Written Answers of 19 May 1999

DEFENCE

  Eurofighter
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received from the manufacturers of Eurofighter concerning production delays; and if he will make a statement. [82524]

  Mr. George Robertson
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 19 May 1999:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about reports he has received from Eurofighter manufacturers concerning production delays. The matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  Contracts for the production of the first tranche of 148 Eurofighter aircraft, including 55 for the Royal Air Force, were signed in September 1998. Since then industry has not submitted any reports concerning delays to the contracted production schedule. Prior to contract signature, however, industry advised that to maintain the delivery schedule it would be necessary to introduce lower functionality in early aircraft, with a series of increments leading to the full standard. Nations identified functionality standards that would satisfy the initial training requirement, and these were reflected in the contract. The availability of such aircraft will allow conversion training of pilots to go ahead as planned. All aircraft will be upgraded to the final standard within the agreed prices.

  Ministerial Meetings (US)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many meetings he held with members and officials of the US Administration during his visit to the United States of America on 16 to 18 April; with whom he held the meetings and at what locations. [84314]

  Mr. George Robertson
  During my visit to the US from 16 to 18 April 1999 my only formal meeting was with Mr. William Cohen, the US Secretary for Defence. This meeting took place in the Marriott Hotel, Portland, Maine, on the morning of Saturday 17 April.

  Scalp EG Missile
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the Scalp EG missile is being built in the UK; and what agreements have been made on the United Kingdom's share of the work. [84516]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
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  Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 19 May 1999:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence which asked what percentage of the Scalp EG missile is being built in the UK; and what agreements have been made on the United Kingdom's share of the work. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  Scalp EG is being procured by the French government for its own armed forces; it is essentially the same weapon as Storm Shadow, which we are procuring for the UK's forces, although there are certain unique requirements specific to each country. National procurements are being pursued under separate contracts: the UK's contract for Storm Shadow was placed with Matra BAe Dynamics UK Ltd in February 1997 and the French government's contract for Scalp EG was placed with Matra BAe Dynamics France S.A. in December 1997. The two parts of Matra BAe Dynamics act as separate prime contractors and hold the individual Storm Shadow and Scalp EG contracts for their respective national governments.
  Although a Memorandum of Understanding exists between the UK and France covering co-operation in and co-ordination on technical matters of these missile programmes, this does not allow UK access to details of the French Industries' commercial arrangements and commitments. I am therefore unable to provide the information you seek.
  I am sorry I cannot be more helpful.

  Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel are based at the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency in Colchester; and how many staff have agreed to be transferred to Caversfield. [84648]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  There are 148 personnel currently based at the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency's site at Colchester. A staff preference exercise is currently being conducted which, when completed, will indicate the number of staff who wish to transfer to Caversfield.

  Operation Allied Force
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received concerning the use of depleted uranium weapons in operation Allied Force against Yugoslavia. [84624]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I have received a number of representations concerning the use of depleted uranium munitions in operation Allied Force from Members of Parliament, including from my hon. Friend himself, and from some members of the public.

  Chinook Helicopters
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if cockpit voice recorders will be fitted to the first six RAF Chinook helicopters by 30 June as set out in his answer of 16 November 1998,Official Report, columns 325–26. [84703]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 18 May 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
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  Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Robert Key, dated 19 May 1999:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the fitting of cockpit voice recorders to RAF Chinook helicopters. The matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  Unfortunately, continuing technical difficulties associated with the development of the Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS), of which the cockpit voice recorders form an integral part, and with the integration of this equipment onto the Chinook Mkt/2a helicopters, have resulted in further slippage to the programme of which you were advised previously The difficulties have been addressed jointly by Smiths Industries, the prime contractor, and the Defence Procurement Agency. The project has passed key major milestones this year, including Design Acceptance and ground testing, and flight trials will commence shortly. We now plan on having the first six helicopters fitted by late November this year. The plan to fit the remainder of the Chinook fleet by the end of 2000, remains as previously advised.

  Army Units (Germany)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the withdrawal of British army units from Germany. [84972]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I stressed in the Strategic Defence Review that the forward basing of ground forces in Germany would remain a key aspect of British defence policy. I (UK) Armoured Division, with its three brigades, will continue to be stationed in Germany, together with United Kingdom Support Command (Germany) and the Headquarters of the Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) with its signals brigades. But the withdrawal of some units to the United Kingdom will mean that we have a reduced requirement for barracks accommodation and can plan to return to the German authorities at least one Army barracks. The Army has now concluded its studies of its barracks requirement, and I am in a position to give a clearer indication of the likely impact, and timescale, of these moves, which are, to an extent, dependent on the timescale within which refurbished accommodation becomes available in the United Kingdom.

  The process of withdrawal will be phased and we do not expect the full withdrawal of the about 2,500 British troops that I announced to be completed until 2005 at the earliest. However, barracks are now available in the UK to accommodate 1St Royal Tank Regiment, currently located at Paderborn.

  The plan is therefore to withdraw this unit by August of this year. To make best use of the barracks vacated in Germany, and to meet our operational requirements more effectively, we intend to move 35 Engineer Regiment, currently based in Hameln, to Paderborn. Internal moves within Hameln will be initiated, which will enable the eventual handback of Bindon Barracks to the Federal authorities by 2002.

  Our plans for the later phases of the withdrawal are much less certain at the moment and many details have yet to be worked out. Our current assumptions are that there will be two further phases, the first involving the surrender of a barracks in Osnabruck following the withdrawal of an armoured regiment from there. We do not expect this second phase to commence before the year 2001, or to be complete until some time after that.
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  The third and final phase will involve the withdrawal of an armoured regiment from 7th Armoured Brigade which is based in Hohne. In this case, it is expected that there will be a regrouping of units of the 7th Armoured Brigade with the result that the requirement for Trenchard Barracks, Celle, will cease, although some married quarters are likely to be retained. This last phase is unlikely to take place before the year 2005.

  Finally, I should say that these withdrawal plans are predicated on our current level of operational commitments in the Balkans, and that a change in the situation there may affect our basing plans.

  Media Relations
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) civil servants and (b) special advisers involved in media relations were employed within his Department at I May (i) 1997, (ii) 1998 and (iii) 1999. [84192]

  Mr. George Robertson
  [holding answer 18 May 1999]: Detailed information on the numbers of permanent civil servants employed in Departmental Press Offices during the financial years 1997–98 and 1998–99 was provided in a memorandum dated 16 June 1998 to the Select Committee on Public Administration and published in its report on The Government Information and Communication Service (HC770) in July 1998. A copy is in the Library of the House. The number of civil servants, excluding administrative support staff, permanently employed in the MOD Press Office on media relations work on 1 May 1999 was 10. In addition three military officers were assigned to the MOD Press Office.

  The two Special Advisers in this Department have ad hoc contact with the media but neither is specifically employed in media relations.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Attorney-General what measures he is taking to improve the(a) speed and (b) effectiveness of the Crown Prosecution Service. [84324]

  The Attorney-General
  The Crown Prosecution Service has been piloting a number of initiatives to reduce delay as part of the inter-agency Reducing Delays Initiative. The pilots were completed at the end of March of 1999 and are now being evaluated. The evaluation report is expected in July 1999 and Ministers will then take final decisions on national implementation of the initiatives. The CPS is also continuing to make good progress in implementing the Glidewell Report, which made a number of recommendations aimed at improving the effectiveness of the Service. From April 1999, the CPS has been reorganised into 42 geographical Areas, each headed by a new Chief Crown Prosecutor. This re-organisation, announced when the Government first took office, represents a significant step towards improving the effectiveness of the CPS.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  EU Culture Ministers Meeting
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the issues which he (i) plans to raise and (ii) expects other states to raise at the Culture Ministers meeting on 18 and 19 May. [84677]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  [holding answer 18 May 1999]: I will be attending the informal meeting of EU Ministers responsible for cultural and audiovisual issues taking place in Weimar on 18 and 19 May.

  The main issues which will be raised at that meeting are the Culture 2000 programme, culture and employment, European identity and history, self-regulation of the media at the European level, and the results of the consultations on the European Commission green paper on convergence.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the need for amendments to the(a) national minimum wage and (b) working time legislation on the basis of experience since their implementation. [84342]

  Mr. Byers
  The national minimum wage has been in operation for almost seven weeks and so it is too early to make a considered assessment of whether any major amendments might be required in the light of experience. However, the Government propose to make an amendment to the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 to exempt members of Intentional Communities (religious and spiritual residential organisations) following the Low Pay Commission's report. The amendment will be introduced through the Employment Relations Bill which is currently before Parliament. Adjustments to implementation procedures may also be made as necessary.

  With regard to the Working Time Directive, we will issue guidance that will address the questions that have been most frequently asked since the regulations came into force.

  Electronic Commerce
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to publish a draft bill on electronic commerce. [84341]

  Mr. Byers
  As Her Majesty announced in Her Gracious Speech on the opening of Parliament, the Government intend to introduce legislation on electronic commerce during the current session.

  Milk Market
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to publish the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission into the milk market; and if he will make a statement. [84122]
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  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 14 May 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 6 May 1999, Official Report, columns 1069–70, to the hon. Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr. Heath).

  Electricity Meters
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many households in the UK use coin-operated meters for electricity. [84661]

  Mr. Battle
  The latest Office of Electricity Regulation statistics (for the last quarter of 1998) show that there were 661 coin meters in use in Scotland, England and Wales. I have asked my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to provide the right hon. Member with the relevant figures for Northern Ireland, and to place a copy of her response in the Library of the House.

  EU Research Council
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the agenda for the EU Research Council on 20 May. [84676]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 18 May 1999]: The agenda for the formal session of EU Research Council on 20 May consists of:

  1. Approval of the adoption of decisions concerning the association of applicant countries (CCEE and Cyprus) with the Fifth Framework Programme for European Research and Technological Development.

  2. Consideration of a draft Council Resolution on "Women and Science: Mobilising women to enrich European research".

  3. Any Other Business:

  (a) the Commission will provide information on the competitiveness of European enterprises in the face of globalisation, with regard to action to be taken on its Communication.

  (b) the Presidency will provide information on scientific and technical co-operation with the Mediterranean partner countries.

  (c) the Commission will provide information on decommissioning of the Joint Research Centre's obsolete nuclear facilities.

  There will also be an informal afternoon session at which the Presidency aims to stimulate a wide-ranging debate on the future of European research. Ministers will be joined by seven representatives of industry and academia who will speak briefly on key issues in European research.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Public Records (EEC Entry Negotiations)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the restricted marking classification of his Department's internal history of the negotiations on United Kingdom entry to the European Economic Community. [83398]

  Ms Quin
  The text referred to is the "Report on the Negotiations for entry into the European Economic Community" written in 1972 by Sir Con O'Neill. The text
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  was classified as Confidential. This report is expected to be published later this year, ahead of its scheduled release in 2003 under the 30 year rule.

  EU Defence Policy Document
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the document presented to the General Affairs Council of the European Union by the Presidency concerning a future European Defence Policy and capability, in co-operation with NATO; what discussion there has been in Council of the proposals; and what consultation Her Majesty's Government propose to hold. [84315]

  Ms Quin
  The German Presidency are in the course of preparing a report on European defence, which will be submitted to European Union Heads of Government at the Cologne European Council, after discussion at the General Affairs Council. A copy of the final version will be placed in the Library once it is available.

  EU Russia Co-operation Council
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the agenda for the meeting of Co-operation Council with Russia on 18 May. [84699]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 18 May 1999]: The provisional agenda for the EU/Russia Co-operation Council on 17 May was as follows:

  1. Opening statements

  2. Adoption of the agenda

  3. Approval of the minutes of the first Co-operation Council

  4. Common EU Strategy towards Russia

  5. Russian Strategy of development of relations with EU

  6. Common foreign and security policy according to Amsterdam Treaty; prospects of further development of EU/Russia political dialogue

  7. Developing EU/Russia relations in the framework of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement

  8. International issues of mutual concern

  9. Refocussing TACIS programme and member states' bilateral assistance programmes

  10. Other business

  11. Closing statements.

  European Economic Area Council
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the agenda for the EEA Council of 18 May. [84697]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 18 May 1999]: The agenda for the 11th EEA Council on 18 May was as follows:

  1. Adoption of the agenda

  2. Approval of the minutes of the 8th and 9th and 10th meetings of the EEA Council

  3. Progress Report by the EEA Joint Committee

  4. Resolutions adopted by the EEA Joint Parliamentary Committee at its meeting on 16 March 1999

  5. Assessment of the overall functioning of the EEA Agreement

  6. Resolutions adopted by the EEA Consultative Committee at its meeting on 11 March 1999

  7. Enlargement of the European Union and the EEA

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  8. Review of developments of European integration and regional issues

  9. EEA Financial Mechanism

  10. Adoption of the conclusions of the EEA Council

  11. Other business.

  Kurdish Self-determination
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's policy in relation to Kurdish self-determination. [84428]

  Ms Quin
  We fully respect the territorial integrity of all the regional states with sizeable kurdish populations (ie Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria).

  With relation to Turkey, we have repeatedly urged the Turkish Government to address the social and economic problems of south-east Turkey, in order to bring an end to conflict in the region. We believe that, by addressing the aspirations of the local population, including the Kurdish population, the Turkish authorities can bring about a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

  In Iraq, we are committed to supporting peace and stability in northern Iraq, and are one of the co-sponsors of the Kurdish reconciliation process there. We wish to see autonomy (not independence) for the Iraqi Kurds. The Kurds have made clear that this is what they want.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Genetically Modified Foods
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has responded to the Local Government Association statement on genetically modified foods. [75496]

  Mr. Meacher
  Yes, I have responded to the Local Government Association statement on genetically modified foods and a copy has been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the organisations represented on the Scientific Steering Group for the field-scale evaluations of the ecological effects of genetically modified crops. [83259]

  Mr. Meacher
  The precise membership of the scientific steering committee has not yet been finalised. However, it will be made up of independent scientific experts with experience in a range of appropriate disciplines, including invertebrate and plant ecology, statistical analysis, pesticide use, agronomy, conservation and an expert from English Nature. The membership of the steering committee should be confirmed shortly and it is hoped that it will hold its first meeting in early June.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many regional development agencies have changed their name in the past five years. [84493]
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  Mr. Meale
  Six of the Regional Development Agencies have changed their names. The names of each of the Regional Development Agencies are provided in the table.

