Written Answers of 24 May 1999

DEFENCE

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was(a) the ceiling on personnel numbers and (b) the actual strength of the Territorial Army in each month between May 1998 and May 1999; and if he will make a statement. [83629]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 12 May 1999]The following is the information.

  TA strengths by month May 1998 to April 1999

  Month

  Total

  May 1998

  55,735

  June 1998

  55,612

  July 1998

  55,070

  August 1998

  54,737

  September 1998

  54,145

  October 1998

  53,847

  November 1998

  54,430

  December 1998

  54,031

  January 1999

  53,466

  February 1999

  52,312

  March 1999

  51,456

  April 1999

  50,438

  Note:

  Figures do not include Non Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS)

  The establishment of the Territorial Army between 1 May 1998 and 1 May 1999 was 69,000. There is no ceiling on TA personnel. The drawdown in numbers evident from the start of 1999 reflects the gradual drawdown to the post SDR establishment of 41,204. It is our intention to recruit to the full establishment.

  RAF Aircraft (Sales)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many surplus RAF aircraft have been sold in each of the last five years; and to whom they were sold. [84567]

  Mr. Spellar
  The numbers of surplus RAF aircraft including helicopters sold in each of the last five years by the MOD's Disposal Sales Agency were as follows:

  Year

  1994

  154

  1995

  54

  1996

  34

  1997

  61

  1998

  45

  A small number of these aircraft were sold to the armed forces of India, Oman, Uruguay and Sri Lanka. The majority, however, went to over 130 UK and overseas
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  commercial enterprises and individuals. To identify each of these, and to seek their agreement to being named, would incur disproportionate cost.

  Falklands Garrison
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 May 1999,Official Report, column 19, on the Falklands garrison, what is the strategic reason for maintaining a garrison in the Falklands; and if he will make a statement. [84899]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Our garrison on the Falkland Islands is a demonstration of the Government's commitment to ensure the security of the Falkland Islands and to uphold the right of the Islanders to determine their own future. We will continue to provide a garrison comprising air, and land sea assets, backed up by the capability to reinforce if necessary.

  Eurofighter
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the first full squadron of Eurofighter aircraft will be in service with the RAF; and what was the original date expected. [82522]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I am withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information relating to Defence, Security and International Relations.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Members' Salaries
  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the President of the Council if she will list the increases in Members' salaries and office expenses from 1971 to 1999. [84123]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The information requested is as follows:

  Parliamentary Salary (£)

  Effective date

  3,250

  16 October 1964

  4,500

  1 January 1972

  5,750

  13 June 1975

  6,062

  13 June 1976

  6,270

  13 June 1977

  6,897

  13 June 1978

  9,450

  13 June 1979

  11,750

  13 June 1980

  13,950

  13 June 1981

  14,510

  13 June 1982

  15,308

  13 June 1983

  16,016

  1 January 1984

  16,904

  1 January 1985

  17,702

  1 January 1986

  18.500

  1 January 1987

  22,548

  1 January 1988

  24,107

  1 January 1989

  26,701

  1 January 1990

  28,970

  1 January 1991

  30,854

  1 January 1992

  30,854

  1 January 1993

  31,687

  1 January 1994

  33,189

  1 January 1995

  34,085

  1 January 1996

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  Parliamentary Salary (£)

  Effective date

  43.000

  1 July 1996

  43,860

  1 April 1997

  45,066

  1 April 1998

  47,008

  1 April 1999

  Note:

  Until 1 July 1996, Ministers in the House of Commons received an abated amount of the parliamentary salary.

  Allowance for office expenses (£)

  Effective date

  500

  1 October 1969

  1,000

  1 January 1972

  1,750

  1 April 1974

  3,200

  1 April 1975

  3,512

  13 June 1976

  3,687

  13 June 1977

  4,200

  13 June 1978

  4,600

  13 June 1979

  6,750

  14 February 1980

  8,000

  13 June 1980

  8,480

  13 June 1981

  8,820

  13 June 1982

  12,000

  13 June 1983

  12,437

  13 June 1984

  13,211

  1 April 1985

  20,140

  1 April 1986

  21,302

  1 April 1987

  22,588

  1 April 1988

  24,903

  1 April 1989

  27,166

  1 April 1990

  28,986

  1 April 1991

  39,960

  1 April 1992

  40,380

  1 April 1993

  41,309

  1 April 1994

  42,754

  1 April 1995

  46,364

  1 April 1996

  47,569

  1 April 1997

  49,232

  1 April 1998

  50,264

  1 April 1999

  Note:

  From 1 April 1980 an additional allowance of up to 10 per cent. of the sums shown has been available to provide pensions contributions for Members' employees.

WALES

  Organic Farming
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to introduce measures to encourage farmers to shift to organic production methods. [84562]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The Organic Aid Scheme provides direct financial support for conversion to organic production. Subject to the approval of the European Commission, the payments rates available under this scheme will be increased to the following:

  £s per hectare

  (a) Arable Area Payment Scheme eligible land

  (b) Improved grassland

  (c) Unimproved grassland/rough grazing

  Year 1

  225

  175

  25

  Year 2

  135

  105

  10

  Year 3

  50

  40

  5

  Year 4

  20

  15

  5

  Year 5

  20

  15

  5

  Total

  450

  350

  50

  4
  The Welsh Organic Food Sector Action Plan, launched in March, sets out an agenda for developing the organic sector in Wales, with the aim of encouraging an expansion of organic farming to 10 per cent. of Welsh agricultural produce.

  The Organic Conversion Information Service will continue to provide free advice to prospective organic farmers.

  In future, following the transfer of powers, these issues will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Health Service
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made, for each of the new NHS trust areas in Wales, of the number of posts which have been terminated in executive and directorate structures as a direct result of the recent reorganisation of the health service in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [84727]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Across the new NHS trusts in Wales the number of senior managerial posts has so far been reduced by a total of 80, as follows:

  NHS Trusts

  Senior managerial posts

  Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust

  12

  Pontypridd and Rhondda NHS Trust

  9

  University Hospital of Wales and Llandough

  Hospital NHS Trust

  5

  Cardiff and District Community NHS Trust

  4

  Swansea NHS Trust

  15

  Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust

  12

  Carmarthenshire NHS Trust

  5

  North West Wales NHS Trust

  4

  Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust

  5

  North East Wales NHS Trust

  9

  Further reductions in managerial and administrative posts are expected to take place throughout the year.

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

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the present regulations applying to genetically modified trial crops in respect of the need to prevent cross-contamination. [74864]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 5 March 1999]The risk of cross pollination is assessed for each case as part of the approvals process and consent would not be granted if cross pollination would cause harm to human health or the environment.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 24 March 1999,Official Report, column 240, on genetically modified organisms, what was

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  the name and position of the representative of the US State Department who made the representation to his Department. [80835]

  Mr. Meacher
  The US representative was Mr. Frank Loy, Under Secretary for Global Affairs at the State Department.

  Advisory Committee on Releases into the Environment
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria he will employ in appointing new members of the Advisory Committee on Releases into the Environment. [81387]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 19 April 1999]I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend, the Member for Wellingborough (Mr. Stinchcombe) on 11 May 1999,Official Report, columns 106–07.

  Jubilee Line
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out the outturn, estimated outturn or planned level of core investment excluding the Jubilee line extension in London Transport for the years 1993–94 to 1999–2000, in 1999 prices. [82419]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The requested information is in the table.

  Constant 1998–99 prices in £ million

  LUL

  PFI1

  LTB and other LT Businesses2

  Total core business investment excluding JLE3

  1993–9444

  556

  0

  38

  594

  1994–954

  563

  0

  28

  591

  1995–96

  522

  122

  31

  675

  1996–97

  395

  145

  24

  564

  1997–98

  334

  165

  37

  536

  1998–995

  415

  53

  35

  503

  1999–20006

  335

  161

  29

  525

  1The PFI figures are not estimates of what the private sector is investing in London Transport. Rather they are London Transport's estimates of what investment in PFI projects would have cost had LT undertaken the investment themselves.

  2LTB and other LT Businesses include LT Buses, LT Property, Victoria Coach Station, PASS, LT Museum and Group Services.

  3 Also excluding other smaller ring fenced activities including Croydon Tramlink, Dial-a-Ride, Crossrail, LUL works at Kings Cross for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and London River Services pier purchase and construction.

  41993–94 and 1994–95 include expenditure by London Buses Limited subsidiaries, which have since been sold to the private sector.

  5Estimate

  6Planned

  Conventional Plant Breeding
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the environmental impact of herbicide-resistant oil seed rape varieties created by conventional plant breeding methods; what controls exist on such plants; and if he will make a statement; [82071]
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  (2) what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the regulatory systems for crops created by conventional plant breeding in respect of their potential environmental impact. [82072]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 27 April 1999]No formal assessment has been made of the environmental impact of herbicide-resistant oil seed rape varieties created by conventional plant breeding methods or the adequacy of the regulatory systems for crops created by conventional plant breeding in respect of their potential environmental impact.

  However, concern over the environmental implications of herbicide-tolerant crops (whether produced by genetic modification or conventional methods) have been raised on several occasions by the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE), in particular in their annual reports for 1996–97 and 1998.

  The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is co-funding research on the management of genetically modified herbicide tolerant crops through the so-called BRIGHT project.

  The guidelines developed by the industry grouping SCIMAC (Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops) for growing herbicide tolerant crops also applies to both conventionally bred and genetically modified crops.

  In their report on the EC Regulation of Genetic Modification in Agriculture at paragraph 178, the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Communities recommended that, from now on, any crop with novel traits which may have the potential to impact significantly on the environment should be subject to an oversight system.

  In responding, the Government recognised that regulating on the basis of process rather than product could lead to anomalies and undertook to ask ACRE to advise what might be done to address the issue raised by the Committee. ACRE have now taken this task on. However the Government consider it right that the focus is on the genetic modification of organisms since this can result in the crossing of species barriers where potential risks have to be particularly carefully assessed and managed. The EC legislation on genetically modified organisms reflects this view.

  Road Traffic
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the volume of road traffic which is accounted for by journeys to and from places of work. [83041]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 5 May 1999]In 1997, the volume of road traffic accounted for by journeys to and from places of work was about 97 billion km, 26 per cent. of the total of 368 billion km for all car and taxi traffic in Great Britain.

  British Transport Police
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with representatives of British Transport Police on the future role and responsibilities of their service; and if he will make a statement. [84744]
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  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government announced on 31 July 1998,Official Report, column 637, their intention to seek to establish, when a suitable legislative opportunity arises, an independent national police authority for the British Transport Police (BTP). Subject to Parliament's approval the legislation would also place the jurisdiction of the BTP for all railway land (including the London Underground and the Docklands Light Railway) on a statutory basis. Following consultation the Home Secretary is also considering an extension to the BTP's jurisdiction outside the railways in specific circumstances. If acceptable this would also be included within the legislation. My officials meet regularly with senior officers from the BTP to discuss a range of issues.

  Limestone Pavements
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to implement the measures to protect limestone pavements in the United Kingdom proposed by the Wildlife Trusts. [83843]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 20 May 1999]Limestone Pavement is a priority habitat under both the Habitats Directive and the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Under the latter, the Wildlife Trusts are members of the Limestone Pavement Working Group, which is seeking to ensure no further losses in extent or quality. The Group is preparing a report on what further measures may be necessary, and I shall consider any recommendations carefully.

  Recycling
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will specify in contracts between his Department and construction companies the use of a minimum percentage of recycled materials; and if he will make a statement. [84898]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Department follows the advice of the "Green guide for managers on the government estate", published in March 1999 to promote more sustainable construction. This guidance refers to the importance of using recycled materials and ensuring future recyclability in obtaining best value. The Environment Agency has adopted a target for the engineering works it procures that 20 per cent. of the aggregates used should be from secondary sources, while the Highways Agency is encouraging the adoption of material specifications which make recycling technically practical.

  The Department is helping the Government Construction Clients' Panel to develop a methodology for assessing how well Departments and Agencies procure and manage their built assets against indicators of sustainability, which are expected to include criteria relating to the re-use and recycling of materials. In addition, the Department is working with representatives of the whole construction industry to develop a strategy for more sustainable construction. This strategy, which will set out how the industry intends to contribute to sustainable development, is due to be published later this year.
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  Butterflies (GM Pollen)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the effect of genetically modified pollen on butterflies. [85285]

  Mr. Meacher
  I am aware of the recent report in "Nature" about the possible adverse effects of pollen from genetically modified insect resistant maize on the Monarch Butterfly in America. The maize in question has had a gene from a naturally occurring soil bacterium"Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)" inserted which allows it to produce a toxin that kills corn boring insects.

  Information from this laboratory study will be considered carefully, and ACRE will be asked to advise about the implications for existing approvals for the planting of this GM crop in the European Community. The GM crop used in the study is not being released in the United Kingdom, either experimentally or commercially. Since the European Corn Borer, the pest controlled by the Bt toxin, does not occur in the UK, this GM crop is unlikely to be grown here.

  DETR are aware of potential risks of GM insect resistant crops to non-target and beneficial organisms, and are funding research to investigate these. This research will underpin regulatory decision making and inform ACRE' s deliberations.

  SSA Review
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the objectives of the standard spending assessment review. [84968]

  Mr. Meale
  The broad objectives of the review of revenue grant distribution are set out in paragraph 5.16 of the White Paper, "Modern Local Government—In Touch with the People". These are:to investigate thoroughly whether there is a better way of determining the distribution of revenue support grant which is simpler, more stable, more robust and fairer than the present arrangements for SSAs.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what meetings he has had with Ministers of other Departments in connection with the review of standard spending assessments. [84969]

  Mr. Meale
  Details of meetings between Ministers are not disclosed in line with exemption 2 of part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Local Authorities (West Midlands)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures his Department has taken to develop mechanisms for sharing(a) information and (b) best practice between local authorities in the West Midlands. [85273]

  Mr. Meale
  The Government have established the Beacon Council Scheme to spread best practice among all local authorities. Beacon councils will host a nationwide programme of open days and other events which will enable all councils to share their experiences and learn from the best. Applications for beacon council status, to
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  be made by 31 July, have now been invited with publication of the brochure, "The Beacon Council Scheme: How to apply".

