Written Answers of 20 October 1999

CABINET OFFICE

  Departmental Meetings (United States)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many times(a) Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have held meetings with the United States Special Envoy for Cryptography, Ambassador David Aaron, since 1 January 1998 on (i) encryption and (ii) other issues; what were the dates and locations of each meeting; and what other (1) British and (2) United States Government Departments took part in each meeting. [94011]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Cabinet Office Ministers have not met Ambassador Aaron. Cabinet Office officials have met Ambassador Aaron on four occasions since 1 January 1998. Each of these meetings related to discussions about national and international policies on encryption and possible changes to export controls on cryptographic goods under the Wassenaar Arrangement for Export Controls on Conventional Arms and Dual Use Goods. The dates and locations of these meetings were as follows: 18 May 1998, London; 4 June 1998, Stockholm; 3 September 1998, Ottawa; 3 December 1998, Vienna.

  The meetings on 4 June, 3 September and 3 December were also attended by officials from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Government's technical advisers on information security, the Communications Electronic Security Group.

  On the United States side, the meetings involved officials from the Departments of State, Commerce, Justice and Defense, and from the National Security Council. With the exception of the 18 May meeting, which was a bilateral visit by Ambassador Aaron to the United Kingdom, these contacts were multinational meetings involving a number of other countries.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when officials from her Department attended meetings of the United States Department of Commerce's Technical Advisory Committee to Develop Federal Information Processing Standard for the Federal Key Management Infrastructure. [94010]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  No officials from the Cabinet Office have attended meetings of this committee.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 29 June 1999,Official Report, column 128, on special advisers, how
  580
  many meetings Mike Trace, deputy to the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator, held with members and officials of the United States Government during his visit to New York on 7 to 10 June 1998; and if she will list the date of each meeting and the names of the United States officials and members present. [93910]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Deputy UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator, Mike Trace visited New York as part of the UK delegation to the United Nations General Assembly Special Session from Monday, 7 June to Wednesday, 9 June. During that visit he met the United States 'Drug Czar', General Barry McCaffrey, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President.

  Mr. Trace did not meet any other members of the United States Government on this visit; however, he did meet with numerous representatives from other nations and from non-governmental organisations.

  Better Regulation Task Force
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what arrangements the Better Regulation Task Force has for liaising with other Departments. [94638]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Better Regulation Task Force is an independent advisory body supported by officials in the Cabinet Office Regulatory Impact Unit. The Task Force liaises with other Departments through established inter-departmental channels between Cabinet Office officials and their counterparts in other Departments, and through other arrangements as necessary.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what reviews are currently being considered by the Better Regulation Task Force for 2000. [94503]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  In the year 1999–2000 the Better Regulation Task Force is undertaking reviews of payroll (tax and benefit integration), the overall impact of regulation on the hotel and restaurant industry, small firms exemptions, public sector regulation, self-regulation as an alternative to state regulation and regulatory protection of vulnerable groups.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what regulations broken down by department have been reviewed by the Better Regulation Task Force. [94501]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The areas of regulation which have been subject to published reviews by the Better Regulation Task Force are as set out together with details of the main Departments involved. The Task Force has also responded to a number of Government consultation documents. Full details of each review are available on the Better Regulation Task Force website, which can be found at www.cabinet-office.gov/uk/bru/index/task.htm.
  581

  Review

  Main regulations covered

  Responsible Department

  Consumer Affairs

  A wide range of consumer affairs regulations

  Department of Trade and Industry, Home Office

  Long Term Care

  Registered Homes Act, 1984, and supporting secondary legislation

  Department of Health

  Early years Education and Day-care

  The Children Act, 1989, The Nursery Education and Grant-Maintained Schools Act 1996, the Schools Inspection Act 1996

  Department for Education and Employment (DFEE) and Department of Health

  Access to Government Funding for the Voluntary Sector

  This review examined in general terms the regulatory framework applying to Government funding of the voluntary sector

  The review was relevant to all Departments that fund the voluntary sector

  Licensing Law

  The Licensing Act, 1964, The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, The London Government Act 1963 and related secondary legislation

  The Home Office

  Enforcement

  The review took as case studies the following regulatory frameworks: 1. The Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act, 1974 and 2. The Fire Precautions Act 1971 and The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997

  The Health and Safety Executive, The Home Office

  Anti-discrimination Legislation

  The Disability Discrimination Act 1995, The Sex Discrimination Act 1975, The Equal Pay Act 1970, The Race Relations Act 1976

  The Department for Education and Employment, The Home Office

  Fit Person Criteria

  The Police Act, 1997 and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

  The Home Office

  Regulations and Small Firms

  This review considered in general terms the range of regulations that impact on small firms

  This review was relevant to most Government Departments

  Enforcement Concordat
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many local authorities have signed up to the Enforcement Concordat. [94553]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  There are 142 local authorities in England and Wales and 21 in Scotland that have signed up to the Concordat for all of their regulatory enforcement functions. A further 19 local authorities in England and Wales have adopted the Concordat for some of their regulatory enforcement functions.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many agencies have accepted the Enforcement Concordat; and if she will list them. [94552]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Twenty-two central Government enforcement agencies have adopted the Concordat. They are:

