Written Answers of 8 November 1999

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Employee Consultation
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the current status of the draft Council Directive establishing a general framework for informing and consulting employees; and if a blocking minority currently shares the Government's position. [97565]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The draft directive establishing a general framework for informing and consulting employees has not been discussed in the Council of Ministers since it was first proposed by the Commission in December 1998.

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to extend the Working Time Directive to the transport industry. [97355]

  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to propose amendments to the Working Time Regulations to specify working hours for the occupations of mobile workers, including roundsmen. [97252]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  Proposals to extend the working time directive to workers (mobile and non-mobile) in the transport sector are currently being negotiated in Brussels. It is not expected that the Directive will be formally adopted before next year. After that, there will be consultation on implementation in the United Kingdom.

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of the people who have benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage. [97579]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 700,000 more people were earning above national minimum wage rates in March-May 1999 than in the same period last year and almost two million who were earning below the national minimum wage will benefit when its full effects can be measured.

  Defence and Security Goods (Exports)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the defence and security goods that are currently prohibited from(a) use by UK security services, (b) sale within the UK and (c) sale abroad under export licence. [97481]
  378
  Dr. Howells
  I understand that specified weapons are prohibited from manufacture, sale, hire or importation by the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988. Section 141 of the 1988 Act includes an exemption for the supply of such items to the Crown and visiting forces, but not the police service. I also understand that, under the Firearms Act 1968, weapons whose possession is prohibited without the express authority of the Secretary of State include fully automatic weapons, self-loading and pump action rifles, handguns, mortars, rocket launchers, weapons designed to discharge noxious substances and firearms disguised as something else. Ammunition regarded as particularly dangerous (such as that designed to explode or expand on impact, pierce armour or have an incendiary effect at the target) is also subject to prohibition.

  The export of certain defence and security goods has been banned, and details are set out in the Summary of additional UK Restrictions on the Export of Strategic Goods, compiled by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; a copy of this document is in the Library of the House.

  Packaging Waste
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he proposes to ensure that(a) retailers and (b) packer and fillers take an increased share of the recovery and recycling obligation contained in the UK Packaging Waste Regulations 1997. [97472]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Advisory Committee on Packaging has proposed that the percentage obligation of packaging manufacturers should be reduced by two percentage points and that of packer/fillers and retailers be increased by one percentage point each. I expect to make a further announcement on this matter shortly.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate the increased cost to United Kingdom packaging manufacturers following implementation of the UK Packaging Waste Regulations in 1997. [97471]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have been asked to reply.

  The recovery and recycling obligations under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 took effect in 1998. My Department estimates that the costs of complying with these obligations in 1998 was some £78,000,000 for the 4,011 obligated parties registered with the Environment Agency or Scottish Environment Protection Agency. We do not have a breakdown of figures specifically for packaging manufacturers, but these made up some 8 per cent. of the 4,011 registrations in 1998.

  Energy Efficiency
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he has taken to provide direct support to manufacturing industry to improve energy efficiency; and if he will make a statement. [97632]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have been asked to reply.
  379
  Since 1989, the Government have been providing impartial advice to business and commerce through the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme. This provides information, energy efficiency studies and research and development support to manufacturers and others in the non-domestic sector. The Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme has helped industry to save over £650 million per annum, to reduce emissions by over 3 million tonnes of carbon per annum and to improve energy efficiency.

  In his Budget statement on 9 March 1999, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that, as a part of the Government's proposal to introduce the Climate Change Levy, he intended to recycle the revenue from the levy, in full, to business. He indicated that the Government intended that some £50 million of revenue from the levy would be used to assist with funding of schemes to promote energy efficiency, including additional support for renewable sources of energy. The Government are considering how best to make use of the proposed additional funding to maximise the benefit to the non-domestic sector.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the extent to which the industrial sectors already with high energy efficiency will assist in achieving Kyoto targets; and if he will make a statement. [97641]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Department commissions research which estimates the potential for cost-effective energy efficiency improvements in industry, commerce, the public sector and housing. This is done at a disaggregated level so that the scope in individual industrial sub-sectors is known. The information is being used in discussions with energy intensive sectors as a starting point for energy efficiency targets for negotiated agreements on the Climate Change Levy.

  Integrated Tariff
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many types of duty there are on imported goods and services under the Integrated Tariff of the United Kingdom. [96202]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Integrated Tariff of the United Kingdom (The Tariff) provides for ten types of duty or other charges on imported goods.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Departmental Expenditure
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what changes will be made to his Department's departmental expenditure limit/running cost limit for 1999–2000. [98013]

  Mr. Rooker
  Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate for Class XII Vote 2 and Class XII Vote 3, the Department of Social Security Departmental Expenditure Limit for 1999–2000 will be 380
  reduced by £111,836,000 from £3,377,638,000 to £3,265,802,000. This is the net effect of increased Voted provision of £130,974,000 and reduced non-Voted provision of £242,810,000.

  The increase on Class XII Vote 3 is the net effect of additional Comprehensive Spending Review funding of £37,000,000 (running costs), a take up of £8,000,000 (running costs) from the Departmental Unallocated Provision (which will not change the gross running costs limit), an increase of £3,137,000 (running costs) in respect of the reform of all work test and active case management, an increase of £120,407,000 (running costs) under the end year flexibility scheme as announced by the then Chief Secretary to the Treasury, my right hon. Friend the Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn), on 27 July 1999, Official Report, column 393, and an increase of £8,520,000 and £9,769,000 under the capital and other discretionary end year flexibility schemes respectively.

  Other changes result from a reduction of £6,631,000 (running costs) arising from a number of small transfers offset by a corresponding increase on Class I Vote 3 (Employment Services), a reduction of £24,351,000 (running costs) arising from the continuing effects of the transfer of responsibility for Contributions Agency and Working Family Tax Credit to Inland Revenue, offset by a corresponding increase on Class XVI Vote 4, Inland Revenue: administration, a reduction of £1,670,000 (running costs) arising from the transfer of responsibility for the Womens Unit to the Cabinet Office, offset by a corresponding increase in Class XVII, Vote 1, a net reduction of £261,000 (running costs) and £998,000 (capital) arising from the continuing implications to DSS of the Scotland Bill, offset by a corresponding increase in the Scottish Executive and a reduction of £486,000 (running costs) towards increased Administration costs of Motability, offset by a corresponding increase on Class XII Vote 2. There is also an increase of £11,972,000 (running costs) associated with services provided to other Government Departments on a repayment basis, an increase of £160,000 to meet the costs of overseas medical examinations of War Pensioners, an increase of £37,997,000 (running costs) arising from increased payments of Value Added Tax on contracted out services. Also an increase of £13,814,000 resulting from the virement from capital expenditure to running costs. Appropriations in aid increase by £86,427,000.

  Changes in the Welfare to Work provision arise from an increase of £755,000 in the administrative costs of measures to help people with a disability or long term illness move into or remain in work, an increase of £3,378,000 under the end year flexibility scheme as announced by the then the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 27 July 1999, Official Report, column 393, an increase of £18,000 in costs associated with the unemployed project team offset by a corresponding reduction on Class I, Vote 1 Education and Employment, a reduction of £55,000 for costs associated with innovative schemes relating to the programme of measures to help people with a disability or long term illness move into or remain in work, offset by a corresponding increase on Class I Vote 3 Employment Service and a reduction of £80,000 in the Child Care disregard provision.
  381
  As a result of these changes the running cost limit of this Department will be increased by £141,119,000 from £2,868,735,000 to £3,009,854,000 and the running cost limit of the Welfare to Work programme will be increased by £4,016,000 from £6,952,000 to £10,968,000.

  Changes to Class XII Vote 2 arise from the transfer of £486,000 for increased administrative costs of Motability offset by a corresponding reduction on Class XII, Vote 3 and an increase of £14,350,000 under the end year flexibility scheme as announced by the then Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 27 July 1999, Official Report, column 393.

  The net change in non-Voted provision of £242,810,000 arises from a reduction in payments from the National Insurance Fund to other Government Departments and Department of Social Security following the transfer of responsibility for the Contributions Agency to Inland Revenue (£281,027,000) and also a switch from non-Voted to Voted from the Departmental Unallocated Provision (£8,000,000) offset by an increase in National Insurance Fund payments to Department of Social Security (£46,217,000).

  Increases will be offset by transfers or a charge on the DEL Reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  Child Maintenance
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate(a) the total number of absent parents who are liable for child maintenance payments and (b) of this total the numbers who have an assessment made by the Child Support Agency, for the latest available date. [97143]

  Angela Eagle
  Information is not available on which to estimate the number of non-resident parents who may be liable for child maintenance as part of a private arrangement.

  However, as at May 1999, 942,3001 non-resident parents had an assessment made by the Child Support Agency.

  Source:
  CSA Quarterly Summary of Statistics.

  Social Security Agreement (Australia)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what notice Australia gave of its decision to terminate the social security agreement between Australia and the UK; and what the ramifications will be for British pensioners covered by the existing agreement. [97399]

  Table 1: Numbers of IVB/IB short-term higher and long-term rate recipients, and average weekly amounts in payment at April 1998 prices

  Recipients all ages

  Average weekly amount (£)

  Recipients under pension age

  Average weekly amount (£)

  31 March 1984

  797,000

  88.70

  729,800

  88.75

  30 March 1985

  848,948

  88.95

  764,648

  89.20

  5 April 1986

  899,200

  90.35

  798,200

  90.75

  4 April 1987

  967,900

  88.75

  841,600

  89.05

  2 April 1988

  1,047,500

  87.15

  897,400

  87.65

  1 April 1989

  1,126,000

  85.90

  951,600

  86.65

  31 March 1990

  1,208,900

  91.65

  1,003,200

  86.10

  382
  Mr. Rooker
  The Australian Government announced in July that they intended to terminate the Social Security agreement with the UK. We have not received formal notice of termination. The agreement would terminate 12 months after the UK received formal notification.

  The agreement helps UK pensioners who have lived in Australia for less than 10 years to meet the residence test for Australia's Age Pension. It can also help former residents of Australia now living in the UK to qualify for UK State Pension. People who had already become entitled to benefit through the agreement when it terminated would remain covered by its terms, so there would be no effect on them.

  Pensions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what inflation assumption and what financial provision was made in the Comprehensive Spending Review for 2000–01 for the uprating of the basic state pension. [97480]

  Mr. Darling
  Financial provision for the costs of uprating is set by reference to the most recent inflation assumption. Inflation assumptions for 2000–01 underpinning forecasts for expenditure for the Comprehensive Spending Review are set out at page 108 table B1 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report 1998 (HC620). These forecasts were updated in November 1998 and for the Budget in March 1999. The inflation assumptions underlying the Department's latest expenditure forecasts are set out on page 89 of the Social Security Departmental Report (Cm 4214).

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will provide, for (i) invalidity benefit and (ii) incapacity benefit for each of the last 15 financial years,(a) the average number of recipients, (b) the average number of successful new claims, (c) the average total expenditure in current prices and (d) the average weekly amount received in current prices; and if he will provide separate estimates for those under state pension age. [96300]

  Mr. Bayley
  [holding answer 29 October 1999]: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables.

  Table 1 gives figures for recipients and average payments for Invalidity Benefit and for short-term (higher) and long-term Incapacity Benefit (IB) which like Invalidity Benefit (IVB) apply from the twenty ninth week of incapacity. The table excludes short-term (lower) IB which is the equivalent of the old Sickness Benefit for the first twenty eight weeks.
  383

  Table 1: Numbers of IVB/1B short-term higher, and long-term rate recipients and average weekly amounts in payment at April 1998 prices

  Recipients all ages

  Average weekly amount (£)

  Recipients under pension age

  Average weekly amount (£)

  30 March 1991

  1,306,000

  92.15

  1,068,100

  84.35

  4 April 1992

  1,438,900

  89.30

  1,174,800

  90.90

  3 April 1993

  1,580,000

  90.70

  1,298,500

  92.45

  2 April 1994

  1,681,200

  92.75

  1,383,900

  94.75

  12 April 1995

  1,766,900

  93.20

  1,467,600

  95.10

  29 February 1996

  1,692,400

  91.85

  1,447,320

  92.85

  28 February 1997

  1,632,060

  88.45

  1,444,860

  88.80

  28 February 1998

  1,561,740

  85.95

  1,440,120

  86.80

  However, it should be noted that the great majority of IB recipients are on the long term rate of benefit. Table 2 shows the average amount payable to these recipients as

  Table 2: Numbers of IB long term recipients, and average weekly amounts in payment at April 1998 prices

  Recipients all ages

  Average weekly amount (£)

  Recipients under pension age

  Average weekly amount (£)

  29 February 1996

  1,593,300

  93.80

  1,348,260

  95.20

  28 February 1997

  1,526,780

  90.40

  1,339,620

  91.00

  28 February 1998

  1,458,740

  87.75

  1,337,120

  87.95

  Notes:

  1. From 1984 to 1995, figures are taken from a 1 per cent. sample of claimants. From 1996, figures are taken from a 5 per cent. sample of the benefit computer system and exclude a small number of cases held clerically.

  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 5 pence.

  3. Since April 1995 IB has not been paid to people who are over State Pension age. However, people who transferred to IB from IVB were permitted to continue to receive it beyond State Pension age.

  Table 3 gives the required information for new claims. People do not make a fresh claim when moving from short-term (lower) to short-term (higher) IB.

  Table 3: Commencements of IVB/IB short-term higher rate and long-term rate including progression from sickness benefit or IB short-term lower rate

  All ages

  Under pension age

  4 April 1998 to 31 March 1984

  277,700

  272,900

  2 April 1994 to 30 March 1985

  272,000

  264,101

  1 April 1985 to 5 April 1986

  284,500

  276,300

  7 April 1986 to 4 April 1987

  284,400

  277,700

  6 April 1987 to 2 April 1988

  281,800

  275,500

  4 April 1998 to 1 April 1989

  280,000

  273,100

  3 April 1989 to 31 March 1990

  283,700

  275,800

  2 April 1990 to 30 March 1991

  287,700

  278,000

  1 April 1991 to 4 April 1992

  323,300

  313,400

  6 April 1992 to 3 April 1993

  337,100

  329,700

  Table 4: Estimated expenditure on invalidity benefit/sickness benefit, and on incapacity benefit (all rates)

  £ billion 1998–99 prices

  Over pension age

  Under pension age

  Total

  1983–84

  0.3

  3.8

  4.1

  1984–85

  0.3

  4.0

  4.4

  1985–86

  0.4

  4.1

  4.5

  1986–87

  0.5

  4.2

  4.7

  1987–88

  0.6

  4.4

  5.0

  1988–89

  0.7

  4.6

  5.2

  1989–90

  0.8

  4.8

  5.6

  1990–91

  0.9

  5.0

  5.9

  1991–92

  1.1

  5.8

  6.9

  1992–93

  1.2

  6.4

  7.7

  1993–94

  1.3

  7.1

  8.4

  1994–95

  1.4

  7.6

  9.0

  384
  this is the most accurate reflection of benefit levels for long term sick and disabled people on IB, and the most appropriate comparison with Invalidity Benefit rates.

  Table 3: Commencements of IVB/IB short-term higher rate and long-term rate including progression from sickness benefit or IB short-term lower rate

  All ages

  Under pension age

  5 April 1993 to 2 April 1994

  348,500

  340,300

  4 April 1994 to 12 April 1995

  340,800

  333,900

  13 April 1995 to 31 March 1996

  271,200

  266,900

  1 April 1996 to 31 March 1997

  283,500

  280,100

  1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998

  285,600

  281,800

  Note:

  Figures are taken from a 1 per cent. sample of claimants.

  Table 4 gives estimate expenditure figures. It is not possible to provide figures for short-term (higher) and long-term rates of IB only. The figures are therefore for the whole of IB including short-term (lower) rate. For consistency, expenditure on Sickness Benefit (the equivalent of short-term (lower) rate IB) has been included for the years up to 1994–95.
  385

  Table 4: Estimated expenditure on invalidity benefit/sickness benefit, and on incapacity benefit (all rates)

  £ billion 1998–99 prices

  Over pension age

  Under pension age

  Total

  1995–96

  1.2

  7.4

  8.6

  1996–97

  0.9

  7.2

  8.1

  1997–98

  0.7

  6.9

  7.6

  Note:

  Figures may not sum due to rounding.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have claimed the higher rate of disability living allowance(a) this year and (b) in each of the last three years. [97267]

  Number of people receiving the highest rates of DLA at 31 May each year.

  DLA recipients

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  Highest rate of care component (alone or with lower rate of mobility component)

  85,300

  98,500

  107,000

  109,200

  Higher rate of mobility Component (alone or with middle or lowest rate of care component)

  974,800

  1,032,400

  1,061,500

  1,069,600

  Highest rate of care component and higher rate of mobility component

  235,900

  260,900

  274,900

  282,700

  Source:

  Analytical Services Division; 5 per cent. data.

  Personal Service Companies
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many individuals trading as personal service companies are currently under contract to(a) his Department, (b) the Information Technology Services Agency and (c) the Benefits Agency. [97294]

  Angela Eagle
  The Department uses the services of professional contractors chiefly in the areas of accountancy and IT services. We have no information on the numbers of accountancy contractors who may have established personal service companies.

  A Framework Agreement for the provision of Computer and Related Services to the Department has been in place since June 1996. Within this Framework are 7 companies that are contracted to provide the Department with IT Contractor staff. The Department's contractual arrangements are with the Framework suppliers and not the individual IT Contractors.

  New Deal (Costs)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list(a) the administrative staff costs, (b) the costs of employer subsidies and (c) the amount spent on training recruits under the New Deal scheme during the last year. [96266]

  Ms Jowell
  I have been asked to reply.

  In 1998–99, total expenditure for the New Deal for Young People (18–24 year olds) for administrative staff costs was £95m. This includes the cost of New Deal Personal Advisers who are at the core of the successful delivery of New Deal.

  The spend on employer subsides was £18.6m.

  Within New Deal for Young People, participants benefit from a wide variety of advice, guidance, training, work experience and other specialist provision. The
  386
  Mr. Bayley
  Disability Living Allowance has a care component with three rates and a mobility component with two. People may be awarded either component or both, depending on their care and mobility needs.

  amount spent on New Deal provision was £82.4m. (This figure excludes administration costs, employer subsidies, options allowance payments, marketing and initial set-up costs). A significant further volume of provision will be paid for in this financial year. The national launch of New Deal took place in April 1998 and as a result young people did not move into Options provision until later in the year and secondly that there was some late billing by providers. Expenditure on training provision is also affected by the higher than expected, and welcome, movement from the Gateway into unsubsidised jobs.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  McKenzie Friends
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to put McKenzie friends on a statutory footing; and if he will make a statement. [97250]

  Mr. Lock
  The Government have no plans at present to place the role of McKenzie friends on a statutory footing. Judges have developed common law rules so that litigants in person are permitted a McKenzie friend in proceedings in open court, and in chambers, unless the court is satisfied that fairness and justice does not require that assistance or where the court has grounds for believing that a McKenzie friend has acted inappropriately.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the
  387
  communications addressed to local authorities from his Department on the administration of housing benefit since 1 January. [96529]

  Ms Armstrong
  The administration of housing benefit is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Social Security. However, the Department did write to the Chief Executives of local authorities in England on 30 July concerning the implementation work on the 'Supporting People' initiative which will impact on the implementation of the Transitional Housing Benefit scheme in April 2000.

  Walton Group Plc
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much public sector funding the Walton Group Plc received in the last 10 years for re-generating properties in Liverpool; when this funding was approved; for what purpose the moneys were made available; when the expenditure was audited by the relevant authorities; and if he will make a statement. [96469]

  Ms Armstrong
  The Walton Commercial Group Ltd. (now Walton Group plc) was awarded a grant of £4.5 million in July 1992 towards the refurbishment of the Exchange Flags Building in Liverpool City Centre to provide 400,000 sq. ft. of refurbished office space and a museum. Total grant payments of £4,444,782 were made over the period November 1992 to May 1994 against claimed qualifying expenditure of £23,705,511.

  The Urban Regeneration Agency (English Partnerships), acting as agents for the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions, are currently reviewing the project and the use to which the grant has been put.

