Written Answers of 2 November 1999

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  In-vehicle Technology
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research and developments have been made on in-vehicle technology to prevent law breaking. [94508]

  Mr. Hill
  There is a considerable quantity of research being undertaken both in Industry and Government to investigate the benefits that can be obtained from developments in in-vehicle technology to prevent law breaking. Advances in electronics and telematics promise to make measures for vehicle control (e.g. separation distance), identification and location both feasible and cost effective. One particular project sponsored by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is looking into a system of Intelligent Speed Adaptation which would be able to control the speed of vehicles automatically to prevent them exceeding speed limits.

  Sellafield MOX Plant
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when he will be in a position to decide on the future of the Sellafield MOX plant; [95918]

  (2) if he will publish the outcome of the latest consultation on the Sellafield MOX plant. [95919]

  Mr. Mullin
  The consultation on the economic case for the Sellafield MOX plant ended on 23 July 1999. An announcement of the Ministers' decisions will be made following careful consideration of all the responses.

  Rail Safety
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reports he has received on signals passed at danger since taking office; when they were received; and what action followed from them. [95935]

  Mr. Prescott
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: Since taking office I have received a great deal of information on signals passed at danger. This information led me to approve the regulations recommended by the Health and Safety Commission to require the fitting of train protection systems.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how the remit of the new railway safety body proposed to replace Railtrack's Safety remit will differ from Railtrack's safety remit; [95936]
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  (2) what plans he has to re-employ Railtrack safety regulatory staff at the new railway safety body. [95934]

  Mr. Prescott
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: We have not proposed a new railway safety body. We are considering all options for how the work of Railtrack's safety and standards directorate might best be carried out.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he first asked for a report on signals passed at danger. [95937]

  Mr. Prescott
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: Immediately after the last election I asked for advice on all aspects of rail safety. This was received in June 1997 and included information on measures to stop signals being passed at danger. After discussions with the Health and Safety Commission I made it clear that they should bring forward any formal proposals on (inter alia) automatic train protection that they considered necessary. I signed the resulting regulations in July. In September the HSE announced the result of their audit of the increase in signals passed at danger and 22 specific actions that they required the industry to progress.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he was first informed that the number of red railway signals passed at danger was increasing. [95938]

  Mr. Prescott
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: On 9 August the Chief Inspector of Railways informed Ministers of the provisional rail safety statistics for 1998–99, which included the 8 per cent. rise in signals passed at danger. HSE published the statistics on 12 August.

  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy to require maximum capacity limits to be set for passenger train coaches on safety grounds. [96104]

  Mr. Hill
  Research after the Cannon Street accident in 1991 and more recent research by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirms that train overcrowding is not primarily a safety issue but one of passenger discomfort. There is no evidence to suggest that train overcrowding is in itself dangerous, or actually causes accidents. HSE is determined to ensure that, safety is not compromised, as part of improving the railways for passengers. HSE gives high priority to minimising safety concerns in the design of trains arising from congestion at stations.

  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on which dates signals passed at danger statistics were received by Ministers since September 1998; and what response was given to each notification. [95985]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 27 October 1999]: Responsibility for providing railway safety statistics (including SPADs) rests with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

  The Chief Inspector of Railways at the HSE informed Ministers of the annual statistics for 1997–98 (which showed a fall in SPADs) on 7 December 1998. A departmental press notice was published on 9 December 1998 which stressed the need for the railway industry to

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  improve the safety culture operating in the industry and looked to HSE to use their enforcement powers against companies which skimped on their safety obligations.

  On 9 August 1999 the Chief Inspector of Railways informed Ministers of the provisional rail safety statistics for 1998–99, which included an 8 per cent. rise in SPADs. The HSE statistics were published on 12 August. On 30 July the Deputy Prime Minister had signed regulations requiring the fitting of the train protection and warning system to cut the incidence of SPADs. The regulations were laid in the House on 10 August.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reports he has received of safety issues concerning the 20.42 Connex train to Dartford via Greenwich on 21 October; and if he will make a statement. [96852]

  Mr. Hill
  The HSE is aware of the incident on 21 October where the driver of the 20.42 Connex train from Charing Cross to Dartford accepted the route set by the signaller which directed his train onto the line through New Cross instead of going to Greenwich. All the signals were clear and there was therefore no risk to passengers' safety. Implications for the competencies of safety critical staff are being examined.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what reports he has received that the lunar lights on the North Kent line at Charlton are obscured by foliage; and if he will make a statement; [96854]

  (2) what reports he has received regarding recent incidents where Connex trains from Dartford to Cannon Street have taken the wrong route; and if he will make a statement. [96853]

  Mr. Hill
  Although no report has been made to HSE, I understand that on 7 October a Connex train took the wrong route at Charlton because the white route indication lights on the signal were reportedly obscured by foliage. On passing the junction, the driver realised the route had been wrongly set, and under instruction from the signaller, set the train back behind the signal to allow the route to be reset correctly. HSE will now take this matter up with the train operating company.

  National Air Traffic Services
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what arrangements he proposes to put in place in relation to his proposals for National Air Traffic Services to ensure that staff will be able to speak freely about issues relating to safety. [96187]

  Mr. Mullin
  Staff of National Air Traffic Services Ltd. (NATS) are already given protection under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. Pursuant to the Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) Order (SI 1999–1549) the CAA is prescribed as a body to which a worker may make a protected disclosure in respect of aviation safety. The CAA has nominated its Secretary and Legal Adviser to be its point of contact. He will protect the complainer's anonymity, while ensuring that the complaint is passed to the relevant regulator. A trade union official who raised safety issues as part of his duties would also enjoy additional protection through the Employment Rights Act 1996.
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  Two other avenues will continue to be available to NATS staff post partnership who may wish to make a disclosure in respect to aviation safety. First, the Mandatory Occurrence Reporting (MOR) scheme, where an individual is required to report any occurrence which has, or if not corrected would have, endangered an aircraft, its occupants or any other person. The scheme includes an option for the reportee to submit an MOR direct to the safety regulatory authority, without involving local line management. Second is the UK Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme (CHIRP), which is an independent confidential reporting programme for people employed in the aviation industry to report safety-related incidents and events. In this scheme, the reportees' identities are kept confidential, personal details are not retained and are returned to the reportee.

  I have also held a meeting with the NATS unions and the Safety Regulator to discuss safety matters and further meetings are planned with interested parties on this important subject and on other issues related to the PPP.

  Habitats Directive
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase the number of special areas of conservation designated under the Habitats Directive; and if he will make a statement. [96106]

  Mr. Mullin
  None at this time. The UK is currently participating with eight other countries in Atlantic biogeographic region moderation meetings to consider the lists of sites put forward. Following this moderation process the Commission will indicate to member states where modifications to lists are required.

  National Walking Strategy
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to implement the National Walking Strategy. [96194]

  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to implement the National Walking Strategy; and if he will make a statement. [96555]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government are keen to make it safer and easier for people who choose to walk. A strategy will be published in due course.

  "Rights of Way"
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the recommendations contained in the Royal National Institute for the Blind's report, "Rights of Way". [96201]

  Mr. Hill
  This Report provides a useful overview of the transport needs of visually impaired people. My Department has been working with blind and partially sighted people over many years to improve their independent mobility. It is clear that we are already tackling many of the issues which the Report highlights.
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  For example, the regulations we are introducing under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 requiring access for disabled people to buses, trains and taxis, will include features to meet the needs of visually impaired people. The regulations covering access to trains were introduced from the beginning of this year and in the last few days we concluded the consultation on the draft accessibility regulations for buses and coaches.

  We will continue to work with visually impaired people and their organisations to ensure that these improvements, together with greater emphasis on driver training and information, enable blind and partially sighted people to travel with confidence.

  Concessionary Fares
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to extend the proposed National Minimum Concessionary Fares Scheme for pensioners to blind and partially sighted people. [96199]

  Mr. Hill
  We have no plans at present to extend the scope of the proposed national minimum standard scheme for people of pensionable age. Local authorities already have powers to provide concessionary travel for people who are blind and partially sighted and many do so. The decision on whether to allow concessionary travel for that group of people will remain a matter for individual local authorities.

  Railtrack (Safety)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what(a) evidence he assessed and (b) advice he received which underlay his statement that he was minded to relieve Railtrack of its Safety and Standards Directorate. [95939]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 27 October 1999]: The report from the Health & Safety Commission reviewing SSD, dated 30 September 1999, a copy of which is now in the House Library. Unanimous advice was received from the Transport Select Committee.

  Flight Safety
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what central records are kept by (i) his Department and (ii) the CAA of(a) Air Accident Investigation Bureau recommendations and (b) the resultant actions; and if he will make a statement; [96322]

  (2) who is responsible for ensuring that the follow-up action recommended in the CAA flight safety report CAA Occurrence Number 98/04954, (Operator Brintel, AAIB report Bulletin 5/99, CAA factor number F18/99), is implemented. [96321]

  Mr. Mullin
  Under the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations any undertaking or authority to which a safety recommendation is addressed is required to take the recommendation into consideration without delay and, where appropriate, act upon it. They are also required to provide the Secretary of State with full details of how they intend to implement the recommendation or a full explanation of why they do not intend to implement it. The recommendations referred 78
  to were addressed to the US Federal Aviation Administration as the State of Design for the aircraft type in question and we await their response.

  Both the Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Accident Investigation Branch keep a record of all recommendations. The AAIB also keeps details of all responses to safety recommendations. In addition, the CAA publishes an annual progress report on recommendations addressed to both the CAA and the Department. It has now been agreed that this progress report will be expanded to include action on all AAIB recommendations.

  London Underground
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the public-private partnership for London Underground to be signed for each of the separate groupings of underground lines; and if he will make a statement. [96315]

  Mr. Hill
  The PPP contracts for London Underground will be signed when they are ready. We have learned the lessons of rail privatisation and will not impose a politically driven timetable at the expense of ensuring that the resulting deal is right.

  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what immediate action is planned to combat congestion on London Underground trains and in station corridors. [96686]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: This is an operational matter for London Underground. However, London Underground carefully considers customer safety and discomfort from overcrowding in its assessment of investment priorities. Much investment and management effort is focused on reducing delays and improving reliability of the service, which helps reduce congestion both on trains and through stations and provides a safer, more comfortable environment. Examples of investment projects that will combat congestion are: the Jubilee Line Extension; increasing services on the Central and Northern lines; projects at Knightsbridge, Leicester Square, Brixton and Russell Square. In addition, London Underground is focusing on reducing station congestion through better signing and passenger flow management at the busiest stations.

  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions who is responsible for enforcing London Underground safety rules to combat congestion in trains and corridors. [96688]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: Responsibility for managing congestion on London Underground rests with London Underground Ltd. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Railways is informed of any breakdown of congestion management, investigates incidents of serious congestion and monitors general performance in this area.

  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what safety rules are in operation to prevent overcrowding of(a) trains on the London Underground and (b) London Underground station corridors. [96687]
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  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: This is an operational matter for London Underground. However, I understand that as part of London Underground's safety management system, comprehensive crowd control plans and measures to implement them are regularly used by London Underground staff when the level of passengers using the system exceeds the system's capacity to deal with them. These safety risk controls are exercised by line controllers and station supervisors. They work in co-operation with each other to ensure that levels of crowding do not exceed safe levels. Staff involved in the implementation of these controls are fully trained. Safety plans are updated annually and regular emergency exercises are held to test the effectiveness of the arrangements.

  National Forest
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) by how much the area covered by the National Forest has expanded since 1 May 1997; [96559]

  (2) what area was covered by the National Forest on 30 September. [96560]

  Mr. Mullin
  There has been no change to the designated area of the National Forest since it was established in 1995; 777 hectares of trees have been planted since 1 May 1997. As at 30 September total tree cover in the National Forest amounted to some 5,128 hectares.

  Supermarket Developments
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many refusals to grant planning consent for large out of town supermarkets during the past 18 months which were the subject of an appeal have had the refusal upheld. [96314]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The provision of information on planning appeals is the responsibility of the Planning Inspectorate. I have asked the Inspectorate's Chief Executive, Mr. Chris Shepley, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from C. J. Shepley to Mr. John Greenway, dated 2 November 1999:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Question about planning appeals for out of town supermarkets where the local planning authority's refusal was upheld over the past 18 months.
  In the 18 months to 1 October, one local authority refusal was upheld.

  Bus Services (Millennium)
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what representations he has received about the availability of bus services over the Millennium period; [96539]

  (2) what discussions he has had with transport providers about the availability of bus services over the Millennium period. [96540]

  Mr. Hill
  I have received very few representations about the availability of bus services. My officials are in touch with the Confederation of Passenger Transport about provision of services, and I understand that their members will be announcing their intended levels of 80
  Millennium services outside London in the middle of November. It would be for local authorities to decide whether they wish to supplement commercial provision of services with subsidised services.

  The provision of bus services in London is the responsibility of London Transport Buses (LTB). I understand that LTB have formulated a strategy for the Millennium period, which they are discussing with bus operators. It is proposed that on both New Millennium Eve and New Millennium day bus services will broadly operate to Sunday service pattern across London.

  PPG17
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish a revised PPG17 on Sports and Recreation. [96878]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I hope to publish a consultation draft before the end of the year.

  Greater Manchester Unitary Development Plans
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what date each local authority in Greater Manchester completed its unitary development plans; and when he finally confirmed each plan. [96874]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Local planning authorities are responsible for the preparation and adoption of unitary development plans. In Greater Manchester the local planning authorities adopted their unitary development plans on the dates listed in the table:

  Local authority

  Date of adoption

  Bolton

  December 1995

  Bury

  August 1997

  Manchester

  July 1995

  Oldham

  April 1996

  Rochdale

  March 1999

  Salford

  November 1995

  Stockport

  June 1997

  Tameside

  September 1996

  Trafford

  May 1996

  Wigan

  January 1996

  Negative Housing Subsidy
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate his Department has made of the annual financial impact on West Oxfordshire District Council of his changes to the negative housing subsidy regime. [96619]

  Mr. Mullin
  My Department will be consulting later this Autumn on the detail of the proposals for changes in the Housing Revenue Account subsidy regime. Consideration of the outcome of that exercise will be required before any decisions are taken. It is too early to say what the financial impact of any changes will be. The financial implications for any authority will depend upon both the results of the consultation exercise and conditions pertaining nearer the time that any changes are made.

  Campaign for a Northern Assembly
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what public funding the Campaign for a Northern Assembly has received. [96618]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Campaign for a Northern Assembly has received no public funding.

  Regional Government
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many representations he has received, broken down by region, supporting the introduction of elected regional Government in England. [96008]

  Ms Armstrong
  [holding answer 29 October 1999]: Ministers receive representations in a wide variety of ways——including questions in Parliament, at conferences and during visits and meetings, as well as in writing——and no comprehensive record is kept of all these.

  Departmental Accounts
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what methods of depreciation his Department will apply in the current financial year to fixed assets in the preparation of departmental resource accounting balance sheets. [97047]

  Ms Armstrong
  The Department will apply, in the current financial year, the same method of depreciation as that applied in the 1998–99 financial year dry run resource accounts which is the straight line method. The method applied is commonly used in the private sector.

  Greater London Authority
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish detailed proposals for early voting at Greater London Authority elections. [96690]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: The Government Office for London wrote to the London Boroughs and the Common Council in August seeking initial comments on outline proposals for a system of early voting at the GLA elections. I have placed a copy of the letter in the House Library. We are considering the responses received, and I hope to write with further detailed proposals shortly.

  Thamesmead Town Ltd.
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what requests he has received from Thamesmead Town Ltd. for its rented housing stock to be transferred to a registered social landlord or landlords; and if he will make a statement. [96856]

  Mr. Mullin
  I understand that Thamesmead Town have now applied to the Housing Corporation for registration of the housing association to be established as part of their restructuring proposals as a Registered Social Landlord. The Secretary of State has no plans to make a statement.
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  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what requests he has received for changes to the structure of Thamesmead Town Ltd.; and if he will make a statement [96855]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Secretary of State has just received a formal request to consent to changes to the structure of Thamesmead Town Ltd. which he will be considering in the coming weeks. He has no plans to make a statement.

  Whale Products
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he intends to take to ensure that the ban on the international trade in whale products is not lifted at the next meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in Nairobi in April 2000; and if he will make a statement. [96335]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Government have been consulted recently on two draft downlisting proposals under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), from Norway and Japan, relating respectively to the Northeast Atlantic and North Atlantic Central Stocks, and to the Southern Hemisphere Stocks of Minke Whale(Balaenoptera acutorostrata). We have replied to both countries making clear our objections and underscoring our opposition to any CITES downlisting proposals which might undermine the moratorium on commercial whaling under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling.

  Prestwick Airport
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the United Kingdom has gained from the agreement made this summer to allow Fedex fifth freedom rights at Prestwick Airport. [97082]

  Mr. Mullin
  The decision to grant fifth freedom rights at Prestwick to US air cargo carriers will deliver a range of economic benefits to the airport and to the region. In granting these rights at a single UK airport we have made it clear to the US government that the granting of similar rights at other UK airports is contingent upon the adoption by the US of policies which would afford UK air cargo carriers new opportunities in the US.

  Cycles
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how he proposes to ensure better provision of general customer information at cycle facilities provided by Railtrack and rail operators; [97075]

  (2) what measures he proposes to ensure that cycles can be carried on trains; [97074]

  (3) what plans he has to ensure that secure and weatherproof cycle lockers are introduced at railway stations. [97073]

  Mr. Hill
  The provision of cycling facilities on trains and at stations is a matter for individual operators. Paragraph 31 of the Instructions and Guidance which we issued to the Franchising Director on 29 September requires him to promote the use of bicycles by seeking
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  the provision of reasonable facilities on board new rolling stock and at stations. A copy is available in the House Library.

  Civil Aviation Agreements
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what representations he has made to the European Commission on his plans to retain UK responsibility for bilateral negotiations with third countries on civil aviation agreements; and if he will make a statement; [97079]

  (2) what increase in the EU responsibility for bilateral negotiations with third countries on civil aviation agreements the Government have agreed since 1 May 1997; [97081]

  (3) if it is the Government's policy to retain responsibility for bilateral negotiations with third countries on civil aviation agreements indefinitely; [97080]

  (4) what representations he has received from the European Commission concerning his Department's present responsibility for bilateral negotiations with third countries on civil aviation agreements; and if he will make a statement. [97078]

  Mr. Mullin
  The European Commission presented a proposal to open aviation negotiations with the US at Community level in 1997, but to date the Transport Council has not agreed to the proposal. The Commission has brought infraction proceedings in the European Court of Justice against the UK, alleging that the ownership and control clause contained in the UK's bilateral aviation agreement with the US (Bermuda II) breaches the EC Treaty. Similar proceedings have been brought against seven other member states. In common with these other member states, the UK is contesting the case.

  The Government believe that the benefits of a Community-wide approach to negotiating air service agreements with third countries need to be considered on a case by case basis and that any decision to grant the Commission a mandate should be justified by reference to the added value of a collective approach.

  To date, the Commission has obtained mandates from the Council for three sets of aviation negotiations with third countries: with Norway and Sweden (which were subsequently subsumed by the agreement establishing the European Economic Area and, in the case of Sweden, its accession to the Community); with Switzerland; and with ten Central and Eastern European countries (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia). Each of these mandates was granted before 1 May 1997. The Commission has recently made a proposal for a Council decision authorising it to open negotiations with Cyprus.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions his Department has held with its US counterparts concerning the future of US/UK civil aviation agreements; who was present at such meetings; what were the agendas and the conclusions of the meetings; and if he will make a statement. [97076]

  Mr. Mullin
  My officials held exploratory talks on 18 and 19 October with a delegation from the US State Department, the Department of Transportation, the US 84
  Embassy and the FAA. The Director of International Aviation Negotiations led the team of DETR and FCO officials. The primary focus of the meeting was the possible liberalisation of air cargo arrangements, although the delegations also renewed their dialogue on the overall liberalisation of the bilateral aviation relationship. In addition, the US delegation raised the subject of direct air links between Pittsburgh and London. The two sides agreed to consider how further progress may be made.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from United Kingdom airlines concerning the future of UK/US civil aviation agreements. [97077]

  Mr. Mullin
  I have received representations from a number of airlines and from other bodies concerning UK/US civil aviation agreements. These representations do not reveal a consensus as to the most appropriate way forward for our bilateral discussions, with the Government being pressed by different parties to adopt mutually inconsistent policies.

  Local Transport Plans
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the bids made by each local authority in their Provisional Local Transport Plan for the years 2000–01 and 2001–02 for projected local transport capital expenditure on(a) maintenance of principal highways, (b) maintenance, assessment and strengthening of bridges, (c) individual schemes costing more than £5 million and (d) individual schemes and groups of related schemes costing less than £5 million. [97087]

  Mr. Hill
  I have placed a copy of the information requested in the House of Commons Library.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each local authority the submissions given in their Provisional Local Transport Plans for 2000–01 with regard to the targets required under the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997. [97088]

  Mr. Hill
  We received 85 provisional Local Transport Plans covering 116 English local traffic authorities and 33 interim transport plans from London Boroughs. Authorities were required to include interim non-statutory road traffic reduction reports in their plans. Local authorities have made these plans publicly available.

  The reports took a variety of positions on the question of whether, and at what level, to set targets for reducing the level of traffic, or its rate of growth, on local roads. A review of the content of these reports has been carried out as part of the work currently in progress for the Government's first report under the Road Traffic Reduction (National Targets) Act 1998 at the end of this year. The results of that review will be made publicly available in due course.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each local authority the proposals for bypasses and other major road schemes made in their provisional local transport plan. [97071]
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  Mr. Hill
  We have received 85 provisional local transport plans covering 116 local highway authorities in England, excluding London. Specific proposals for major road schemes costing more than £5 million with potential start dates within the five year local transport plan period (2000–1 to 2004–5) are as follows:

  Authority

  Scheme

  Bedfordshire

  A507 Ridgmont Bypass and Woburn Link

  Bedford Western Bypass

  Cambridgeshire

  A142 Fordham Bypass

  Essex

  A131 Great Leighs Bypass

  Hertfordshire

  Baldock Bypass

  Norfolk

  Broome and Ellingham Bypass

  Great Yarmouth A47/A149 Link Road

  Suffolk

  Stowmarket B 1115 Relief Road

  South Lowestoft Relief Road and Related Measures

  Derby City

  Derby Spur Extension

  Derbyshire

  Markham Employment Growth Zone

  Leicestershire

  Ashby Bypass Stage 2

  Nottinghamshire

  A617 Mansfield Ashfield Regeneration Route

  A6002/A6007 Coventry Lane Improvement

  Rutland

  Oakham Bypass

  Darlington

  Darlington Cross Town Route Eastern Section

  Stockton-on-Tees

  South Stockton Link

  Cheshire

  A34 Alderley Edge Environmental Bypass

  Cumbria

  Carlisle Northern Development Route

  Liverpool

  Hall Lane Area Improvement

  Salford

  Manchester Salford Inner Relief Route

  Wirral

  Birkenhead Town Link Diversion

  Buckinghamshire

  A4146 Stoke Hammond and Linslade Western Bypass

  East Sussex

  Newhaven Port Access Road

  Bexhill and Hastings Link Roads

  Kent

  East Kent Access (Phases 1 and 2)

  Medway

  A228 Chattenden to Ropers Lane

  Surrey

  A244 Cross Thames Transport Corridor

  Bristol

  A4 Bath Road to Callington Road Link

  Cornwall

  Grampound Bypass

  Devon

  Barnstaple Western Bypass

  Dorset

  Weymouth Transportation and Regeneration Project

  Gloucestershire

  A436 Shipton Solers to Air Balloon Improvement

  Somerset

  Brigdewater Northern Distributor

  Wiltshire

  Western Wiltshire Regeneration Corridor

  Birmingham

  Northfield Regeneration Scheme

  Selly Oak Access Road

  Sandwell

  Cradley Heath Town Centre Strategy (A4100) (A)

  Shropshire

  A53 Hodnet Bypass

  Staffordshire

  Burntwood Bypass

  Biddulph Bypass

  Rugeley Eastern Bypass Stage 2

  Stoke-on-Trent

  Hanley Bentilee Link

  City Centre Link

  Warwickshire

  Barford Bypass

  Worcestershire

  Wyre Piddle Bypass

  Barnsley

  Coalfields Link Road Phases 2 and 3

  Cudworth By Pass

  Doncaster

  A6023 Denaby Main Diversion

  Leeds

  East Leeds Link Road

  Leeds Inner Ring Road

  N. East Lincolnshire

  South Humber Bank Link Road (Stage 2)

  Rotherham

  West Bawtry Road Improvement

  A57(T) Todwick Crossroads to M1 J31

  Sheffield

  Inner Relief Road—Stages 2 and 3

  North Yorkshire

  Scarborough Integrated Transport Scheme

  Quality Contracts
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is Government policy to make quality contracts subject to ministerial consent; and if he will make a statement. [97072]

  Mr. Hill
  Government procurement policy is to award contracts on the basis of best value for money, which is the optimum combination of whole life cost and quality. The vast majority of contracting decisions are taken by DETR officials without reference to Ministers.