  Animals, Bylaws and Coroners Unit

  Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate

  Civil Aviation Authority

  Companies House

  HM Customs and Excise

  Dairy Hygiene Inspectorate

  Drinking Water Inspectorate

  Driving Standards Agency

  Drugs Branch

  Egg Marketing Inspectorate

  Engineering Inspectorate

  Environment Agency

  Export Control Organisation

  Health and Safety Executive

  Northern Ireland Department of Economic Development's Trading

  582

  Standards Service

  Department of Health

  Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

  Inland Revenue

  Insolvency Service

  Marine and Coastguard Agency

  National Bee Unit

  Radiocommunications Agency.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if the Enforcement Concordat is a new initiative. [94554]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Enforcement Concordat was launched on 4 March 1998. It was formally signed by the then Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on behalf of central Government and by Councillor John Ryan on behalf of the Local Government Association.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer the then Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr. Quinn) on 4 March 1998, Official Report, columns 692-94, announcing the publication of the Enforcement Concordat.

  Correspondence
  Ms Ryan
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what guidance has been given to Ministers on the handling of correspondence from Members of the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly. [95070]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Cabinet Office has recently produced guidance for Departments on the handling of correspondence under devolution. This includes guidance on the handling of correspondence from Members of the
  583
  Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly. Copies of the guidance have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Departmental Publications
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the titles of the in-house publications and newsletters which were produced for the staff of her Department, excluding non-departmental public

  Cabinet Office in-house publications and newsletters produced for staff in the last five years

  Publication

  Frequency

  Classification

  Start date

  End date

  SCOOPS—Staff magazine

  Monthly

  Unclassified

  1989

  Ongoing

  The Weekly—weekly round up of news/vacancies etc.

  Weekly

  Unclassified

  1997

  Ongoing

  Cabinet Office organisation chart1

  Quarterly

  Unclassified

  September 1997

  Ongoing

  Senior Staff Guide

  Quarterly

  Unclassified

  —

  Ongoing

  Cabinet Office paper directory

  Half yearly

  Unclassified

  —

  Ongoing

  Infra-red newsletter from IT section

  Quarterly

  Unclassified

  January 1997

  Ongoing

  New Accommodation project newsletter

  Quarterly

  Unclassified

  November 1998

  Ongoing

  Resources Accounting and Budgeting Manual

  On Intranet

  Unclassified

  —

  Ongoing

  Finance and Planning Manual

  On Intranet

  Unclassified

  —

  Ongoing

  Procurement Manual

  On Intranet

  Unclassified

  —

  Ongoing

  Fraud and Negligence Manual

  On Intranet

  Unclassified

  —

  Ongoing

  Little Black Finance Handbook

  On Intranet

  Unclassified

  —

  Ongoing

  Managing Local Finance Guide

  On Intranet

  Unclassified

  —

  Ongoing

  Punctuation Basics

  On Intranet

  Unclassified

  —

  Ongoing

  Planning and Budgeting Round Guidance

  Annually

  Unclassified

  —

  Ongoing

  Cabinet Office Annual Business Plan

  Annually

  Unclassified

  —

  Ongoing

  Mid-year Performance Report

  Annually

  Unclassified

  —

  Ongoing

  Annual Performance Report

  Annually

  Unclassified

  —

  Ongoing

  Mid-Year Review Guidance

  Annually

  Unclassified

  —

  Ongoing

  The role of Internal Audit in the Cabinet Office—Leaflet

  Issued once

  Unclassified

  November 1997

  —

  Guide to Parliamentary business

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The Parliamentary Directory

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Conditions of service for Part-Time staff

  As required

  Unclassified

  February 1998

  Ongoing

  Performance Appraisal Guidance

  As required

  Unclassified

  February 1997

  Ongoing

  Pregnancy and Work (booklet)

  As required

  Unclassified

  Pre 1994

  Ongoing

  Training and Development Notices

  As required

  Unclassified

  Pre 1995

  Ongoing

  Training Directory

  Annually

  Unclassified

  Pre 1995

  Ongoing

  Grapevine (weekly bulletin of Personnel Division)

  Weekly

  Unclassified

  January 1999

  Ongoing

  Personnel Division Annual Report

  Annually

  Unclassified

  May 1999

  Ongoing

  Pay and Grading Consultation Document

  —

  Unclassified

  April 1997

  Ongoing

  Cabinet Office Management Code

  As required

  Unclassified

  July 1996

  Ongoing

  Terms and conditions of service Handbook

  As required

  Unclassified

  March 1996

  Ongoing

  Conduct and Discipline Staff Handbook

  As required

  Unclassified

  February 1995

  Ongoing

  As required

  Usually Unclassified (depends on subject content)

  Office Notices

  Pre 1994

  Ongoing

  Pay and grading Newsletters

  Up to 7 per year

  Unclassified

  February 1995

  Ongoing

  Job Advertising Scheme Guidance

  As required

  Unclassified

  July 1995

  Ongoing

  Banding Guidance

  Issued once

  Unclassified

  September 1997

  —

  Human Resource Strategy Document

  Issued once

  Unclassified

  1996

  —

  The Phoenix Project Report (Report on Department's Central Services)

