (b) in the corresponding period prior to 1 May 1997, indicating the remuneration made in each case. [72014]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 22 February 1999]: The services carried out by KPMG for HM Treasury during the periods requested are as follows:

  £000

  Services provided since 1 May 1997

  Windfall Tax Consultancy

  13

  Review of National Savings

  6

  General consultancy and secondments

  26

  Services provided between April 1996 and April 1997

  General consultancy and secondments

  69

  Study on possibility of market testing forecasting function

  39

  646

  Insurance Premium Tax
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of insurance policies which will be taxed at the new rate of insurance premium tax announced in his 1999 Budget. [76453]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: No estimate is available of the number of policies affected.

  714 Certificates
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of current holders of a 714 certificate who will not be eligible to hold a tax certificate under the Construction Industry scheme. [74157]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 3 March 1999]: We believe that around 200,000 subcontractors currently holding 714 certificates are unlikely to qualify for gross payment certificates under the Construction Industry Scheme as a result of the new turnover test.

  Pensions (Taxation)
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which of the Ministers in his Department has responsibility for policy towards the taxation regime for pensions. [75004]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: Decisions on taxation are taken by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  Cyprus
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the financial stability of the Republic of Cyprus following that country's application for membership of the European Union. [76054]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government keep the economic and financial position of all the applicants to the EU, including the Republic of Cyprus, under constant review.

  European Central Bank
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with his European partners on increasing the democratic accountability of the European Central Bank. [74878]

  Ms Hewitt
  Article 109b(3) of the Maastricht Treaty contains several provisions designed to balance the necessary independence of the European Central Bank with the need for democratic accountability.

  The Government believe that accountability and transparency in policy/making will be key to ensuring that the European Central Bank gains the trust of the European public and financial markets. Ultimately, it will help to provide the credibility needed to deliver a more effective monetary policy.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if(a) the European central bank and (b) other Community bodies can prevent the accession of a member state on

  647
  EMU-related grounds where that prospective member state has declined to negotiate an opt-out from full economic and monetary union acquis. [74441]

  Ms Hewitt
  According to Article O of the Treaty on European Union, applications for membership of the Union are considered by the Council of Ministers, after consulting the Commission, and after receiving the assent of the European Parliament. The conditions of admission are then for agreement between Member States and the applicant state.

  Exchange Rate (Euro)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criteria he will use to decide the appropriate exchange rate for the pound against the euro for the United Kingdom's entry into the monetary union; and what is his strategy for(a) achieving and (b) maintaining that rate. [74877]

  Ms Hewitt
  The rate at which sterling would enter the single currency would need to be consistent with economic fundamentals in the UK and compatible with sustainable convergence between the UK and the euro-area. This was the basis for the decision on the conversion rates of currencies which joined in the first wave.

  The Government's policy is for a stable and competitive exchange-rate over the medium term. The Government's fiscal and monetary policy framework will help to deliver the macroeconomic stability needed for a stable exchange rate.

  Stability Programme
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy of the Options on the Stability Programme of the UK, agreed in the ECOFIN Council of 8 February. [75052]

  Ms Hewitt
  A copy of the ECOFIN opinion on the 1998 UK Convergence Programme has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Trustee Investments Act 1961
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to bring forward a proposal under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 to amend the Trustee Investments Act 1961. [74962]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government accept in principle the case for reform of the Trustee Investments Act 1961. But any reform must provide a complete and lasting solution, which is not likely to be achieved without primary legislation. The Government are committed to reform in a number of areas and already have a full programme of legislation implementing their key policy priorities. The Government will keep the position under review and seek to make progress at the earliest opportunity.
  648

  Income Taxpayers (Scotland)
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of income taxpayers in Scotland. [75508]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) on 5 March 1999,Official Report, column 966.

  US-UK Double Tax Treaty
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the current position of the re-negotiations of the US/UK double tax treaty. [76603]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Talks at official level were held in Washington in January 1999. It was agreed that a further round of talks would be held in May.

  Smuggling
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he is putting into effect to reduce the smuggling of alcohol and tobacco into the UK. [76621]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Beckenham (Mrs. Lait) on 10 February 1999,Official Report, column 256–58.

  Pensioner Incomes
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many pensioners living in the Greater London area have annual incomes in excess of(a) £10,000, (b) £15,000, (c) £20,000 and (d) £25,000. [75719]

  Ms Hewitt
  The latest Survey of Personal Incomes indicates that there were about 200,000 pensioners living in the Greater London area in 1996–97 with annual incomes in excess of £10,000 per annum. Of these, some 110,000 had annual incomes about £15,000, about 65,000 had incomes above £20,000 and 40,000 had incomes above £25,000.

