Written Answers of 6 May 1999

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Opposition Parties (Financial Assistance)
  Mr. McCabe
  To ask the President of the Council what arrangements have been agreed for financial assistance to opposition parties. [83392]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The Committee on Standards in Public Life recommended in October 1998 that financial assistance to opposition parties (known as "Short money") should be reviewed with a view to increasing it substantially, perhaps by as much as three times. Such assistance has been provided to opposition parties since 1975 to enable them more effectively to perform their parliamentary duties. It is claimed in respect of parties' parliamentary business and is largely spent on research assistance for opposition spokesmen, assistance in the opposition parties' Whips' offices and staff for the Leader of the Opposition.

  It has now been agreed that basic Short money will be increased by a factor of 2.7. This means that the opposition parties will receive £10,732.69 for every seat won and £ 21.44 for every 200 votes cast in their favour at the last general election. The travel fund for party spokesmen will be increased in line with inflation. The Neill Committee also recommended a specific allocation for the Leader of the Opposition's Office and this has now been set at £500,000 a year.

  The maximum sums each party will receive in the 1999-2000 financial year are set out as follows:

  £

  Conservative

  3,377,973.27

  Liberal Democrat

  1,085,009.82

  Scottish Nationalist Party

  134,643.44

  Plaid Cymru

  61,859.17

  Ulster Unionist

  138,749.97

  Democratic Unionist

  33,871.20

  SDLP

  54,111.99

  Select Committees (Overseas Travel)
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, how much funding has been allocated to each select committee for overseas travel since May 1997. [82937]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  The Commission approves an annual figure for Select Committee travel; allocation to individual Committees is made, on its behalf, by the Liaison Committee. The figures for the total budget for the last three financial years are as follows:428

  £

  1997–98

  695,000

  1998–99

  949,975

  1999–2000

  975,600

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Organophosphates (Aircraft)
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effects on airline flight crews of organophosphate air pollution on board aircraft. [82322]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  An organic phosphate compound Tricresylphosphate (TCP) is used as a load carrying additive for lubricants in aircraft jet engines. While TCP is toxic, it is not comparable to the organophosphates used in pesticides. While an aircraft is in flight, fresh air is taken in through air conditioning packs using compressed air supplied by the engines. These are designed to ensure that fumes from the engines do not enter the aircraft. However, in the very rare event of the failure of an engine seal, fumes could enter the air conditioning system and therefore the aircraft cabin. If this happens, the air conditioning unit can be isolated or the engine shut down, minimising any exposure to fumes.

  We have no evidence to suggest that fumes from aircraft engines have lead to long term health problems for aircraft crew or passengers. However, we are aware that this issue is being investigated in other countries and will review the situation once those investigations are completed.

  London Underground
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish London Transport's report "The Future of London Underground". [82739]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Neither we nor LT intend to publish this document, which was produced to assist our consideration of the options for London Underground in 1997.

  All the key points relating to the Government's announcement of their chosen London Underground Public Private Partnership option were covered in the document "London Underground Public Private Partnership — Fact and Analysis", copies of which were deposited in the Library on 20 March 1998.

  Fair Trade Products
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce fair trade products at(a) meetings, (b) events and (c) catering facilities within his Department. [82870]

  Mr. Meale
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to her by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary on 5 May 1999,Official Report, column 410.
  429
  My Department's policy is to keep the matter under review and to ask caterers to set out their policy and charges for the use of fair trade products. It is then for local managers to decide on the scope to use fair trade products, having regard to value for money. Fair trade products have recently been introduced in vending machines in our London Headquarters buildings.

  British Rail Land
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much British Rail land was sold to private companies in(a) 1996, (b) 1997 and (c) 1998. [83005]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Total sales of land by the British Railways Board for each financial year are as follows:

  1996 –97: 518 sales for £65.6 million

  1997 –98: 800 sales for £76.3 million

  1998 –99: 222 sales for £33.0 million.

  Information on which sales were to private companies, private individuals (who may be buying for use by a private company) or public bodies is not held in a readily available form and could be provided only at disproportionate cost to the Board.

  Accidents (Local Authority Compensation)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what statistics his Department collates on payments by local authorities in compensation to people injured as a result of an accident arising from an inadequately maintained pavement or highway. [83469]

  Mr. Meale
  This information is not
  centrally available.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Early Release (Prisoners)
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what legal costs were incurred in respect of the processing of applications from prisoners for early release under the provisions of the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998. [82333]

  Mr. Ingram
  The total paid up to and including 23 April 1999 by way of legal aid direction by the Commissioners is £36,034.

  With regard to other legal costs incurred by the Secretary of State, the information in the form requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to her answer of 29 March 1999,Official Report, column 477, on Special Advisers, if she will give the total travel cost of each occasion when advisers travelled abroad in an official capacity since 2 May 1997 and the place visited. [82415]
  430
  Marjorie Mowlam
  For the period 2 May 1997 to 31 March 1999, Special Advisers in my Department have travelled overseas in an official capacity on 5 occasions. The costs are shown in the table.

  All travel complied with the requirements of the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Management Code.

  Date/Place visited

  Cost1 (£)

  12 November 1997

  New York/Washington/Boston/San Francisco

  5,397.70

  14 March 1998

  Boston/Washington/New York

  5,324.60

  19 July 1998

  Boston/Washington/New York

  2,386.50

  6 October 1998

  New York

  3,261.95

  15 March 1999

  Washington/New York

  3,360.40

  1The cost refers to flights only

  Paramilitary Violence
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if she will list for the week ended Saturday 24 April the number of violent incidents involving paramilitary groups which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many involved(a) Loyalist and (b) Republican groups; [82740]

  (2) if she will list for the week ended Saturday 24 April the number of (a) punishment beatings and (b) punishment shootings which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many in each category were committed by (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups. [82741]

  Mr. Ingram
  The number of security incidents during the period 18 April to 24 April 1999 are shown in the table.

  Number

  Shootings

  2

  Bombings

  1

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

  Loyalist

  Republican

  Assaults

  1

  1

  Shootings

  1

  1

  Total

  2

  2

  Note

  1. Figures may be subject to minor amendments.

  2. The shooting and bombing incidents cannot as yet be firmly attributed to grouping.

  Traffic Lights (Newtownards)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to return the
  431
  sequencing of the traffic lights at the junction of Mill Street and Circular Road, Newtownards, County Down, to their original setting. [82742]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Roads Service under its chief executive, Mr. W. J. McCoubrey. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from W. J. McCoubrey to Mr. John D. Taylor, dated 30 April 1999 The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me to respond to your recently tabled Parliamentary Question about the sequencing of the traffic signals at the junction of Mill Street and Circular Road in Newtownards.
  By way of background, I should explain that, in order to accommodate the laying of a watermain in July and August last year, a one-way traffic system was introduced on South Street. As a result, traffic was diverted along Circular Road and the traffic signals at the junction in question were altered to deal with this additional flow.
  On completion of these works, we carried out a detailed assessment of traffic flow at this junction. We concluded that the original traffic light phasing contained conflicting traffic movements which reduced the operational efficiency of the junction. In addition, there was evidence that drivers were using the Scrabo estate as a "rat run" to avoid the junction, particularly during morning peak times. By removing these conflicting movements, the new phasing has improved road safety, increased the junction's capacity and reduced the benefits of using Scrabo Estate as a "rat run". Whilst the length of the queues on some approaches to the junction may have increased during peak times, adjustments have been carried out to increase the number of vehicles passing through the junction.
  In the circumstances, Roads Service has no plans to revert to the old phasing. There may, however, be some isolated off-peak periods that could benefit from further timing alterations. We will continue, therefore, to monitor the junction and amend the timings as and when necessary.
  I hope this helps clarify the situation.

CABINET OFFICE

  Government Offices of the Regions
  Mr. Laxton
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress has been made on the review of the future of Government Offices of the Regions of England. [83181]

  Mr. Meale
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Performance and Innovation Unit in the Cabinet Office is carrying out a study of the role of central Government at regional and local level in England. This includes considering the role of Government Offices in the Regions. A consultation document was circulated to interested parties in March, seeking responses by 1 June. The study is due to be completed by the end of the summer.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Hotels
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which organisation will in future be responsible for monitoring hotel bed occupancy rates. [83034]
  432
  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 4 May 1999]: The English Tourist Board is currently responsible for monitoring hotel bed occupancy rates through data collected as part of the UK Occupancy Survey (UKOS). The ETB runs the UKOS in partnership with the national tourist boards of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The English Tourism Council, in partnership with the national tourist boards, will retain responsibility for commissioning the UKOS.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Treaty of Amsterdam
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those matters currently solely within Her Majesty's Government's responsibility for which by virtue of the treaty of Amsterdam responsibility will be jointly held with an institution of the EU on the coming into force of that treaty. [83280]

  Ms Quin
  The treaty of Amsterdam broadens the competence of the Community institutions mainly in areas where they already share responsibility with the member states. Such areas include the environment, social policy, employment policy, non-discrimination, public health and consumer protection.