  Region

  Name of the Regional Development Agency

  North East

  One North East

  North West

  North West Development Agency

  Yorkshire and Humber

  Yorkshire Forward

  West Midlands

  Advantage West Midlands

  East Midlands

  East Midlands Development Agency

  East of England

  East of England Development Agency

  South East

  South East England Development Agency

  South West

  South West of England Regional Development Agency

  Lorna Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to designate regional chambers for the purposes of regional development agencies; and if he will make a statement. [84973]

  Mr. Prescott
  I am pleased to announce that we have today issued:a direction to the East Midlands Development Agency designating the East Midlands Regional Assembly as its regional chamber;
  a direction to the North West Development Agency designating the North West Regional Assembly as its regional chamber and;
  a direction to Advantage West Midlands designating the West Midlands Regional Chamber as its regional chamber.

  Section 8 of the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 provides that, if the Secretary of State is of the opinion that there is a body which is representative of those in the RDA's area with an interest in its work, and that body is suitable to be given the role of regional chamber for the RDA, he may designate it.

  RDAs must take full account of regional interests. Regional chambers will provide a mechanism through which RDAs can take account of regional views and account for their activities. Ministers expect that each RDA will have regard to the chamber's view in preparing it strategy, consult the chamber on its corporate plan and give an account of its performance to the chamber.

  I am currently considering applications for designation from bodies in other regions.

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the total cost, including consultancy fees, for changing its name to each regional development agency which has done so in the past five years. [84492]

  Mr. Meale
  Section 26 of the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 provides for a change of name of the agency from that specified under Section 1 of the Act. The change of name is a matter for the Boards. I understand that, where consultants were involved, it was part of their wider consideration of corporate image and communications strategy for the Regional Development Agency and the cost associated with the name change were not separately identified.

  Stop Fuming Campaign
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much his Department has spent on the Stop Fuming campaign; and if he will make a statement. [84405]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Stop Fuming campaign run by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders encourages car owners to undertake regular exhaust emission checks. Last year, the campaign linked with the messages being disseminated through my Department's "are you doing your bit?" campaign. My Department produced a leaflet at a cost of £366 to ensure that our messages were jointly reinforced. The SMMT distributed that through their members. We understand the SMMT are planning further campaign activity this autumn.

  Transport (Wheelchair Access)
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce legislation to prevent the surcharging of wheelchair-using passengers on the cost of loading and unloading wheelchairs onto aircraft. [84407]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We have no current plans to introduce legislation, but if the hon. Member wishes to write to me about particular instances of surcharging, 1 will be glad to consider them.

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what provision has been made for access for wheelchair users to(a) the London Underground and (b) the Jubilee Line; and if he will make a statement. [84406]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The existing London Underground network has approximately 40 stations with step free access.

  The Government are very keen to improve access to the transport system in London. However, full accessibility cannot happen overnight, especially on London Underground where most of the stations are old and not designed with access for mobility impaired people in mind.

  London Transport is developing a scheme to improve access to a core network of 68 Underground stations. This will be taken forward under the Public Private Partnership for the Underground.

  The Jubilee line extension will be fully accessible and will enable wheelchair users to travel from mainline stations to Waterloo, Stratford and London Bridge stations to the Millennium Exhibition at North Greenwich.

  Freight Facilities Grant
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many grants have been(a) applied for and (b) awarded for coastal shipping routes under the terms of the expansion of the freight facilities grant. [84322]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  None. Extension of the current Freight Facilities Grant scheme will require primary legislation, for which Parliamentary time has not yet been available.

  Alternative Fuels
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what efforts the Government are making to advise the British transportation industry on(a) the availability and (b) the applicability of alternative fuels [83985]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 17 May 1999]: The Government are keen to provide more information and advice on the environmental merits of different fuel and vehicle technologies, to enable fleet operators and private motorists to select cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Detailed advice on the availability and applicability of alternative fuels is already provided by the Energy Savings Trust's Powershift programme, which is funded by my Department. The Cleaner Vehicles Task Force intends to provide further information later this year about the merits of alternative fuel and vehicle technologies which are likely to emerge over the next decade. Several trade and commercial organisations also provided information on the availability of different alternative fuels.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what requirements his Department(a) has set down and (b) proposes to set down for local authorities for the purchasing of motor vehicles in respect of the use of alternative fuels. [83986]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 17 May 1999]: My Department is actively considering setting targets for the proportion of low emission vehicles that local authorities should try to achieve in their fleets.

  Local authorities are not currently required to purchase alternatively fuelled vehicles. They are, however, obliged to review and assess air quality in their areas. Where they conclude that the objectives set out in the National Air Quality Strategy will not be achieved, they must designate air quality management areas and put in place action plans to improve air quality. One measure that local authorities could include in such action plans is to reduce emissions from their own fleets through the use of alternative fuels or cleaner conventionally fuelled vehicles.

  Ear Protectors
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it a duty on employers to ensure that ear protectors are worn by persons operating pneumatic drills; and if he will make a statement. [84627]

  Mr. Meale
  Persons who operate pneumatic drills are already covered by the provision of the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 which require employers to reduce the risk of damage to hearing from exposure to noise and to take specific actions, including providing suitable ear protectors to employees at specified levels of daily personal noise exposure.

  Channel Tunnel Rail Link
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the construction cost of(a) phase one and (b) phase two of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. [84512]
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  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The estimated construction cost of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (in January 1997 prices) is £1.67 billion for phase one and £2.5 billion for phase two.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how the level of Government guarantee funding for(a) phase one and (b) phase two of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link was determined; and if he will make a statement. [84513]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government's participation in the Channel Tunnel Rail Link was assessed using a model of London and Continental Railway's future finances. £3.75 billion of Government backed debt was guaranteed with first element (£2.65 billion) raised in February this year to ensure funding is available for both the financing and construction of Section 1 and to cover forecast losses on Eurostar. The remaining £1.10 billion will help fund section 2.

  A130
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what alternative options were appraised using the New Approach to Appraisal before the decision to authorise the A130 PH road in Essex; and if he will place in the Library copies of the appraisal summary tables for the scheme and the other options which were appraised. [84427]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Essex County Council's A130 Bypass PFI project was appraised using the New Approach to Appraisal (NATA). NATA requires the problems with the existing road to be stated together with the options which have been considered for addressing them. Essex County Council did consider smaller scale local schemes but concluded they would not provide the regeneration, environmental and safety benefits that the new A130 Bypass will provide. All options were considered at the 1992 Public Inquiry which found in favour of the A130 Bypass route. Given these circumstances, an appraisal summary table was produced only for the A130 Bypass, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

  Railway Stations
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the railway stations expected to open in 1999. [84423]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Rai1track tell me that the following railway stations are expected to open in 1999:

  West Ham

  Braintree Freeport Beauly

  Dunfermline Queen Margarets

  West Brompton

  Luton Parkway

  Horwich Parkway.

  Assaults (Railways)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many attacks on individuals occurred (i) on trains and (ii) at
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  stations during (a) the last year for which figures are available, (b) 1990 and (c) 1995 broken down by train operating company responsibility. [84424]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The number of attacks on individuals for the years 1990–91, 1995–96 and 1998–99 are provided in the first table. These figures include crimes of violence against a person, sexual assaults and robberies. The British Transport Police do not hold these data broken down by train operating company or whether the crimes were on or off-train, but a previous search carried out in 1997–98 does show the percentages of on/off-train crime and these are shown in the second table.

  Year

  National Rail

  London Underground

  Totals

  1990–91

  2,852

  1,646

  4,498

  1995–96

  3,336

  1,269

  4,605

  1998–99

  3,141

  1,164

  4,305

  Percentage

  Year

  On-train

  Off-train

  1997–98

  National Rail

  37.8

  62.2

  London Underground

  50.6

  49.4

  Total

  41.6

  58.4

  Train Operating Companies
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy not to agree to franchise extensions for train operating companies where such proposals involve the closure of(a) stations and (b) lines. [84425]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  At the Rail Summit on 25 February 1999, we made it clear that renegotiations must deliver substantial passenger benefits and value for the taxpayer; and we set out a number of criteria that will have to be satisfied. The closure of stations and lines does not figure in these criteria and is subject to an extensive statutory procedure under the Railways Act 1993.

  Rough Sleepers
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people are sleeping rough in England. [85035]

  Ms Armstrong
  We estimate that, as at June 1998, there were 1,850 people sleeping rough in England on any single night, including 621 in Greater London.

  These figures are the first detailed estimate of rough sleeping in England. They have been calculated on a basis agreed with the voluntary sector, using local authority data from local street counts and estimates provided by local authorities. Full details are given in the table, which includes the results of street counts in every area which has made such a count and (where no count has been made) all estimates above the lowest estimate band of 0–10. Numbers are shown in descending size order, by count and then estimate.
  356
  The most robust information available is provided by local single night street counts. In 1996 DETR issued guidance to all local authorities on how to undertake street counts, based on a standard methodology developed in conjunction with Shelter and other voluntary groups. As well as encouraging all authorities to consider the need for counts, the Department has actively pursued this approach in all areas where information suggests there may be a significant number of rough sleepers (ie at least 10 on any single night). As a result of DETR and voluntary sector efforts, counts have been undertaken in 93 local authorities across England since 1996; another 4 authorities undertook counts in 1995 before the guidance was issued. Further information on rough sleeping in other areas is available from the estimates of the number of people sleeping rough on a single night supplied by local authorities annually since 1996 as part of my Department's Housing Investment Programme (HIP); the most recent figures available relate to June 1998.

  The methodology for producing a national estimate of numbers sleeping rough involves aggregating figures for individual local authority districts to generate a total for England. Wherever street counts have been conducted these data are used, and they are supplemented by figures derived from local authority HIP estimates in all other areas. As HIP estimates are provided within bands rather than as single figures (eg 0 to 10, 11 to 20 etc), these are converted into a single figure by assuming that the lowest point within the band is the most representative figure; this assumption is justified by clear DETR experience that local authorities almost invariably overestimate the scale of rough sleeping in their district until they undertake a street count,

  The national estimate of 1,850 thus arrived at provides the best possible indication currently available of the scale of rough sleeping. However, the accuracy of the estimate is reliant on the quality of the information reported to DETR by individual local authorities. The Department will continue to seek to improve the quality of information on rough sleeping by encouraging all local authorities to estimate the numbers of rough sleepers in their area; by investigating any claims by local agencies that they have evidence of a local problem that does not show up in the HIP estimates; and by encouraging areas where there is a known rough sleeping problem to undertake street counts at appropriate intervals as shown, depending on the size of the counted local rough sleeping population:

  (a) Areas with substantial numbers of rough sleepers (20 or more)—At least two street counts a year;

  (b) Areas with significant numbers (between 10 and 19)—At least one street count a year;

  (c) Areas with low numbers (under 10) or no rough sleepers—Local authorities to report estimates through the HIP returns, and DETR to ensure that street counts are undertaken in some areas to spot check the validity of estimates, especially in areas which had previously recorded a significant problem.

  This approach should provide the basis for discerning trends in the numbers of rough sleepers over time, and thus for measuring the success of action to tackle the problem of rough sleeping. However, DETR will, in conjunction with the voluntary sector, continue to

  357
  encourage the 32 local authorities who have estimated a significant local rough sleeping population but not yet undertaken a street count to undertake a count to generate more robust information on the scale of the local problem and to improve the quality of the national estimate. DETR will also encourage the 69 local authorities who have neither carried out a count nor provided a HIP estimate to produce better information on the numbers of people sleeping rough in their area.