  Land Disposal
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his policy is towards disposal of land held by local authorities under the Green Belts (London and Home Counties) Act 1938 and towards the treatment of any proceeds. [97206]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I will approve the disposal of land only where it will continue to fulfil the purposes of including land in Green Belts as set out in Planning Policy Guidance note 2 (PPG2). Any capital receipt arising from a disposal should be treated according to the local government capital finance system.

  Local Authorities (Reorganisation)
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what resources he will make available to authorities that have been reorganised on 1 April 1997 and 1998 for reorganisation costs incurred by them in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [97208]

  Ms Armstrong
  On 16 July I invited authorities that reorganised on 1 April 1997 and 1 April 1998 to submit estimates of the amount of expenditure they expect to incur on transitional costs of reorganisation in 1999–2000. On the basis of the information provided by authorities, I have decided the revised maximum amounts that it would be appropriate to allocate towards such costs in 1999–2000.

  The amounts are as follows:

  Maximum amounts: £000 (rounded)

  Authority

  1999–2000

  1997 Reorganisations

  Luton Borough Council

  200

  Milton Keynes Council

  1 No bid

  Derby City Council

  920

  Bournemouth Borough Council

  1,160

  Poole Borough Council

  1 No bid

  Darlington Borough Council

  1,405

  Brighton & Hove District Council

  1 No bid

  Portsmouth City Council

  1,307

  Southampton City Council

  3,026

  Leicester City Council

  1 No bid

  Rutland Council

  2,100

  Stoke-on-Trent City Council

  1,007

  Swindon Borough Council

  559

  Total

  11,684

  87

  Maximum amounts: £000 (rounded)

  Authority

  1999–2000

  1998 Reorganisations

  Bracknell Forest Council

  1 No bid

  West Berkshire Council

  1,185

  Reading Borough Council

  4,879

  Slough Borough Council

  4,910

  Windsor & Maidenhead Council

  1 No bid

  Wokingham District Council

  2,258

  County of Hertfordshire District Council

  4,545

  Worcestershire County Council

  1,460

  Malvern Hills Council

  1 No bid

  Plymouth City Council

  5,026

  Torbay Borough Council

  4,268

  Southend on Sea Council

  1 No bid

  Thurrock Borough Council

  2,423

  Nottingham City Council

  2,092

  Halton Borough Council

  1,698

  Warrington Borough Council

  1 No bid

  Telford & Wrekin District Council

  780

  Medway Borough Council

  4,643

  Peterborough City Council

  770

  Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

  1,503

  Blackpool Borough Council

  1,150

  Total

  43,590

  Combined total allocations

  55,274

  1 Milton Keynes, Poole, Brighton & Hove, Leicester City, Bracknell Forest, Windsor & Maidenhead, Malvern Hills, Southend on Sea and Warrington did not submit bids for SCA.

DEFENCE

  Equipment (Detection)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what equipment is currently available that would detect from a low-flying aircraft the likely presence of(a) a shallow grave containing human remains, (b) buried arms or munitions and (c) an underground tunnel of less than 15 foot depth; how many such devices and at what cost have been purchased by HM forces; and how these devices have been deployed in the past 12 months. [94627]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]: The MOD has a number of surveillance sensors that can be mounted on low-flying aircraft. These are designated to provide intelligence information on surface features and activities. They would, in some circumstances, be capable of detecting recently disturbed earth but they could not directly detect the likely presence of buried remains, arms of munitions. There is, however, ongoing research both in the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and in the private sector into the development of ground penetrating radar for airborne applications.

  Type 42s
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the expected in-service date is for the Type 42 replacement ships; and if he will make a statement. [94781]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 20 October 1999]: The requirement to replace the Royal Navy's Type 42 Destroyers will now be met by the Type 45 destroyer programme. On current plans, the first of the Type 45 destroyers will enter service in 2007.

  Anti-Air Missile System
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the practicability of the Principal Anti-Air Missile system to surplus Batch 2 Type 22 frigates pending the introduction of the Type 45 destroyer; and if he will make a statement. [96034]

  Mr. Spellar
  No assessment has been conducted into the practicality of integrating the Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS) into Type 22 Batch 2 frigates. The timescale of the PAAMS procurement programme means that it could not be ready for service on a type 22 (or any other vessel) before the Type 45's entry into service.

  Vertical Launcher
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the practicability of incorporating the US Mk 41 vertical launcher in the Type 45 destroyer; and if he will make a statement. [96033]

  Mr. Spellar
  An assessment was made of both the French SYLVER Vertical Launch System (VLS) and the Lockheed Martin Mk41 (Tactical length) VLS for the Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS) requirement. The French SYLVER was competitively selected, in preference to the Lockheed Martin Mk41. While the assessment concluded that both options would meet the PAAMS requirement and technically could be incorporated into the Type 45, the PAAMS package which offered the SYLVER launcher was chosen on the grounds of overall affordability and value for money.

  Forces Personnel (Divorce)
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under what circumstances his Department will pay the legal costs of armed forces personnel in divorce proceedings; and for what ranks. [96431]

  Mr. Spellar
  Divorce is considered to be a personal and private issue between the individuals concerned. It is not considered appropriate, therefore, that such costs should be borne by the public purse. However, Armed Forces personnel serving in Northern Ireland or overseas can obtain free legal advice on procedure from the Army Legal Service. Similarly, their spouses can receive free advice from the RAF Legal Service.

  Missiles (Turkey)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the value of the missiles being loaned to Turkey; and how long the missiles are being loaned for. [96472]

  Mr. Spellar
  The value of the missiles that the MOD plans to loan to Turkey is approximately £1.2 million; the missiles are being loaned for a period of approximately three years.

  Nuclear Weapons (Millennium Compliance)
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with Governments of countries which possess nuclear weapons about management of weapons systems in relation to millennium compliance. [96549]
  89
  Mr. Hoon
  We have been assured by all the other Nuclear Weapon States (US, Russia, France and China) that their nuclear weapons will be unaffected by the Year 2000 problem, and that robust command and control arrangements are in place. We have provided similar assurances in respect of our own nuclear deterrent.

  Atomic Weapons Establishment
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will institute a full public inquiry into the health and safety, environmental and pollution aspects of the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston and Burghfield; [96671]

  (2) what action in the past year he has caused to be taken to reduce the risk of a nuclear accident at Aldermaston. [96670]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the amount of uranium dust in Kosovo from depleted uranium rounds; and what action he proposes to take to manage the risk to public health. [96668]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: Depleted uranium based munitions have not been used by British forces in Kosovo and the Government have not commissioned any assessment of the amount of uranium dust in Kosovo. I am, however, very much aware of the concerns that have been expressed about the use of depleted uranium in ammunition and have commissioned advice from officials within the MOD on how we might improve our knowledge of how depleted uranium in ammunition behaves in the natural environment. I have also asked for a review of any health effects of depleted uranium.

  The joint UN Environment Programme/UN Commission on Human Settlements issued its report "The Kosovo Conflict: Consequences for the Environment" on 5 October 1999. A copy of the report will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Homosexuals
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if legislation would be required in order to lift the ban on homosexuals serving in the armed forces. [96891]

  Mr. Spellar
  No.

  Serviceability Targets
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the percentage serviceability target in 1999 for equipment being required to be available within 12 hours for(a) RAF aircraft, (b) army tanks and (c) other battle vehicles. [95965]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Army do not set serviceability targets for equipment being required to be available within 12 hours. The percentage serviceability target in 1999 for 90
  equipment being required to be available within 24 hours is 90 per cent. for main battle tanks and an average of 80 per cent. across the range of other armoured vehicles.

  The information requested on RAF aircraft is not held centrally but is being collated. I will write to the right hon. and learned Member when it is available and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Establishment Strength
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the establishment strength of(a) Tornado GR1/4, (b) Tornado F3, (c) Harrier, (d) Jaguar, (e) Nimrod, (f) Sentry, (g) Tristar, (h) Puma, (i) Sea King and (j) Chinook; how many were (i) allocated to front-line units, (ii) fully serviceable, (iii) unserviceable 1 line, (iv) unserviceable 2 line, (v) unserviceable 3 line, (vi) unserviceable 4 line and (vii) held in reserve use on 1 October; and what percentage of the establishment strength this represents for each category. [95967]

  Mr. Spellar
  I will write to the right hon. and learned Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the establishment strength of(a) Warrior variants, (b) Challenger 1, (c) Challenger 2, (d) Saxon variants, (e) AVF 430 variants, (f) Sabre, (g) Striker, (h) Scimitar, (i) Spartan, (j) Sultan, (k) Samaritan and (l) Samson; how many were (i) allocated to front-line units, (ii) fully operational, (iii) unserviceable-fully operational in 24 hours, (iv) unserviceable-fully operational in seven days and (v) unserviceable-fully operational in more than seven days on 1 October; and what percentage of the establishment strength this represents for each category. [95966]

  Mr. Spellar
  Information on the availability state of armoured vehicles in the form requested, specifically the numbers of vehicles held by frontline units together with the numbers that are operational, is classified. I am therefore withholding this information under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information (Defence, Security and International Relations). Information on availability of armoured vehicles allocated to frontline Army units by percentage of establishment strength is however, unclassified. The following table shows availability in this form on 30 September 1999, the most recent date for which figures are available.

  Vehicle type

  Percentage of establishment fully operational

  Percentage of establishment fully operational in 24 hours

  Warrior variants

  64

  70

  Challenger 1 Main Battle Tank

  39

  46

  Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank

  65

  70

  Saxon variants

  61

  69

  Fighting Vehicle 430 variants

  62

  73

  Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) Sabre

  80

  83

  Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) Striker

  55

  60

  Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) Scimitar

  69

  74

  91

  Vehicle type

  Percentage of establishment fully operational

  Percentage of establishment fully operational in 24 hours

  Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) Spartan

  76

  88

  Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) Sultan

  74

  88

  Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) Samaritan

  68

  73

  Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) Samson

  65

  67

  Notes:

  1. AVF 430 has been taken to include all 430 variants;

  2. All six Warrior variants have been included under the term "Warrior",

  3. All five Saxon variants have been included under the term "Saxon",

  4. Frontline Army units have been taken to mean those of 1(UK) Armoured Division, 3(UK) Division (under Operational Command), and Regular Units of the Reconnaissance Brigade

  We do not collect availability data on the number of vehicles which are either "unserviceable-fully operational in seven days" or "unserviceable-fully operational in more than seven days" and this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  ILO Convention
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact of Article 3 (d) of the new ILO convention on child labour on his Department's employment and deployment practices; and if he will make a statement. [96014]

  Mr. Spellar
  The new ILO Convention 182 explicitly mentions the "forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict" at Article 3(a). Article 3(d) therefore has no application to military service in the UK. The recruitment practices referred to in ILO Convention 182 are an unacceptable form of child labour. The recruitment of genuine volunteers, as for example undertaken in the UK, is entirely different from the abusive, exploitative, forced or coercive involvement of children in armed conflict as members of militia or para-military forces around the world.

  Military Personnel
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of serving military personnel in(a) the Army, (b) the Navy and (c) the RAF are (i) single, (ii) married without children, (iii) married with children, (iv) divorced without children and (v) divorced with children. [95959]

  Naval Service1 outflow by type of outflow and marital status—all ranks 1989–90 to 1999–2000

  PVR2

  Redundancy

  Retirement

  Other

  Total

  1989–90

  Total Outflow

  4,578

  3

  1,143

  2,278

  8,002

  Single3

  57.2%

  —

  7.6%

  79.2%

  56.4%

  Married

  39.7%

  66.7%

  85.5%

  18.8%

  40.3%

  Divorced/Separated4

  3.1%

  33.3%

  6.9%

  2.0%

  3.3%

  92
  Mr. Spellar
  Due to differences in the data held by the services, the answer has been split by office and servicemen/women.

  As at 1 October, the latest date for which figures are available, the percentages are:

  Percentage

  Naval Service

  Army

  RAF

  Officers

  Single

  31.8

  35.1

  24.2

  Married without children

  15.4

  163.4

  273.7

  Married with children

  49.8

  Divorced without children

  0.3

  11.4

  1.2

  Divorced with children

  2.5

  0.9

  Servicemen/Women

  Single

  48.6

  50.9

  34.3

  Married without children

  19.0

  14.5

  261.7

  Married with children

  26.7

  31.7

  Divorced without children

  1.1

  1.3

  2.3

  Divorced with children

  3.9

  1.6

  1.6

  1 The Army do not hold data on dependants of officers

  2 The RAF do not hold data on dependants of married personnel

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the number of military personnel stationed at each base, both in the United Kingdom and abroad, of(a) the Army, (b) the Navy and (c) the RAF; which of these bases have an officer in charge of families; and what recreational, social, medical and educational facilities are available at each base for forces families; [95960]

  (2) if he will list the organisations dedicated to service family welfare and support for (a) the Army, (b) the Navy and (c) the RAF; which of the organisations received MOD funding in each year between and including 1989 and the current financial year, indicating the amounts received; and what proportion of the organisations' budget this represented. [95962]

  Mr. Spellar
  I will write to the right hon. and learned Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number of military personnel leaving(a) the Army, (b) the Navy and (c) the RAF for reasons of (i) premature voluntary release, (ii) redundancy, (iii) retirement and (iv) other, for each year between and including 1989 and the current financial year indicating what percentage of each category were (1) single, (2) married without children, (3) married with children, (4) divorced without children and (5) divorced with children. [95961]

  Mr. Spellar
  The available information is contained in the tables:
  93

  Naval Service1 outflow by type of outflow and marital status—all ranks 1989–90 to 1999–2000

  PVR2

  Redundancy

  Retirement

  Other

  Total

  1990–91

  Total Outflow

  4,855

  6—

  993

  2,227

  8,075

  Single3

  58.2%

  6—

  7.5%

  80.6%

  58.2%

  Married

  38.6%

  6—

  86.5%

  17.7%

  38.7%

  Divorced/Separated4

  3.3%

  6—

  6.0%

  1.6%

  3.1%

  1991–92

  Total Outflow

  3,649

  6—

  948

  2,129

  6,726

  Single3

  64.7%

  6—

  7.7%

  82.2%

  62.2%

  Married

  32.1%

  6—

  83.8%

  16.2%

  34.3%

  Divorced/Separated4

  3.2%

  6—

  8.5%

  1.7%

  3.5%

  1992–93

  Total Outflow

  1,898

  380

  1,110

  1,730

  5,118

  Single3

  64.2%

  11.3%

  8.7%

  78.4%

  53.0%

  Married

  32.3%

  80.5%

  82.6%

  19.8%

  42.6%

  Divorced/Separated4

  3.4%

  8.2%

  8.6%

  1.8%

  4.4%

  1993–94

  Total Outflow

  1,417

  1,253

  1,119

  1,239

  5,028

  Single3

  71.5%

  18.4%

  9.6%

  73.0%

  44.8%

  Married

  25.6%

  72.9%

  82.1%

  23.9%

  49.5%

  Divorced/Separated4

  2.9%

  8.7%

  8.3%

  3.1%

  5.6%

  1994–95

  Total Outflow

  1,192

  2,351

  1,315

  1,202

  6,060

  Single3

  69.5%

  43.3%

  8.5%

  70.0%

  46.2%

  Married

  27.8%

  50.0%

  82.5%

  27.1%

  48.2%

  Divorced/Separated4

  2.7%

  6.7%

  9.0%

  2.8%

  5.6%

  1995–96

  Total Outflow

  1,634

  522

  1,443

  1,229

  4,828

  Single3

  70.9%

  34.9%

  9.6%

  68.3%

  48.0%

  Married

  25.6%

  57.1%

  81.2%

  28.2%

  46.3%

  Divorced/Separated4

  3.5%

  8.0%

  9.1%

  3.6%

  5.7%

  1996–97

  Total Outflow

  2,347

  1,836

  1,444

  1,490

  7,117

  Single3

  75.1%

  41.1%

  9.0%

  73.3%

  52.5%

  Married

  22.8%

  52.6%

  81.3%

  23.3%

  42.5%

  Divorced/Separated4

  2.1%

  6.3%

  9.7%

  3.4%

  5.0%

  1997–98

  Total Outflow

  2,427

  6—

  1,428

  1,415

  5,270

  Single3

  72.2%

  6—

  9.8%

  71.4%

  55.1%

  Married

  25.1%

  6—

  80.9%

  24.5%

  40.1%

  Divorced/Separated4

  2.7%

  6—

  9.3%

  4.0%

  4.8%

  1998–99

  Total Outflow

  2,514

  6—

  1,415

  1,694

  5,623

  Single3

  70.7%

  6—

  9.6%

  73.9%

  56.3%

  Married

  26.5%

  6—

  81.2%

  21.8%

  38.8%

  Divorced/Separated4

  2.8%

  6—

  9.2%

  %4.3

  4.9%

  1999–20005

  Total Outflow

  1,279

  6—

  703

  940

  2,922

  Single3

  68.3%

  6—

  8.8%

  76.4%

  56.6%

  Married

  29.0%

  6—

  78.8%

  19.3%

  37.9%

  Divorced/Separated4

  2.7%

  6—

  12.4%

  4.4%

  5.6%

  1 Data comprises Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

  2 PVR stands for Premature Voluntary Release.

  3 'Single' comprises single and widowed personnel.

  4 It is not possible to separate divorced from separated Naval personnel using the information available.

  5 1999–2000 data are those currently available for this financial year, i.e. 1 April 1999 to 30 September 1999

  6 indicates zero.

  Note:

  Percentages are rounded to one decimal place, so totals may not equal exactly 100 per cent.

  Source:

  DASA (Tri-Service)
  94 95

  Army Outflow by type of outflow and marital status—other ranks 1993–94 to 1999–2000

  PVR1

  Redundancy

  Retirement

  Other

  Total

  1993–94

  Total Outflow

  5,590

  5,131

  3,040

  4,890

  18,651

  Single2

  60.0%

  8.6%

  6.4%

  88.4%

  44.6%

  Married without children

  19.8%

  10.6%

  6.3%

  4.6%

  11.1%

  Married with children

  18.1%

  74.7%

  81.9%

  6.3%

  41.0%

  Divorced without children

  0.8%

  1.9%

  1.0%

  0.3%

  1.0%

  Divorced with children

  1.2%

  4.2%

  4.4%

  0.4%

  2.3%

  1994–95

  Total Outflow

  6,392

  6,171

  2,470

  4,909

  19,942

  Single2

  58.4%

  18.3%

  7.2%

  88.5%

  47.1%

  Married without children

  18.5%

  16.8%

  6.5%

  4.2%

  12.9%

  Married with children

  20.6%

  59.6%

  81.1%

  6.6%

  36.7%

  Divorced without children

  1.2%

  1.8%

  1.0%

  0.4%

  1.1%

  Divorced with children

  1.3%

  3.5%

  4.3%

  0.4%

  2.1%

  1995–96

  Total Outflow

  6,528

  103

  2,229

  5,294

  14,154

  Single2

  57.2%

  34.0%

  13.6%

  86.5%

  61.1%

  Married without children

  19.1%

  14.6%

  8.8%

  5.2%

  12.2%

  Married with children

  21.3%

  48.5%

  71.8%

  7.7%

  24.3%

  Divorced without children

  1.0%

  1.0%

  1.6%

  0.3%

  0.8%

  Divorced with children

  1.4%

  1.9%

  4.2%

  0.4%

  1.5%

  1996–97

  Total Outflow

  5,857

  112

  1,769

  6,521

  14,259

  Single2

  55.1%

  16.1%

  17.1%

  86.7%

  64.5%

  Married without children

  19.7%

  26.8%

  8.5%

  5.0%

  11.6%

  Married with children

  22.2%

  50.9%

  68.6%

  7.4%

  21.4%

  Divorced without children

  1.7%

  5.4%

  2.4%

  0.4%

  1.2%

  Divorced with children

  1.3%

  0.9%

  3.3%

  0.5%

  1.2%

  1997–98

  Total Outflow

  5,767

  4—

  1,571

  6,010

  13,348

  Single2

  51.2%

  4—

  11.0%

  85.7%

  62.0%

  Married without children

  20.0%

  4—

  8.9%

  5.1%

  12.0%

  Married with children

  25.4%

  4—

  74.1%

  8.4%

  23.5%

  Divorced without children

  1.7%

  4—

  2.2%

  0.5%

  1.2%

  Divorced with children

  1.7%

  4—

  3.8%

  0.4%

  1.4%

  1998–99

  Total Outflow

  5,965

  1

  1,720

  7,976

  15,662

  Single2

  50.2%

  4—

  13.6%

  90.0%

  66.5%

  Married without children

  20.1%

  100.0%

  9.9%

  3.4%

  10.5%

  Married with children

  26.4%

  4—

  68.7%

  5.9%

  20.6%

  Divorced without children

  1.4%

  4—

  3.1%

  0.4%

  1.1%

  Divorced with children

  1.8%

  4—

  4.7%

  0.4%

  1.4%

  1999–20003

  Total Outflow

  2,581

  4—

  879

  3,719

  7,179

  Single2

  52.2%

  4—

  8.5%

  90.3%

  66.6%

  Married without children

  19.2%

  4—

  9.4%

  3.6%

  9.9%

  Married with children

  24.8%

  4—

  75.0%

  5.3%

  20.8%

  Divorced without children

  1.8%

  4—

  2.0%

  0.4%

  1.1%

  Divorced with children

  2.1%

  4—

  5.0%

  0.3%

  1.5%

  1 PVR stands for Premature Voluntary Release.

  2 'Single' comprises single and widowed personnel.

  3 1999–2000 data are those currently available for this financial year, i.e. 1 April 1999 to 30 September 1999.

  4 'Indicates zero.

  Note:

  Percentages are rounded to one decimal place, so totals may not equal exactly 100 per cent.