  It also introduces new Community competence over policies on the free movement of persons in new Title IV of the EC Treaty. However, the UK will not be bound by any measures adopted under this Title unless it chooses to be so.

  Kosovo
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures he has taken to ensure that the Serbian population is informed of Nato's action relating to the crisis in Kosovo. [83141]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We are using a variety of means to get the truth into Yugoslavia. The BBC World Service has increased its Serbian programming by almost half. It is now broadcasting 3 more 15 minute news bulletins. We are working with the BBC to find ways of getting our medium wave and FM footprint into Serbia as well so that the BBC's impartial reporting can be heard.

  We are also using the Foreign Office's own media facilities to get our message across to the Serbian people. The London Radio Service has more than doubled its bulletins and has set up a Serbian language service now used by 3 stations in Montenegro. British Satellite News also offers a 7 day service and is used by 43 television stations in the Balkans, Ukraine and Russia.

  We have used the internet to send a message to the Serbian people over the head of President Milosevic. Our Kosovo website gets 25,000 hits a day. We have translated it into Serbian and over 1,200 hits a day come from Yugoslavia.

  Spent Nuclear Fuel
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he
  433
  has held with his German counterpart on the amount of storage space for spent nuclear fuel (a) currently available and (b) under construction in Germany. [82945]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 5 May 1999]I have, to date, had no such discussions with my German counterpart. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my hon. Friend the Minister for Energy and Industry (82944).

  Arms Export Licences
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many arms export licence applications his Department has(a) examined and (b) advised against granting since September 1997. [83092]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  From 1 October 1997 to 31 March 1999, 12,073 Standard Individual Export Licence applications, covering arms and other goods the export of which is controlled for strategic reasons, were circulated to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by the Department for Trade and Industry for advice, in accordance with the FCO's requirements. In the same period, 924 Open Individual Export Licence applications were also circulated to the FCO, although this figure does not reflect subsequent requests for alterations to either the goods or the consignee schedules of these licences.

  The Government's first Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls, which marks a new level of transparency in relation to the Government's export licensing policy, gives details of all licence applications refused in the period 2 May to 31 December 1997, broken down by country and equipment category. Details of licences refused in 1998 will be given in the next Annual Report.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Standards and Effectiveness Unit
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many staff were employed in the Standards and Effectiveness Unit of his Department on 31 March; what the budget was of that unit in 1998 –99; and what budget has been set for the unit in 1999 –2000. [82015]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 26 April 1999]: The number of staff employed in the Standards and Effectiveness Unit on 31 March was 148. The budget for the Unit in 1998 –99 was £4.8 million; the budget for 1999 –2000 is £5.9 million. A significant part of the increase in the budget is due to the transfer of four teams covering specialist schools in September 1999. The complement of staff in the SEU is drawn mainly from existing Civil Servants together with a small number of external practitioners, including heads and inspectors, appointed to bring the benefit of their experience to the Department.

  School Furniture
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent assessment his Department has made of the state of repair of school furniture. [82908]
  434
  Ms Estelle Morris
  None. Schools are responsible for the maintenance of their furniture, and for utilising their delegated budgets for this purpose as necessary. The Government have supported schools by increasing recurrent provision for local authority education services by £1.1 billion for 1999 –2000.

  School Swimming Lessons
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will rank local education authorities in England by the amount of swimming time and instruction offered to schools; and if he will make a statement. [83238]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  This information is not collected centrally. However, the Government believe it is extremely important that young people should learn to swim. Swimming is therefore a compulsory element of the PE curriculum in all primary schools.

  PE (Primary Schools)
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to improve the quality of physical education in primary schools. [83247]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  This Government believe that PE and sport are essential to a rounded education. We have therefore committed £400 million of Lottery money through the New Opportunities Fund to after-school learning, including PE, sports, games and outdoor activities.

  The review of the National Curriculum for the year 2000 is looking at all areas of the school curriculum, including physical education in primary schools. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be consulting widely on draft proposals for a revised National Curriculum during the summer, before final decisions are taken.

  The Government will also be publishing a sports strategy paper later this year that will include the promotion of physical and sporting opportunities for young people as one of its principal aims. The Government also fund Sport England, whose Active Schools programme ensures quality sports provision in schools through a variety of initiatives, including BT TOP Sport, Sportsmark and Sportsmark Gold awards, Coaching for Teachers and the Sporting Ambassadors scheme. Sport England have committed £3.1m to Active Schools this year, in addition to Lottery funding of £7.75m towards TOP Play and BT Top Sport.

  School Funding (Amber Valley)
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will give a breakdown of capital allocations to schools in Amber Valley since May 1997. [83158]

  Mr. Mudie
  [holding answer 4 May 1999]: The
  information requested by my hon. Friend is shown in the following table.
  435

  Capital allocations for the Amber Valley since May 1997

  school name

  New Deal for Schools

  Seed Challenge Fund

  Disability and Access Initiative

  Supplementary Credit Approvals

  Voluntary Rationing Scheme

  Grant Maintained Schools

  Horsley Woodhouse

  70,000

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Swanwick Primary

  205,000

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Pottery Primary

  225,000

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Heague Primary

  240,000

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  John Flamsteed

  669,163

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Heanor Gate School

  —

  150,000

  24,748

  —

  —

  97,382

  Ridings Junior

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Morley Primary

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Mapperley CE Primary

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Stanley Common

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Denby Free

  —

  —

  —

  6,675

  —

  —

  Mill Hill

  —

  —

  30,630

  —

  —

  —

  Church Infant

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Ripley St. John

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Langley Mill C of E

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Christ the King RC

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3,752

  —

  Fritchley C of E

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,202

  —

  Mortimer School

  —

  —

  —

  175,000

  —

  —

  Little Eaton

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  ACG

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  1,409,163

  150,000

  55,378

  181,675

  5,954

  97,382

  School name

  Special Education Needs

  Outside Toilets Initiative

  Named Minor Capital Works

  Class Size Initiative

  Annual Capital Guidelines

  Grand Total

  Horsley Woodhouse —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Swanwick Primary

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Pottery Primary

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Heague Primary

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  John Flamsteed

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Heanor Gate School

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Ridings Junior

  —

  40,250

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Morley Primary

  —

  35,190

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Mapperley CE Primary

  —

  44,000

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Stanley Common

  —

  50,000

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Denby Free

  —

  —

  80,842

  —

  —

  —

  Mill Hill

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Church Infant

  1,500

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Ripley St. John

  1,000

  —

  —

  80,000

  —

  —

  Langley Mill C of E

  10,000

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Christ the King RC

  10,500

  —

  —

  2,938

  —

  —

  Fritchley C of E

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Mortimer School

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Little Eaton

  —

  —

  —

  80,000

  —

  —

  ACG

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  107,271

  Total

  23,000

  169,440

  80,842

  162,938

  107,271

  2,443,043

  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the total capital allocation to schools in Amber Valley since May 1997. [83157]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 4 May 1999]: The resources allocated since May 1997 for capital purposes to schools in the Amber Valley amount to £2,443,043.

  Education Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list by local education authority the expenditure per pupil at 1998 –99 prices from aggregate schools budgets in(a) maintained primary schools and (b) maintained secondary schools in
  436
  (i) 1996 –97, (ii) 1997 –98 and (iii) 1998 –99, giving the average percentage change from (1) 1996 –97 to 1997 –98 and (2) from 1997 –98 to 1998 –99. [81648]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [pursuant to her reply, 28 April 1999, c. 181]: Unfortunately the table which was provided in the reply contained errors. A revised table has been placed in the Library today.

  Environment Task Force
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many New Deal trainees were in post on the Environment Task Force in each region of the United Kingdom at the most recent date for which figures are available. [83149]
  437
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The information set out in the following table shows the number of young people who were on the New Deal Environment Task Force option at the end of February 1999. The figures have been drawn from the latest Government Statistical Service report and are shown by each of the Employment Service Regions in Great Britain.