  Walking and Cycling
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures the Government are taking to increase walking and cycling in urban areas. [85260]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My Department is supporting the implementation of the National Cycling Strategy and we are about to publish a national strategy for encouraging walking.

  We have made it clear to local highway authorities that we expect to see local cycling strategies and local walking strategies included in their Local Transport Plans. We have already issued detailed guidance to authorities on the features to be covered in Local Transport Plans.

  We shall continue to publish technical advice for local authorities on measures and designs which will benefit cyclists and pedestrians.

  Busking
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will make a decision on London Transport's proposals for changes in their byelaws concerning busking. [85319]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  London Regional Transport and the train operating companies are in the process of making new byelaws. The majority of operators have submitted new byelaws to the Secretary of State. Once those from the remaining companies are received, the Secretary of State will consider all the representations from affected persons made in connection with the byelaws. In due course he will make a decision to approve, modify or refuse the byelaws.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to consult buskers on the proposed London Transport byelaw changes relating to busking; and if he will make a statement. [85321]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  There are no provisions in the legislation requiring the Secretary of State to consult interested parties before he makes his decision to approve, modify or refuse London Regional Transport's new byelaws. This was an issue for London Regional Transport to consider before they made their new byelaws. London Regional Transport were required to advertise the byelaws and invite persons affected to make representation to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State will consider any representations, including those from buskers, before he makes his decision.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria London Transport intends to apply when giving permission for individuals to busk on London Underground. [85320]
  10
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  London Regional Transport have submitted new byelaws to the Secretary of State for his approval which would allow them to give written permission to buskers. The criteria to be applied would be a matter for London Regional Transport.

  Air Circulation (Aeroplanes)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what regulations exist concerning the frequency with which air is circulated in planes; and what changes there have been to these in the past three years; [84790]

  (2) what representations he has received about air circulation in planes; and what proposals he has to change the regulations relating to the circulation of air on planes; [84791]

  (3) what health risks are associated with inadequate air circulation on planes; and what monitoring activity he undertakes. [84792]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We regularly receive correspondence from Members of Parliament and the public on this issue.

  The standards for the ventilation of the passenger compartments of aircraft form part of the requirements under which individual aircraft types are certificated. The standard for new types of aircraft being placed on the UK register is contained in Joint Aviation Requirement 25—Large Aeroplanes. These requirements have not been changed in the last three years. However, they are in the process of being amended to reduce the maximum permitted amount of carbon dioxide to bring them into line with the equivalent US requirement.

  The degree of re-circulation is determined by the aircraft designer and in some cases may be adjusted by the crew. Even when the air conditioning is set at its lowest level, the air in a modern aircraft cabin is changed every three minutes on average. The oxygen used by passengers is a small proportion, approximately 5 per cent. of the oxygen supplied at the minimum flow rate. The oxygen level in the cabin therefore remains at around 20 per cent. for the duration of a flight, which is almost the same as normal atmospheric oxygen levels.

  There is no evidence of links between air quality, flow rates and the spread of disease. The filters used in most modern aircraft are similar to those used in critical wards of hospitals, operating theatres and burns units, and provide protection against the circulation of biological agents such as viruses. However, the spread of disease is facilitated when large numbers of people gather in close proximity. This has nothing to do with air quality but is a matter of personal contact.

  While the re-circulation of air poses no risk, the air pressure in aircraft in flight, which is roughly equivalent to the atmospheric pressure at 8,000 feet above sea level, can affect people with respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema and bronchitis. Those affected are advised to consult their own doctor and the airline before travelling.

  We have no plans to seek further changes to the JAR-25 requirements on air quality.
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  White Asbestos
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress being made on banning the importation, sale and use of white asbestos. [84877]

  Mr. Meacher
  On 25 May the Health and Safety Commission will consider draft Regulations to restrict further importation, supply and use of white asbestos. I expect to receive their recommendations by the end of the month.

  Fireworks
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the levels of harassment and nuisance caused by misuse of fireworks. [84694]

  Mr. Boateng
  I have been asked to reply.

  Fireworks, provided they are used sensibly and safely, can provide pleasant entertainment. I am, however, aware that the thoughtless misuse of fireworks by a small element of the population, mostly unsupervised children, can result in local disturbance, nuisance and harassment.

  It is important, therefore, to regulate the sale of fireworks. Relevant legislation comprises the Explosives Act 1875, as modified by the Control of Explosives Regulations 1991 and as amended by the Explosives (Age of Purchase) Act 1976, the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997. Under the 1875 Act, it is an offence to discharge a firework in a street or public place. The 1997 Regulations, among other provisions, make it an offence to sell certain types of firework to any members of the general public and to sell other types to anyone under 18, or in some cases, under 16. There is a maximum penalty of £5,000 or six months' imprisonment or both.

  For over 20 years, Government-organised firework safety awareness campaigns run in collaboration with local authority trading standards departments, fire services and the fireworks industry have aimed to heighten awareness of the dangers from the misuse of fireworks. The Government consider the safety of the public as paramount and will keep under consideration the effectiveness and coherence of legislation, policies and strategies to ensure that problems and potential problems are addressed in a practical way.

  European Nuclear Installations
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what risk assessment exercises have been undertaken with other European countries concerning the potential threat to the United Kingdom population from their nuclear installations over the millennium period. [84256]

  Mr. Battle
  I have been asked to reply.

  The UK has long been aware of the potential risks from nuclear installations over the millennium period and has been co-operating for several years with countries in Europe and beyond, both on a bilateral basis and through the European Union, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), to help ensure that any risks are properly addressed. The
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  UK's nuclear safety regulator—the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII)— keeps in proactive touch with the considerable activity in other countries to address safety issues and continues to follow developments closely.

  In the event of any nuclear emergency, the IAEA and the European Union have established and tested international systems for early notification of any overseas nuclear accident. The UK also has bilateral arrangements for the early notification of any nuclear accident with a number of overseas governments. The Government's National Response Plan, co-ordinated by the Development of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, makes arrangements for the UK's response in dealing with any consequences of an overseas nuclear accident. This is supported by the RIMNET national radiation monitoring system, which gives the UK a second independent warning mechanism, should for any reason the early notification system fail.

PRIME MINISTER

  European Army
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has held with President Prodi on the establishment of a European army. [84092]
  The Prime Minister: There is no question of creating a European army and there have therefore been no discussions on this matter with Mr. Prodi. We have, of course, already identified a need for renewed debate on European Union common foreign and security policy and the statement of principles agreed at the British-French Summit at St. Malo was an important step forward. Our aim is clear: to enable the European Union to have a more united and influential voice in world affairs. This must be backed up, when the need arises, by effective military capability. We are taking a leading role in this debate. We have, however, made clear that the deployment of forces must remain a decision for national Governments.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to hold regular formal meetings with the first Ministers of(a) the Scottish Parliament and (b) the National Assembly for Wales; and if he will make a statement. [84629]

  The Prime Minister
  I will meet Ministers and Secretaries from the devolved administrations from time to time.

  Iraq
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 12 May 1999,Official Report, column 309, for what reasons the Government have made no assessment of the effect of depleted uranium on the water supply, and water-table and on the health of the civilian population in Iraq. [84579]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 18 May 1999]The Government have not seen any peer-reviewed epidemiological research data to support the claims that there has been an increase in ill-health in southern Iraq, attributed to the use of depleted uranium based ammunition by coalition forces during the 1990–1991 conflict.
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  The Government understand however that the World Health Organisation is in discussion with the Government of Iraq about proposals to improve health care in Iraq. The proposals—which are still at the outline stage—will only be developed into more detailed documents if the Iraqi Government decide to take the proposals forward.

  Cabinet Meetings
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to answer questions on the length of Cabinet meetings. [85062]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan) on 30 April 1999,Official Report, column 281.

  Horse Industry
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will assess the advantages of designating a lead department to deal with Government responsibilities in respect of the horse industry. [85209]

  The Prime Minister
  The Government recognise the economic importance of the horse industry in rural areas. A number of Government Departments currently have responsibility for different aspects of the horse industry and the division of these responsibilities is kept under review.

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): All doctors in the psychiatric speciality by ethnic group: England at 30 September 1997

  Numbers

  All staff

  White

  Ethnic groups Black

  Asian

  Other

  Not known

  Psychiatry Group

  6,620

  4,300

  310

  950

  620

  450

  Child and adolescent psychiatry

  750

  570

  20

  70

  40

  50

  Forensic psychiatry

  280

  190

  10

  30

  20

  20

  General psychiatry

  4,220

  2,640

  220

  650

  410

  290

  Learning disabilities

  500

  300

  20

  90

  60

  30

  Psychiatry of old age

  710

  460

  30

  100

  80

  40

  Psychotherapy

  180

  140

  0

  10

  10

  20

  Notes:

  1. Figures rounded to nearest 10

  2. '0' denotes 5 or less

  3. Totals may not equal sum of components due to rounding

  Source:

  Department of Health—medical and dental workforce census

  Number of staff in psychiatry group by ethnic groups and grade in England at 30 September 1997

  Numbers

  All staff

  White

  Ethnic groups Black

  Asian

  Other

  Not known

  All staff

  6,620

  4,300

  310

  950

  620

  450

  Consultant

  2,450

  1,770

  70

  260

  180

  170

  Staff Grade

  300

  120

  20

  80

  60

  20

  Associate Specialist

  180

  60

  0

  70

  40

  10

  Registrar Group

  1,280

  910

  70

  130

  100

  70

  Senior House Officer

  1,380

  790

  120

  220

  130

  110

  House Officer

  10

  0

  —

  0

  —

  0

  Hospital Practitioner

  60

  40

  —

  10

  0

  0

  Clinical Assistant

  980

  610

  20

  180

  110

  60

  Other

  0

  0

  0

  0

  —

  —

  Notes:

  1. Figures rounded to nearest 10

  2.'—' denotes zero

  3. '0' denotes 5 or less

  4. Totals may not equal sum of components due to rounding

  Source:

  Department of Health—medical and dental workforce census
  14

  Cancer Treatment
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to co-ordinate a meeting to discuss new cancer treatment initiatives. [85077]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Mr. Marsden) on 20 May 1999,Official Report, columns 401–02.

HEALTH

  Psychiatric Staff
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many black and ethnic minority(a) psychiatrists and (b) community psychiatric nurses are currently registered in England and Wales. [84111]

  Mr. Denham
  The information available for England is given in the tables. These figures refer to England only. The statistics for Wales are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  The Department is reviewing the collection of ethnic statistics with a view to improving the quality and coverage of the information we collect.
  15

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): Nurses working in the area of community psychiatry, by ethnicity, in England as at 30 September 1997

  Wte

  All staff

  White

  Ethnic groups Black

  Asian

  Other

  Not known

  Total

  10,720

  9,200

  430

  190

  510

  390

  Manager

  190

  170

  10

  10

  10

  *

  Other 1st Level

  8,380

  7,120

  290

  160

  380

  250

  Other 2nd Level

  430

  300

  20

  *

  10

  20

  Nursing
  Assistant/Auxiliary

  1,720

  1,620

  110

  20

  110

  120

  Notes:

  1. Figures should be treated with caution as they are based upon the 68 per cent. of HCHS organisations reported 90 per cent. or more valid ethnic codes for non-medical staff.

  2. Figures exclude learners and agency staff.

  3. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten.

  4. Due to rounding totals may not equal the sum of component parts.

  Source:

  Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census

  Cancer Screening
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each type of cancer the type and effectiveness of the screening tests currently available on the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [84688]

  Mr. Hutton
  There are currently two cancer screening programmes routinely available on the National Health Service.

  The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites women aged 50—64 years for screening by mammography every three years. Since 1988 when the programme was introduced the United Kingdom death rate from breast cancer has been falling faster than the European average. Based on current detection rates it is estimated that the programme is saving up to 1,250 lives each year.

  The NHS Cervical Screening programme invites women aged 20—64 years for a PAP test at least every five years. The test is designed to detect cervical abnormalities which if left undetected and untreated might develop into cancer. The incidence of cervical cancer has been falling at a rate of about 7 per cent. each year since the national programme was introduced in 1988 and experts estimate that the programme prevents around 3,900 cases of cancer per year. Further evidence from the Imperial Cancer Research Fund suggests that the cervical screening programme may have prevented 800 deaths in 1997.

  Fluoride
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about the addition of fluoride to drinking water in Staffordshire; and if he will make a statement. [84767]

  Ms Jowell
  The Green Paper "Our Healthier Nation", invited comments on the contribution which fluoridation can make to improved oral health. Of the 604 comments received from the West Midlands region 595 were in favour of fluoridation and nine opposed. We will be announcing our policy on fluoridation in a White Paper on public health which will be published shortly.
  16

  Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the elective waiting list totals for the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for each month from May 1995 to date. [84861]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is in the table.