  Source:

  DASA (Tri-Service)

  Royal Air Force outflow by type of outflow and marital status—other ranks 1993–94 to 1999–2000

  PVR1

  Redundancy

  Retirement2

  Other

  Total

  1993–94

  Total Outflow

  1,285

  908

  2,161

  513

  4,867

  Single3

  33.8%

  5.0%

  21.2%

  59.6%

  25.5%

  Married4

  63.3%

  89.6%

  74.6%

  38.6%

  70.6%

  Divorced5 without children

  2.0%

  2.6%

  2.1%

  1.8%

  2.2%

  Divorced5 with children

  0.9%

  2.8%

  2.1%

  7—

  1.7%

  96 97

  Royal Air Force outflows by type of outflow and marital status—other ranks 1993–94 to 1999–2000

  PVR1

  Redundancy

  Retirement2

  Other

  Total

  1994–95

  Total Outflow

  1,443

  1,416

  1,620

  522

  5,001

  Single3

  35.0%

  7.3%

  22.2%

  56.5%

  25.3%

  Married4

  60.7%

  87.2%

  74.0%

  40.4%

  70.4%

  Divorced5 without children

  3.0%

  2.5%

  2.0%

  1.3%

  2.4%

  Divorced5 with children

  1.2%

  3.0%

  1.9%

  1.7%

  2.0%

  1995–96

  Total Outflow

  1,856

  2,380

  2,352

  694

  7,282

  Single3

  35.9%

  17.9%

  25.0%

  62.4%

  29.0%

  Married4

  61.3%

  75.9%

  70.4%

  34.1%

  66.4%

  Divorced5 without children

  1.9%

  3.4%

  3.2%

  2.0%

  2.9%

  Divorced with children

  0.9%

  2.8%

  1.4%

  1.4%

  1.7%

  1996–97

  Total Outflow

  1,565

  4,625

  2,260

  694

  9,144

  Single3

  35.7%

  14.5%

  26.9%

  63.7%

  24.9%

  Married4

  60.0%

  79.6%

  68.2%

  34.0%

  70.0%

  Divorced5 without children

  2.5%

  3.3%

  2.7%

  1.6%

  2.9%

  Divorced5 with children

  1.9%

  2.6%

  2.1%

  0.7%

  2.2%

  1997–98

  Total Outflow

  1,617

  4

  1,630

  728

  3,979

  Single3

  37.3%

  25.0%

  23.7%

  64.1%

  36.6%

  Married4

  59.0%

  50.0%

  71.0%

  33.5%

  59.3%

  Divorced5 without children

  2.7%

  25.0%

  3.3%

  0.4%

  2.5%

  Divorced5 with children

  1.1%

  7—

  2.0%

  1.9%

  1.6%

  1998–99

  Total Outflow

  1,829

  7—

  1,594

  807

  4,230

  Single3

  34.3%

  7—

  23.0%

  75.6%

  37.9%

  Married4

  61.5%

  7—

  71.4%

  22.6%

  57.8%

  Divorced5 without children

  2.8%

  7—

  3.2%

  0.7%

  2.6%

  Divorced5 with children

  1.4%

  7—

  2.4%

  1.1%

  1.7%

  1999–2000

  Total Outflow

  1,017

  7—

  670

  410

  2,097

  Single3

  32.7%

  7

  19.0%

  75.9%

  36.8%

  Married4

  62.6%

  7—

  75.5%

  23.2%

  59.0%

  Divorced5 without children

  2.6%

  7—

  2.7%

  0.7%

  2.2%

  Divorced5 with children

  2.1%

  7—

  2.8%

  0.2%

  2.0%

  1 PVR stands for Premature Voluntary Release.

  2 Retirement comprises all service personnel reaching the end of their engagement (i.e. Those at age 55 or 47, or those completing 22, 15, 12 and 9 year engagements).

  3 'Single' comprises single and widowed personnel.

  4 'Married' comprises married, legally separated, divorce nisi and estranged/mutually separated.

  5 'Divorced' comprises divorce absolute. 'Divorced with children' only includes those who are supporting children; there may be personnel with children who have either finished full time education or who are over 18 included in 'Divorced without children'.

  6 1999–2000 data are those currently available for this financial year, i.e. 1 April 1999 to 30 September 1999.

  7 Indicates zero.

  Note:

  Percentages are rounded to one decimal place, so totals may not equal exactly 100 per cent.

  Source:

  DASA (Tri-Service)

  Depleted Uranium
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies or tests are currently being undertaken by or on behalf of the MOD into non-radioactive or contaminating substitutes for depleted uranium weapons and armour; and if he will make a statement. [95964]

  Mr. Spellar
  MOD has for many years conducted research into a range of weapon and armour materials and designs. Depleted uranium provides a significant margin of operational effectiveness over other materials when employed in certain weapon systems. Research continues 98
  to include the search for potential alternatives to depleted uranium and to identify and characterise their performance and environmental impact.

  Army
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to improve retention in the Army; and if he will make a statement. [97207]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Government inherited a shortfall in Army manpower, and recognise that improved retention is key to realising the goal to full manning. In line with
  99
  the targets set in the SDR, they are committed to achieving that improvement and a number of initiatives are underway.

  In recognition of the increasingly expeditionary nature of our tasks the operational welfare package has been improved and the Service Families Task Force is addressing a variety of issues which create domestic difficulties for our personnel. The Army's Human Resources Strategy includes a six-month review of the effectiveness of present Army retention policies. This work, which is being conducted by external consultants will listen to a wide range of opinions and make recommendations for improvements in the Army's personnel management policies.

  We are also keeping operational commitments under close review. Our determination to ease the burden on the Army is demonstrated by the significant reduction in force levels in Bosnia announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 26 October 1999, Official Report, column 768.

  In addition we have considered whether the minimum commitment for soldiers of only three years provides the best return for the Army and the best opportunities for the individual. We have concluded that it should be raised to four years. This will make a significant contribution to the Army's ability to fulfil its obligations and liabilities as set out in the SDR manning target. It will also allow more time for the individual to benefit from the excellent training and development opportunities in the Army, including the acquisition of new skills and recognised civilian and professional qualifications.

  Iraq (No-fly Zones)
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total cost to his Department of maintaining and prosecuting the defence of the northern and southern no-fly zones in Iraq each year since 1992, including projected figures for 1999; and if he will make a statement. [95970]

  Mr. Hoon
  Our records do not separately identify expenditure incurred in maintaining the no-fly zones. However, the table sets out the overall additional expenditure incurred by my Department as a direct result of operations in the Gulf from 1992–93 onwards.

  £ million

  1992–93

  551

  1993–94

  179

  1994–95

  58

  1995–96

  14

  1996–97

  6

  1997–98

  16

  1998–99

  35

  1999–2000 (estimate)

  28

  Coalition patrols of the no-fly zones remain an essential humanitarian task in support of UN Security Council Resolution 688 as they prevent Saddam Hussein from using his airforce against the Iraqi people in the north and south. Since the end of Operation Desert Fox last December, Saddam has waged a systematic campaign against coalition aircraft carrying out these patrols. Some
  100
  215 Iraqi aircraft have violated the No-fly Zones, and there have been over 500 other direct threats against our aircrew, including missile attacks and heavy anti-aircraft fire. Coalition responses are limited strictly to proportionate action in self-defence against Iraqi weapons and facilities, which pose a direct threat to our forces.

  Tomahawk Missiles
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the(a) planned order and (b) date of completion for each adaptation of Astute and Trafalgar class submarines to fire Tomahawk missiles; and if he will make a statement. [95968]

  Mr. Hoon
  The adaptation of HMS Triumph to fire Tomahawk missiles was completed earlier this year. Work on HMS Trafalgar is in hand. It is currently planned that the adaptation of the remaining Trafalgar Class submarines will be completed by about 2006.

  HMS Astute and all subsequent submarines in this class are planned to be built Tomahawk-capable. The first three boats of the Astute Class are due to enter service between 2005 and 2008.

  The precise order and date of adaptation of Trafalgar Class submarines would assist in deducing the availability of TLAM-capable boats for operational deployment, given the limited number of submarines involved. I am therefore withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 1 (Defence, Security and International Relations) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the United Kingdom total requirement for Block III Tomahawk missiles; how many have been(a) delivered and (b) used; and when he expects the Royal Navy to have the full complement of missiles required. [95969]

  Mr. Hoon
  The UK originally contracted to buy 65 Tomahawk missiles. Knowledge of the delivery schedule and the number used would assist a potential adversary to assess our stock level and operational capability. I am therefore withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 1 (Defence, Security and International Relations) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 27 July 1999,Official Report, columns 199-200, when the contract was signed with the United States Department of Defense for the replenishment on RN Tomahawk missiles; what are the delivery terms of the contract; how many replacement missiles will be purchased; at what cost to his Department; and if he will make a statement. [95974]

  Mr. Hoon
  A contract for 20 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles was signed on 1 August 1999. The cost will be met from the Reserve. Knowledge of the delivery schedule would assist a potential adversary to assess our stock level and operational capability. I am therefore withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 1 (Defence, Security and International Relations) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

HEALTH

  Thermal Insulation Standards
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the recommended thermal insulation standard for pipework and ducting in his Department's PFI programmes; and in what proportion of contracts this standard is met. [94887]

  Mr. Denham
  National Health Service Estates "Model Engineering Specification CO2: Thermal Insulation" specifies recommended insulation standards. The guidance is not mandatory and it is for NHS trusts to determine what is required for each scheme.

  The Department does not hold information on what proportion of contracts meet this standard.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department will reply to the letters of the hon. Member for Ashford of 22 April, 26 May, 12 July and 2 September concerning the case of Dr. A. Singh. [96107]

  Mr. Denham
  I regret that due to an administrative error, the hon. Member's letter of 22 April was misfiled. I replied today.

  Uniform Business Rate
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the aggregate increase in uniform business rates payable by all NHS trusts and health authorities in England and Wales from 1 April 2000 as a result of the 2000 rating revaluation. [96256]

  Mr. Denham
  The draft rating list will be published in December. The cost of unified business rates for the National Health Service in England will be dependent on the rate poundage and the extent of transitional relief. Decisions on these will be taken in January.

  Disclosure of any provisional assessment of the impact of the rating revaluation is considered to be commercially sensitive and so premature disclosure would be inappropriate.

  Information relating to Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend, the First Secretary to the National Assembly for Wales.

  Elderly Patients
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which general medical practice has the highest proportion of patients aged 85 years and over. [96325]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  At 1 October 1998, in England as a whole, 7.3 per cent. of patients were aged 75 and over. A total of 34 practices had more than 20 per cent. of patients aged 75 and over. The distribution of these practices by health authority is shown in the table.
  102

  Practices in England with more than 20 per cent. of patients aged 75 and over, by Health authority, 1 October 1998

  Region

  Health authority

  Number of Practices

  Anglian and North Thames

  North West Anglia

  1

  Hillingdon

  1

  North Essex

  4

  South Thames

  Bromley

  1

  East Kent

  3

  East Sussex

  7

  Brighton and West Sussex

  4

  South and West

  Dorset

  6

  North and East Devon

  2

  Somerset

  2

  South and West Devon

  1

  North West

  Morecambe Bay

  South Cheshire

  1

  Source:

  Department of Health General Medical Services Statistics

  Elderly (Long-term Care)
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision the Government are making for residential and nursing care for the elderly in each of the next three years. [96754]

  Mr. Hutton
  We do not set a specific amount aside for residential and nursing care for the elderly. This is for health authorities and local authorities to decide upon, from within their overall budgets. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the total amount available to the National Health Service and to local authorities for 1999–2000 to 2001–02 in July 1998 when he published the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review. Copies are available in the Library.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to allow local authority social services to relocate elderly people in care without consulting next of kin; and if he will make a statement. [96751]

  Mr. Hutton
  None.

  When relocation is being considered, we expect local authorities to consult with and take into account the views of the older people concerned, as well as their relatives or carers.

  NHS Direct
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about the possibility of advertising NHS Direct on radio; and if he will make a statement. [96535]

  Ms Stuart
  We have recently received a letter from the Radio Advertising Bureau about NHS Direct advertising on radio.

  It is important that the public has clear information about all NHS services. Radio advertising has been used in the past to widen public access to NHS Direct in particular.

  Officials are talking to the Radio Authority to ensure radio advertising remains an option for providing information about NHS Direct in the future.

  NHS Pay Review Body
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to include(a) professional health groups and (b) pharmacists, radiographers and medical laboratory scientists on the NHS Pay Review Body. [96275]

  Mr. Denham
  On 15 February 1999, the Health Departments published proposals for modernising the National Health Service pay system in "Agenda for Change." This included the possibility of moving some highly qualified health professionals into the remit of the Nurses, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine Review Body (NPRB).

  Initial discussions with NHS trade unions on pay modernisation were completed successfully on 5 October and resulted in a Joint Framework of Principles and Agreed Statement on the Way Forward which was published on 8 October, copies of which are available in the Library. Paragraph 7.2 of the Joint Framework identifies, as a starting point for more detailed discussions with trade unions, the qualifying criteria for groups of staff to come within the scope of the NPRB.

  The criteria are
  "Professions with a minimum entry requirement of three years' educational study (or equivalent) to diploma level or higher, in a health specific area (other than medicine or dentistry) and which are state registered and have a substantial majority of members employed in healthcare."

  Exceptions might be agreed for staff groups which meet the majority but not all of these conditions.

  Staff groups which support professions added to the NPRB remit, and who have a direct connection with the transferred groups similar to that between nursing auxiliaries and registered nurses would also need to be considered for transfer.

  No change will take place until all aspects of the new pay system are agreed. The joint target for agreement is summer 2000.

  Radiographers are already covered by the NPRB.

  Euthanasia
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the differences between his policies in relation to the removal of assisted nutrition and hydration from(a) patients in persistent vegetative state and (b) other mentally incapacitated patients; what plans he has for changes to the law or practice in relation to such matters; and if he will make a statement. [96518]

  Mr. Hutton
  The removal of artificial nutrition and hydration is in all cases a matter of clinical judgment which is undertaken in accordance with professional advice provided by a responsible and recognised body of medical opinion and the general law. There are no plans to change the law in this respect.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the numbers of mentally incapable adults in(a) Scotland and (b) the rest of the United Kingdom in each of the last three years whose death could have been brought about by the removal of artificial nutrition and hydration if such removal were legally sanctioned (i) without recourse to the courts for such patients not in persistent vegetative state and
  104
  (ii) through recourse to the courts for such patients in persistent vegetative state; and if he will estimate how many and what percentage of those patients in each year would (1) have issued an advance directive requesting such a recourse of action and (2) have such nutrition and hydration removed without their own express request. [96521]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the basis is for the distinction he makes between advance directives and advance refusals in respect of patients in persistent vegetative state or otherwise mentally incapacitated. [96522]

  Mr. Hutton
  Advance Statements are anticipatory decisions made while a person is capable, which are intended to give effect to that person's wishes as to how he or she shall be treated or cared for after the loss of capacity. An advance statement can be concerned with the refusal of medical treatment and are then sometimes known as advance directives.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce legislation defining assisted food and fluid as treatment which may be withdrawn from patients with mental incapacities other than persistent vegetative state; and if he will make a statement. [96519]

  Mr. Hutton
  We have indicated that we intend to introduce a provision on Continuing Powers of Attorney (CPA) when parliamentary time allows such legislative changes.

  It is a general principle of law and medical practice that all adults have the right to consent to or refuse medical treatment. The CPA is a method by which adults can continue to ensure that their views are respected in decisions concerning their welfare when they can no longer take, or communicate, those decisions themselves. A CPA therefore would allow an attorney to make decisions on behalf of the person without capacity about the withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration but only if the person has specifically given authority to do this in the CPA. Where decisions need to be taken in such cases, the healthcare team and attorney should do so in the best interests of the individual concerned.

  Mentally Incapacitated Patients
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what definition he uses of the phrase, a patient's best interests, in relation to patients in persistent vegetative state and other mentally incapacitated patients. [96632]

  Mr. Hutton
  A patient's best interests includes his physical and psychological health, well being, quality of life, relationship with family and other carers, spiritual and religious welfare.

  Mr. Tony Bland
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to enshrine in statute law the judgment in Airdale NHS Trust v. Bland [1993] in relation to the definition of assisted food and fluid as treatment and the removal of tubal feeding from Mr. Tony Bland. [96631]
  105
  Mr. Hutton
  We have no plans to enshrine this judgment in statute law.

  NHS (50th Anniversary)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total cost of commemorative(a) coins and (b) events to mark the 50th anniversary of the National Health Service. [96571]

  Mr. Denham
  Events to mark the 50th anniversary of the National Health Service were organised in accordance with the principles that activities should promote the core aims of the service and that money should not be diverted from patient care.

  Commemorative coins marking the anniversary were produced by the Royal Mint and involved no cost on the part of the Department.

  Central support for the NHS' special activities during its anniversary year were met within the Department's publicity and communications budget. The total for activity was £1,673,000, spread across the financial years 1997–98 and 1998–99. This was offset by sponsorship support to the value of around £1 million.

  Eastbourne Hospitals NHS Trusts
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the termination payment awarded to Clive Uren by Eastbourne Hospitals NHS Trusts. [96333]

  Ms Stuart
  On 13 October 1999, Mr. Uren resigned as Chief Executive of Eastbourne Hospitals National Health Service Trust following the publication of the Review of Nursing at Eastbourne Hospitals NHS Trust.

  The leaving arrangements for Mr. Uren, including his termination payment, were given independent approval by the District Auditor whose role is to ensure absolute propriety in such matters. The sum negotiated by the trust represented the lowest possible cost to the National Health Service within the terms of Mr. Uren's contract.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Refugees
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he is making to assist those refugees recognised by the United Kingdom as in need of international protection to settle successfully in this country; and if he will make a statement [97214]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Government recognise the immense contribution that refugees have made to our culture and society. We believe that once a decision is made to grant permission to stay, either permanently or on a long term basis, refugees need assistance to build their lives in the United Kingdom to develop their own and their families potential to the full and to contribute to their new host society. I have issued today a Consultation Paper which sets out our proposals to help achieve these aims through partnerships between central and local government, the voluntary sector, local communities, including ethnic minority and refugee community organisations and the refugee communities themselves. Views are invited from 106
  interested parties on how best to take forward this important work. The Consultation Paper is available in the Library and will also be sent to the main asylum and refugee interest groups and is available on the Home Office internet site: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/assd/assd.htm.

  Responses to the Consultation Paper should be forwarded to the Home Office, Immigration and Nationality Directorate, Asylum Support Project Team, Quest House, 11 Cross Road, Croydon CR0 6ER by 6 December 1999.

  Police Force Staff
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) police officers and (b) civilian staff were employed by police forces in England and Wales for each year since 1970. [96180]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  Total police officer and civilian strength, England and Wales, 1970 to 1999

  Year

  Police Officers1

  Civilians2

  1970

  92,446

  26,061

  1971

  94,436

  28,060

  1972

  97,943

  29,316

  1973

  100,190

  30,047

  1974

  100,727

  32,971

  1975

  102,738

  34,951

  1976

  107,832

  34,551

  1977

  109,547

  34,119

  1978

  108,170

  35,044

  1979

  111,133

  35,762

  1980

  114,543

  37,695

  1981

  118,102

  37,746

  1982

  119,973

  37,891

  1983

  121,003

  38,270

  1984

  121,053

  38,898

  1985

  120,116

  39,194

  1986

  120,848

  40,268

  1987

  122,236

  41,550

  1988

  124,080

  42,350

  1989

  125,631

  44,009

  1990

  126,777

  44,525

  1991

  127,495

  46,361

  1992

  127,627

  47,336

  1993

  128,290

  49,518

  1994

  127,897

  50,229

  1995

  127,222

  51,096

  1996

  126,901

  52,933

  1997

  127,158

  53,011

  1998

  126,814

  52,975

  1999

  126,096

  53,031

  1 Figures are as at 31 March.

  2 As at 31 December. Figures for 1990 and following years are a at 31 March.

  Prison Sentences
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average length of time served in prison by persons who were convicted in each year since 1970 who have completed their sentences for(a) murder, (b) attempted murder, (c) rape and (d) grievous bodily harm. [96179]
  107
  Mr. Boateng
  The available information given in the table relates to those persons discharged from Prison Service establishments in England and Wales since 1978 in respect of those convicted of murder, and since 1992 for other serious offences.

  Average time served1 by year of discharge for selected serious offences, 1978–1988

  Average time served (in years)

  Year of discharge

  Murder

  Attempted Murder

  Grievous bodily harm

  Rape

  1978

  9.1

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1979

  9.2

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1980

  10.6

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1981

  9.8

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1982

  10.6

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1983

  10.5

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1984

  10.6

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1985

  10.3

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1986

  11.1

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1987

  11.4

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1988

  10.2

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1989

  11.5

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1990

  12.2

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1991

  11.9

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1992

  12.4

  1.2

  0.4

  2.6

  1993

  14.4

  3.3

  0.6

  3.2

  1994

  15.4

  3.4

  0.6

  3.3

  1995

  14.0

  3.5

  0.6

  3.7

  1996

  13.1

  4.6

  0.7

  3.8

  1997

  14.4

  3.7

  0.7

  3.9

  1998

  14.4

  3.0

  0.7

  3.8

  1 Excluding any time spent on remand custody or following any subsequent recall

  2 Not available

  Immigration
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in each of the last five years, how many applications for admission by overseas marriage partners of British men and women have been(a) approved and (b) refused. [96041]

  Mrs. Roche
  Entry clearance data to this degree of detail are collected only for posts in the Indian sub-continent, for applications made by the spouses of persons settled in the United Kingdom. This information is published in Table 2.3 of "Control of Immigration: Statistics, United Kingdom 1998", a copy of which is in the Library.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are being used to refuse admissions to overseas brides and grooms of British men and women. [96032]

  Mrs. Roche
  An overseas national who wishes to join their spouse for settlement in the United Kingdom must obtain prior entry clearance from a British Diplomatic Post abroad. The United Kingdom-based sponsor may be either a British citizen or a person who is settled here in his or her own right.

  An entry clearance as a spouse will not be issued unless the entry clearance officer is satisfied that:

  (i) the applicant is married to a person present and settled in the United Kingdom or who is on the same occasion being admitted for settlement;

  (ii) the parties to the marriage have met;

  108

  (iii) each of the parties intends to live permanently with the other as his or her spouse and the marriage is subsisting;

  (iv) there will be adequate accommodation for the parties and any dependants without recourse to public funds in accommodation which they own or occupy exclusively; and

  (v) the parties will be able to maintain themselves and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds.

  Where an entry clearance officer is not satisfied that each of these requirements is met, the entry clearance application will be refused.

  A spouse may also be refused an entry clearance under the general provisions of the Immigration Rules (for example, on the grounds that he or she does not have a valid travel document, that they are the subject of a deportation order, that they have been convicted of an imprisonable offence, that it is undesirable to admit them for medical reasons, or that their exclusion from the United Kingdom is deemed to be conducive to the public good).

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of asylum applications processed from 30 June until 1 October have met the targets set down in the Asylum and Immigration Bill(a) of being processed with an initial decision within eight weeks and (b) of being completed within six months; and if he will make a statement. [96258]

  Mrs. Roche
  The available information is that 15 per cent. of the asylum decisions that were recorded in the period 1 July to 30 September 1999 were taken within eight weeks. The information relates to the length of time between the date an asylum application was lodged and the date of the initial decision.

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what support mechanisms in terms of(a) legal advice, (b) interpretation services and (c) other specialist support will be put in place to assist those asylum seekers held at the new reception facility at Oakington. [96197]

  Mrs. Roche
  Detailed arrangements have not yet been finalised. We will be discussing with all the relevant agencies, including refugee groups, what support mechanisms of this kind will be needed, bearing in mind that applicants will remain at the reception facility for short periods of about seven days.

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) single, (b) shared and (c) family rooms will be available at the new asylum seeker reception facility at Oakington. [96196]

  Mrs. Roche
  The detailed design work is still to be finalised. Separate accommodation in physically separated buildings will be provided for males, for females, and for family groups. Some accommodation units for males will be shared accommodation.

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions his Department has had with the local education authorities in Cambridgeshire to ensure that all children of asylum seekers held at the reception facility at Oakington will be offered full-time education. [96198]
  109
  Mrs. Roche
  Applicants will reside at Oakington for short periods of about seven days. We will be discussing with all the relevant agencies what facilities need to be provided on site in those circumstances, but we do not envisage that full education facilities will be required.