  ES region

  Participants on ETF option

  East Midlands and Eastern

  510

  London and South East

  980

  Northern

  610

  North West

  1,080

  South West

  330

  West Midlands

  540

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  960

  Office for Wales

  730

  Office for Scotland

  840

  Great Britain total

  6,590

  Note

  Regional figures are rounded and do not, therefore, sum to the total

  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to increase Environment Task Force placements under the New Deal. [83148]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Employment Service continues to work closely with its partners and Environment Task Force providers in each of its Regions to build up new placements and maintain current placements for the Environment Task Force option. The Employment Service has no evidence that an increased number of placements is required over and above those already contracted for.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Knowledge-based Enterprise
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his Department's work to increase the number of high-productivity and knowledge-based enterprises. [82358]

  Mr. Wills
  The Competitiveness White Paper, published in December last year, included a range of measures designed to help business meet the challenge of the knowledge driven economy. Publication of the Implementation Plan, in March of this year, demonstrated the Department's determination to carry through the commitments contained in the White Paper.

  Environmental Sustainability
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to support policies on environmental sustainability for manufacturing industry. [82380]

  Mr. Battle
  The Government are determined to help business meet the challenge and seize the opportunities of sustainability. In just the last month, I have announced new funding of around £8 million for a new Sustainable Technologies Initiative, £12 million to kick start a £60 million high tech drive to develop cleaner coal technologies, and the latest phase of the Foresight Vehicle 438
  programme which is supporting over £25 million of innovative research to develop the technologies needed for the next generation of more sustainable vehicles.

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of the national minimum wage since its introduction. [82381]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  It is early days; the national minimum wage has been in operation for only 5 weeks. However, recent independent research shows not only that most employers (almost 90 per cent.) support the principle of the minimum wage but that 40 per cent. had adjusted their pay structures prior to its introduction. There is no evidence of higher costs feeding into higher prices and there were few signs of any demand for the restoration of pay differentials. There was little evidence of significant job losses; in fact, staff levels among smaller firms have increased by 11 per cent. over the past year —staff turnover had fallen in traditionally low paying industries.

  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effect of the national minimum wage since its introduction. [82361]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The national minimum wage, since its introduction in April, has benefited some two million of the lowest paid workers in the country, and their families. The principle of a minimum wage is supported by the vast majority of companies in this country.

  The Inland Revenue are enforcing the national minimum wage, and they supply my Department with data on all matters relating to compliance on a regular basis. Early indications are that awareness of the law is high, and so is compliance. Only in relatively few cases have we had reports of deliberate underpayment. These are being actively pursued.

  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the impact of the national minimum wage. [82384]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government asked the Low Pay Commission to monitor and evaluate the introduction and impact of the national minimum wage with particular reference to the effects on pay, employment and competitiveness. The Commission has been asked to report its findings by December.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of people who have benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage. [82357]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government estimate that nearly 2 million workers have benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage. Recent research commissioned by Reed Personnel Services shows that almost 9 out of 10 companies surveyed support the minimum wage in principle and that 4 out of 10 had already adjusted their pay scales ahead of the introduction of the minimum wage on 1 April.
  439
  Adjusted data from official statistics, available in October, will give some indication of the extent of the shift in workers' earnings resulting from the national minimum wage.

  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the implementation of the national minimum wage. [82372]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Department has received a number of representations about the implementation of the national minimum wage legislation. In addition, the Inland Revenue, which is enforcing the minimum wage, has received some 500 reports of underpayment of the minimum wage and is approaching employers to resolve the complaints.

  Overseas Trade Fairs
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much was spent on overseas trade fairs to promote British exports in each of the last three financial years for which figures are available. [82382]

  Mr. Byers
  My Department spent £20.2 million in 1996 –97, £20.5 million in 1997 –98 and £18.6 million in 1998 –99, including the Commercial Excellence scheme, on overseas trade fairs to promote British exports.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that small businesses have access to finance for development. [82385]

  Mr. Wills
  The Government are concerned to ensure that small businesses have access to sources of finance which are appropriate to their needs. The private sector is primarily responsible for designing and delivering finance products to small business and successfully meets their needs in the vast majority of cases. I am aware, however, that some small businesses have faced difficulties in raising the right finance. In particular, there can be problems in securing debt finance where a business has no track record or available security and in raising venture capital in small amounts. We therefore announced, in the Competitiveness White Paper (Cmd 4176), the creation of the Enterprise Fund. As well as continuing to fund the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme, this Fund will also act to stimulate the availability of venture capital for smaller, growing businesses.

  In addition, we are working with the key players in the informal investment or "business angel" markets to stimulate the availability of venture capital from individual investors.

  Milk Marque
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to announce his decision on Milk Marque following the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report. [82386]

  Mr. Byers
  I am aware that many members and their constituents in the dairy industry have a keen interest in the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the supply in Great Britain of raw cows' milk. I will publish it as soon as is practicable.

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the number of people who have become entitled to annual leave as a result of the working time directive. [82387]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  At the time of the Regulations coming into force on 1 October 1998 it was anticipated that 2.5m workers would benefit from the entitlement to paid annual leave. A Regulatory Impact Assessment on the costs and benefits resulting from the implementation of the Working Time Regulations was made, a copy of which is held in the Library of the House.

  Export Promotion
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent measures his Department is taking to support British companies in respect of export promotion; and if he will make a statement. [82389]

  Mr. Byers
  My right hon Friend the Foreign Secretary announced on 12 March 1999,Official Report, columns 399 –400, the Government's response to the Cabinet Secretary's Review of Export Promotion, the core of which is that all trade promotion and development activities of the DTI and FCO should be unified in a new joint operation, British Trade International, with a single Chief Executive. The organisation will give Britain a sharper edge in export markets. Once implemented, the provisions of the Review will allow us to provide a more coherent service which is readily accessible to UK businesses wherever they are located. Copies of the report have been placed in the libraries of the House.

  Rolls-Royce
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what conditions he attached to the launch aid awarded to Rolls-Royce to help with the development of the Trent engine. [82391]

  Mr. Battle
  When I announced the public-private partnership with Rolls-Royce on 12 November 1997,Official Report, columns 626 –27, providing for up to £200 million of public investment in further development of the Trent aeroengine, my Department had signed a detailed contract with Rolls-Royce plc in relation to this partnership. The main conditions contained were that the company should continue its successful development of the Trent aeroengines involved, and that this should secure considerable benefit for the company, its suppliers and the wider economy.

  E-commerce
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the outcome of the latest consultations with industry on E-commerce. [82393]

  Mr. Wills
  I am pleased to say that we have received over 240 responses to Building Confidence in Electronic Commerce —A Consultation Document. I have arranged for a list of respondents —except those who asked for their response to be kept confidential—to be placed in the House of Commons Library. The responses are currently
  441
  being carefully analysed. A summary will be published in due course. The Electronic Commerce Bill will be introduced into Parliament later this session.

  Employment Relations Bill
  Mr. Geraint Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to advise business of the opportunities and implications of the Employment Relations Bill. [82394]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, other ministerial colleagues and I speak frequently to a wide range of audiences about the advantages of the partnership approach embodied in the Employment Relations Bill. Information about the progress of the Bill is on the DTI website. We will publish full guidance for all concerned before the Bill's provisions come into force.

  Wind Generation
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of new wind turbines which will be installed by 2002. [83319]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 4 May 1999]: The number of new wind turbines likely to be installed in 2002 depends largely on the size of machines which generators choose to employ. For example, a growth in generation of 300 GWh would require about 220 machines if their average size was 0.6 MW or about 130 machines if their average size was 1 MW.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the total subsidy provided by the Government to the wind generation industry to date. [83323]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 5 May 1999]: I expect the average premium price paid to fall as wind energy capacity contracted, under the Order which I made last September for the fifth Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation at an average price of 2.88 p/kWh, is commissioned. The charge to the Fossil Fuel Levy of providing premium prices for electricity from wind turbines was £200 million to February 1999.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate the average costs per kilowatt hours of wind-generated energy. [83324]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 5 May 1999]: In England and Wales the average premium price of electricity generated in February 1999 by wind turbines contracted under the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation arrangements was 5.2 p/kWh compared to the average price for generation from conventional sources of 3.0 p/kWh over the same period.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reports he has received of instances of wind turbines having thrown broken blades to the ground.[83318]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 5 May 1999]: I have received no reports of instances of these machines' broken blades falling to the ground.
  442
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new wind turbines will be required to meet the Government's targets on renewable energy. [83327]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 5 May 1999]: The number of new wind turbines required to contribute towards this target depends on the range and mix of renewable technologies employed, such as biomass, offshore wind, wave, landfill gas and energy from waste, and the contribution that each one makes.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the cost to date to public funds of failed applications to establish wind farms. [83321]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 5 May 1999]: There is no cost to public funds of failed applications to develop wind farms; the premium price is paid only when the wind turbines generate electricity.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received opposing the establishment of new wind farms. [83322]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 5 May 1999)I have recently published "New and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21st Century" and have invited views on a wide range of issues concerning the greater deployment of a range of renewable sources of energy, including wind energy, by 28 May. The representations made so far have been positive, constructive and encouraging.

  Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to increase support for small and medium-sized enterprises in the East Midlands. [83163]

  Mr. Wills
  There are many initiatives, arising from the December 1998 Competitiveness White Paper, which are intended to increase support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These initiatives will benefit SMEs in all regions, including the East Midlands.

  On 10 March 1999, Official Report, columns 367 –79, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State set out a detailed implementation plan for each of the commitments in the Competitiveness White Paper. A copy of the Competitiveness White Paper implementation plan has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

  My right hon. Friend's announcement also included details of the Small Business Service. This service will directly address the needs of small businesses by making improvements in the quality and coherence of the delivery of services to small businesses both at local level and, where appropriate, nationally. The department will be publishing a consultation document in the near future on the specific role and functions of the Small Business Service. I will be welcoming views from all interested parties.

  On 12 March 1999, Official Report, columns 399 –400, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, announced the creation of British Trade International, a unified DTI/FCO operation which will lead the Government's activities on international trade promotion. This new organisation will

  443
  improve the level of service which is provided to those SMEs currently exporting and those who wish to export. Sir David Wright took up post as Chief Executive of British Trade International on Tuesday 4 May.

  E-envoy
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date the Government's proposed e-Envoy will(a) be appointed and (b) commence work; and what his salary will be. [83313]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 5 May 1999]: No final decisions have yet been taken. The Government plan to make an announcement on the e-Envoy shortly.

  Electronic Signatures
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library details of the common position which was recorded at the EU Telecoms Council in Luxembourg on 22 April on the European Directive on electronic signatures. [83312]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 5 May 1999]: The formal common position text of the European Directive on electronic signatures will be placed in the Library of the House as soon as it has been to Jurists/Linguists.

  Spent Nuclear Fuel
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the material recovered from reprocessing of German spent nuclear fuel has a commercial value in the United Kingdom. [82893]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 5 May 1999]: The uranium and plutonium contained in spent nuclear fuel can be used in the manufacture of fresh fuel and therefore, once separated through reprocessing, have a commercial value. The separated waste recovered from the reprocessed spent fuel has no commercial value. All the materials recovered from reprocessing German spent fuel in the UK remain the property of the German utility concerned and must be returned to Germany.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the prospects for onward sale outside the UK of the material recovered from the processing of German spent nuclear fuel. [82892]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 5 May 1999]: None. Spent nuclear fuel imported into the UK for reprocessing and the products which are recovered from that fuel (uranium, plutonium and waste) remain, at all times, the property of the overseas customer. It remains the firm policy of the UK Government that these materials be returned to the country of origin.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has held with his German counterpart on the amount of storage space for spent nuclear fuel(a) currently available and (b) under construction in Germany. [82944]
  444
  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 5 May 1999]: None. Requirements for spent fuel storage facilities in Germany are a matter for the owners of the spent fuel and the relevant German regulatory authorities.

  British Nuclear Fuels
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the companies of which the directors of British Nuclear Fuels Limited are directors [82508]

  Mr. Battle
  The information is provided in BNFL's annual return to the Registrar of Companies. I have, however, asked BNFL's Company Secretary to write to my hon. Friend direct, and will place a copy of that letter in the Library of the House.

  Exports (Indonesia)
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the current ECGD exposure on exports to Indonesia. [82390]

  Mr. Byers
  ECGD's exposure on Indonesia is £1,541 million, of which £48 million is in respect of unrecovered claims.

  Manufacturing
  Mrs. Organ
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector. [82374]

  Mr. Byers
  The decisive action we have taken to promote economic stability, coupled with the measures announced in our Competitiveness White Paper, will help improve the long-term competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

  Mobile Communications Networks
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress towards issuing licences under the Wireless Telegraphy Act for operators of third-generation mobile communications networks. [83794]

  Mr. Wills
  Following extensive consultation and careful consideration the Government have decided to offer five third-generation licences by means of auction. The licences will comprise three of (2x10)+5MHz, one of 2x15MHz and one of (2x15)+5MHz. The largest will be reserved for a new entrant. It believes that this will most effectively allow the benefits of third-generation to the UK economy and consumers to be realised. In particular, it is convinced that these benefits are most likely to be maximised by encouraging market entry and competition.

  The Director General of Telecommunications will shortly issue for statutory consultation draft amendments to existing public mobile operators' Telecommunications Act licences which are intended to provide any new entrants with the right to roam onto at least one second generation mobile network.

  The Government continue to expect that, subject to market and other developments and to final decisions nearer the time, the auction will take place in the second half of the financial year 1999 –2000.

PRIME MINISTER

  Kosovo
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 28 April 1999,Official Report, column 338, what independent evidence he has assessed to support the statement attributed to Dr. Dobruna and Professor Kelmendi that 45 per cent. of Kosovan villages had been destroyed by the Serbs by February; and what information he received on the backgrounds of Dr. Dobruna and Professor Kelmendi prior to 28 April. [83174]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 4 May 1999]: Reports from many sources, including members of the OSCE Kosovo Verification Mission prior to their withdrawal from Kosovo in March this year, indicated that a large number of villages in Kosovo had been substantially damaged or destroyed. I received no specific information on the backgrounds of Dr. Dobruna and Professor Kelmendi.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 28 April 1999,Official Report, column 334, what is the result of NATO's study of the best way to implement the embargo; and what is the name of the village near Djakovica to which he referred. [83177]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 4 May 1999]: Options for implementation of an oil embargo are currently being considered and a decision is expected shortly.

  The name of the village near Djakovica is Mej.

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs (Mr. Flight), of 31 March 1999,Official Report, column 1080, on which public interest grounds under paragraph 1 section (IV) of the ministerial code the Chancellor of the Exchequer declined to give the information requested by the hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green in his question answered on 19 March 1999, Official Report, column 857. [80580]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 13 April 1999]: The answers which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor gave the hon. Member on 30 March 1999, Official Report, column 667, and 13 April 1999, Official Report, columns 122–23, explained that he had provided a detailed account of the position in his reply of 16 March 1999, Official Report, columns 641–42.

  Planning
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) with which companies, not at present trading in the UK, he has discussed planning issues during the past year; [83160]

  (2) with which retail businesses he has discussed planning issues during the past year; [83162]

  (3) when he last met representatives of Wal-Mark; what subjects were discussed; and who was present. [83161]
  446
  The Prime Minister
  I have regular meetings with business leaders from the United Kingdom and overseas and others, including consumer and environmental groups, on a wide range of subjects, and will continue to do so. As with previous Governments, it is not my practice to provide details of confidential discussions. However, as has already been stated publicly, I met the President of Wal-Mark International about a month ago. The meeting was a short courtesy call at his request.

  All planning applications are made to the local planning authority and decisions are made in accordance with the development plan. The Government's Response to the Fourth Report of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Select Committee on Shopping Centres published in July 1997 (Cmnd 3729) reaffirmed the policy set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 6 (PPG6), which seeks to focus development, especially retail development, within existing town centres.

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan) of 28 April 1999,Official Report, column 342, concerning flights between Chile and the Falkland Islands, on what date the representations were made; and what form they took. [83232]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 4 May 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford, North (Ms Perham) on 28 April 1999, Official Report, column 180.

TREASURY

  Road Hauliers
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many road hauliers' jobs have been lost since 1 May 1997. [82191]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Nick Gibb, dated 6 May 1999 As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on road hauliers' job losses.
  Information is available for the net change in the number of jobs, and not for the number of jobs created or lost. The most up-to-date number of Employee jobs in freight transport by road in Great Britain is derived from the Annual Employment Survey (AES). At September 1997, latest available date, there were 227,800 employed in freight transport by road in Great Britain. The corresponding figure for September 1996 was 204,600.

  Civil Registration System
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he is taking to improve the civil registration system. [82924]

  Ms Hewitt
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire (Ms Lawrence) on 7 December 1998,Official Report,

  447
  columns 27–28. I have asked the Registrar General for England and Wales to carry out a review of the civil registration system with the aim of producing a public consultation document this summer. The review, which is underway, will consider the existing operational framework and set out options for the future development of the service.