  Date

  Total waiting list

  June 1995

  4,201

  September 1995

  4,269

  December 1995

  4,481

  March 1996

  4,358

  June 1996

  4,325

  September 1996

  4,083

  December 1996

  3,990

  March 1997

  4,245

  June 1997

  4,047

  September 1997

  4,057

  December 1997

  4,653

  March 1998

  5,422

  May 1998

  5,482

  June 1998

  5,362

  July 1998

  4,996

  August 1998

  4,827

  September 1998

  4,601

  October 1998

  4,337

  November 1998

  4,095

  December 1998

  4,058

  January 1999

  4,050

  February 1999

  3,966

  March 1999

  4,083

  Eye Tests (Pensioners)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate how many pensioners in Shrewsbury and Atcham have had free eye tests since their introduction. [84864]

  Mr. Denham
  We estimate that there are some 21,000 residents aged 60 and over in Shrewsbury and Atcham and will therefore be eligible for a free National Health Service sight test. Some will have already been eligible for NHS tests on income grounds or because of predisposition to eye disease.
  17

  NHS Board Directors
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many directors serve on National Health Service trust boards operating in(a) Doncaster and (b) Barnsley; and how many of those directors reside in the Barnsley, East and Mexborough constituency. [84988]

  Name

  Post type

  Appointment

  Term

  Post town

  Barnsley Community and Priority Services NHS Trust

  Councillor Thomas Sheard

  Chairman

  I December 1997

  30 November 2001

  Barnsley

  Mr. Brian Key

  Non-Executive Director

  1 December 1997

  30 November 2000

  Barnsley

  Mrs. Josephine Ruth Lees

  Non-Executive Director

  1 December 1996

  30 November 1999

  Barnsley

  Mrs. Margaret Michaels

  Non-Executive Director

  1 December 1997

  30 November 2001

  Sheffield

  Mr. Keith Ellis

  Non-Executive Director

  1 December 1998

  30 November 1999

  Barnsley

  Mr. William Newman

  Non-Executive Director

  1 December 1997

  30 November 2001

  Barnsley

  Barnsley District General Hospital NHS Trust

  Mr. Gordon E. Firth

  Chairman

  1 November 1998

  31 October 2000

  Barnsley

  Ms Lynn Joyce Ambler

  Non-Executive Director

  1 November 1996

  31 October 2000

  Barnsley

  Mr. C. Barry Taylor

  Non-Executive Director

  9 November 1998

  31 October 2001

  Barnsley

  Mrs. Linda Burgess

  Non-Executive Director

  9 November 1998

  31 October 2001

  Near Barnsley

  Mr. Robert Walker

  Non-Executive Director

  1 November 1996

  31 October 2000

  Sheffield

  Mrs. Judith Watts

  Non-Executive Director

  4 November 1997

  31 October 2001

  Barnsley

  Doncaster Healthcare NHS Trust

  Mr. David Bertram

  Chairman

  19 December 1997

  30 November 2001

  Doncaster

  Mrs. Sheila Bryant

  Non-Executive Director

  1 December 1996

  30 November 2000

  Doncaster

  Councillor Jean Maureen Elwick

  Non-Executive Director

  16 December 1997

  30 November 2001

  Doncaster

  Mr. Graham K. Vaughan

  Non-Executive Director

  27 October 1998

  30 November 2001

  Doncaster

  Mr. David Charles Miller

  Non-Executive Director

  11 December 1996

  30 November 2000

  Doncaster

  Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Montagu Hospital NHS Trust

  Mr. Richard D. Kitson

  Chairman

  1 December 1996

  30 November 2000

  Doncaster

  Mrs. Janet Conroy

  Non-Executive Director

  1 December 1998

  30 November 2002

  Near Doncaster

  Mr. Thomas J. Keegan

  Non-Executive Director

  1 December 1998

  30 November 2002

  Doncaster

  Mrs. June Hawley

  Non-Executive Director

  1 December 1997

  30 November 2001

  Near Doncaster

  Mrs. Carol Shekle

  Non-Executive Director

  1 December 1996

  30 November 2000

  Doncaster

  Mr. Colin D. Ambler

  Non-Executive Director

  12 October 1998

  30 November 2001

  Doncaster

  South Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance and Paramedic Service NHS Trust

  Dr. Bernard Kingston

  Chairman

  16 January 1998

  31 May 1999

  Sheffield

  Mrs. Patricia Battersby

  Non-Executive Director

  1 December 1998

  30 November 2000

  Sheffield

  Mrs. Sandra Holland

  Non-Executive Director

  1 December 1997

  30 November 2001

  Doncaster

  Mr. Sean Mahon

  Non-Executive Director

  1 December 1995

  30 November 1999

  Sheffield

  Mrs. Anita Cartner

  Non-Executive Director

  1 December 1998

  30 November 2001

  Rotherham

  Millennium Working
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce a national scheme to compensate nurses who will be working over the millennium period. [84977]

  Mr. Denham
  We have no plans to agree any new specific national arrangements for staff over the millennium period. Guidance was issued to the National Health Service in Health Service Circular 1999/097, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Anaphylaxis
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice is issued by his Department to local education authorities over the treatment of children of school age suffering anaphylactic allergic reactions; [85264]

  (2) what advice his Department has received on the appropriate treatment of anaphylactic allergic reactions in school children, from (a) the Anaphylaxis Campaign and (b) professional bodies; [85265]
  18
  Mr.Denham
  The current non-executive directors serving on the boards of National Health Service trusts operating in Barnsley and Doncaster are shown in the table. Information is not held centrally on the Parliamentary constituencies in which directors reside.

  (3) what guidelines his Department has issued to local health authorities on the provision of advice to local education authorities in developing care plans for pupils suffering from potentially life-threatening medical conditions. [85266]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department and the Department for Education and Employment issued joint guidance in October 1996 on "Supporting pupils with medical needs in schools". The guidance, which was sent to health authorities and local education authorities, covers treatment and the development of healthcare plans for pupils suffering from potentially life threatening medical conditions, including anaphylaxis. It was produced after extensive consultation with interested parties, including professional bodies and voluntary organisations such as the Anaphylaxis Campaign.

  In March 1999 the Department and the Department for Education and Employment launched a new website, "Wired for Health", to provide teachers with health information on a range of conditions, including

  19
  anaphylaxis. The website gives direct access to advice from the Anaphylaxis Campaign on anaphylaxis and schools.

  Long-term Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 18 May 1999,Official Report, column 321, concerning long-term care, if his Department will assist interested bodies in promoting a full public debate on the findings of the Royal Commission. [85057]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Royal Commission's report has already stimulated an important debate on this complex issue and the Department has been happy to assist that, as well as responding to the hundreds of contributions received in correspondence from individuals and organisations. We will continue to take account of the views of all interested parties and use these to inform decisions we make on the proposals over the coming months.

  Cancer Treatment Initiatives
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to co-ordinate a meeting to discuss new cancer treatment initiatives. [85078]

  Mr. Hutton
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave my hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Mr. Marsden) on 20 May 1999,Official Report, columns 401–02.

  Medical Student Places
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish his list of new medical student places. [85079]

  Mr. Denham
  Allocation of student places to universities in England is the responsibility of the Higher Education Funding Council for England. The Funding Council is working with my Department to produce recommendations for the allocation of additional medical student places, and an announcement is expected in the next few weeks.

  Investing in Dentistry
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what reasons underlay the refusal of the bid for funding under the Investing in Dentistry scheme submitted by Paul Carlin of Shipley Bridge, South Brent, Devon; [84078]

  (2) how many dental practices in England and Wales have received funding under the Investing in Dentistry project in each year since its inception; and if he will provide a breakdown of what it has been spent on. [84206]

  Mr. Denham
  The Investing in Dentistry (IID) initiative only applied to General Dental Services in England. IID was launched in September 1997 and continued until April this year. Requests for funding could be submitted to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State at any time during this period. To date, 282 IID funding requests have been approved, primarily to help towards the cost of opening new dental practices, relocating existing practices to larger premises, and providing extra surgeries. A further 140 are currently being assessed.
  20
  Mr. Carlin's Investing in Dentistry funding request was refused because it did not meet the requirements of the IID scheme. The criteria used in deciding on proposals is set out in the circular Health Service Guidance (97) 38, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Nursing Homes (Care Costs)
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the average cost of four years' care in a nursing home. [75527]

  Mr. Hutton
  The average cost of four years' care in a nursing home for elderly people is estimated to be £73,000.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of(a) those people who have been in long-term care or nursing homes for four years or more and (b) all people in long-term care or nursing homes continue to pay part or all of their fees. [75528]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information is not collected in the form requested, but we estimate that about 9 per cent. of people in nursing homes make no contribution to the cost of their care as they have been placed by the National Health Service. All others contribute in part or in full.

  Aricept
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of(a) the social costs and benefits of Aricept for Alzheimer's patients and (b) the savings in respite and other long-term care resulting from the use of Aricept. [84274]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has made no such assessment.

  The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme is considering a research project looking at "new drugs for dementia". Full proposals will be considered at a specially convened meeting in June which will include Professor Tom Walley (Chair of the HTA pharmaceutical Panel) and Professor Kent Woods (Director of HTA). Due account will be taken of the findings of the AD 2000 project, a large trial organised through West Midlands National Health Service Regional Office, which has included consideration of the social costs and benefits of Aricept for Alzheimer's disease and the savings in respite and other long-term care resulting in the use of Aricept.

  Audiology Services
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what cost benefit analysis his Department has carried out or draws upon to inform its current policy towards the supply of digital hearing aids through the NHS. [84304]

  Mr. Hutton
  Digital technology in hearing aids is very new so at this stage only manufacturers' evaluations are available and there is no independent cost benefit analysis. National Heath Service trusts purchase hearing aids from a range that is supplied by the NHS Supplies Authority and they may also purchase hearing aids from commercial suppliers to meet individual clinical need.
  21

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  NATO Operations
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will place in the Library copies of the external legal advice taken by Her Majesty's Government on the legality of the present NATO operations against Serbia. [85076]

  The Attorney-General
  Any legal advice taken by Her Majesty's Government on this, or on any other matter, is subject to legal privilege and thus confidential.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Postal Services (Pathway Scheme)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement on the implications for the Post Office of the Pathway Scheme; [84051]

  (2) what evaluation he has made of the role of information technology in developing postal and other services in rural areas; [84054]

  (3) what evaluation he has made of the benefits of the Pathway project for the viability of sub-post offices. [84052]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answers 13 May 1999]The Government today reached agreement in principle with ICL about the continuation of the Horizon project to computerise the Post Office network and automate the payment of benefits.

  The changes to the Horizon project are aimed to put it on a sustainable footing for the future and allow the Post Office to move as quickly as possible to the computerisation of post office counter services.

  The main elements of the agreement are:
  First, we will be moving forward as planned, as quickly as possible with the automation of Post Office Counter services. For the first time ever, Post Offices will have an up to date automation platform, helping them to provide a better service to their customers, and representing a major investment in the future of the nationwide network of Post Offices.
  We have agreed with ICL to remove the magnetic strip benefit payment card from the project. Given the delays, this is now an outdated concept and the Banks, among others, are already moving away from magnetic strip in favour of the next generation technology—the smart card. For the future, we intend to move from the traditional paper-based methods of payment to a more modern and efficient way of paying benefits through the Post Office network, building on banking technology. POCL and DSS/BA will be working together on plans to introduce the new arrangements in 2003. The Government can give an assurance that those benefit recipients who wish to collect their benefits in cash at Post Offices will continue to be able to do so.
  In the interim, we will be using bar-coding on order books to tackle benefit fraud. This will provide savings of around £100 million a year, a saving originally promised by the last administration but not yet delivered.
  We and ICL believe the target of achieving the computerisation of the network of 18,000 Post Offices by the end of 2001 is more realistic. This will give customers a better service and help to secure a viable future for the network of Post Offices.

  Parental Leave
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Bolton West, (Ms Kelly) of 12 May 1999,Official Report, columns 145—46, on parental leave, what estimate he has made of the average length of leave which will be taken by (a) mothers and (b) fathers. [85090]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  For the purposes of the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Employment Relations Bill, it was assumed that the average length of leave for those taking parental leave would be ten weeks for mothers and for fathers. A copy of the Regulatory Impact Assessment was placed in the Library of the House.

  EU Structural Funds (Scotland)
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what protocols have been agreed between his Department and the Scottish Office in relation to the expenditure of European Structural Funds in Scotland and compliance with rules and conditions imposed by the European Union; and how he intends to apply such protocols to the funding of the proposed funicular railway on the Cairngorm. [85263]

  Mr. Wills
  There are no protocols agreed between my Department and the Scottish Office relating to European Structural Funds; the two Departments are working closely together to consider the impact of devolution. Administration of the Structural Funds in Scotland and funding of individual projects there are a matter for the Scottish Office.

  Fuel Costs
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will request the Director General of Electricity Supply and Gas Supply to produce figures for the average annual cost of fuel used by(a) pensioners and (b) other domestic users. [84786]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 20 May 1999]Energy consumption varies from household to household across the whole population. It is dependent on many factors, such as energy efficiency of the home, time spent in the property, size of property etc. Accurate and timely data on energy consumption by pensioners are not available.

  Annual fuel bills for typical and low-volume household consumers are presented in the table. Bills are based on latest 1999 prices and include VAT.

  £

  Electricity

  Gas

  Typical consumption1

  263.70

  302.59

  Low volume consumption2

  187.68

  218.78

  1Annual consumption 3,300 kWh for electricity, 18,000 kWh for gas

  2 Annual consumption 2,200 kWh for electricity, 12,000 kWh for gas

  Partnership Fund
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give further details about the proposed Partnership Fund. [85474]
  23
  Mr. Byers
  The Government intend to make available up to £5 million over the next four years through the Partnership Fund. The fund will help develop partnerships at work by supporting partnership projects in the workplace and encouraging the spread of information about best practice.

  Statutory authority for funding in this area is being sought through Clause 26 of the Employment Relations Bill. Support will be available for up to 50 per cent. of total eligible costs of individual projects, up to a limit of £50,000 support per project. It will be a requirement of support that projects should have matching funding of at least 50 per cent. from non-public sector sources.

  The Fund will be launched and a first call for proposals announced once the Employment Relations Bill has received Royal Assent.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  National Lottery (Scotland)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of National Lottery Funds distributed by Scottish local authority area for each year since the National Lottery was set up. [84366]

  Mr. Banks
  To date 6,164 awards worth a total of £615,445,091 have been made in Scotland. This total includes Scotland-wide projects and projects which cannot be allocated to a particular local authority. A breakdown by Scottish local authorities for each distributing body has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Awards information is also available on the Lottery website at www.lottery.culture.gov.uk.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  General Affairs Council
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 17 and 18 May; and if he will make a statement. [85240]

  Ms Quin
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I attended the General Affairs Council and the EU/Russia Co-operation Council on 17 May. There was a meeting of the European Economic Area Council on the 18 May. The Council adopted the A points listed in document 8136/99 and noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its sessions of 12–16 April, listed in document 7187/99. Copies of the documents listing the A points and resolutions will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available.