  Motoring Offences
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what studies into the incidence of repeat offending by motorists and ways to reduce such repeat offending his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) received the results of in the last five years. [96640]

  Mr. Hill
  Research is currently in progress to study the effect of the Road Traffic Act 1991 on prosecutions for dangerous driving. Among other topics, this includes a comparison of sentencing trends before and since the 1991 Act and monitoring of the behaviour of persons convicted of serious driving offences. The aim is to improve understanding so as to deter poor driving more effectively. The project began in May 1998 and is due to be completed in October 2000.

  A project has recently been completed for the Department to monitor the effectiveness of the experimental drink-drive rehabilitation scheme. The research carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory and published as "Drink/driver rehabilitation courses in England and Wales" (TRL report 426) suggests that offenders who have attended an approved rehabilitation course are three times less likely to re-offend. The scheme is to be made permanent throughout Great Britain from 1 January 2000. Consideration is currently being given to further research and monitoring.
  388
  A research project has also recently been published on "The High Risk Offenders Scheme for drink-drivers" (TRL report 394). This covers, among other categories, drivers who have been convicted more than once of driving over the limit within a 10 year period. The research has shown that reoffenders have different characteristics to the other High Risk categories.

  Tree Planting
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the contribution that the planting of trees could make to meeting the United Kingdom's Kyoto targets on the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. [97034]

  Mr. Mullin
  New planting of trees has taken place at a rate of 15,000 to 20,000 hectares per year since 1990 as a result of Government policy on woodland expansion. The present rate of increase in tree cover is likely to contribute about 0.25 per cent. towards the commitment under the Kyoto protocol.

  It would be possible to increase this proportion by accelerating the rate of new planting. Policies and initiative schemes whereby this might be achieved are under consideration by the Government Departments responsible. The first priority, however, must be to reduce emission levels as the most effective and secure way of delivering the UK's targets.

  The Government aim to publish their Draft Climate Change Programme around the turn of the year. It will set out how the Government plan to meet their Kyoto target and move towards their domestic goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 20 per cent.

  Housing
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many housing starts and completions by(a) local authorities and (b) social housing providers there were in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98 and (iii) 1998–1999. [96932]

  Mr. Mullin
  Figures are given in the table for the estimated number of new dwellings started and completed in England by local authorities and registered social landlords, in the latest three financial years:

  Housebuilding

  Financial year

  Local authority

  Registered social landlords

  Starts

  1996–97

  395

  22,916

  1997–98

  259

  19,629

  1998–99

  149

  17,602

  Completions

  1996–97

  451

  24,535

  1997–98

  323

  21,397

  1998–99

  194

  18,920

  Motorways and Trunk Roads
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion
  389
  of (a) motorways and (b) trunk roads are expected to have a residual life of (i) less than zero and (ii) zero to four years at the end of the current financial year. [97067]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 2 November 1999]: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Nutt to Mr. Bernard Jenkin, dated 8 November 1999:
  You recently wrote to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions concerning the expected residual life of motorways and trunk roads.
  The Highways Agency has a target to ensure that the percentage of the trunk road network having zero residual life at the end of financial year 1999/2000 is less than the figure published in the 1998 report of the National Road Maintenance Condition Survey (NRMCS). This gives the proportion of Motorways and All-purpose trunk roads as 4.6 percent and 8.2 percent respectively. The Agency expects to achieve this target with the proportions being lower than the 1998 figures at the end of the current financial year.
  There is no specific target for the residual life band zero to four years in the Agency's Business Plan but the information will be published in the 1999 edition of the NRMCS report. The Agency expects that the proportions will not be significantly different to those quoted in the 1998 report. These state that 8.2 percent of Motorways and 7.2 percent of All-purpose trunk roads had a residual life of zero to four years.
  It is important to emphasise that residual life is only one of several indicators of road condition. A zero residual life indicates the onset of a less predictable deterioration pattern and the need for investigation. It does not necessarily indicate that the road is about to fail. I trust that this information is helpful.

  Rail Services
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received(a) on train cancellations and delays that are due to leaves on the track, (b) on the arrangements made by Railtrack and train operating companies to clear leaves from the track, (c) on the level of resources spent each year since privatisation on such activities and (d) on train cancellations and delays on Connex North Kent lines due to leaves on the track. [97225]

  Mr. Hill
  The Secretary of State and the Franchising Director have received few representations about train cancellations and delays relating to leaves on the track or the level of resources devoted to leaf clearance. None of these has concerned the Connex North Kent lines specifically. Railtrack and train operating companies have set aside £50 million to combat leaves on the lines.

  Train Drivers
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the circumstances surrounding the suspension and subsequently continued employment of train drivers who are caught driving without due care or attention. [97776]

  Mr. Hill
  In the first instance, it is for the employer to decide on appropriate disciplinary action to be taken with staff who contravene proper working practices. In addition there are duties on employees and employers under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and under specific regulations to ensure that work is done safely. For instance, the Railways (Safety Critical Work)390
  Regulations 1994 require that employees are fit and competent to undertake activities (such as train driving) which are safety critical. The Health and Safety Executive could prosecute employers or employees who have contravened these duties and requirements.

  Among the immediate measures agreed at the meeting that my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister held with rail industry leaders on 25 October were a review of consistent standards of driver training and establishing a consistent approach to safety management, embracing best practice across the network.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions by what means the Government will define energy-intensive operations when deciding which firms will receive significant discounts on the climate change levy. [97378]

  Mr. Meacher
  For the purpose of the climate change levy, energy intensive operations have been defined as those listed in Annex Ito the European Union's Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive. Sites which undertake operations of this type may join an appropriate sectoral energy efficiency agreement. Sectors which are able to negotiate satisfactory agreements will be eligible for reduced rates of levy.

  We have received suggestions from industry for alternative definitions and are giving these consideration as part of overall consideration of industry representations on the design of the levy.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions with which less energy-intensive sectors the Government have started preliminary discussions on energy efficiency agreements; and to what extent those discussions have included the possibility of linking in with such agreements a mechanism for varying rates of climate change levy. [97380]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government are not discussing energy efficiency agreements with less energy-intensive sectors. The Government invited the ten largest energy intensive industry sectors to participate in negotiations for energy efficiency agreements in March this year. Subsequently, we have initiated negotiations for agreements with a number of smaller energy intensive sectors.

  In both cases, the Government are offering the prospect of significantly lower rates of levy for those sectors that can agree targets for improving their energy efficiency which meet the Government's criteria.

  We have received representations from some non-intensive sectors. For non-intensive sectors, it may be worthwhile for them to explore the possibility of voluntary energy efficiency agreements under the Government's energy efficiency best practice programme. Though voluntary agreements would not entitle participants to discounts from the levy, they would facilitate the sharing of best practice, benchmarking, and other information between companies. They would also help them cut out waste, save money and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

  Lackenby to Shipton Pylon Line
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the cost of road improvement works in connection with the line of pylons from Lackenby to Shipton; and if he will make a statement. [97375]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I understand that the National Grid Company, in consultation with appropriate parties, is making various road improvements in the process of constructing the North Yorkshire electricity line. The cost of these roads improvements is being met by the company and the details are a matter for it.

  Leasehold Reform
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce legislation on leasehold reform. [97434]

  Mr. Mullin
  We have almost completed our analysis of the responses received to our consultation paper on residential leasehold reform, and will announce our conclusions shortly.

  Rural Rail Services
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to set targets for(a) investment in railways serving rural areas and (b) improvement in rail services in rural areas. [97433]

  Mr. Hill
  There are no plans to set targets for this investment. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 1 November 1999,Official Report, column 10, concerning funding of improvements in rail services in rural areas.

  Regional Planning Guidance
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his timetable for dealing with the report of the panel on Regional Planning Guidance for the south-east of England; and what opportunities there will be for the public to have their views on the panel report taken into account. [97288]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 5 November 1999]: There will be an opportunity for the public to make their views known when the Government's proposed changes to the draft Regional Planning Guidance are published for consultation. As my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning indicated in the Opposition Day debate on Planning on 2 November 1999, Official Report, column 1221, we hope this will happen early in the new year.

  Auditing Procedures
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what investigations are currently under way into the auditing procedures for town and parish councils; [97284]

  (2) what recent discussions have been held between officials of his Department and representatives of the National Association of Local Councils the auditing procedures faced by town and parish councils. [97285]
  392
  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 5 November 1999]: Audit procedures are a matter for the independent Audit Commission. Their officials have been discussing with the National Association of Local Councils a pilot exercise to investigate whether the cost of audits of town and parish councils can be reduced whilst maintaining the necessary level of assurance.

  Government Office for the North West
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much money has been spent on publications by the Government Office for the North West since its establishment. [97608]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I will write to the hon. Member with the information and place a copy in the Library.

  Environment Protection Act 1990
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to bring into force the contaminated land regime in Part IIA of the Environment Protection Act 1990. [97755]

  Mr. Mullin
  Subject to the outcome of the current consultation, and necessary Parliamentary procedures, we expect to bring the regime into force on 1 April 2000.

  Mopeds
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for the removal of full moped licence entitlement from new car licences; and if he will make a statement. [97672]

  Mr. Hill
  In July, we consulted on a proposal to issue successful car driving test candidates with a provisional, rather than a full moped licence, as part of a package of measures to improve rider safety. This would mean that newly qualified drivers wanting to ride a moped would be required to take a basic training course like other persons who wish to ride powered two-wheelers. These drivers are generally young, and they have high accident rates. Our reason for proposing this change is that the skills for riding safely a powered two-wheeler are different from those for driving a car and that these riders would be safer on the road after basic training. The proposed change would not affect anyone who already held a full moped licence. We are currently considering the responses that we have received and, when we have taken decisions, they will be announced.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) moped riders and (b) cyclists were (i) killed and (ii) seriously injured in the years 1993 to 1998; what were the annual rates per 100,000 in each case; and if he will make a statement. [97673]
  393
  Mr. Hill
  The number of killed and seriously injured pedal cyclists and moped riders in Great Britain and rates of casualty per 100,000 population are given in the table.

  Pedal cyclists

  Moped riders

  Killed

  Seriously injured

  Killed

  Seriously injured

  Casualties

  1993

  186

  3,611

  22

  660

  1994

  172

  3,829

  17

  545

  1995

  213

  3,754

  19

  541

  1996

  203

  3,586

  11

  431

  1997

  183

  3,409

  17

  402

  1998

  158

  3,154

  10

  393

  Casualty rate per 100,000 population

  1993

  0.33

  6.38

  0.04

  1.17

  1994

  0.30

  6.75

  0.03

  0.96

  1995

  0.37

  6.59

  0.03

  0.95

  1996

  0.36

  6.28

  0.02

  0.75

  1997

  0.32

  5.95

  0.03

  0.70

  1998

  0.27

  5.48

  0.02

  0.68

  Road Fatalities
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of road fatalities that are caused by(a) excessive speed, (b) failure to observe traffic regulations, (c) failure to observe traffic signs and (d) failure to observe maximum speed limits in the most recent year for which figures are available. [97777]

  Mr. Hill
  Research suggests that vehicle speeds in excess of the speed limit, or which are inappropriate for prevailing conditions, are a major contributory factor in around one third of collisions on our roads. No estimate has been made of the total number caused by failure to observe traffic signs, or other traffic regulations.

  London-Tilbury-Southend Line
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what information his Department holds and what discussions have taken place with(a) Railtrack and (b) train operators in relation to (i) the funding of signalling on the LTS line and (ii) the punctuality and safety implications of the introduction of a new station at West Ham on this line; and if he will make a statement. [97406]

  Mr. Hill
  The Secretary of State has not held discussions with either Railtrack or train operators about the funding of signalling on the LTS line or the punctuality and safety implications of the new station at West Ham. The Rail Regulator has discussed a new signalling system for the LTS line with Railtrack. The Franchising Director is aware that the new station at Wet Ham has resulted in some loss of punctuality on the line. He is monitoring the situation and will be meeting the train operator within the next two weeks to discuss this matter. I am not aware of any safety implications associated with the opening of this station.

  Bursting Stone Quarry
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had on the application to extend Bursting Stone Quarry in Cumbria. [97670]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Lake District National Park Authority resolved to grant planning permission for a proposed extension to Bursting Stone Quarry but referred the matter to Secretary of State because, in its view, the proposal constituted a departure from the development plan. After carefully considering all the documents and representations before him, the Secretary of State informed the Authority on 7 May that he had decided to call in the application for his own decision as, in his view, it raises planning issues of wider than local importance which he considers he ought to decide himself. The Secretary of State's legal duty of impartiality prevents him for having any discussions with any party concerning it.

  I understand that the applicants have been discussing with the Authority the scope for agreeing a modern scheme of planning conditions for the quarry under the minerals review provisions of the Environment Act 1995 and based upon its existing planning permissions. Further action on the called in planning application is being held in abeyance pending the outcome of those discussions.

  Biosafety Protocol
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from non-Governmental organisations concerned with development issues regarding the UK Government's position on the Biosafety Protocol; and if he will make a statement. [97658]

  Mr. Meacher
  My Department has received no representations to date. Development issues would be a matter for the Department for International Development.

  Docklands Light Railway
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will report on the progress of the Docklands Light Railway. [97901]

  Mr. Hill
  I have placed in the Library of the House the Docklands Light Railway Ltd.'s Annual Report and accounts for 1998–99.

  The Railway continues to make excellent progress. The extension under the River Thames to Lewisham is set to open in November, in time for the Millennium and some two months ahead of schedule. Passenger numbers increased from 23 million to 30 million during the year. DLR Ltd. is currently owned by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, and will transfer to Transport for London on 3 July 2000.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Departmental Accounts
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the methods of depreciation
  395
  his Department will apply in the current financial year to fixed assets in the preparation of departmental resource accounting balance sheets. [96921]

  Mr. Ingram
  Straight line depreciation is the principal method which NI Departments and the Northern Ireland Office intend to apply to fixed assets in the current financial year in the preparation of departmental resource accounting balance sheets. In addition the Department of the Environment (NI) also intend to apply the following methods—renewals accounting, reducing balance and accelerated depreciation. As part of the dry run audit, depreciation policies will be subject to review by the Northern Ireland Audit Office.

  Use of these methods of depreciation is in accordance with the Department of Finance and Personnel's Northern Ireland Resource Accounting Manual, which follows private sector accounting practice as far as is appropriate. The requirements in the Manual, regarding depreciation policy, are underpinned by Financial Reporting Standard 15 "Tangible Fixed Assets" issued by the Accounting Standards Board.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  "News at Ten"
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions he has had with the ITC in respect of News at Ten and its successor programmes; and if he will make a statement. [97597]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Programme scheduling and content are of course matters for the broadcasters and the Independent Television Commission. I have however expressed the hope that, when the ITC reviews next Spring the conditions laid down as part of its approval of the ending of "News at Ten", it will be robust in its analysis of whether those conditions are being met.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the practicality of compiling an analysis of National Lottery ticket sales on a constituency basis based on sales in postal districts. [97098]

  Kate Hoey
  My Department holds information only on gross ticket sales. Neither the National Lottery Commission nor my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State require an analysis of sales by constituency to fulfil their statutory objectives under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 (as amended). There is, therefore, no requirement for the National Lottery operator, Camelot Group plc, to provide the information in this format, and they have not done so.

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the acquisition budgets in each of the last five years of the museums and galleries funded by his Department. [95145]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 25 October 1999]: Since 1992, the grant in aid allocation to each of the museums and galleries supported by DCMS has not
  396
  included a separate acquisition budget. Decisions concerning the amount set aside for acquisitions are for the Trustees of each institution. Except for the Wallace Collection, which is a closed collection, details of the acquisition budgets of the other national museums and galleries for the last five years are given in their annual accounts which are available in the House of Commons Library. Regarding information for the other sponsored museums and galleries, I will write to the hon. Member and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Arts Council (Annual Report)
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he expects the Arts Council of England to publish its 1998–99 Annual report. [97712]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  We expect that the Arts Council of England's Annual Report will be published in December.

  Football Spectators
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress has been made in eliminating racist behaviour among spectators at football matches. [97435]

  Kate Hoey
  I have been assured by the bodies identified in the Football Task Force Report "Eliminating Racism from Football", that they have implemented the Task Force's recommendations and I am monitoring the success of these initiatives.

  National Arts Day
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 25 October 1999,Official Report, column 755, on the National Arts Day, if the proposal for a National Arts Day meets his criteria. [97477]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 5 November 1999]: I have not to date been presented with any proposal for a national arts day that meets those criteria.

DEFENCE

  European Security and Defence Identity
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the European Security and Defence Identity. [96131]

  Ms McCafferty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the European security and defence identity. [96146]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Government are committed to strengthening the European Security and Defence Identity within NATO. We want European nations to improve their combined military capabilities and to develop the means to act in support of their foreign and security policy objectives. We are making good progress with our Allies and Partners both in the European Union and in NATO.

  Marine Forces
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on collaboration between the Royal Marines and the Royal Netherlands Marine Force. [96132]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Royal Marines and the Royal Netherlands Marine Force have worked closely together for 26 years. This relationship was formalised in a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 1997. Most recently, the UK Royal Marines and the Netherlands Royal Marines worked closely on Exercise BRIGHT STAR, an amphibious multinational exercise in Egypt last month.

  Heavy-lift Aircraft
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the RAF's requirement for heavy-lift transport aircraft. [96133]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The Strategic Defence Review concluded that we needed to improve our strategic airlift, to allow us to move forces quickly to an overseas theatre. We are considering solutions to both our short and long-term requirements. In the short term, we expect to do this through acquiring four C-17 aircraft or their equivalents. In the longer term, we would need a suitable replacement for our remaining transport aircraft. We expect to make an announcement early next year.

  Multi-role Armoured Vehicle Project
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in concluding the multi-national agreement on the Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle project; and if he will make a statement. [96134]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  As announced on 5 November, the UK and Germany have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, and have placed a contract with ARTEC GmbH, a consortium including Alvis Vehicles Ltd. from the UK, for the development of a family of armoured utility vehicles, known in the UK as the Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle.

  Smart Procurement Initiative
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the Smart procurement initiative. [96135]

  Mr. Hoon
  Smart Procurement is at the heart of our effort to reform radically the way we acquire equipment capability. The programme to roll out Integrated Project Teams is on track with 33 now fully operational. 39 further teams formed up in September and 141 will be fully operational by April 2000.

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to increase the strength of the Territorial Army; and if he will make a statement. [96136]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Strategic Defence Review made a number of changes to the Territorial Army, including increases in support functions such as medical services and signallers. The new structure was implemented on 398
  1 July this year, and is making the TA more relevant and useful. There are therefore no plans to change the conclusions reached on the size of the Territorial Army.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement regarding his plans for the mobilisation of TA units. [96137]

  Mr. Spellar
  We are examining the feasibility of deploying a formed TA unit or sub-units to sustain peace support operations in the Balkans. No decisions have yet been taken.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently enlisted with the Territorial Army; how many there were five years ago; and what his projection is for the figures in 12 months' time. [96143]

  Mr. Spellar
  The strength of the Territorial Army as at 1 September, the latest date for which figures are available, was 45,047. The strength of the Territorial Army on 1 September 1994 was 61,047. These figures exclude Non Regular Permanent Staff.

  The estimated strength of the Territorial Army in 12 months' time will be our target establishment of 41,200.

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact mobilisation of the Territorial Army would have upon the National Health Service. [97246]

  Mr. Spellar
  My Department and the Department of Health currently have work in hand to assess the implications for the National Health Service of deploying substantial numbers of Territorial Army and other medical Reservists on military operations.

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many more doctors he plans to recruit into the Territorial Army or reserve forces; and in what time span. [97244]

  Mr. Spellar
  At present, the three Services are seeking to recruit some 545 doctors into the Volunteer Reserve Forces to meet current shortfalls. There is no specific timescale for achieving this figure but the aim is to recruit the doctors as soon as possible.