  Risk Management Systems
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to encourage financial institutions to improve their risk management systems. [83243]

  Ms Hewitt
  Improving risk management is a priority both domestically and internationally. The G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors have encouraged the Basle Committee on Banking Supervision to finalise its work on revising the Basle Capital Accord so that it better reflects risk. More specifically, following the near-failure of the LTCM hedge fund, the Basle Committee published a sound practices paper setting out ways in which financial institutions could improve their risk management processes. Other international bodies are also looking at issues relating to hedge funds and their work will be coordinated by a working group of the newly established Financial Stability Forum. The Financial Services Authority are working closely with the institutions they supervise to ensure that their risk management processes follow good practice.

  Royal Mint
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when a decision will be announced on the review of options for the future of the Royal Mint undertaken by his Department.[83186]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Chancellor and I are currently considering the options that have been examined. A decision will be announced in the near future.

  Bereavement Tax Credit
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of widows who will(a) lose bereavement tax credit in the 1999 –2000 budget and (b) be eligible for the new benefits which replace the tax credit.[79089]

  Number of lone parents on benefit and the number of those receiving maintenance since November 1995

  Lone parents on benefits (thousand)

  Those receiving maintenance (thousand)

  Percentage receiving maintenance

  Average weekly maintenance (£ per week)

  November 1995

  1,337

  217

  16

  29.69

  November 1996

  1,338

  232

  17

  30.62

  November 1997

  1,334

  248

  19

  31.53

  November 1998

  1,326

  269

  20

  31.62

  Notes:

  1. Figures derived using ASDI's 5 per cent. scans of the Income Support (IS), Family Credit (FC) and Child Support Agency (CSA) systems.

  2. Lone parents on benefit comprises lone parents receiving IS or FC. For technical reasons it is not possible to add Incapacity Benefit data to the analysis, although it is thought that the additional lone parents this would identify is negligible

  3. Lone parents receiving maintenance comprises:

  (a) CSA parents with care (PWCs) where the Non-Resident Parent (NRP) is paying child maintenance via the CSA collection service (ie is fully or partially compliant);

  (b) CSA PWCs where payment is direct between the NRP and the PWC; CSA PWCs where the NRP is making a contribution to maintenance from their IS and income-based JSA;

  (d) Non-CSA IS and FC lone parents recorded as being in receipt of maintenance. This will include lone parents receiving maintenance other than child maintenance.

  448
  Angela Eagle
  I have been asked to reply.

  The widows' bereavement allowance will not be abolished for existing claimants, but there will be no new claims to the allowance for deaths occurring after 5 April 2000.

  As a result of the reforms of widows' benefits it is estimated that, in the first full year of implementation:
  around 40,000 widows and 20,000 widowers will be entitled to the Bereavement Payment;
  around 10,000 new widows and 20,000 widowers will be entitled to Widowed Parent's Allowance; and
  around 10,000 widows and 10,000 widowers will be entitled to Bereavement Allowance.

  Note Figures have been supplied by the Government Actuary's Department. They are rounded to the nearest 10,000 and are subject to a wide range of uncertainty.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the revenue implications in 1999 –2000 and 2000 –01 of the abolition of bereavement tax credit for widows and its replacement by benefits. [79090]

  Angela Eagle
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Widows' Bereavement Allowance will not be abolished for existing claimants, but there will be no new claims to the allowance for deaths occurring after 5 April 2000. The revenue effect of this change is estimated to be a saving of £15 million in 2000 –01. The new bereavement benefits, which are unlikely to be implemented before April 2001, are estimated to cost around £140 million in the first year of implementation.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Single Parents (Benefits)
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many single parents were receiving benefits; what proportion of them were known to be receiving maintenance payments; and what was the average maintenance payment, in each of the last 30 years. [83185]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables.
  449
  Information for the period before November 1995 takes no account of CSA records and is not directly comparable and is set out in the table.

  Lone parents receiving Supplementary Benefit/Income Support or Family Income Supplement/Family Credit, 1968–94

  Supplementary Benefit/Income Support

  Family Income Supplement/Family Credit

  Year

  Number of claimants (thousand)

  Percentage with maintenance

  Average (£ per week)

  Number of claimants (thousand)

  Percentage with maintenance

  Average (£per week)

  1968

  157

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1969

  177

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1970

  191

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1971

  213

  58.5

  1—

  15

  1—

  1—

  1972

  227

  59.2

  1—

  33

  1—

  1—

  1973

  228

  1—

  1—

  41

  1—

  1—

  1974

  245

  58.7

  1—

  39

  1—

  1—

  1975

  233

  65.2

  1—

  30

  1—

  1—

  1976

  303

  56.4

  1—

  31

  1—

  1—

  1977

  309

  55.6

  1—

  37

  1—

  1—

  1978

  322

  53.2

  1—

  41

  1—

  1—

  1979

  306

  51.5

  1—

  38

  1—

  1—

  1980

  316

  48.4

  1—

  50

  1—

  1—

  1981

  369

  46.3

  1—

  59

  1—

  1—

  1982

  415

  41.3

  1—

  66

  1—

  1—

  1983

  449

  36.9

  1—

  79

  1—

  1—

  1984

  492

  32.0

  1—

  81

  1—

  1—

  1985

  1—

  1—

  1—

  82

  1—

  1—

  1986

  575

  28.4

  1—

  84

  1—

  1—

  1987

  629

  25.5

  1—

  92

  1—

  1—

  1988

  694

  22.1

  1—

  94

  1—

  1—

  1989

  756

  22.2

  1—

  114

  27.2

  17.82

  1990

  793

  20.4

  18.88

  122

  25.5

  18.64

  1991

  871

  20.9

  20.12

  132

  26.0

  20.22

  1992

  957

  19.4

  22.41

  160

  26.5

  23.07

  1993

  1,013

  17.5

  22.32

  208

  28.2

  25.04

  1994

  1,039

  14.3

  25.43

  236

  30.0

  26.50

  1— Denotes information not available

  Notes

  1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest thousand, percentages to one decimal point.

  2. Numbers are given at a point in time. From Supplementary Benefit/Income Support from 1969 to 1974 and 1977 to 1979 the month was November. For 1975, 1976 and 1980 to 1984 the month was December. In 1986 and 1996 the month was February and from 1987 –94 the month was May. For Family Income Supplement 1971 figures are for August and all other figures represent May.

  3. Proportion receiving maintenance may be subject to a degree of double counting of around 1 per cent. around quoted figures prior to 1990.

  4. Family Credit replaced Family Income Supplement in April 1988.

  5. Income Support replaced Supplementary Benefit in April 1988.

  6. Supplementary Benefit/Income Support single parents from 1988 onwards are defined as single people with dependants not receiving a disability or pensioner premium. The equivalent statistical group has been used prior to 1988.

  7. Supplementary Benefit/Income Support figures are based on a sample size of 1 in 40 between 1969 and 1976, 1 in 50 between 1977 and 1987, 1 in 100 between 1988 and 1993 and 5 per cent. thereafter. Family Income Supplement/Family Credit figures are based on a 20 per cent. sample up to 1973, a 10 per cent. sample from 1974 to 1988 and a 5 per cent. sample from 1989.

  8. Supplementary Benefit/Income Support cases with maintenance are based on maintenance received by either the claimant or the Department as either a Court Order or a voluntary payment.

  9. Figures are not available in 1985 due to industrial action.

  Sources

  1. Supplementary Benefit Statistics Annual Enquiries 1969 –87.

  2. Income Support Statistics Annual Enquiries, 1988 –93.

  3. Social Security Statistics 1972, 1976, 1977, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1988 and 1989.

  4. Family Credit Statistics 5 per cent. sample of awards.

  Fair Trade Products
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to introduce fair trade products at a) meetings, (b) events and (c) catering facilities within his Department. [82865]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer from my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary on 5 May 1999,Official Report, column 410.

  Income Support (Pensioners)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reason older pensioners receive higher rates of income support than younger pensioners. [82706]
  450
  Mr. Timms
  The higher premium rate for older pensioners was proposed in the 1985 Green Paper "Reform of Social Security Programme for Change" for those most likely to have continuing health problems or to be frail and in need of special support in maintaining themselves in the community. The Green Paper proposed two routes to the premium, one age related, the other for younger pensioners receiving benefits related to disability or continuing incapacity.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for(a) 1996 –97 and (b) 1997 –98 the numbers of new claimants to incapacity benefit who

  451
  have been unemployed for a minimum of two years prior to their claims and are receiving (i) occupational benefit and (ii) industrial disablement benefit for (1) the United Kingdom, (2) regional Benefits Agency areas and (3) North Staffordshire, indicating in each case the average age of the new claimant. [82681]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is not available in the form requested because the data collected on new claims do not include the length of time a person was unemployed prior to claiming Incapacity Benefit or whether they are receiving Occupational Pension. Such information as is available is set out below.