  Western Balkans
  The Council adopted conclusions regretting President Milosevic's failure to accept the international community's conditions; reiterating its support for the elected government of Montenegro; welcoming President Ahtisaari's mission; stressing the need for a UN Security Council Resolution; highlighting the need for EU assistance to reach Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro quickly; and agreeing to begin work on an EU Common Strategy on the
  24
  Western Balkans. The Council also agreed that a Stability Pact for South East Europe should be established, and endorsed a draft text as the basis for further talks between the EU and other parties to the Pact.
  EU/Charter of Rights
  The Council had a preliminary discussion of Presidency proposals for an EU Charter of Rights. There will be further discussion at the 31 May GAC.
  Institutional reform
  The Council discussed the timing, scope and preparation of an inter-governmental conference, as envisaged by the Protocol on reform of the Institutions annexed to the Amsterdam Treaty. Final decisions will be taken by the Cologne European Council.
  Common European Policy on Security and Defence
  Ministers also discussed a draft Presidency report which will be submitted to the Cologne European Council. The report sets out principles to be observed when considering possible new defence arrangements allowing the European Union to take on crisis management, peace-keeping and conflict prevention tasks.
  EU/US Relations
  The Commission reported on the latest developments in the beef hormones dispute. The Council stressed the importance of handling the dispute in a constructive and positive manner and invited the Commission to intensify contacts with the US and Canada. The Council encouraged further efforts to secure agreement on compensation should the US and Canada pursue WTO authorisation for retaliatory measures. The Council welcomed the Commission's intention to evaluate, with Member States, possible next steps and to keep the Council fully informed.
  EU Assistance to Central America
  Council agreed the general outline of a Commission Action Plan to provide assistance to Central America in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch. Ministers welcomed the opportunity to discuss the plan with the beneficiary countries at the EU/Central America Ministerial in Bonn on 20 May. The Council agreed that the indicative amount of 250 meuro in the Commission plan was without prejudice to the overall spending allocations under Category 4 (external expenditure) of the EC budget. The Council invited the Commission to bring forward an assessment of external spending priorities for the period 2000–2006.
  EU/Egypt
  The Council reviewed the progress made in the latest negotiating round with Egypt. The relevant Council bodies will examine the current package further with a view to conclusion at the 31 May GAC if at all possible.
  Russia Common Strategy
  Ministers agreed a Common Strategy on Russia, which will be submitted for adoption to the Cologne European Council. It sets clear objectives for the EU's relations with Russia with the aim of supporting democratic and economic reforms, and enhancing co-operation with Russia on international affairs and on matters of common concern such as organised crime and environmental problems.

  East Timor
  Ministers agreed the need for a substantial EU contribution to the UN Trust Fund for East Timor and asked the Commission to look urgently at options for funding.
  Belarus
  The Council adopted a declaration calling on the Government of Belarus to enter into political dialogue with the opposition.
  Nigeria
  In view of the progress made towards the transition to democracy and the impending installation of civilian Government the Council decided to repeal the EU Common Position on Nigeria (98/614/CFSP) containing the remaining sanctions with effect from 1 June 1999.
  25
  EU/Russia Co-operation Council
  The EU Common Strategy on Russia, and Kosovo, were the main topics discussed at the EU/Russia Co-operation Council on 17 May. Detailed points implementation of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement will be dealt with at the next meeting of the Co-operation Committee.
  European Economic Area Council
  The 11th EEA Council assessed the 'functioning of the EEA Agreement, reviewed developments in regional issues and European integration, and discussed political issues.
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the nature of the social security provision agreed at the Luxembourg General Affairs Council of 26 and 27 April. [83930]

  Ms Quin
  From time to time it is necessary to amend the EC Regulations, which co-ordinate the operation of Member States' social security schemes, to take account of changes in legislation of the Member States or to effect improvements in the provisions where a deficiency in the existing arrangements comes to light. The social security provisions agreed at the Luxembourg General Affairs Council on 26 and 27 April related to amendments of this type. The only amendment of direct concern to the UK was to an Annex of the co-ordinating Regulations. This was to clarify which is the competent State for payment of UK Family Credit and Irish Family Income Supplement for workers who are resident in Ireland and work in the UK, or vice versa.

  Mr. Mohammed Fayed
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the authorities investigating the unauthorised publication of the identities of British security agents plan to take evidence from Mr. Mohammed Fayed. [84738]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The Metropolitan Police are conducting investigations into possible breaches of the Official Secrets Act 1989, but these investigations are an operational matter for the police and it would not be right for me to comment on any inquiries they may be undertaking.

  Cyprus
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Greek Cypriot(a) men, (b) women and (c) children up to the age of 16 years are living in the Karpas area of occupied northern Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [84951]

  Ms Quin
  According to UNFICYP figures there are 450 Greek Cypriots living in the Karpas. We do not have figures showing the proportion of men and women. In addition to the 30 children who attend the Greek school in Rizokarpasso, there are a number of pre-school children in the, Karpas.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action his Department has taken in conjunction with the British High Commission in Cyprus to support projects to encourage contacts between Greek and Turkish Cypriots living in Cyprus; and if he will list the projects that have been supported in each of the last three years. [84963]
  26
  Ms Quin
  Until December 1997 bi-communal contact was possible but difficult. The High Commission worked hard in the period May 1996 to December 1997 to bring members of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities together. They created the Westminster group to promote the principles of democracy through bi-communal contacts with members of all professions and organised its meetings, arranged meetings of Chevening scholars, and brought members of both communities together through other events such as the Queen's birthday party and the Education fair. In addition, members of the High Commission have assisted with and participated in many other events sponsored by the UN and other bodies to bring members of the two communities together.

  Since December 1997 most bi-communal contacts have been banned by the Turkish Cypriot side. We have therefore found it effectively impossible to arrange bi-communal contacts on-island. But we arranged a meeting on 24 March in London of Cypriot Chevening scholars in co-operation with the Friends of Cyprus. We also continue to support the work of other in this field, notably the Trade Unions.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when an official of the British High Commission in Cyprus last visited the Karpas area in occupied northern Cyprus; and what report of that visit has been produced. [84964]

  Ms Quin
  A member of the British High Commission last visited the Greek Cypriot community in the Karpas on 7 May as part of a regular series of visits to that area. The High Commission reports no significant changes in living conditions since the previous visit in October 1998.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what surveys have been carried out to establish the number of Turkish Cypriots who were born in Cyprus, and still live in northern Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [84939]

  Ms Quin
  In November 1997 the Turkish Cypriot authorities published the results of a census carried out the previous year which found that, of 200,587 people resident in the northern part of the island, 137,398 had been born in Cyprus.

  These figures are accepted among Turkish Cypriots as generally accurate, but we have no means of independent corroboration.

  Overseas Posts (E-mail and Internet Links)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many(a) Embassies and High Commissions and (b) Consulates have e-mail and internet links available to hon. Members. [84941]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The FCO has provided 112 of its Embassies and High Commissions and 43 of its Consulates with facilities to send and receive internet e-mail.

  UN Security Council
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy
  27
  is on changes to the membership of the permanent members of the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement. [84895]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Government support early enlargement of the Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories. It supports the addition of five permanent seats: one each for Germany and Japan, and three for developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. It also supports the addition of up to four non-permanent seats, making an expanded Council of 24.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what provision he has made to provide advice and guidance to UK-based relatives of persons involved in the Kosovo crisis who wish to bring their families to the United Kingdom. [84852]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Advice and guidance for United Kingdom-based relatives of persons involved in the Kosovo crisis has been drawn up by the Home Office in consultation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the British Red Cross and the Refugee Council. This has been distributed to all Government Departments and non-governmental organisations concerned including any ethnic Albanian organisation that requested it.

  The Kosovo Unit of the Home Office has dealt with in the region of 1,000 telephone calls from United Kingdom-based relatives of persons involved in the crisis and offered appropriate guidance on the steps they, and their relatives, should take. This advice is that those members of the public who wish to bring their families to the United Kingdom from the Kosovo region should contact the British Red Cross United Kingdom Family Reunion Service who are liaising with UNHCR and the Home Office in the compilation of family lists.

  UNHCR have recently confirmed that they are unable to undertake this role other than in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. In order to help UNHCR and at their request, a Home Office team went out to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 9 May to assist with the process of registering refugees. We are considering how this initiative might be widened to assist with family reunion applications in the wider region. These will be considered in accordance with our family reunion concession. This provides for close family members (spouse and minor children and in exceptional circumstances, a family member who formed part of the family unit before fleeing to seek asylum) to join any persons who are settled or granted asylum in the United Kingdom. This concession is being extended to families in the United Kingdom who have been granted exceptional leave to enter as part of UNHCR's Humanitarian Evacuation Programme.

  Revised guidance is being prepared to reflect these new arrangements, also in consultation with UNHCR, the British Red Cross and the Refugee Council. The initial advice to family members to register details of relatives in the region with the offices of the British Red Cross in the United Kingdom remains valid.
  28

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Prisons (Education)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the(a) total hours of education study and (b) total teaching hours bought in the Prison Service in 1998; and what was the percentage change for each on the previous year. [84748]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The total number of taught student hours for 1998 was 9,483,889, an increase of 6.19 per cent. on the 1997 figure.

  The total number of teaching hours purchased by the Prison Service in 1998 was 1,254,040, an increase of 7.69 per cent. on the 1997 figure.

  In addition to this, just over £10 million per annum for the three years from 1 April 1999 has been allocated to enhance education provision. It will be used to deliver an additional 2,000,000 hours of basic and key skills education which will produce 17,000 accreditations.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to encourage liaison between the Prison Education Service and the University for Industry. [85267]

  Mr. George Howarth
  There are very positive discussions currently taking place between the Prison Education Service and the University for Industry. It is the intention of the Prison Service to respond to the University for Industry's call for partners and apply to become a learning centre hub with local learning centres being developed in individual prisons in partnership with education providers.

  Prison Violence
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) self-inflicted deaths, (b) incidents of self harm, (c) reported assaults of prisoners on other prisoners and (d) reported assaults of prisoners on members of staff took place in each young offenders institution and in total in (i) 1997–98 and (ii) 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [84747]

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

  1997–98

  Young offender institutions

  Self-inflicted deaths

  Incidents of self-harm

  Assaukts(prisoner on prisoner)

  Assaults (prisoner on staff)

  Aylesbury

  1

  32

  54

  45

  Castington

  0

  13

  40

  8

  Deerbolt

  0

  87

  65

  11

  Dover

  0

  10

  16

  9

  Feltham

  2

  292

  11

  5

  Glen Parva

  0

  136

  78

  16

  Guys Marsh

  0

  28

  11

  2

  Hatfield

  0

  1

  10

  0

  Huntercombe

  o

  18

  20

  7

  Onley

  0

  75

  102

  25

  Portland

  0

  16

  10

  1

  Reading

  1

  72

  18

  8

  Stoke Heath

  0

  61

  21

  6

  Swinfen Hall

  0

  13

  13

  8

  Thorn Cross

  0

  1

  17

  3

  Wetherby

  0

  24

  34

  5

  Totals

  4

  879

  520

  159

  29

  1998–99

  Young offender institutions

  Self-inflicted deaths

  Incidents of self-harm1

  Assaults(prisoner on prisoner)

  Assaults (prisoner on staff)

  Aylesbury

  0

  71

  39

  78

  Castington

  0

  22

  70

  32

  Deerbolt

  0

  75

  44

  13

  Dover

  0

  7

  20

  8

  Feltham

  0

  275

  17

  5

  Glen Parva

  2

  107

  152

  39

  Guys Marsh

  0

  23

  7

  4

  Hatfield

  0

  2

  10

  0

  Huntercombe

  0

  9

  27

  8

  Onley

  0

  71

  119

  40

  Portland

  0

  34

  12

  5

  Reading

  1

  31

  4

  1

  Stoke Heath

  0

  102

  22

  9

  Swinfen Hall

  0

  8

  19

  11

  Thorn Cross

  0

  0

  31

  0

  Wetherby

  0

  40

  48

  14

  Totals

  3

  877

  641

  267

  1Provisional figure based on 98 per cent. of expected Prison Service establishment returns received to date.

  Note:

  Incidents do not equate to numbers of prisoners since an individual prisoner may self-harm more than once.

  Total number of reported incidents (all prison types)

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Self-inflicted deaths

  74

  82

  Incidents of self-harm

  7,023

  6,603

  Assaults—prisoner on prisoner

  2,902

  3,673

  Assaults—prisoner on staff

  1,387

  1,640

  Notes:

  1. Establishments have been categorised according to their primary role. However, it should be noted that there are a number of other prisons that hold young offenders (e.g. male remand centres) which are not included.

  2. Not all self-inflicted deaths conclude with a verdict of suicide.

  Prisoners (Employment)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are employed on work which involves payment from the private sector; and if he will make a statement. [84749]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The number of prisoners employed in public sector prisons on work which involves payment from the private sector is approximately 4,500. In addition, 3,400 prisoners in privately managed prisons undertake activities, including education, work in the prison kitchen, cleaning and employment in industries, for which they receive payment.

  Young Offenders
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to improve recruitment and retention of health care staff in(a) Feltham Young Offenders Unit and (b) other young offender units. [84848]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Conventional recruitment and retention measures are now supplemented at Feltham by arrangements with the local NHS mental health secure unit to provide a number of qualified psychiatric nurses to assist Feltham's delivery of health care. Meetings are also being held with the local health authority to produce a specification for the provision of nursing services at Feltham.
  30
  The Prison Service's Directorate of Health Care has commissioned research to look at the current national problem of recruitment and retention of health care staff within the Service. This will produce recommendations on the best way forward.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the speed of transfer of inmates sectioned under the Mental Health Acts from young offender units to other institutions. [84845]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Government have accepted the recommendations in the report of the joint Prison Service/National Health Service executive working group on the future organisation of prison health care, published on 29 March 1999, aimed at providing that the National Health Service takes a greater role in the provision of health care to prisoners, especially those with mental health problems.