  Estimate of the number of people sleeping rough in England in descending order of size—June 1998

  Street count

  June 1998 estimate

  Local authority district

  County

  Region

  1998 HIP estimate

  Date

  Number

  Source

  Number

  Street Counts

  Westminster

  Inner London

  L

  51+

  June 1998

  237

  Count

  237

  Camden

  Inner London

  L

  51+

  June 1998

  59

  Count

  59

  Birmingham

  West Midlands

  WM

  51+

  November 1997

  56

  Count

  56

  Brighton and Hove

  East Sussex

  SE

  51+

  June 1996

  44

  Count

  44

  Bournemouth

  Dorset

  SW

  41-50

  August 1997

  44

  Count

  44

  Bristol

  Avon

  SW

  41-50

  June 1998

  42

  Count

  42

  City of London

  Inner London

  L

  41-50

  June 1998

  41

  Count

  41

  Oxford

  Oxfordshire

  SE

  41-50

  July 1996

  39

  Count

  39

  Tower Hamlets

  Inner London

  L

  51+

  June 1998

  31

  Count

  31

  Manchester

  Greater Manchester

  NW

  51+

  July 1996

  31

  Count

  31

  Cambridge

  Cambridgeshire

  E

  31-40

  July 1997

  30

  Count

  30

  Brent

  Outer London

  L

  21-30

  October 1997

  29

  Count

  29

  Exeter

  Devon

  SW

  41-50

  July 1997

  27

  Count

  27

  Croydon

  Outer London

  L

  21-30

  October 1997

  25

  Count

  25

  Ealing

  Outer London

  L

  41-50

  July 1996

  24

  Count

  24

  Kensington and Chelsea

  Inner London

  L

  21-30

  April 1998

  23

  Count

  23

  Southampton

  Hampshire

  SE

  21-30

  June 1998

  22

  Count

  22

  Portsmouth

  Hampshire

  SE

  11-20

  October 1997

  21

  Count

  21

  Leicester

  Leicestershire

  EM

  21-30

  June 1996

  20

  Count

  20

  Lambeth

  Inner London

  L

  11-20

  April 1998

  20

  Count

  20

  Hounslow

  Outer London

  L

  No estimate

  April 1998

  20

  Count

  20

  Worcester

  Hereford and Worcester

  WM

  11-20

  1995

  20

  Count

  20

  Stoke-on-Trent

  Staffordshire

  WM

  21-30

  November 1997

  20

  Count

  20

  Norwich

  Norfolk

  E

  21-30

  October 1997

  19

  Count

  19

  Liverpool

  Merseyside

  NW

  11-20

  March 1998

  17

  Count

  17

  Penwith

  Cornwall

  SW

  11-20

  April 1998

  17

  Count

  17

  Swindon

  Wiltshire

  SW

  11-20

  December 1997

  17

  Count

  17

  Gloucester

  Gloucestershire

  SW

  11-20

  November 1997

  16

  Count

  16

  Blackpool

  Lancashire

  NW

  11-20

  July 1997

  15

  Count

  15

  Sheffield

  South Yorkshire

  YH

  21-30

  April 1997

  15

  Count

  15

  Nottingham

  Nottinghamshire

  EM

  41-50

  July 1996

  14

  Count

  14

  Northampton

  Northamptonshire

  EM

  11-20

  September 1997

  13

  Count

  13

  Great Yarmouth

  Norfolk

  E

  11-20

  November 1997

  13

  Count

  13

  Islington

  Inner London

  L

  11-20

  November 1997

  13

  Count

  13

  Reading

  Berkshire

  SE

  11-20

  November 1997

  13

  Count

  13

  Fareham

  Hampshire

  SE

  11-20

  February 1998

  13

  Count

  13

  Plymouth

  Devon

  SW

  11-20

  October 1997

  13

  Count

  13

  Richmond upon Thames

  Outer London

  L

  31-40

  July 1996

  12

  Count

  12

  Bury

  Greater Manchester

  NW

  11-20

  January 1998

  12

  Count

  12

  Slough

  Berkshire

  SE

  11-20

  December 1997

  12

  Count

  12

  Bath and North East Somerset

  Avon

  SW

  11-20

  July 1996

  12

  Count

  12

  York

  North Yorkshire

  YH

  11-20

  March 1998

  12

  Count

  12

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  Inner London

  L

  21-30

  April 1998

  11

  Count

  11

  Canterbury

  Kent

  SE

  11-20

  June 1996

  11

  Count

  11

  Restormel

  Cornwall

  SW

  11-20

  March 1998

  10

  Count

  10

  Mid Devon

  Devon

  SW

  0-10

  October 1997

  9

  Count

  9

  Haringey

  Inner London

  L

  41-50

  February 1998

  8

  Count

  8

  Guildford

  Surrey

  SE

  11-20

  November 1997

  8

  Count

  8

  Doncaster

  South Yorkshire

  YH

  11-20

  September 1998

  8

  Count

  8

  Leeds

  West Yorkshire

  YH

  11-20

  October 1997

  8

  Count

  8

  Wakefield

  West Yorkshire

  YH

  0-10

  February 1996

  8

  Count

  8

  Ipswich

  Suffolk

  E

  0-10

  December 1997

  7

  Count

  7

  Woking

  Surrey

  SE

  11-20

  October 1997

  7

  Count

  7

  East Hertfordshire

  Hertfordshire

  E

  21-30

  March 1998

  6

  Count

  6

  Hackney

  Inner London

  L

  0-10

  November 1997

  6

  Count

  6

  Waltham Forest

  Outer London

  L

  21-30

  December 1997

  6

  Count

  6

  Wyre

  Lancashire

  NW

  0-10

  September 1997

  6

  Count

  6

  Luton

  Bedfordshire

  E

  0-10

  December 1997

  5

  Count

  5

  358
  We will in future publish estimates of the total number of people sleeping rough in England twice a year, showing the position each June and December. To help put this information in context, we will also monitor the number of new rough sleepers coming onto the streets over time, and record the achievements of Government-funded activity in terms of work by voluntary sector agencies to prevent rough sleeping and help people to move off the streets.
  359

  Estimate of the number of people sleeping rough in England in descending order of size—June 1998

  Street count

  June 1998 estimate

  Local authority district

  County

  Region

  1998 HIP estimate

  Date

  Number

  Source

  Number

  Basingstoke and Deane

  Hampshire

  SE

  0-10

  February 1998

  5

  Count

  5

  Worthing

  West Sussex

  SE

  0-10

  October 1997

  5

  Count

  5

  Poole

  Dorset

  SW

  0-10

  October 1997

  4

  Count

  4

  St. Albans

  Hertfordshire

  E

  0-10

  June 1998

  3

  Count

  3

  Oldham

  Greater Manchester

  NW

  0-10

  July 1995

  3

  Count

  3

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  Berkshire

  SE

  0-10

  November 1997

  3

  Count

  3

  Shepway

  Kent

  SE

  0-10

  July 1996

  3

  Count

  3

  Caradon

  Cornwall

  SW

  0-10

  April 1998

  3

  Count

  3

  Carrick

  Cornwall

  SW

  0-10

  April 1998

  3

  Count

  3

  Kerrier

  Cornwall

  SW

  0-10

  March 1998

  3

  Count

  3

  Weymouth and Portland

  Dorset

  SW

  0-10

  May 1997

  3

  Count

  3

  Warwick

  Warwickshire

  WM

  0-10

  September 1997

  3

  Count

  3

  Derby

  Derbyshire

  EM

  0-10

  October 1997

  2

  Count

  2

  Peterborough

  Cambridgeshire

  E

  0-10

  June 1997

  2

  Count

  2

  Barnet

  Outer London

  L

  21-30

  July 1996

  2

  Count

  2

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  Tyne and Wear

  NE

  0-10

  March 1998

  2

  Count

  2

  Wycombe

  Buckinghamshire

  SE

  0-10

  November 1997

  2

  Count

  2

  Bradford

  West Yorkshire

  YH

  11-20

  September 1997

  2

  Count

  2

  Mid Bedfordshire

  Bedfordshire

  E

  0-10

  December 1997

  1

  Count

  1

  Bromley

  Outer London

  L

  0-10

  October 1996

  1

  Count

  1

  South Tyneside

  Tyne and Wear

  NE

  0-10

  June 1998

  1

  Count

  1

  Tameside

  Greater Manchester

  NW

  0-10

  February 1998

  1

  Count

  1

  North Somerset

  Avon

  SW

  11-20

  December 1997

  1

  Count

  1

  Cheltenham

  Gloucestershire

  SW

  0-10

  December 1997

  1

  Count

  1

  Taunton Deane

  Somerset

  SW

  0-10

  May 1997

  1

  Count

  1

  Harrogate

  North Yorkshire

  YH

  0-10

  March 1998

  1

  Count

  1

  Colchester

  Essex

  E

  0-10

  December 1997

  0

  Count

  0

  Southend-on-Sea

  Essex

  E

  0-10

  1996

  0

  Count

  0

  Harrow

  Outer London

  L

  0-10

  November 1995

  0

  Count

  0

  Kingston upon Thames

  Outer London

  L

  0-10

  November 1997

  0

  Count

  0

  Sunderland

  Tyne and Wear

  NE

  0-10

  February 1998

  0

  Count

  0

  Burnley

  Lancashire

  NW

  0-10

  October 1997

  0

  Count

  0

  Reigate and Banstead

  Surrey

  SE

  0-10

  September 1995

  0

  Count

  0

  North Cornwall

  Cornwall

  SW

  0-10

  March 1998

  0

  Count

  0

  Redditch

  Hereford and Worcester

  WM

  0-10

  March 1998

  0

  Count

  0

  Newcastle-under-Lyme

  Staffordshire

  WM

  0-10

  November 1997

  0

  Count

  0

  Kingston upon Hull

  Humberside

  YH

  0-10

  November 1997

  0

  Count

  0

  Hambleton

  North Yorkshire

  YH

  0-10

  June 1997

  0

  Count

  0

  Barnsley

  South Yorkshire

  YH

  0-10

  May 1998

  0

  Count

  0

  Sub total from street counts

  1,378

  HIP estimates

  Southwark

  Inner London

  L

  31-40

  —

  —

  Estimate

  31

  Torbay

  Devon

  SW

  31-40

  —

  —

  Estimate

  31

  East Lindsey

  Lincolnshire

  EM

  21-30

  —

  —

  Estimate

  21

  Mansfield

  Nottinghamshire

  EM

  21-30

  —

  —

  Estimate

  21

  North Hertfordshire

  Hertfordshire

  E

  21-30

  —

  —

  Estimate

  21

  Chester

  Cheshire

  NW

  21-30

  —

  —

  Estimate

  21

  Lancaster

  Lancashire

  NW

  21-30

  —

  —

  Estimate

  21

  Sefton

  Merseyside

  NW

  21-30

  —

  —

  Estimate

  21

  Maidstone

  Kent

  SE

  21-30

  —

  —

  Estimate

  21

  Epsom and Ewell

  Surrey

  SE

  21-30

  —

  —

  Estimate

  21

  Bedford

  Bedfordshire

  E

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Castle Point

  Essex

  E

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Uttlesford

  Essex

  E

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Newham

  Inner London

  L

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Greenwich

  Outer London

  L

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Tynedale

  Northumberland

  NE

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Bolton

  Greater Manchester

  NW

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Wigan

  Greater Manchester

  NW

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  St. Helens

  Merseyside

  NW

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Newbury

  Berkshire

  SE

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Aylesbury Vale

  Buckinghamshire

  SE

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Milton Keynes

  Buckinghamshire

  SE

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Eastbourne

  East Sussex

  SE

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Rother

  East Sussex

  SE

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Tonbridge and Mailing

  Kent

  SE

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Elmbridge

  Surrey

  SE

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Runnymede

  Surrey

  SE

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Horsham

  West Sussex

  SE

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  360 361

  Estimate of the number of people sleeping rough in England in descending order of size—June 1998

  Street count

  June 1998 estimate

  Local authority district

  County

  Region

  1998 HIP estimate

  Date

  Number

  Source

  Number

  West Dorset

  Dorset

  SW

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Sedgemoor

  Somerset

  SW

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Salisbury

  Wiltshire

  SW

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Rotherham

  South Yorkshire

  YH

  11-20

  —

  —

  Estimate

  11

  Subtotal from HIP estimates

  472

  England total

  1,850

  Note:

  A zero estimate has been included for all other local authorities, including 156 which provided a HIP estimate of 0–10, and 69 which did not make a HIP estimate

  Planning
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to issue new guidance to local authorities on the training of councillors involved in planning decisions. [85053]

  Mr. Caborn
  In partnership with the Local Government Association, the Improvement and Development Agency and the Royal Town Planning Institute, I have today issued a leaflet to all councillors in England, giving guidance on the training which they should be undertaking in planning issues. Planning is a crucial local authority function involving the consideration and balancing of complex issues. It has a central and positive role to play in delivering services to local communities. However, it can also raise sensitive propriety issues. It is vital, therefore, that those carrying out this important task are properly equipped to do so.

  The proposed syllabus identifies the key topics on which training should be given. We have also emphasised the importance of councillors being given a continuing programme of planning training to keep their knowledge up to date. The leaflet is being issued as part of my Modernising Planning Initiative to help improve the effectiveness of local authority planning services. It is also intended to help councils implement the recommendation of the Third Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Cm 3702–1) that
  "All members of an authority's planning committee (or equivalent) should receive training in the planning system … ".

  We have, however, gone further than this. All elected members will have contact with planning and we have therefore given guidance on the training needs of all councillors depending on their particular role.

  Copies of the leaflet have been placed in the House Libraries.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Iraq
  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the Government's policy on supervision of aid to Iraq; and what steps the Government have taken at the United Nations to pursue its policy. [84411]
  362
  Clare Short
  The UN oil-for-food programme is the largest source of humanitarian assistance for the Iraqi people. It was established in 1996 under UN Security Council Resolution 986, and is implemented largely by the Government of Iraq under the supervision of the UN Office of Iraq Programme (OIP). It is much less effective than it could be if the Government of Iraq wished to provide effective humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq. The UK maintains regular contact with the OIP to monitor progress on the oil-for-food programme. We have proposed a number of practical improvements to the programme, many of which have already been accepted by the UN Humanitarian Panel. We have included our proposals in a draft Resolution, which is now before the Security Council for its consideration.

  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will estimate the amount of international aid dispatched to Iraq in the last five years; and if she will make a statement on the method of its distribution. [84412]

  Clare Short
  From 1993–1997, (the last years for which figures are available) international donors (bilateral and multilateral) provided an estimated £918 million in humanitarian assistance to Iraq. This figure does not include the UN oil-for-food programme, which provides the majority of humanitarian supplies to Iraq, and is funded through the sale of Iraqi oil. International donors usually distribute their aid through UN organisations, such as UNICEF and FAO, the European Commission Humanitarian Organisation (ECHO), and the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Non-Governmental Organisations such as CARE International, and Premiere Urgence. The Iraqi authorities permit only seven NGOs to operate in Baghdad-controlled Iraq.

  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the impact of United Nations sanctions on people in Iraq. [84410]

  Clare Short
  There has been a marked decline in living standards in Iraq since the Gulf War. The economy has stagnated, public health and education services have declined and infrastructure (water and sanitation, electricity) has seriously deteriorated. Food and medicines have always been exempted from sanctions, but it was only in 1996 that the Government of Iraq agreed to implement the oil-for-food programme. This has provided invaluable humanitarian relief, but has been less effective than it could be because the Government of Iraq have
  363
  not implemented the programme effectively. The UK is currently working to achieve an improvement in the operation of the programme.