  Records show that at 31 March 1997, 49 per cent. of Incapacity Benefit recipients had previously been unemployed. It is estimated that around a third of Incapacity Benefit recipients have an Occupational Pension.

  Pensioner Income
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 28 April 1999,Official Report, columns 165 –66, on pensioner incomes, what would be the difference in income between a single man of 65 with no savings or resources and the income of a single man of 65 who has resources of at least £16,000 but no additional pension from SERPS; and what amount of money would be required to purchase an annuity to fund this difference. [83178]

  Mr. Timms
  The amounts of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit that a person receives depends on local factors as well as personal circumstances. As an illustrative example, a hypothetical 65-year-old man with no savings or resources who receives the average Housing Benefit and average Council Tax Benefit received by those on Income Support aged 60 or over would receive £127 a week in Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

  The amount is £60 more than the full basic pension and, at February 1999 annuity rates, a lump sum of £43,000 would be required to fund this difference.

  It is, however, extremely unlikely that a person would receive the full basic pension and have £16,000 in savings without having any second-tier pension as any employee who earns over the Lower Earnings Limit for National Insurance contributions automatically builds up rights to a second-tier pension. Furthermore, information from the 1996 General Household Survey suggests that half of those who are self-employed are currently contributing to a personal pension and a further 10 per cent. have contributed in the past.

  Notes

  1. Weekly income figures are rounded to the nearest pound and the lump sum figure is rounded to the nearest £1,000.

  2. The latest available data are used for average levels of benefit receipt, the level of Income Support and annuity rates:

  Income support and basic State pension level—1999 –2000 figures;
  Average Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit received —May 1997 data expressed in February 1999 figures;
  Annuity rates —February 1999 figure.

  Pensions
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of defined benefit occupational pension schemes operate clawback of more than the level of the basic state pension. [83274]

  Mr. Timms
  The Department does not collect this information.

DEFENCE

  Jaguar Aircraft
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the last Jaguar aircraft to be taken out of active service. [82518]

  Mr. Spellar
  On current plans, the last Jaguar aircraft will be taken out of active service in the later part of the next decade.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for further expenditure on Jaguar aircraft before they are taken out of service. [82519]

  Mr. Spellar
  We plan to spend only what is necessary to ensure that the Jaguar fleet is able to meet its operational commitments, and achieve safely its remaining service life.

  Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency for the financial year 1999 –2000. [83763]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Key Targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency for the financial year 1999 –2000. The targets build upon progress made by the Agency since it formed on 1 April 1997 and are as follows:

  1. Pay, allowances and pensions payments
  Whilst making 100 per cent. of payments of pay, allowances and pensions by the due date, the number of errors per 1,000 payments not to exceed 2.5 for pay and allowances and 2.5 for pensions.

  2. Accuracy of personnel records and liabilities data
  Initiate a plan with customers by June 1999 to improve the completeness and accuracy of the record of service, to assist in the further development of unit based systems.

  3. Currency of personnel records and liabilities data
  Update all personnel records and liabilities data within 2 days of valid input.

  4. Responsiveness
  Resolve 91 per cent. of inquiries, written or through official help desks, within 10 working days, across all services, where information and/or authority is within AFPAA's control.

  5. Efficiency
  To reduce the average unit costs to deliver AFPAA services by 3 per cent. this year.

WALES

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what dates special advisers from his Department travelled abroad on official business since 2 May 1997; which countries were visited on each occasion; and what were the names of the special advisers who travelled abroad on each occasion. [82254]

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 31 March 1999,Official Report, column 726, on special advisers, if he will give (a) the total travel cost of each occasion when a departmental special adviser has travelled abroad in an official capacity since 2 May 1997 and (b) the place visited. [82433]

  Mr. Michael
  In February 1998 (10 to 12) Mr. Huw Roberts travelled to Brussels, Belgium at a cost, including travel and subsistence costs, of £175 to The Welsh Office.

  In March 1998 (20 to 22) Mr. Huw Roberts travelled to Dublin, Republic of Ireland at a cost, including travel and subsistence costs, of £150 to The Welsh Office.

  All travel complies with the requirements of the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Management Code.

  National Assembly (Pensions)
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish the directions setting out the pension scheme for members of the National Assembly for Wales. [83725]

  Mr. Hain
  I have today put copies of The National Assembly for Wales (Assembly Members) (Pension Scheme) Direction 1999 in the Libraries of the House.

  Talgarth Relief Road
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many letters and representations he has received from the Brecon Beacons National Park concerning the Talgarth Relief Road (Southern Section); and how many were(a) in favour of and (b) opposed to the scheme. [83332]

  Mr. Hain
  Prior to the Public Inquiry the Welsh Office Highways Directorate received one letter from the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority in support of its published proposals for a Talgarth Bypass. Following publication of the Inspector's Report, which recommended against proceeding with the published scheme, no further representations have been received.
  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

HEALTH

  Ambulance Service (Fuel Costs)
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the cost of the increases in fuel duty since 1997 on the fuel bill of ambulance services in England. [81796]
  454
  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 23 April 1999]: We estimate the costs of the increase in fuel duty since 1996 –97 to be about £3.73 million. This amounts to less than 0.075 per cent. of hospital and community health services spending over the two years since 1997.

  Hepatitis C
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will assess the benefits of providing financial assistance schemes for people who contracted hepatitis C through contaminated blood products as a result of NHS treatment. [82860]

  Mr. Hutton
  We carried out a thorough assessment in 1998 of whether it would be right to introduce a special payment scheme for people infected with hepatitis C through National Health Service treatment. We concluded that this would not be appropriate and that such patients should continue to obtain support through the benefits system in the same way as other NHS patients who have suffered non negligent harm.

  Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to(a) ensure that NHS trusts create more consultant posts in obstetrics and gynaecology and (b) restrict the creation by NHS trusts of non-consultant career-grade posts in obstetrics and gynaecology; [83270]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the lack of consultant numbers in the NHS hospital obstetrics service; and if he will make a statement on the level of consultant cover on labour wards. [83271]

  Mr. Denham
  holding answer 5 May 1999]: It is for National Health Service trusts, who are accountable for the quality of services they provide, to decide the number and grade of staff they need. Only they can judge exactly what is required to deliver quality services in their location.

  In view of the availability of trained specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology, National Health Service Executive Regional Offices are being asked to arrange workshops and seminars, involving their health authorities, NHS trusts and local professional representatives. The aim is to encourage local managers to review the staffing and grade mix in large obstetric units and consider how services might be improved by creating further consultant posts in obstetrics and gynaecology.

  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS and HEFCE of training specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology from entrance into medical school, through three years of general professional services and through a complete full-time specialist (CCST) training scheme. [83268]

  Mr. Denham
  holding answer 5 May 1999]: The cost to the National Health Service and the Higher Education Funding Council for England of a five year undergraduate medical course is around £160,000.

  The Health Service makes a significant investment in postgraduate medical education. Doctors in postgraduate training follow an apprenticeship model where their training is inextricably bound up with the service they provide. Even within specialties the length and type of training will vary according to the particular career path

  455
  an individual chooses and their rate of progress. For these reasons, it is not possible to put a meaningful figure to the cost of training individuals to Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training level.

  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of obstetricians and gynaecologists who have obtained their Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training and who(a) face redundancy this year due to lack of consultant posts and (b) are still in training posts six months after obtaining their CCST. [83269]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 5 May 1999)On 1 April 1999, there were 117 obstetricians and gynaecologists who had obtained their Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) and who had not found a consultant appointment. Of these, 86 had been in training posts for six months or more, after obtaining their CCST. We expect that some of these will obtain consultant posts this year, but it is not possible to say how many at this stage. We are considering a range of options for tackling this situation.

  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will increase the funding for obstetrics and gynaecology to implement the proposals of the NHSE voting groups to improve standards of care given to women and babies. [83276]

  Mr. Denham
  The working group has proposed that National Health Service trusts should be encouraged to review staffing in obstetric and gynaecology services.