  Bosnia
  Lorna Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on troop levels in Bosnia. [96138]

  Mr. Roy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on troop levels in Bosnia. [96141]

  Mr. Hoon
  The UK remains fully committed to supporting NATO operations in Bosnia. In conjunction with Allies, we have recently completed a careful assessment of the current security situation in Bosnia. This has improved sufficiently in the four years since the deployment of the Implementation Force (IFOR) for NATO to be able to move safely to a restructured force of some 20,000 members. The implication for UK forces is that 900 personnel will now return to the UK, without replacement, before Christmas. The UK contribution to the Stabilisation Force (SFOR) will then stand at some 3,300.

  Kosovo and Serbia
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the environmental consequences of the conflict in Kosovo and Serbia. [96139]

  Mr. Spellar
  The UN's Balkans Task Force issued its report on the environmental consequences of the Kosovo conflict on 5 October. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library of the House. This Government have not conducted a separate assessment of the environmental consequences of the conflict in Kosovo and Serbia.

  Depleted Uranium
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the environmental impact of depleted uranium munitions. [96140]

  Mr. Spellar
  My Department has conducted extensive monitoring programmes of the environmental effects of depleted uranium munitions at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency's firing ranges at Eskmeals and Kirkcudbright. The monitoring programme has confirmed that there are only low levels of DU contamination, which are well below anything that could be considered a health hazard. The results of this monitoring are published annually.

  Army Northern Headquarters
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the decision was made to transfer the Army's northern headquarters from York to Edinburgh. [96147]

  Mr. Spellar
  The decision to transfer the Army's northern HQ from York to Edinburgh was made on 4 March.

  Learning Forces Initiative
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the learning forces initiative. [96148]

  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the learning forces initiative. [96149]

  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the learning forces initiative. [96154]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friends to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, North (Mr. Rapson) on 8 November 1999,Official Report, columns 683-84.

  East Timor
  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current security situation in East Timor. [96150]

  Mr. Hoon
  The security situation in East Timor is much improved. The Australian-led International Force in East Timor (INTERFET) has now reached a total strength of 8,100 personnel, and includes significant contributions from Canada, Fiji, South Korea, New Zealand,400
  Philippines, Thailand, UK and the US. INTERFET has a firm base in Dili and is operating patrols along the border with West Timor. Remaining militia on the eastern side of the island, together with those based in West Timor, are still a cause for concern. The Indonesian Armed Forces have been co-operative. Some refugees have returned as peace is being restored. British Army Gurkhas have played an important role from the start of INTERFET operations in East Timor, and most recently in the Ambeno enclave. Gurkhas have been involved in conducting security patrols, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance and providing medical relief.

  Royal Navy
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on staff amenities and support services on board Royal Navy ships. [96151]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The staff amenities and support services on board Royal Naval ships vary widely according to their size, age and role. Typically, all ships are provided with mess and galley facilities together with recreational facilities such as TVs, video recorders, books and fitness equipment. As part of our policy for people, measures to improve the amenities on ships, including the extension of satellite TV, welfare communications and internet facilities where possible, are being progressed.

  Front Line Logistics
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government are taking to improve support to the front line in respect of logistics. [96152]

  Mr. Spellar
  Following the Strategic Defence Review, we have established the post of Chief of Logistics, to command a unified Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO), to replace the Single Service logistics commands. The DLO will be fully operational by April 2000, and has already begun to rationalise logistics and spread best practice across the Services. The DLO is involved in implementing the Smart Procurement Initiative, which aims to make the initial procurement of equipment and subsequent provision of spares, repairs and overhaul more efficient and responsive to the needs of the Services.

  As part of the reorganisation of the management of logistics in my Department, we are creating two new Joint Force Logistic Component headquarters. The first is due to become operational in 2001 and the second in 2003. In addition, a number of new support units have been created to strengthen lines of communication, including two combat service support squadrons, a local resource section, a petroleum troop and a rations troop. In addition, our plans following SDR to create a fifth engineer logistic squadron have been brought forward from 2002 to late 2000.

  Kosovo
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on future commitments in Kosovo. [96153]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stevenage (Ms Follett) on 8 November 1999,Official Report, column 678.

  Welfare Telephone Allowances
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government are taking to improve service welfare telephone allowances. [96155]

  Mr. Spellar
  We recognise the importance of personnel deployed on operations being able to telephone home. We increased the free telephone allowance from 3 to 10 minutes in the Strategic Defence Review last year. The previous Secretary of State for Defence, Lord Robertson, announced on 28 September 1999 a further increase, doubling the allowance to 20 minutes a week. This was to take immediate effect and demonstrated our commitment to the welfare of Service personnel.

  Iraq
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on UK forces' involvement in patrolling the no-fly zone in northern and southern Iraq. [96156]

  Mr. Hoon
  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 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.

  Overstretch
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department is taking to reduce the problem of overstretch. [96142]

  Mr. Spellar
  We remain firmly committed to tackling overstretch in the Armed Forces. Recruitment is improving and measures are under way to improve retention. These include improvements to the operational welfare package, for example: free telephone calls home, and a guaranteed period of post operational tour leave, as well as measures in support of families put in place through the role of the Service Families Task Force. We believe that measures such as these, combined with improved recruiting, and retention initiatives already in place, will help to reduce overstretch.

  Apache Helicopters
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of the helmet pointing system being delivered with the Apache helicopters; how long he expects the helmet pointing system for the helicopters to be in service before being upgraded; and what the cost of the upgrade will be. [95346]
  402
  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Howe to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 8 November 1999:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the helmet pointing system being delivered with the UK Apache helicopters. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  The cost of the helmet pointing system being delivered with the Apache helicopter is not separately identified within the package deal contract which was signed with GKN Westland Helicopter Ltd in March 1996, at a value of some £2Bn. There are no current plans to upgrade the system, but we continue to monitor developments in this field and are exploring opportunities to collaborate with the US Army in providing a longer term upgrade.

  Aircraft Carriers
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many orders for aircraft carriers he expects to place in the next year; and when tenders will be invited for such orders. [95512]

  Mr. Hoon
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my right hon. Friend.

  Letter from John Howe to Mr. Frank Field, dated 8 November 1999:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking how many orders for aircraft carriers he expects to place in the next year and when tenders will be invited. This matter falls to me for answer within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  The Strategic Defence Review set out our plans to replace our existing aircraft carriers from 2012 with two larger and more capable vessels. Tenders for the Assessment Phase of the programme, which will develop overall design proposals for the carriers, were released to industry in January 1999. Bids were received from two industry teams in May and, subject to the outcome of commercial negotiations, it is planned to place up to two contracts by the end of the year. Bids for the Demonstration and Manufacture Phase are expected in 2003 and contract placement is scheduled for 2004.

  European Joint Procurement Structures
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what programmes are subject to European joint procurement structures. [96228]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 28 October 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Howe to Mr. Iain Duncan Smith, dated 8 November 1999:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about what programmes are subject to European joint procurement structures. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.

  403
  The Counter Battery Radar (COBRA) is currently the only fully integrated programme involving the UK managed by a "European Joint Procurement Structure", the Organisme Conjoint de Cooperation en Matiere d'Armement (OCCAR). In addition, the Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle (MRAV), Medium Range TRIGAT and Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS) programmes have been nominated to move to OCCAR management, subject to agreeing satisfactory arrangements with the participating countries.
  In addition, two programmes involving the UK are managed by NETMA, an organisation founded under the auspices of NATO but with European partners.

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the European joint procurement structures which have been set up and those which are due to be set up over the next year. [96225]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 28 October 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Howe to Mr. Iain Duncan Smith, dated 8 November 1999:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking if he will list the European joint procurement structures which have been set up and those which are due to be set up over the next year. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  The Organisme Conjoint de Cooperation en Matiere d'Armement (OCCAR) is currently the only European joint defence procurement structure involving the UK. It was established by Treaty in September 1998. In addition, the Eurofighter and Tornado programmes are managed by NETMA, an organisation founded under the auspices of NATO but with European partners.

  Aldermaston
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what measures are to be implemented in building A12N at Aldermaston to ensure its continued safe operation until building A91 enters into service; [96425]

  (2) what progress has been made in commissioning building A91 at Aldermaston; and if he will make a statement. [96423]

  Mr. Spellar
  Technical problems with A91 have delayed its active commissioning. A decision on the most appropriate way forward for the facility will not now be made until the new term operating contractor has been appointed and they have had the opportunity to consider the situation.

  The existing A12N plant will be maintained to ensure the continued safe processing of radioactive material while options for A91 are being evaluated. A review has been carried out and some minor engineering improvements have been included in the current engineering work programme. The Nuclear Installations Inspectorate and the Environment Agency have been consulted on both A12N and the difficulties with A91.

  Strategic Airlift
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will break down the five bids for the abandoned strategic airlift competition indicating the capability and cost in each case; and what alternative approaches to the strategic airlift capability the Defence Procurement Agency is seeking and from which companies. [96746]

  Mr. Hoon
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from John Howe to Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 8 November 1999:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence in which you asked if he will provide a breakdown of the five bids received in response to the Short Term Strategic Airlift competition and what alternative approaches the Defence Procurement Agency is seeking to fulfil this requirement. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  In answer to the first part of your question, I provide below details of the bidders and the aircraft they proposed for the terminated competition:

  Airbus Transport International (ATI) offering a beluga and conventional freighters.

  An Air Foyle Ltd-led consortium offering a yet-to-be developed version of the Antonov An-124.

  Boeing/BAe offering the C-17.

  IBP Ltd offering the current standard Antonov An-124.

  Rolls Royce offering a managed service provision.

  I am withholding details of costs and capabilities offered under Exemption 13 (third party's commercial confidences) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
  In answer to the second part of your question, the Defence Procurement Agency is exploring other possible options for meeting our Airlift requirement, with the intention of reaching a decision in early 2000. This includes discussions with Boeing and the USAF on acquiring a C-17 capability through commercial lease or alternative arrangements and discussions with Air Foyle Ltd and Heavy Lift Cargo Airlines Ltd on more assured short-term chartering. A third company has now withdrawn its interest. The companies were requested to submit proposals by 29 October.

  Soldiers (Service Extension)
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of soldiers serving for three years extended their service beyond three years by(a) three, (b) six, and (c) nine years in each of the last five years. [97518]

  Mr. Spellar
  Soldiers enlisting into the Regular Army since 1991 have done so on the Open Engagement (up to 22 years), which commits them to a minimum of three years service (four years for those enlisting after 2 November 1999). Continuation of service beyond that point is subject to the wishes of the individual and the needs of the Army. There is no requirement for soldiers to specify the length of any further commitment, but they are normally required to give 12 months notice of their wish to leave.

  The information is not, therefore, available in the form requested. The table, however, identify the average soldier trained strength in each of the last five financial years, by length of reckonable service, and as a percentage of the total trained soldier strength.
  405

  Length of reckonable service (years)1

  Average trained strength2

  Percentage of total strength

  (a) 1998–99

  Less than 3 years

  17,932

  21

  3-5 years

  13,570

  16

  6-8 years

  13,216

  16

  9-11 years

  13,510

  16

  12+ years

  25,949

  31

  Total

  84,177

  100

  (b) 1997–98

  Less than 3 years

  16,107

  19

  3-5 years

  14,821

  17

  6-8 years

  15,745

  19

  9-11 years

  13,332

  16

  12+ years

  24,882

  29

  Total

  84,887

  100

  (c) 1996–97

  Less than 3 years

  14,604

  17

  3-5 years

  17,094

  20

  6-8 years

  17,588

  20

  9-11 years

  12,935

  15

  12+ years

  23,676

  28

  Total

  85,897

  100

  (d) 1995–96

  Less than 3 years

  15,406

  17

  3-5 years

  20,310

  23

  6-8 years

  18,106

  20

  9-11 years

  12,637

  14

  12+ years

  22,656

  26

  Total

  89,115

  100

  (e) 1994–95

  Less than 3 years

  18,330

  19

  3-5 years

  23,662

  24

  6-8 years

  18,171

  19

  9-11 years

  12,669

  13

  12+ years

  23,977

  25

  Total

  96,809

  100

  1 UK Trained Army Personnel (soldiers) only.

  2 The Strengths are calculated by adding together the start and end strengths of each financial year, and dividing by two.

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effect the extension of the minimum commitment for soldiers from three to four years will have on pay differentials for those signing on for an extended three, six or nine years. [97519]

  Mr. Spellar
  The extension of the minimum commitment for soldiers from three to four years will have no effect on pay differentials. Soldiers have been enlisted on open engagements since 1 January 1991 and pay differentials for initial engagements of three, six or nine years have not applied since that date.

  Patten Commission
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contribution the armed forces made to the Patten Commission on policing in Northern Ireland. [97558]
  406
  Mr. Spellar
  The Patten Commission on Policing received a briefing on the role of the Armed Forces in Northern Ireland and the support they provide to the Royal Ulster Constabulary on 2 October 1998.

  Service Personnel (Turnover)
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the inflow and outflow rates for(a) the Territorial Army, (b) the Royal Naval Reserve and (c) the Royal Auxiliary Airforce for (i) officers and (ii) other ranks, for each of the years from 1994–95 to date. [97661]

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

  Sexual Discrimination Cases
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sexual discrimination cases involving his Department are pending before(a) the European Court of Justice and (b) the European Court of Human Rights. [97666]

  Mr. Spellar
  There are no cases pending before either Court.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sexual discrimination cases have been brought against his Department in industrial tribunals since 1 February 1995; in how many such cases rulings were made against his Department; how much financial compensation was paid in each case; and how many cases are awaiting decision. [97668]

  Mr. Spellar
  The information requested relating to Industrial (now Employment) Tribunal applications together with details of compensation paid is available only for applications made by serving members, or former members, of the Armed Forces, since 1996–1997 when complete records began to be kept. The information provided does not include those applications submitted by MOD civilian and former civilian staff to Employment Tribunals, for which information is not held centrally.

  Legal advice is taken on all cases and where a thorough and objective assessment of the case proves that there is a legal liability to pay compensation we do so. In such cases, the Ministry of Defence would hope to avoid cases proceeding to a full Tribunal hearing. My Department is currently handling 35 Employment Tribunal cases for sexual discrimination, two of which have been listed for full hearings.

  The following figures exclude Employment Tribunal applications from those Servicewomen who were obliged to leave the Services on grounds of pregnancy. All 5,038 of these claims received have been settled in full at a cost of £60,279,782.
  407

  Number of Employment Tribunal applications received in period

  Number of Employment Tribunal cases settled/ repudiated in period

  Compensation paid in period (£)

  1996–97

  58

  15 settled 15 repudiated

  260,000

  1997–98

  57

  16 settled 25 repudiated

  271,000

  1998–99

  25

  14 settled 20 repudiated

  425,000

  1999–20001

  12

  1 settled 7 repudiated

  1,000

  1 To 4 November 1999

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sexual discrimination complaints against his Department since 1 February 1995(a) have been made under service redress procedures, (b) were upheld by his Department at that stage, (c) came before industrial tribunals, (d) came before the European Court of Justice and (e) came before the European Court of Human Rights. [97664]

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

  Service Personnel (Employment Protection)
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has paid in employment protection to employers of members of(a) the Territorial Army, (b) the Royal Navy Reserve, (c) the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and (d) sponsored reservists mobilised in each year for which figures are available since 1989–90; and if he will make a statement. [97663]

  Mr. Spellar
  No payments are made to employers of members of the reserve forces for the purposes of employment protection. Under the terms of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 and the Reserve Forces (Call-out and Recall) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 1997 (SI 1997/309), employers may claim financial assistance for the loss of a member of staff who is mobilised for reserve service, and to cover any necessary retraining for that staff member on return. No financial assistance was provided to employers before 1 April 1997.

  No awards of financial assistance have been made to employers of Royal Naval Reserve personnel as a result of called-out service since 1 April 1997.

  It has not been possible to distinguish payments made to employers of TA personnel from those made to the employers of ex-Regular Army reserves. However, since 1 April 1997, the following totals have been paid to the employers of Army reservists:

  Financial Year

  Amount paid to employers (£)

  1997–98

  11,939

  1998–99

  64,762

  1999–2000

  126,654

  1 As at end October 1999

  408
  Figures relating to employers' claims are available only for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force since June 1999. Since June 1999, payments totalling £7,158.27 have been made to employers of Royal Auxiliary Air Force reservists.

  There are no Sponsored Reserves in service.

  "Welfare in the Army"
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on Major-General Spacie's report, "Welfare in the Army"; and when he intends to make the report public. [97660]

  Mr. Spellar
  As part of the development of an overarching Human Resources Strategy, the Army's approach to welfare has been subjected to a fundamental and comprehensive review. In 1998, Major-General (Retired) Spacie was commissioned to undertake a study into welfare provision across the Army. This work was completed in September 1999 and is currently being assessed. The study was commissioned to inform the Army's personnel management policies and there are currently no plans to publish the findings externally.

  RAF Neatishead
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make an announcement about the future of RAF Neatishead, Norfolk. [97665]

  Mr. Spellar
  I expect to make an announcement shortly about the outcome of consultation relating to all of the rationalisation proposals affecting the RAF stations which make up the UK Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS). This will of course include RAF Neatishead.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Hawk Aircraft
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Hawk aircraft have arrived in Indonesia since the 16 September common position of the European Council; how many have been halted in transit; and what discussions he has held with representatives of(a) British industry, (b) overseas posts and (c) foreign agencies on the issue of halting Hawk transfers in transit. [97575]

  Mr. Battle
  Three Hawk aircraft were exported from the UK on 31 August, before the adoption of the Common Position. Once the aircraft left UK shores, we had no power to prevent delivery of these aircraft. No further Hawks have been exported from the UK while the embargo has been in place since 16 September.

  Departmental Staff (Working Week)
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the average length of the working week in hours, broken down by grade, of staff in his Department(a) in the United Kingdom and (b) overseas. [97532]

  Mr. Hain
  The information requested by the hon. Member is not available. The conditioned hours of the Department's staff in the United Kingdom and overseas are 41 or 42 hours per week. However staff posted overseas have a 24 hour on-call liability.

  International Criminal Court
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had concerning the implications for future British involvement in peacekeeping operations of ratification of the International Criminal Court. [97516]

  Mr. Hain
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office have worked closely together throughout the negotiations on the establishment of the International Criminal Court. The Government believe ratification of the Rome Statute will have no implications for future British involvement in peacekeeping operations.

  Middle East Peace Process
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress in the Middle East peace process. [97580]

  Mr. Hain
  The Sharm el-Sheikh agreement has created a real prospect of peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. The parties are committed to making a determined effort to conclude a Framework Agreement on Permanent Status issues by February, and to reaching a Permanent Status Agreement by September. We are confident that the permanent status negotiations, which have been formally resumed, will deliver substantive results.

  Implementation of the Sharm el-Sheikh commitments is proceeding, albeit with some short delays. A southern safe passage between Gaza and the West Bank was opened during my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's recent visit.

  We do not underestimate the difficulties faced by both sides. Real vision will be needed to deliver a peace settlement which offers lasting security for Israel, and a real prospect of hope and prosperity for Palestinians.

  Peace between Israel, Syria and Lebanon is an essential component of a comprehensive peace in the Middle East. We remain hopeful of a resumption of negotiations on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks.

  We stand ready to help in any way we can in the pursuit of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

  St. Helena
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to extend full British citizenship to cover the population of St. Helena; and if he will make a statement. [97466]

  Mr. Battle
  The White Paper on Overseas Territories, published in March this year, sets out the Government's offer of British citizenship to those citizens of the Overseas Territories, including those of St. Helena, who do not already enjoy it and who meet certain conditions. This will require primary legislation. The issues are complex and the Government are working on the preparation of the necessary legislation.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what initiatives Her Majesty's Government are taking to assist the civil prison service in Kosovo; and if he will make a statement. [97404]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Department for International Development (DfID) arranged for a visit to Kosovo for Her Majesty's Prison Service experts in August to consider what assistance we could provide for prison administration. DfID is providing $1 million in repair assistance and has made available the DfID Emergency Engineering Unit to the United Nations and to the NATO-led international force in Kosovo (KFOR) to help repair prison facilities before winter sets in.