  Issued once

  Unclassified

  December 1994

  —

  Induction Pack for new entrants

  Half yearly

  Unclassified

  1997

  Ongoing

  1 Available on internet

DEFENCE

  Strategic Defence Initiative
  Mr. Heseltine
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those contracts, awarded to(a) British companies and (b) British research facilities under the US Strategic Defence Initiative and their total value in each year since 1985. [94430]

  Mr. Hoon
  So far as contracts awarded to British Companies are concerned, I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given on 19 July 1999,Official Report, column 424.
  584
  bodies and agencies, in the last five years, specifying the dates on which each title was first produced, the frequency with which each title is produced and the current secrecy classification of each title. [93853]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Cabinet Office has a wide range of in-house publications to keep its people well informed and to ensure the efficient operation of the Department in delivering its objectives. Most publications are now available on the Department's intranet.

  So far as contracts awarded to British research facilities are concerned, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the UK and US Governments in respect of the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI), provides for contracts to be placed directly with the other Party's universities, which could include research facilities. As with contracts established directly with British companies, no central or comprehensive record is maintained.

  It is believed, however, that most research has been undertaken on a Government to Government basis under an arrangement known as Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs). In such cases research has been undertaken by

  585
  the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) or its forerunners. The total value of LOAs entered into since 1985 is approximately $150 million. While expenditure on an annual basis is not available in detail, work commenced at approximately $2 million per annum in 1986, building to $12 million over a seven-year period, then falling away to some $5 million currently.

  Armed Forces (Strength)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if Sir Roger Wheeler, Chief of General Staff, cleared with Ministers his comments on armed forces strength and commitments contained in his interview published in the press on 3 August; and if he will make a statement. [94383]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]General Sir Roger Wheeler was invited by Ministers to give the interview, and spoke with their full knowledge.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the current strength and (b) the establishment strength of (i) the Royal Navy, (ii) the Army and (iii) the RAF; and if he will make a statement. [94784]

  Mr. Spellar
  We remain entirely committed to achieving full manning in the Services, a key SDR target. Last year's recruiting performance was excellent; for the Army the best this decade. An Armed Forces Overarching Personnel Strategy is being developed, of which recruitment and retention will be major strands.

  The required strength is expressed in terms of trained personnel. As at 1 September 1999, the latest date for which figures are available, the trained strength and requirement of the UK regular armed forces is:

  Trained strength

  Trained requirement

  Naval Service1

  38,652

  40,312

  Army

  96,381

  102,389

  RAF

  51,395

  53,081

  1 Includes Royal Marines

  EU Driving Directive
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the European Driving directive on the services; and if he will make a statement. [94782]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Armed Forces are exempt from European Union drivers' hours legislation. It is, however, my Department's policy to comply with the spirit of the legislation, where possible, except during periods of active operations, training conducted under operational conditions, or in certain cases when acting in support of Civil Ministries and Authorities or when operating solely on Crown Land.

  Gulf War Syndrome
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out(a) the results of his Department's funded research programme into the possible interactions between the vaccines and nerve agent pre-treatments that were administered to British troops during the Gulf conflict and (b) details of any other
  586
  of his Department's research relevant to the health effects of organophosphates and carbonates, including nerve agents, organophosphate pesticides and nerve agent pre-treatments. [95072]

  Mr. Spellar
  The initial phase of the research programme involving a preliminary toxicological study of the effects of the co-administration of vaccines and nerve agent pre-treatments (NAPS) in guinea pigs has recently been completed at CBD Porton Down. An outline of the study's findings was presented at a conference on research into Gulf veterans' illnesses in Washington DC in June. This initial stage of the overall research programme, which was primarily designed to help inform the design of more sophisticated longer-term studies, does not report any remarkable findings on the administration of the combination of vaccines and nerve agent treatments examined.

  The results of the study were reviewed by the Independent Panel, which oversees the vaccine interactions research programme, at a meeting earlier this year. The Panel agreed that the researchers should proceed with publication of the results of this initial study through the appropriate scientific channels. The Panel also agreed to more extensive rodent studies, to be carried out at the National Institute of Biological Standards and Controls, and further studies at CBD Porton Down which will include sophisticated techniques to examine any subtle long-term neurophysiological and cognitive effects of the administration of vaccines and NAPS.

  I have arranged to have a copy of the information presented at the Washington meeting placed in the Library of the House. A more detailed paper is being prepared for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal and will be published as soon as possible. This information will be placed on the Gulf veterans' illnesses page on the MOD website in due course.

  I am also today placing in the Library of the House copies of the Defence Scientific Advisory Council's Working Party Report on the Long Term Neurotoxicity of the Anticholinesterases, together with the Ministry of Defence's response to the Report. I am also placing in the Library three previously unpublished studies by CBD Porton Down, and one already published, which are referred to in the Report.

  The Report, which is a review of existing literature and research, concludes that there is robust evidence that high doses of organophosphates may have long term toxic effects on the peripheral nervous system; that there is more limited information about the long term toxic effects of low doses of organophosphates on the central nervous system; and that there is little evidence that the prophylactic use of carbamates (such as NAPS) is associated with any long term adverse health effects, although this should be further explored. We hope that it will be a useful source of information on the long-term effects of these compounds. The Ministry of Defence welcomes the Report. We accept the recommendations for further research.