  Euro Zone Trade
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the balance of(a) visible and (b) invisible trade between the euro zone member countries by the rest of EU for each of the last 10 years. [74129]

  Ms Hewitt
  Data on trade in goods within the EU are available in the publication "External and Intra-European Union Trade" published by Eurostat. Data on trade in services in the EU are available in the Eurostat publication, "International Trade In Services". Both of these publications are available in the House of Commons Library.

  Single Currency
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the costs of upgrading Government computer systems to facilitate the National Changeover Plan for United Kingdom participation in the single currency. [73600]
  649
  Ms Hewitt
  The overall cost of a UK changeover would depend on the approach taken to the changeover. By planning ahead, we can keep costs to the whole economy to a minimum.

  European Commission
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the cost of expanding the staff of the European Commission as proposed in the Commission's internal policy spending review; what grades of post are proposed; and if he will make a statement on(a) their purpose and (b) his Department's policy on the proposals. [72530]

  Ms Hewitt
  I would expect any proposals for additional staff for the European Commission to be made in the usual way as part of the Commission's preliminary draft budget for 2000, or as a supplementary amending budget for 1999. No such proposals have been made. In assessing the merits of any proposals for new staff the Government will consider, inter alia, the priority of the tasks new staff are intended to fulfil, the extent to which redeployment has or could be used to meet additional needs, and the availability of additional resources.

  VAT
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the benefits of applying a reduced rate of VAT for services with high labour intensity. [74401]

  Dawn Primarolo
  We understand that the Commission will shortly be bringing forward proposals on experimental reduced rates of VAT on labour-intensive services. We shall consider them when they have been received.

  London Inland Revenue
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many inquiries the London Inland Revenue Mobile Advice Centre has handled; and if he will make a statement. [74550]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue Mobile Advice Centre has handled 1,984 inquiries since it was brought into service on 21 October 1998.

  Shipping Tax
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to introduce a tonnage-based tax regime for UK shipping. [75523]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Chancellor has announced that Lord Alexander of Weedon will conduct an independent study of the national and international issues.

  Computers for the Blind
  Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to zero-rate for VAT computers fitted with screen readers and voice synthesisers for blind people. [74628]
  650
  Dawn Primarolo
  People who are blind can already purchase at the zero-rate of VAT goods which are designed solely for use by a handicapped person. This includes specialised software and hardware for use with computers.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made of the impact of the operation of tapers on working families tax credit benefits; [69936]

  (2) what factors underlay the setting of the maximum credit limit on working families tax credit; [69688]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the impact on poorer income groups of the change from the family credit programme to the working families tax credit programme. [70276]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Working Families Tax Credit, which builds on Family Credit, will have a higher withdrawal threshold and a flatter taper. These improvements will ease the poverty trap by allowing people to keep more of what they earn as they increase their earnings.

CABINET OFFICE

  Minister for Science
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to his answer of 26 February 1999,Official Report, column 455, concerning meetings on genetically modified foods and crops, for what reason the Minister for Science left the meeting. [75541]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: My noble Friend the Minister for Science set out his reasons for withdrawing from Government decisions or discussions relating to genetically modified food and crop policy in his statement of 16 February. This stated:
  "At the time I became a Minister I stated in the press statement I issued that while all my shares in J. Sainsbury plc would be placed in a blind trust, the size of my shareholding in the Company meant that it was likely that I would retain a beneficial interest in the Company via the blind trust. I therefore said that I would stand aside from decisions or discussions having any specific effect on the company."

  Electronic Red Boxes
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will name the Ministers in his Department who are regular users of electronic Red Boxes. [76173]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The original electronic red box was essentially a laptop computer built into the traditional red box casing. It provided a useful symbol and demonstration to raise the profile of information-age government.

  Experimentation with this device showed its useful facility was the secure connection that allowed non-sensitive documents and information to be emailed between the Private Office and the Minister. However, development of the Government Secure Intranet and other

  651
  research, is examining alternative ways to provide this capacity.

  Brit Awards
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list those Ministers in his Department 652
  who were present at the recent Brit awards in an official capacity, indication the organisation action as their sponsor or host. [76648]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  [holding answer 15 March 1999]: No Ministers in my Department attended the recent Brit awards.