  Two British prisons experts also went to Kosovo at the start of October for a two month visit to provide technical advice to the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) on the transfer of responsibility for prisons from KFOR to UNMIK, and the re-opening of prison facilities. DfID are also funding the secondment of four prison technical monitors to supervise local staff until February 2000.

  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many houses of the minorities have been burnt in Kosovo since the KFOR occupation. [96101]

  Mr. Vaz
  Between KFOR's arrival in Kosovo on 12 June 1999 and mid-October there have been 1,157 reported cases of arson. Figures disaggregated by ethnic group or property type are not available.

  Chinese President (State Visit)
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people accompanied the Chinese President on his state visit,(a) arriving with him and (b) in advance; into which categories these people fell; and how many of them were known to his Department to be from the Chinese police or other security services. [97756]

  Mr. Battle
  The Chinese President was accompanied by 140 people froM China: 14 members of his official suite, 70 staff, 29 media correspondents and a plane crew of 27, all of whom arrived with the President. Thirty-five people had security responsibilities.

  European Union Programme
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list(a) the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for November and (b) the major European Union events for the next six months. [96950]
  411
  Mr. Vaz
  [pursuant to his reply, 29 October 1999, c. 1038-44]: An administrative error led to an omission in my answer of 29 October to my hon. Friend. The correct answer should read as follows:

  Monthly forecast of EU Business: November 1999

  November 1999

  2 November—Dubai—EU-Gulf Co-operation Council (EU-GCC 9th Joint Council)
  Opening Statement by the President of the Meeting (United Arab Emirates) and reply by the EU Presidency

  Adoption by the Agenda

  Implementation of the Co-operation Agreement

  Free trade agreement negotiations

  Exchange of views on developments in the two regions:

  European Union; Gulf Co-operation Council

  Exchange of views on political questions of common interest

  Approval of the Joint Communique and agreed minutes

  Any other business

  3-4 November—Brussels—European Parliamentary Plenary
  Consultation Procedure

  (possible) Proposal for a Council Decision concluding the Agreement for scientific and technological co-operation between the European Community and the People's Republic of China

  (possible) Proposal for a Council Decision concluding the Agreement on co-operation for science and technology between the European Community and the government of the Russia Federation

  (possible) Proposal for a Council Decision concluding the Agreement for scientific and technological co-operation between the European Community and the Argentine Republic

  Codecision Procedure
  Second Reading

  (possible) Common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council Directive concerning the enforcement of seafarers' hours of work on board ships using Community ports

  (possible) Common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council Directive amending Directive 93/104/EC concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time to cover sectors and activities excluded from that Directive

  (possible) Common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council Directive relating to the availability of consumer information on fuel economy in respect of the marketing of new passenger cars.

  8 November—Brussels—ECOFIN Council
  Adoption of the provisional agenda
  Approval of the list of "A" items
  The Tax Package

  (a) Taxation of Savings

  Key issues; reports on Dependent or Associated Territories

  (b) Code of Conduct on business taxation

  state of play

  (c) Interests and Royalties

  (possible) Energy Taxation
  Economic policy co-ordination

  Draft Council report to European Council

  EIB lending: Renewal of Community guarantee for projects in third countries
  (possible) HIPC-initiative
  The introduction of euro notes and coins

  Common statement

  Risk capital: Implementation of the Action Plan—Communication by the Commission
  (possible) Own Resources Decision
  The Employment package

  Revised Joint Employment Report

  Joint opinion of the EPC/ELC on the Employment Guidelines and Recommendations

  AOB (p. m.—Euro 11; Macroeconomic dialogue)
  412
  8 November—Brussels—Consumer Affairs Council
  Adoption of the agenda
  (possible) Approval of the list of "A" items
  Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive concerning the distance marketing of consumer financial services and modifying Directives 97/7/EC and 98/27/EC (Legal basis proposed by Commission: Articles 47[2], 55 and 95) (Item on which a vote may be called for)

  Common position

  13097/98 CONSOM 76 ECOFIN 239 CODEC 622

  10505/99 CONSOM 46 ECOFIN 136 CODEC 456

  Implementation and application of consumer protection legislation
  Information from the Commission on the implementation and application in the member states of certain Directives, in particular Directives on time-sharing and package holidays
  Consumer access to justice

  (a) Information from the Commission on the follow-up to its recommendation on the principles applicable to the mechanisms responsible for out-of-court settlements of consumer disputes

  (b) Information from the Presidency on the European Council meeting in Tampere on 15 and 16 October 1999 as regards the item on citizen's access to justice

  Food security

  (a) Information campaign on food security in the member states Progress report from the Commission

  (b) "European Food 2000" seminar

  (Helsinki, 23 and 24 September 1999)

  Presidency briefing on the outcome

  (c) Discussion

  (15.00-16.00: open debate)

  Consumer protection and services of general interest—Discussion 11682/99 CONSOM 49 MI 93
  Other business

  Transparency for the consumer in regard to civil liability for motor vehicles (automobile insurance)

  contribution by the Italian delegation

  9 November—Brussels—Industry Council
  Adoption of the agenda
  (possible) Approval of the list of "A" items
  Competitiveness and entrepreneurial policy of the European Union

  Debate and Council conclusions

  (a) Commission communication entitled "Structural change and adjustment in European manufacturing"

  11552/99 ECO 309

  11706/99 ECO 317

  (b) Competitiveness in the Information Society

  (c) Medium-term programme for the organisation of an ongoing debate on industrial competitiveness

  (d) SME

  SME forum: Rapid growth and competitiveness through technology

  Commission report on concerted action with the member states Integration of sustainable development into EU industrial policy
  Report to the Helsinki European Council
  State of the competitiveness of the EU forest-based and related industries

  Commission communication

  Council conclusions 1 1707/99 ECO 318

  Steel industry

  (a) State of the competitiveness of the steel industry in the EU

  Commission communication

  Commission presentation

  413
  11708/99 SID 32 SOC 332 FIN 374 ECO 319

  (b) Commission report to the Council on the monitoring of aid for steel covered by Article 95 of the Treaty

  Information from the Commission

  Shipbuilding

  (a) Commission report on the international shipbuilding situation

  Council conclusions 11919/99 RC 24

  (b) Fourth Commission report to the Council on the monitoring of aid to certain shipyards currently being restructured in Germany and Spain

  Commission presentation 11921/99 RC 26

  White Paper on the modernisation of the rules laid down by Articles 85 and 86 of the Treaty—Commission briefing
  Other business—State aids

  Note from the Danish delegation

  11855/99 ECO 323 FIN 379 RC 23 EEE 99

  11 November—Brussels—Development Council
  No agenda yet available

  11 November—Brussels—Standing Committee on Employment
  Rules of procedure

  Confirmation of the Council's position

  Co-ordinated strategy for employment

  Commission Communication on Employment Guidelines for 2000

  Draft Joint Report on Employment for 1999

  Commission Recommendation for a Council Recommendation on the implementation of member states' employment policies

  The discussion will take account of the Community's economic and social objectives (i.e. the Broad Economic Guidelines).

  11-12 November—Helsinki—Ministerial Conference on the Northern Dimension
  No formal agenda

  12 November—Brussels—Accession Conference
  No formal agenda

  12 November—Brussels—Labour and Social Affairs Council
  Adoption of the provisional agenda
  (possible) Approval of the list of "A" items
  Employment

  Proposal for Guidelines for Member States' Employment Policies 2000

  doc. 10992/99/ SOC 302 ECOFIN 159

  Draft Joint Employment Report 1999

  doc. 10993/99 SOC 303 ECOFIN 160 + COR1 (f)

  Commission Recommendation for Council Recommendations on the Implementation of Member States' Employment Policies

  doc. 10994/99 SOC 304 ECOFIN 161

  Any other business

  15-16 November—Brussels—Agriculture Council
  Adoption of the agenda
  Approval of the list of "A" items
  Strategy on environmental integration and sustainable development in the common agricultural policy (in preparation for the Helsinki European Council on 11 and 12 December 1999) 12082/99 AGRI 165 ENV 360
  Beef labelling

  (a) Report by the Commission to the European Parliament and to the Council on the situation regarding the implementation of beef-labelling systems in the different Member States (Art. 19(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 820/97) 12031/99 AGRILEG 163

  414

  (b) Proposals for Regulations of the European Parliament and of the Council

  establishing a system for the identification and registration of bovine animals and regarding the labelling of beef and beef products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 820/97
  amending Council Regulation (EC) No 820/97 establishing a system for the identification and registration of bovine animals and regarding the labelling of beef and beef products 12030/99 AGRILEG 162 CODEC 583
  Progress report
  Proposal for a Council Regulation on measures to promote and provide information on agricultural products in third countries (Item on which a vote may be requested)
  (Legal basis: Art. 37 of the Treaty)
  5386/99 AGRI 7 AGRIFIN 7
  (possible) Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 1765/92 establishing a support system for producers of certain arable crops (non-food) (Item on which a vote may be requested)
  (Legal basis: Art. 36 and 37 of the Treaty)
  11375/95 AGRIORG 249 AGRIFIN 220
  (possible) Cotton: Proposals for Council Regulations

  adjusting, for the sixth time, the system of aid for cotton introduced by Protocol 4 annexed to the Act of Accession of Greece

  relating to the production aid for cotton

  (possible) Commission information on the banana dossier
  Extension of State aid for small producers

  Austrian delegation's request for authorisation

  Items Within the Competence of the Permanent Representatives Committee
  Dioxin: Progress report
  (possible) Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 64/432/EEC on health problems affecting intra-Community trade in bovine animals and swine
  Other business

  Use of hormones as growth promoters (request by the Danish delegation)

  Equal opportunities for men and women and rural development (request by the Swedish delegation)

  Organisation of future work

  415
  15-16 November—Brussels—General Affairs Council
  Adoption of the provisional agenda
  Approval of the list of "A" items
  Horizontal Issues
  Resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament at its part-sessions in Strasbourg on 417 and 25129 October 1999
  Electoral procedure
  European Security and Defence Policy: elements for the Presidency report on military and non-military aspects of crisis management
  Common Strategies
  External Relations
  Negotiations for a development partnership agreement with the ACP states

  preparation for the next Ministerial Conference

  Follow-up of the EU-Russia Summit
  Pakistan; Western Balkans; Indonesia
  Bananas
  WTO: Ministerial Conference in Seattle
  AOB
  Items Likely to Become "A" Points
  Adoption of the EU position for the 12th meeting of the EEA Council
  Adoption of the EU position for the Association Council with Tunisia (16 November 1999)
  Adoption of the EU position for the 5th Association Council with Bulgaria (16 November 1999)
  Adoption of the EU position for the second Co-operation Council with Moldova on 16 November 1999
  (possible) European armaments policy: adoption of the common position

  15-19 November—Strasbourg—European Parliament Plenary
  No agenda yet available

  16 November—Brussels—EEA Council
  No agenda yet available

  18 November—Brussels—Health Council
  No agenda yet available

  22 November—Brussels—Fisheries Council (possible)
  No agenda yet available

  23 November—Brussels—Culture/Audiovisual Council
  No agenda yet available

  23 November—Brussels—Youth Council
  No agenda yet available

  25-26 November—Brussels—Budget Council
  No agenda yet available

  26 November—Brussels—Education Council
  No agenda yet available

  29 November—Brussels—Labour and Social Affairs Council
  No agenda yet available
  416
  29 November—Brussels—ECOFIN Council
  Preparation of the European Council in Helsinki

  Economic policy cooperation, report by the Council Employment

  Joint annual employment report of Council and Commission Employment Guidelines 2000

  Report on reinforced tax policy co-operation

  Effective fight against fraud

  Report by the Council

  Tax Package

  Code of Conduct (Business Taxation)

  Final report

  Taxation of Savings—Political agreement on Draft Directive

  Interest and Royalties—Political agreement on Draft Directive

  Implementation of Stability and Growth Pact
  Financial Services Policy Group

  Report by the Commission

  Amendment of the UCITS Directive

  Political agreement

  Annual Report of the Court of Auditors concerning financial year 1998
  EURO 11—Joint meeting with Labour and Social Affairs Council (Employment Guidelines 2000 and joint annual employment report)

  30 November—Brussels—Telecommunications Council
  No agenda yet available

  30 November-3 December—Seattle—WTO Ministerial Conference
  No formal agenda.

  European Calendar: November 1999—April 2000
  This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.

  Date

  Venue

  Event

  November 1999

  2

  Dubai

  EU-Gulf Co-operation Council (EU-GCC 9th Joint Council)

  3-4

  Brussels

  European Parliament Plenary

  8

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  8

  Brussels

  Consumer Affairs Council

  9

  Brussels

  Industry Council

  11

  Brussels

  Development Council

  11

  Brussels

  Standing Committee on Employment

  11-12

  Helsinki

  Ministerial Conference on the Northern Dimension

  12

  Brussels

  Accession Conference

  12

  Brussels

  Labour and Social Affairs Council

  15-16

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  15-16

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  15-19

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  16

  Brussels

  EEA Council

  18

  Brussels

  Health Council

  22

  Brussels

  Fisheries Council (possible)

  23

  Brussels

  Culture/Audiovisual Council

  23

  Brussels

  Youth Council

  25-26

  Brussels

  Budget Council

  26

  Brussels

  Education Council

  29

  Brussels

  Labour and Social Affairs Council

  29

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  30

  Brussels

  Telecommunications Council

  30 November-3 December

  Seattle

  WTO Ministerial Conference

  December 1999

  30 November-3 December

  Seattle

  WTO Ministerial Conference

  1-2 December

  Brussels

  European Parliament Plenary

  2

  Brussels

  Energy Council

  417

  Date

  Venue

  Event

  2

  Brussels

  Research Council

  2-3

  Brussels

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  6-7

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  7

  Brussels

  Internal Market Council

  7

  Brussels

  Accession Conference

  7-8

  Brussels

  EU-ACP Ministerial Meeting (probable)

  9-10

  Brussels

  Transport Council

  10-11

  Helsinki

  European Council

  13

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  13-14

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  13-17

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  14-15

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  14-16

  Brussels

  Ministerial Conference on Follow-up of Progress on UN Beijing Platform for Action

  16-17

  Brussels

  Fisheries Council

  January 2000

  14

  Brussels

  Fisheries Council

  17-21

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  18

  Brussels

  Budget Council

  24-25

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  24-25

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  28-29

  Lisbon

  Development Council (Informal)

  31

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  February 2000

  2-3

  Brussels

  European Parliament Plenary

  11-12

  Lisbon

  Social Affairs Council (Informal)

  14-15

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  14-18

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  21-22

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  21-23

  Vilamoura

  San Jose Meeting

  23-25

  Vilamoura

  Rio Group Meeting

  28

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  March 2000

  1-2

  Brussels

  European Parliament Plenary

  3-4

  Lisbon

  Justice and Home Affairs Council (Informal)

  9

  Brussels

  European Conference

  13

  Brussels

  Social Affairs/ECOFIN Council

  13-17

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  16

  Brussels

  Internal Market Council

  20-21

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  20-21

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  23-24

  Lisbon

  European Council

  27

  Brussels

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  28

  Brussels

  Transport Council

  29-30

  Brussels

  European Parliament Plenary

  30

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  April 2000

  3

  Luxembourg

  Fisheries Council

  4

  Luxembourg

  Social Affairs Council

  4

  Cairo

  EU-Africa Summit

  7-8

  Luxembourg

  ECOFIN Council (Informal)

  10-11

  Luxembourg

  General Affairs Council

  10-14

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  13

  Luxembourg

  Consumer Affairs Council

  15-16

  Oporto

  Environment Council (Informal)

  17-18

  Luxembourg

  Agriculture Council

HOME DEPARTMENT

  "Picking up the Pieces"
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Picking up the Pieces III report from local authorities dated 11 to 13 January. [97273]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Home Office broadly supports the work this group is undertaking to develop better post-disaster psycho-social care arrangements.

  Drug-related Crime
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what range of national initiatives Her Majesty's Government have employed to reduce drug-related crime since 1997.A [94523]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [pursuant to his reply, 19 October 1999, c.436]: One of the four Key Aims of the Government's drugs strategy is to protect communities from drug related crime. National initiatives introduced since 1997 include the piloting of the new Drug Treatment and Testing Order, for which around £60 million has been earmarked for national roll-out from next year; the Prison Service has been given £76 million over the next three years for tackling drug misuse in prisons, of which in the region of £60 million has been allocated to drug treatment programmes, and up to £20 million over the next three years is being made available to assist in the development of arrest referral schemes to get drug misusing offenders into treatment.

  Travellers
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to announce the results of his examination of guidance on the exercise of powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 by the DETR and his Department relating to travellers. [97384]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has asked for the good practice document "Managing Unauthorised Camping", published jointly by the Home Office and the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) in 1998, to be reviewed. This is being carried forward with the DETR and the results will be announced in due course.

  Asylum and Immigration
  Mr. Jim Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what options are available to visitors to the UK who are refused entry and who have no right of appeal against the decision; what steps are taken to make such visitors and their sponsors in the UK aware of those options before they are required to leave the country; and if it is the practice to stamp passports with a symbol indicating that entry has been refused before the visitor has had the opportunity to exercise such options. [97446]

  Mrs. Roche
  A person seeking entry as a visitor, but refused leave to enter is informed in writing that they may contact their High Commission or Consul or anyone else they think may be able to help them. A chief immigration officer will consider any representations made before a
  419
  person's departure. It is normal practice to endorse the passport of a person refused leave to enter at the time the decision is made.

  Local Authority Housing
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue guidance to police forces about sharing information with local housing authorities about persons with previous convictions for burglary who are applying for local authority housing so that those authorities can consider whether to make an offer of accommodation; and if he will make a statement. [97036]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Under Part VI of the Housing Act 1996, local housing authorities are required to have an allocation scheme which sets out their procedures and priorities for allocating social housing. There are a number of classes of household or person who must be given "reasonable preference" under an allocation scheme. This framework is designed to ensure that priority for subsidised housing is given to those with the greatest need.

  Authorities have the power to define which classes of people are eligible for local authority housing. When deciding which classes of people should be non-qualifying, they are entitled to decide on the basis of objective criteria and evidence, whether granting a tenancy to a person is likely to result in disruption to the stability of the community.

  The Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions' "Code of Guidance for Local Authorities on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness", which will be published shortly, will recommend that any decision to exclude classes of persons on the grounds of the need to protect the community or reduce levels of crime on an estate should be taken in consultation with relevant organisations in the criminal justice system, in particular the police and probation services.

  We shall consider the need for further guidance on the disclosure of information by the police if necessary.

  Freedom of Information
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to amend the draft Freedom of Information Bill to accommodate commitments on environmental information disclosure contained in EU directives and the Aarhus Convention on Access to Environmental Information. [97364]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The consultation paper on the draft Freedom of Information Bill (published 24 May 1999) set out the Government's intention to modify as necessary the general right of access in the Freedom of Information Bill in order to implement the Aarhus Convention (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Convention on access to information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters) insofar as it relates to access to environmental information.

  The Bill will now contain a provision giving power to the Secretary of State to make regulations to give effect to the Aarhus Convention as it relates to access to environmental information. Ministers have agreed to this
  420
  change of approach. This will allow for the creation of a free-standing regime for environmental information which will give effect to the Aarhus Convention and the existing European Community Directive on Freedom of Access to Information on the Environment. The current regulations will be revoked.

  Access to environmental information will, therefore, be given in the first instance under the regulations rather than the Bill itself. Freedom of Information legislation will continue to have an effect, however, by placing a duty on authorities to consider any discretion they may have to disclose information in the public interest where it is otherwise exempt under the regulations.

  Firearms Compensation
  Mr. Neil Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many claims made for compensation for the surrender of handguns and ammunition have(a) been settled and (b) remain outstanding; what has been the total compensation paid to date; and what the final figure is expected to be. [97545]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  As at the end of October, a total of 74,597 claims under the firearms compensation and exgratia payment schemes had been paid. There are currently 966 claims outstanding, of which 800 are ones where payment offers have been made to the claimants in question and are awaiting acceptance. A total of £88.96 million has been paid out and the final figure is expected to be approximately £90 million.