  As the MOD's response to the Report makes clear, we continue to carry out a range of research into the health effects of organophosphates and carbamates, including nerve agents and nerve agent pre-treatments. In addition to the research set out there, work is underway at CBD

  587
  Porton Down to investigate the question of whether these compounds might have an effect on the immune system. This work, which is following up research reported in the open literature, is in its very early stages and we cannot yet say whether there is any such effect, or what the implications of that might be. We intend to make public the findings of this work as soon as possible, as each part of it reaches scientific maturity.

  Colchester Garrison
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the Colchester Garrison PFI project. [95211]

  Mr. Spellar
  I am delighted to announce that, following a thorough evaluation of detailed proposals from three short listed bidders, we have now selected RMPA Services, a consortia comprising Sir Robert McAlpine, Primary Management and W.S. Atkins, as the preferred bidder for the redevelopment of Colchester Garrison.

  Detailed contract negotiations will now commence with RMPA Services with the aim of achieving contract signature towards the end of next year.

  The benefits which we see flowing from this deal are the replacement of an estate which is mainly old and substandard, poorly laid out and significantly underscale, with one which will provide high quality barracks and facilities which conform to the appropriate accommodation scales, are flexible to use and are capable of further development. Furthermore this will be achieved very much more quickly under the PFI route than would be possible using our own internal procedures. For example, once the contract is signed we expect the redevelopment to be complete within four years compared to the 15 years it could have taken using a conventional, staged approach. It will also free up land for redevelopment close to Colchester town centre and therefore be of benefit to the local community.

  Finally, this is a good deal for the taxpayer. As a result of the competitive bids received, we believe that from RMPA Services will offer the MOD excellent value for money resulting from design efficiencies, economies of scale in development and a more cost effective delivery of the support services.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  E-mail
  Mr. Linton
  To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee if he will make a statement on arrangements for the introduction of a new e-mail system in the House. [94818]

  Mr. Allan
  As part of the Parliament-wide Information Technology Convergence Programme, which has been endorsed by the Information Committee, all personal computers linked to the PDVN are being converted to a new e-mail system, Microsoft Exchange and Outlook 98. Some older computers linked to the PDVN will need to be upgraded or replaced if they are to continue to use the parliamentary e-mail system. The old e-mail system, Groupwise, will be closed down on 16 November 1999, prior to the beginning of the next Session on 17 November.
  588
  The Parliamentary Communications Directorate (PCD) has sent to all Members and their staff information about the computer specifications required to run the new e-mail system and can advise Members and their staff about new central purchasing arrangements through which Members may purchase new equipment which meets those specifications. Members whose staff are linked to the PDVN from their constituencies are being sent a disc and information about remote conversion to use Outlook. Members and their staff based in the parliamentary precincts whose computers have not yet been converted to Outlook can arrange a date for their conversion and for a short training course by contacting PCD on extension 0899. Courses are being arranged for each weekday in October and November.

  Breast-feeding
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what assessments he has made of the adequacy of the arrangements for breast-feeding in the buildings for which her Committee is responsible; and if she will make a statement. [94798]

  Mrs. Roe
  There are no designated facilities for breast-feeding on the Parliamentary Estate. However, I understand that individual hon. Members have made arrangements, through the Serjeant at Arms, for appropriate facilities to be made available as required.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Holocaust Remembrance Day
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will consult on the proposal for a Holocaust Remembrance Day. [95213]

  Mr. Straw
  We issued a consultation paper on 18 October. Copies have been placed in the Library.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Urban Renaissance
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress of the development of an urban renaissance in the north-west. [94510]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Government intend to respond to the urban renaissance recommendations by early summer next year. Already in the north-west, an urban regeneration company (URC), Liverpool Vision, has been set up in direct response to one of the recommendations in the Roger's Report and is actively pursuing the regeneration of the city centre. It is likely the URC for east Manchester will be announced shortly.

  Vacant Properties
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many local government properties are currently unoccupied; [93672]
  589
  (2) how many houses were unoccupied at the latest date for which figures are available; and how many had been unoccupied for more than (a) six months and (b) 12 months. [93677]

  Mr. Mullin
  The latest available information shows that there were 753,200 dwellings in England vacant on 1 April 1998 of which 81,700 were local authority-owned. A level of vacancy is a usual feature of the stock,

  Vacant dwellings at 1 April 1998

  Total vacant

  Vacant more than 6 months and less than 12 months

  More than 12 months

  Local Authority

  81,700

  10,600

  16,000

  Registered Social Landlords

  29,300

  4,100

  4,800

  Other Public Sector

  19,000

  not available

  not available

  Other Private Sector

  623,200

  not available

  220,100

  Total Dwellings (all tenures)

  753,200

  not available

  not available

  Source:

  DETR Housing Investment Programme returns

  Housing Corporation RSR forms

  Litter Offences (Chelmsford)
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in each of the last five years for which figures are available, how many(a) warnings and (b) fines were issued for litter offences in the Chelmsford local authority area under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. [94779]

  Mr. Hill
  The local authority does not collect information on the number of warnings issued for litter offences. No fines have been issued for litter offences in the Chelmsford local authority area under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in the last five years.