  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend the contracts of those(a) specialist registrars and (b) senior registrars in obstetrics and gynaecology who have obtained their CCST but who have not found consultant posts. [83275]

  Mr. Denham
  Under current regulations, all holders of Certificates of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) may be given an extension to their contracts of up to 6 months in order to secure a job. Because of the difficulties being experienced by CCST holders in obstetrics and gynaecology, it has been agreed that they may have their contracts extended for a further period of up to 12 months, making a total of 18 months in all.

  Beta Interferon
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the availability of beta interferon on prescription for people with the progressive type of multiple sclerosis. [82881]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department will shortly be consulting with interested parties on a draft health service circular on the prescribing of beta-interferon for people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Civil Society Unit
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the remit of the civil society unit in her Department. [83079]
  456
  Mr. Foulkes
  The civil society unit, which was formerly called the NGO Unit, will continue to administer the Joint Funding Scheme, and will administer its successor, the new Civil Society Challenge Fund, and new Partnership Programme Agreements. The Civil Society Challenge Fund will have a focused approach to strengthening civil society in developing countries and will be open to a wide range of UK civil society groups. Partnership Programme Agreements will set out shared objectives with organisations engaged in a range of the Department for International Development's strategic concerns and will provide strategic funding links with the Department. More generally, the Unit will seek to widen our relationships with civil society organisations in the UK who share our objectives of the elimination of world poverty.

  AIDS
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what were the levels of expenditure on the international AIDS vaccine initiative in (i) 1997–98 and (ii) 1998–99. [83081]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Britain provided £ 200,000 to support the work of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) in 1998-99. We made no contribution in 1997 –98.

  We are currently developing a longer term and more substantial programme of support with the IAVI, which will begin in 1999 –2000.

  Kosovo
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of that aid given in connection with the Balkans conflict is currently being given directly to support Albanian families housing Kosovan refugees. [83082]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The Red Cross movement has the lead role in distributing food and other relief supplies to host families and refugees outside the camps. Details of the proportion of aid going to support host families are not available.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support her Department is giving to the development of a website to help Kosovar refugees. [83091]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The International Committee of the Red Cross are playing a major role in tracing and reunification. They are already making use of the Internet as one tool in these efforts. The Department for International Development has given £2.5 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross, part of which is being used for family tracing.

  Birth Certificates
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list those purposes for which her Department and its executive agencies
  457
  require a birth certificate to be furnished by (i) employees, (ii) contractors, (iii) those applying for employment or contracts and (iv) other persons. [83083]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The Department for International Development may ask to see a birth certificate as a proof of identity when recruiting staff directly. On retirement from service, and prior to payment of pension, a member of staff may be requested to produce a copy of their birth certificate as a double check on age.

  We require proof of date of birth before determining eligibility for a colonial pension. However, in almost every case the claimant's birth certificate had been seen many years earlier by the relevant employer and/or pension authority. The requirement to produce a birth certificate in support of such a claim is therefore very rare.

  While we do not require birth certificates from contractors or consultants, we ask to see birth certificates for the children of staff working overseas to assess eligibility for various allowances including education allowances and holiday visit passages.

  The DFID has no executive agencies.

  Sudan
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if the seed and tools packages provided by the United Kingdom have arrived in southern Sudan in time for spring planting. [83086]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Yes.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has for primary education to form part of the humanitarian aid for southern Sudan. [83087]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We are prepared to consider realistic and viable proposals to provide basic education services in southern Sudan. But sustainable services will be possible only when peace is secured.
  Dr. Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what data she has collated on current food supplies in southern Sudan. [83089]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The situation is much better than last year. People are in better condition and prospects for the 1999 cereal crop look good. However, southern Sudan is a food deficit area. The UN World Food Programme estimates that in 1999 there will be a 10 per cent. deficit between local food availability and total anticipated needs. This is estimated at 90,000 tonnes of food which includes 20,000 tonnes to support the most vulnerable.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to ensure a supply of fishing tackle to the people of southern Sudan before the floods begin at the end of the year. [83090]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Fish is an important element of the diets of vulnerable people in southern Sudan. We are willing to consider supporting, at the appropriate time of the year, well constructed and viable proposals for the provision of fishing tackle.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Immigration Advisers
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about the proposed level of registration charges for immigration advisers. [82536]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We have received no representations about the proposed level of registration charges for immigration advisers. We have received a number of inquiries about the basis on which charges were estimated for illustrative purposes in the Regulatory Impact Assessment for Part V of the Immigration and Asylum Bill.

  Open Government
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average cost of each case in which information was supplied under the Open Government: Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in the last parliamentary session. [83273]

  Mr. Straw
  Information is not collated either centrally, or in Departments, on the average cost of supplying information under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  In most cases, requests under the Code are for information which it is necessary for the public to have as part of the fair and accountable performance of the functions of Government. Such requests are dealt with in the same way as general correspondence and separate accounting is not systematically undertaken.

  In order to provide a range of estimates for the cost of meeting requests for information under the proposed Freedom of Information Bill, a low cost estimated of £62 (the average cost of replying to a Parliamentary Question) and a high cost estimate of £350 (reflecting additional work needed to collate an extensive range of information) was used. These are typical costs of responding to Code requests, but are not average costs.

  Where information is provided in order to meet a specific individual request, which is not in the course of a Department's normal day-to-day business, a charge may be made to help defray the costs. Where charges are made, Departments are required to strike a balance between the interests of the applicant and those of the taxpayer. Individual Departments decide how best to apply this principle to their particular circumstances, and charges will not necessarily reflect the actual cost to the Department of supplying the information.

  The charging schemes for each Department are set out at Appendix 5 of the 1997 Report on the Code of Practice, a copy of which is available in the Library. In that year charges were levied in 242 cases out of 3,772 requests logged as Code requests (6.4 per cent.).

  I hope to be able to publish the 1998 Code Report in the next few weeks.

  Transsexuals
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 14 April 1999,Official Report, column 257, which Minister in his

  459
  Department will oversee the work of the Interdepartmental Working Group on the status of transsexual people. [83045]

  Mr. Straw
  The right hon. Lord Williams of Mostyn.

  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the police forces which have implemented guidelines for officers dealing with transsexual and trans-gendered people; and what recommendation his Department makes to police forces regarding treatment of transsexual and trans-gendered people. [83021]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Home Office makes no specific recommendations to the police service about the treatment of transsexual and trans-gendered people. However, advice on dealing with transvestites and transsexual people was issued to all forces in the Spring of 1998 by the Association of Chief Police Officers Race and Community Relations sub-committee. I am placing a copy in the Library. Information is not held centrally on details of forces which have implemented these guidelines.

  Bids received

  Bids successful

  Subject

  £ million

  Number

  £million

  Number

  Grants to voluntary organisations

  5.075

  103

  1.828

  34

  Targeted Policing

  31.5

  73

  15.2

  111

  Burglary Initiative

  not costed

  125

  1.8

  30

  Close Circuit Television bids

  13.989

  283

  1.537

  32

  1This is a provisional figure as firm decisions will not be made until early June 1999

  Non-governmental organisations may also bid for funds under the Invest to Save and Capital Modernisation programmes. These are administered by Her Majesty's Treasury.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the types of products which are required to be tested on animals; and what assessment he has made of alternative procedures. [83329]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Home Office and the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 do not require types of product to be tested. The purpose of the 1986 Act is to regulate any experimental or other scientific procedure applied to a protected animal which may cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. The safety of products, and the types of test required to assess safety, are the responsibility of other Government Departments.

  Section 5(5) of the 1986 Act requires that a project licence shall be granted only if:

  (a) the purpose of the programme to be specified in the licence cannot be achieved satisfactorily by any other reasonably practicable method not entailing the use of protected animals; and

  (b) the regulated procedures to be used are those which use the minimum number of animals, involve animals with the lowest degree of neurophysiological sensitivity, cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm, and are most likely to produce satisfactory results.

  Kosovan Asylum Seekers
  Ms Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Kosovan asylum seekers are currently in detention in the United Kingdom. [82689]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have instructed that all known Kosovan asylum seekers are released from detention. I am satisfied therefore that there are no asylum seekers whom we accept to be Kosovan currently detained under Immigration Act powers. There are, however, some detainees who are believed to be Albanian nationals.

  Competitive Bidding
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the bids by regional non-Governmental organisations that have been(a) received and (b) successful in each of the competitive bidding processes launched and managed by his Department since May 1997. [82462]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 28 April 1999]: The available information is as follows:

  These embody the principles of the 3Rs —replacing animal use, reducing the number of animals used in a particular procedure and refining procedures to minimise adverse effects.