  Motoring Offences
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what use has been made of restorative justice in response to motoring offences involving injury or loss to third parties. [96636]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Where it judges it appropriate and proportional, a court can make a probation order for a motoring offence. Probation service motoring programmes typically include sessions on raising offenders' awareness of the impact on victims. Such programmes often include police or hospital staff presenting information about the impact and injuries resulting from motoring offences and the consequences for victims.

  The Crime Reduction Programme announced last year, contains a restorative justice component. It is evaluating a number of existing restorative justice schemes in order to identify which elements or combination of elements are most effective in reducing crime and at what cost. Some of the schemes will include offenders who have committed motoring offences.

  Defence Exports
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the Government's policy is on the manufacture for sale abroad by UK companies of defence and security goods that are illegal in the UK; what action is taken against such companies; and if he will make a statement. [97483]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The kinds of weapons used by military and security forces are prohibited under the provisions of section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968. This
  421
  means that no company may manufacture such weapons without the written authority of the Secretary of State. In order to obtain such an authority, an applicant must show that there is a compelling reason for possessing prohibited weapons, that the applicant is fit to be entrusted with prohibited weapons and that they will be stored under conditions of security commensurate with the danger to the public posed by such weapons.

  Authorities are carefully conditioned to restrict to the minimum genuinely needed, the numbers and types of prohibited weapons the authority holder is allowed to possess. They are also specifically conditioned to restrict the purposes for which the holder may possess prohibited weapons and how the weapons may be disposed of.

  It is an offence punishable by up to six months' imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 or both for a person to breach any of the conditions of an authority. Unauthorised possession of prohibited weapons is punishable by up to ten years' imprisonment, a fine or both. Where it is believed that an offence may have been committed, the information would be passed to the police for investigation. Any decision on whether or not to prosecute in an individual case is a matter for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

  Export sales of such weapons are subject to the export licensing regime. Applications for export licences for prohibited weapons are considered carefully by the Department of Trade and Industry in consultation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence.

  Cross-examination
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to implement sections 40 and 41 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. [97408]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Sections 34-40 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 provide protection for witnesses from cross-examination by the accused in person. Sections 41-43 provide restrictions on evidence or questions about the complainant's sexual history in proceedings for sexual offences. Rules of Court will be required to govern procedures relating to applications made under both these sets of provisions, and these are currently being prepared with a view to implementation in Spring 2000.

  Police Firearms
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions in the past five years a Metropolitan Police vehicle has been damaged consequent to the firing of police small arms during an operation; and if he will make a statement. [97407]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Metropolitan Police Commissioner tells me that the information requested is not recorded centrally.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions in the past five years a firearm held by a Metropolitan Police officer has been fired accidentally in an operational situation; and if he will make a statement. [97398]
  422
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Metropolitan Police Commissioner tells me that since 1994, there have been six occasions when a firearm has been discharged accidentally by a Metropolitan Police officer, when employed on an operation.

  Corporate Manslaughter
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to consult on proposals for a new criminal offence of corporate manslaughter; and if he will make a statement. [97217]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We are considering what action to take in the light of the Law Commission's report on Involuntary Manslaughter which includes proposals in relation to corporate manslaughter. We will make our proposals known shortly.

  West Midlands Police Authority
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on plans for an upper age limit for lay visitors within the area of the West Midlands Police Authority. [97216]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Lay visiting is the responsibility of individual police authorities and each scheme must evolve to suit local circumstances. The West Midlands Police Authority began introducing an upper age limit of 70 for lay visitors from October 1998.

  Current Home Office guidance to police authorities on lay visiting makes no reference to age limits. However, the separate guidance issued for the Metropolitan Police area states that persons who are under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 will not normally be appointed. All this Home Office guidance, which is advisory, is shortly to be reviewed and the arguments for and against age limits will be considered as part of that process.

  Data Protection
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are his plans for publishing on the Internet further draft statutory instruments to be made under the Data Protection Act 1998. [97886]

  Mr. Straw
  Drafts of a further six statutory instruments will be published on the Internet at www.homeoffice.gov.uk on Tuesday 9 November. I am also placing copies in the Library.

PRIME MINISTER

  Internal Histories
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those internal histories(a) commissioned under his Government and (b) currently in progress. [95307]

  The Prime Minister
  No central record is required for histories commissioned by Departments for their own purposes. Two internal histories have been commissioned since the General Election and work on them is under way. It is the established practice under section 10 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information not to disclose information relating to a planned or
  423
  potential publication. After completion, consideration will be given on an individual basis under the Public Records Acts for their release to the Public Record Office.

  Bilderberg Meetings
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister what official records are kept of attendance by Government Ministers at Bilderberg meetings. [95784]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer to him of 20 May 1999,Official Report, column 402. Records of meetings attended by Government Ministers are not held centrally.

  Pensions
  Mr. Trend
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 20 October 1999,Official Report, column 435, what the basis was for his statement that the average pensioner is currently receiving more than if pensions had been indexed to earnings. [96031]

  The Prime Minister
  In the first three years of this Parliament, pensioners will have received an extra £1.6 billion through the new Winter Fuel Payments and the introduction of the Minimum Income Guarantee. This is more than twice the amount that pensioners would have received from uprating the basic state pension in line with earnings rather than prices.

  As well as being worth more than uprating, our policies for pensioners strike a better balance between benefiting all pensioners and getting more help to those in greatest need. The £100 Winter Fuel Payment goes to every pensioner household, regardless of their income. The Minimum Guarantee means even more help for pensioners on low incomes.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister what has been the annual salary of each special adviser employed at 10 Downing Street for each year since 1 May 1997. [96875]

  The Prime Minister
  Special Advisers are paid individually negotiated salaries within a published pay range as follows:

  Salaries

  1997–1998

  £24,349 to £73,484

  1998–1999

  £26,000 to £76,056

  1999–2000

  £26,728 to £78,186

  In line with the practice of previous Administrations, the salaries of individual Special Advisers are not disclosed as this would breach the privacy of the individuals concerned. The exceptions are two of my Advisers—Jonathan Powell and Alastair Campbell—who have additional executive responsibilities and are paid outside this range. Their salaries are each as follows:

  Salaries

  1997–1998

  £87,936

  1998–1999

  £91,014

  1999–2000

  £93,562

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 26 July 1999,Official Report, column 29, on animal welfare, if the inter-departmental minister group on animal welfare has now been established; if he will list its membership; and if he will set out its terms of reference. [96496]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 2 November 1999]: Work is under way and continuing on the establishment of inter-departmental ministerial group on animal welfare and an announcement will be made shortly.

  Media Briefings
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister under what circumstances Permanent Secretaries are permitted to brief the media personally. [96712]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 2 November 1999]: Permanent Secretaries may brief the media on their official responsibilities and they have often done so in relation to their management roles.

  Press Secretary
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if the Press Secretary to the Prime Minister can issue instructions to departmental heads of information. [96339]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 2 November 1999]: My Chief Press Secretary is appointed under Article 3(3) of the Civil Service (Amendment) Order in Council 1997, which provides him with the necessary executive powers to direct civil servants as appropriate.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the dates on which the Press Secretary to the Prime Minister has met departmental heads of information since 1 May 1997. [96337]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 2 November 1999]: My Chief Press Secretary has set up a system of weekly co-ordination meetings between No. 10 and heads of departmental planning units and in addition holds strategy meetings periodically with heads of information to ensure effective co-ordination and presentation of Government policy.

  Chinese President (State Visit)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister for what reason Rupert Murdoch was invited to lunch at 10 Downing Street on the occasion of the visit there of President Jiang Zemin; if Tibet was discussed at that meeting; and if he will make a statement. [96340]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 2 November 1999]: Mr. Murdoch was one of a number of business people with interests in China invited to the lunch. On my discussions with President Jiang Zemin about Tibet, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Stevenson) on 1 November 1999, Official Report, column 4.

  Departmental Leak Investigations
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the departmental leak investigations in progress, specifying in each case the nature of material leaked. [96343]
  425
  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 2 November 1999]: I am aware of seven leak investigations that are in progress in Government Departments. They involve various types of material including internal departmental policy documents, operational information and legal advice to a Department. Each Department is responsible for its own security arrangements, including leak investigations.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister how many leak investigations have been instigated since 1 May 1997; how many have identified the culprit; and what action has been taken in each case. [96344]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 2 November 1999]: Government Departments have notified the Cabinet Office of a total of 58 leak investigations since 1 May 1997. It has been the normal practice of successive Governments not to disclose information on the outcome of investigations.

  Deaths in Custody
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Prime Minister what response he has made to the recent petition presented to him about deaths in custody; and if he will make a statement. [97148]

  The Prime Minister
  It is customary when petitions are delivered to my Office for the relevant Government Department to be informed and where appropriate passed to them for consideration. In this case my Office passed the petition to the Home Office in order to draw it to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, whom I understand met representatives of the United Families and Friends Campaign earlier this year.

  Intergovernmental Conference
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Prime Minister further to his reply to the hon. Member for Buckingham of 26 October 1999,Official Report, column 772, on the intergovernmental conference, if it is his Government's policy to seek a review of the Common Fisheries Policy prior to 2002. [97564]

  The Prime Minister
  The preparatory stage of the review of the Common Fisheries Policy which is due to conclude by the end of 2002 has already started.

  Infant Deaths
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will meet representatives of the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths to discuss ways in which there could be a more coherent public service response to the causes of unexpected infant deaths. [97716]

  The Prime Minister
  I am aware of the Foundation's excellent work in improving our understanding of the causes of unexpected infant deaths and in prompting an appropriate public response. I understand that the Foundation has developed a strong working relationship with officials at the Department of Health. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health would be happy to meet with representatives of the Foundation should they wish to do so.
  426
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to combine the responsibilities of the Home Office and Department of Health with those of other departments in order(a) to institute infant death response teams of trained police and specialist nurses to visit and support families within 24 hours, (b) to provide for inquests held by specialist pathologists and (c) to institute case conferences to consider and agree the cause of death. [97715]

  The Prime Minister
  The tragedy of death in infancy calls upon the expertise of a number of agencies with shared responsibility for supporting parents who have suffered bereavement. It is already accepted good practice for bereaved families to be visited by a police officer attached to the Coroner's Office and a nurse experienced in bereavement counselling. The benefit of a specialist pathology service for inquests into infant deaths has been recognised and I understand that closer working relationships between paediatric and forensic pathologists are being developed to this end. It is the duty of the Coroner to consider and identify the cause of death.

  Official Engagements
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister what his official engagements were between 3.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday 3 November. [97748]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Torbay (Mr. Sanders) in the House on 3 November 1999,Official Report, column 285. At 7 p.m. I voted in the division following the debate on Lords Amendment 42 to the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill.

  Foudry Court Elderly Persons Home
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Prime Minister which department will answer the letter from the hon. Member for North Essex to him of 29 July concerning the threatened closure of Foudry Court Elderly Persons Home; when it will do so; and which department has responsibility for care of the elderly. [97746]

  The Prime Minister
  The Minister of State, Department of Health, has replied to the hon. Member today. The Department of Health has responsibility for the health and social care of the elderly.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Belize
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development to what projects and in what proportions the United Kingdom's overseas aid to Belize was allocated in each of the years 1990 to 1997. [96178]

  Clare Short
  The requested information is shown:

  Year

  UK assistance to Belize (£000)

  Percentage of total UK bilateral assistance

  1990–91

  6,016

  0.508

  1991–92

  3,674

  0.312

  1992–93

  4,498

  0.332

  1993–94

  6,233

  0.473

  427

  Year

  UK assistance to Belize (£000)

  Percentage of total UK bilateral assistance

  1994–95

  116,886

  1.223

  1995–96

  6,335

  0.446

  1996–97

  7,666

  0.595

  1997–98

  2,383

  0.176

  1 This figure reflects a large CDC investment of £11,487,000—the bulk of which went on hydro-electric power

  Note:

  This expenditure was predominantly in the following sectors: Agriculture and Livestock, Forestry, Fishing, Roads, Energy, Public Administration and Education.

  Departmental Asset Sales
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list assets sold by her Department and their value item by item in each year from 1991–92 to 1998–99; and if she will estimate the value of asset sales planned to be made in 1999–2000 and 2000–01. [97723]

  Clare Short
  The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  St. Helena
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures she proposes to(a) increase the standard of living of the residents of St. Helena and (b) improve access to St. Helena; and if she will make a statement. [97385]

  Clare Short
  The framework for St. Helena's development over the period 1997/98–1999/2000, and the level and scope of HMG development assistance, is set out in the Country Policy Plan agreed by HMG and the St. Helena Government in 1997 (a copy of which is in the Library). A new Country Policy Plan (CPP), for the period 2000/01–2003/04, is scheduled to be agreed by the end of 1999. Discussions on the new CPP and on access issues will take place on St. Helena between 2-10 December 1999.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Historic Churches
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what representations he has made to Ministers on the reduction of VAT on conversion schemes for historic churches. [96163]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Members for the Vale of York (Miss McIntosh) and for Chipping Barnet (Sir S. Chapman). I have raised the Church's concerns directly with my colleagues at the Treasury responsible for the oversight of the ongoing review of charity taxation. Following the latest submission of evidence and the overwhelming support given by General Synod to changes in the VAT regime as it affects the Church, we have written to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury seeking a meeting to expand on the thrust of the Church's case.
  428
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what representations he has made to Ministers on the reduction of VAT on conversion projects for historic churches. [96165]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  I refer to my answer given to the hon. Member for Witney (Mr. Woodward). As the representative of the Church Commissioners, I am in frequent touch with colleagues in Government and have raised the Church's concerns in connection with VAT and listed buildings in support of the various submissions made by the Church to the ongoing charity tax review.

  GM Crops
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on his policy on the use of land for which the Church Commissioners are responsible for the cultivation of GM crops. [96157]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The issue of whether Commissioners' land should be leased to allow trials of genetically modified crops to take place is being initially considered by the Church's Ethical Investment Working Group (EIWG), which develops a co-ordinated investment policy for the Church. The EIWG has been studying and consulting widely on the potential impact genetically modified technology could have on current farming practices, biodiversity and the environment. It has not yet concluded its research.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  New Deal (Young People)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list by unit of delivery the number of jobs lasting less than 13 weeks gained by 18-24 year olds from the New Deal since January 1998. [95088]

  Ms Jowell
  The information showing the number of young people who had gained a job from New Deal and returned to claim the Jobseekers Allowance or returned to a New Deal Option within 13 weeks, by Unit of Delivery, is given in the following table. The figures include both subsidised and unsubsidised jobs. Also shown are the numbers gaining jobs that were sustained, lasting for 13 weeks or more. Job turnover is normal in a healthy labour market, especially among young people who need to try different jobs and accumulate experience to establish themselves successfully in the labour market. It is vital that those young people returning to unemployment after a short spell in work are given the support and encouragement they need to build on that experience and use it to find another job quickly. It is this kind of sustained help that sets New Deal above previous labour market policies.
  429

  From January 1998 to the end of July 1999

  Unit of delivery

  Young people into jobs lasting less than 13 weeks

  Young people into jobs lasting 13 weeks or more

  Scotland

  Tayside

  439

  1,247

  Ayrshire

  400

  1,087

  Borders

  71

  204

  Dumfries & Galloway

  96

  319

  Dunbarton

  185

  511

  Edinburgh, East & Mid Lothian

  321

  885

  Fife

  309

  803

  Forth Valley

  230

  654

  Glasgow

  687

  1,606

  Grampian

  149

  355

  Moray, Strathspay & Badenoch

  66

  128

  Lanarkshire

  638

  1,708

  Renfrewshire

  311

  643

  West Lothian

  133

  311

  Argyll & The Islands

  42

  148

  Caithness & Sutherland

  16

  56

  Inverness & Nairn

  38

  116

  Lochaber

  8

  37

  Western Isles

  13

  65

  Orkney

  5

  26

  Ross & Cromarty

  26

  115

  Shetland

  5

  18

  Skye & Lochalsh

  5

  26

  Northern Region

  Newcastle, Gateshead & South Tyneside

  657

  2,077

  Northumberland

  174

  617

  Tyneside North

  148

  456

  Durham North & Durham South

  582

  1,593

  City of Sunderland formerly Wearside

  330

  865

  Tees North & Tees South

  657

  1,437

  North West Region

  Cumbria

  371

  1,305

  Wirral

  432

  1,194

  Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre

  134

  349

  Bolton

  168

  376

  Bury

  93

  216

  Central Lancashire

  208

  456

  Cheshire

  276

  678

  City Pride Manchester

  873

  2,167

  East Lancashire

  312

  786

  Halton & Warrington

  223

  557

  Knowsley

  237

  725

  Liverpool

  614

  1,886

  North Lancashire

  104

  322

  Oldham

  158

  366

  Rochdale

  175

  509

  Sefton

  202

  789

  St. Helens

  155

  419

  Stockport

  123

  383

  W. Lancashire

  94

  198

  Wigan

  193

  576

  Yorkshire and Humberside Region

  Sheffield

  430

  1,346

  Rotherham

  348

  1,030

  South Humber

  500

  1,002

  Calderdale & Kirklees

  498

  1,163

  Barnsley & The Dearne

  331

  894

  Bradford

  445

  1,250

  Hull & East Coast formerly Hull

  651

  1,571

  430

  From January 1998 to the end of July 1999

  Unit of delivery

  Young people into jobs lasting less than 13 weeks

  Young people into jobs lasting lem13 weeks or more

  Leeds

  482

  1,070

  North Yorkshire

  267

  802

  Wakefield & Doncaster

  626

  1,626

  Wales

  West Wales

  258

  902

  Swansea

  329

  1,170

  North West Wales

  162

  676

  Powys

  39

  123

  Ceredigion

  28

  171

  North East Wales formerly Flintshire & Wrexham

  138

  436

  North Wales Coast

  81

  312

  Cardiff & Vale

  301

  775

  Bridgend & Glamorgan Valleys

  322

  892

  Heads of the Valley & Caerphilly

  356

  1,042

  Newport, Torfaen & Monmouth

  280

  625

  West Midlands

  Black Country

  1,116

  2,903

  Birmingham

  766

  2,090

  Solihull

  113

  274

  Staffordshire

  575

  1,416

  Hereford & Worcester

  260

  799

  Coventry

  212

  671

  Warwickshire

  129

  352

  Shropshire

  225

  487

  East Midlands

  Southern Derbyshire

  380

  1,076

  Cambridge TTWA

  133

  391

  North Derbyshire

  226

  683

  Leicestershire

  330

  919

  Lincolnshire

  246

  759

  Norfolk

  326

  967

  West Norfolk

  61

  201

  Northamptonshire

  205

  564

  Greater Nottingham

  430

  1,122

  North Nottinghamshire

  302

  742

  Peterborough

  186

  439

  Suffolk

  177

  498

  Waveney

  100

  243

  South West Region

  Cornwall

  408

  1,690

  Bath & NE Somerset and N. Somerset

  128

  383

  Bristol & South Gloucestershire formerly Central Bristol

  310

  822

  Dorset

  228

  760

  Exeter & East Devon

  149

  403

  Torbay & South Devon formerly South Devon

  156

  548

  North Devon

  96

  289

  Gloucesterhisre

  189

  581

  Plymouth

  272

  823

  Somerset

  197

  569

  Wiltshire & Swindon formerly Wiltshire

  185

  525

  London and South East Region

  Eastbourne & Hastings formerly Eastbourne

  209

  547

  Lambeth

  271

  796

  Harlow

  43

  123

  431

  From January 1998 to the end of July 1999

  Unit of delivery

  Young people into jobs lasting less than 13 weeks

  Young people into jobs lasting 13 weeks or more

  Hackney & City

  311

  978

  Hertfordshire

  217

  837

  Brighton

  165

  528

  Canterbury

  180

  541

  Channel

  174

  474

  Chatham

  300

  889

  Crawley

  41

  130

  Croydon & Bromley

  337

  954

  Guildford

  78

  283

  Lewisham

  246

  718

  Maidstone, Dartford & West Kent

  160

  516

  Southwark

  221

  584

  Greenwich

  188

  575

  Bexley

  91

  262

  Sutton, Merton, Esher, Kingston, Epsom

  204

  604

  Wandsworth

  130

  331

  West Sussex Coastal Plain

  60

  238

  South Essex

  397

  1,249

  North Essex formerly North & Mid Essex

  241

  763

  Edgware & Leaside

  323

  1,165

  North East London

  268

  931

  Havering, Barking & Dagenham

  196

  564

  Newham

  230

  717

  Tower Hamlets

  170

  608

  Camden & North Islington

  195

  696

  Ealing & Hillingdon formerly Ealing

  185

  592

  Bedfordshire & Luton

  215

  562

  Milton Keynes & N. Buckinghamshire

  67

  202

  Mid Hants

  36

  167

  Oxfordshire

  90

  290

  Portsmouth & SE Hampshire

  254

  666

  Isle of Wight

  80

  329

  Reading

  110

  214

  Slough

  184

  459

  Southampton & SW Hampshire

  165

  497

  Wembley

  213

  707

  Westminster

  51

  191

  Hounslow & Richmond

  116

  345

  Hammersmith, Fulham, Kensington, Chelsea

  114

  407

  Great Britain1

  35,100

  99,466

  1 Denotes a private sector led Unit of Delivery

  Note:

  Great Britain excludes those for whom no Unit of Delivery is recorded on the New Deal Evaluation Database

  Source:

  New Deal Evaluation Database

  New Deal (Lone Parents)
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many lone parents had been invited to join the New Deal for Lone Parents by the end of July. [95515]

  Ms Hodge
  The number of lone parents invited to join the New Deal for Lone Parents between the national roll-out of the programme on 26 October 1998 and the end of July was 406,440. The total number of invitations, including the earlier pilot phases of the programme which 432
  began on 21 July 1997, is 457,052. Letters inviting participation in the New Deal for Lone Parents programme are sent to lone parents who are in receipt of Income Support and whose youngest child is aged at least 5 years and 3 months. Some 80,130 lone parents have attended an initial interview (including those outside the target group and early starters who did not receive an invite) and some 89 per cent. of these agreed to join the caseload and 26 per cent. of these have found jobs.