  Montserrat
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has to provide assistance for information technology in schools in Montserrat; and if she will make a statement. [84364]

  Clare Short
  The three year public sector investment programme, agreed with the Government of Montserrat (GoM) as part of the Country Policy Plan signed in January this year, includes a project to rehabilitate existing school facilities. The actual detail of this project is still being prepared by the GoM. I will write to the right hon. Member when their plans are finalised.

  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Government of Montserrat about the cost and constructing time of the new Government headquarters temporary buildings; and if she will make a statement. [84361]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The original concept for the new Government Headquarters (GHQ) had been for a basic, only temporary, facility. This was planned in the belief that the Government of Montserrat (GoM) would be able to re-establish itself in Plymouth. However, the subsequent escalation of volcanic activity meant that this would not be possible, at least in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the GHQ needed to be constructed in a more permanent fashion and with more extensive facilities than originally envisaged—thus increasing the cost. An audit, earlier this year, found that most of the increases in cost were unavoidable. I wrote on 15 March to the Chairman of the International Development Committee about the audit and copied my letter and the report to the Library of the House. I will send copies to the right hon. Gentleman. My officials have had on-going discussions with the GoM to ensure that the additional work is completed in the shortest possible time, commensurate with keeping the increased costs to a minimum.

  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much money her Department has spent on consultancy work in connection with Montserrat in each of the last two years; and how much has been budgeted for the current year. [84363]

  Clare Short
  We spent approximately £2.7 million on consultants from the Montserrat programme in 1997/98 and £1.8 million in 1998/99. We have budgeted £1.8 million for the current year.

  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Government of Montserrat about mortgages on properties in the exclusion zone; and if she will make a statement. [84362]

  Clare Short
  We have agreed that the Government of Montserrat can reschedule mortgage payments owed to them on properties in the exclusion zone, on a case by case basis, reflecting the ability of each borrower to meet the repayment schedule.

  Glaucoma
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the incidence of glaucoma in developing countries; what assessment she has made of the cost of treating the condition; and if she will make a statement. [84628]

  Clare Short
  No estimate for glaucoma incidence alone is available, and as treatments for the condition vary widely there is no reliable cost estimate per case. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that glaucoma, cataracts and trachoma account for more than 70 per cent. of the 36 million cases of blindness in the world. Nine out of ten of these cases are in the developing world. We have committed £400,000 to the WHO's Social Change and Mental Health work under which "Vision 2020—the Right to Sight" initiative falls, and which aims to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020.

  Women (Higher Education)
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support Her Majesty's Government provide to encourage access by women to higher education in developing countries. [84430]

  Clare Short
  We make clear in our White Paper in November 1997 that we are strongly committed to the international goals of universal primary education by 2015 and gender equity in primary and secondary education by 2005. Our education programme focuses on these priorities. They reflect strong international evidence that investment in the education of girls is the single, most effective way to reduce poverty. The Department for International Development (DFID) is committed to supporting governments who give priority to the education of girls within their education systems.

  Clearly, as more countries achieve universal primary education there will be greater demand for secondary and higher education. We will work with governments to help find ways to meet this demand. We provide support at higher education level through scholarship schemes and academic links. Our academic links programme has earmarked funds to encourage participation by women and all links are organised to ensure that they are properly represented.

  Our support for the Commonwealth of Learning's efforts to develop ways of delivering education through distance and open learning systems will also facilitate increasing access by women in developing countries to higher education.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Rate Collection Agency
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Rate Collection Agency in 1999–2000. [84929]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  For 1999–2000, the following performance targets have been set for the RCA.
  365
  Collection and Recovery of Rates
  To collect 97.55 per cent. of the gross domestic collectable rate, (excluding late assessments) by 31 March 2000.
  To collect 98.80 per cent. of the gross non-domestic collectable rate (excluding late assessments) by 31 March 2000.
  To achieve a reduction of I per cent. in the real value of the unit costs of collecting rates per hereditament.
  To generate refunds to 98 per cent of ratepayers to entitled within
  14 days of credits being identified.

  Housing Benefit Administration
  To process by 31 March 1999, 96 per cent. of applications for the incoming year received from Housing Benefit recipients before 15 March 2000.
  To achieve a reduction of 1 per cent. in the real value of unit costs or processing Housing Benefit cases.
  To assess 97 per cent. of Housing Benefit claims free of error.

  Child Support Agency
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she plans to publish details of the targets for the Child Support Agency; and if she will make a statement. [84930]

  Mr. McFall
  The Child Support Agency will publish its 1999–2000 Strategic and Business Plan today. Copies will be placed in the Library.

  The targets that I have set for the Child Support Agency for 1999–2000 are set out:
  Case Compliance, to measure the proportion of cases where the non resident parents are paying child maintenance, a value of 74 per cent.
  Cash Compliance, to measure the proportion of the total amount of child maintenance which is due for payment that is actually being paid, a value of 72 per cent.
  Accuracy, 80 per cent. value accuracy of all cases checked.
  Minimum Service Standards.
  clear 68 per cent. of new Maintenance Assessments in 20 weeks;
  97 per cent. of payment to be made to PWC within 10 working days;
  88 per cent. of review assessments to be made within 12 weeks; reply to 90 per cent. of letters within 10 working days;
  see 97 per cent. of clients within 10 minutes of appointment; acknowledge 90 per cent. of complaints within 2 working days; send a full reply within 10 working days in 75 per cent. cases; 80 per cent. of callers answered first time by Client Help Lines; 90 per cent. of customers surveyed on quality call backs (following contact with National Enquiry Line, Client Help Lines and Face-to-Face) to be at least satisfied with the service they have received, and
  to reduce the number of complaints received compared to current caseload to less than 0.28 per cent.

  The targets in the Business Plan present the Agency with a challenging but attainable objective which should lead to improvements both in customer service and in the maintenance flowing between parents.

TREASURY

  EU Withholding Tax
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date the current proposal for the introduction of a European-wide withholding tax was first raised at a meeting of a Council of Ministers. [84575]
  366
  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 18 May 1999]: The Commission's current proposal for a Directive was made on 20 May 1998, following a period of discussions initiated by the Commission at the Verona informal ECOFIN in April 1996. It is a revised version of an earlier draft Directive which was originally published in 1989 and still on the table when this Government came into office.

  Share Fishermen
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what rules for payment are planned for the introduction of Working Families Tax Credit to share fishermen who may have intermittent work periods due to(a) vessel breakdown, (b) lack of quota and (c) adverse weather. [83633]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Share fishermen will be entitled to apply for Working Families Tax Credit and will be subject to the same rules as those applying to workers with a pattern of intermittent work. WFTC will be awarded for a fixed 26 week period and once the award commences it will not be affected by changes to income during that period.

  Invest to Save Initiative
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress is being made on the Government's Invest to Save Initiative. [83653]

  Mr. Milburn
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire (Ms Lawrence) on 13 January 1999,Official Report, columns 193–95 This lists the projects which were allocated resources from the Invest to Save Budget following the first bidding round.

  Guidance has now been issued for a second bidding round, which will provide funding for new projects from 2000. Bids are invited from all public sector bodies and expressions of interest should be submitted to the Treasury by 31 May 1999.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Census Returns
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list(a) the linear metres of storage space occupied by each of the pre-1992 decennial census returns for England and Wales, (b) the actual costs, at current prices, of micro-filming each of the pre-1901 census returns and (c) the average micro-film cost per linear metre, at current prices. [84494]

  Mr. Vaz
  (a) The space in linear metres occupied by each of the pre-1922 decennial census returns for England and Wales is as follows:

  1841: 101

  1851: 164

  1861: 146

  1871: 146

  1881: 140

  367

  1891: 173

  1901: 122

  1911: 1,924

  1921: 1,375.

  (b) It would not be possible to calculate the cost of micro-filming each of the pre-1901 census returns without examining them in detail, which would incur disproportionate cost.

  (c) It would not be possible to calculate the average micro-film cost per linear metre without examining them in detail, which would incur disproportionate cost.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Child Benefit (Shrewsbury and Atcham)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many families have received the increase in child benefit for the eldest child in the Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency; and if he will make a statement. [83922]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of the Child Benefit is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. I have asked him to reply to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 18 May 1999 The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked Peter Mathison to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many families have received the increase in child benefit for the eldest child in the Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency. As Mr. Mathison is away from the office on leave, I am replying.
  Unfortunately the information to identify families, by region, who are receiving Child Benefit is not readily available. These figures could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
  I would like to take this opportunity to explain the current rates of Child Benefit in force from April 1999. They are £14.40 for the eldest child and £9.60 for each subsequent child. The increase for the eldest child includes the extra £2.50 a week announced in the March 1998 budget, in addition to the April 1999 increase. This is an overall increase of £3.25 for a family with two children.
  I am sorry that I could not be of more help on this occasion but I am glad to have had the opportunity to comment.

  Share Fishermen
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what rules for payment of Jobseeker's Allowance apply to share fishermen who are temporarily out of work by reason of(a) vessel breakdown (b) lack of quota and (c) adverse weather. [83632]

  Angela Eagle
  In order to receive contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance a share fisherman must show that he has not failed to take up a reasonable opportunity of employment as a share fisherman. If he satisfies this condition, Jobseeker's Allowance may be paid. Examples of where this condition would count as satisfied include where the whole fleet has been unable to put to sea because of bad weather, if a share fisherman has fished his quota, or if he is undertaking necessary repairs to his boat.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if agreement has been reached on a standard earnings form for use by the Benefits 368
  Agency/Inland Revenue when calculating entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance/Working Families Tax Credit by share fishermen. [83634]

  Angela Eagle
  A new form to collect earnings information from share fishermen is currently under development. The form has been developed in consultation with organisations representing the interests of share fishermen. The intention is that the form should be trialled in a few areas before it is used nationally.

  Working Families Tax Credit is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will establish arrangements to enable share fishermen to confirm details of Jobseeker's Allowance claims in place of making fresh claims on condition that the repeat Jobseeker's Allowance claim is made within 12 weeks of the original application. [83635]

  Angela Eagle
  From June, share fishermen claiming Jobseeker's Allowance will be able to use a shorter claim form where there is a break of six weeks or less between claims.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what work is being undertaken in the course of the current pilot schemes examining the introduction of the single work-focused gateway to the special circumstances of share fishermen. [83636]

  Angela Eagle
  The unique position of share fishermen in the benefit system will continue in the single work-focused gateway pilots. Share fishermen who go through the single work-focused gateway will be given the same help and support as other claimants in their efforts to find work.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make an official visit to Exmouth to meet representatives of the fishing industry to discuss the operation of Jobseeker's Allowance and Working Families Tax Credit to claims made by share fishermen. [83637]

  Angela Eagle
  It would be helpful if, in the first instance, the hon. Member would ask local representatives from the fishing industry to write to me setting out any issues that they would like to raise about claims for Jobseeker's Allowance from share fishermen.

  Working Families Tax Credit is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Asylum Support System
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his current estimate of the cost of providing(a) accommodation, (b) support for essential living needs and (c) expenses incurred in connection with (i) a claim for asylum and (ii) an appeal made in relation to it for each asylum seeker receiving support under his proposed asylum support system. [83956]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We are not yet in a position to estimate the cost of providing accommodation. We shall shortly be setting up arrangements for the supply of
  369
  accommodation by local authorities, housing associations and the private sector. The accommodation will be furnished and will be supplied with essential equipment and utensils. Council tax and utility charges will be paid separately. The proposed levels of support for other essential living needs and expenses incurred in connection with a claim for asylum or appeal were set out in the Information Document published on 22 March.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost of establishing the administrative machinery for the proposed Home Office asylum support system. [83960]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The consultants KPMG were engaged in February to consider the size and administrative costs of the administrative machinery for the new Asylum Support Directorate. Their report is being assessed. Administrative costs will cover not only the staff and other resources for the Asylum Support Directorate, but also grants to the voluntary sector for their contribution to the new arrangements.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many applications for asylum were (i) received and (ii) determined in(a) February, (b) March and (c) April; [83953]

  (2) what proportion of asylum applications made (a) before 1 July 1993 and (b)between 1 July 1993 and 31 December 1995 have resulted in the granting of leave to remain under the asylum backlog procedures; [83952]

  (3) how many asylum applications were outstanding in (a) each of the last six months for which figures are available and (b) May 1997. [83949]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  It is not possible to reply to these Questions within the normal period because of the volume of Questions to be answered on immigration and asylum statistics.

  I will write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what level of clothing allowance he plans to make available to(a) adult and (b) child asylum seekers, whose application has not been processed within six months; and if he will make a statement. [84041]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  None. The vouchers and cash which will be given to asylum seekers are designed to meet the cost of essential living needs, including clothing, which are not being provided in kind, such as utilities. However, we are contributing to consider carefully the representations made in the Special Standing Committee on the Immigration and Asylum Bill and elsewhere.

  Immigration and Nationality Enquiry Bureau
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many telephone lines there are for the public switchboard at Lunar House; how many telephone calls were received on average each day in the last 12 months; and how many staff man the telephone lines between 9 am and 5 pm. [84102]
  370
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  There are currently 30 lines open into the Immigration and Nationality Enquiry Bureau (INEB).

  The average number of calls into the INEB each day for the five months from 7 December (the date on which the new system went live) was 41,462. Figures are not available for the seven preceding months, when the old system operated.

  During the month of April, an average of 35 staff each day were logged in to the telephone system and were available to answer telephone calls. The average number of staff in post in the INEB as a whole during April was 73. This figure includes managers and staff engaged in answering written inquiries.

  Kosovar Asylum Seekers
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what account will be taken of the confiscation from Kosovar Albanians of documents issued by the former Yugoslav authorities when deciding what penalties to apply to(a) Kosovar Albanians seeking asylum in the UK and (b) carriers who transport Kosovar Albanians to the UK; [84216]

  (2) what penalties may be applied to Kosovar Albanians seeking asylum in the UK if they arrive (a) without proper documents and (b) clandestinely. [84215]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Government, in line with other European Union member states, are committed to a policy of protecting Kosovar refugees in the Balkan region as far as possible. Where this is not possible, and in response to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) requests, the United Kingdom has agreed to the evacuation to this country of refugees. No account is taken of whether evacuees under this programme have documents, and liability under the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act 1987 has been waived for these specific flights.