  Alandia Stream
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the investigations to establish why the master of the Alandia Stream which broke down in the Fair Isle channel on 26 June delayed notifying the coastguard of his ship's condition. [94602]

  Mr. Hill
  The vessel when adrift, was never within six miles of the coast or within the designated six mile "area to be avoided" navigational zone around Fair Isle. The vessel fully complied with the MCA requirement to accept a tug and the Anglian Prince was despatched to the scene. A tow was accepted and the vessel taken to Sullom Voe, Shetland as a port of refuge, keeping outside of the "area to be avoided" as per MCA instructions.

  Following the Port State Control Inspection of the vessel at Sullom Voe, MCA investigated why six hours had elapsed before the tanker reported to the Coastguard that she was in difficulty.

  The Master's response was that he wished to check the problem to see if it could be fixed without assistance. He maintained that the vessel's drift was monitored carefully to ensure that the ship remained outside the area to be avoided.

  The MCA advised the Master that the UK Government expect to be immediately informed of any incident that affected the safety of vessels or possible endangerment to
  590
  reflecting turnover and movement within the stock. However, recent analysis of local authorities reporting problems with unpopular housing contained in the PAT 7 "Unpopular Housing" report shows that low demand neighbourhoods tend to have vacancies at three times the national level.

  A breakdown by length of time vacant is not collected centrally for all tenures. The available information is as follows:
  the environment even when assistance was not required. The MCA formed the opinion that the Finnish Master well understood the concerns of the UK authorities and would be more willing to keep the Coastguard informed of any future incidents.

  The MCA also contacted the Bahamas, the Flag State Administration, notifying them that we would have expected an earlier notification from the Master to the UK Coastguard. The Bahamas have agreed to follow this up with the Finnish owners of the vessel.

  Maritime and Coastguard Agency
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to announce the key targets for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for 1999–2000. [94881]

  Mr. Hill
  I have today placed in the House Library a copy of the agency's business plan which includes its key targets for 1999–2000. The issue of the plan was delayed pending the publication of the Government's response to the Transport Select Committee's report on the Maritime and Coastguard Agency which recommended de-merger. That response was published on 12 August.

  The key targets for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are:

  To complete: (a) at least 95 per cent. of the agreed programme of inspections, and (b) at least 90 per cent. of agreed key tasks.

  To decide on the search and rescue (SAR) response to accidents and life-threatening situations, and to initiate action if necessary, within 5 minutes of being alerted in at least 95 per cent. of cases.

  To follow up at least 95 per cent. of significant breaches of safety and environmental aspects of Merchant Shipping legislation to determine whether prosecution is appropriate.

  To implement the outcomes of the review of the organisation, operations and functions of MCA to be operational by 31 December 1999.

  Infrastructure Developments
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will
  591
  publish the Code of Practice on the Dissemination of Information during Major Infrastructure Developments; and if he will make a statement. [95071]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I have today published the Code of Practice and placed copies in the Library. The purpose of the code is to ensure that people are given as much information as possible at all stages of a development. It does, however, recognise that there may be exceptional circumstances where non-disclosure is justifiable, such as when issues of commercial confidentiality arise.

  The provision of a referee who can be approached by members of the public, if they believe that information, which should be forthcoming under the code, has not been provided, is a new element in the code.

  A key aspect of our proposals for modernising the planning system is to improve the handling of major infrastructure developments. The new code on the dissemination of information links the planning and implementation phases of such developments.

  We are currently analysing the responses to our consultation paper on proposals for streamlining the planning approval procedures for major developments. We are also conducting a fundamental review to improve the system of compulsory purchase and compensation, which are often important aspects of major development implementation.

  All Government Departments in England and their Agencies will follow the code. The Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly will be making their own arrangements. The code is also commended to local authorities and private sector developers who may be promoting major infrastructure developments.

  Greater London Authority
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what further steps he is taking to prepare for the Greater London Authority. [95212]

  Mr. Hill
  My predecessor, my hon. Friend the Minister for London and Construction, announced on 11 June 1999,Official Report, columns 398-99, that my Department had earmarked provision over the four years 1998–99 to 2001–02 to meet GLA preparation costs and that separate provision was being made to cover the costs of the first elections to the GLA, including publicity, and for establishing Transport for London and the London Development Agency. My Department has now earmarked £20.6 million from within existing budgets to cover these costs.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Ministerial Meetings (United States)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what meetings she held with members and officials of the United States Government during her visits to the United States on 22 to 24 June 1997 and 14 to 18 April 1998; and if she will list the date and location of each meeting and the names of the members and officials of the United States Government at each meeting. [93955]
  592
  Clare Short
  I visited New York from 22-24 June 1997 to attend the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the follow-up to the UN Conference on Environment and Development. I did not have any bilateral meetings with members and officials of the United States Government.

  On my visit to Washington from 14-18 April 1998, I had meetings with:

  Mr. Eisenstadt of the US State Department

  Mr. Atwood of USAID

  Mr. Schuerch of the US Treasury.