  Implementation of the recommendations should greatly assist the assessment and transfer process. The Department of Health strategy document "Modernising Mental Health Services—Safe, Sound and Supportive", published last December, indicated that, among other measures, steps were being taken to expand the number of secure psychiatric places within the NHS.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce a specific profession of prison officer for young offender institutions and for young offenders in prison. [84850]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Government have no plans to introduce a separate profession for prison officers working with young offenders. However, the Prison Service is developing accredited training specifically for staff who work with young offenders. It is also revising its selection criteria to enable establishments with offenders under 18 to recruit the most suitable staff.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to seek funding from local education authorities for the education of young offenders who are in custody. [84851]

  Mr. George Howarth
  There are no plans to seek funding from Local Education Authorities for the education of young offenders who are in custody.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what funding is available for the Sex Offender Treatment Programme for juveniles and young offenders in Feltham Young Offenders Unit; [84837]

  (2) what plans he has to ensure that the Sex Offender Treatment Programme continues to be provided at Feltham Young Offenders Unit. [84838]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Feltham has until now been able to provide the Sex Offenders Treatment Programme without specific funding.

  However, the current review of the secure juvenile estate will bring about changes to Feltham's accommodation and regime that may make it difficult for the establishment to continue to provide the Programme without extra funding. Its continuation will, therefore, depend on the outcome of the reviews which are currently taking place of the juvenile estate and regimes for young offender institutions, and the outcome of a bid for capital funding.
  31
  Feltham will, in any event, endeavour to provide one further Sex Offender Treatment Programme this year.

  Dr. Cable
  >: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has (a) to provide education and (b) to improve the provision of education to young people on remand other than those under school leaving age in (i) Feltham Young Offenders Unit and (ii) other young offenders units; [84834]

  (2) what plans he has to increase the provision of education to convicted inmates over school leaving age in Feltham Young Offenders Unit. [84836]

  Mr. George Howarth
  There are no plans to increase the provision of education to either convicted or remand prisoners over school leaving age at Feltham.

  Governors of Prison Service establishments have delegated budgets from which they purchase teaching and induction hours against a national contract for educational services which is managed at a local level. Prison Education for all prisoners focuses on the core curriculum of basic educational skills (literacy and numeracy), life and social skills and computers. The Young Offender Institution Rules 1988 (as amended) require education arrangements appropriate to his or her needs to be made for any prisoner aged 17 or over who has special educational needs, if necessary within the normal working week. Otherwise, education for prisoners over school leaving age is entirely voluntary. Prisoners aged between 17 and 21 should be offered at least two hours a week of physical education.

  Other important developments to enhance education for young offenders generally include:
  A broader model educational curriculum for juveniles to include an action plan and timetable for each juvenile based on an in depth assessment;Work with the Basic Skills Agency to develop ways of delivering basic skills training to prisoners in the workplace, to support the Service's Welfare to Work pilots and to develop family literacy projects and prisoner literacy mentoring; and Work with specialist educational consultants on how best to screen prisoners for dyslexia and then how best to support prisoners with this learning need.
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding is available to young offender units for the young offenders training programme; and how it is allocated [84839]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Young Offender Treatment Programme is a new offending behaviour programme being developed under the Prison Service programme accreditation scheme. Finance has been earmarked to enable a number of young offender establishments, including Feltham, to pilot the programme. The Prison Service is currently considering how this work should be taken forward and no decisions have yet been taken on allocation of earmarked finance.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the recommended ratio of probationary and qualified prison officer staff to juveniles in young offender units; and what plans he has to change this. [84840]
  32
  Mr. George Howarth
  There is no recommended ratio for the number of probationary and qualified prison officers to under 18 year olds in young offender institutions, and we do not have plans to introduce one. The proportion of newly appointed to experienced staff varies from one establishment to another because the turnover of staff varies. The Prison Service is preparing to introduce selection and training arrangements tailored to the needs of establishments in the new under-18 estate which should help address some of the recruitment and retention difficulties some establishments experience.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recommendations and guidelines are issued on the education of(a) juveniles and (b) young offenders other than those under school leaving age who are in young offender units. [84833]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Young Offender Institution Rules 1988 (as amended) require the provision of 15 hours academic education per week for sentenced prisoners under the age of 17 years. The education provided includes English, Mathematics, life skills relevant to their age, and Information Technology and a minimum of five hours of physical education per week. In the case of sentenced prisoners aged 17 years with learning difficulties, there is a requirement to provide education appropriate to their needs.

  The core curriculum is set out in a Prison Service Order called the Prison Service education national curriculum framework, a copy of which is in the Library.

  The Prison Service is currently developing new regime standards for young people under the age of 18. They will include the development of a broader education curriculum for young people under school leaving age which will take into account their particular learning difficulties, especially dyslexia, attention deficits and hyper-activity disorder and any statement of educational needs. The Comprehensive Spending Review has made additional funds available for achieving these new standards.

  The Prison Service is also planning to introduce an individual programme for each young person. It will be based on a thorough assessment and will include an action plan and programme suited to individual needs, ability and aptitude.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what(a) recommendations and (b) guidelines he has issued on convicted juveniles sharing cells with remand juveniles in young offenders institutions. [84849]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Prison Service policy on the separation of different classes of prisoner is set out in the Instruction to Governors 48/1995 which was issued on 11 May 1995, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many hours of education were provided at Feltham Young Offenders Unit in each of the last three years; and how many hours are planned for the current year. [84835]
  33
  Mr. George Howarth
  The number of teaching hours purchased at Feltham Young Offenders Institution in each of the last three years was:

  Teaching hours

  1998

  17,605

  1997

  13,131

  1996

  112,000

  1This is an approximate figure

  As part of the new education contract which was awarded to North East Surrey College of Technology to commence on 1 January 1999 the number of teaching hours ordered for the 12 month period to 31 December 1999 is 17,500.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inmates at the Feltham Young Offenders' Unit Health Centre who have been assessed as having mental health problems are currently waiting transfers to(a) hospitals and (b) other secure institutions. [84841]

  Mr. George Howarth
  On 18 May 1999 eight prisoners at Feltham Young Offenders Institution for whom mental health assessments had been completed were awaiting admission to hospitals under provisions of Part III of the Mental Health Act 1983. Prisoners who require in-patient treatment for mental disorders are only transferred to psychiatric hospitals.

  Prison Boards of Visitors
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines are issued to prison boards of visitors about the publication of their reports. [84847]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Boards of Visitors Secretariat issues detailed guidance to Boards of Visitors about the publication of their annual reports. Since

  Number of persons proceeded against at magistrates' courts and convicted at all courts for rape offences, England and Wales, 1995–1997

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Offence

  Males

  Females

  Males

  Females

  Males

  Rape of a female

  Proceeded against

  1,585

  19

  1,691

  5

  1,868

  12

  Convicted

  547

  13

  551

  1

  576

  —

  Rape of a male

  Proceeded against

  37

  —

  60

  1

  80

  1

  Convicted

  9

  —

  24

  42

  —

  Note:

  Generally, attempting, conspiring, inciting, aiding, abetting, causing or permitting a crime is classified under the heading of the crime itself.

  Drug Treatment Orders
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug treatment orders have been(a) made and (b) breached in the three pilot areas for the orders; and in how many of the cases where an order has been breached the offender attended the breach hearing.[84891]

  Mr. George Howarth
  As at 20 May 1999, courts in the pilot areas had made 67 drug treatment and testing orders; and 10 orders had been revoked. A breach hearing cannot be held in the absence of the offender.
  34
  September 1987, Ministers have urged Boards to publish annual reports. Boards of Visitors are independent, and it is up to each Board to decide whether it will publish its annual report or not. Boards are urged not to publish information which would risk compromising the security of the prison. They are also urged not to identify individual members of staff or prisoners by name.

  Guidance is issued on the preparation of press releases, and how to deal with the media. Boards of Visitors also have access to advice from the Boards of Visitors Press and Public Relations Officer.

  Case Allocation Unit
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 13 May 1999,Official Report, column 189, how many files were received by the Case Allocation Unit; and what were the locations, apart from Case Management units, to which files were sent in the week ended 8 May. [84886]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  During the week ending 8 May, the Case Allocation Unit received a total of 10,032 files. 1,251 files were sent to the Work in Progress Store and 22 files were sent to lay by. A further 272 files were sent to other locations, but information about the locations to which they were sent is not collected.

  Rape Charges
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) men and (b) women were charged with rape in courts in England and Wales during each of the last three years; and how many were convicted. [84759]

  Mr. Boateng
  Available data, taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database, showing the number of defendants proceeded against the convicted are given in the table.

  Fire Service College
  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the future of the Fire Service Training College in Moreton-in-Marsh. [84935]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, East (Ms Corston), on 3 March 1999,Official Report, column 757.

  Justice and Home Affairs Council
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the latest version of
  35
  the agenda for the Justice and Home Affairs Council of 27 and 28 May, prior to the meeting.[85081]

  Mr. Straw
  Draft agendas for Justice and Home Affairs Councils are provided to Parliament as early as possible before each Council. The current draft agenda for the Council on 27–28 May was sent on 19 May to the European Scrutiny Committee and the Home Affairs Committee, as well as to the European Communities Committee in the House of Lords. I have placed a copy in the Library.

  Daniel Morgan
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on developments in the investigation of the case of murdered private investigator Daniel Morgan. [85052]

  Kate Hoey
  The investigation of this case is an operational matter for the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. He tells me that the case remains open, and that inquiries are continuing.

  Immigration Act 1971
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison) of 22 April 1999,Official Report, column 666, on the Immigration Act 1971, if the answer included applications made by people who did not have current leave to remain at the time of application; what was the average time taken to decide a non-asylum application made out of time; and how many applications were made (a) in time and (b) out of time in each year since 1994. [85039]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The information given in my reply to the hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison) on 22 April 1999,Official Report, column 666, related to all decisions. It is not possible to identify how many of the applications were made by people who did not have current leave to remain at the time of application.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 25 March 1999, Official Report, column 383, which tenders for the computerisation of IND reached the final stage of consideration; and if he will make a statement. [84373]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Two companies were invited to submit Best and Final Offers for this contract. They were Andersen Consulting and Siemens Business Services.

  The National Audit Office report on the Immigration and Nationality Directorate Casework Programme concluded that the Directorate's handling of negotiations and the evaluation of bids was thorough. The Directorate became aware at a late stage in the competition that Andersen Consulting's NIRS2 project for the Contributions Agency was running into difficulty, but after consideration
  36
  concluded that although the NIRS2 situation might have presented a handling problem, it was not so significant as to undermine Andersen Consulting's bid for the Casework Programme.

  Of the seven companies listed in the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on 25 March 1999, Official Report, column 383, one did not pre-qualify, three were eliminated at the short-listing stage and one more withdrew by agreement before contract negotiations began.

  Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report
  Mr. Garter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Eltham (Mr. Efford) of 13 May 1999,Official Report, columns 187–88, on the Macpherson report, if he will publish the report of the leak inquiry with the names of the officials and advisers who had access to the relevant papers omitted. [85054]

  Mr. Straw
  No. As I informed the House in my reply to the right hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Sir N. Fowler) on 8 March 1999,Official Report, column 32, it is not the practice to publish leak inquiry reports.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Human Rights
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the most recent communications she has(a) sent to and (b) received from the UN special rapporteur with responsibility for human rights and states of emergency. [84782]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  [holding answer 20 May 1999]I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him on 20 May 1999,Official Report columns 413–14, by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

  Security Incidents
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if she will list for the week ended Saturday 15 May the number of(a) punishment beatings and (b) punishment shootings which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many in each category were committed by (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups; [85049]

  (2) if she will list for the week ended Saturday 15 May the number of violent incidents involving paramilitary groups which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many involved (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups. [85048]

  Mr. Ingram
  The number of security incidents during the period 9–15 May 1999 are as shown.

  Security incidents

  Number

  Deaths

  0

  Shootings

  1

  Bombings

  1

  37
  The number of casualties as a result of paramilitary-style attacks during the period are as follows.

  Loyalist

  Republican

  Assaults

  4

  0

  Shooting

  0

  0

  Total

  4

  0

  Note:

  Figures may be subject to minor amendment.

  The shooting incident cannot as yet be firmly attributed to a grouping.

  New deals for schools funds allocated to schools in Hendon

  School name

  New Deal for Schools phase 1 allocation(£)

  New Deal for Schools phase 2 allocation(£)

  New Deal for Schools phase 3 allocation(£)

  Project details

  Broadfields Junior School

  3,000

  —

  —

  Improve information and communication technology access

  St. Joseph's

  20,200

  —

  —

  Refurbish toilets

  Broadfields Junior; St. Mary's Junior St. John's Infants

  —

  —

  —

  Package to renew boiler systems at 4 schools including Our Lady of Lourdes School which is not situated within the Hendon constituency: the allocation cannot be disaggregated. The total package amounted to £197,581 and was allocated in the second phase of New Deal for Schools

  Colindale Junior Mixed and Infant

  —

  50,000

  —

  Replacement of 3 structurally unsound timber demountable classrooms

  Copthall School

  —

  642,000

  —

  Structural repairs to, and rewiring of, 1930s school 1,388,500

  Deansbrook Junior School

  —

  —

  1,388,500

  New extension and replacement of demountable units

  Parliamentary Democracy
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the documents produced by his Department for distribution to schools in England and Wales, which detail the workings of the British parliamentary system. [84739]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Department has produced no such documents. The Department's role in the area of educational materials and resources is one of advice and guidance. It remains the responsibility of school governing bodies to decide on the materials and resources they wish to use. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment published proposals on 13 May for consultation as part of the review of the National Curriculum on a framework for citizenship education in schools. This includes knowledge about the working of parliamentary democracy.

  NVQs
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many NVQ Level 3 have been de-accredited since 1 September 1998; what is his estimate of the number of small and medium-sized businesses which no longer have their preferred NVQ available to them for modern apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement. [85125]

  Mr. Mudie
  Since 1 September 1998, 99 level 3 NVQs have exhausted their agreed accreditation spans, and 101 re-accreditation or new accreditations have taken
  38

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Schools (Hendon)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the schools in Hendon which have received funding from New Deal for Schools, indicating the work concerned and the amount awarded. [84931]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is shown in the following table.

  place. Since 1 September 1998, four new Modern Apprenticeship frameworks have been agreed, and ten have been revised. There is no statistical information on the NVQ preferences of each small or medium-sized business, so I cannot give the information requested.