  Kosovans who arrive in this country by their own means will be able to apply for asylum in the normal way. The general policy is to grant refugee status if there is no doubt as to nationality. A person entering clandestinely has committed an offence under section 24 of the Immigration Acts and asylum applications from undocumented applicants may be certified under the provisions of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993. But sanction under either provision would only apply if an asylum application were refused. Carriers who bring undocumented passengers to the United Kingdom other than under the agreed UNHCR evacuation programme are liable to a charge under the Carriers' Liability Act. But where such a person is subsequently recognised as a refugee under the 1951 Convention, it is our normal policy to waive the charge or to refund it if it has been paid.

  Prison Service (Absences)
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for new measures to reduce levels of sickness absence in the Prison Service(a) in the short-term and (b) in the long-term. [84390]
  371
  Mr. George Howarth
  The Secretary of State has approved the proposal by the Director General of the Prison Service to set a new Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for reducing sickness absence within the Prison Service as part of the Annual Business Plan of the Service. This requires the Service not to exceed an average of 12.5 working days lost due to sickness in 1999–2000. This target takes account of an expected increase in recorded levels of sick absence due to improved recording practice.

  The Prison Service have also published a new attendance strategy containing measures designed to reduce sickness absence within the Service by 20 per cent. by 2001 and by 30 per cent. by 2003 in line with targets set by the Cabinet Office in their inter-departmental strategy for reducing sickness absence across the public sector.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is his estimate of the annual cost to his Department of sickness absence in the Prison Service in each of the last five years; [84389]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the reasons for changes in levels of sickness absence in the Prison Service over the past five years; [84414]

  (3) what assessment his Department has made of levels of sickness absence in the Prison Service in the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [84415]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The National Audit Office published a comprehensive report on managing sickness absence in the Prison Service on 30 April 1999.

  This report analysed sickness absence data from the Home Office payroll system and concluded that Prison Service employees took, on average, 12.6 working days sickness absence in 1997–98 and similar rates in the previous three years. The report estimated that the salary and related cost of sickness absence in the Prison Service were between £56 and £62 million per year over this period.

  No verified data are yet available for 1998–99.

  Public Safety Radio Communications Project
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make it his policy to provide to police authorities funding towards the cost of the implementation of the Public Safety Radio Communications Project from the proceeds of any sale of existing radio frequencies; [84490]

  (2) what plans he has to provide capital funding support to police authorities towards the cost of implementing the Public Safety Radio Communications Project; [84489]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the commercial value of the radio frequencies currently used by the Police Service and which will become surplus on the implementation of the Public Safety Radio Communications Project. [84488]

  Mr. Boateng
  The radio spectrum currently used by the police service is not the property of the Home Office. The current plan is that when the Public Safety Radio Communications Project (PSRCP) is fully implemented 372
  and the police service has migrated to the new spectrum allocated for this, the existing spectrum will be surrendered to the national pool. It will be for the Department of Trade and Industry to decide on its future use.

  Under the Government's spending plans, capital funding for the police is set to remain at £144 million for 3 years until 2001–02. This provides stability after 4 successive years of cuts. The Government have also relaxed the rules on the use of capital receipts from the sale of assets. Police authorities now have freedom to use all proceeds from sales for capital investment.

  The scope for additional funding for PSRCP is under consideration.

  Education Classes (Prisons)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many education classes were provided each week at each of the London prisons in the last 12 months. [84398]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Information on the numbers of education classes which were provided each week at each of the London prisons in the last 12 months is not held centrally. This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The average number of weekly classes for the 12 months period ending February 1999 for each of the London establishments was:

  Prison

  Number

  Belmarsh

  89

  Brixton

  85

  Downview

  47

  Feltham Young Offender Institution

  130

  Highdown

  90

  Holloway

  88

  Latchmere

  4

  Pentonville

  77

  Wandsworth

  38

  Wormwood Scrubs

  63

  Elderly Prisoners
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) male and (b) female prisoners in England and Wales are over the age of (i) 90 years, (ii) 80 years and (c) 70 years. [84399]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Population of prisoners1 aged (i) over 70 years, (ii) over 80 years and (iii) over 90 years in prisons in England and Wales on 30 April 19992 by sex

  Aged

  Males

  Females

  Over 70 years

  122

  3

  Over 80 years

  11

  —

  Over 90 years

  —

  —

  Total

  133

  3

  1Remand and sentenced prisoners

  2Provisional figures

  Sexual Abuse (Compensation)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the(a) largest and (b) smallest amount paid in compensation to victims of sexual abuse and how many payments above £100,000 were made in each of the last three years for which information is available. [84339]

  Mr. Boateng
  Data are readily available only for claims received on or after 1 April 1996 under the tariff-based criminal injuries compensation scheme effective from that date which, unlike the former common law damages based scheme it superseded, is supported by a comprehensive computer system. The data on cases involving sexual abuse are as follows:

  £

  Largest award

  Smallest award

  1996–97

  27,500

  1,000

  1997–98

  27,500

  500

  1998–99

  22,500

  750

  In those three years the numbers of cases where Payments exceeded £100,000 were 139,115 and 130 respectively. Most such payments were in respect of claims made under the common law damages based scheme effective for claims submitted up to and including 31 March 1996. It is not possible to ascertain readily whether any of these concern sexual abuse cases.

  Arson
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for tackling arson; and if he will make a statement. [84882]

  Mr. George Howarth
  As part of the Government's commitment to delivering safer communities, the Home Office is publishing today the outcome of a study undertaken to review arrangements for tackling arson. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library.

  The report, "Safer Communities—Towards Effective Arson Control", was commissioned because of concern that the number of arson fires had grown considerably in recent years while prosecutions and cautions for the offence had fallen. The outcome of the study has shown that although some local examples of good practice exist, much more needs to be done to tackle deliberately started fires. I want this report to mark the first step in the process to rectify that situation.

  The report makes 22 recommendations for putting in place more effective arson control arrangements. A great deal of emphasis in the study is placed on greater liaison and co-operation, so I want to hear the views of all those who can contribute to tackling arson. We will therefore be consulting a wide range of interested parties over the next few months on how to take these proposals forward.

  Trial Committals
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the procedure for determining the mode of trial in either-way cases; and if he will make a statement. [84884]
  374
  Mr. Straw
  The Royal Commission on Criminal Justice, and more recently the Narey Review of Delay in the Criminal Justice System, recommended that defendants should not be able to choose to be tried by a jury in either-way cases which magistrates have indicated that they would be content to hear.

  Having considered this recommendation and the responses to the consultation paper I issued last year on election for trial, I am announcing today that I will be bringing forward legislation when parliamentary time allows to abolish the ability of defendants to elect for jury trial in either-way cases (where the cases are triable either on indictment at the Crown Court or summarily at the magistrates' court).

  The Government readily acknowledge that jury trial is preferable for certain sorts of either-way case. The question is whether it should be available at the choice of the defendant, or restricted to cases which objectively warrant it. In the same way that defendants do not have a choice of which magistrate, or which judge and jury, hears their case, we believe that defendants should not be able to choose a criminal justice jurisdiction where their case is tried. England and Wales is almost alone in allowing defendants a choice of court. In most jurisdictions, it is a matter for the court. In Scotland, it is at the election of the prosecution.

  The majority of cases in which the defendant elects for Crown Court trial result eventually in guilty pleas, but only after greater inconvenience and worry to victims and witnesses, and at considerable extra cost. This Government's proposals will end the practice that many rightly regard as a manipulation of the criminal justice system by defendants demanding Crown Court trial for no good reason other than to delay proceedings.

  But there will be safeguards. In determining where the case should be tried, magistrates' will be required to have regard not only to any defence representations, but also to such factors as the gravity of the offence, the complexity of the case and the effect of conviction (as legislation already requires) and the likely sentence on the defendants livelihood and reputation. Defendants will also be given an interlocutory right of appeal to the Crown Court against the Magistrates' decision on mode of trial.

  Identity Cards
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will establish a focus group consultative arrangement on the issue of national identity cards. [83663]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We have no present plans to establish a focus group; but we are continuing to consider the issues involved in identity cards.

HEALTH

  Audiology Services
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will set out his Department's expenditure on(a) NHS audiology services and (b) the NHS provision of hearing aids for (i) adults and (ii) children, for each of the last five years; [84302]
  375
  (2) how much his Department plans to spend on (a) NHS audiology services and (b) the provision of hearing aids by the NHS for (i) adults and (ii) children, in the current year. [84303]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department does not collect figures nationally for expenditure on National Health Service audiology services or of the cost of providing hearing aids. However, around half a million hearing aids per year are purchased from the NHS Supplies Authority at a cost of £16 million. In addition audiology departments also purchase some hearing aids from commercial suppliers.

  Learning Disabilities
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for a White Paper on guidance and funding for people with learning disabilities; and if he will make a statement. [84247]

  Mr. Hutton
  Our White Paper "Modernising Social Services", published in November 1998, set out our strategy for the development of social services for all client groups including people with learning disabilities. They will also benefit from wider developments such as the proposals in our National Health Service White Paper and Public Health Green Paper, and developments elsewhere in Government. We have recently completed a review of learning disability hospital reprovisioning plans and a survey of 21 local authorities and their matching health authorities. The Department has also recently received comments from academic experts on the draft report of an evaluation of the cost and outcomes of different types of residential provision for people with learning disabilities. We will shortly be considering what, if any, further action needs to be taken in the light of this work and of the advice we receive from the Learning Disability Advisory Group set up last November.

  Cancer
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice and guidance is disseminated by his Department to the public on which lifestyle changes can improve their chances of avoiding cancer. [84236]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department provides advice to the public, in leaflets and through health education campaigns, on a number of lifestyle changes that can improve the chances of avoiding cancer. The areas covered include smoking, diet and nutrition, alcohol, physical activity, sexual behaviour and excessive sun exposure.

  The health strategy Green Paper "Our Healthier Nation" proposed a national contract on cancer that specified action that can be taken at national, local and individual level to reduce the incidence of cancer. The contract reiterated advice on lifestyle changes. The corresponding White Paper will be published later this year.

  The Department also provides funding for promotional material used within the United Kingdom for the "Europe Against Cancer" programme. A different cancer-related theme is chosen each year. The theme for 1998 was "Cancer in Men", and this year's theme is "Smoking Cessation in Young People Aged 16–19 Years".
  376
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce a national screening programme for bowel cancer; and if he will make a statement. [84244]

  Mr. Hutton
  The National Screening Committee, which advises United Kingdom Health Ministers about policy on screening, has recommended that evaluative pilots for bowel cancer screening be established to provide information about the public acceptability, feasibility and service implications of a national screening programme.

  On 2 March, the Government announced the two pilot sites in Coventry and Warwickshire and Tayside, Grampian and Fife, which will start later this year and run for two years. The data from the pilots will inform decisions about whether to introduce a national bowel cancer screening programme.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals the National Institute for Clinical Excellence has to improve survival rates for cancer patients; and if he will make a statement. [84245]

  Mr. Hutton
  The work programme for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence has yet to be agreed.

  There are several health topics in which NICE is currently being invited to take an interest and a number of new and existing health technologies will be considered for the NICE' s work programme.

  Donor Register
  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the annual running costs are of the donor register; [84306]

  (2) what the cost was of setting up the donor register; [84307]

  (3) how many transplants have been carried out from patients on the donor register (a) in the last 12 months and (b) in total. [84308]

  Mr. Hutton
  Expenditure in 1998–99 for the running costs of the donor register amounted to £197,118. The first year cost of setting up the donor register was £298,294. The number of transplants carried out from people registered on the Organ Donor Register were(a) from May 1998 to April 1999, 186 solid organs and 218 corneas and (b) since the register started in 1994 486 solid organs and 679 corneas.

PRIME MINISTER

  Kosovar Refugees
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on places in Northern Ireland for Kosovo refugees. [83687]

  The Prime Minister
  The Refugee Council and its partner agencies are working closely with the Home Office and local government associations to identify sites for further reception centres across the United Kingdom. We are looking at parts of the United Kingdom, and hope that places will be found in Northern Ireland.

  Engagements
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 19 May. [83682]

  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 19 May. [84328]

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

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  New Deal (Interviews)
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how often trainees on the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds are required to attend an interview with their personal adviser. [84396]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The number and frequency of interviews given to young people vary according to their individual needs and the stage they are at in the New Deal. The majority of young people are interviewed fortnightly during the New Deal Gateway.

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list for schools in the Devon Local Education Authority the change in the average size of classes, taught by one teacher, between January 1998 and January 1999 for pupils in(a) nursery classes, (b) Key Stage Two and (c) secondary schools. [84645]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Information on class sizes for individual schools is not published centrally. The available information for Devon Local Education Authority area is shown in the following table.

  New Deal for schools—Phase 3 Table of allocations as a percentage of total bids

  Local Education Authority

  NDS 3 bid (£)

  NDS 3 allocation (£)

  NDS 3 allocation as a percentage of bid (%)

  Barking & Dagenham

  21,097,222

  1,921,000

  9.11

  Barnet

  5,967,682

  1,388,500

  23.27

  Barnsley

  7,639,233

  1,062,000

  13.90

  Bath & North East Somerset

  5,290,678

  940,201

  17.77

  Bedfordshire

  4,698,729

  1,835,676

  39.07

  Bexley Council

  3,228,916

  786,908

  24.37

  Birmingham

  16,760,924

  6,909,845

  41.23

  Blackburn With Darwen

  7,818,980

  1,467,030

  18,76

  Blackpool1

  8,346,200

  750,000

  8.99

  Bolton

  17,725,984

  3,309,915

  18.67

  Bournemouth

  5,859,788

  1,073,200

  18.31

  Bracknell Forest

  6,106,617

  450,528

  7.38

  Bradford

  27,026,971

  20,000,000

  74.00

  Brent

  13,313,899

  1,361,904

  10.23

  Brighton & Hove

  4,638,498

  866,933

  18.69

  Bromley

  3,357,485

  780,616

  23.25

  378
  The Government have pledged to reduce infant class sizes to 30 or below by September 2001 at the latest, and we are on course to meet that pledge.