  Demining
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the expected expenditure by her Department on humanitarian demining for 2000 and 2001. [94666]

  Clare Short
  In 1997 I announced plans to double our annual expenditure on humanitarian mine action to reach £10 million in the financial year 2000–01. The programme is on track to meet this target.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 6 July 1999,Official Report, column 462, on Special Advisers, if she will list the countries to which her Special Advisers have travelled since 2 May 1997. [93911]

  Clare Short
  Since May 1997, Special Advisers from my Department travelled to the following countries on official business:

  Antigua

  Bangladesh

  Belgium

  Canada

  China

  France

  Hong Kong

  Japan

  Jordan

  Kenya

  Nepal

  Tanzania

  Thailand

  Vietnam

  West Bank and Gaza.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Animal Health Act 1981
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is his policy not to amend the arrangements his Department has for applying sections 40 to 49 of the Animal Health Act 1981 and any subordinate legislation made under the same sections of the Act; and if he will make a statement. [93213]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 27 July 1999]We have no plans for such amendments.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Decommissioning
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the implementation of weapons decommissioning. [92978]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Government are determined to see the Agreement implemented in full. We, along with the Irish Government, have appointed Senator Mitchell to review the points of difficulty: an inclusive Executive exercising devolved powers and decommissioning of all paramilitary weapons by May 2000 in a manner determined by the Decommissioning Commission. Senator Mitchell aims to conclude his review speedily.

  Good Friday Agreement
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners have been released under the terms of the Good Friday agreement. [92979]

  Mr. Ingram
  To date there have been 298 prisoners who have been released from prison under the terms of the Good Friday agreement. This is drawn from information current at 13 October 1999.

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress in implementing the Belfast agreement. [92981]

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress on the peace process. [92982]

  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress he has made towards establishing a power-sharing executive for Northern Ireland. [92986]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I refer my hon. Friend the Member for Brent, North (Mr. Gardiner) and the hon. Members for Lewes (Mr. Baker) and for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Wilkinson) to the answer I gave earlier to my hon. Friends the Members for Amber Valley (Judy Mallaber), for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) and for Cleethorpes (Shona McIsaac). 20 October 1999,Official Report, columns 424-26.

  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent meetings he has had with the Irish Government concerning the implementation of the Good Friday agreement. [92987]

  Mr. Mandelson
  Ministers continue to meet with members of the Irish Government on a regular basis to discuss matters relating to the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and other areas of interest to the two Governments.

  Policing
  Mr. Tony Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of officers in the RUC are(a) Catholics and (b) women; and if he will make a statement. [92984]

  Mr. Ingram
  On 1 July 1999 of the total number of people within the Royal Ulster Constabulary 8.35 per cent. were Catholics and 11.4 per cent. women.
  594
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the Patten commission's report on policing in Northern Ireland. [92990]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore), 20 October 1999,Official Report, column 431.

  Lifelong Learning
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals the Government have for lifelong learning in Northern Ireland. [92985]

  Mr. McFall
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Gillian Merron), 20 October 1999,Official Report, column 428.

  Human Rights
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; and if he will make a statement. [92988]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was established on 1 March this year. The Commission is required to produce an annual report under the Northern Ireland Act 1998. However, the Commission is an independent body and I have therefore asked the Chief Commissioner, Professor Dickson, to write to my hon. Friend to inform her of the Commission's progress since it was established and I shall place a copy in the Library of the House.

  Security
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to create a more normal security environment in Northern Ireland. [92989]

  Mr. Ingram
  We are committed to as early a return as possible to normal security arrangements, consistent with the level of threat.

  Since the Good Friday Agreement, routine military patrolling has been reduced by almost two thirds. Military installations have been closed and demolished. Since January, there have been under 15,000 service personnel on operational duties in Northern Ireland, except during short periods of heightened tension over the summer. This is fewer than at any time since 1970.

  Parades Commission
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to what extent the Parades Commission has been able to achieve a local accommodation over the disputed parades this year. [92991]

  Mr. Ingram
  The role of the Parades Commission is to promote and facilitate local accommodation in relation to contentious parades. Where this cannot be achieved, the legislation requires the Commission to make a determination.
  595
  Since its establishment in 1997, the Parades Commission has carried out a unique and very important task in the most difficult circumstances imaginable. The relatively peaceful marching season was due in no small part to the Commission's efforts.

  Civic Forum
  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress he has made on the establishment of a civic forum in Northern Ireland. [92992]

  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress he has made on the establishment of a civic forum in Northern Ireland. [92995]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The report identified the sectoral interests which should be represented and on 16 February 1999 the new Northern Ireland Assembly approved the report of the First and Deputy First Minister (designate) which included arrangements for a consultative civic forum guidelines which should be adhered to by nominating bodies. Work is ongoing to ensure the establishment of the forum within six months of devolution.