  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the average length of time that(a) single asylum seekers and (b) asylum seekers with child dependants who applied in each quarter of (i) 1997, (ii) 1998 and (iii) 1999 have waited for the Home Office decision on their case; [96092]

  (2) how long on average (a) single asylum seekers and (b) asylum seekers with child dependants whose applications were decided in (i) September, (ii) August, (iii) July, (iv) June, (v) May, (vi) April, (vii) March, (viii) February and (ix) January waited for the decision on their case from his Department. [96091]

  Mrs. Roche
  The available information in given in the tables. Separate figures for single persons and for asylum seekers with dependant children are not at present available.

  Average decision times in months1, 3 : January-September 1999

  Month of decision

  All applications

  Applications lodged pre July 1993

  Applications lodged post July 1993–95

  Applications lodged post 1996

  January

  44

  95

  52

  5

  February

  42

  93

  53

  5

  March

  42

  92

  49

  8

  April

  31

  88

  49

  12

  May

  27

  87

  50

  13

  June

  37

  86

  53

  14

  July

  48

  84

  55

  10

  August

  49

  85

  55

  10

  September

  49

  88

  56

  10

  Average decision times in months2, 3, 4 for asylum applications
  lodged on a quarterly basis: 1997–1999

  Quarter of application

  Average decision time

  1997

  January-March

  8

  April-June

  7

  July-September

  7

  October-December

  7

  1998

  January-March

  6

  April-June

  6

  July-September

  5

  October-December

  5

  1999

  January-March

  4

  April-June

  2

  July-September

  1

  1 The average length of time (in months) relates to the month in which the application was made.

  2 The average length of time (in months) relates to the quarter in which the application was made.

  3 Excluding dependants.

  4 Does not include applications awaiting an initial decision.

  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of persons whose immigration and asylum appeals are pending and with whom the authorities have lost contact. [95944]
  110
  Mrs. Roche
  We would only know that we had lost contact with an appellant if he or she failed to respond to official communications or failed to attend an appeal hearing. Figures are not collected centrally and it is therefore not possible to give any realistic estimate of the numbers involved.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to meet his target of processing asylum applications within six months. [96937]

  Mrs. Roche
  The White Paper "Fairer, Faster and Firmer—a modern approach to immigration and asylum" set out our proposals to deliver a more effective asylum system, including deciding asylum applications within an average of two months and determining asylum appeals within an average of four months. We are committed to meeting the White Paper target of achieving this by April 2001.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his provisional timetable for offering to competitive tender the administration of the asylum voucher scheme and for awarding a contract. [96935]

  Mrs. Roche
  Invitations to negotiate were issued on 22 October. The contract will be awarded via the European Community negotiated procedures route. It is expected that contracts will be awarded at the end of the year.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his planned timetable for the establishment of a Next Steps agency for asylum seeker support; and if he will make a statement. [96939]

  Mrs. Roche
  The support arrangements in Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Bill will be administered from within the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office. It is not intended that this work will be overseen by a Next Steps agency in the first instance. However, the position will be kept under review.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on how he proposes to phase-in the transfer to the planned new arrangements for asylum support of people who will already be asylum seekers on 31 March 2000. [96938]

  Mrs. Roche
  When the new support arrangements take effect in April 2000, the first priority will be to deal with those claiming asylum and support after 1 April 2000. It is likely that those who are in receipt of social security benefits will remain on those benefits until they get a first negative decision. In the event that this is a refusal and the asylum seekers go on to appeal, they would need to transfer to the new support arrangements.

  We are separately holding discussions with local authorities, through the Local Government Association, about appropriate arrangements for the transfer of asylum seekers who are being supported by local authority social services departments.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his provisional timetable for offering to competitive tender the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers and for awarding a contract. [96936]
  111
  Mrs. Roche
  Invitations to tender were issued on 25 October. It is expected that contracts for the supply of accommodation will be awarded at the end of January. It is possible that further competitive tenders will be required. In addition, we are separately negotiating with local authorities about the accommodation that they can make available for supporting asylum seekers.

  CCTV
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is(a) the largest town or city without a publicly funded CCTV system and (b) the smallest town or village with a publicly funded CCTV system; [96306]

  (2) what circumstances agencies under his control match images derived from CCTV camera recordings against digitised (a) passport photographs, (b) driver licence photographs and (c) police photograph databases; and what controls he operates to prevent misuse of CCTV camera recordings; [96310]

  (3) what recent evidence he has to establish the effect of CCTV on displacement of crime from CCTV surveillance areas to areas without CCTV; [96304]

  (4) how much departmental money has been spent on CCTV for each of the last three years; and how much matched funding this has attracted in each of these years; [96308]

  (5) if he will estimate the number of times per day a person in London will on average be caught on publicly funded CCTV; [96303]

  (6) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of CCTV systems in (a) reducing crime levels and (b) increasing detection rates, with particular reference to the report funded by the Scottish Office into the effectiveness of CCTV in Glasgow; [96307]

  (7) if he will estimate (a) the number of (i) police, (ii) other public sector and (iii) private operators of CCTV systems and (b) the number of active CCTV cameras in England; [96305]

  (8) what powers he has to regulate the visibility of (a) public and (b) private CCTV systems. [96309]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  £34 million of Home Office funding has been invested in Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in England and Wales over the last three years under the CCTV Challenge competition of the previous Administration. This Government plan to invest a further £153 million over the next three years under the Crime Reduction Programme CCTV Initiative.

  Almost 750 applications for England and Wales were received under the first round of the Initiative, and crime reduction partnerships have been invited to prepare final proposals on 376 bids for new and extended CCTV schemes, mainly directed at tackling vehicle crime and crime problems in housing areas, at a potential capital cost of £68 million. Partnerships and the private sector are contributing a further £15 million. The earlier CCTV Challenge competition attracted £51 million in funding from other sources.

  Over 580 CCTV systems have been established with assistance from Home Office funds, involving the installation of 5,802 cameras. The shortlisted schemes in the first round of the current initiative provide for a further
  112
  3,879 cameras, including the upgrade and replacement of existing systems. Information on the number of police, public sector and private operators of CCTV systems currently in operation, and the number of cameras in use, is not held centrally.

  We are concerned to ensure that CCTV is used effectively to achieve the maximum impact on crime and the fear of crime. Police operational experience and a number of research studies show that CCTV has considerable crime reduction and detection potential, particularly when used as part of a wider strategy. As with any crime reduction measure, there is a possibility of some displacement, but this is by no means inevitable. Schemes funded under the current initiative will be evaluated to build up the knowledge base of what works best in what context, as recommended in the Scottish Office report, "The Effect of CCTV on Recorded Crime Rates and Public Concern about Crime in Glasgow".

  To retain public confidence, CCTV must be used fairly and lawfully. All schemes funded by the Home Office are required to comply with codes of practice governing their control and operation. The requirements include the need to ensure that cameras are visible to the public and that attention is drawn to them by appropriate signage; and that the recorded material is properly safeguarded and controlled. CCTV systems are also required to meet the requirements of data protection legislation, and the Data Protection Act 1998 provides for the first time a framework for the statutory regulation of schemes. Controllers will be required to notify details of their processing of personal data to the Data Protection Commissioner and comply with a set of enforceable principles of good data handling practice. Our aim is to bring the Act into force on 1 March 2000.

  Proposals in our recent White Paper on the regulation of the private security industry, currently under consideration, would require operatives and employees involved in installing and monitoring CCTV systems, and managers and directors of companies, to be licensed.

  Images derived from CCTV systems are not routinely matched against digitised images used on passports and driving licences. I understand that in one London Borough CCTV images are scanned against digitised police photographs in order to help trace the movement of known offenders.

  No information is available on the largest town or city not to receive funding for CCTV or the smallest village to have been given an award. Nor is it possible to say how often someone in London would be within the view of publicly funded CCTV cameras, as this will depend entirely on individual circumstances.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many decisions caseworkers at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate dealing with(a) asylum and (b) immigration casework made on average per week in each quarter of 1998 and 1999 to the latest convenient date. [96026]
  113
  Mrs. Roche
  The information is given in the table.

  Average output per week1 based on quarterly data2: 1998–99

  After-entry immigration casework3

  Asylum caseworker4

  1998

  First Quarter

  3,670

  710

  Second Quarter

  3,510

  580

  Third Quarter

  3,930

  620

  Fourth Quarter

  3,720

  530

  1999

  First Quarter

  2,660

  320

  Second Quarter

  3,760

  920

  Third Quarter

  4,404

  670

  1Figures rounded to the nearest 10

  2Assumed to be 13 weeks in each quarter

  3Including some non-decision output (e.g. transfers of conditions, withdrawn applications) and right of abode decisions.

  4 Initial decisions made on applications received

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his current estimate of the gross expenditure, income and net expenditure of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate(a) to date during the current financial year and (b) for the whole financial year 1999–2000. [96940]

  Mrs. Roche
  The information about expenditure in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (excluding payments to asylum seekers) is as follows:

  £

  Expenditure to 29 October 1999

  Estimated expenditure for 1999–2000

  Gross expenditure

  132,964,000

  284,385,000

  Receipts

  9,577,000

  17,928,000

  Net expenditure

  123,387,000

  266,467,000

  Since 1 April 1999, the Home Office has been responsible for funding support costs to asylum seekers. From 1 April 1999 to 29 October 1999, £222 million has been paid to the Department of Social Security in respect of social security payments made by the Benefits Agency to asylum seekers. The estimate of expenditure for the whole of 1999–2000, including payments to the Department of Social Security and local authorities, is estimated to be in the range of £450 million—£490 million.

  Tampere Conclusions
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the (i) judicial and (ii) legal harmonisation called for in paragraph 33 of the Tampere Presidency Conclusions. [96509]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The European Council at Tampere concluded that the principle of mutual recognition, which the United Kingdom put forward, should become the cornerstone of judicial co-operation in both civil and criminal matters within the Union. The European Council conclusions in particular highlighted mutual recognition in relation to extradition, pre-trial orders and evidence, and asked the Council and the Commission to adopt, by December 2000, a programme to implement the principle of mutual recognition,114
  including common minimum standards of procedural law which respect the fundamental legal principles of Member States.

  United Kingdom proposals in this area were described in reply to a question from the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean) on 13 April 1999, Official Report, columns 12-13, given by the former Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Vauxhall (Kate Hoey).

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to paragraph 19 of the Tampere Presidency Conclusions, what national programmes he plans to establish to fight against discrimination. [96512]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We are still awaiting publication by the European Commission of the package of proposals referred to in paragraph 19 of the Tampere Presidency Conclusions. Without sight of the package, it is difficult to say what national programmes we plan to establish pursuant to it.

  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has, however, committed this Government to bring forward legislation at the earliest opportunity in order to extend the Race Relations Act 1976 to all public services, including the police. In addition, the Home Office Race Equality Unit expects to launch a new Race Equality Grant early next year. Both these developments could include any relevant proposals covered in the package.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the(a) role and (b) teaching matter, of the European Police College as agreed at Tampere. [96575]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 25 October 1999,Official Report, column 716.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to paragraph 29 of the Tampere Presidency Conclusions, if he will make a statement on the planned information campaign, with special reference to the(a) cost, (b) target audience and (c) maintenance of political neutrality. [96508]

  Mr. Lock
  I have been asked to reply.

  The campaign is intended to provide published information about judicial co-operation and legal procedures in the member states for the benefit of those, particular consumers and other small claimants, who may need to litigate from other member states. Making such information available is an important first step in improving access to justice across European borders. The Commission has not yet proposed how they intend to publish such information so it is not possible at this early stage to estimate the cost. Since this is factual information political neutrality should not be an issue.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to paragraphs 38-9 of the Tampere Presidency Conclusions, if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy on the(a) method, (b) nature and (c) extent of convergence in civil law. [96510]

  Mr. Lock
  I have been asked to reply.
  115
  The Government support, in principle, the elimination of obstacles to the good functioning of civil proceedings in cross border cases where this is necessary for the proper functioning of the internal market, including by promoting the compatibility of applicable civil procedure where there is a real and demonstrable need for such measures. However, the Government do not support blanket harmonisation of civil law and procedure, which would be unnecessary and impracticable, nor has any such proposal been made.

  Jill Dando
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much the Jill Dando murder investigation has cost to date broken down into(a) salary and (b) other costs. [96270]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Metropolitan Police Commissioner tells me that, as of 26 October, the salary costs of the Central Crime Operational Unit investigative team were approximately £777,000; their other costs were approximately £477,000.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) full-time police officers, (b) part-time police officers and (c) civilian police staff are currently working on the Jill Dando murder investigation. [96268]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Metropolitan Police Commissioner tells me that, as of 26 October, the investigative team comprised 44 full-time police officers and seven full-time civilian staff; no part-time officers are on the team.

  Correspondence
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Greenock and Inverclyde will receive a reply to his letter of 27 September concerning the Immigration and Asylum Bill. [96857]

  Mr. Straw
  I wrote to my hon. Friend on 28 October in response to his letter of 27 September concerning the Immigration and Asylum Bill. I am sorry that I was unable to do so sooner.

  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Torbay of 1 June regarding Mr. Abie Greyvenstein's application for British citizenship. [95764]

  Mrs. Roche
  I wrote to the hon. Member on 1 November 1999.

  Entry Clearance (Spouse)
  Mr. Wood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have been refused entry clearance to join spouses in the United Kingdom for settlement purposes on the grounds that the entry clearance officer was not satisfied that the couple intended to live together permanently and that the marriage was subsisting, for each of the years 1997, 1998 and 1999 and for(a) India, (b) Pakistan and (c) Bangladesh. [95946]
  116
  Mrs. Roche
  The available information relates to decisions taken at the entry clearance issuing posts in India and Bangladesh in 1998 and the first half of 1999 and is given in the table. There is no comprehensive data for Pakistan.

  Persons refused entry clearance to join spouses on the grounds that the entry clearance officer was not satisfied that the couple intended to live together permanently.

  India

  Bangladesh

  Refusals1 solely for this reason

  1998

  100

  20

  January-June 1999

  70

  10

  Refusals1 partly for this reason

  1998

  210

  70

  January-June 1999

  110

  30

  1After taking account of successful appeals

  Police Complaints
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what subjects are covered in Home Office guidance to chief police officers; when the guidance on police complaints and discipline procedures was(a) last placed in the Library and (b) last revised; and if he will make each updated version available on the web. [96466]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Home Office guidance to chief officers covers a wide range of subjects. There is no single list of all the guidance which has been given, although the Home Office library does maintain a list of Home Office Circulars to chief officers. The list covers a good deal of the guidance which has been issued since 1969. The Home Office "Guidance to Chief Officers on Police Complaints and Discipline Procedures" was last amended in 1990 and placed in the Library in 1991. This guidance has now been largely replaced by the "Guidance on Police Unsatisfactory Performance, Complaints and Misconduct Procedures", which relates to the new procedures relating to police conduct introduced on 1 April 1999. This new guidance has also been placed in the Library. It is due to be revised shortly by the addition of a section dealing with senior officer conduct. The revised version will be placed in the Library, and published on the internet, along with any subsequent revisions.

  Millennium (Emergency Procedures)
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with voluntary organisations delivering emergency services about their ability to provide cover over the millennium period; and what encouragement he has given to such organisations to provide such cover. [96536]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  There have been no direct discussions because the use of voluntary organisations in emergencies is a matter for local agencies. Local authorities are aware of the need to examine their arrangements over the millennium period.

  Parking (Disabled People)
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions were undertaken in 1998 against able-bodied motorists misusing spaces reserved for disabled people. [96429]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is not available.

  Prosecutions for disabled parking space infringements cannot be separately identified in the statistics of other waiting and parking offences held centrally, nor is it likely that the police or the courts would be able to identify them separately.

  Trespassers and Campers
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the extent to which the police make use of their powers under(a) section 61 and (b) section 77 of the Criminal Justice Act 1994 in respect of trespassers and unauthorised campers. [96666]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The use of police powers under section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 is kept under review and meetings have been held between Ministers, officials and representatives of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) about this issue. Revised operational guidance on the use of police powers was issued by ACPO in April this year. Powers under section 77 of the 1994 Act are exercised by local authorities.

  Police Statistics
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers there were in each police authority area in Wales in each of the past three years. [96552]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  31 March 1997

  31 March 1998

  31 March 1999

  Dyfed Powys

  1,005

  1,002

  1,026

  Gwent

  1,243

  1,233

  1,247

  North Wales

  1,369

  1,396

  1,391

  South Wales

  2,976

  2,986

  2,981

  Cleveland Police
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 23 March 1999,Official Report, column 173, on the Lancet inquiry, what is the name of the base from which the inquiry is being carried out; what is the breakdown of the costs of using these premises and if these costs were included in the costs given in his answer; and if he will make a statement. [96393]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Lancet inquiry is being run from rented premises acquired for the purpose. The cost of these premises is £2,623 per month. These costs were included in the costs of the inquiry given in a reply to my hon. Friend by my right hon. Friend the Member for 118
  Brent, South (Mr. Boateng), 23 March 1999, Official Report, column 173, For operational reasons, it would not be appropriate to state the location of the premises.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 April 1999,Official Report 1999, column 484, on Cleveland Police, what proportion of serving CID officers in Cleveland Police Force are under investigation in the Lancet inquiry in the boroughs of (a) Middlesbrough, (b) Stockton, (c) Langbaurgh and (d) Hartlepool; and if he will make a statement. [96394]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Operation Lancet is currently investigating 30 Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers. Eight of these are suspended from duty. The remaining 22 officers are currently serving as follows:

  (a) 11 at Middlesbrough out of a total strength of 39 CID officers;

  (b) one at Stockton out of a total strength of 29 CID officers;

  (c) seven at Langbaurgh out of a total strength of 17 CID officers;

  (d) zero at Hartlepool; and

  (e) three at Headquarters out of a total strength of 111 CID officers.

  In a reply given to a question by my hon. Friend, by my right hon. Friend the Member for Brent, South (Mr. Boateng) on 20 April 1999, Official Report, column 484, he should have referred to six officers subject to investigation out of a total of 24 CID officers at Langbaurgh, rather than out of a total of 32 as stated. I am sorry that this mistake was not noticed earlier.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are working on the(a) Lancet and (b) Redwood inquiries into Cleveland Police; and if he will make a statement. [96272]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There are 17 officers from Cleveland and six officers from Northamptonshire currently working on Operation Lancet. For operational reasons, it would be inappropriate to comment on Operation Redwood.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 April 1999,Official Report, column 484, if he will make a statement on the progress of the Redwood inquiry into the Cleveland Police Force. [96395]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Redwood inquiry is an on-going investigation and, for operational reasons, it would be inappropriate at this stage to make any further comment.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers in Cleveland have been served with a regulation 7 disciplinary notice in connection with Operation Lancet. [96678]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Sixty officers in Cleveland Police have been served with a regulation 7 notice arising from Operation Lancet.

  Police Services
  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to deal with the impact of population sparsity on the provision of police services. [96593]
  119
  Mr. Straw
  The needs of police forces with sparsely populated areas are already taken into account in the current police funding formula. The findings of a research study on policing areas of rural sparsity were considered by a Home Office chaired working group, which included representatives of police forces and police authorities. There was no single view within the working group on the conclusions of the research report. There was general agreement that a sparsity factor had been detected, but less agreement about how to include it appropriately in the police funding formula.

  I understand the wishes of rural police forces to see the research findings implemented. Before doing so the Government will need to be satisfied that the research has provided a final answer to this question, which is beyond dispute or challenge.

  For 2000–01, we propose to set considerable store by stability in the grant system to help police authorities plan ahead. In the July 1998 White Paper, "Modern Local Government—In Touch with the People", my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister said we would not expect to make fresh changes to the method of calculation of Standard Spending Assessments (SSAs). This includes police SSAs, as a common formula is used for distribution of police grant and SSA.

  Our present intention is that, subject to consultation and to approval by the House, we shall not make any changes to the method of police grant distribution, or revenue support grant distribution, generally for 2000–01. There will, therefore, be no substantive changes to the operation of the police funding formula for next year.

  We shall need to make some limited adjustments to accommodate changes arising from the alterations to the boundary of the Metropolitan Police area and the Essex, Hertfordshire and Surrey Police areas.

  Wheel Clamping
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to regulate the operation of wheel clamping companies. [R] [96320]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  In the White Paper "The Government's Proposals for Regulating the Private Security Industry in England and Wales", issued earlier this year, we announced proposals to regulate private wheel clampers as part of a package of statutory measures to regulate the private security industry as a whole. We will introduce legislation to Parliament as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of the US Senate's rejection of the comprehensive test ban treaty. [95048]

  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the prospects for controls on the testing of nuclear weapons, following the rejection of the treaty by the United States Senate. [95054]
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  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the US Administration on the US Senate's failure to ratify the nuclear test ban treaty. [95060]

  Mr. Hain
  We have made clear our deep disappointment with the US Senate's vote against US ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. But we will continue to work with the US Administration, and with other key countries, to bring the Treaty into force as soon as possible.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Indonesia concerning human rights. [95049]

  Mr. Battle
  I visited Indonesia from 6-9 September and raised human rights issues with the then President and Foreign Minister. We remain concerned about the overall human rights situation in Indonesia. But we are greatly encouraged by the inauguration of Indonesia's first ever democratically elected President on 20 October and the decision to drop Indonesia's claim on East Timor. We stand ready to offer support to President Wahid's new Government during Indonesia's transition to democracy and full respect for human rights.

  Pakistan
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with representatives of the present Government of Pakistan. [95050]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Wilkinson),Official Report, column 81.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of when Pakistan will be readmitted as a full member of the Commonwealth. [R] [95065]

  Mr. Hain
  The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, which met in London on 18 October, confirmed Pakistan's suspension from the councils of the Commonwealth. A Commonwealth Mission, led by the Foreign Minister of Canada, Lloyd Axworthy, visited Pakistan from 28-29 October in order to assess the situation there. It will report to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Durban, South Africa, on 12-15 November.

  Departmental Recruitment
  Mr. Linton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what efforts he is making to ensure that his Department attracts candidates for employment from all sections of British society. [95051]

  Mr. Hain
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington, North (Helen Jones),Official Report, column 89.

  Pakistani-Indian Relations
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on Pakistani-Indian bilateral relations. [95053]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  It is essential for regional stability that India and Pakistan enjoy good relations. We continue to encourage dialogue between them to resolve their outstanding differences, including Kashmir.

  Kosovo
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if when he last met his colleagues from other member-states of the European Union they discussed matters relating to the policing of communities in Kosovo. [95056]

  Mr. Vaz
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the security situation in Kosovo with his EU counterparts at the General Affairs Council meeting on 11 October. Partners welcomed a proposal by my right hon. Friend for an EU initiative to tackle the threat of organised crime in Kosovo, and commissioned further work to take this forward. The council also condemned the continuation of ethically based violence in Kosovo and called on leaders of various ethnic groups to put an end to it.

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the reconstruction programme required in Kosovo; and if he will make a statement. [95062]

  Dr. Desmond Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the reconstruction programme in Kosovo; and if he will make a statement. [95035]

  Mr. Vaz
  Assessments on the needs for reconstruction assistance have been carried out by the World Bank and the European Commission who are leading the international effort on the reconstruction of Kosovo. These will be presented to a donors conference on 17 November. We fully support the efforts of the UN, the EU and the Stability Pact for South-East Europe in their reconstruction efforts.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the security situation in the Kosovo towns of(a) Mitrovica and (b) Orahovac. [96945]

  Mr. Vaz
  There are continuing stand-offs between Albanians and Serbs at Mitrovica over freedom of movement and access to homes, Mitrovica University and the local hospital. The Kosovo Force (KFOR) and UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) are working with both communities to encourage the process of reconciliation and to allow freedom of movement within the city. In Orahovac, there is a continuing stand-off with the local Albanian inhabitants over the deployment of a Russian KFOR contingent. We support KFOR and UNMIK efforts to resolve the problem.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent to which the borders between(a) Kosovo and Albania and (b) Kosovo and Macedonia are adequately secured; and who controls them. [97063]
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  Mr. Vaz
  United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, which established the international presences in Kosovo, gives the NATO-led international military presence in Kosovo, KFOR, responsibility for conducting border monitoring duties as required. Assuring the security of Kosovo's border with Albania and Macedonia is also a task for the United Nations interim administration in Kosovo (UNMIK), which has general responsibility for maintaining civil law and order.