  Average class size of one teacher classes—Devon local authority area

  11998

  11999

  Nursery classes

  27.0

  25.6

  Key Stage One

  26.8

  24.8

  Key Stage Two

  29.3

  28.9

  Overall Primary

  28.0

  26.7

  Secondary

  21.7

  21.9

  1January each year

  New Deal (Schools)
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much money is currently being held in reserve by his Department under the New Deal for schools (phase 3) following the allocation of awards to local education authorities; and if he will make a statement on his policy towards the use of this money. [84558]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Following the NDS3 announcement of grant allocations on 30 March, a total of £12,269,810 is currently being held in reserve.

  The reserve represents a combination of provisional commitment of grant still to be distributed to those Authorities which did not receive a complete allocation on 30 March; and grant earmarked for specific projects which are awaiting decisions on Statutory Proposals or, as in the case of Public Private Partnership projects, Central Government approval.

  There is no unallocated Reserve. It is not envisaged that much, if any, allocated or reserved grant will be returned to the Department for re-allocation during the year.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list in respect of each local education authority in England,(a) the amount bid for under the New Deal for Schools (phase 3), (b) the amount awarded by his Department and (c) the amount awarded expressed as a percentage of the bid. [84556]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is shown on the following table:
  379

  New Deal for schools—Phase 3 Table of allocations as a percentage of total bids

  Local Education Authority

  NDS 3 bid (£)

  NDS 3 allocation (£)

  NDS 3 allocation as a percentage of bid (%)

  Buckinghamshire

  13,138,480

  1,622,015

  12.35

  Bury

  2,081,550

  952,150

  45.74

  Calderdale

  3,241,146

  1,700,000

  52.45

  Cambridgeshire

  24,241,315

  2,366,864

  9.76

  Camden

  5,044,598

  760,560

  15.08

  Cheshire

  10,402,292

  4,330,679

  41.63

  City of Bristol

  7,445,973

  2,026,000

  27.21

  City of London

  0

  0

  0.00

  City of Nottingham

  19,920,230

  1,807,790

  9.08

  City of York

  5,751,458

  1,725,721

  30.00

  Cornwall

  11,075,669

  2,802,680

  25.30

  Coventry

  11,103,475

  1,912,613

  17.23

  Croydon

  17,079,880

  1,517,525

  8.88

  Cumbria

  3,115,942

  2,685,863

  86.20

  Darlington

  5,506,754

  770,131

  13.99

  Derby City

  5,727,180

  1,183,455

  20.66

  Derbyshire

  11,834,372

  5,083,510

  42.96

  Devon

  12,146,776

  5,803,864

  47.78

  Doncaster

  9,250,567

  2,290,710

  24.76

  Dorset

  18,231,100

  2,051,000

  11.25

  Dudley

  30,513,213

  2,092,506

  6.86

  Durham

  7,535,852

  3,252,769

  43.16

  Ealing

  5,265,197

  1,313,866

  24.95

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  15,186,328

  2,448,585

  16.12

  East Sussex

  5,271,311

  1,663,000

  31.55

  Enfield

  8,124,930

  1,915,000

  23.57

  Essex

  12,771,860

  6,237,505

  48.84

  Gateshead

  8,683,450

  962,150

  11.08

  Gloucestershire

  9,744,874

  3,704,923

  38.02

  Greenwich

  23,149,769

  2,541,919

  10.98

  Hackney

  6,017,504

  1,067,004

  17.73

  Halton

  4,481,894

  1,831,385

  40.86

  Hammersmith & Fulham

  7,601,901

  1,385,000

  18.22

  Hampshire

  20,070,199

  3,503,346

  17.46

  Haringey

  7,861,247

  1,386,572

  17.64

  Harrow

  7,419,442

  1,232,994

  16.62

  Hartlepool

  2,822,244

  1,308,763

  46.37

  Havering

  5,225,870

  996,781

  19.07

  Herefordshire

  7,664,268

  1,296,426

  16.92

  Hertfordshire

  21,453,011

  5,333,255

  24.86

  Hillingdon

  4,683,851

  1,172,399

  25.03

  Hounslow

  9,946,717

  1,408,320

  14.16

  Isle of Wight

  4,486,077

  841,608

  18.76

  Isles of Scilly

  57,596

  0

  0.00

  Islington

  7,795,865

  950,369

  12.19

  Kensington & Chelsea

  1,108,330

  275,940

  24.90

  Kent

  34,099,163

  3,268,823

  9.59

  Kingston upon Hull

  10,099,179

  2,961,720

  29.33

  Kingston upon Thames

  4,350,254

  1,116,813

  25.67

  Kirklees

  5,379,495

  2,551,628

  47.43

  Knowsley

  5,601,137

  1,337,492

  23.88

  Lambeth

  13,909,082

  500,000

  3.59

  Lancashire

  13,350,490

  7,538,334

  56.46

  Leeds

  14,943,428

  4,111,768

  27.52

  Leicester City

  9,961,677

  2,483,624

  24.93

  Leicestershire

  14,221,370

  2,862,282

  20.13

  Lewisham

  26,779,014

  2,593,530

  9.68

  Lincolnshire

  8,359,932

  2,434,449

  29.12

  Liverpool

  19,410,197

  2,738,470

  14.11

  Luton

  5,589,822

  691,219

  12.37

  Manchester

  13,567,400

  2,056,000

  15.15

  Medway

  4,641,936

  1,441,310

  31.05

  Merton

  7,562,704

  1,317,351

  17.42

  Middlesbrough

  3,444,881

  1,253,516

  36.39

  Milton Keynes

  2,182,980

  849,603

  38.92

  North East Lincolnshire

  8,129,485

  1,599,906

  19.68

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  8,922,816

  6,318,200

  70.81

  Newham

  6,435,236

  3,031,137

  47.10

  Norfolk

  29,633,848

  3,742,938

  12.63

  North Lincolnshire

  11,603,862

  1,211,130

  10.44

  380 381

  New Deal for schools—Phase 3 Table of allocations as a percentage of total bids

  Local Education Authority

  NDS 3 bid (£)

  NDS 3 allocation (£)

  NDS 3 allocation as a percentage of bid (%)

  North Somerset

  4,301,910

  1,318,137

  30.64

  North Tyneside

  3,626,255

  1,363,628

  37.60

  North Yorkshire

  56,602,284

  3,617,957

  6.39

  Northamptonshire

  10,538,379

  2,589,700

  24.57

  Northumberland

  14,313,550

  1,908,000

  13.33

  Nottinghamshire

  22,630,536

  4,968,555

  21.96

  Oldham

  9,455,699

  3,344,291

  35.37

  Oxfordshire

  12,100,128

  2,891,106

  23.89

  Peterborough

  9,126,958

  619,172

  6.78

  Plymouth

  3,768,519

  2,148,485

  57.01

  Poole

  2,415,718

  678,575

  28.09

  Portsmouth

  10,017,757

  1,052,828

  10.51

  Reading

  2,792,418

  558,283

  19.99

  Redbridge

  3,766,960

  1,190,752

  31.61

  Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council

  11,510,296

  7,700,000

  66.90

  Richmond upon Thames

  2,163,900

  524,500

  24.24

  Rochdale

  3,297,824

  1,111,051

  33.69

  Rotherham1

  20,888,008

  0

  0.00

  Rutland

  4,779,155

  0

  0.00

  Salford Mbc

  7,643,480

  1,877,469

  24.56

  Sandwell

  12,807,740

  2,526,743

  19.73

  Sefton

  20,032,123

  1,862,285

  9.30

  Sheffield

  14,328,791

  6,395,901

  44.64

  Shropshire

  7,615,357

  1,196,337

  15.71

  Slough

  6,554,768

  644,483

  9.83

  Solihull

  5,317,434

  1,526,584

  28.71

  Somerset

  8,253,903

  2,849,615

  34.52

  South Gloucestershire Council

  6,039,642

  1,843,487

  30.52

  South Tyneside

  5,032,435

  1,269,536

  25.23

  Southampton

  7,542,431

  1,631,319

  21.63

  Southend on Sea

  2,007,530

  595,061

  29.64

  Southwark

  17,905,223

  5,319,676

  29.71

  St. Helens

  4,890.400

  1,962,400

  40.13

  Staffordshire

  14,550,466

  5,521,253

  37.95

  Stockport

  8,274,324

  1,190,439

  14.39

  Stockton on Tees

  8,006,946

  1,373,903

  17.16

  Stoke on Trent

  3,362,269

  1,752,602

  52.13

  Suffolk

  4,457,500

  2,937,500

  65.90

  Sunderland1

  19,476,714

  0

  0.00

  Surrey

  7,547,268

  3,363,155

  44.56

  Sutton

  2,268,003

  563,530

  24.85

  Swindon

  4,117,373

  2,799,000

  67.98

  Tameside

  6,262,009

  1,871,932

  29.89

  Telford & Wrekin

  5,861,218

  1,800,856

  30.72

  Thurrock

  1,613,942

  587,600

  36.41

  Torbay Council

  2,755,011

  1,521,183

  55.22

  Tower Hamlets

  5,110,392

  2,446,151

  47.87

  Trafford

  13,948,425

  1,223,323

  8.77

  Wakefield Mdc

  8,364,798

  2,381,983

  28.48

  Walsall

  11,112,860

  1,497,097

  13.47

  Waltham Forest

  7,148,533

  1,361,183

  19.04

  Wandsworth

  3,148,794

  1,015,500

  32.25

  Warrington

  8,748,072

  1,500,211

  17.15

  Warwickshire

  13,110,827

  1,949,349

  14.87

  West Berkshire

  2,716,697

  587,950

  21.64

  West Sussex

  6,818,827

  3,598,889

  52.78

  Westminster

  8,209,792

  651,632

  7.94

  Wigan

  8,755,708

  3,797,167

  43.37

  Wiltshire

  10,664,442

  1,586,726

  14.88

  Windsor & Maidenhead

  3,780,690

  524,137

  13.86

  Wirral

  14,537,717

  2,714,800

  8.00

  Wokingham

  9,297,570

  744,000

  8.00

  Wolverhampton

  5,636,120

  1,975,486

  35.05

  Worcestershire

  11,690,306

  2,390,990

  20.45

  Grand Total

  1,457,758,871

  317,528,785

  21.78

  1Indicates that a final allocation is still to be agreed with the Authority

  382

  Special Schools
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the changes made by his Department since 2 May 1997 to the rules on allocating capital approvals for special school re-organisation projects. [84557]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There have been no changes. Proposals to alter, establish or discontinue special schools are subject to a statutory process, and we give priority within available capital resources to projects to implement approved proposals. The Department is currently considering responses to a recent consultation paper on its Schools Capital Strategy.

  Labour and Social Affairs Council
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish the agenda for the Labour and Social Affairs Council of 25 May. [84685]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The agenda is as follows:

  1. (poss.) Approval of the list of 'A' items

  2. Draft Directive concerning employee involvement within the European Company Statute1 (Legal base: to be determined) Political agreement

  3. Working Time Directive

  (a) Proposal for a Council Directive amending Council Directive 93/104/EC of 23 November 1993 concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time to cover sectors and activities excluded from that Directive1 (Legal base: Article 118A/Article 137 EC Treaty (new)) Political agreement

  (b) Proposal for a Council Directive concerning the Agreement on the organisation of working time of seafarers concluded by the European Community Shipowners' Association (ECSA) and the Federation of Transport Workers' Union in the European Union (FST)1 (Legal base: Agreement on social policy, Article 4, para 2/Article 139, para 2 EC Treaty (new)) Political agreement

  (c) Proposal for a Council Directive concerning the enforcement of seafarers' hours of work on board ships using Community ports1 (Legal base: Article 84, para 2/Article 80, para 2 EC Treaty (new) Political agreement

  4. Amended proposal for a Council Directive on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (Legal base: Article 118A/Article 137 EC Treaty (new)) Progress report

  5. European Employment Pact:

  (a) Presidency draft for a European Employment Pact

  (b) Presidency memorandum "Youth and Europe—Our Future"

  (c) Presidency draft for a Council resolution on equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities' Adoption

  (d) Commission contributions: draft recommendation concerning the Board Economic Guidelines of Member States and the Community Communication "Community Policy in favour of Employment" (Article 127 of the Treaty)

  (e) Commission Communication "Modernising the organisation of work" Commission information

  384

  (f)Proposal for a Council Directive concerning the framework agreement on temporary work concluded by the UNICE, CEEP and ETUC1 (Legal base: Article 139, para 2 EC Treaty (new)) Political agreement

  6. Other business:

  Draft Council Directive on minimum requirements for improving the health and safety protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres (15th individual directive within the meaning of Article 16, para 1 of Directive 89/391/EEC)

  Presidency information

  1Points on which a vote may be taken.

  The morning session will begin at 10.30 am, with lunch at 1 pm. The afternoon session begins at 3.30 pm with item 5, followed by further discussion on the European Employment Pact in joint session with ECOFIN from 5.30 pm.

  Teacher Training Agency
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the report of the Prior Options Quinquennial Review of the Teacher Training Agency announced on 3 February will be published. [84971]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The Report of the Prior Options Quinquennial Review of the Teacher Training Agency (TTA) is published today.

  The Report concludes that there is no case at present for abolition or privatisation of the TTA. There will continue to be a need for the core functions of the TTA. But the TTA's responsibilities should be redrawn to take account of the General Teaching Councils (GTCs) and the leadership college, and the need to bring some elements of the Green Paper agenda closer to the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE).