  Reconciliation
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to promote reconciliation in Northern Ireland among those whose family members or friends have been killed or injured in the past 30 years. [92993]

  Mr. Ingram
  Under the Government's Community Relations Programme and the European Union's Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, funding is provided to a wide range of groups which promote peace and reconciliation. These include groups working with victims, their families and friends.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. McCabe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to encourage inward investment in Northern Ireland. [92994]

  Mr. McFall
  The Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland, the agency charged with attracting inward investment, continues its aggressive marketing and sales campaigns worldwide. In particular, they are following up on last year's successful promotional tour of North America, a year in which I am delighted to say they have achieved a record number of new projects.

  Equality Commission
  Mr. Borrow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the work of the Equality Commission in Northern Ireland. [92996]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland was appointed on 2 August and took over the functions exercised by its predecessors on 596
  1 October. The commissioners have received training in their new role and are pressing ahead with the broadened equality agenda. The first formal meeting of the commission took place on 14 October 1999.

  Planning (Newtownards)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many homes are proposed in(a) those planning applications for which outline planning approval has been issued but construction has not commenced and (b) existing planning applications for which the planning decision has not yet been issued in the town of Newtownards. [92997]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information is not readily available in the form requested; however, the planning service has recently carried out a detailed analysis of the housing land availability position in Newtownards. This assessment indicates that approximately 51 hectares of zoned land remains available for deployment, with the potential to accommodate some 850 dwellings. In addition, planning permission has been granted, or is currently pending, for some 360 dwellings on unzoned land within the development limits of the town.

  British-Irish Council
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what further talks have taken place about preparations for a British-Irish Council. [92980]

  Mr. Mandelson
  All preparations are now in place for the British-Irish Council and the other institutions created by the Good Friday Agreement. The Council will be established immediately on entry into force of the British-Irish Agreement. This will coincide with the devolution of powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

  Structural Funds
  Mrs. McKenna
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations he is having with industry and the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland on future EU structural funding. [92976]

  Mr. Ingram
  Representatives of industry and the voluntary sector are members of a core consultative group, established in July 1999, to enable local partners to be consulted on a regular basis regarding future EU funding. In addition, two major conferences have been organised involving many delegates from these sectors and they have also been invited to put forward their views in writing.

  Paramilitary Violence
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the level of illegal activities by paramilitary forces. [92983]

  Mr. Ingram
  The situation with regard to the activities of paramilitary groups is closely monitored.

  To date this year there have been seven deaths, 67 bombing incidents and 94 shooting incidents. Paramilitary attacks unfortunately also continue with 135 carried out so far this year.

  This level of violence is unacceptable. I call on the perpetrators to cease these activities forthwith.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 9 June 1999,Official Report, column 339, on Child Benefit, when information by parliamentary constituency will become available; and if he will make a statement. [87864]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 28 June 1999:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question pursuant to the answer of 9 June, Official Report, column 339, on Child Benefit, when information by parliamentary constituency will become available.
  Due to differing postcode formats used on the Child Benefit computer system and the Department's Analytical Services system, it has been difficult to derive accurate statistics by constituency. However, this is close to being resolved and I expect to be able to forward the figures to you by the end of August, once the necessary computer scans have been completed.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Winter Fuel Allowance
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 26 May 1999,Official Report, column 187, on winter fuel allowance, if he will re-estimate the number of eligible pensioners in Shrewsbury and Atcham who will benefit from the winter fuel payments next winter. [94145]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of Winter Fuel Payments is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 19 October 1999:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question pursuant to his Answer of 26th May, Official Report, column 187, on winter fuel allowance, if he will re-estimate the number of eligible pensioners in Shrewsbury and Atcham who will benefit from the winter fuel payments (WFP) next winter.
  All eligible pensioner households will benefit from the WFP this winter. Pensioners, including pensioner couples who qualify by receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance which includes one of the pensioner premiums, and who are not permanently in residential care or a nursing home, will be entitled to £100. Eligible pensioners who live alone, or who are the only eligible pensioner in a household, will be entitled to £100. Other eligible pensioners will be entitled to £50.
  The estimated number of pensioners in the Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency who will benefit from WFP next winter remains the same as in the previous reply to the Minister of State's answer at column 187 of the Official Report. This information is based on the data held for last year's exercise. Of the estimated 57,000 pensioners who will benefit from WFP, approximately 28,000 will receive £100 payments. We are currently preparing the relevant computer systems for this winter's payments to ensure that all payments are made before Christmas.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in North Staffordshire are on incapacity benefit; of those who have been on this benefit for three years or more, how many have been called back on (i) a six-monthly basis, (ii) a 12-monthly basis and (iii) an 18-monthly basis; and with what results. [93659]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Ms Joan Whalley, dated 19 October 1999:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people in North Staffordshire are on Incapacity Benefit (IB); of those who have been on this benefit for three years or more, how many have been called back on (i) a six-monthly basis, (ii) a 12-monthly basis and (iii) an 18-monthly basis; and with what results.
  Information is recorded on the total number of constituents claiming IB at Hanley Benefit Office which covers the North Staffordshire area. The number of claimants receiving IB from Hanley Benefit Office is 25,940 and of these 15,160 have been receiving that benefit for three years or more.
  Statistical information on the timing of re-examination of claims is not maintained by the Benefits Agency. However, it is expected that on a national basis, 4% of claimants will be referred to Medical Services for the All Work Test on a three month basis. 16% every six months, 19% every 12 months and 8% every 18 months.
  I hope this information is helpful.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Westminster Foundation for Democracy
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial and other assistance has been given to the Westminster Foundation for Democracy during 1998–99; what support the foundation received during 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for giving support to the foundation. [94543]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The Westminster Foundation for Democracy received £3,136,970 from the Foreign Office in 1998–99 in Grant-in-Aid and special purpose grants, as well as a grant of £31,845 from DfID. For the current financial year the Westminster Foundation for Democracy has been allocated £4 million in Grant-in-Aid and up to £244,000 for special projects from the FCO and £14,000 from DfID.