  Both KFOR and UNMIK recognise the importance of ensuring adequate control of Kosovo's borders. KFOR will continue to give border monitoring a high priority while the UN mission builds up the international police force in Kosovo, part of whose functions include border duties. UNMIK has also set up a customs service operating at border crossings. Negotiations are under way with the Macedonian Government to improve the efficiency of the major crossing point on the Kosovo/ Macedonia border.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the number of Kosovo Albanians killed by the Yugoslav Army, Serbian security forces and paramilitaries in Kosovo during the Operation Allied Force. [96949]

  Mr. Vaz
  Our current estimate remains that at least 10,000 civilians were killed in Kosovo as a result of war crimes by the Serbs between June 1998 and June 1999. We do not have disaggregated figures for those killed during Operation Allied Force.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of the planned 3,000 police officers for Kosovo have been deployed since 10 June. [96947]

  Mr. Vaz
  Currently around 1,750 international police officers from 25 countries are deployed to Kosovo. The full contingent of officers originally required should be in place by the end of November. Following his report of 16 September, the United Nations Secretary-General has approved proposals for the deployment of 1,600 extra officers. The United Nations is expected to issue a request to donor nations for further officers soon.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the ethnic composition is of the Kosovo Transitional Council; how many times the Council has met since 10 June; and if it is still operational. [97066]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Kosovo Transitional Council (KTC) was established by the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Kosovo as an inclusive, consultative body bringing together all major political parties and ethnic groups in Kosovo. Its members include two each from the three major Kosovo Albanian political groupings, two Kosovo Albanian independents, two Kosovo Serbs and two members representing Kosovo's other ethnic minorities.

  The Council has met sporadically since its inaugural meeting on 16 July. We are aware of six further meetings. Attendance has varied, depending on reactions by the various groupings to the situation on the ground or political developments at the time.
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  The Transitional Council is still operational, and has an important role to play in allowing representatives of different ethnic groups to have their say in the running of Kosovo and in preparing the transition from UN administration to local self-government.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance the Government have provided to the international effort to identify and investigate mass graves in Kosovo. [97064]

  Mr. Hain
  A UK Scenes of Crime Team consisting of police and forensic personnel carried out investigations in Kosovo on behalf of the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia from 18 June to 24 October. The Team was responsible for exhuming bodies, establishing the cause of death and collecting other evidence at the sites of some of the worst atrocities.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of whether the Kosovo Liberation Army's demilitarisation has been conducted in accordance with the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and a consequent Demilitarisation Agreement. [97083]

  Mr. Vaz
  UN Security Council Resolution 1244 gave the NATO-led international military force in Kosovo (KFOR) responsibility for demilitarising the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). On 20 September, KFOR reported that the KLA had complied with the undertaking to demilitarise which it had given to NATO on 21 June.

  The then commander of KFOR, General Sir Mike Jackson, said on 13 October that over 10,000 weapons and 5 million rounds of ammunition had been handed in by the KLA. Any weapons now found on ex-KLA members are unlawfully held and are subject to seizure and destruction.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which international organisation has the mandate to function as the primary investigative and prosecutional agency for criminal acts committed on the territory of Kosovo between March 1998 and 10 June 1999. [96948]

  Mr. Vaz
  UN Security Council Resolution 1244, which established the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the NATO-led Kosovo force (KFOR), gives UNMIK responsibility for maintaining civil law and order in Kosovo. This includes investigations and prosecutions for alleged criminal acts committed on the territory of Kosovo before the deployment of UNMIK and KFOR in June 1999. In the case of possible war crimes, decisions would be made in consultation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the Kosovo Serbs' proposal regarding establishment of(a) Serb enclaves within Kosovo and (b) Serb defence forces. [97065]

  Mr. Vaz
  We support, and are contributing to, the efforts of the international presences in Kosovo, the UN Mission (UNMIK) and the NATO-led international force (KFOR). UNMIK and KFOR are committed to promoting a secure environment in Kosovo for all ethnic groups.124
  They are making special efforts to protect members of minority groups judged to be at risk, including Kosovo Serbs.

  We want Kosovo Serbs to participate in institutions established by the international presences in Kosovo, such as the police, the Kosovo Protection Corps and the civil administration. We would not support proposals for separate enclaves or protection forces.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest position in Kosovo. [95052]

  Mr. Vaz
  The security situation has stabilised, due to the work of the NATO-led international force in Kosovo—KFOR, and the United Nations international police presence. Ethnic violence is still a problem, but KFOR and the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) are putting as many resources as possible into tackling this issue. The number of Serbs and other ethnic minorities leaving the province has fallen. Some are returning.

  Efforts are underway to control the borders more effectively for the purposes of security and revenue collection. A new customs service has been established and police are now posted at border crossings. Life is slowly getting back to normal with rubbish collections; post offices, businesses, factories, schools and universities opening; rail services being restored and a police emergency service line. Water and power supplies are being rehabilitated—two out of the four electricity generating stations are now operational and health care facilities are vastly improved. To prepare for winter over 78,500 house rehabilitation or prefabrication kits are being distributed which will help almost half a million people. Over a million square metres have been cleared of land mines and unexploded ordnance.

  Work is also underway on restoring human rights and self governance to the province. This includes assistance to the media, political parties, judiciary, and prisons. Plans for voter registration and preparations for local elections are also being made. The work of the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) is well underway. We continue to strongly support their work.

  There is still much to be done, but the international community and its agencies are committed to the goal of a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Kosovo.

  China
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to promote democracy and human rights in China. [95058]

  Mr. Battle
  We have regular dialogue with the Chinese authorities on human rights including the situation in Tibet and raise the issue at every appropriate opportunity. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister discussed human rights with the Chinese President Jiang Zemin during his recent State Visit. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary did the same during his talks with the Chinese Foreign Minister on 20 October, in which he handed over further names of individuals about whom we are
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  concerned. The most recent round of the official-level bilateral human rights dialogue was held in London in September.

  Spain and Gibraltar
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the European Commission concerning the obstruction of movement between Spain and Gibraltar. [R] [95059]

  Mr. Vaz
  We have raised the continuing problems at the border between Gibraltar and Spain with the European Commission on several occasions in recent months. Following the inauguration of the new Commission this Autumn, both my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs and my predecessor as Minister for Europe have discussed the issue with EU Commissioner Vitorino. We will continue to press the Commission to take effective action in this matter.

  Commonwealth Membership
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next expects to meet the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth to discuss the criteria for Commonwealth membership. [95061]

  Mr. Hain
  I have no plans to discuss the criteria for Commonwealth membership with the Commonwealth Secretary-General. They were agreed by Heads of Government at the 1997 CHOGM in Edinburgh. Decisions on membership are taken by the whole Commonwealth on the basis of consensus, against the background of these agreed criteria.

  East Timor
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's current assessment of the situation in East Timor. [95063]

  Mr. Battle
  We welcome the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1272 on 25 October. We shall continue to support the UN efforts to create the independent East Timor for which the East Timorese people so overwhelmingly voted on 30 August.

  Nigeria
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in the development of consular relationships with Nigeria since its readmission to the Commonwealth. [95064]

  Mr. Hain
  Since Nigeria's readmission to the Commonwealth we have rebuilt a friendly and constructive relationship with the new government, covering all aspects of mutual interest. Britain fully supports President Obasanjo' s reform programme.

  Tampere Conference
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans 126
  to meet senior members of the judiciary, the legal professions and the police to discuss the consequences of the Tampere conference of 15 and 16 October. [95066]

  Mr. Vaz
  I have no current plans to do so. My right hon. Friends the Home Secretary and the Lord Chancellor will, however, be taking forward work on justice and home affairs issues raised at Tampere.

  Mission Statement
  Mr. Trend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the ethical dimension to his foreign policy as outlined in his Department's mission statement. [95068]

  Mr. Hain
  We have placed human rights at the heart of Foreign Policy. We believe in the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the core United Nations human rights instruments. We are committed to protecting and promoting these rights, working through our bilateral relationships and with our European Union and other International partners. In implementing this policy we take account of the individual characteristics of each situation, and seek to use the combination of approaches—of dialogue and pressure—that is most likely to secure real human rights improvements on the ground.

  European Enlargement
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to meet the German Chancellor to discuss European enlargement; and if he will make a statement. [95069]

  Mr. Vaz
  European Union enlargement is a major priority of the Government. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will discuss enlargement with the German Foreign Minister when they meet at the General Affairs council on 15-16 November. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and the German Chancellor discussed enlargement at the European council in Tampere on 15 October and will return to the subject at the Helsinki European council on 9 December.

  Economic and Social Affairs Council
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will next nominate persons to serve on the EU Economic and Social Affairs Council. [94574]

  Mr. Vaz
  We will nominate 24 permanent and 24 reserve members to serve on the next Economic and Social Committee in 2002, when the current committee's mandate expires.

  EC Handbook
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government have compiled for use by Government Departments a handbook on the procedures and functions of(a) the European Communities and (b) European Communities working groups, with particular reference to UK Civil Service input. [95544]
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  Mr. Vaz
  We prepared guidance handbooks on the institutions of the European Union and on the procedures in the Council for the use of civil servants and Ministers during the UK's Presidency of the Council in 1998. Guidance on procedures for handling EU business is updated from time to time.

  Western Sahara
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Morocco concerning the conduct and timing of the referendum on the future of Western Sahara. [96838]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: We raise the situation in the Western Sahara regularly in our bilateral dealings with the Moroccan Government. The Secretary of State met his Moroccan counterpart in April and I expect to make contact with them soon.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the UN Secretary-General concerning the conduct and timing of the referendum on the future of Western Sahara. [96839]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: We are in regular contact with the UN Secretary-General on the Western Sahara through our Mission in New York and through our Ambassador in Rabat. We fully support both the content of the UN referendum process and the Secretary-General's planned timetable.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's contribution to the UN's work in Western Sahara. [96840]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: From September 1991 until September 1993, the UK contributed 15 military observers including the Chief of Staff to MINURSO, the United Nations' Mission for the Referendum in the Western Sahara.

  Since the establishment of the mission, the UK has been liable for its share of UN assessed contributions. In the last financial year, the UK paid £2,359,371 in assessed contributions to MINURSO.

  We continue to support UN efforts to bring about a lasting peace to the Western Sahara and believe that a free and fair referendum represents the best way forward unless the parties can agree an alternative political solution.

  Bilateral Treaties
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of the bilateral treaties between the UK and the US(a) are still in effect and (b) were ratified in the last 30 years. [96301]

  Mr. Battle
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 20 July 1999,Official Report, column 501. That answer refers to the number of US-UK bilateral treaties which, having entered into force, were sent to the Public Record Office for permanent preservation. However, some of these bilateral treaties may no longer be in effect, having been overtaken by new treaties. Officials are now conducting a search to establish
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  precisely how many treaties are still in effect, and which of those treaties were ratified in the last 30 years. I will inform the hon. Member as soon as I have the necessary information.

  Arms Exports
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people are employed in his Department in examining arms export licence applications. [97061]

  Mr. Hain
  Lead responsibility for formulating the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's advice to the Department of Trade and Industry on individual export licence applications generally rests with the relevant geographical departments, in consultation with the Non-Proliferation Department and other functional departments as appropriate, in particular the Human Rights Policy Department and the United Nations Department. In some cases geographical departments may also consult overseas posts, for example to seek more information on proposed end-uses or end-users.

  Against this background, it is not possible to give a precise figure for the number of officials involved. But a significant proportion of officials in geographical departments and in the relevant sections of the above-named functional departments have some degree of involvement in examining export licence applications. Nearly all such officials have other responsibilities which they fulfil alongside their role in export licence processing.

  Iraq (Sanctions)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response he has made to the report of the Bishop of Coventry and his ecclesiastical colleagues on their recent visit to Baghdad and their assessment of the policy of UN sanctions against Iraq. [95458]

  Mr. Hain
  Officials from the Foreign Office have a regular dialogue about Iraq with the Church of England through the Board for Social Responsibility's International and Development Affairs Committee. This has included discussion of the recent visit to Iraq by the Bishop of Coventry and his colleagues. We are aware of the Bishops' views on the sanctions regime on Iraq and have briefed them on the Government's position. We share the Bishops' concern for the humanitarian situation in Iraq and have undertaken to keep them informed of our continuing efforts to improve it.

  OSCE Progress Report
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the South Eastern Europe Regional Table periodic report to the OSCE has been produced; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [96946]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Stability Pact document tasks the Special Coordinator to provide, on behalf of the Stability Pact Regional Table, periodic progress reports to the OSCE. The OSCE Summit to be held in Istanbul on 18-19 November is the next opportunity for a progress report. When the report becomes available a copy will be placed in the Library.

  Montenegro
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what security undertaking has been made by NATO to Montenegro since the end of operation Allied Force. [96944]

  Mr. Vaz
  No security undertakings have been made by NATO to Montenegro.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Oral Statements
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list(a) the reports published by his Department and its associated bodies, (b) the reports received from bodies set up by his Department, (c) the decisions his Department has taken and (d) events in the UK and elsewhere, since 27 July, which satisfied the criteria he uses for deciding whether to apply to make oral statements to the House when the House is sitting. [93982]

  Mr. Ingram
  I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the President of the Council on 19 October 1999,Official Report, Column 429.

  Pre-school Education
  Mr. Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the Government's policy on pre-school education in Northern Ireland [93492]

  Mr. McFall
  [holding answer 20 October 1999]: This Government are committed to the development of pre-school education in Northern Ireland and are taking forward a four year expansion programme, through partnership between the statutory, voluntary and private sectors, to provide over 9,000 additional pre-school places. By 2001–02, £38 million will have been spent in almost doubling pre-school education provision in Northern Ireland.

  Departmental Twinning
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many requests there have been to his Department for placement of officials from Central, East European and CIS states as twins of his officials; how many such officials have been accepted as twins; and from which countries(a) those who were accepted and (b) those who were not accepted came. [94004]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 25 October 1999]: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) on 25 October 1999, Official Report, columns, 739-40.

  Human Rights Commission
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what moneys were allocated by his Department to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for each of its first three years; and what requests for greater funding were received by his Department. [95502]
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  Mr. George Howarth
  The Commission is defined as a Non Departmental Public Body and is funded by means of a grant in aid. Its grant in aid for each of its first three years will be £750,000. The Government are determined to ensure that the Commission is properly funded to carry out its various duties and functions, and believe that the current level of funding is adequate. The Commission informed the Secretary of State of its intention to seek additional funding in a letter dated 22 October. Any formal request for an increase in funding will be considered alongside the other financial demands that the Northern Ireland Office has to meet in its annual budget.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what basis post-graduate interns have been selected to work for the Human Rights Commission; and how many of them are of(a) British, (b) Irish and (c) other nationality. [95504]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Two post-graduate interns have worked at the Commission for a three month period this year. The basis of their selection and questions relating to their nationality are the responsibility of the Commission, and I have asked the Chief Commissioner to write to the right hon. Gentleman.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the decision of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to intervene in the matter of UK-wide legislation which is without a specific Northern Ireland aspect. [95508]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I am not certain to which specific intervention the right hon. Gentleman refers; however, section 69(1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 states that:"The Commission shall keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness in Northern Ireland of law and practice relating to the protection of human rights".

  This duty is not confined to instances where there is a specific Northern Ireland aspect to UK-wide legislation.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which political parties were invited to consult over the proposals that appear in the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's draft strategic plan; which were consulted; and which declined or failed to respond. [95496]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Commission is an independent body and as such its proposals and activities are a matter for the Commission itself. I have therefore asked the Chief Commissioner to write to the right hon. Gentleman to inform him of the consultation process on the Commission's draft strategic plan.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what interests have been registered by the members of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. [95506]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Commission maintains a Register of Interests for both Commissioners and staff. It can be seen by any member of the public at the Commission's office in Belfast.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when his Department made a formal request to the Northern Ireland Human Rights
  131
  Commission asking it to consult and advise on the possibility of a Northern Ireland Bill of Rights; and in what terms was this request. [95505]

  Mr. George Howarth
  My right hon. Friend the Member for Redcar (Marjorie Mowlam), the then Secretary of State, wrote to the Chief Commissioner on 24 March 1999, as she was required to do under Section 69(7) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. She invited the Commission to provide advice of the kind referred to in paragraph 4 of the relevant section of the Belfast Agreement, namely:"to consult and to advise on the scope for defining, in Westminster legislation, rights supplementary to those in the European Convention on Human Rights, to reflect the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland, drawing as appropriate on international instruments and experience. These additional rights to reflect the principles of mutual respect for the identity and ethos of both communities and parity of esteem, and—taken together with the ECHR—to constitute a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland."

  The Act does not set a time limit for receipt of these proposals and the Secretary of State did not ask for the Commission's proposals within a set time.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the Committee on the Administration of Justice made application to the Council of Europe for funding for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission before the Commission's members were appointed; and if he will make a statement. [95497]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Commission, although funded by Government, is free to seek additional funding from outside sources. Other bodies are also free to seek funding on its behalf. This is not a matter for the Government.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff work for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; and on what grades and salaries. [95503]

  Mr. George Howarth
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has a statutory duty to approve the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's employment of staff as to numbers and as to remuneration and other terms and conditions of employment.

  The Commission has to date appointed eight members of staff. The staff are not civil servants and the Commission has not adopted formal grades, however they have used the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NIC) Pay Scales as a guide to salaries.

  There are three Administrative Officers employed on the equivalent of the Clerical and Secretarial Pay Scale. There are four staff appointed on the equivalent of Scale 119; these are a Research Worker; Case Worker; Education Worker and Development Worker. The Commission's Chief Executive is appointed on the equivalent of the Principal Officer Scale of the NICS.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on which occasions meetings of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission have been held outside its own headquarters; if any such meetings have been in the private offices of Commissioners; and if he will make a statement about this practice. [95579]
  132
  Mr. George Howarth
  The Northern Ireland Act 1998 leaves the Commission free to determine its own procedures. I have asked the Chief Commissioner to write to the right hon. Gentleman on the point that he raises.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish the report drawn up by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission on whether paramilitary violations of human rights are appropriate for campaigning action by the Commission; and if he will make a statement. [95507]

  Mr. George Howarth
  It is not for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to decide to publish any material that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission produces. Section 69(9) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 states that:"The Commission may decide to publish its advice and the outcome of its research and investigations"

  I have asked the Chief Commissioner, Professor Brice Dickson, to write to the right hon. Gentleman on the issue that he raises.

  Portadown Attack
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assistance was provided by(a) the Specialist Fingerprint Unit and (b) the Biology Section of the Northern Ireland Forensic Service to the Royal Ulster Constabulary investigation into the murder of Robert Hamill. [95363]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: The RUC have advised that no items seized by the police were suitable for examination by the Specialist Fingerprint Unit. Items of hair, blood and fibres were sent to the Biology Section for examination.

  Paramilitary Violence
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) deaths, (b) shootings and (c) bombings have been attributed to (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican paramilitary groups (A) since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and (B) during 1999. [95715]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: The table shows the deaths, shootings and bombings attributed to Loyalist and Republican groups:

  10 April 1998–21 October 1999

  1 January 1999–21 October 1999

  Loyalist

  Republican

  Loyalist

  Republican

  Deaths

  11

  36

  3

  4

  Shooting incidents

  127

  76

  53

  42

  Bombing incidents

  136

  22

  65

  Nil

  Human Rights Act
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list those organisations and institutions identified as public bodies under the Human Rights Act 1998; if he will describe departmental preparations for implementation of the Act and if the Department has(a) created a timetable and action plan,

  133
  (b) set up structural arrangements and performance management to oversee the preparation process, (c) undertaken a study of compatibility in primary legislation, (d) drawn up a risk management strategy, (e) developed a communication strategy to prepare subsidiary public authorities for changed responsibilities and (f) established steering groups on training that will identify and meet needs of particular sectors. [95369]

  Mr. George Howarth
  [holding answer 27 October 1999]: There can be no definitive list of organisations and institutions which are public authorities under the Human Rights Act. It will be for the courts to decide in individual cases whether an organisation is a public authority for the purposes of the Act.

  The Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments are taking forward work in preparation for the implementation of the Act in October 2000. Public authorities for which the Northern Ireland Office is responsible have been alerted to the requirements of the Act. An inter-departmental working group (comprising the Northern Ireland Office, the Royal Ulster Constabulary, the Director for Public Prosecutions Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Court Service, the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, the Police Authority for Northern Ireland and the Army) has been meeting regularly to monitor progress being made by individual bodies in preparing for the Act and to identify any issues on which a joint approach would be most effective.

  In June a major human rights seminar was held by the Northern Ireland Office. It involved the main criminal justice organisations and players in Northern Ireland, including non-statutory bodies. Its aim was to generate a heightened awareness of issues surrounding the Human Rights Act, contribute to a common understanding of the issues and provide an opportunity to discuss new concerns and to discern where a common approach is required.

  The training of staff on the requirements of the Act has begun, and managers are continuing to assess their staff training requirements to determine what further training will be required.

  Guidance on the Human Rights Act has been issued to all Northern Ireland Departments. Northern Ireland Departments are continuing to refine their Action Plans which outline the work which will be carried out in preparation for the implementation of the Act. Scrutiny exercises are under way in each Department to examine legislation and procedures to ensure that they are compatible with the Act. Northern Ireland Departments are also in close contact with their counterparts in Great Britain to ascertain what their scrutiny of similar legislation has revealed.

  Departments have been in contact with the public bodies which they sponsor and are taking steps to ensure that these public bodies are aware of their duties under the Act.

  Training for the staff of Northern Ireland Departments has been undertaken and is continuing. Training needs are being kept under review.
  134
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list those non-governmental organisations that have been consulted on preparations for implementation of the Human Rights Act 1998 and outline his plans to involve NGOs in the future. [95370]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 27 October 1999]: The Northern Ireland Office receives advice on preparation for implementation of the Human Rights Act from the Human Rights Task Force.

  The Human Rights Task Force was created by the Home Secretary and exists to bring together Government and human rights organisations in order to help public authorities prepare for the Human Rights Act. The Task Force maintains a dialogue between the Government and non-governmental organisations on the readiness of public authorities and the legal profession for implementation.

  Professor Brice Dickson, Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, attends Task Force meetings. We are discussing with the Commission the provision of training on the implementation of the Human Rights Act.

  The Northern Ireland Office has engaged the services of Queens University Belfast (QUB) to deliver half-day awareness sessions to members of the Senior Civil Service. The Northern Ireland Civil Service Departmental Solicitors' Group are also working with QUB to provide more in-depth seminars to legal staff across the Northern Ireland Court Service. This includes legal staff in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland and the Crown Solicitor's Office.

  There are no plans to involve other non-governmental organisations directly in the preparations for implementation in Northern Ireland of the Human Rights Act, but the Government will continue to follow the advice provided by the Human Rights Task Force.

  Prisoner Releases
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners released under the accelerated prisoner release scheme in Northern Ireland have re-offended; what was the nature of those offences; if any have broken the terms of their licences; and if he will make a statement. [96607]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: Of the 299 prisoners who have been released to date under the terms of the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998, six have been prosecuted for offences committed since the date of their release. The nature of the charges against three are of Assault on police officers and breach of the peace; Theft; Grievous bodily harm with intent; Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily harm; and Affray. A fourth was charged with handling stolen goods, the fifth with armed robbery and the sixth with possession with intent to supply controlled drugs. None of the six were charged with terrorist related offences and were not deemed to have broken their licence conditions.

  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners released under the accelerated prisoner release scheme are awaiting trials for offences committed since the date of their release. [96606]
  135
  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: Of the 299 prisoners who have been released to date under the terms of the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 five are currently awaiting trials for offences committed since the date of their release. None of the five have been charged with terrorist related offences.