  New Deal (Oxfordshire)
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people in Oxfordshire have moved into permanent jobs through the New Deal programme; and what is the average cost to public funds of each new permanent job created. [95996]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 27 October 1999]: In the Oxfordshire Unit of Delivery, 303 young people have gained sustained employment through the New Deal for Young People since it started in April 1998 to the end of August 1999. In addition, 70 people aged 25+ have gained sustained employment through the New Deal in the Oxfordshire Unit of Delivery.

  At the end of August 1999, 365 young people were participating in the New Deal. A further 255 people aged 25+ were participating in the New Deal for Long-term Unemployed People aged 25 and over.

  As at June 1999, for the group of people who entered New Deal in Oxfordshire in the period July to September 1998, the average cost to public funds of each job found was £2,088.

  New Deal (North-east)
  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many 18 to 24 year olds have started New Deal in(a) the area covered by the Government Office for the North East and (b) Tynemouth broken down by (i) employer, (ii) full time education, (iii) the voluntary sector (iv) the environment task force and (v) other. [96859]

  Ms Jowell
  In the period ending August 1999, the table shows the number of young people who have jointed New Deal and the number who have gone on to join an option for(a) Employment Service Northern region, and (b) Tynemouth constituency.

  Northern region

  Tynemouth

  Starts to New Deal

  25,800

  640

  Starts to Employer option

  1,940

  28

  Starts to FTET

  6,020

  160

  Starts to VS

  1,580

  36

  Starts to ETF

  1,710

  14

  Leavers from Gateway to unsubsidisedjobs

  4,380

  136

  Source:

  New Deal Evaluation Database

  GCSE Achievement
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which local education authorities have asked for a variation of the national target
  433
  for GCSE achievement in 2002; what variations have been agreed; and what reasons for variation have been accepted in each case. [95897]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 28 October 1999]: The national targets for GCSE achievement in 2002 cover all pupils in England. It is not open to local education authorities to seek to vary the national targets.

  Labour and Social Affairs Council
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the outcome of the Labour and Social Affairs Council held in Luxembourg on 22 October; and if he will make a statement. [96775]

  Ms Jowell
  I represented the UK at this meeting of the Council.

  The Council was dominated by discussion of the employment package. Discussion will continue during November, with a final version of the package due for submission to the Helsinki European Council on 11-12 December.

  The Council welcomed the Commission's proposals for amendments to the Employment Guidelines for 2000. On Commission proposals for Council recommendations on the implementation of member states' employment policies, the UK led a discussion which sought to ensure support for the principle of recommendations. The majority of the Council members endorsed this approach.

  The Council heard a progress report from the Presidency on a draft Council decision to establish the Employment Committee. The Presidency also reported on the negotiations for a Community programme to promote the social integration of refugees.

  The Council agreed conclusions welcoming a new action programme to promote equality between men and women and conclusions noting a Presidency report on member states' implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action.

  The Commission Communication on a strategy for modernising social protection was warmly welcomed by most member states.

  Mature Students
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will estimate the number of mature students at universities and other higher education establishments for the years(a) 1989, (b) 1994 and (c) 1999; and if he will make a statement. [97370]

  Mr. Wicks
  Information for 1999–2000 is not yet available. The most recent data are shown in the table.

  Mature1Home Domiciled Higher Education Students2 in Great Britain

  1989–90

  1994–95

  1998–99

  Full-time

  234,755

  441,011

  430,978

  Part-time

  338,823

  505,619

  630,603

  Total

  573,583

  946,630

  1,061,581

  1 Postgraduates aged 25 or over, and undergraduates aged 21 or over.

  2 Higher education and further education establishments including the Open University.

  Educational Maintenance Allowance Pilots
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the total amount top-sliced from the SSA discretionary awards budget to pay for the Educational Maintenance Allowance Pilots in 1999–2000. [97548]

  Mr. Wicks
  None. The Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) Pilots have been funded entirely from new money provided for this purpose. The transfer from local education authority discretionary awards is being used to contribute to the costs of the access funds and specific help for residential students and for childcare. These new arrangements will mean more spending on students than would have been the case had the discretionary awards scheme continued.

  EMAs have the potential to make a real difference to young people's life chances. Early indications are that they are having a positive impact in the pilot areas.

  Bolton Institute of Higher Education
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects to make a decision concerning the application of Bolton Institute of Higher Education to become a university. [97362]

  Mr. Wicks
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State expects to be able to announce a decision before the end of the year.

  "Voices" Magazine
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many copies of "Voices" magazine have been published; how many have been distributed and to whom; and what was the cost of publishing this magazine. [97311]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 5 November 1999]: 20,000 copies of the "Voices" magazine were published. The publishing and production costs were £59,976.80. The cost of the publication was shared in part with other Government Departments.

  Every copy of "Voices" has been distributed. Copies were sent to approximately 2,000 women who attended the Listening to women roadshows, as promised to them, the Women's National Commission, all GP's surgeries and Primary Health Care Directors and NHS and Local Authority Chief Executives, Citizens Advice Bureaux, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Commission for Racial Equality, media contacts and individual requests from members of the public, universities, local authority services etc. Copies were sent to the Parliamentary Library, Cabinet Ministers, women MPs and Peers, The Welsh Assembly, The Scottish Executive and the Scottish Women's Forum, The Northern Ireland Executive, Women MEPs, three EU Commissioners, Civil Service Departments and appropriate branch heads. There is a significant demand for "Voices" from a wide range of sources, so a re-print of 10,000 copies has been ordered to meet these requests. This will cost a further £17,439. Copies of "Voices" will be distributed to all public libraries shortly. Copies have been sent to the UN, the European Commission and overseas contacts.
  435
  The Key points, Government actions and contact numbers in "Voices" were also published in a summary leaflet. Approximately 250,000 leaflets were printed at a cost of £12,927 and these are being distributed through retail outlets (Bhs and Mothercare) and GP surgeries to ensure we reached as many women as possible.

  Student Identification Numbers
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made in developing a unique student identification number. [97488]

  Mr. Wicks
  The National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education, chaired by Lord Dearing, recommended in July 1997 that works be undertaken over the medium term on the creation of a framework for data about lifelong learning, using a "unique student record number".

  Since then a number of important developments have taken place—notably the introduction this term of a national system of "unique pupil numbers" to facilitate the statistical tracking of pupils through the school system. The potential for extending the use of the unique pupil number (or some alternative) beyond school needs to be reviewed, not only in relation to the Dearing recommendation, but also in the light of developments in post 16 education and training policy as a whole.

  The contribution of a unique student record number to the creation of a framework of data on lifelong learning (the real aim of the Dearing recommendation rather than the unique student record number in itself) would however take a great many years to materialise, because the number could be used only to reference learning episodes occurring from that point on. As an interim measure, we are therefore carrying out a technical evaluation of the possibility of accumulating data on individuals' learning experience by means of so-called "fuzzy matching" based on (for example) names and dates of birth. This approach too has its limits, given the increasing incidence of name changes with age. The aim in the first instance is to cover learning up to age 21, with a view subsequently to extending that up to age 25.

  Careers Advice
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what advice he has circulated to local authorities and contractors about the relative priority in careers advice to be given to young people studying for qualifications(a) at Level 3, (b) at Level 2 and (c) at or below Foundation Level. [97486]

  Mr. Wicks
  Careers services are required by contract to ensure that all young people get the careers information and guidance at whatever level they study. They must do this in close partnership with schools and colleges in order to provide the right help at the right time for each individual student. The Secretary of State has asked careers services to focus their resources on those most at risk of dropping out or under-achieving, to ensure that they remain in learning after they have left school.

  Nurses
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance Her Majesty's436
  Government have given to universities which employ nurses on the relationship between pay awards for nurses employed by universities and those employed by the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [97671]

  Mr. Wicks
  Neither my Department nor the Higher Education Funding Council for England has issued guidance to higher education institutions on the pay of nurses. The terms and conditions of nurses employed by universities and colleges are matters for them as the employer.

  Educational Exchanges
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the development of educational and youth international exchanges. [97484]

  Mr. Wicks
  The UK fully participates in European Union education programmes including SOCRATES and LEONARDO which enable exchange opportunities for teachers, lecturers, pupils, students and young people in vocational training. Both programmes have recently been renegotiated and expanded.

  The European Commission has recently published proposals for a new youth programme to develop the exchange programmes currently funded under Youth for Europe and the European Voluntary Service for Young People.

  The Government fund the Central Bureau for International Education and Training and the League for the Exchange of Commonwealth Teachers to organise educational exchanges. Both organisations are modernising their programmes in the light of the Green Paper, "Teachers: Meeting the Challenge of Change", which proposed a major new programme of international development opportunities for teachers. Pilots of the new programme are currently operating. We intend to announce plans for the new programmes next year.

  National Academic Recognition and Information Centre
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the(a) current operations and (b) use made of the National Academic Recognition and Information Centre. [97487]

  Mr. Wicks
  The UK National Academic Recognition and Information Centre (NARIC) is one of a number of such centres established under the SOCRATES EC education programme. It also forms part of a wider group of European Centres established through the Council of Europe. Both these networks promote the mobility of students by providing them and institutions with information and advice on the comparability of academic qualifications from other countries: UK NARIC handle over 26,500 such inquiries per year. The UK NARIC' s responsibilities also include researching and evaluating foreign qualifications, compiling a newsletter to universities and colleges and others, and organising and participating in meetings, seminars and conferences to disseminate information.

  Tuition Fees
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the current net yield of tuition fees at higher education institutions in England. [97656]

  Mr. Wicks
  Figures for the current net yield of tuition fees at the higher education institutions in England are not yet available.

  The higher education funding plans assumed that institutions in England will receive private income from home and EU students starting full-time undergraduate courses for 1998–99 as follows: £130 million in 1998–99; an extra £105 million in 1999–2000; and, compared with 1998–99, an extra £203 million in 2000–01. Over this period, the higher education sector will retain all the income from student contributions to fees and receive extra public funding on top. Figures for 2001–02 will be announced later.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements his Department has made to ensure that higher education institutions do not breach the prohibition on top-up fees. [97657]

  Mr. Wicks
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has imposed a condition on the grant to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) for 1999–2000 under section 26(4) of the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998. Any institution which charges, or announces its intention to charge, top-up fees to students who have been assessed as eligible to be considered for fee support could incur financial penalties. With the assistance of HEFCE, the Department has been monitoring the charges made by individual institutions to ensure that top-up fees are not levied.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many students are wholly or partly exempted from paying tuition fees; what proportion that represents of the student body; and what is the range of that proportion between the various higher education institutions. [97655]

  Mr. Wicks
  The first data on local education authority financial support, for the student tuition fees introduced in 1998–99, will be available in April 2000, from returns collected retrospectively from local education authorities in England and Wales.

  These data will show the number of locally-domiciled students who, are income assessment, have had their fees paid (i) in part; and (ii) in full by their local education authority, and the number of students who paid their own tuition fees in full. It will not be possible to identify payments made to individual institutions from these data.

  Student Support (Fraud)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on measures designed to curtail fraud in the student support system. [97489]

  Mr. Wicks
  There are a number of well established measures to combat fraud in the student support system. All applications for higher education places submitted through the Universities and Colleges Admissions 438
  Services (UCAS) are scrutinised by HUNTER, a specialist computer system which checks for suspect applications. The UCAS Verification Unit—which received £50,000 in grant aid from my Department this year—investigates individual cases arousing suspicion. It also shares information with local education authorities (LEAs), which assess eligibility for support; the Student Loans Company (SLC), which is responsible for most payments; and higher education institutions, which confirm student attendance on their courses. The LEAs and SLC make their own complementary checks including scrutiny of supporting documentary evidence, and the SLC carries out its own investigations using the HUNTER system.

  A-Levels
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what studies he has undertaken into the relative values of grades awarded at GCE A Level. [97490]

  Mr. Wicks
  No specific studies of the relative value of GCE A level grades have been carried out either by the Department or the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. However, QCA regularly monitors A levels to ensure consistency in grading standards across different syllabuses, subjects and awarding bodies, and over time, as part of its normal evaluation programme.

TREASURY

  Departmental Asset Sales
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish(a) a list of assets sold by his Department and their value, item by item, in each year from 1991–92 to 1998–99 and (b) an estimate of the value of asset sales planned to be made in the years 1999–2000 and 2000–01. [95092]

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

  Married Couple's Allowance
  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the cost of restoring the married couple's allowance to the pre-1992 Budget level at today's prices. [96865]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In 1991–92 the married couple's allowance for couples under 65 was £1,720 and reduced the taxpayer's taxable income. If this allowance were increased in line with inflation to 1999–2000 and still given as a deduction from income, the cost would be around £4 billion. This estimate is based on the 1997–98 survey of personal incomes, projected to 1999–2000 consistent with the March 1999 Budget forecast.

  Climate Change Levy
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has assessed the impact on the UK brick industry of the climate change levy; and if he will make a statement. [96893]
  439
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the climate change levy on the(a) food processing and manufacturing industry, (b) chemical industry and (c) aluminium industry. [96958]

  Mr. Timms
  It is not possible to say at this stage what the effect of the climate change levy will be on individual industries. That will depend on the final design of the levy, including the rates set for the energy intensive sectors covered by the current negotiations with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reasons electrolysis of aluminium is to be excluded from the climate change levy. [96965]

  Mr. Timms
  The exemption for electricity used for electrolysis in certain applications including primary smelting of aluminium, announced by the former Economic Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, West (Ms Hewitt), is designed to mirror the exemption for gas and coal used in chemical reactions.

  Excise Duty (Beer)
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with EU member states and the Commission regarding the harmonisation of excise duty on beer. [97543]

  Mr. Timms
  None.

  Item sold

  Year of sale

  Sale proceeds (£000)

  Cabinet Office

  Government Buildings, Leatherhead Road, Chessington

  1997–98

  13,670

  Crown Buildings, Alencon Link, Basingstoke

  1999–2000

  1,300

  Civil Service College

  Parcel of land—Sunningdale Park, Ascot

  1997–98

  22

  Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency

  Metropolitan Telephone Service related assets

  1996–97

  1 4,000

  1 Assets were transferred as part of a deal under the Private Finance Initiative, payment for the assets will be made over a period of 10 years from the date of sale.

  Departmental Accounts
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what methods of depreciation her Department will apply in the current financial year to fixed assets in the preparation of departmental resource accounting balance sheets. [97041]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  In the preparation of the 1999–2000 Cabinet Office resource account, depreciation will be provided on a straight line basis calculated to write off the valuation of fixed assets over their estimated useful lives. The method of depreciation is in accordance with the Treasury's Resource Accounting Manual, the requirements of which are underpinned by Financial Reporting Standard 15 'Tangible Fixed Assets', issued by the Accounting Standards Board.

  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what is the current entitlement to severance pay for

  Energy Discounts
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research has been conducted into the impact on less energy-intensive firms and sectors of granting significant discounts to energy-intensive operations; and how this has affected the levels and extent of such discounts. [97379]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government aim to design the climate change levy in a way which maximises environmental effectiveness while safeguarding competitiveness. The Government have received a number of representations about the effects of the climate change levy and the rates that might apply to different sectors, which we will be considering carefully when finalising the design of the levy. The Chancellor has indicated that he intends to say more about the design of the climate change levy in the 9 November Pre-Budget Report.

CABINET OFFICE

  Departmental Asset Sales
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the assets sold by her Department and their value, item by item, in each year from 1991–92 to 1998–99; and if she will estimate the value of asset sales planned to be made in 1999–00 and 2000–01. [96900]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer the Prime Minister gave to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) on 22 February 1999,Official Report, columns 39-40. In addition, the following information is also available for:

  Secretaries of State who have resigned; and what was the amount spent on such severance pay in the last 12 months, broken down by ministry. [97390]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Under the terms of section 4 of the Ministerial and other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991, Ministers are entitled to receive a severance payment of one quarter of their final annual ministerial salary when they leave office. This applies as long as the individual is under the age of 65 and is not appointed to another relevant Ministerial or other paid office within three weeks of their leaving office. The Prime Minister and the Lord Chancellor are not included in this scheme.

  The amounts spent on Ministerial severance pay by each department since 27 October 1998 are as follows:

  Department

  Amount (£)

  Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  13,907.75

  Cabinet Office

  11,787.25

  Culture, Media and Sport

  6,329.75

  Defence

  25,991.75

  441

  Department

  Amount (£)

  Education and Employment

  6,329.75

  Environment, Transport and the Regions

  12,659.50

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  8,339.75

  Health

  11,787.25

  HM Treasury

  11,208

  Trade and Industry

  11,300.25

  Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland

  20,237.50

  Welsh Office

  17,630

  Total

  157,508.50

HEALTH

  Health Services (Merseyside and Sefton)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to reduce health inequalities(a) on Merseyside and (b) in Sefton. [94651]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Merseyside Health Action Zone is already developing and implementing plans to reduce health inequalities across the whole of Merseyside, including Sefton.

  Health Action Zones are the main plank of the Government's strategy to reduce health inequalities by targeting resources at areas which have greatest health needs related to poverty and social exclusion. Extra resources are being made available to the Merseyside HAZ partnership to tackle this agenda.

  The Merseyside HAZ programme is designed to integrate with other Government initiatives to tackle social exclusion by focusing on marginalised and hard to reach groups. Major themes include employment and Merseyside wide healthy schools initiatives. In its first year the HAZ will fund work to assess the 'Health Impact' of the Merseyside Transport Plan and local Housing Investment Programmes.

  During 1999–2000 the HAZ is to make £1.6 million available as a match against European Objective 1 Urban Moneys, supporting regeneration initiatives in some of the most deprived areas of Merseyside.

  Blood
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the number of cord blood units held in each of the cord blood banks in the UK; [94420]

  (2) what is the target for the number of units of cord blood to be held by each cord blood bank; what progress is being made towards achieving the target; [94422]

  (3) what is the present level of stocks held by the cord blood service at Edgware; and if he will make a statement. [94820]
  442
  Mr. Denham
  The actual and target number of units of cord blood held in each of the National Blood Service banks is:

  Bank

  Donations

  Targets

  London

  3,159

  10,000

  Newcastle

  500

  1,000

  Bristol

  749

  1,500

  Total

  4,408

  12,500

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the percentage of cord blood stocks held at each cord blood bank, broken down by ethnic group. [94419]

  Mr. Denham
  The percentage of cord blood stocks by ethnic group held by the National Blood Service is as follows:

  European Caucasoid—67 per cent.