  If the hon. Member has particular cases in mind, I would be very happy to investigate them.

  Hospitality Sector (Training)
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to co-ordinate further Government support for training programmes in the hospitality sector. [85294]

  Mr. Mudie
  Government recognise the Hospitality Training Foundation as the National Training Organisation (NTO) for the hospitality sector. NTOs are independent employer-led sector organisations working strategically with their sectors and with Government on education and training matters.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Political and Human Rights
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funding has been given by her Department to develop political and human rights parliamentary discussion groups in Commonwealth countries in each of the last three years. [84745]
  39
  Clare Short
  We support the strengthening of parliamentary institutions in order to develop political and human rights. In 1997–98 we allocated £280,000 to the Commonwealth Secretariat to develop the awareness of parliamentarians in political and human rights. In 1998–99 so far, we have provided £600,000 in South Africa and £312,000 in Uganda in support of open accountable government and improvement in parliamentary administration.

  We are not able to identify what portion of these grants was spent specifically on discussion groups.

CABINET OFFICE

  Scottish Parliament
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what changes he proposes in the modus operandi of the Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee following the establishment of joint working between Labour and the Liberal Democrats in the Scottish Parliament. [84680]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  None.

  Joint Consultative Committee
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to his answer of 28 January 1999,Official Report, column 316, on the Joint Consultative Committee, if he will publish the unclassified minutes of the JCC. [84679]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  None of the minutes of the Joint Consultative Committee are unclassified.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the membership of the Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee. [84982]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Midlothian (Mr. Clarke) on 21 October 1998, Official Report, columns 1123–35.

  Biotechnology Presentation Group
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) if he will set out the terms of reference of the Biotechnology Presentation Group; [85284]

  (2) if he will set out the objects of the central co-ordinated rebuttals strategy in respect of genetic modification; [85279]

  (3) on what date he decided to establish the Biotechnology Presentation Group; [85282]

  (4) on what dates the Biotechnology Presentation Group has met; and who was present on each occasion. [85283]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  The Government agree with the Science and Technology Select Committee that we need an informed, balanced debate on biotechnology. As Ministers, we meet regularly to discuss how we can promote such a debate.
  40

  Genetic Modification
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he has contacted the National Consumer Council to seek its endorsement of the Government's approach to genetic modification; and if he will make a statement. [85280]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  I have spoken to the National Consumers Council and to other interested organisations to explain to them the measures which I announced to the House on 21 May 1999.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office for what purposes he proposes to make alterations prior to publication to the report of the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser on genetic modification. [85281]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  The joint paper by the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Adviser on genetically modified foods and public health was published on Friday 21 May 1999. The authors revised the paper to ensure that it was intelligible to the lay reader and included recommendations for action.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Agriculture Council
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 17 to 18 May; and if he will make a statement. [85239]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I represented the United Kingdom at a meeting of the EU Agriculture Council in Brussels on 17 May 1999.

  The Council formally adopted all the legal instruments giving effect to the Agenda 2000 reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as agreed by EU Heads of Government in Berlin in late March. Now that this important stage has been reached, work can begin on the detailed texts which will put the CAP reform measures into operation with effect from next year.

  The Council discussed the present state of the EU pigmeat market. The Council requested experts to examine the issues affecting the market further at the level of the management committee, a position I supported on behalf of the United Kingdom.

  Agriculture Commissioner Fischler informed the Council of the current position with regard to WTO rulings on bananas and growth hormones in beef. On the former, I stressed the need for a WTO-compatible outcome which also had regard for the interests of the vulnerable Caribbean ACP producers. On the latter, I urged the Commission to take a measured approach with the US authorities, and to conduct a full exchange of information between the two sides on the underlying science.

  On veterinary medicines, the Council supported a resolution calling for action on the problems of antibiotic resistance in veterinary and human medicine. The resolution will be taken forward to the EU Health Council in June for adoption. The Council adopted a resolution setting out measures designed to avoid the loss of

  41
  veterinary medicinal products when the deadline for setting maximum residue limits in foodstuffs of animal origin expires at the end of December 1999.

  Bovine Somatotropin
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions he has had with EU partners on the subject of bovine somatotropin in milk. [85058]

  Mr. Rooker
  There have as yet been no bilateral discussions but the issue was raised by Germany at the May meeting of the Agriculture Council. The Commission will submit a proposal before the expiry of the moratorium at the end of the year for discussion by the Agriculture Council. Meanwhile, we have asked the Veterinary Products Committee to report on the latest scientific evidence on human and animal safety in order to inform the Government's position on the future of the moratorium.

  Food Advisory Groups
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans the Government have to change the membership of food advisory groups; and when they expect these changes to take effect from. [85059]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government have no plans at the present time to change the membership structure of its food advisory groups.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans the Government have to ensure that consumer interests are represented on food advisory groups. [85060]

  Mr. Rooker
  All food advisory groups reporting to the Government include members with consumer interest backgrounds. These members also regularly meet together with others with consumer interests in the Consumer Panel which I chair.

  Upland Grazing Areas (Radioactive Contamination)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of when all upland grazing areas in the United Kingdom will be free of contamination from the fall-out from Chernobyl. [84894]

  Mr. Rooker
  Regular assessments are made of radiocaesium levels in sheep in affected areas to determine the prospects for removing controls and further reducing the areas subject to restrictions.

  Whilst generally declining, radiocaesium from the Chernobyl accident is still present in some upland areas in the United Kingdom. The rate of decline is dependent on the complex interaction between such factors as soil type, vegetation, weather, drainage and grazing preference. Consequently it is not possible to specify a time at which all these areas will be free of Chernobyl contamination.
  42

  Foot and Mouth Disease
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many reported cases of foot and mouth disease there have been in the UK in each of the last five years. [84760]

  Mr. Rooker
  There have been no cases of foot and mouth disease in the UK in the last five years. The number of suspected cases of foot and mouth disease in farm livestock investigated in each of the last five years is as follows:

  Year

  Number of suspected cases

  1994

  26

  1995

  18

  1996

  13

  1997

  12

  1998

  8

  1999 (to date)

  Nil

  Total

  77

  On each occasion the possibility of foot and mouth disease was ruled out.

  Media Relations
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) civil servants and (b) special advisers involved in media relations were employed within his Department at 1 May (i) 1997, (ii) 1998 and (iii) 1999. [84197]

  Mr. Morley
  [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 (HC 770) in July 1998. A copy is in the Library of the House.

  There were 7 Civil Servants in my Department involved in Media relations as at 1 May 1999. Special Advisers in my Department have ad hoc contact with the media but none are specifically employed in media relations.

  Quarantine
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he plans to bring into force the new legislation concerning the control of quarantine of pets. [84571]

  Mr. Rooker
  On 26 March 1999, my right hon. Friend announced that the Government's objective is to bring new arrangements into operation throughout the United Kingdom by April 2001. We also plan to launch a pilot scheme or pilot schemes by April 2000.

  CAP Reform
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on the Berlin Summit agreement for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy relating to beet and cereals. [84552]
  43
  Mr. Rooker
  A range of representations have been received concerning the recent CAP reform in the cereals sector. Consultations will be held shortly on implementation of the discretionary elements of the arable reform. The Berlin Summit agreement made no reference to sugar beet, as the arrangements in this sector will be reviewed next year. Representations on sugar are already being made. The Government believe that this sector too requires reform and we will be consulting shortly on what shape that reform should take.

  Farming (Women)
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on the role of women in farming. [84554]

  Mr. Rooker
  Since May 1997 we have had some inquiries about the role of women in farming. These dealt with a wide variety of issues including sources of EU funding to help women enter agriculture, levels of remuneration, taxation and succession. Women in farming are treated strictly in accordance with the principles of equal treatment which are firmly established in UK law.

  Slaughtering Industry
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what basis he decided to set five working days as the consultation period on the impact of proposed charges on the slaughtering industry. [84076]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 14 May 1999]I recognise that we have allowed only a short period for responses to the consultation document issued by my Department. However, as my right hon. Friend announced to the House on 21 April 1999,Official Report, columns 982–88, we are anxious that the review be completed quickly. We can then make decisions on the outstanding charging issues, and remove some of the current uncertainty from the industry by providing a framework in which businesses can make commercial decisions about their future development. We will, of course, accept late responses but cannot guarantee that detailed points received after the deadline will be able to be fully taken into account.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria have been used to select organisations consulted by his Ministry in studying the impact of proposed charges on the slaughtering industry. [84075]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 14 May 1999]As my right hon. Friend announced to the House on 21 April 1999,Official Report, columns 982–88, this study involves a close examination of the dynamics of the slaughtering sector and of the impact of charges on abattoirs and on producers. Selection of the organisations to be consulted therefore reflected this specific remit and concentrated on organisations, such as those represented on the MHS Industry Forum, who would be able to comment on the direct economic impact of charges on individual businesses. A second mailing to those who had responded to our earlier consultation on charges for specified risk material enforcement, was carried out on 10 May.
  44
  To provide an opportunity to any others who may wish to comment, the consultation letter has been placed on the Ministry's Internet site, and its availability announced by MAFF News Release. As a result, more copies have been issued to organisations and individuals who were not on the original lists.

  Fishing Industry
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact on employment of the policy of ensuring an economic link between quota hoppers and populations dependent on fisheries and related industries. [84529]

  Mr. Morley
  It is too early to make such an assessment, as under the arrangements announced in July 1998 vessel owners will have until July 2000 to let us know which of the available options they intend to use to demonstrate an economic link. One of those options requires 50 per cent. of the crew to be normally resident in a UK coastal area and would, if used, have a direct impact upon employment opportunities for British fishermen. Other options include either the landing of fish at UK ports or the purchase of goods and services here, either of which may impact indirectly upon onshore employment opportunities. Some early indications suggest an increase in landings at UK fishing ports and the offer of fish quota for the use of the inshore sector. These measures should have beneficial effects on employment in fisheries related sectors.

  Environmental Disputes
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evaluation his Department has undertaken of methods of resolving disputes relating to environmental matters.[83317]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 5 May 1999]None.

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he plans to publish the performance indicators for the environmentally sensitive areas in England. [83481]

  Mr. Morley
  I am today publishing for consultation objectives, indicators and targets for the 16 Stage I-III Environmentally Sensitive Areas in England. A copy of the papers has been placed in the Library of the House. The Ministry's policy is to focus uptake under the scheme on the biodiversity, landscape and historical and archaeological priorities in each ESA. In future, where applications do not offer value for public money, the Ministry will exercise its discretion not to accept them into the scheme.

  Ministerial Meetings (US)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many times Ministers in his Department met their counterparts in the US administration between 1 January 1998 and 1 June 1998, indicating the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved and the name of the US counterpart. [81083]
  45
  Mr. Nick Brown
  Ministers in my Department met their counterparts in the US Administration twice between 1 January and 1 June 1998. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Secretary met Mr. Gus Schumacher, the US Under-Secretary for Trade, in London on 25 February 1998 and my right hon. Friend the Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) met Mr. Dan Glickman the US Agriculture Secretary and us Schumacher the US Under-Secretary for Trade in Paris on 6 March 1998.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what training will be provided for those people reviewing disability living allowance awards under the new periodic review process. [83995]

  Mr. Bayley
  We are committed to ensuring that the new periodic inquiry process is delivered sensitively and fairly. In consultation with disability organisations, we have developed a comprehensive training package for all staff involved in the new process. The training covers impairment awareness and the particular needs of individual groups and is being delivered with the assistance of Pauline Thompson of the Disablement Income Group.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent representations she has received on disability living allowance. [84012]

  Mr. Bayley
  We routinely receive, and welcome, representations about benefits for disabled people, including disability living allowance.

  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the backlog at the Disability Living Allowance Unit concerning cases where the Disability Appeal Tribunal has upheld an appeal against(a) refusal of disability living allowance, (b) the rate of mobility component and (c) the rate of care component; what the figures were (i) six and (ii) 12 months ago; and what steps are being taken to deliver a more efficient service to claimants; [84880]

  (2) when he expects to pay Mr. Edward Turner (Ref. ZM897757D) the disability living allowance with lower rate mobility component and middle rate care component he was awarded by the Disability Appeal Tribunal on 26 February; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for the delay in payment. [84879]

  Mr. Bayley
  The administration of Disability Living Allowance is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Robin Corbett, dated 20 May 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked Peter Mathison to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking about the backlog of cases at the Disability Living Allowance Unit requiring action following an appeal, what steps are being taken to deliver a more efficient service, and when Mr. Edward Turner is expected to receive payment following the decision of the appeal tribunal hearing of 26th February 1999. As Mr. Mathison is away on leave, I am replying.46 At 30th November 1998 there were 706 Disability Appeal Tribunal decisions outstanding and 695 at 31st April 1999. These figures encompass all decisions reached, including award decisions, disallowance decisions, and decisions where existing entitlement remains unchanged. It has not been possible to break down the figures into the type of decision made or the specific Disability Living Allowance component. Figures from an earlier date are not available.Under the Government's programme of welfare reform, a range of measures is being introduced to improve all aspects of claiming Disability Living Allowance. These include the Decision Making and Appeals initiative which will introduce new adjudication procedures to enable disputed decisions to be reconsidered without having to go to appeal. It is anticipated that this will result in fewer numbers of appeal cases.I can confirm that instructions were issued on 18th May 1999 for all arrears of benefit, and future monthly payments, to be made to Mr. Turner's bank account.Implementation of a Disability Appeal Tribunal decision may be suspended if there is reason to believe that the decision has been made in error of law and that an appeal to the Commissioner may be appropriate. I regret that implementation of the Appeal Tribunal's decision was suspended incorrectly in this case and I apologise for the delay that has occurred.I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Prescription Charges
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent discussions he has had with Ministers from the Department of Health on the documentation required by claimants seeking exemption or partial exemption from prescription charges. [84006]

  Angela Eagle
  None. Discussions between officials from both Departments took place in February.