  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will set out the terms of the licence conditions of prisoners released under the accelerated release scheme in Northern Ireland who have subsequently re-offended. [96612]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: Of the six persons prosecuted for offences committed since the date of their release, five were determinate sentence prisoners and as such the terms of their release on licence under the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 were conditional upon the following:
  that they do not support a specified organisation (within the meaning of section 3 of the Act);
  that they do not become concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism connected with the affairs of Northern Ireland.

  The remaining one was previously a life sentence prisoner and as such their release on licence under the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 was conditional upon the following:
  that they do not support a specified organisation (within the meaning of section 3 of the Act);
  that they do not become concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism connected with the affairs of Northern Ireland; and
  that they do not become a danger to the public.

  None of the six were prosecuted for offences which were terrorist related and were not deemed to have broken their licence conditions.

  RUC Training
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what training Royal Ulster Constabulary uniformed personnel receive in administering first aid to injured persons. [94429]

  Mr. Ingram
  New recruits attend a three day First Aid course equivalent to those run by the St. John's Ambulance and Red Cross. Officers are expected to maintain a tri-annual revalidation by attending a one day Emergency Aid course. Specialist units e.g. Traffic Branch and Community Affairs attend two day scenario-based courses specific to their needs. In addition, police and civilian support staff may volunteer for a four day 'First Aid at Work' course made available under Health and Safety legislation.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Emotional Development (Children)
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from(a) the National Association for Therapeutic Education and (b) others about the needs of emotionally undeveloped children. [95219]
  136
  Jacqui Smith
  Ministers and officials in my Department have in recent years considered a range of representations from the National Association for Therapeutic Education (NATE). NATE were invited by the National Advisory Group on Special Educational Needs to contribute evidence during the consultation which informed our Green Paper "Excellence For All Children: Meeting Educational Needs".

  My officials have an extensive network of contacts and keep in close touch with a range of bodies concerned with addressing children's emotional under-development.

  School Playing Fields
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many requests he has received from local education authorities to(a) dispose of and (b) change the use of, school playing fields since 1 May 1997; and if he will list those playing field sites for which approval has been granted for (i) disposal and (ii) change of use. [95743]

  Jacqui Smith
  Until the implementation on 1 October 1998 of Section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, local authorities in England did not need the consent of the Secretary of State for Education and Employment to dispose, or change the use, of school playing fields.

  Since 1 October 1998 there have been 147 applications from local authorities to dispose of part or, at some closed schools, the whole of a school's playing field. There have been no applications by local education authorities to change the use of playing fields that have not involved a disposal. All applications are assessed against criteria which have been published by the Department in its circular: "The Protection of School Playing Fields".

  Approval has been granted in 86 cases. Of those, 33 were at closed or closing schools and a further 23 led to improved sports facilities. The remainder were for improvements to educational facilities and were approved only when it was clear that they did not affect the access of pupils to suitable playing fields.

  European Social Fund
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will take steps to transfer from next year the(a) responsibility and (b) budget for European Social Fund activities in Wales to the National Assembly for Wales. [95750]

  Ms Jowell
  Discussions are currently taking place between my officials and those of the National Assembly for Wales about the future arrangements for ESF activities in Wales.

  New Deal
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the publications issued since 1 May 1997 relating to the New Deal, the total cost per publication and the numbers of each publication which have been produced. [96302]

  Ms Jowell
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the then Minister for Employment, Welfare to Work and Equal Opportunities on 3 March 1999,Official

  137
  Report, column 814. The following table of New Deal publications shows the total cost and number of publications produced since then. The amounts shown

  Title

  Copies

  Cost (£)

  Publications for employers including:

  New Deal for Employers

  105,000

  15,189

  Taking Care of the Future (produced in partnership with Daycare Trust)

  21,500

  7,922

  Making the Most of New Deal (produced in partnership with Daycare Trust)

  7,500

  5,408

  Publications for young unemployed aged 18-24

  New Deal for Young People aged 18-24

  119,500

  8,728

  New Deal for Musicians

  43,000

  13,482

  Publications for unemployed people aged 25plus

  A New Start (New Deal for 25plus)

  110,000

  9,201

  Extra Help (New Deal 25plus pilot folder with insert sheet)

  100,000

  651

  Publications that are for other, or multiple, target audiences

  What is New Deal?

  75,000

  8,361

  Factsheets

  6,000

  1,086

  New Deal Award Entry Forms

  33,000

  5,123

  New Deal Conference Report

  10,000

  11,566

  Note:

  The quantities and costs shown are totals including all versions of the publication.

SCOTLAND

  Government Expenditure and Revenue
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland in which section of Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland 1996–97 provision is made for receipts from the Crown Estate Commissioners. [95272]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: The Crown Estate Commissioners pay a dividend to the Consolidated Fund, which is included in UK general government interest and dividends in the public finances. The Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland 1996–97 report allocated a share of UK general government interest and dividends to Scottish receipts on the basis of Scotland's share of Gross Domestic Product (excluding the Continental Shelf).

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the categories contained in the paper, Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland 1996–97, which include appropriations in aid for the Scottish Office and other departments. [95269]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: All the categories contained in Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland 1996–97 include appropriations in aid. Details of the appropriations in aid which were applied by the Scottish Office for 1996–97 were published in the Appropriation Accounts for that year by The Stationery Office on 13 February 1998 (HC251-XIII).

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state his Department's role in the preparation and publication of the next paper on Government Revenue and Expenditure Scotland; and when the next such paper will be published. [95273]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: The next report on Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland, in common with previous reports, is being
  138
  include the cost for any updating and reprinting as necessary, and the production of ethnic minority language and Welsh bilingual versions.

  prepared by members of the Government Economic Service and Government Statistical Service. No firm date has been set for publication but it is expected to be before the end of this year. My Department will assess the report's contents and implications.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list and state the amounts for each of the miscellaneous receipts referred to in the Other Receipts section of Appendix B of Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland 1996–97. [95270]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: The research underlying the report on Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland 1996–97 apportioned aggregate UK other receipts on the basis of Scotland's share of UK gross domestic products (excluding Continental Shelf). The analysis does not identify all the individual components of the other receipts category and allocate a share of them to Scotland on an individual and separate basis.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Departmental Assets
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will list the assets sold by the Attorney-General's Department and its agencies and their value in each year from 1991–92 to 1998–99; and if he will estimate the value of asset sales planned to be made in the years 1999–2000 and 2000–01. [96405]

  The Solicitor-General
  Details for the Law Officers' Departments are as follows. The Serious Fraud Office disposed of no assets of material value in the years from 1991–92 to 1998–99 and currently do not estimate any material sales for 1999–2000 and 2000–01. The Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers' disposed of no assets of material value in the years from 1991–92 to 1998–99 and
  139
  currently do not estimate any material sales for 1999–2000 and 2000–01. The Crown Prosecution Service has sold three assets during the period 1991–92 to 1998–99, and has no plans to sell any assets in the years 1999–2000 and 2000–01. The asset sales, together with their value, are listed in the following table:

  Year

  Asset

  Value (£)

  1998–99

  None

  0

  1997–98

  3 buildings

  415,070

  1996–97

  None

  0

  1995–96

  None

  0

  1994–95

  None

  0

  1993–94

  None

  0

  1992–93

  None

  0

  1991–92

  None

  0

  The Treasury Solicitor's Department, including the Government Property Lawyers' Agency, has made the following asset sales:

  Year

  Asset

  Value (£)

  1998–99

  Surplus IT equipment

  2,505

  Furniture/Office equipment

  549

  Performance

  Target

  Annual efficiency savings in real terms

  3%

  To recover the full operating cost for chargeable services of the Agency

  100%

  To achieve an improvement of 20% on 1998–99 level of income recovery from clients within 30 days of their receipt of a validated invoice from 75% to:

  90%

  To increase the proportion of undisputed supplier invoices paid in accordance with terms or 30 days from 95% to:

  100%

  To maintain a level of client satisfaction of—(Advisory)

  95%-100%

  Reduction in average unit cost per chargeable hour in real terms—(Litigation)

  2.5%

  Minimum average number of chargeable hours per caseholder per year—(Litigation)

  1,150

  Reduction in average unit cost per case in real terms—(Bona Vacantia)

  2.5%

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Equal Opportunities
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he(a) has established and (b) published a baseline for policy appraisal against which to measure progress on equal treatment. [94859]

  Mr. Byers
  The Government are committed to ensuring that their policies are fair and inclusive, and focus on public service users, not providers. This aim is contained in guidance (published in 1998) which helps Departments consider the impact of their policies by gender, ethnicity and disability. In addition to considering impact, the guidance encourages consultation with women's groups and others where appropriate and action to deal with any differential impact if this appears appropriate. My Department applies the principles set out in the guidance in developing its policies. For example, a gender impact assessment was included in the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Employment Relations Bill. We are also making increasing use of consultation, research projects and disaggregated statistics to identify the likely impact of policy.
  140

  Year

  Asset

  Value (£)

  1997–98

  Surplus IT equipment

  4,100

  Surplus library books

  750

  Disposals of the same type, but probably of a lower magnitude, are expected to continue in 1999–2000 and 2000–01.

  In 1999–2000, sales of office furniture and office equipment to the value of £20,000 have taken place following the closure of the Government Property Lawyers' Agency. No further sales resulting from this closure are planned. No major sales of assets took place prior to 1997–98. Details of minor and routine sales over the period 1991–92 to 1997–97 are not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate costs.

  Performance Targets
  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Solicitor-General what key performance targets he has set for the Treasury Solicitor's Department in 1999–2000. [97205]

  The Solicitor-General
  In 1999–2000 the performance of the Treasury Solicitor's Department will be measured against the following targets:

  Human Tissue Banks
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to fund human tissue banks in respect of humane research; and if he will make a statement. [95662]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: In the Comprehensive Spending Review the Medical Research Council was allocated £12 million to develop collections of donated human tissue and biological samples for use in research. The approach is designed to take account of anticipated rapid developments in genetic technologies and the benefits that might ensue from the completion of the human genome project in 2003. The MRC is currently working with the Wellcome Trust, other charities, and industry to consider all the implications of these developments.

  Indebted Countries
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the(a) total debt owed, (b) debt written off, (c) balance outstanding, (d) interest accrued and (e) additional advances made, standing to the ECGD by each of the highly indebted poor countries for each of the financial years 1989–90 to 1998–99. [96059]
  141
  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 28 October 1999]: The table shows the latest available position in 1999 for debt owed, principal forgiven, interest accrued and overdue and the residual balance of amounts guaranteed for the current agreed list of highly indebted poor countries.

  To answer the question for each of the years requested would incur disproportionate cost. However, the vast majority of the debt owing has been in existence prior to 1989, with movements occurring on amounts forgiven and interest.

  Highly indebted poor countries

  All figures £ million

  Market

  Debt owing

  Principal forgiven

  Interest occrued and overdue

  Amounts guaranteed

  Angola

  60.89

  —

  51.84

  —

  Benin

  2.69

  5.22

  —

  —

  Bolivia

  11.55

  38.39

  —

  —

  Burkina Faso

  0.97

  1.94

  —

  —

  Burundi

  0

  —

  —

  —

  Central African Republic

  0.33

  0.24

  —

  —

  Cameroon

  72.07

  9.46

  —

  —

  Chad

  0

  —

  —

  —

  Congo

  140.48

  —

  1.60

  —

  Congo (Dr)

  88.23

  —

  76.60

  —

  Cote D'Ivoire

  31.61

  6.57

  —

  12.38

  Ethiopia

  13.47

  3.54

  —

  1.41

  Equatorial Guinea

  0

  —

  —

  —

  Ghana

  1.92

  —

  —

  215.26

  Guinea

  5.09

  —

  —

  —

  Guyana

  43.94

  78.97

  —

  —

  Honduras

  0

  —

  —

  —

  Kenya

  36.39

  —

  —

  20.14

  Laos

  0

  —

  —

  —

  Liberia

  8.92

  —

  1.18

  —

  Madagascar

  27.22

  —

  —

  —

  Malawi

  3.42

  —

  —

  —

  Mali

  4.07

  7.47

  —

  —

  Mauritania

  6.68

  0.56

  0.15

  —

  Mozambique

  89.52

  17.6

  —

  —

  Myanmar

  23.07

  —

  —

  —

  Nicaragua

  1.04

  0.96

  —

  —

  Niger

  10.8

  1.73

  —

  —

  Principe and Sao Tome

  0

  —

  —

  —

  Rwanda

  0.1

  —

  —

  —

  Senegal

  1.49

  1.94

  —

  —

  Sierra Leone

  3.46

  0.13

  0.10

  —

  Somali Republic

  15.66

  —

  12.27

  —

  Sudan

  127.12

  —

  207.50

  —

  Tanzania

  117.05

  90.4

  —

  —

  Togo

  13.53

  3.37

  0.52

  —

  Uganda

  5.69

  18.01

  —

  —

  Vietnam

  10.38

  10.39

  —

  43.96

  Yemen

  3.25

  6.25

  —

  —

  Zambia

  195.31

  68.8

  —

  —

  Total

  1,177.41

  371.94

  351.76

  293.15

  Government Office for the North East
  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people are currently employed at the Government Office for the North East; and what are its current annual administration costs. [96870]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Government Office for the North East (GO-NE) has a complement of 257 staff in the current year. As at 4 October 1999 there are 248.6 staff in post employed by GO-NE.

  The Running Cost Budget for 1999–2000 is £8.2 million.
  142
  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total number of jobs(a) created and (b) safeguarded by inward investment projects into (a) the UK and (b) the area covered by the Government Office for the North East in each year since 1995. [96734]

  Mr. Caborn
  The figures issued are based on information provided by companies at the time of the announcement of the decision to invest in the UK. They are based on the companies' best estimate, at that time, of the number of jobs to be created/safeguarded by the investment in its first three years.

  There is no requirement to notify the Department and so the figures include only those projects where the Department's Invest in Britain Bureau and its regional partners were involved or which have come to their notice.

  Year/Region

  Number of projects

  Total number of new jobs

  Total number of safeguarded jobs

  Total number of associated jobs

  1995–96

  UK

  498

  47,497

  52,267

  99,764

  NE

  62

  6,075

  7,433

  13,508

  1996–97

  UK

  497

  46,400

  51,939

  98,339

  NE

  46

  3,089

  4,529

  7,618

  1997–98

  UK

  631

  46,562

  82,771

  129,333

  NE

  47

  2,649

  9,890

  12,539

  1998–99

  UK

  658

  44,858

  74,777

  119,635

  NE

  35

  2,304

  6,953

  9,257

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Patrick Hall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on enforcement of the national minimum wage. [96916]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The national minimum wage is in force and it must be paid by all employers. There is no hiding place for employers who act unlawfully and fail to pay it. I particularly welcome the recent employment tribunal decision, where a worker in a Bognor Regis sports shop became the first person to benefit from the enforcement officers' powers; that is, to take an employer to an employment tribunal and force them to pay the underpaid worker all the money that is owed them.

  This power is over and above the powers of officers to issue enforcement and penalty notices against employers. Ten enforcement notices were issued in September, and £67,000 of back pay obtained for workers.

  Horizon Project
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many sub-post offices he expects to close(a) in Eastbourne and (b) nationally as a result of the cancellation of the Horizon Project; [96964]

  (2) what analysis he has made of the likely effect on the Post Office of the cancellation of the Horizon Project. [96966]
  143
  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Horizon Project has not been cancelled, but has been put back on track by the Government to ensure that every Post Office throughout the network will be equipped with this modern, on-line computer platform by the spring of 2001.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the cost to industry of the climate change levy. [96696]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: Any estimate of the impact of the levy will depend on the final rates of tax which will be set by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  However, the Government have promised that there will be significantly lower rates of the levy for those energy intensive sectors, covered by the EU Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive, which are prepared to enter negotiated agreements with the Government to deliver energy efficiency improvement and/or emissions reductions targets. To this end, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is leading discussions with a number of energy intensive sectors.

  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with industrialists about the likely costs of the climate change levy to their businesses. [96602]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government have been holding discussions with a wide range of business on the implementation of the climate change levy. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry met representatives of business on 20 October to hear at first hand their views on the levy.

  Any estimate of the impact of the levy will depend on the final rates of tax which will be set by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  EU Structural Funds
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of(a) EU Objective 1 and (b) EU Objective 2 programmes on UK economic development; and if he will make a statement. [95057]

  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of EU Objective 1 and Objective 2 programmes on UK economic development. [95037]

  1999

  Country/Regional Strategy Papers

  Indicative Timing

  Africa

  Egypt

  December 1999

  Swaziland

  Submission to the Secretary of State for discussion in November 1999

  Botswana

  Namibia

  Lesotho

  In abeyance pending political developments

  Asia

  Combodia

  November 1999

  Pakistan

  On hold

  Jordan

  December 1999

  West Bank—Gaza

  December 1999

  144
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of(a) EU Objective 1 and (b) EU Objective 2 programmes on UK economic development; and if he will make a statement. [95067]

  Mr. Caborn
  In accordance with the requirements of the regulations governing the Structural Funds, all UK Objective 1 and Objective 2 programmes have been independently evaluated both at mid-term and at the end of the programmes to assess their impact on economic development. These evaluations are available from the programme secretariats.

  Overall the Structural Funds make a valuable contribution to economic development in the United Kingdom.

  Consumer Protection
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to improve consumer protection legislation. [96312]

  Dr. Howells
  The White Paper "Modern Markets: Confident Consumers" published in July set out in detail the various proposals to improve consumer protection legislation on which the Department is currently working.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Belize
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which Ministers in her Department visited Belize in each year from 1990 to 1997. [96174]

  Clare Short
  No Ministers from my Department or from the Overseas Development Administration visited Belize between 1990 and 1997.

  Departmental Publications
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the titles of official departmental reports being prepared with a view to publication in(a) 1999 and (b) 2000, stating in each case the planned date for publication. [95511]

  Clare Short
  The titles of official departmental reports being prepared with a view to publication in (a) 1999 and (b) 2000, with planned dates (where applicable), are shown in the tables.
  145

  1999

  Country/Regional Strategy Papers

  Indicative Timing

  Eastern Europe/FSU

  Bosnia

  December 1999

  Central Asia/South Caucasus

  November 1999

  Moldova

  November 1999

  Institutional Strategy Papers

  Working with the OCHA—the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs

  November 1999

  Working with UNRWA—the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East

  November 1999

  Target Strategy Papers

  International Development Strategy: Better Health for Poor People (consultation document)

  November 1999

  Final version of the above

  To be confirmed

  Others

  Statistics on International Development 1994–95 to 1998–99

  16 December 1999

  2000

  Country/Regional Strategy Papers

  Indicative Timing

  Africa

  Gambia

  Mid 2000

  Nigeria

  March 2000

  Sierra Leone

  Mid 2000 (depending on current military situation)

  Asia

  Indonesia

  June 2000

  Latin America/Caribbean

  Mexico

  Undecided

  Belize

  January 2000

  Windward Islands

  January 2000

  Jamaica

  April 2000

  Eastern Europe/FSU

  Macedonia

  June 2000

  Albania

  March 2000

  Croatia

  June 2000

  Kosovo

  January 2000

  Institutional Strategy Papers

  To be confirmed

  Target Strategy Papers (consultation document plus final version)

  Targets statement

  To be confirmed

  Increased Economic Well-being

  To be confirmed

  Better Education

  To be confirmed

  Gender Equality

  To be confirmed

  Better Management of the Environment

  To be confirmed

  Water and Environmental Sanitation

  To be confirmed

  Good Governance

  To be confirmed

  Human Rights

  To be confirmed

  Others

  DFID Departmental Report 1999

  March 2000

  Statistics on International Development 1995–96 to 1999–2000

  December 2000

  Departmental Accounting
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the methods of depreciation her Department will apply in the current financial year to fixed assets in the preparation of departmental resource accounting balance sheets. [96926]
  146
  Clare Short
  The Department for International Development (DFID) will be applying the straight line method of depreciation to fixed assets in preparing the balance sheet for the current financial year.

  San Bushmen
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of her Department's funding to the Sasi it has spent on(a) health projects and (b) education for the San Bushmen of South Africa. [96400]

  Clare Short
  The South African San Institute (SASI) programme supported by DFID will help build the capacity of San communities to secure access to public health and education services. Funds have not been earmarked for health and education projects, but there will be health and education components to SASI supported activities in livelihood and cultural development, and to tackle substance abuse and violence against women and children.

  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what work her Department has undertaken in South Africa in tackling alcohol abuse among the San Bushmen. [96401]

  Clare Short
  My Department is supporting the South African San Institute (SASI), which plans to develop rehabilitation and counselling services to deal with substance abuse.

  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to support the San Bushmen of South Africa. [96399]

  Clare Short
  My Department has assisted San communities in South Africa through the South African Government's Land Reform programme, which included advice on formulation of the successful land claim by the Southern Kalahari San, an indigenous San group located throughout the Mier area of South Africa near the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park.

  Building on this support, my Department has made available £0.5 million to the South African San Institute (SASI) to help San communities create sustainable livelihoods and secure their constitutional rights to development and use of traditional language.

  Arms Exports
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people are employed in her Department in examining arms exports licence applications. [97060]

  Clare Short
  There is one person employed in my Department on a full-time basis and three people who spend part of their time examining arms export licence applications. They draw on advice from DFID's regional, economic, and conflict and humanitarian affairs departments where necessary.

  South Africa
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the impact on South Africa of the drop in the value of gold; and if she will make a statement. [96544]

  Clare Short
  Gold remains important for employment and export earnings but its relative contribution to the South African economy has been in decline for decades. Our development co-operation supports South Africa's efforts at economic diversification.

  Serbia
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to assist in the restoration of Serbia's(a) water, (b) electricity and (c) gas utilities. [95971]

  Clare Short
  We do not support the rehabilitation of utilities until there is a democratic government in place in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) who pursue internationally acceptable standards of conduct and meets their international obligations.

  We are prepared to provide humanitarian assistance to help meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable on the basis of verified assessments and full accountability.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Departmental Publications
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list his Department's spending on official publications since May 1997. [93685]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The spending on official publications since May 1997; which includes the costs incurred by the Department in publishing, preparation, production and purchase of copies for official use was £841,812.12. This excludes the cost of publications produced for internal use. Where the department makes use of a private sector publisher the publishing, printing and design costs are generally met by the publisher as part of their acceptance of the risks of publication.

  Spend £

  May 1997–March 1998

  338,760.90

  April 1998–March 1999

  288,099.82

  April 1999–8 October 1999

  214,951.40

  The equivalent figure for April 1996–March 1997 was £501,366.85.

  Wembley Stadium
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of proposals to increase the capacity of the new Wembley stadium to meet the criteria of the International Olympic Committee. [95433]

  Kate Hoey
  The current International Olympic Committee requirements for staging an Olympic Games are for 75,000 seats for the opening and closing ceremonies. The British Olympic Association (BOA) has indicated that a capacity of 80,000 should be provided for an Olympic bid to be credible. The design of the national stadium chosen by Wembley National Stadium Limited (WNSL) envisages special conversion of the stadium for staging athletics events and can provide 80,000 seats in athletics mode. WNSL have recently refined their detailed proposals for the stadium in athletics mode and I have asked Sport England and UK Sport to commission further detailed technical assessments of these latest proposals.

  Works of Art
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions his Department has held with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on policy relating to the display of works of art during visits by foreign heads of state. [96342]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has held no such discussions with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

  British Museum
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he held with the British Museum authorities on arrangements for the visit to the Museum by President Jiang Zemin. [96341]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Neither my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State nor any DCMS Minister or official had any such discussions with the British Museum.