  Non-European Caucasoid—21 per cent.

  African and Afro-Caribbean—9 per cent.

  Oriental—1.5 per cent.

  Others—1.5 per cent.

  The majority of non-caucasoid donations are stored at the London cord blood bank based in Edgware.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health over the last three years, to which countries overseas cord blood has been made available from the UK. [94418]

  Mr. Denham
  Over the last three years, cord blood donations have been made available by the National Blood Service in England to Australia, Hong Kong, France, Spain, United States of America, Italy and Portugal.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children in each of the last three years received cord blood donation; for what conditions; and with what survival rate. [94417]

  Mr. Denham
  Since 1996, six children have received cord blood transplants in the United Kingdom. One cord blood unit was supplied from the Newcastle Cord Blood Bank, three from the United States of America, one from Italy, and one from Germany. Five out of the six units were provided for malignant diseases, of which 4 were for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and one for myeloproliferative disease. One transplant was for a genetic disorder, Falconi's anaemia.

  Of the five children who received transplants for malignant disease, two died of infection, and one has relapsed. The fourth is too early to assess, but the fifth is doing well one year after transplantation. The patient with Falconi's anaemia is also doing well 11 months after the transplant.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding has been made available for each of the last three years, for the development of cord blood transplantation services(a) throughout the UK and (b) at Edgware. [94416]

  Mr. Denham
  Approximately £4 million has been spent by the National Blood Service on the development of cord blood banking in England. Approximately £3.5 million of this investment has been in the London cord blood bank.
  443
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Government's strategy towards developing cord blood transplantation services. [94421]

  Mr. Denham
  The use of cord blood in the treatment of various diseases in children, including leukaemia, is a new development. This high technology treatment raises questions about clinical benefits, bioethics and availability within the National Health Service. We have therefore asked the four UK blood services to address these issues and to make joint recommendations for the future collection and storage of cord blood in the UK. We are currently considering their report.

  Bone Marrow Donor
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the percentage broken down by ethnic group of bone marrow donors. [94423]

  Mr. Denham
  There are two bone marrow donor registers: the British Bone Marrow Register and The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust. Both are working actively to encourage donor recruitment from black and ethnic minority groups through publicity campaigns. The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust has around 300,000 donors on its register and holds a breakdown of the percentage of donors by ethnic groups on its register which is shown in the table. The British Bone Marrow Register (BBMR) holds 100,000 donors but does not hold a similar breakdown by ethnic groups.

  Donor figures: ethnic minority groups on the Anthony Nolan register as of 30 September 1999 (by percentage)

  Group

  Percentage

  African

  0.4

  African-Caribbean

  2.2

  Asian

  1.2

  Eastern European

  0.1

  Hispanic

  0.02

  Jewish

  1.9

  Mediterranean

  0.7

  Middle eastern

  0.03

  Oriental

  0.1

  Other (usually mixed race)

  1.6

  Unknown1

  14.8

  N. European White

  77

  Total of Non-white

  8.8

  1 Mostly typed before ANBMT asked about ethnic origin

  Water Fluoridation
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the EU countries which fluoridise their water supplies; and if he will make a statement. [94687]

  Yvette Cooper
  Within the European Union, there are water fluoridation schemes where natural fluoride content has been artificially adjusted up to the optimum level of 1 part per million in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and Spain.

  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the(a) scientific and (b) laboratory studies which provide evidence that fluoridation of water supplies reduces tooth decay in humans. [94688]
  444
  Yvette Cooper
  The evidence for the safety and efficacy of fluoridation of water supplies is to be found in the very extensive, relevant published scientific literature. Recent reviews, which contain lists or references, include:WHO Technical Report Series 846: Fluorides and oral health (World Health Organisation, Geneva, 1994). ISBN 92 4 120846 5;
  One in a Million: water fluoridation and dental public health (Public Health Alliance and British Fluoridation Society, 1995). ISBN 1 873514 11 5;
  Review of Fluoride Benefits and Risks (Report of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on fluoride of the committee to co-ordinate environmental health and related programs. Public Health Service. Department of Health and Social Services, USA. February 1991).

  We have commissioned a review which is being undertaken by the University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination to assess the evidence on the efficacy and safety of population wide drinking water fluoridation strategies to prevent caries.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 16 July 1999,Official Report, column 361, on water fluoridation, how he will measure the significant risks referred to; and what proposals his Department has to monitor such risks post-fluoridation. [93916]

  Yvette Cooper
  The review will assess the scientific evidence from which it has been widely accepted that the fluoridation of water at one part per million is a safe and effective means of reducing tooth decay. We cannot pre-judge its outcome, but if significant risks were identified we would need to review our policy before any further fluoridation schemes were considered.

  Oncologists
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many clinical and medical oncologists there are in each EU country; and if he will make a statement. [94193]

  Yvette Cooper
  Information about the number of clinical and medical oncologists in each European Union country is not available centrally. Information about the number of clinical and medical oncologists in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales, for Scotland and for Northern Ireland. The latest available information about the number of clinical and medical oncologists in England is shown in the table.

  Hospital medical staff in clinical and medical oncology specialties in England on 30 September 1998

  Whole-time equivalent

  Clinical oncology (radiotheraphy)

  600

  medical oncology

  260

  Total

  860

  Notes

  Figures rounded to the nearest 10

  Source:

  Department of Health Medical and Dental Workforce Census, 30 September 1998

  Departmental Publications
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list his Department's spending on official publications since May 1997. [93686]

  Yvette Cooper
  The information requested is not available centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Contaminated Polio Vaccine
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 21 July 1999,Official Report, column 548, what assessment he has made of the implications of contamination of polio vaccine in the United Kingdom with simian virus 40 between 1955 and 1963, for the development of cancers in humans. [93663]

  Yvette Cooper
  SV40 (simian vacuolating virus 40) is a virus found in some species of monkeys. The polio virus in inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) used in the 1950s and early 1960s was grown on monkey kidneys, some of which have been shown to be potentially contaminated with SV40 virus. Concern about the possible impact of SV40 on the human population was raised in the early 1960s and precautions to prevent contamination were introduced internationally in 1962, shortly after the virus was identified. SV40 has been shown to be oncogenic in certain animals and has been found in several human tumours. It is not known whether SV40 causes the human tumours or whether it is just coincidentally present in the tumours. However, research studies in people who received potentially SV40 contaminated IPV have found no increase in cancers when compared with people who did not receive potentially contaminated IPV.

  The National Institute of Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) has tested stored polio vaccine using the most sensitive available modern molecular biological techniques to check whether the precautions introduced in the 1960s were effective. All the polio vaccines used since 1980 have been shown to be free of SV40 and all vaccines used since 1962 for which samples could be located are also free. Samples of IPV from the 1950s to the 1960s were not available. Serological studies have been conducted with the Public Health Laboratory Service which showed no evidence of increased antibody to SV40 in people receiving polio vaccine. In all ages of the people tested, about 5 per cent. had SV40 virus antibodies, suggesting that the virus may have been present in humans for a very long time and hence these antibodies are unlikely to have come from SV40 contaminated polio vaccine.

  This issue has been considered by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, the Government's independent expert advisory committee, which has expressed reassurance as a result of the NIBSC work. NIBSC' s study has been published (Biologicals (1999), vol. 27, pps 1–10) copies of which are available in the Library.

  National Cancer Forum
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the National Cancer Forum has met; at each 446
  meeting what new best practice and joint working projects were established; and if he will make a statement. [94065]

  Yvette Cooper
  The National Cancer Forum (NCF) was established to support the implementation of the Calman/Hine cancer blueprint and to advise on specialised issues related to cancer. The Forum has met three times on 19 February 1998, 16 September 1998 and on 25 October 1999 at which I discussed the Government's priorities for cancer. The NCF has identified the need to secure quality and consistency in cancer services through ongoing implementation of Calman/Hine, the development of national standards and performance indicators and the publication of evidence-based guidance as key priorities. Members of the NCF have been working with the Department to take specific pieces of work forward. A number of NCF members were present at the Downing Street cancer summit held in May 1999 where these priorities were ratified and a work programme and action plan agreed. In view of the new agenda set for cancer it will be necessary to reconstitute the NCF to address a revised work programme.

  Cloning
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement regarding the required qualifications and experience for membership of the Chief Medical Officer's expert advisory group on the HFEA/HGAG recommendations on cloning. [93879]

  Yvette Cooper
  Individuals were invited to serve on the expert group in the light of their personal expertise in appropriate areas of science and medicine including genetics, cell biology, reproductive biology, veterinary medicine, haematology, surgery and molecular biology. Three additional members were appointed for their expertise in ethics and law.

  Microwave Transmissions
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies his Department has commissioned into the non-thermal effects of microwave transmissions associated with(a) telecommunication masts, (b) mobile telephones and (c) cordless telephones; and if he will make a statement. [93913]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Department's Radiation Protection Research Programme has funded a study of the effect of mobile phone frequency radiation (microwaves) on memory and reaction times in humans. The work was carried out at Bristol University and the results were published on 8 April in the International Journal of Radiation Biology. A further study on the effects of radiofrequency radiation on behaviour patterns is being carried out at Chemical and Biological Defence Porton Down. This work is not yet complete.

  In addition, the National Radiological Protection Board, which is sponsored by the Department, is carrying out biological investigations into possible behavioural effects of mobile phone radiation.

  Bovine Tuberculosis
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research the Government have
  447
  (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into any correlation between cattle-associated occupations and bovine tuberculosis in people; and if the recent increase in bovine tuberculosis in cattle has caused an increase in bovine tuberculosis in the local human population. [94537]

  Yvette Cooper
  There is no evidence at present that the increase in bovine tuberculosis in cattle has led to an increase in bovine tuberculosis in the local human population.

  The number of isolates of M.bovis from human cases of bovine tuberculosis in England and Wales has varied from 22 to 37 per year between 1993 and 1998 with no trend to increase or decrease. The numbers of cases arising in those regions of England and Wales with the greatest increase in bovine tuberculosis in cattle (South West, Wales and West Midlands) have remained low and have also varied from year to year with no increasing or decreasing trend.

  If the risk of tuberculosis due to M.bovis infection was increasing in the population generally as a result of bovine tuberculosis in cattle, an increase in tuberculosis notifications in young children (the group least likely to have other explanations for tuberculous infection) might be expected in the part of the country most affected by bovine tuberculosis. The number of cases of tuberculosis notified in children (less than 15 years of age) in the South West Region has remained low between 1993 and 1998. At the request of the Department of Health, the Public Health Laboratory Service has looked at existing data to investigate whether there is a correlation between cattle-associated occupations and bovine tuberculosis. The Department has not commissioned additional research.

  Meningitis Vaccine
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many students who had requested meningitis vaccine had not received it before returning to college this autumn; and what action is being taken to make it available to them as quickly as practicable. [94722]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]: Meningococcal A + C vaccine was recommended for higher education students starting their first year at university or college. It was recommended that first year students receive the vaccine either before the start of term or when they begin at university/college. Around 550,000 doses of meningococcal A & C vaccine were issued from the end of August, throughout September and into October. This quantity is well in excess of the target population.

  The Department wrote direct to all universities and colleges asking them to ensure that arrangements were in place for the vaccine to be offered to all first year students who had not been immunised. The Department also contacted direct those health centres and general practitioner practices which serve universities and colleges to see how best the vaccine could be delivered to them. The Health Education Authority sent packs of information, including special leaflets, to all universities and colleges so that they could target those first year students who had not been immunised. Publicity was also
  448
  provided through student-focused media. Local implementation of the immunisation programme is managed by the local immunisation co-ordinator.

  Equal Opportunities
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if an action plan for increasing the representation of women in public life has been(a) prepared by his Department and (b) published since November 1998. [94849]

  Yvette Cooper
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 25 October 1999,Official Report, column 682.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the numbers of patients who left the NHS waiting list for acute surgery because they opted to pay for an operation using private funds in each of the last three years. [95332]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Information requested is not available centrally.

  Fertility Treatment
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the issuing of national guidance for fertility treatment available on the NHS. [95165]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists intend to publish their third, and final, set of evidence based clinical guidelines on infertility in January 2000.

  Pathology Services
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for further allocation of resources to improve pathology services from the modernisation fund. [95708]

  Mr. Denham
  Ministers are considering the allocation process and amounts for future years. An announcement about 2000–2001 will be made in due course.

  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the process and what criteria are used to determine successful bids for resources to improve pathology services under the modernisation fund. [95694]

  Mr. Denham
  The process and criteria for the 1999–2000 Pathology Modernisation Fund are set out in Health Service Circular 1999–170. The criteria for judging the probity of bids for capital investment purposes were taken from the NHS Executive guidance issued in accordance with the Capital Investment Manual.

  MRSA
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total number of recorded MRSA patients in NHS hospitals in each of the last five years; how many and what proportion of NHS hospitals recorded MRSA outbreaks; and how many and what proportion of NHS hospitals have full-time staff dedicated to the prevention and control of MRSA and related infections. [95661]
  449
  Yvette Cooper
  MRSA infection is not a notifiable disease and therefore the total number of patients in National Health Service hospitals who have MRSA is not recorded centrally. The Public Health Laboratory Service compiles aggregate data on numbers of incidents of MRSA which are reported by trusts. The available data on the incidents of MRSA are given in the table. The number of NHS acute trusts recording MRSA outbreaks are not collected centrally. All NHS acute trusts should have an infection control team which has primary responsibility for, and reports to the chief executive on, all aspects of surveillance, prevention and control of infection, including MRSA. The structure of infection control teams is a matter for local management discretion. Details of the number of whole time equivalent staff dedicated to the prevention and control of MRSA and related infections are not available centrally.

  Incidents1 of MRSA in England and Wales 1994–1998

  Year

  Total

  1994

  1,064

  1995

  1,616

  1996

  2,107

  1997

  22,364

  1998

  31,597

  1 An incident is three or more patients infected or colonised by the same strain of MRSA in the same month from the same hospital

  2 The figures for 1997 and 1998 reflect the new NHS

  3 The criteria for submission of isolates for specialist tests were revised in December 1997

  Public Health White Paper
  Mr. Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government have for the implementation of the proposals contained in the Public Health White Paper. [95706]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 25 October 1999]: We are working across Government and at regional and local levels to implement the wide range of initiatives in the White Paper "Saving Lives: Our Healthier Nation" published on 6 July 1999. We are committed to the achievement of the targets for reducing deaths in the priority areas of cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke, accidents and mental illness and to the establishment of local targets for reducing health inequalities.

  With the White Paper, we issued a circular to health authorities and local authorities setting out the follow-up action they should take together. We shall be publishing at the end of the year a technical supplement which will identify key data sources and aid the local selection and monitoring of targets.

  Cancer Diagnosis
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions have taken place between his Department and representatives of general practitioners regarding guidelines on the levels of clinical suspicion in cancer diagnosis; and when those discussions took place. [95112]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 25 October 1999]: In May 1999, the Department brought together a Cancer Referral Steering Group, including cancer specialists and general practitioners, including representatives from the Royal College of General Practitioners to lead work to
  450
  develop cancer referral guidelines to help general practitioners identify more easily those patients with symptoms that could be cancer and require urgent investigation. There will be wide ranging consultation on the draft guidelines, nationally and locally, in which GPs and others will be invited to take part.

  Heart Disease
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to encourage employers to provide low-fat meals for employees in order to reduce heart disease. [94931]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 25 October 1999]: We have funded, through our food and nutrition contract with the Health Education Authority, a variety of projects aimed at providing healthy eating choices in the workplace. The Heartbeat Award for example, encourages workplace caterers to work with local health professionals to help reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease by providing people with access to healthier food choices. Furthermore, in July this year, a video resource called "Tipping the Balance" was launched to show workplace caterers how they can make small but significant changes to their customers' favourite dishes without affecting their popularity. We are also funding a workplace catering pack, which is currently being redeveloped and will become available after pre testing in spring next year. The aim of these measures is to improve the balance of the ingredients used in dishes, and to encourage people to eat less fat and more cereals, fruit and vegetables.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects that the working party set up to assess the state of research into the health implications of mobile telephone usage will report; and if he will make a statement. [95720]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: The Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, chaired by Sir William Stewart FRS, FRSE, is expected to report in spring 2000. The group is currently considering the possible health effects from the use of mobile phones, base stations and transmitters and is conducting a rigorous assessment of existing research. A call for evidence has recently been placed in national newspapers and scientific journals.

  Human Infant Organs
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what inquiries he is making into the retention of human infant organs by Alder Hey Hospital. [96255]

  Yvette Cooper
  In view of the concerns raised about the removal and retention of organs (at post-mortem), I have asked the Chief Medical Officer to conduct an investigation. This investigation will look at what has happened not only at the Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital (Alder Hey) but in the country generally and at the implications for the National Health Service. Any recommendations relating to Coronial practice emerging from the Chief Medical Officer's investigation, the Bristol Inquiry, or other local reviews will receive full consideration.

  Nurse Recruitment
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many new nurses have been recruited during each of the past five years; what is the target of new nursing recruits for the next 12 months; what initiatives are being pursued to attract more young people into nursing; and what is the cost of these initiatives. [96251]

  Mr. Denham
  The number of pre-registration diploma and degree recruits into nursing and midwifery training in England over the last five years are:

  Year

  Number

  1994–95

  11,463

  1995–96

  12,364

  1996–97

  13,967

  1997–98

  15,522

  The latest estimate of outturn for 1998–99 is 17,221.

  The number of pre-registration diploma and degree nursing and midwifery recruits planned for 1999–2000 is 19,332.

  We are supporting a number of initiatives to attract more people into nursing, including a national competition run in secondary schools (£100,000), the national nurse recruitment campaign (£5 million), NHS Careers (£500,000), widening access to nurse training and the Positively Diverse initiative. In addition, the Government have implemented in full the Nurse Pay Review Body recommendations for a 12 percent. pay rise for newly qualified staff.

  Nut Allergies
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what action his Department has taken and what plans he has to ensure children from atopic families avoid early sensitisation to nut products and that parents and carers are aware of the risk of sensitisation; [96442]

  (2) what information his Department issues concerning anaphylaxis and contact between young children and nut products. [96439]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Department of Health asked the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), an advisory committee comprised of independent experts, to make recommendations to help reduce the prevalence of peanut allergy. The report was published in June 1998 and includes advice to parents of children from atopic families and pregnant mothers from atopic families about sensitisation to peanut products. Copies are available in the Library. In addition, a leaflet "Peanut Allergy—the Facts" which summarises the Committee's advice was sent to all GP surgeries in England. Copies of it are also available in the Library.

  Medical Treatment
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what response he has made to the British Medical Association Guidelines and Code of Practice on Advance Statements about Medical Treatment; and if he will make a statement. [96517]
  452
  Yvette Cooper
  We have considered these Guidelines and Code of Practice carefully. They aim to promote clarity in the area of advance statements to enable their validity and applicability to be decided on a case by case basis.

  Clinical Priority
  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he will take to ensure that access to hospital treatment is based on clinical priority. [96648]

  Mr. Denham
  We have made it clear that clinical priority must be the main determinant for when patients are seen in outpatient clinics or when they are admitted to hospital.

  Disabled Children
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children were excluded from(a) local council and (b) other leisure and play schemes on the grounds of medical conditions which are not classed as disabilities in each of the last five years. [96443]

  Ms Hodge
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information required is not collected centrally.

  Cancer Services
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list his Department's expenditure on cancer services for the last five years; [96239]

  (2) how much extra money he plans to allocate to cancer services; and if this will be provided solely from general taxation; [96241]

  (3) what plans he has to increase the extent of service provision for multi-disciplinary care for (a) breast, (b) ovarian, (c) lung, (d) prostate and (e) colorectal cancers throughout the UK. [96240]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 29 October 1999]: It is estimated that over 6 per cent. of total Government expenditure on the National Health Service is spent on cancer services. Since 1997, we have provided an additional £70 million into improving breast, colorectal, lung and outpatient cancer services. We will build on this record of achievement. An extra £80 million from the NHS modernisation fund will be invested in cancer services over the next two years. This will support the implementation of the two week outpatient wait for all urgent cancer referrals and work to further improve consistency and equity of access to cancer services through investment in workforce and equipment.