  All Work Test
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to change the all work test application forms; and if he will make a statement. [84007]

  Mr. Bayley
  The Benefits Agency regularly reviews the content of forms and leaflets to ensure they meet their purpose and that they are user friendly for customers. There are currently no plans to revise the questionnaire, which claimants complete for the all work test. Some improvements to the form were made in 1997 to make it easier for claimants to complete and to help them provide full information about the effects of their medical condition.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on plans to change the all work test. [84029]

  Mr. Bayley
  The Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill contains provisions to replace the all work test with the Personal Capability Assessment. The Personal Capability Assessment will continue to determine, in the same way as now, whether the person meets the threshold of incapacity for entitlement to incapacity benefits. That threshold will not change but the Personal Capability Assessment will also be able to provide additional constructive information about what a person can do, despite their medical condition or disability. This additional information will help personal advisers give their clients the support they need to move back to work.
  47

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received on the reform of housing benefit. [84008]

  Angela Eagle
  We set up the Housing Benefit Simplification and Improvement Project with local authority representatives last autumn to review the existing rules; administration; and service delivery of Housing Benefit. We have received written and oral representations from a number of professional, voluntary and charitable organisations with an interest in Housing Benefit.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress has been made on the review of housing benefit. [84023]

  Angela Eagle
  We have worked with local authorities to consider ways of simplifying and improving the current system of Housing Benefit. Details of the proposals are being considered and will be announced in due course.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of local authorities have agreements in place with the Post Office to prevent redirection of housing benefit girocheques. [85227]

  Angela Eagle
  The national agreement with the Post Office not to redirect Social Security related local authority post came into operation on 1 February 1999. To date 56 local authorities are operating the do not redirect service.

  Appeals Procedures
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps his Department is taking to improve social security appeals procedures. [84009]

  Mr. Darling
  We have made clear our intentions to modernise the welfare state. As part of our plans for improving the Social Security system we are introducing important changes to the decision making and appeals processes. On 22 March this House debated and approved the necessary regulations. The changes will be implemented during the latter half of this year, starting with Child Support on 1 June. The changes aim to help get decisions right first time, resolve disputes at an early stage and deal with appeals more efficiently and quickly.

  European Social Model
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on his plans for reforming the European Social Model. [84010]

  Angela Eagle
  There is no single European Social Model, since member states have developed social provision in different ways, reflecting their own circumstances and traditions. But we want to see social protection systems across Europe modernised by national governments in line with changing needs and circumstances.

  Retirement
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps his Department is taking to improve the quality of information available to individuals on making adequate provision for retirement. [84013]
  48
  Mr. Timms
  The Pensions Green Paper published last December set out our proposals for improving the quality of information on pensions for individuals, both in general and in the information people are given about their own pension position. We are taking action in co-operation with employers and the pensions industry to provide both integrated pension forecasts and fuller and better information on projected state and private pension rights.

  Occupational Pensions
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to increase members' confidence in their occupational pensions. [84015]

  Mr. Timms
  The Pensions Green Paper we published last December proposed measures to strengthen occupational pension schemes and to increase members' confidence in them. The general direction of the reforms has been widely welcomed. We are working closely with the pensions industry and others in taking the detailed proposals forward.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the potential cost benefits to those working in industries with high labour turnover rates of using the new stakeholder pension. [84016]

  Mr. Timms
  Our proposals for stakeholder pension schemes establish a framework which will ensure that schemes reflect the needs of those who change jobs frequently. Members will be able to ensure that members can stop and restart contributions and, if necessary, transfer their funds to another scheme, without penalty.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what rules will govern the use of funds which have been transferred into a stakeholder pension from a personal pension, with particular reference to (i) the use of the fund for a tax-free lump sum and (ii) the nature of the annuity which may be bought with the fund. [84548]

  Mr. Timms
  The rules applying to transfers into stakeholder pension schemes are currently being considered in the light of responses to the Green Paper "Partnership in Pensions".

  Benefit Payment Delays
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what remedies are available to people whose(a) social security benefit and (b) child support payments are delayed through no fault of the claimant or applicant. [84017]

  Angela Eagle
  Under the Department's standing compensation scheme, the terms of which have been agreed between the Department and the Ombudsman, compensation may be considered where official error or unreasonable delay have led to an actual financial loss.

  Where benefit or child support payments are unreasonably delayed (delay must exceed a set period which depends on the benefit concerned) due to official error a special payment can be considered, in recognition of the fact that the customer has lost the use of the sum owed. In such cases the compensatory payment is

  49
  calculated in the form of interest on the arrears of benefit when they are paid. A copy of the Department's guide to special payments, known as the "Financial Redress for Maladministration", is held in the House of Commons Library.

  In addition, if a parent with care of a child is receiving Income Support or income based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), and the non-resident parent does not pay the child support to the parent with care, Income Support or JSA can be paid in its place pending the recovery of the money from the non-resident parent.

  As a last resort, if a customer is without funds to cover the period between a claim for benefit and the first payment that is due, crisis loans are available to prevent risk to the health or safety of the applicant and his family.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what targets he has set for reducing fraud in the benefits system. [84018]

  Mr. Timms
  For the first time we have set a measurable target for reducing fraud and error. Our target is to reduce the level of fraud and error in Income Support and Jobseeker' s Allowance, two of the most vulnerable benefits, by 30 per cent., by 2007, with at least a 10 per cent. reduction by March 2002.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set targets for the numbers of lone parents who leave income support as a consequence of the New Deal for Lone Parents. [84020]

  Angela Eagle
  In addition to the 12,500 lone parents who have already found jobs as a result of the New Deal for Lone Parents, we have set the Employment Service a target for 1999–
  2000—to place a further 15,000 lone parents into work.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the publication date is for the draft legislation for the reform of the Child Support Agency. [84021]

  Angela Eagle
  Final decisions on the shape of the reformed scheme and the associated legislative process will be announced shortly.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has had in response to the Green Paper on the Child Support Agency. [84024]

  Angela Eagle
  We have received 1,564 written responses to the Green Paper. My noble Friend the Baroness Hollis of Heigham has also held meetings with more than 40 organisations, academics and other groups with an interest in child support.

  Motability Cars
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement about the value for money provided by Motability cars. [84022]
  50
  Mr. Bayley
  The Motability contract hire scheme, which covers about 95 per cent. of the vehicles provided, represents substantial value for money for disabled people. Lease costs cover maintenance, comprehensive insurance and roadside assistance. Over 25 per cent. of the over 300 model variants supplied under the scheme by 23 manufacturers are available for less than the weekly higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance of £37 week, and the cheapest vehicle available under the scheme can now be had for less than £24 per week.

  Pensions Green Paper
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the responses to the pensions Green Paper. [84025]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich (Mr. Henderson) on 17 May 1999, Official Report, column 252.

  Means-tested Benefits
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what studies his Department has carried out into the disincentives to save created by means-tested benefits. [84026]

  Angela Eagle
  All those who can save, particularly for their retirement, have a responsibility to do so. In our Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill, we are taking steps to ensure that people of working age are encouraged to save so that they can retire on incomes above anything benefits could ever be expected to provide.

  New Technology
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on improvements proposed through the introduction of new technology in his Department. [84027]

  Angela Eagle
  As part of our commitment to modernise the Welfare Service the Department is seeking to transform the way Social Security is delivered. We aim to provide a system which is focused on work for those who can and security for those who cannot, providing a customer focused and integrated service which operates across organisational boundaries to improve quality and integrity.

  New Information Technology (IT) is at the core of these modernisation plans. The key elements of our strategy for IT are a corporate data set that holds the necessary information on citizens and a set of front-line systems which allow staff to access that information to deliver the full range of welfare services.

  Through this IT strategy the Department will meet the longer term objectives of designing services around people; achieving leverage against fraud and abuse; integrating and improving the accuracy and efficiency of operations and of accounting across the Department; and creating a more joined-up welfare service for the public spanning other Government Departments, local authorities and the voluntary sector.
  51

  Carers
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress he is making on the introduction of a citizenship pension for carers. [84030]

  Mr. Timms
  In December 1998, the Government published a Green Paper, "A new contract for welfare: Partnership in Pensions". This included proposals to give carers the opportunity to build up a second pension, by awarding them flat rate credits to the new State Second Pension scheme. The proposals cover recipients of Invalid Care Allowance, carers of people receiving Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance who qualify for Home Responsibilities Protection and Child Benefit recipients where the youngest child is aged five or under.

  The consultation period for the Green Paper ended on 31 March 1999. Since then we have been considering the responses received and will provide further details in due course.

  Disabled People (Incomes)
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the intended minimum weekly income for(a) a single adult who is disabled and unable to work and (b) a single adult who is considered partially disabled but who is unable to find work. [83999]

  Mr. Bayley
  Income Support (and income based Jobseeker' s Allowance) is available to assist disabled adults who have a low income. The overall weekly amount of benefit payable will depend on the individual's circumstances, such as their age, their savings, income, the severity of their disability and so on. Our proposals for a new Disability Income Guarantee together with measures in the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill will provide more help for disabled adults and children who need help most.

  Widows (SERPS)
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the amount which widows are due to receive under SERPS from 2000. [84019]

  Mr. Timms
  Legislation introduced by the previous Government in 1986 provides for widows to receive 50 per cent. of their late husbands' SERPS entitlement from April 2000. We will make an announcement in due course.

  Customer Service
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what procedures are followed to ensure the delivery of a high-quality service in his Department's offices in Essex. [85252]

  Angela Eagle
  Working with the Employment Services, Child Support Agency, Local Authorities and other customer representative groups, is a key element of the Benefit Agency's (BA) current modernisation programme. The standards of customer service the BA sets out to achieve is published in the BA Customer Charter. This, together with other internal agency targets, provide the clear measurable standards that BA offices in Essex are expected to provide in delivering a timely, effective and informative service to customers.
  52
  The Child Support Agency has many improvements underway, planned specifically at improving customer service and efficiency. Greater use of the telephone is being made to improve the way information is collected. Opening hours have been extended to offer a more accessible service at evenings and weekends—this further improves service by being able to contact parents at times which suit them. Dedicated staff offer face-to-face interviews and this service is being extended during 1999–2000. The Agency is convinced that this will mean the more effective progression of cases and a better service.

  Payment Books
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of his Department's payment books issued in Essex in the last 12 months were produced(a) manually and (b) by computer. [85253]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available shows that during 1998–99 a total of 2,790,657 computer order books were issued in the East London and Anglia Area. In 1998–99 3,282 manual order books were issued in Essex.

  Complaints
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many complaints were received in the last 12 months by his Department's offices in Essex relating to(a) delays in payment book issue and (b) breaches of confidentiality. [85256]

  Angela Eagle
  In the period 1 April 1998 to 21 May 1999, a total of 23 written complaints were received about the late issue of payment books. A further 3 complaints related to breaches of confidentiality.

  Demographic Charges
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the ratio of persons working and paying income tax to persons in receipt of state Retirement Pension in (i) 1978–79, (ii) 1988–89 and (iii) 1998–99. [85286]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is in the table.

  Estimates of the ratio of the numbers of persons working and paying tax income to the number of persons in receipt of Retirement Pension

  Year

  Number of taxpayers

  Recipients of Retirement Pension

  Ratio

  1978–79

  25,900

  8,600

  3:1

  1988–89

  25,200

  9,300

  2.7:1

  1998–99

  26,100

  10,000

  2.6:1

  Notes:

  1. All figures are rounded to the nearest hundred and are in thousands. Estimates for the numbers of taxpayers are from "Inland Revenue Statistics" 1998. Figures for Retirement Pension are for those resident in Great Britain.

  2. The ratios of numbers of taxpayers to recipients of retirement pension are rounded to the nearest 0.1.

  3. For Retirement Pension, the figures for 1978–79 and 1988–89 do not include those who are in receipt of graduated retirement benefit. The numbers of taxpayers counts husbands and wives separately.

  53

  Information Technology
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what action he is taking to improve IT provision in his Department's offices in Essex; [85255]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the reliability of IT systems in his Department's offices in Essex; [85257]

  (3) if the computer system in his Department's office in Chelmsford is compatible with that in his Department's office in Southend; [85254]

  (4) if his Department's offices in Essex are linked via a Wide Area computer network. [85258]

  Angela Eagle
  The Department has an agreed strategy for improving its Information Technology (IT) services throughout the Department in support of its modernisation programme. This includes providing improved quality and consistent data from mainframe systems as well as improved IT tools in the office and on the desktop.

  The agreement of reliability is contained within a number of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between the Benefits Agency and Information Technology Services Agency. These SLAs also form the basis of contractual agreements between the Department and its private sector service providers.

  The Department also maintains and supports a common infrastructure providing a system of computerised benefits across all Benefit Agency offices including Chelmsford and Southend and these items are compatible. Local Districts have some freedom to implement local desktop solutions, typically work management and administrative systems, to complement their main IT systems for benefit delivery.

  The Department's offices in Essex are linked via a Wide Area computer network.

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the minimum pension guarantee. [84028]

  Mr. Timms
  The Minimum Income Guarantee, delivered through Income Support, provides an income threshold below which most pensioners with no savings, or only a small amount saved, should not fall.

  The increase in the Income Support rates for pensioners this April represents an increase above the normal prices-linked uprating, of £160 over the year for a single pensioner. Our undertaking to increase the Minimum Income Guarantee in line with earnings next April further underlines our intention that the least well-off pensioners should share in rising national prosperity.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate how many pensioners in Shrewsbury and Atcham will benefit from the introduction of the Minimum Income Guarantee; and if he will make a statement. [84866]

  Mr. Timms
  We estimate that around 2,500 pensioners were in receipt of Income Support in the constituency of Shrewsbury and Atcham in November 1998, the latest date for which this data are available. We are unable to forecast with any reliability how many will be in receipt 54
  from April this year in the same area, because the sample size on which the estimates are based is too small. However, we estimate that nationally, an additional 65,000 pensioners will become eligible for the Minimum Income Guarantee, through Income Support, as a result of the above-inflation increases this year, and a further 20,000 next year as a result of uprating the Guarantee in line with earnings.