  BBC Licence Fee
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the proposal for a £24 licence supplement for BBC digital television. [96311]

  Janet Anderson
  In its report published on 5 August, the independent review panel on the future funding of the BBC has recommended that the Government should introduce, from next April, a digital licence supplement at the level of £1.99 a month (falling to 99p a month in 2006). A period of public consultation on the panel's recommendations has just concluded. The Government will consider all those recommendations in the light of the responses received and hopes to reach final decisions around the end of this year.

  Tourism (Cornwall)
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to make official visits to tourist resorts in Cornwall in the next 12 months. [95898]
  149
  Janet Anderson
  My hon. Friend the Minister for the Arts and I have already made a number of official visits to Cornwall this year. These have included official visits to Falmouth, Newquay, Penzance, Newlyn and St. Ives. Ministers' diaries for the next 12 months have yet to be finalised. Invitations to make further visits to Cornwall will, of course, be given proper consideration. We are ever mindful of the importance of the tourist industry to the county of Cornwall, and will make supportive visits whenever we are able to do so.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the state of the tourist industry in Cornwall in the current year, with particular reference to the effects of the eclipse. [95902]

  Janet Anderson
  I understand from the West Country Tourist Board, which has contributed to a report, produced for the West Cornwall Leader Project, into the economic impact of the eclipse on Cornwall, that an additional 400,000 visitors were in Cornwall for the eclipse on 11 August. In addition, the event generated an extra £51 million of visitor expenditure within the county.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about the funding and marketing of the Cornish tourism industry. [95903]

  Janet Anderson
  The West Country Tourist Board, which covers Cornwall, is receiving £497,000 from the English Tourism Council this year for projects which contribute to the national tourism strategy. Cornwall, in common with parts of England, also benefits from the work of the British Tourist Authority (BTA) which promotes Britain as a visitor destination in overseas markets. The BTA is receiving £36 million from my Department this year.

  The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy estimates that local authority expenditure on tourism promotion in Cornwall in 1997–98 was £1.954 million. In addition, the European Regional Development Fund and local partners have funded the West Cornwall Leader Project, which aims to assist sectors of the West Cornwall economy, including tourism and Prosper, the Training and Enterprise Council for Devon and Cornwall which provides information, advice and training services to small businesses in the region.

  In addition, tourism in Cornwall has also benefited, both directly and indirectly, from the National Lottery (projects in the county have received awards totalling £84.1 million according to DCMS's National Lottery Awards Database) and from other funding from the European Regional Development Fund. Tourism in Cornwall will benefit further from January next year, having been granted European Union Objective 1 status.

  Tourism
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food regarding the development of tourism in rural areas. [95901]

  Janet Anderson
  The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) was one of several other Government departments we consulted when drawing up 150
  the tourism strategy document, "Tomorrow's Tourism", in view of that Department's strong interest in the economic vitality, conservation and public enjoyment of the countryside. We have maintained dialogue with MAFF regarding the future development of rural tourism policy, particularly with regard to farm diversification and the implementation of the European Commission's proposed Rural Development Regulation. We are also liaising with MAFF and others regarding the preparations for the Tourism Summit in March 2000, and the forthcoming Rural White Paper.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the relationship of the value of tourism to the holding of major sporting events. [96013]

  Janet Anderson
  A 1997 study by the UK, English and Scottish Sports Councils examined the economic impact of six major sporting events throughout the UK. It concluded that much of the additional expenditure earned by these events was contributed by tourists, in addition to the expenditure by competitors and officials themselves.

  The Government's tourism strategy, "Tomorrow's Tourism", pointed to the boost given by Euro '96 to UK tourism and underlined our commitment to bringing major international sporting events to this country. That is why I have agreed with my hon. Friend the Minister for Sport that the British Tourist Authority will produce a sports tourism strategy by the end of this year to complement the Government's forthcoming sports strategy and to help to maximise the tourism benefits accruing from major sporting events in the UK.

  Accommodation Rating System
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to encourage the extension of the new accommodation rating system to the whole of the UK. [95905]

  Janet Anderson
  My immediate priority is to ensure that the new system in England is successful in raising quality standards and meeting consumer expectations. However, we are approaching the Scottish and Welsh Administrations following the report of the Scottish Affairs Committee to look again together at our respective schemes, the differences between them and the scope for arriving at common standards.

  Drugs and Sport
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions has he had with the National Drugs Co-ordinator about drugs and sport. [95906]

  Kate Hoey
  I have had useful discussion on the issue of drugs in sport with the National Drugs Co-ordinator and will continue to work closely with him and others on this important matter.

  The Permanent Secretary of the DCMS met recently with Keith Hellawell and General Barry McCaffrey, the Director of the White House National Drug Control Policy, and had fruitful discussions on the issue of doping in sport. Officials from this Department will be meeting

  151
  with officials from the Anti Drug Co-ordination Unit and Sport England in the near future to discuss further how we can promote the role of sport in this area.

  Trafalgar Square
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he expects to make an announcement about what will stand on the vacant plinth in Trafalgar square. [95907]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  An advisory group has been set up under the chairmanship of Sir John Mortimer to advise my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on the future of the vacant plinth in Trafalgar square. The group is expected to make its recommendations during the spring of next year.

  Internet
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what evaluation the Creative Task Force has made of the impact of the internet; and if he will make a statement. [95908]

  Janet Anderson
  The Creative Industries Task Force has set up an inquiry to examine the impact of the internet on the following creative industry sectors: radio, design, advertising, newspaper and magazine publishing, and the cultural industries (literature, performing arts, fine art). This work is in addition to initiatives taken by other Government Departments with other parts of the creative industries.

  The aims of the inquiry are:
  to identify the opportunities, threats and barriers to growth which the Internet brings for creative SMEs in these sectors;
  to consider the future environment and developments in technology and infrastructure to gauge how SMEs in these sectors can move to anticipate and exploit the opportunities that arise; and
  to ensure that use of the internet in these sectors (by consumers, businesses and organisations) can be measured and tracked effectively.

  The inquiry is chaired by Robert Devereux, a Creative Industries Task Force member.

  It will, subject to Creative Industries Task Force approval, be published by Spring 2000 and will include recommendations to Government and others on actions to be pursued.

  Hotel Charges Group
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he expects the Hotel Charges Group to present its findings; and if its report will be made public. [95899]

  Janet Anderson
  The Tourism Consumer Group has been asked to concentrate initially on five issues: the clarity of information on hotel charges and prices in general; the clarity of charges for telephones in hotel bedrooms; the imposition of single person supplements, and the quality of accommodation for single occupants; how the industry handles customer complaints; and whether the Tourism (Sleeping Accommodation Price Display) Order 1977 now requires updating.
  152
  I expect the Group to make recommendations on these subjects in good time for the inaugural Tourism Summit next year. Its recommendations will be made public.

  UK European Capital of Culture
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport who will determine the criteria for choosing the UK's European Capital of Culture; and by whom the decision will be made. [95904]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The selection criteria for the UK's European Capital of Culture will be determined by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, in consultation with ministerial colleagues. An announcement will be made in due course. The UK's nomination for the European Capital of Culture will be formally approved by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Disability Living Allowance
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people in the West Midlands area are currently on the waiting list for the processing of their disability living allowance claims; [96040]

  (2) what is the current length of time taken to process disability living allowance claims; and if he will make a statement. [96039]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Ms Joan Walley, dated 1 November 1999:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions. You asked how many people in the West Midlands area are currently on the waiting list for the processing of their Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claims and what is the current length of time taken to process DLA claims.
  The Benefits Agency (BA) do not keep data in the requested format. However, we do have data relating to the Disability Benefits Centre (DBC) which includes the West Midlands.
  At 22 October 1999, the number of new DLA claims awaiting processing by Midlands DBC is 9,433.
  At 30 September 1999, the current national average time taken to process DLA claims is 38.72 days for new claims against the BA target for clearing new claims of 85% in 53 days. For claims made under the special rules, that is, for those people who have a life expectancy of six months or less, the average clearance time is 7.43 days against BA target of 80% in 10 days.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Equal Opportunities
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he(a) has established and (b) published a baseline for policy appraisal against which to measure progress on Equal Treatment. [94860]

  Angela Eagle
  We are committed to ensuring that its policies are fair and inclusive, and focus on public service users, not providers. This aim is contained in guidance (published in 1998) which helps Departments consider the impact of their policies on gender, ethnicity and disability. In addition to considering impact, the guidance
  153
  encourages consultation with women's groups and others where appropriate and action to deal with any differential impact if this appears necessary.

  In July 1998 this Department published our policy appraisal "Women and Social Security" which analysed how women's roles have changed since the inception of the Social Security system and what we have done and need to do to meet those changed needs. We also apply the principles described in the Equal Treatment guidance in developing our policies.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received(a) on the 48 hour rule for claimants of Jobseeker's Allowance and (b) on the treatment of expenses payments to claimants who are doing voluntary work; and if he will make a statement. [96095]

  Angela Eagle
  We have received a number of representations, generally, and in connection with the Social Exclusion Unit's Policy Action Team on Community Self-Help, on both the 48 hour rule and the treatment of volunteers' expenses in Jobseeker's Allowance.

  We recognise that voluntary work can play a significant role in preparing individuals to enter work, particularly those who have been out of the labour market for some time. Officials from this Department meet regularly with officials from the Department for Education and Employment and the voluntary sector to see what practical steps can be taken to encourage volunteering. Examples of changes that have been made as a result of these discussions are revised guidance to operational staff and an information poster promoting volunteering for public display in all jobcentres.

  Any changes to the benefits system must be in line with our wider welfare to work initiative which has work at its centre and envisages full participation in the labour market for those who are able to do so.

  Child Support Agency
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many parents with care will receive less money than their present maintenance assessment under the Government's new formula for the CSA. [96564]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave to the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale, West (Mr. Brady) on 28 October 1999,Official Report, columns 957-58.

  Redundancy Payments
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to review the treatment of redundancy payments which have been promised but not yet been received when assessing entitlement for means-tested benefits. [96591]
  154
  Angela Eagle
  I announced in the House on 25 October 1999,Official Report, column 698, that we intend to bring forward regulations at the earliest opportunity to ensure that, in future, Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support will not be refused because of earnings owed to people when their job ends. This will apply whether or not the employer is insolvent.

  Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Working Families Tax Credit are not affected by unpaid redundancy payments.

  Departmental Asset Sales
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the assets sold by his Department and their value, item by item, in each year from 1991–92 to 1998–99; and if he will estimate the value of asset sales planned to be made in 1999–2000 and 2000–01. [96276]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 29 October 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer the then Minister of State gave the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) on 16 February 1999, Official Report, column 672. During the period 1 April 1991 and 30 November 1997 there were no major asset sales. Details of minor asset sales during this period have not been collected on the grounds of disproportionate cost. There have been no major asset sales since January 1999 and none are planned for the remainder of 1999–2000 or during 2000–01.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what provision his Department has made for the payment of social security benefits to asylum seekers during the financial year 2000–01; [96943]

  (2) how much was paid in social security benefits to asylum seekers in each financial year since 31 March 1992; [96941]

  (3) what is his estimate of the amount paid in social security benefits to asylum seekers so far during 1999–2000 and his estimate of the likely total of such expenditure for the entire financial year 1999–2000. [96942]

  Mr. Bayley
  The full details of the transitional arrangements for those asylum seekers who are receiving Social Security benefits when the new support arrangements are introduced in April 2000 have yet to be finalised. However, an asylum seeker receiving benefit will continue to receive benefit until a relevant change of circumstances, such as a negative decision on their asylum application. If an asylum seeker is refused either asylum or exceptional leave prior to April 2000 he will be able to apply to a Local Authority for support under the interim arrangements provided for in the Bill. An asylum seeker refused asylum or exceptional leave after 1 April 2000 will be able to apply for support to the Home Office's Asylum Support Directorate.

  We will bring forward our detailed proposals for the transitional arrangements shortly.
  155
  Estimates for 1992–93 expenditure are not available. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Asylum seekers—estimated annual expenditure, Great Britain

  £ million

  Year

  Total estimated annual expenditure

  Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance (IB)

  Housing Benefit

  Council Tax Benefit

  1993–94

  340

  160

  175

  5

  1994–95

  360

  180

  175

  5

  1995–96

  420

  205

  205

  10

  1996–97

  400

  195

  195

  10

  1997–98

  305

  150

  145

  10

  1998–99

  285

  150

  125

  10

  Notes:

  1. Estimated annual expenditure figures are rounded to the nearest five million pounds. Figures may not sum due to rounding.

  2. Estimates for Income Support February 1997 onwards will include a number of non-asylum seekers which receive Urgent Case Payments for other reasons.

  3. Annual expenditure figures for Income Support have been based on an average of four quarters for the relevant financial year, using number of cases and average weekly amounts.

  4. Expenditure figures for Housing Benefit are estimates and have been calculated using the Housing Benefit Management Information System 1 per cent. sample and Departmental Reports. Estimates are based only on cases recorded on the Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry as being asylum seekers. They therefore exclude other claimants in receipt of Urgent Case Payments who may in fact be asylum seekers, but are not identified as such and they exclude any asylum seekers in receipt of Housing Benefit who are not in receipt of Income Support, although the number of these cases is thought to be very small.

  5. Figures for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit 1993–94 to 1997–98 are actual out-turns and 1998–99 figures are estimated out-turns.

  Source:

  1. Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiries, May 1993 to February 1999.

  2. Jobseeker's Allowance Statistics Quarterly Enquiries, May 1997 to February 1999.

  3. Housing Benefit Management Information System, annual 1 per cent. sample of claimants in receipt of Income Support, at the end of May in each year given.

  4. Departmental Report.

  The amount paid in Social Security benefits to asylum seekers is dependent on various factors including asylum applications intake, asylum decisions, and the size of the asylum backlog of outstanding cases. It is estimated that the cost of benefits for asylum seekers between April 1999 and September 1999 inclusive is in the range of £120 million to £150 million.

  We estimate that the total cost of benefits for asylum seekers in 1999–2000 will be in the range of £215-£295 million.

  Departmental Accounts
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what methods of depreciation his Department will apply in the current financial year to fixed assets in the preparation of departmental resource accounting balance sheets. [96910]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Department depreciates fixed assets in accordance with Statement of Standard Accounting Practise (SSAP) 12 and HM Treasury's Resource Accounting Manual. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, using the straight line method, at 156
  rates calculated to write off, in equal instalments, the current replacement cost (less any estimated residual value) of each asset over the expected useful life. Fixed assets are depreciated from the month following acquisition. No depreciation is charged in the month of disposal.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his oral answer of 25 October 1999,Official Report, column 693, if he will give the sources underlying his statement regarding the proportion of incapacity benefit recipients with occupational pensions who are in the top income brackets; and if he is referring to individual or household income. [96841]

  Mr. Bayley
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: The information referred to was based on equivalised household income data from the Department's Households Below Average Income (HBAI) series, the source for which was the Family Resources Survey 1996–97.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement regarding his proposals to abolish carry-forward and carry-back in respect of the stakeholder pension. [96895]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I have been asked to reply.

  The proposal to remove the carry-forward and carry-back facility forms part of the current public consultations on stakeholder pensions. We will announce our intentions when we have considered the responses to the consultation.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Departmental Asset Sales
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the assets sold by the Lord Chancellor's Department and its agencies, and their value, in each year from 1991–92 to 1998–99; and if he will estimate the value of asset sales planned to be made in the years 1999–2000 and 2000–01. [96406]

  Jane Kennedy
  Details of the proceeds from major asset sales (which are all property) during the periods 1991–92 to 1998–99 in respect of the Department and its agencies are listed in the table together with forecast sales for 1999–2001. The table does not include the sale of magistrates court buildings as these are the responsibility of the local authority as owners, nor does it include the Department's Executive Non Departmental Public Body. Minor and routine other sales are also excluded because they are relatively insignificant.

  Lord Chancellor's Department: value of asset sales

  Description

  Value (£)

  1991–94

  1—

  —

  1994–95

  4 properties

  882,422

  1995–96

  8 properties

  26,169,957

  1996–97

  4 properties

  2,019,000

  157

  Lord Chancellor's Department: value of asset sales

  Description

  Value (£)

  1997–98

  6 properties

  460,101

  1998–99

  4 properties

  1,723,000

  1999–2000

  22 properties

  261,018

  1999–2001

  8 property sales are planned

  36,785,000

  1Information held centrally indicates that no significant disposals took place

  2To date

  3Estimate

  County Courts
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received concerning the proposed closure of Chepstow and Monmouth county courts. [96534]

  Jane Kennedy
  To date, 31 representations have been received on the proposal to close Monmouth county court, of which 29 objected to the proposal. There have been 22 representations received on the proposal to close Chepstow county court, of which 20 objected to the proposal.

  Public Record Office
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what statutory duties the Keeper of Public Records has in respect of facilities for inspecting and obtaining copies of records in the Public Record Office; how many applications the Keeper has received since May 1997 from members of the public to inspect and copy the decennial census returns for England and Wales for(a) 1901 and (b) 1911; and how she responded to those applications. [96457]

  Mr. Lock
  The statutory duties of the Keeper of Public Records in respect of facilities for inspecting and obtaining copies of records in the Public Record Office are laid down in section 5 of the Public Records Act, 1958, as amended. Subsection 3 of that section provides that, subject to certain exceptions,"it shall be the duty of the Keeper of Public Records to arrange that reasonable facilities are available to the public for inspecting and obtaining copies of public records in the Public Record Office."

  The Public Record Office does not keep a record of applications from members of the public to inspect and copy the decennial census returns for England and Wales for 1901 and 1911. Such applications are referred to the Office for National Statistics, which has custody of the 1901 and 1911 census returns.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  EU Environmental Impact Assessment Directive
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is the planned time-scale for implementation of the EU Environmental Impact Assessment Directive on uncultivated land and semi-natural areas in England; [93735]
  158
  (2) what measures he plans to prevent pre-emptive ploughing of uncultivated and semi-natural land prior to the implementation of the EU Environmental Impact Assessment Directive; and if he will make a statement. [93734]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government are fully aware of the need to meet EU obligations arising from the EIA Directive. However, important questions which seek to clarify the exact nature of those obligations are currently being addressed by the European Court of Justice. These may well affect the preparatory work already carried out in close consultation with the statutory environmental agencies and other Agriculture Departments.

  I share concern about the risk that some pre-emptive action might be taken during the necessary public consultation period. However, there can be no question of introducing an implementation regime without consulting representatives of those who will be directly affected by it, as well as conservation and other important public interests.

  Beef (School Menus)
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he is taking to encourage local education authorities to provide British beef on school menus; and if he will make a statement. [93716]

  Ms Quin
  Ultimately it is for Local Authorities themselves to decide whether or not to have beef, or indeed any other food products, on school menus. Nevertheless, my right hon. Friend the Minister has recently written to all Local Education Authorities setting out the case for British beef. A copy of this letter has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Oral Statements
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list(a) the reports published by his Department and its associated bodies, (b) the reports received from bodies set up by his Department, (c) the decisions his Department has taken and (d) events in the UK and elsewhere, since 27 July, which satisfied the criteria he uses for deciding whether to apply to make oral statements to the House when the House is sitting. [93977]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Council on 19 October 1999,Official Report, column 429.

  On 20 September I announced a support package for farmers. The full text of my announcement was made available by MAFF news release.

  Glyphosate
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what data he has collated on the effects of glyphosate used as a herbicide; what assessment he has made of recent research studies carried out by EU advisors; and if he will make a statement. [94830]

  Ms Quin
  All pesticides, including those herbicides with glyphosate as their active substance, used here must be approved for the purpose by Ministers in the
  159
  Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Department of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. We only approve a pesticide after rigorous evaluation of scientific data to show that it is both efficacious and can be used safely with regard to human health and the environment.

  Glyphosate is currently being reviewed by the EU Commission as part of a programme to ensure that all agricultural pesticides currently on the market in the EU meet current standards. An initial assessment of the human and environmental safety of glyphosate undertaken by the German authorities on behalf of the Commission is currently being peer-reviewed by experts from a number of other Member States.

  Animal Exports
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to report progress on regulations dealing with the treatment of live animals on the Continent after export from the United Kingdom. [93257]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 21 October 1999]: The rules governing conditions for animals in transit within the EU are set out in Directive 91/628, as amended in 1995.

  We have carried out a public consultation on our proposals to review the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997, which implements the Directive on our territory. The deadline for comment was 8 October, and we are carefully considering the responses made before deciding how to proceed.

  Any amendment to the fundamental requirements about the conditions to be provided for animals in transit within the EU will require an amendment to the Directive itself. The Directive contains a requirement for the European Commission to initiate a review during 1999 and, if necessary, to bring forward proposals to revise the Directive. We attach importance to this review, and look to the Commission to bring it forward.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to revise the regulations for animal exports relating to conditions in transit during overland transport in Europe. [96527]

  Mr. Morley
  The rules governing conditions for animals in transit within the EU are set out in Directive 91/628, as amended in 1995.

  We have carried out a public consultation on our proposals to review the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997, which implements the Directive on our territory. The deadline for comment was 8 October, and we are carefully considering the responses made before deciding how to proceed.

  Any amendment of the fundamental requirements about the conditions to be provided for animals in transit within the EU will require an amendment to the Directive itself. The Directive contains a requirement for the European Commission to initiate a review during 1999 and, if necessary, to bring forward proposals to revise the Directive. We attach importance to this review, and look to the Commission to bring it forward.

  Milk Marque
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will permit Milk Marque to continue to sell surplus produce to(a) Northern Ireland and (b) the Netherlands. [95788]

  Ms Quin
  Following publication of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the supply in Great Britain of raw cows' milk, this is a matter for the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the competition authorities. I have no locus in this matter. Trade within the EU is allowed subject to compliance with competition and other rules.

  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the impact of his proposals regarding Milk Marque on the price paid to farmers for the milk they produce; and if he will make a statement. [96603]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Minister has made no proposals regarding Milk Marque. There should not be an adverse effect on prices of Milk Marque's own action taken in response to the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry's response to it.

  Sheep
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the size of the sheep flock in Cumbria(a) at present and (b) in each of the last five years. [95749]

  Ms Quin
  The figures for the sheep breeding flock and all sheep and lambs in Cumbria are given for the period from June 1993 to June 1998.

  Sheep breeding flock

  Total sheep and lambs

  June 1993

  1,271,741

  2,695,724

  June 1994

  1,267,248

  2,677,013

  June 1995

  1,253,766

  2,663,066

  June 1996

  1,237,833

  2,621,297

  June 1997

  1,262,823

  2,692,223

  June 1998

  1,301,724

  2,807,546

  Notes:

  The figures are taken from the June Agricultural and Horticultural Census. The data relate to main holdings only.

  County level figures for June 1999 are not yet available. They will be published on the MAFF website and can be found by selecting 'Statistics'. 'Publications', 'June 1999 Census analyses' and then 'Regions and Counties—Livestock: Sheep'.

  BSE Inquiry
  Dan Norris
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total cost to date of the BSE inquiry. [95529]

  Ms Quin
  The total cost to date of the BSE Inquiry, including the costs of liaison units and legal support for witnesses from the main departments involved, is approaching £20 million.

  British Beef
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps the Government plan to take to improve the export market for British beef. [95757]

  Ms Quin
  We have set up a Beef Export Liaison Group with those involved in beef exports in order to monitor the progress of the Date Based Export Scheme and identify and exploit key export markets. We are also in contact with a number of third countries to obtain export clearance.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the monthly figures for the export of British beef, by country of destination, since the formal lifting of the ban on exports. [96294]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 29 October 1999]: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister to my hon. Friend for Clwyd, South (Mr. Jones) on 21 October 1999, Official Report, columns 570-71.

  Dairy Farmers
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Government help available for dairy farmers. [95761]

  Ms Quin
  Dairy farmers receive help from the CAP dairy regime. They will also benefit from the Government's package of support measures, which includes the suspension of the £7 charge for cattle passports which will be met by Government until 2002–03 at the earliest.