  Home Office inspectors (who are all highly qualified and experienced in either medicine or veterinary science) assess licence applications to ensure that such alternatives are used wherever possible.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what studies he has made of the normal mortality rate of cat litters for the purpose of comparison with those used in animal experiments.[83330]

  Mr. George Howarth
  No specific study has been made. However, I had been advised by the Home Office Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate that a pre-weaning mortality rate of 10 per cent. in an establishment designated under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 would be comparable to that in commercial catteries which breed kittens for the pet trade. Inspectors hold qualifications in both medical and veterinary science.

  I understand that the breeding records of the designated establishment have been examined by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' own professional veterinary staff who consider that they do not reveal evidence of mistreatment.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many companies in the United Kingdom have current licences for experiments on animals. [83182]
  461
  Mr. George Howarth
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 5 May 1999,Official Report, column 375.

  Animal Breeding Establishments
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases have been brought against animal breeding establishments for breaches of breeding regulations during each of the last five years. [83331]

  Mr. George Howarth
  During the last five years, there have been no breaches of the breeding regulations under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 for which prosecution was necessary.

  Animal Procedures Committee
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the powers of the Animal Procedures Committee; what is its current membership; how members are selected; and what plans he has to change the(a) membership and (b) membership structure. [83328]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The role of the Animal Procedures Committee is advisory, not regulatory or executive. It advises the Secretary of State on matters concerned with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and his functions under it. Under sections 20 of that Act, it must advise him on any question connected with the Act which he has referred to and may also offer him advice on any other such question if it chooses to do so.

  The current membership of the Committee is: Professor Michael Banner (Chairman), Professor Ronald Anderson, Professor Christopher Atterwill, Mr. Mike Baker, Professor Donald Broom, Professor Grahame Bulfield, Dr. David Clark, Professor Stephen Clark, Professor Robin Dunbar, Professor Paul Flecknell, Mr. John Gregory, Mr. Alan Holland, Dr. Maggy Jennings, Professor Colin Johnston, Dr. Gill Langley, Professor John Martin, Professor Alan McNeilly, Professor lain Purchase, Professor Genevra Richardson, Dr. Jacqueline Southee, Dr. Anthony Suckling, Professor John Turner and Mr. Les Ward.

  Members of the Committee are appointed by the Secretary of State, taking into account the advice of a panel consisting of a senior Home Office official, the Chair of the Committee, and an independent member. The panel seeks nominations from a wide range of scientific, industrial, commercial and animal welfare organisations. The aim is to maintain a breadth of relevant expertise on the Committee. Members of the Committee are appointed as individuals. They do not act as representatives or delegates of any other organisation.

  Under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, members of the Committee can serve for a maximum of two terms, each of up to four years. At least two-thirds of the members, other than the Chair, must hold registration as a medical practitioner or veterinary surgeon or hold qualifications or experience in an approved biological subject. The Committee must also include at least one member who is a barrister, solicitor or advocate.

  We last made new appointments to the Animal Procedures Committee in December 1998 and have no immediate plans to appoint further new members or to change the membership structure.

  Cleveland Police
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the discussion at the meeting of the Cleveland Police Authority on 8 February regarding the 999 call from the house of the former Deputy Chief Constable on 20 January and his application for early retirement. [82687]

  Mr. Boateng
  Chief Police officers who have completed 30 years' service are entitled to retire at any time, provided they give three months' notice. Where an officer wishes to retire immediately, without giving the required notice, then he must ask the permission of the Police Authority.

  Mr. Turnbull, having completed over 30 years' service, was entitled to retire. He was appointed on a fixed term appointment, not a contract, and remained entitled to retire on completion of his pensionable service, even if this was before the end of the fixed term appointment.

  The meeting of Cleveland Police Authority on 8 February discussed the request from the then Deputy Chief Constable, Mr. Turnbull, that he be allowed to retire without completing the statutory three months' notice required under Police Regulations.

  The police authority considered the application in open session but certain associated matters of a confidential nature were brought to their attention by the Clerk of the Police Authority. The Authority continued the debate in private session in accordance with Section 100 of the Local Government Act 1972.

  The Authority returned to open session to make their final decision having determined the issues discussed in private did not affect their consideration of the actual application. The application for early retirement was then approved.

  Kosovan Refugees
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans to assist Kosovan refugees. [83066]

  Mr. Straw
  As I told the House in my statement on 5 May 1999,Official Report, columns 943-52, we have always made it clear that the United Kingdom stands ready to receive some thousands of Kosovan refugees. The next two flights are expected to arrive in Scotland at the weekend. We are planning to build up to taking about a thousand people a week within the next few weeks. Evacuations will be based on criteria agreed with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) whose aim is to relieve pressure on the camps and to give priority to the most vulnerable and those with family links in the United Kingdom.

  We will be sending the first team of Home Office officials to Macedonia in the next few days to work with the agencies on the ground to speed up the registration of refugees for potential evacuation. Priority will be given to medical cases, the vulnerable to family reunions.

  Evacuees arriving in the United Kingdom under the Humanitarian Evacuation Programme will be granted permission to enter in line with close family members already settled in the United Kingdom or given exceptional leave to remain for twelve months to provide

  463
  for their protection as requested by UNHCR. This status provides a passport into the benefits system and the right to work. Other refugees arriving independently will be eligible to apply for asylum in the usual way.

  Fire Safety Commission
  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress on the establishment of a Fire Safety Commission. [83245]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Fire Brigades Union discussion document, Safety in Partnership, which sets out proposals for a strategic forum to consider fire safety matters will be considered by the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council at its meeting on 18 May. I have already made it clear that the concepts of developing policies around shared goals, making sure those policies are inclusive, involving those outside government and becoming more forward and outward looking are absolutely right. This approach also ties in with the Better Regulation Task Force's recent review of enforcement, which suggested that fire safety initiatives should be coordinated by a national forum representing government regulators and stakeholders.

  Crimestoppers
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he intends taking to increase public confidence in, and awareness of, the Crimestoppers system of reporting suspected criminals; and if he will publish a copy of his reply to the Director of the Crimestoppers Trust in response to the Trust's offer to help any Government initiative to raise the profile of Crimestoppers. [82888]

  Mr. Straw
  The Government fully recognise the great value of Crimestoppers. Ministers attend Crimestoppers Trust events to support its work as other commitments allow. I have recently written to the Director of Crimestoppers Trust to outline my support for exploring further the idea that the Home Office and Crimestoppers Trust might work together to raise the profile of Crimestoppers Trust to encourage the use of Crimestoppers by members of the public. Officials will shortly be meeting the Director of Crimestoppers to take matters forward.

  The text of the letter was:
  "Dear Mr. Carter
  Thank you for your letter of 2 March outlining your idea that Crimestoppers and the Home Office might work together on a campaign to encourage people, particularly from minority ethnic communities, to report crime anonymously using the Crimestoppers telephone number.
  Clearly, we want to do all we can to involve minority ethnic communities in the fight against crime. I know that was the reasoning behind the lunch that I attended last October to promote Crimestoppers to the Asian community. I would be interested in looking in more detail at how such a campaign might work. I have asked officials to contact you to discuss the idea further.
  Once again I would like to reiterate my support for the work that Crimestoppers does throughout Britain to help in the fight against crime and I look forward to hearing how this idea develops.
  The Home Secretary."
  464
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money was allocated by the Government to fund Crimestoppers in each of the last five financial years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.[82887]

  Mr. Straw
  Crimestoppers has not sought core Government funding and none has been allocated to it by the Government.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been arrested in each of the last five years for which figures are available as a result of information supplied to Crimestoppers.[82886]

  Mr. Straw
  I understand from Crimestoppers Trust that the number of people arrested and charged for each of the last five years as a result of information supplied to Crimestoppers was as follows:

  Year

  Arrested and charged

  1994

  2,943

  1995

  3,355

  1996

  4,347

  1997

  4,726

  1998

  5,169

  These figures can be broken down into the following categories for 1998:

  Crime

  Total arrested and charged

  Murder

  30

  Attempted murder

  12

  Rape

  14

  Robbery

  206

  Assault

  135

  Burglary

  396

  Firearms

  53

  Drugs

  2,400

  Arson

  22

  Theft

  430

  Vehicle Crime

  505

  Sexual Assault

  14

  Fraud

  179

  Other crimes

  570

  Total

  5,169

  The total number of people arrested and charged as a result of information supplied to Crimestoppers for the period 1 January 1999–end March 1999 is 1,211.

SCOTLAND

  Fair Trade Products
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to introduce fair trade products at(a)meetings, (b) events and (c) catering facilities within his Department. [82864]

  Mr. Dewar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury on 5 May 1999,Official Report, column 410.

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