  Notes:

  1. "Pensioners" refers to pensioner benefit units, which are single people aged 60 or over or couples where one or partners is 60 or over.

  2. Figures exclude cases in residential care and nursing homes.

  3. The estimate of 2,500 cases is rounded to the nearest 100 cases, and is subject to a degree of sampling error due to the small numbers involved.

  4. The Parliamentary constituency data are based on constituency boundaries as of 1 May 1999.

  Source:

  1. Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry November 1998.

  2. Family Resources Survey 1996–97.

  Pensioner Incomes
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the proportion of single pensioners aged 80 years or above who are currently in receipt of income support; and if he will provide corresponding estimates for(a) 1994, (b) 1989, (c) 1984, (d) 1979, (e) 1974 and (f) 1969. [84758]

  Mr. Timms
  Information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Single supplementary benefit/income support pensioners aged 80 and over 1974 to 1998

  Year

  Total claimants

  Proportion of population Percentage

  1974

  335,000

  25.4

  1979

  351,000

  24.4

  1984

  434,000

  25.4

  1989

  407,000

  20.1

  1994

  531,000

  23.4

  1998

  617,000

  26.7

  Notes:

  1. Pensioner refers to single claimants only, aged 80 and over.

  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand cases, percentages to one decimal place and are subject to a degree of sampling error.

  3. Income Support replaced Supplementary Benefit in April 1988.

  4. Numbers are given at a point in time. For 1974 and 1979 the month was November. For 1984 the month was December, and from 1989–1998 the month was May.

  5. Population figures are based on total population (regardless of marital status) aged 80 years and over.

  6. Proportion of population percentages have been calculated using the relevant year of mid-term population estimates, apart from 1998 when mid-term 1997 population estimates were used.

  7. Sample sizes: 1974: Supplementary Pension cases 1 in 160; 1979: Supplementary Pension cases 1 in 200; 1984: Supplementary Pension cases 1 in 200; 1989: 1 in 100; 1994 to date: 1 in 20.

  Sources:

  1. Supplementary Benefit/Income Support Annual Statistical Enquiries, 1974–1994.

  2. Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry, November 1998.

  3. Office National Statistics population estimates mid-1974 to mid-1997.

  55
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many individuals received an age addition to the basic state pension(a) in the year in which it was introduced, (b) at five year intervals thereafter and (c) in the latest year for which figures are available. [84757]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is in the table.

  Number of people in receipt of the basic state retirement pension and an age addition payment (for those aged 80 and over) as at the end of each month

  Inquiry date

  Number of people

  December 1971

  1.2

  November 1976

  1.4

  November 1981

  1.6

  September 1986

  1.9

  September 1991

  2.2

  September 1996

  2.4

  January 1999

  2.4

  Note:

  Figures have been rounded to the nearest hundred thousand.

  Sources:

  1. December 1971 and November 1976: Figures from Social Security Statistics based on a 10 per cent. sample excluding clerical cases.

  2. November 1981-September 1991: 10 per cent. sample of Central Pensions Branch system.

  3. September 1996 and January 1999: 5 per cent. sample of Pensions Strategy Computer System.

  Sheltered Housing
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations his Department has received from social landlords and independent care providers on the Government's proposals for funding sheltered housing under new housing benefit arrangements.[84832]

  Angela Eagle
  In response to the publication of the consultation document "Supporting People: A new policy and funding framework for support services" on 10 December, we received a total of 128 representations about our proposal for including sheltered housing in the new Supporting People funding arrangements. Sixty-five of those representations were from Registered Social Landlords and independent care providers, and 31 from local authorities.

  Responses from providers of sheltered housing welcomed the integration of support services for older people, as well as the fact that access to support funding would no longer be tied to type of tenure. The main concern expressed related to the practicalities of implementing the new funding regime.

  We decided to include sheltered housing in the long-term proposals because our aim is to improve the integration of supported and sheltered housing within local strategies for housing and community care. Working alongside existing Government programmes, the new Supporting People funding regime will give the provision of support services, such as those provided by wardens in sheltered accommodation, the priority it deserves. Supporting People will bring long-term stability to the sector by placing for the first time the funding of support services on a secure, sustainable and legal footing.
  56
  We recognise the importance of getting the practical details right. That is why we are committed to working with interested parties to ensure that the new system delivers on its objectives and becomes an effective and workable reality.

  We hope to publish the analysis of responses to the consultation paper shortly.

TREASURY

  Anti-smuggling Equipment
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on current guidance for the use of bulk X-ray equipment by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise to combat smuggling. [85107]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Her Majesty's Customs and Excise do not presently use bulk X-ray equipment.

  If such equipment becomes available for Customs, guidance for its use will be drawn up by operational managers in consultation with the Department's technical and Radiation Protection advisers.

  Tobacco Sales
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy on the marking of tobacco products for sale in the United Kingdom. [85106]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The marking of tobacco products for fiscal purposes is not currently required in the United Kingdom. The report of the Alcohol and Tobacco Fraud Review, published in July 1998, recommended that marking should be considered. While the form of marking proposed by that Review has proved impractical for legal reasons, Customs and Excise is currently reviewing other marking options.

  Taxation
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 16 April 1999,Official Report, columns 387–90, on taxation, if he will publish the figures on the basis of the assumptions for household spending and council tax payment which were used in the answer to the right hon. Member for Edinburgh, Central (Mr. Darling) of 11 December 1996, Official Report, columns 190–202. [81712]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Estimating the impact of indirect taxes on the basis of average assumptions about household spending is imprecise as spending patterns vary widely between households with the same composition and income, with the consumption of the majority of goods and services far from universal. For example, only around one third of adults are smokers. This can be contrasted with direct taxes and benefits where at specified earnings and for particular household types there is a known benefit entitlement or tax liability.
  57

  VAT
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the reasons for not applying the VAT (Sport, Sports Competitions and Physical Education) Order 1999 from 1 April; and when he expects to bring it into force. [85110]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Following discussion of the proposed legislation with sports representative bodies, HM Customs and Excise are making changes to the draft Order. A further announcement will be made as soon as possible.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received regarding the Online VAT Return. [85099]

  Dawn Primarolo
  This year's Finance Bill allows Customs and Excise to provide new electronic services including VAT returns on the internet.

  In response to an announcement in the VAT Notes, issued to all VAT registered businesses, over 300 representations have been received, 99 per cent. of which not only welcomed this initiative but also stated a preference for an internet-based service.

  No formal consultation exercise is planned. Some businesses and individual taxpayers will wish to send tax information on paper and we will continue to offer this option.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the implications for the VAT (Input Tax) Order 1992 of the judgment of the European Court against the Republic of Italy (Case C-45/95). [85098]

  Dawn Primarolo
  This European Court judgment does not directly affect the VAT (Input Tax) Order 1992, as the effect of the judgment is to introduce new exemptions from VAT. However, implementing these exemptions will involve some consequential changes to the Order. Details of these, and of other proposed related changes, are set out in a Technical Note issued by HM Customs and Excise on 21 April 1999, a copy of which has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what external legal advice he has received regarding the VAT treatment of the supply of an interest in land and buildings following the judgment of the European Court against the Republic of Italy (Case C-45/95); and if he will make a statement. [85097]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Customs have met with Treasury Counsel over this issue and they are awaiting his written opinion. Most property transactions are, however, already exempt from VAT.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the VAT liability in respect of(a) room hire, (b) crèche facilities and (c) catering franchises contracted out by local authorities. [85109]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The VAT liability of supplies made by local authorities is no different from that applying to other suppliers. VAT charged on supplies made to local authorities can normally be reclaimed from Customs and Excise.
  58
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to continue reviewing the VAT registration threshold; and if he will make a statement. [85108]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Following the recent Budget, I asked Customs to work further with business to explore whether it is possible to cushion the impact of VAT registration on growing businesses. This further work, together with representations received during the 1998 consultation exercise on the VAT registration threshold, will inform future Budget decisions on this issue.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on VAT exemptions for trade unions following the European Court ruling in the Institute of the Motor Industry case (No C-149/97). [85111]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Subscriptions to trade unions remain exempt from VAT.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer from what dates he expects the VAT (Goods Used for Exempt Supplies) Order 1999 to apply; and if he will make a statement. [85117]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In their technical note which asked businesses for comments on the changes covered by this Order, Customs expected that the Order would take effect from 1 September 1999, but this will depend on the comments received from businesses and on the process of parliamentary drafting.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue implications for the Exchequer following the judgment of the European Court against the Republic of Italy (Case C-45/95). [85113]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Customs and Excise expect there to be a revenue gain of around £15 million per year, because some businesses will be unable to recover input VAT on expenses associated with the newly exempt sales of business cars. They expect this to be offset in the first year by a revenue loss of £10 million, arising from repayments made to certain non-profit making bodies, under a related change that will permit them to recover VAT on publications supplied to members.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the definition of a car for VAT purposes following the judgment of the European Court against the Republic of Italy (Case C-45/95). [85112]

  Dawn Primarolo
  This European Court judgment does not directly affect the definition of a car for VAT purposes, though the proposed legislation to implement the new exemption will make certain minor—and unrelated—technical changes to the definition. Details of these, and of other proposed related changes, are set out in a Technical Note issued by HM Customs and Excise on 21 April 1999, a copy of which has been placed in the House of Commons Library.
  59

  Alcohol and Tobacco Smuggling
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to amend the Beer Orders as a result of the report of the Alcohol and Tobacco Fraud Review. [85105]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Amending the Beer Orders is not a straightforward matter. Customs are still considering the costs and benefits and will be reporting their conclusions to me in due course.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what consultations he has had with the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions about the effects on traffic and road safety of cross-channel smuggling and section 1.5.3 of the report of the Alcohol and Tobacco Fraud Review; [85102]

  (2) what assessment he has made of section 1.5.3 of the report of the Alcohol and Tobacco Fraud Review and the effects on traffic and road safety of cross-channel smuggling. [85103]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Customs work closely with the Traffic Commissioners, the Police and other agencies who tackle a range of enforcement issues through their joint exercises. The issues raised by section 1.5.3 of the report are among those addressed by such exercises.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the methodology used by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise for estimating the total volume of fraud and smuggling of alcohol and tobacco products. [85104]

  Dawn Primarolo
  HM Customs and Excise estimates of alcohol and tobacco smuggling by cross-channel and air passengers are based on data from Customs' own surveys of international passengers. The methodologies are detailed in a technical report placed by HM Customs and Excise in the House of Commons Library on 19 November 1998.

  Republic of Ireland GDP
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the per capita gross domestic product in the Republic of Ireland as a percentage of the EU average, for the most recent year available. [84956]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. David Heathcoat-Amory, dated 24 May 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question asking about the per capita gross domestic product of the Republic of Ireland.

  The latest figures published by Eurostat (the Statistical Office of the European Community) are the preliminary results for 1997. These show the Republic of Ireland with a per capita gross domestic product of 102 per cent of the EU average. These estimates are subject to revision and definitive results will be published later this year.
  60

  Parental Leave
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to make available replacement income through working families tax credit or benefit to persons normally in receipt of working families tax credit who take unpaid parental leave under the provision of the Employment Relations Bill. [83610]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 10 May 1999]There are currently no plans to provide replacement income through the Working Families Tax Credit for families where a person takes up their right to unpaid parental leave. But we continue to consider whether help should be given to people taking unpaid parental leave and how such help might be delivered.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of how families(a) in receipt of and (b) not in receipt of the working families tax credit will make up for wages lost due to unpaid parental leave being taken under the provisions of the Employment Relations Bill. [83611]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 10 May 1999]Families may make up for wages lost due to unpaid parental leave in a variety of ways independent of whether they are in receipt of the working families tax credit. Consequently it would not be possible to make the assessment that is envisaged.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the total annual expenditure on legal aid in each of the last five years and the annual real terms change; what is the expected total annual expenditure on legal aid in each of the next three years and the expected real terms change; and if he will make a statement. [84750]

  Mr. Vaz
  Net expenditure on legal aid in each of the last five years was as follows:

  £ million

  1994–95

  1,299

  1995–96

  1,391

  1996–97

  1,476

  1997–98

  1,526

  1998–991

  1,600

  1 Estimated

  The annual upward percentage change, in real terms, was as follows:

  Per cent.

  1994–95

  5.5

  1995–96

  4.5

  1996–97

  3.5

  1997–98

  0.7

  1998–991

  3.3

  1Estimated

  61
  Over the next three years the Government expect to spend on average £1,600 million each year. That is £248 million more than the previous Government planned.

  The measures contained in the Access to Justice Bill will ensure that available funds are targeted on priority cases. Conditional fees will increase access to justice for everyone. This will release legal aid moneys which otherwise would be expended on cases that will now go forward under conditional fee agreements, to support cases of greater priority, for example, cases which should in the public interest be supported.
  62

  Community Legal Service
  Jacqui Smith
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the consultation paper setting out the proposals for the community legal service will be published.[85442]

  Mr. Vaz
  Copies of the Consultation Paper will be placed later today—Monday 24 May—in the Libraries of both Houses. It will also be available on the Lord Chancellor's Department website at www.open.gov.uk/lcd.

  Prospective State Visits
  Prospective State Visits
  Community Legal Service: Consultation
  Community Legal Service: Consultation
  Queen's Proctor
  Queen's Proctor
  Breast Cancer: Actions for Damages
  Breast Cancer: Actions for Damages
  Parliamentary Commissioner Appointment Procedures
  Parliamentary Commissioner Appointment Procedures
  Aircraft Carriers Replacements: Shipyard Capacity
  Aircraft Carriers Replacements: Shipyard Capacity
  Optical Products: Pricing
  Optical Products: Pricing
  Intolerance and the Left Wing
  Intolerance and the Left Wing
  Joint Committee on Human Rights
  Joint Committee on Human Rights
  Minicab Law: Enforcement
  Minicab Law: Enforcement
  General Pinocheit
  General Pinocheit
  Mitochondrial Disease: Human Embryo Research
  Mitochondrial Disease: Human Embryo Research