  Meat Exports
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of the meat produced in the UK has been exported during each of the last five years. [96252]

  Ms Quin
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Home production of meat1 (th. tonnes)

  Carcase meat exports2 (th. tonnes)

  Live exports3 (th. tonnes)

  Total exports as a % of production

  1994

  3,756.2

  613.2

  112.3

  19.3

  1995

  3,840.9

  778.5

  104.8

  23.0

  1996

  3,596.0

  534.5

  80.3

  17.1

  1997

  3,682.2

  564.7

  56.1

  16.9

  19984

  3,784.6

  585.3

  53.6

  16.9

  1Carcase meat, bacon, ham and poultry meat. Includes the meat equivalent of live exports. Excludes offal.

  2Expressed in carcase weight equivalent. Excludes exports of preserved or manufactured meat products. May include some re-exports of meat previously imported into the UK.

  3Meat equivalent of live exports other than pure-bred. Adjusted as necessary for unrecorded trade.

  4Provisional.

  Meat Imports
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures the 162
  Government are taking to ensure that imports of meat are produced under the same food safety and animal welfare standards as British produced meat. [95760]

  Ms Quin
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister to the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) on 21 October 1999,Official Report, column 558.

  Fishing Industry
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those United Kingdom organisations that will be consulted in consequence of Com (99) 382, on closer co-operation with the fishing industry; what Her Majesty's Government's policy was on such closer co-operation; and if he will make a statement. [96501]

  Mr. Morley
  The proposal in Corn (99) 382 on closer dialogue with the fishing industry concerns financial matters arising from the European Commission's reorganisation of its Advisory Committee on Fisheries (ACF) so as to focus on communication and consultation with EC-level rather than national organisations. It will be for the European organisations represented on the ACF to consult as they consider necessary with national organisations in individual member states. Representations on the ACF cover fishermen, fish farmers, processors and wholesalers, trade unions, and consumer, environment and development non-governmental organisations. Representatives of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations and the Scottish Fishermen's Federation have been included as Europeche nominees in the plenary committee and working groups of the ACF.

  The Government welcome ways of strengthening the dialogue with the industry and broadening the range of activity. Thus I have made clear that consultation at the regional level must be strengthened in parallel with consultation through the ACF.

  Decommissioning
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those countries which are held by the European Commission not to have upheld MAGP IV limits; and if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy thereon. [96585]

  Mr. Morley
  The latest available information published by the Commission was in its Annual Report to the Council and to the European Parliament on the results of the multi annual guidance programmes for the fishing fleet at the end of 1997. A copy is in the Library (ref. COM 175/1999). This showed that two countries (France and Netherlands) had failed to meet the objectives of the MAGP III by the end of 1997 and were not on target to meet their objectives for MAGP IV. The report also noted that the status for Italy could not be determined because of a major revision of their fleet register.

  Set-aside Payments
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many annual payments to individual farms for set-aside land exceeded(a) £25,000, (b) £100,000, (c) £250,000 and (d) £1,000,000 per annum in each of the past four years. [95817]
  163
  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 28 October 1999]: Set-aside payments under the Arable Area Payments Scheme are made in respect of claims which may include one or more individual farms. Records therefore relate to claims paid rather than numbers of farms. The following is the information requested in respect of the set-aside element of each claim paid by MAFF in 1995–98 (with figures given on a cumulative basis—ie lines (b) to (d) are included in (a) etc.):

  Number of payments exceeding

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  (a) £25,000

  673

  401

  139

  111

  (b) £100,000

  11

  12

  3

  2

  (c) £250,000

  2

  0

  0

  0

  (d) £1,000,000

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Animal Feed
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to introduce legislation to require animal feed containing GM ingredients or derivatives to be labelled. [96209]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 28 October 1999]: Legislation on animal feed is harmonised in the EU and the Government cannot therefore take unilateral action on compulsory labelling. This is expected to be covered in a forthcoming Novel Feeds Regulation, which the Minister has been pressing the Commission to bring forward as soon as possible. In the meantime, the Government are exploring the possibility of voluntary national labelling arrangements with the feed trade, farmers and retailers.

  Fox Hunting
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will examine whether future farm support can be tied to a policy of not allowing hunting on recipients' land. [96293]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 29 October 1999]: The Government's position on hunting was set out in the reply by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Mr. Mackinlay) on 25 October 1999, Official Report, column 715. For so long as hunting remains legal, there would be no grounds for withholding agricultural support payments from those who allow hunting on their land.

  Forest Land
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to his answer of 25 October 1999,Official Report, column 714, on forest land, what assessment he has made of the consultation process relating to the sale of Chepstow Park Wood; and if the sale constituted an open sale. [96516]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 29 October 1999]: The subject of this question relates to a matter for the National Assembly of Wales.

  Coastal Whaling (Ireland)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if the Government oppose 164
  proposals put forward by the Government of Ireland that would permit coastal whaling; and if he will make a statement; [96336]

  (2) if it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to oppose the Irish Government's compromise proposals to allow the resumption of coastal whaling, put to this year's International Whaling Commission; and if he will make a statement. [96334]

  Mr. Morley
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend for Harrow, East (Mr. McNulty) on 9 June 1999,Official Report, columns 348-50.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) with which EU member states he has discussed the prospect of zonal/regional fisheries management; and what interpretation of this management he has used in these discussions; [96879]

  (2) when he last met his opposite numbers in other EU member states to discuss the prospect of zonal or regional management of fisheries waters. [96880]

  Mr. Morley
  I regularly discuss regional aspects of Common Fisheries Policy management with my opposite numbers in other EU member states. In all those contacts I have made clear the need to enhance the regional dimension of the CFP through increased involvement of the stake holders in the management process; greater focus on management problems on a regional specific fishery basis; closer links between fishermen and scientists; and the ability to act rapidly when confronted with conservation emergencies affecting a particular fishery.

  BSE
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the latest scientific evidence on the presence of the BSE prion within(a) the dorsal root ganglia and (b) marrow of cattle. [96297]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 29 October 1999]: The results of the BSE pathogenesis study which described the detection of infectivity in dorsal root ganglia and bone marrow of orally infected cattle were reported in the following two articles:

  "Preliminary observations on the pathogenesis of experimental bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)": by G.A.H. Wells and others. (The Veterinary Record, 1998/Vol. 142/31/1/1998, pp. 103-106).

  "Limited detection of sternal bone marrow infectivity in the clinical phase of experimental bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)": by G.A.H. Wells and others. (The Veterinary Record, 1999/Vol. 144/13/3/1999, pp. 292-294).

  There are no new results to report.

  Agricultural Competitiveness
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives his Department is providing to boost the competitiveness of the UK's agriculture industry in Europe. [96259]
  165
  Ms Quin
  The Government are seeking to assist UK agriculture to be more competitive in Europe on several fronts.

  The foundation of a competitive industry must be the macro-economic stability which the Government have achieved and which brings low levels of inflation and interest rates. We have built on this foundation by investing in research and development, pursuing the Government's policy of training, education and lifelong learning, establishing the Food Chain Group earlier this year whose aim is to bring the food chain close together, launching a joint campaign (with the National Farmers' Union (NFU)) to encourage more collaborative marketing, and launching a further joint initiative with the NFU to review regulatory burdens on the industry.

  Furthermore, my right hon. Friend announced a substantial package of aid on 20 September which included £150 million of new money for the industry. This included the waiving of specified risk material charges and cattle passport charges until at least 2001/02, and £1 million aimed directly at support for marketing. Most recently, my right hon. Friend announced on 28 October 1999, Official Report, column 1128, that we have secured a further £5 million in marketing aid.

  Complementary Veterinary Services
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will amend the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 in order to allow non-vets to carry out acupuncture and homeopathy on animals. [91992]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 21 July 1999]: The authorisation of practitioners of alternative medicine under the Act is limited to the provision of physiotherapy to animals which are under the care of a veterinary surgeon. Such treatment can be authorised only if it is prescribed by that veterinary surgeon. At present, there are no plans to implement further regulatory arrangements recognising or authorising practitioners of alternative medicine to carry out acts of veterinary surgery.

  Fishing Safety Grants
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to the oral answer of 21 October 1999,Official Report, column 564, when he plans to reinstate the fishing safety grants; and if he will make a statement. [95768]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: The Government are currently considering the issue of reinstating a scheme of grants for safety equipment for vessels, in particular in the context of any funding available for the programme of structural measures currently under negotiation in the Fisheries Council. As this would be a new scheme, all options are under consideration.

CABINET OFFICE

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment she has made of the warning by 166
  the Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation relating to Year 2000 compliance of local authorities' housing benefit systems. [95216]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I am replying as the responsible Minister. The compliance of local authority systems has been independently assessed by the Audit Commission, with Government Offices in the Regions acting as responsible bodies. This took place as part of Action 2000's National Infrastructure Forum programme of independent assessment, reported on 21 October, when all but a very few UK infrastructure organisations were rated "blue", which means there is no identified risk of material disruption. All sectors are expected to be "blue" by mid November.

  I have placed a copy of the report of the Forum, which contains a full account of the assessment process for all these sectors, in the Libraries of the House. Local authorities in England were rated "blue" in this report, which means that as well as having completed their compliance programme, they also have business continuity plans to deal with any unexpected events. Under this assessment, payment of housing benefit should not be at risk.

  Government Consultation Document
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps she is taking to improve the despatch of Government consultation documents to organisations and individuals requesting them. [96533]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Last year we published a guide on the conduct of written consultation exercises setting out best practice for departments and agencies, and we are now evaluating it. In carrying out the evaluation, we will ensure that improving the despatch of consultation documents receives attention. The results of the evaluation will be made public in due course.

TREASURY

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the total number of employees who will be eligible for a working families tax credit in 2000–01. [95812]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: Excluding families just with self employed workers, about 1.2 million families will be in receipt of the Working Families Tax Credit in 2000–01, the first full year of the credit.

  European Investment Bank
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the European Investment Bank is subject to the scrutiny of the European Union's Court of Auditors; and if he will make a statement. [96036]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  As an autonomous institution, the EIB is not accountable to the Court of Auditors in respect of its own resources. Under its Statute the Bank is accountable to its own governing bodies, including an independent Audit Committee which reports directly to
  167
  the Board of Governors (comprised of Finance Ministers of the member states). The Bank's accounts are submitted to internal and external auditors.

  In respect of activities which the EIB carries out using Community Budgetary resources, the Bank is subject to the Court of Auditors in accordance with Article 248 of the EC Treaty.

  EU Finance Ministers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if the withholding tax was discussed at the meeting of EU Finance Ministers on 13 and 14 October; what views Her Majesty's Government expressed thereon; when the withholding tax will next be discussed by EU Finance Ministers; and what support there has been for his proposal to exempt the eurobond market from the tax; [96503]

  (2) what matters were discussed at the meeting of EU Finance Ministers on 13 and 14 October; if he will make a statement thereon; when tax matters will next be discussed by EU Finance Ministers; and if he will list the tax matters concerned. [96477]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There was no meeting of EU Finance Ministers on 13 and 14 October.

  Demography
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the numbers of people of working age as a percentage of those over the state retirement age for each of the last 20 years. [96764]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  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. Frank Field, dated 2 November 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on the numbers and percentage of workers in firms employed in different size bands.
  The information requested is available from the Annual Employment Survey (AES) at September 1997 (latest available date) for the size bands shown.

  Employee Jobs1 at September 1997, Great Britain

  Thousand

  Percentage

  Size band 1-10

  4,528

  20

  Size band 11-49

  5,787

  26

  Size band 50-99

  2,695

  12

  Size band 100 and over

  9,523

  42

  1Figures exclude Agriculture as the way that information is supplied would distort the size band analysis

  Business Taxation
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the work of the EU Working Group on the Code of Conduct for Business Taxation since July; and if he will list the measures currently under consideration to tackle harmful tax competition. [96506]
  168
  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the right hon. Member for Horsham (Mr. Maude) on 13 July 1999,Official Report, column 182.

  Valuation Office Agency
  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the five-yearly review of the Valuation Office Agency will commence. [97132]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The review of the Agency status of the Valuation Office will commence on 2 November 1999. The performance of the Valuation Office will be evaluated and its activities will be subjected to the normal prior option tests set out in the 1993 "Next Steps Review" (Cm 2430). The review will also take account of the recommendations made by the Treasury Sub-Committee in their report published on 28 October 1999.

  The review team would welcome comments and contributions from those with an interest in the Valuation Office and its work. People should send their review by 31 January 2000 to:

  Suzanne Hardy

  Valuation Office Review

  Inland Revenue

  Room 108 New Wing

  Somerset House

  Strand

  London WC2R 1LB

  Fax: 0207 438 7134

  E-Mail voareview@ir.gsi.gov.uk

  VAT (Italy)
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he has taken to ensure that Italy meets its obligations under the VAT Directive requiring each EU member state to refund VAT to businesses in other EU countries; and if he will make a statement. [96702]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: It is for the European Commission to ensure that member states meet their obligations under EU Directives. However, the UK Permanent Representation to the EU has made representations to the Commission on behalf of five UK businesses about delays in obtaining refunds from Italy. The Embassy in Rome has also made inquiries of the Italian authorities on behalf of UK businesses.

  EU Budget
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate for each member state of the EU(a) net and gross contributions to the EU Budget for the last year for which figures are available, including net receipts and (b) the break down of net and gross contributions by household and population. [97091]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  1997 is the latest year for which information about member states' contributions and receipts is available. The information requested, in respect of that year, is set out in the table. The amounts shown are in European Currency Units, the unit of account for the EC Budget.
  169

  Contributions to and receipts from the EC budget in 1997

  Gross contribution (mecu)

  Receipts (mecu)

  Net contribution/ receipt1 (mecu)

  Population (millions)

  Number of households (millions)

  Gross contribution per head (ecu)

  Gross contribution per household (ecu)

  Receipts per head (ecu)

  Receipts per household (ecu)

  Net contribution per head (ecu)

  Net contribution per household (ecu)

  Belgium

  2,971.4

  1,981.7

  989.7

  10.2

  4.0

  291.5

  751.7

  194.4

  501.3

  97.1

  250.4

  Denmark

  1,505.8

  1,529.8

  124.0

  5.2

  2.3

  287.0

  662.2

  291.6

  672.7

  14.6

  110.6

  Germany

  21,217.3

  9,989.2

  11,228.1

  82.1

  35.2

  258.4

  602.0

  121.7

  283.4

  136.8

  318.6

  Greece

  1,178.4

  5,372.4

  14,194.0

  10.5

  3.2

  111.9

  367.8

  510.2

  1,676.8

  1398.3

  11,309.0

  Spain

  5,367.6

  11,218.1

  15,850.5

  39.3

  11.8

  136.5

  453.5

  285.4

  947.8

  1148.8

  1494.3

  France

  13,185.9

  12,200.9

  985.0

  58.6

  21.5

  225.0

  612.1

  208.2

  566.4

  16.8

  45.7

  Ireland

  687.0

  3,310.6

  12,623.6

  3.6

  1.0

  191.7

  667.6

  923.7

  3,217.3

  1732.0

  12,549.7

  Italy

  8,667.1

  8,344.0

  323.1

  57.4

  19.9

  151.1

  435.3

  145.4

  419.1

  5.6

  16.2

  Luxembourg

  170.7

  106.1

  64.6

  0.4

  0.1

  415.3

  1,177.2

  258.2

  731.7

  157.2

  445.5

  Netherlands

  4,837.6

  2,488.9

  2,348.7

  15.5

  6.2

  311.4

  785.1

  160.2

  403.9

  151.2

  381.2

  Austria

  2,110.4

  1,317.6

  792.8

  8.1

  3.0

  260.5

  700.4

  162.7

  437.3

  97.9

  263.1

  Portugal

  1,077.8

  3,690.1

  12,612.3

  9.9

  3.1

  109.4

  342.6

  374.4

  1,172.9

  1265.0

  1830.4

  Finland

  1,064.1

  1,068.8

  14.7

  5.1

  2.0

  207.6

  522.4

  208.5

  524.7

  10.9

  12.3

  Sweden

  2,326.0

  1,099.2

  1,226.8

  8.9

  3.8

  260.8

  607.3

  123.2

  287.0

  137.5

  320.3

  UK

  8,925.9

  7,092.2

  1,833.7

  59.0

  22.4

  151.3

  398.1

  120.2

  316.3

  31.1

  81.8

  1Denotes net recipient

  Notes:

  1. The Court of Auditors uses ecu figures, the unit of account for the EC Budget.

  2. Gross contribution figures are after account has been taken of the UK's abatement (including corrections in respect of earlier years) and for adjustments to VAT and GNP-based contributions in respect of earlier years.

  3. Receipts figures include European Commission payments made direct to the member state's private sector.

  4. The Court of Auditors Report does not allocate all Community spending to the member states so that the receipts figures in the table may not represent the full amount of expenditure by the Commission in each member state. Consequently the figures for net contributions/net benefits in the table are likely only to be indicative of the amount of member states' net positions. For example, if all administrative expenditure were allocated to the country in which it is paid, the net position of Belgium and Luxembourg would be substantially improved.

  Source:

  Contributions and receipts data taken from Court of Auditors Report on 1997 Community Budget. Population data, relating to 1997, taken from the European Commission's document "European Economy". Information on number of households relates to 1991, the latest available, and is taken from the Eurostat yearbook 1997.

  Street Children
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will extend the Millennium Gift Aid scheme to all donations towards street children projects in whatever country those children live. [96842]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: The Millennium Gift Aid scheme was introduced in 1998 specifically to provide tax relief for donations to UK charities for educational and anti-poverty projects in the world's poorest countries. In April 1999, the scheme was extended to help refugees from Kosovo, but the Government has no plans to extend the scheme further. Some of the street children will be in countries eligible for MGA relief. UK charities working in other countries can benefit from other tax reliefs available for charitable giving, such as the Gift Aid scheme.

  National Insurance Fund
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will add an additional entry to Table 5.5 of the Government Actuary's report National Insurance Fund Long Term Financial Estimates (Cm 4446) giving the surplus to the National Insurance Fund for each of the years there listed if Class 1 and all other contribution rates are held constant. [96243]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Reliable estimates could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Russia
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money(a) the UK and (b) the international
  170
  community have provided overall to Russia for economic assistance over the past five years; what assessment he has made of the proportion misappropriated or not used for the purpose for which it was intended; and if he will make a statement. [94806]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Since the beginning of 1995, the international community has provided the following loan finance (net of repayments over the period) through the International Financial Institutions (IFIs): £8.8 billion through the IMF, £4.0 billion through the World Bank, and £728 million through the EBRD; the IFIs have also provided technical assistance. In August, the Paris Club rescheduled $8.1 billion of Russia's Soviet-era debts. The EU has also provided technical assistance to Russia through its TACIS programme, and food aid.

  The UK has made no direct loans to Russia. Since the beginning of 1995, the UK has made £592 million of export credit guarantees available to British firms doing business with Russia, on which Russia is current with repayments. The UK has made technical assistance and humanitarian aid available to Russia. Other countries have also provided bilateral assistance.

  There is no evidence that any IMF or World Bank funds have been misappropriated. An investigation by PricewaterhouseCoopers discovered that an overseas subsidiary of the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) had used some of its foreign reserves to guarantee loans to commercial banks and buy Russian Government debt in breach of IMF rules and without the IMF's knowledge. Given this misuse of IMF resources, and the seriousness

  171
  of the allegations of misappropriation of IMF and World Bank funds, G7 Finance Ministers' Statement of 25 September said:
  "…we emphasised the critical need for intensified efforts to combat corruption in Russia and money laundering and the importance of adequate safeguards to ensure that funds provided by the international financial institutions are used for their intended purpose…IMF financing will be disbursed into an SDR account for the purpose of repaying Russia's obligations to the Fund. Furthermore, we agreed that the CBR, prior to disbursement of the next tranche of the SBA, should take steps identified by the IMF to improve internal controls and to initiate quarterly audits of CBR reserve management…In the case of the World Bank, we welcomed the new safeguards, involving greater control and auditing of World Bank funds, introduced in June, and called on the World Bank to work with Russia on additional safeguards…"

  There is no evidence the EBRD funds were used for a purpose other than that intended at the time of disbursement. A portfolio review conducted by the EBRD, and further investigations carried out by its External Auditor, have satisfied the Bank that disbursements were applied as intended. One case of contract failure involving UK export credit guarantees is being investigated, on which I cannot comment at this stage.

  As regards EU assistance, on 16 September, Neil Kinnock made a Commission statement on Russia:
  "…Community assistance is, as this House will know, primarily delivered through the TACIS programme which is centrally managed from Brussels. The funds concerned are predominantly used to pay EU firms to provide technical expertise and advice for Russia. Only a very small proportion of the funds therefore goes to Russia…the Community food supply programme for Russia, that was launched earlier this year, is subject to very close monitoring which involves, amongst other things, checks on the use of the funds generated from the sale of relevant food products on local markets. Moreover, Russia does not currently receive Community loans, and the lending mandate of the European Investment Bank for countries outside the EU does not extend to Russia…"

  IR35
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress is being made on the implementation of IR35; and what recent meetings he has had with business on the issue. [94883]

  Dawn Primarolo
  As the Minister in the lead on this measure, I have spoken with a number of people during the course of the consultation period and have received many written representations. Most representative bodies agreed that the Government was right to tackle the problem of avoidance of tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) by using personal service companies.
  172
  In the light of feedback received, we have modified some of the details of the mechanism set out in the Inland Revenue's original information pack. Revised proposals were published on 23 September in the Inland Revenue Press Release, "Personal Services Provided through Intermediaries—Preventing Avoidance, Preserving Flexibility".

  Tax
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of sending every income tax-payer a statement of what the Government takes in tax and what it spends with their annual notice of coding. [96181]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The cost would depend on the nature of the statement and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Financial Services Authority
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will require the Financial Services Authority as the new competent authority for listing to ensure that questions of environmental risk are in future contained in all listing particulars as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment. [96896]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The London Stock Exchange, as Competent Authority, has in the last two years reviewed the statutory requirements to report provisions and disclose contingent liabilities and the accounting rules for disclosure of environmental risks. These do require companies to address, among other things, their environmental liabilities. But, in the absence of clear, recognised disclosure standards, it has not been considered appropriate to introduce a listing rule specifically covering environmental risks. The Financial Services Authority may wish to consider the position afresh when it becomes the Competent Authority, but this will be for the Financial Services Authority to decide.

  Construction Workers
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the tax changes which relate to the status of self-employed workers in the construction industry; and if he will make a statement. [96316]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The tax changes brought in by the new Construction Industry Scheme do not affect whether a person is employed or self-employed within the industry. Both the old and the new scheme work in a broadly similar way. Where a contractor makes payments relating to construction operations to a self-employed worker, they must operate the scheme. This means that they must make deductions on account of tax and NICs when making payments to subcontractors who do not qualify under the rules to be paid gross. The changes to the scheme are to control tax evasion.

  India: AIDS Prevention
  India: AIDS Prevention
  Benefits: Annual Review
  Benefits: Annual Review
  Court Closures
  Court Closures
  NHS Pay Review Bodies
  NHS Pay Review Bodies
  Youth Club Provision
  Youth Club Provision
  Blackfriars Underpass
  Blackfriars Underpass
  A.303, Stonehenge
  A.303, Stonehenge
  Dangerous Wild Animal Licences: Fees
  Dangerous Wild Animal Licences: Fees
  Refugee Support: Consultation
  Refugee Support: Consultation
  Chinese President's Visit: Policing
  Chinese President's Visit: Policing
  Schengen Acquis: UK Participation
  Schengen Acquis: UK Participation
  Czech Airlines: Passengers' Ethnic Origins
  Czech Airlines: Passengers' Ethnic Origins
  Firearms National Register
  Firearms National Register
  Cluster Bombs
  Cluster Bombs
  Army Manpower: Retention
  Army Manpower: Retention
  Anthrax and Pertussis Vaccine Injections
  Anthrax and Pertussis Vaccine Injections