  The Report argues that the TTA's current remit is too wide, and that the Agency should concentrate substantially on the two priorities it had when it was established in 1994 (teacher supply and recruitment and initial teacher training). Both areas present key challenges and the TTA will need to devote all of its efforts to meeting the Government's policy objectives in these areas.

  Ensuring that there are enough high quality candidates to meet the future needs of schools is crucial to the achievement of the Government's standards agenda. The Report recommends that tackling teacher supply and recruitment should be the TTA's top priority in the next phase of its work. The profile of this work will be significantly boosted, including through the employment of in-house marketing expertise and by taking over the Recruitment Strategy Managers' programme from the Department.

  Increasing both the rigour and the flexibility of initial teacher training provision remains vital in order to ensure that each new generation of teachers is properly prepared. The Government wish to build on the start the TTA has made on some elements of the ITT agenda set out in the Green Paper. ITT funding and quality remains core business for the TTA. And it should continue with advisory and developmental work in the area of induction.
  385
  Following the formation of the GTCs and the leadership college, my Department will need to provide a coherent and strategic view across teaching issues. A clear division of roles and responsibilities is also needed between the TTA and the GTCs.

  Headship/leadership functions should become the responsibility of the National College for School Leadership in due course, with the DfEE taking lead responsibility for work on headship training as a transitional measure.

  The GTC for England should have an advisory role across the piece, but no funding functions at this stage.

  My Department will now take the lead in policy development to establish a coherent and strategic programme for continuing professional development. The TTA will retain operational responsibility for the NOF-funded ICT training programme.

  My Department will continue to take a strategic overview of research, and the TTA will continue to support the Government's drive for a research-based profession. But the TTA will commission research only in areas within its responsibilities. The GTC and the leadership college will maintain research capability reflecting their responsibilities.

  The composition of the TTA Board will need to be changed to reflect the renewed emphasis on teacher recruitment, in particular, and the need for more of an operational rather than policy focus. Teachers need to by more strongly represented.

  I have agreed with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales that any final decisions about future arrangements in Wales should be delayed until the National Assembly for Wales is fully established and ready to consider the issue. The TTA Unit in Wales might be placed in the Welsh Office Education Department now.

  School meal arrangements in maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools in England January each year

  Hertfordshire

  Staffordshire

  Staffordshire

  Stoke

  Percentage of Pupils taking Free meals

  Percentage of Pupils Known to be eligible for free meals

  Percentage of Pupils taking free meals

  Percentage of Pupils Known to be eligible for free meals

  Percentage of Pupils taking free meals

  Percentage of Pupils Known to be eligible for free meals

  Percentage of Pupils taking free meals

  Percentage of Pupils Known to be eligible for free meals

  Maintained nursery and Primary schools

  1988

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1989

  6

  1—

  11

  1—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1990

  6

  1—

  11

  1—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1991

  7

  1

  12

  1—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1992

  9

  1—

  15

  1—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1993

  11

  14

  17

  20

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1994

  12

  16

  17

  20

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1995

  12

  14

  17

  19

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1996

  12

  14

  17

  19

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1997

  10

  13

  16

  19

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1998

  9

  11

  2—

  2—

  11

  14

  24

  28

  Maintained secondary schools

  1988

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1989

  4

  1—

  6

  1—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1990

  3

  1—

  5

  1—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1991

  4

  1—

  6

  1—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1992

  6

  1—

  7

  1—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1993

  7

  9

  8

  13

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1994

  8

  10

  9

  13

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  386
  Teacher recruitment in Wales, which is not part of the Unit's responsibility, is currently handled as part of an integrated England and Wales programme by the TTA in London. To minimise disruption, this should remain the case until decisions can be taken by the National Assembly for Wales. Similarly, no change is proposed for the responsibility of the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales' for funding and accreditation of initial teacher training.

  These conclusions take account of a substantial consultation exercise. In broad terms, the TTA are commended by consultees for their work on developing the link between funding and quality, improving standards in teacher training provision, promotion of teaching as a profession, and for implementing the Leadership Programme for Serving Heads. General criticism is expressed in the Report in relation to some aspects of the TTA's funding and accreditation approach, and over the failure to meet the Department's supply and recruitment targets because of continuing under-recruitment by some ITT providers. There were also some general concerns about the TTA's effectiveness, management and organisation, and how it relates to its partners and stakeholders.

  I have today written to Clive Booth, TTA Chair, to inform him that I have accepted the Report's recommendations in full.

  Copies of the Report will be placed in the Library.

  School Meals
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of school children in(a) Staffordshire and (b) Hertfordshire (i) received and (ii) were eligible to receive free school dinners in each of the last 10 years. [84329]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The available information is shown in the following table.
  387

  School meal arrangements in maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools in England January each year

  Hertfordshire

  Staffordshire

  Staffordshire

  Stoke

  Percentage of Pupils taking free meals

  Percentage of Pupils Known to be eligible for free meals

  Percentage of Pupils taking free meals

  Percentage of Pupils Known to be eligible for free meals

  Percentage of Pupils taking free meals

  Percentage of pupils to be eligible for free meals

  Percentage of Pupils taking free meals

  Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free meals

  1995

  8

  10

  9

  14

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1996

  8

  10

  9

  14

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1997

  7

  9

  9

  13

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1998

  6

  9

  2—

  2—

  7

  10

  14

  24

  1Not available

  2 Not applicable

  Notes:

  1. Before Local Government re-organisation of April 1998

  2. After Local Government re-organisation of April 1998

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much was spent by(a) Staffordshire County Council and (b) Hertfordshire County Council on subsidising school meals in each of the last 10 years. [84330]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The following table shows how much was spent subsidising school meals in the last six years by(a) Staffordshire County Council (b) Hertfordshire County Council. Information for earlier years is not available.

  £

  Year

  Staffordshire

  Hertfordshire

  1993–94

  6,086,600

  4,676,000

  1994–95

  5,329,800

  4,793,000

  1995–96

  4,297,000

  3,989,000

  1996–97

  6,504,000

  2,298,000

  1997–98

  4,072,900

  2,295,000

  1998–99

  4,500,100

  2,552,000

  Disability Discrimination Act 1995
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the implications for owners and occupiers of listed buildings used for trading purposes of the decision to implement fully the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; what the total cost to business will be and over what timescale; and if he will make a statement.[84426]

  Ms Hodge
  When fully implemented, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will require service providers to make adjustments, where reasonable, so that their services are accessible to disabled people. These requirements are being introduced in two phases. They will apply to service providers in listed buildings.

  From 1 October, service providers will have to take reasonable steps to change practices, policies or procedures which make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service; to provide auxiliary aids or services which would make it easier for, or enable, disabled people to use a service; and to provide the service by a reasonable alternative method where a physical feature makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use the service. From 2004, service providers will have to take reasonable steps to
  388
  remove, alter, or provide reasonable means of avoiding physical features that make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service.

  Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG 15) issued by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions makes it clear that
  "it is important in principle that disabled people should have dignified easy access to and within historic buildings",
  and that with a proper approach
  "it should normally be possible to plan suitable access for disabled people without compromising a building's special interest".

  English Heritage's booklet "Easy Access to Historic Properties" is designed to help those who own, manage, or are professionally concerned with historic properties to strike a balance between conservation and access.

  The Disability Discrimination Act, in common with the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and the Race Relations Act cannot require anything to be done that would contravene another piece of legislation. Where a service provider must get statutory consent to a particular alteration, including listed building or scheduled monument consent, and that consent is not given, the Disability Discrimination Act will not have been contravened. However, a service provider would still need to take whatever other steps under the Act were reasonable to provide the service.

  At the end of June, we shall be publishing a new Code of Practice which explains the duties coming into force in October as well as the current rights under the Disability Discrimination Act, and which gives examples of good practice. In due course, a public consultation exercise will be held in respect of a revised Code explaining the duties which are due to come into force in 2004.

  The Government's assessment of the costs, and benefits, of implementing the later rights in Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act are contained in the Regulatory Impact Assessment, copies of which are in the Library. It is also available on the disability website: www.disability.gov.uk.

  Drugs
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on co-ordinating initiatives on drugs in schools. [83651]
  389
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Department is committed to delivering the education strands of the Government's 10 year UK anti-drugs strategy, and has issued guidance to schools and the youth service on the effective delivery of drug education. In particular, it offers teachers and headteachers advice on some key areas in the delivery of drug education, encouraging them to take note of best practice and develop their own detailed programmes and policies of drug education which take account of their own pupils' needs and of local circumstances. A copy of the guidance, entitled "Protecting Young People; Good practice in drug education in schools and the youth service" is in the Library.

  The DfEE is making support for drug education available to local education authorities, to assist primary and secondary schools and the youth service to deliver effective drug education. Support is available, through the Standards Fund programme, for the next three years, starting in 1999–2000. £7.5 million is available each year, following the Comprehensive Spending Review.

SCOTLAND

  Inward Investment
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the work he has done to secure(a) Korean and (b) Japanese inward investment into the United Kingdom. [81101]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 16 April 1999]: Locate in Scotland promotes Scotland's advantages as a business location, working in partnership with the Local Enterprise Companies, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other bodies in both the public and private sectors. Scotland has attracted strong flows of inward investment in recent years, and inward investment projects from Korea and Japan over the last 5 years have involved 30 projects with planned investment of over £3.2 billion and over 5,000 new/safeguarded jobs.

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

  Advertising Campaigns
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the amounts the Government have spent on(a) opinion polling, (b) focus groups and (c) advertising in Scotland or related to Scottish Office responsibilities since it came to office. [80051]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 13 April 1999]: The details are:

  (a) Nil

  (b)£ 145,000

  (c) £6,074,600.

  Tuition Fees
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current level of assessed parental income above which a student becomes eligible for (i) full and (ii) part payment of tuition fees; what plans he has to increase these threshold levels in line with inflation; what estimate he has of the number of students who will 390
  become eligible for paying in full or in part their tuition fee if the threshold is not increased in line with inflation; and if he will make a statement. [82656]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 29 April 1999]: For academic session 1998–99 parents with a residual income (gross income less certain allowable deductions) greater than £27,000 are expected to contribute the full amount towards their children's tuition fees. Parents whose residual income is between £16,945 and £27,000 are expected to make some contribution towards tuition fees, based on a sliding scale. Parents with a residual income of less than £16,944 make no contribution.

  In line with previous practice relating to maintenance grants, the income threshold levels have been increased for academic session 1999–2000 by reference to the Retail Prices Index. The increase of 2.5 per cent. was announced on 15 February 1999, Official Report, column 464.

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

  School Funding
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the current level of per capita funding for students is in the Borders Region(a) in primary schools, (b) in secondary schools up to the age of 16 years and (c) for those aged between 16 and 18 years. [84174]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Per pupil expenditure by Scottish Borders Council in 1996–97, the latest financial year for which information is available, was £1,896 in primary schools, and £3,039 in secondary schools. The figures, which are derived from local authority financial returns, do not include the cost of home to school transport, school meals, education authority central administration costs and loan charges. The returns do not identify expenditure according to the age of pupils.

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

  Census Returns
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which of the decennial population returns for Scotland have been closed to public inspection for(a) 100 years, (b) 80 years or (c) permanently. [84495]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The 1841–91 census returns are open to the public. The 1901 and later census returns are closed for 100 years. No census returns are kept closed for 80 years, nor are any closed permanently.

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

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list(a) the linear metres of storage space occupied by each of the pre-1992 decennial census returns for Scotland, (b) the actual costs, at current prices, of microfilming each of the pre-1901 census returns and (c) the average microfilm cost per linear metre, at current prices.[84496]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The 1841–91 census returns for Scotland which are open to the public occupy approximately the following amounts of shelving in accommodation belonging to the Registrar General for
  391
  Scotland. For more details of the storage space occupied by the 1901 and later censuses, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire (Sir B. Mawhinney) on 13 May 1999, Official Report, column 191.

  Linear metres

  1841 Census

  1278

  47

  1851 Census

  2176

  26.9

  1861 Census

  21,328

  35.9

  1871 Census

  21,392

  26.9

  1881 Census

  21,080

  26.9

  1891 Census

  21,480

  39.2

  All open censuses

  —

  202.8

  All closed censuses

  —

  6,025.8

  All censuses

  —

  6,228.6

  1 Boxes

  2 Volumes

  The open censuses have all been microfilmed and there are no plans to refilm. Information on the actual costs of filming—which took place over a period of years starting in the 1950s—cannot now be assembled.

  As a very approximate guide, the estimated cost at 1999 prices of microfilming paper volumes of census returns such as would take up one linear metre of shelving might be of the order of £400 to £500.

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

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the text of the(a) non-statutory assurances of confidentiality and (b) 100-year extended closure given by the Registrar General on the householders' forms for the 20th century censuses of population for Scotland. [84497]

  Mr. Macdonald
  (a) The text appearing on the various census returns is as follows:

  1901

  The Return is required for carrying out the provisions of the Census Act. The contents of the Schedules will be treated as confidential; they will be published in General Abstracts only, and strict care will be taken that the Returns are not used for the gratification of curiosity, or for other purposes than those of the Census.

  1911

  The contents of the Schedule will be treated as strictly confidential.

  1921

  Strictly Confidential (marked at top of Householder's Schedule).

  1931

  Strictly Confidential (marked at top of Householder's Schedule).

  1951

  The contents of the schedule are strictly confidential.

  1961

  The contents of the schedule are strictly confidential.

  1966

  The information you give on the form will be treated as confidential and used only for compiling statistics. No information about named individuals will be passed by the Census Office to any other Government Department or any other authority. If anyone employed on the census improperly discloses information you provide, he will be liable to prosecution.
  392
  Where information is supplied to you—for example by a visitor or anyone not belonging to the family—you must not disclose or use it for any purpose other than filling in this form. (If you do, you will be liable to a fine of up to £10. There is also a penalty of up to £10 for refusing to fill in the form or refusing to give you information to enable you to fill it in, or for giving false information).