  £93 million is being spent on cancer equipment from the New Opportunities Fund from the National Lottery and a further £23 million is also being set aside from the New Opportunities Fund for palliative care and prevention initiatives.

  Professor Mike Richards will spearhead the drive on cancer within the Department and work with professional groups and the voluntary sector outside to modernise cancer services from prevention through to treatment and care.
  453
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the remit of Professor Michael Richards in relation to Government policy on cancer treatment; and to whom he reports. [96238]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 29 October 1999]: On 25 October, we announced a package of measures to up the pace of change and deliver faster and more wide ranging improvement to cancer services. This included, for the first time, the appointment of a National Cancer Director. Reporting to Ministers, Professor Mike Richards will spearhead our concerted drive on cancer. He will work in partnership with doctors, nurses, general practitioners, other health professionals and the voluntary sector to improve prevention and modernise cancer services to help ensure equitable access to high quality cancer care. He will work within the Department of Health with executive responsibility.

  Smoking
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish the figures on the incidence of smoking between 1996 and 1998. [96646]

  Yvette Cooper
  Figures on adult smoking prevalence in 1996 were published in "Living in Britain—results from the 1996 General Household Survey", in March 1998. Key figures from the 1998 General Household Survey, including smoking prevalence among adults aged 16 and over, are due to be published on 1 December 1999 by the Office for National Statistics.

  Figures on regular smoking by young people aged 11 to 15 years in England in 1998 were published by ONS on 14 October 1999 in "Smoking, drinking and drug use among young teenagers in 1998". This report also contained data from earlier surveys in the series, including the survey carried out in 1996.

  Copies of these reports are available in the Library.

  CJD
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with his Scottish counterparts about CJD victims. [96627]

  Yvette Cooper
  None. We remain committed to ensuring that all patients who are suffering from CJD are provided with appropriate and timely health and social care.

  Performance Targets
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list all performance targets set for his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997, other than those listed in Public Service Agreements 1999–2002 [Cm 4181], stating in each case(a) the target to be reached and (b) the date by which it was to be reached. [94986]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: The Department has set out the key performance targets on which it will be judged in its PSA, and the measures of success it will use in the Output and Performance Analyses published in March this year. A full list of the targets and target dates for Agencies can be found annually in the "Next Steps Report", and for executive
  454
  NDPBs in the "Executive Non-Departmental Public Bodies Report", or in the appropriate annual report and accounts. The Departmental Annual Report contains further details of the Department's objectives and targets.

  These high-level targets are supported at operational level by numerous targets to ensure delivery by individual units. Listing these operational targets would be inappropriate and disproportionate in terms of resources.

  Tube Feeding
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department will issue guidance on the withholding or withdrawal of tube feeding and hydration from patients who are not terminally ill, following the BMA's own guidance on this issue. [97251]

  Ms Stuart
  We have no plans to publish specific guidance on withholding or withdrawing medical treatment from patients.

  NHS Hearing Tests (Worthing)
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the action he proposes to take to cut the delays in providing NHS hearing tests to the over-85s in Worthing; and what the average delay is in non-emergency cases. [97222]

  Mr. Hutton
  Worthing and Southlands Hospitals National Health Service Trust has recently reviewed the skill mix within the Audiology Department to enable increased clinic availability and have recruited two additional qualified audiologists.

  These measures, plus £6,000 of additional funding, will enable the Trust to operate weekend clinics and bring down waiting times for all patients.

  Long-term Care
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many copies of the report of the Centre for Policy on Aging Standards for Care Homes he has made available to consultees; and if he will make a statement. [97155]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 4 November 1999]: 5,000 copies of the Department's consultation document "Fit for the Future?" were printed. About 1,500 were sent to a wide range of organisations and individuals, representing users, carers, regulators and providers and other interested bodies, for consultation nationally. The others were available for anyone who wished to have a copy. I understand that about 600 copies are still in stock. "Fit for the Future?" is available on the internet to anyone who wishes to see it.

  We will carefully consider all the comments we receive before finalising the standards and the timetable for their implementation.

  School Nurses
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his plans for the School Nursing Service. [97437]
  455
  Mr. Hutton
  School nurses are often ideally placed to help children, young people and their parents find the support and services they need to make the most of their time at school. This role is more fully described in "Saving Lives—Our Healthier Nation" and "Making a Difference: strengthening the nursing, midwifery and health visiting contribution to health and health care"—copies are available in the Library.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will give a substantive reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for North-East Hampshire dated 5 July regarding the outcome of his Department's review of direct payments for care. [97292]

  Mr. Hutton
  I replied to the right hon. Member on 3 November.

  Student Grants (Nurses)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on delays in the payment of grants to student nurses. [97492]

  Mr. Denham
  We accept that there have been delays in the payment of bursaries to some National Health Service funded student nurses and are aware that a minority of students have not yet received bursaries to which they are entitled.

  Around 24,000 bursary applications have now been processed and all students who are entitled will have received a payment by 10 November.

  Generic Drugs
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the(a) actual and (b) percentage increase in the price of generic drugs to the NHS over the last 12 months. [97293]

  Mr. Denham
  An index of Drug Tariff prices for the top 100 generic drugs dispensed in 1998 (by net ingredient cost) for this year is as follows:

  Month

  Index

  January

  100.0

  April

  103.4

  May

  106.5

  June

  112.0

  July

  117.0

  August

  124.4

  September

  126.2

  October

  130.7

  November

  132.9

  It has been possible to provide only 11 months' data.

  Thyroxin
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the change in the drug tariff to the NHS for 1,000 thyroxin 100 mcg in actual and percentage terms between November 1998 and November 1999. [97291]
  456
  Mr. Denham
  The price in the November 1998 Drug Tariff for a 1,000 pack of thyroxine 100 microgramme tablets was £8.85; the November 1999 Drug Tariff price was £60.16. This is an increase of £51.31 or 580 per cent.

  Prostate Cancer
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to reduce deaths from prostate cancer. [97669]

  Ms Stuart
  The White Paper "Saving Lives—Our Healthier Nation"—published in July—proposed a target to reduce the death rate from cancer in those under 75 by 20 per cent. by 2010. The Government encourage early detection of prostate cancer and have already announced that, by December 2000, all urgent general practitioner referrals of suspected cases should be seen by a consultant within two weeks of referral. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence will commission outcomes guidance on prostate cancer within the next two years.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Milk Prices
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what financial help he is giving to dairy farmers to compensate for the low price of milk; and if he will make a statement. [96608]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: The EU dairy regime provides substantial support to UK dairy farmers but EU rules do not allow member states to provide support to compensate for the low price of milk. However, as part of the aid package announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister on 20 September, the deferral of the proposed £7 per animal cattle passport charges until April 2002, at the earliest, will help dairy farmers.

  Quarantine
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which recommendations of the Kennedy report on quarantine the Government have not accepted. [97051]

  Ms Quin
  The Pet Travel Scheme pilot is essentially the scheme recommended by Professor Kennedy, except that cats and dogs originating in rabies-free islands (other than assistance dogs from Australasia) will only be allowed to enter the UK once the full scheme is in operation.

  The Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens considered Professor Kennedy's recommendations on exotic diseases other than rabies. The Committee agreed that treatment should be given to all imported pet cats and dogs for a tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) and ticks. The ACDP advised that treatment be given not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before embarkation to the UK. Professor Kennedy recommended that treatment be given no more than 24 hours before embarkation. This would represent a modification of Professor Kennedy's Recommendations 1, 2, 35 and 36.
  457
  As regards microchips, animals will be allowed to enter the UK with any microchip fitted. Where a microchip is fitted that does not comply with the ISO standards recommended by Professor Kennedy, the owner of the animal will have to provide a reader. Thus Recommendations 11 and 22 have been accepted but with modification.

  In the Pet Travel Scheme, authorised transport operators will carry out pre-entry checks on pets. Thus, Professor Kennedy's Recommendations 16-18 and 28 will be implemented in a different way from that proposed.

  Professor Kennedy recommended that the Minister examine further the need for a database of health certificates (Recommendations 13 and 14). It has been concluded that a database is not necessary for the operation of the pilot scheme.

  The recommendations that Professor Kennedy made in respect of species other than pet cats and dogs will be considered later (Recommendations 30 to 33 inclusive). Consideration of Recommendations 9 and 38 (research projects) will also be taken forward in due course.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what date has been selected for the operation of the pilot scheme of quarantine reform. [97052]

  Ms Quin
  An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which countries are currently deemed rabies-free by his Department in respect of quarantine regulations. [95636]

  Ms Quin
  The present quarantine regulations apply to animals from all countries entering the UK, except those from the Irish Republic, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

  By April 2000, the Pet Travel Scheme pilot scheme will be introduced. Eligibility will be confined to cats and dogs entering the UK from western European countries (including UK and Irish animals returning from these countries) that meet the Scheme conditions. Assistance dogs from Australia and New Zealand that meet the Scheme conditions will also be eligible.

  Not all countries in western Europe are considered rabies free, but Professor Kennedy found that provided dogs and cats were microchipped, vaccinated and blood tested, the risk of importing rabies in animals from these countries was comparable to that under the existing policy of quarantine.

  The Office International des Epizooties (OIE), the international veterinary organisation sets down criteria for countries to be regarded as rabies free, but it does not publish a list of those countries.

  My Department is currently considering the status of other islands, whose authorities claim to meet the OIE criteria for rabies freedom, for participation in the full Pet Travel Scheme which will come into effect by April 2001. Australia and New Zealand are known to meet these criteria.

  Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish his proposals for the future of the hill livestock compensatory allowance scheme. [96920]

  Ms Quin
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend for Waveney (Mr. Blizzard) on 29 October 1999,Official Report, column 1044.

  Bovine TB
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food officials and (b) external contractors were engaged in the execution of the bovine TB study area trials under Professor Bourne on (i) 1 October 1998, (ii) 1 January 1999, (iii) 1 June 1999 and (iv) 1 October 1999. [96066]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 1 November 1999]: The trials are being carried out by the Ministry's Wildlife Unit. Wildlife Unit staff numbers were (i) 74, (ii) 75, (iii) 80 and (iv) 126.

  The numbers of external contractors were (i) none, (ii) one, (iii) two and (iv) three.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on progress in developing a vaccine against TB for(a) cattle and (b) badgers. [96193]

  Ms Quin
  The Government are funding expenditure of about £1.4 million a year on vaccine development. The main thrust of the programme in its first five-year phase is to identify vaccine candidates. The work is being carried out by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency and the Institute of Animal Health, drawing on work carried out internationally and in related fields, such as human vaccines, as appropriate. Emerging findings will be published as and when appropriate. At this stage the main development work could apply equally to both a cattle or a badger vaccine.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps the Government are taking to reform the CAP. [95759]

  Ms Quin
  The Government pressed for a radical reform of the Common Agricultural Policy throughout the Agenda 2000 negotiations. While the final agreement reached at Berlin in March this year did not go as far as we would have liked, the reforms did achieve very significant changes, bringing closer the UK objective of securing a competitive and sustainable agricultural industry with a stronger market orientation.

  We will pursue opportunities created by anticipated market pressures, the reviews contained within the Agenda 2000 agreement and the existing commitment to reform the sugar regime by 2001 to push for the reform process started at Berlin to be completed.

  Cattle Movement Service
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to review the British Cattle Movement Service; and if he will make a statement. [95455]

  Ms Quin
  The British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) has been in operation for just over a year. A review of the current arrangements for administering it, and alternatives, would be premature. The BCMS has recently published a Standards of Service Statement against which its performance will be continually assessed.

  Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on Government policy relating to consumer choice in the purchase of vitamin and mineral supplements. [95872]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 25 October 1999]: Consumers are currently able to choose from a wide variety of vitamin and mineral supplements sold under food law. The Government have no plans to limit access to supplements that are lawfully sold under food law unless this is necessary for the protection of public health.

  Pig Meat Imports
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food from which countries the UK imports pig meat and pig meat products; what steps he has taken to ensure that the standards of welfare and traceability are comparable to those in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [95719]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: The major overseas suppliers of pigmeat and pigmeat products to the UK market are Denmark, the Netherlands, the Irish Republic, Germany and France. While we have no legal authority to impose British standards of welfare and traceability on those suppliers, my right hon. Friend the Minister will be meeting a number of retail groups to assess progress in their commitment given to him that all their own label fresh pork and certain processed products such as bacon would come from stall and tether and MBM free production systems.

  Also, as part of the strategy to assist the pig production sector, a verification officer has been appointed. His remit is to work with industry bodies to identify cases where product is being sold at retail or catering level which misleads the consumer into believing it contains pork of British origin when in fact it is imported.

  BSE Inquiry
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the BSE inquiry report will be completed; and if the report will be made public. [95666]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 26 October 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Minister announced on 25 May 1999, Official Report, columns 110-11, that the Inquiry had requested an extension of the time needed to complete their task and the Government had agreed that the Report
  460
  should be delivered by 31 March 2000. I expect the Report to be delivered on that date. It will subsequently be published.

  Food Imports
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the total value of food products, imported into the United Kingdom in 1998 from countries outside the EU, which were produced to hygiene standards less stringent that those required of British farmers. [96265]

  Ms Quin
  Imports of food products from third countries must meet the same, or equivalent, standards of hygiene as food products produced in the European Union.

  Meat Inspection
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives are being pursued by his Department to ensure that all EU member states implement the Community legislation on meat inspection to the same level. [96261]

  Ms Quin
  It is for the European Commission to ensure that member states fully implement European legislation, including meat inspection legislation. However, where we receive evidence that other member states are failing to comply with Community obligations, we will of course pass such evidence on to the Commission for investigation. In this connection, we have passed copies of our own survey of meat inspection charges in other member states, and of the recently published Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) report on meat inspection charges and other enforcement costs to the Commission. In so doing, we have urged the Commission to carry out a thorough investigation of the way in which the EU Charges Directive has been implemented in other member states and of the level of inspection charges in each country. We are, in particular, pressing the Commission to investigate the allegations of subsidy in Italy and non-collection of charges in Spain outlined in the MLC report.

  Nuts
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to improve the labelling of produce containing(a) nuts and (b) nut oils. [96531]

  Ms Quin
  We have been pressing the European Commission to bring forward proposals to change EC food labelling legislation to make the labelling of nuts and nut products, and other substances recognised as causing hypersensitivity, compulsory in all cases when their presence is intentional. We will continue to press for action, and hope to see positive developments on this towards the end of the year.

  In the meantime, we will continue to encourage the voluntary provision of such information on food labels where this is appropriate.

  Shropshire Farmers
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much Government funding was given to Shropshire farmers in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [96476]

  Ms Quin
  Under the Common Agricultural Policy, a total of just over £43 million was paid to Shropshire farmers in 1997. This included both EU and nationally funded contributions. However, they will also have received a share of funding under market support measures, which benefit farming generally but which cannot be calculated at a county level.

  French Animal Feed
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) on what date officials in his Department were informed that human and animal waste, and meat and bonemeal were being used in French animal feed; and if he will make a statement; [96016]

  (2) on what date he was informed that human and animal waste, and meat and bonemeal were being used in French animal feed; and if he will make a statement. [96017]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 28 October 1999]: A Reuters article, reported by several newspapers, alleging contamination of French animal feed with waste was seen by officials in my Department on 10 June 1999. Subsequent contact between the UK and the Commission was pursued by officials in the Joint Food Safety and Standards Group, the Department of Health and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. MAFF officials also contacted their French counterparts and received assurances on 15 June that these were isolated incidents and remedial action had been taken.

  Following new media reports on 16 August, the Commission then raised the issue with the French Government and initiated an investigation. At the same time, Ministers were advised by the Joint Food Safety and Standards Group that there was no immediate risk to health and no special action necessary.

  Supermarket Prices
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for further discussions with supermarket chains on pricing policy; and what progress he has made. [96683]

  Ms Quin
  Pricing decisions in respect of produce at retail level are matters for the commercial judgment of the retailers involved. The Competition Commission are 462
  currently investigating competition in the grocery retailing sector which will include relationships with suppliers including farmers. However, some of the actions arising from the work of the Food Chain Group should help to increase understanding throughout the food chain of the competitive pressures faced by individual sectors and how decisions and actions by one part of the chain may impact upon another.

  Over-30-month Rule
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the Government expect to lift the over-30-month rule. [96749]

  Ms Quin
  The Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee has identified criteria against which the controls on beef over-30-months of age can be reviewed in the future, and began to address these at its meeting on 18 March 1999. The Committee recognised that the issue would require careful study and would almost certainly need to be considered over several meetings.

  At its meeting on 20 September the Committee noted that it was expected that updated epidemiological analyses of the BSE epidemic would be available for its meeting on 29 November. The Committee agreed to postpone further consideration of the over-30-month rule until that meeting so that it could take these analyses into account.

  In the light of the Committee's conclusions, and after consultation with all interested parties, the Government will consider what changes to the over-30-month rule, if any, could be made, consistent with the continued protection of public health. Any changes to the rule will need to be agreed with the European Commission and member states as it forms part of the Florence Agreement on the lifting of the beef export ban.

WALES

  Objective 1
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if Lottery moneys which are used as a constituent part of projects attracting Objective 1 European funding will be termed public or private expenditure; and if he will make a statement. [97534]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The National Assembly would not have to provide public expenditure cover for Lottery match funding. Lottery moneys are not Exchequer funding. Lottery funding counts as public expenditure within the Total Managed Expenditure of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

  Afghanistan: NGO Funding
  Afghanistan: NGO Funding
  Humanitarian Mine Action
  Humanitarian Mine Action
  Home Department: Expenditure Limit
  Home Department: Expenditure Limit
  Immigration and Nationality Directorate: Casework System
  Immigration and Nationality Directorate: Casework System
  Asylum Applications: Processing
  Asylum Applications: Processing
  Non-fatal Offences against the Person
  Non-fatal Offences against the Person
  Offenders Under Supervision
  Offenders Under Supervision
  Prison, Hostel and Boarding School Staff: Training
  Prison, Hostel and Boarding School Staff: Training
  Probation and Immediate Custody Sentences 1998
  Probation and Immediate Custody Sentences 1998
  Justice and Home Affairs Council, 29 October
  Justice and Home Affairs Council, 29 October
  Roma
  Roma
  Data Protection Act: Statutory Instruments
  Data Protection Act: Statutory Instruments
  Residential Care Staff: Training
  Residential Care Staff: Training
  Medical Professions: Public Appreciation
  Medical Professions: Public Appreciation
  Consultants and Junior Doctors: Retention
  Consultants and Junior Doctors: Retention
  Organophosphate Working Party: Confidentiality
  Organophosphate Working Party: Confidentiality
  Advance Statements
  Advance Statements
  Assisted Food and Fluid Treatment
  Assisted Food and Fluid Treatment
  Euthanasia
  Euthanasia
  Variant Creutzfeldt—Jakob Disease
  Variant Creutzfeldt—Jakob Disease
  NHS Trusts: Procurement Efficiency
  NHS Trusts: Procurement Efficiency
  World Heritage Sites: Land Use
  World Heritage Sites: Land Use
  Stonehenge
  Stonehenge
  National Museums and Galleries
  National Museums and Galleries
  National Museum and Gallery of Wales
  National Museum and Gallery of Wales
  Works of Art: Temporary Export
  Works of Art: Temporary Export
  Works of Art: Deferral Period
  Works of Art: Deferral Period
  Works of Art: Funding for National Purchase
  Works of Art: Funding for National Purchase
  Museums and Galleries: Access
  Museums and Galleries: Access
  Pensioners: Income Support
  Pensioners: Income Support
  Incapacity Benefit
  Incapacity Benefit
  Animal Feed and Sewage
  Animal Feed and Sewage
  Veterinary Medicines Directorate
  Veterinary Medicines Directorate
  Pesticides Safety Directorate
  Pesticides Safety Directorate