  1971

  The information you give on the form will be treated as Confidential and used only for compiling statistics. No information about named individuals will be passed by the Census Office to any other Government Department or any other authority or person. If anyone employed in taking the census improperly discloses information you provide, he will be liable to prosecution. Similarly you must not disclose information which anyone (for example, a visitor or boarder) gives you to enable you to complete the form.

  1981

  The form is used only for compiling statistics and when you have completed it in accordance with the instructions it will be treated as Confidential and no information about named individuals will be passed by the Census Office to any other Government Department or any other authority or person. If anyone employed in taking the census improperly discloses information you provide, he will be liable to prosecution. Similarly you must not disclose information which anyone (for example, a visitor or boarder) gives you to enable you to complete the form.

  1991

  Your answers will be treated in strict confidence and used only to produce statistics. Names and addresses will not be put into the computer; only the postcode will be entered. The forms will be kept securely within my Office and treated as confidential for 100 years.

  Anyone using or disclosing Census information improperly will be liable to prosecution. For example, it would be improper for you to pass on to someone else information which you had been given in confidence by a visitor to enable you to complete the Census form.

  (b) The interpretation of strict confidentiality as requiring lengthy closure of the census returns was not printed on the census forms themselves before 1991, but is part of the Registrar General's policy agreed in 1974 by the then Secretary of State for Scotland and announced in Parliament (Hansard, Official Report Vol 874, no. 46, Written Answer cols 272–3). This confirmed that Scottish census returns for 1901 or later years would not be made available until 100 years after the census to which they relate, and that only in exceptional circumstances could closed census returns be accessed. These public access provisions were affirmed by the present Government in the White Paper "The 2001 Census of Population" (Cm. 4253), published on 4 March 1999. The closure period is intended to safeguard the confidentiality of the personal information collected in the census, and successive Governments have honoured an undertaking that the information would remain confidential. Protection of the credibility of the undertaking is crucial to maintaining the quality of the information collected.

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

  Genetically Modified Salmon
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 20 April 1999, Official Report, column 525, for what reason the three-year land-based trial project involving genetically modified salmon has been terminated early. [84185]
  393
  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 18 May 1999]: The trial project was terminated early by the company involved for commercial reasons.

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

WALES

  NHS Waiting Lists
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on NHS waiting lists for(a) hip replacements, (b) cataract operations and (c) breast screening for each health authority in Wales for 1996, 1997 and 1998. [84511]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Waiting lists for hip replacements and cataract operations are not held centrally. Aggregate figures are available for the numbers of people who had been waiting over 18 months for in-patient or day case admission for the following group of operations — hip and knee replacements and cataract removals. The numbers of patients waiting for an operation in this group at 31 December 1996, 1997 and 1998 are given in the following table.

  Number of patients waiting over 18 months for hip and knee replacement and cataract removal operations

  Health Authority

  31 December1996

  31 December1997

  31 December1998

  Gwent

  5

  4

  42

  Bro Taf

  0

  12

  249

  Dyfed Powys

  0

  78

  36

  North Wales

  2

  4

  14

  Morgannwg

  0

  16

  12

  All Welsh health authorities

  7

  114

  353

  Bro Taf Health Authority, in particular, is concerned about, and is addressing, the problems of long waiters. Additional measures are being taken to increase capacity at the new UHW and Llandough NHS Trust and to offer patients treatment in other local hospitals.

  There are no waiting lists for breast screening services which are provided by Breast Test Wales on a rolling three yearly invitation to well women aged 50 to 64 and by self-appointment for well women aged 65 and over. Following the transfer of functions, this will be a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

  Agriculture Secretary
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from the Farmers'

  Year

  Number of cases where overgrazing confirmed after Stage 2 assessment

  Location of confirmed cases

  1994

  3

  Crosby Ravensworth (Cumbria), Long Mynd (Shropshire) and Ingleborough (North Yorkshire)

  1995

  1

  Birkbeck (Cumbria)

  1996

  3

  Reeth Low Moor, Kearton Pasture (both North Yorkshire) and Clee Hills (Shropshire)

  1997

  4

  Brackenber (Cumbria), Newton Fell (Lancashire), Heath Mynd (Shropshire) and Matley Moor (Derbyshire)

  1998

  4

  Askham/Helton, Barton (both Cumbria), Ugborough and Harford (both Devon)

  394
  Union of Wales and the NFU about the appointment of the Agriculture Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales. [84737]

  Mr. Michael
  I have received no such representations.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Integrated Administration and Control System Map
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many map errors were discovered when performing IACS map checks; and what was the net potential loss to his Department if the errors had not been corrected. [73292]

  Mr. Rooker
  Map checks only form a small component of the total number of detailed validation checks on Area Aid Applications carried out under IACS, and it is not possible to separate out exactly how many officials were involved. Map checks have been carried out on all 2,174,843 parcels entered on IACS Area Aid Applications in England between 1995 and 1998, and discrepancies in field numbers and areas have been discovered in 352,941 of these. However, some 73 per cent. of the discrepancies found were of a clerical nature which would have had no effect on any claims made. No separate information is available on the savings resulting from map checks in terms of the adjustment made to the value of claims, but they do not as a rule have a major impact. On the other hand, if the checks had not been carried out there would have been significant risk of disallowance of exchequer expenditure for reimbursement out of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund. It is not possible to quantify the net potential loss involved as it is the responsibility of the Commission to decide the amount of disallowance for each individual case. The amount is calculated by determining the risk (real or potential) to Community funds.

  Overgrazing
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the number and location of incidents where overgrazing was confirmed by the Ministry in each year between 1990 and 1998. [83479]

  Mr. Rooker
  No cases of overgrazing were confirmed between 1990 and 1993. The following table gives the information requested for the period from 1994 to 1998. It does not cover work on the separate but related issue of environmental damage caused by the use of unsuitable methods to provide supplementary feed to livestock. Reports of suspected overgrazing are investigated by the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency on behalf of the Ministry using a two-stage assessment process.
  395
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many incidents of overgrazing were(a) reported and (b) investigated by the Ministry in each year between 1990 and 1998. [83480]

  Mr. Rooker
  The material requested is not readily available and could be provided quickly only at disproportionate cost. The Ministry is, however, taking steps to collate this information and I will write to my hon. Friend in due course with a full reply.

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many hill livestock compensatory allowance and sheep annual premium payments were withheld or reduced as a result of overgrazing by recipients in each year between 1990 and 1998. [83476]

  Mr. Rooker
  There have been no cases where payments of Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance or Sheep Annual Premium have been withheld because of overgrazing. In cases where overgrazing is confirmed, subsidy payments are reduced or withheld only if the producers concerned do not take appropriate steps to address the problem. So far it has not been necessary to apply these sanctions.

  Non-genetically Modified Soya Beans
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports his Department has received concerning the efforts of the state Government of Rio Grande do Sol to guarantee non-genetically modified soya bean production throughout their state; and what plans his Department has to give assistance. [84503]

  Mr. Rooker
  My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary and I met the Secretary of Agriculture for the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sol on 13 May 1999 at his request to hear about the ability of his State to supply non-GM soya to UK customers.

  We offered to add details of Brazilian companies to the MAFF list of non-GM soya suppliers published on the Department's website, so that those who wished to purchase such material can be aware of this source.

  Flax
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what support his Department is giving to the growing of flax as a substitute fibre for glass fibre panels in motor vehicles. [84321]

  Mr. Rooker
  The technical feasibility of using flax in motor vehicle panels was demonstrated in research funded by the Ministry to assess the industrial potential of fibres from UK grown crops. The use of crop derived raw materials is promoted at workshops, seminars and agricultural shows, and through the dedicated Website of the Ministry's Alternative Crops Unit.

  Animal Slaughter (Inspection Charges)
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans the Government have to contribute towards the new charges for veterinary inspection on the slaughter of animals; and if he will make a statement. [84565]
  396
  Mr. Rooker
  The Government have no plans to contribute towards the costs of those hygiene/welfare inspections conducted at licensed fresh meat premises in accordance with harmonised EU meat hygiene rules. We are obliged by EU law to recover the costs of such inspections from the industry and are not permitted to subsidise such costs. However, the Government's study of the impact of all proposed charges in the slaughtering sector, announced on 21 April, will also look at EU legislation and the way in which inspections are carried out so as to ensure that, when charges are set, they are as low as possible consistent with maintaining public safety and honouring our obligations under EU law.

  In the meantime, the Government are bearing the cost of enforcement of specified risk material controls for a further year. Nevertheless, we remain of the view that recovering these costs from the industry is right in principle.

CABINET OFFICE Access to Information

  Access to Information
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what discussions he has had with the Home Department on changes to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. [83652]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department intends to publish the draft Freedom of Information Bill shortly. In the interim, he has no plans to amend the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Public Appointments
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to extend the range of public appointments covered by the Public Appointments Commissioner. [83654]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The Government extended the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments last autumn. I have no plans to extend the Commissioner's remit further.

  Public Sector Ombudsmen
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the progress of the review of public sector Ombudsmen in England. [83656]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Wide consultation has now started. Views have been invited from those representing the public, government and others with an interest in the work of the Ombudsmen. The review is working with the Select Committee on Public Administration to canvass Members' views.

  Biotechnology
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to his oral answer of 21 April 1999, Official Report, column 896 on biotechnology, if he will make a statement on the research sponsored by the Government into cross-pollination from genetically modified crops.[83657]
  397
  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  The Government are currently funding studies into cross-pollination between oilseed rape and other species. The results of the work will be made available once the research is completed.

  Anti-drugs Co-ordinator
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the work of the UK Anti-drugs Co-ordinator. [83658]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  The UK Anti-drugs Co-ordinator's first report and national plan will be published shortly.

  Modernising Government
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what measures he plans to put in place to ensure that targets for the use of new technology announced in the Modernising Government White Paper are directed towards collecting views from the public on the quality of public services. [83659]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Finding out what people want and expect from public services is an important part of the Government's approach to Modernising Government. Through research on electronic service delivery and from the People's Panel, we have begun that process. We will work closely with the public services in central and local government to ensure that services are developed in accordance with what citizens want.

  Better Regulation Task Force
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many meetings he has had with the Chairman of the Better Regulation Task Force this year. [83660]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  My right hon. Friend had five meetings with the Chairman of the Better Regulation Task Force.

  One-stop Shops
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to support one-stop shops for access to both local and national government services. [83661]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The "Modernising Government" White Paper, launched on 30 March, contains a number of initiatives to encourage joint working between central and local government, including one-stop shops. There will be a drive to eliminate obstacles to joined-up working, including a more co-ordinated approach to property management, and a second round of the Invest to Save Budget to fund new projects that involve partnership working.

  Civil Servants (Ethnic Minorities)
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress he has made in recruiting and retaining black and Asian civil servants in higher grades. [83662]
  398
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Black and Asian Civil Servants make up 5.7 per cent. of the Civil Service overall and 1.6 per cent. of the Senior Civil Service. The Government are committed to redressing under-representation in the higher grades and we are actively working to recruit and retain ethnic minorities at all levels in the Civil Service.

  We have recently launched with Civil Service Trade Unions, a joint Charter to address under-representation of ethnic minorities at senior levels.

  We have also set targets that by the year 2004–05, 3.2 per cent. of the Senior Civil Service will be from ethnic minority backgrounds.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the total budget of all Departments for Special Advisers(a) in the current year and (b) in 1996–97. [83664]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The pay bill for Special Advisers in 1999–2000 is estimated at £3.9 million. In 1996–97, when the Government employed 38 Advisers against the current 69, the pay bill was £1.8 million.

  Red Boxes
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to promote the use of electronic red boxes for ministers. [83665]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean) on 16 March 1999,Official Report, column 651.

  Public Funds
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress he has made in investigating the case for a code of conduct on the use of public funds for the purpose of opinion research. [83666]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  My officials are looking at ways of bringing together the various existing sources of advice and expertise on Government public opinion research, in consultation with colleagues in other departments.

  Government Buildings, Marsham Street
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proportion of the office space at the old Department of the Environment buildings at Marsham street is empty; and for how long such space has been empty. [83667]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  2 Marsham Street has been completely empty since 30 April 1998. Vacation occurred progressively over the previous two years as the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions relocated to new accommodation.

  Drug Misuse
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what forecast he has made of the date by which there will be a reduction in illegal drug use. [83668]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  Details will be published shortly in the Co-ordinator's first annual report and national plan.

  Annual Report
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what independent auditing he plans of the Government's annual report. [83655]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  This year's Annual Report will be prepared in the same way as last year's, as set out in my reply to the hon. Gentleman on 13 January 1999,Official Report, columns 226–27.

  Treaty of Amsterdam: Entry into Force
  Treaty of Amsterdam: Entry into Force
  General Pinochet
  General Pinochet
  Immigration and Nationality Department: Casework System
  Immigration and Nationality Department: Casework System
  Immigration Act Detainees
  Immigration Act Detainees
  Highpoint Prison
  Highpoint Prison
  Human Rights Act: Compatibility of Legislation
  Human Rights Act: Compatibility of Legislation
  Interpol
  Interpol
  Either-way Cases: Mode of Trial
  Either-way Cases: Mode of Trial
  Arson
  Arson
  Yugoslavia: Costs of NATO Operations
  Yugoslavia: Costs of NATO Operations
  Army Units: Withdrawal from Germany
  Army Units: Withdrawal from Germany
  Hormonal Growth Promoters in Cattle
  Hormonal Growth Promoters in Cattle
  Official Veterinary Surgeons and the Meat Hygiene Service
  Official Veterinary Surgeons and the Meat Hygiene Service
  Medicines (Advertising) Regulations: Consultation
  Medicines (Advertising) Regulations: Consultation
  Terminally III Patients: Treatment
  Terminally III Patients: Treatment
  Radio 1 and Radio 2
  Radio 1 and Radio 2