  In addition to financial assistance, an FCO official serves on the Foundations's Board of Governors in an advisory capacity.

  The Westminster Foundation for Democracy exists to promote democratic development worldwide. It has a proven track record in delivering high quality projects in support of democracy building around the world.

  Diplomatic Staff
  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how pay rates are set for locally engaged staff in overseas diplomatic missions; and what account is taken of recognised local poverty datum lines. [94162]
  599
  Mr. Battle
  Pay rates and other conditions of service for locally engaged staff are set by reference to comparable employers based locally. These comparators are usually drawn from other diplomatic missions, private companies, and the local Civil Service. UK missions are also required to follow the terms of local employment law, including legislation on national minimum wage levels.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations between Britain and Sierra Leone. [94876]

  Mr. Hain
  We welcomed the signature on 7 July of the Lome Peace Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front. Our objective now is to help the Government and people of Sierra Leone to implement the peace agreement, and thus build a framework for lasting peace and security.

  We have implemented the £10 million package of assistance which my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary announced on 2 March 1999. This has included: UK military advisers helping to train the new, democratically accountable Sierra Leone Army; a range of equipment for the new Army including uniforms, vehicles, and light weapons; logistical support and equipment for the ECOMOG peacekeeping forces; and support for civil society and Government participation in the negotiation of the peace agreement. The ECOWAS Secretariat confirmed that the weapons could be imported as an exemption to the ECOWAS Small Arms Moratorium; and the UN Sanctions Committee was notified of these exports. We are working with the United Nations to support the early deployment of a UN peacekeeping force to Sierra Leone.

  DfID and the MOD are also supporting a range of projects in Sierra Leone. We will take every opportunity, including at the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of
  600
  Government meeting in Durban, to encourage further support for Sierra Leone from others in the international community.

  GCHQ
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish GCHQ's recruitment statistics for 1998 indicating the comparable figures for 1997. [94877]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  GCHQ notified the Commissioners that as a result of recruitment schemes run in 1998, 182 individuals have joined the department or are awaiting completion of the recruitment process. The 1997 recruitment schemes yielded 236 new entrants. In addition, eight former members of staff were reappointed in 1998 compared with five in 1997.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the preparedness of other countries to deal with the millennium bug. [94878]

  Mr. Battle
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been actively gathering information about the preparedness of other countries to deal with the millennium bug. This information is being made publicly available on the FCO website at http://www.fco.gov.uk. So far, we have published information on 70 countries and these are continuously updated. More will follow soon. Copies of these statements have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  European Union Council
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union to the end of October together with the major European Union events for the next six months. [94879]

  Mr. Vaz
  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

  October 1999

  30 September-1 October

  Helsinki

  Ministerial Conference on Equality between Women and Men

  1

  Florence

  Trade Ministers (informal)

  4-5

  Luxembourg

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  4-5

  Tampere

  Regional Policy Ministers

  4-8

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  6

  Luxembourg

  Transport Council

  8

  Luxembourg

  ECOFIN

  11-12

  Luxembourg

  General Affairs Council

  12

  Luxembourg

  Environment Council

  15-16

  Tampere

  Special European Council

  18-19

  Luxembourg

  Agriculture Council

  22

  Luxembourg

  Labour/Social Affairs Council

  24-25

  Helsinki

  Energy Ministers Task Force Meeting

  25-29

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  26

  Luxembourg

  Fisheries Council

  28

  Luxembourg

  Research Council

  29

  Luxembourg

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  601

  Date

  Venue

  Event

  November 1999

  3-4

  Brussels

  European Parliament Plenary

  8

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  8

  Brussels

  Consumer Affairs Council

  9

  Brussels

  Industry Council

  11

  Brussels

  Development Council

  11

  Brussels

  Standing Committee Employment

  12

  Brussels

  Labour and Social Affairs Council

  11-12

  Helsinki

  Ministerial Conference on the Northern Dimension

  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)

  22-23

  Brussels

  EU-ACP Ministerial Meeting (possible)

  23

  Brussels

  Culture/Audiovisual Council

  23

  Brussels

  Youth Council

  25-26

  Brussels

  Budget Council

  26

  Brussels

  Education Council

  29

  Brussels

  ECOFIN/Labour and Social Affairs Council

  30

  Brussels

  Telecommunications Council

  December 1999

  1-2

  Brussels

  European Parliament Plenary

  2

  Brussels

  Energy Council

  2

  Brussels

  Research Council

  2-3

  Brussels

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  6-7

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  7

  Brussels

  Internal Market Council

  9-10

  Brussels

  Transport Council

  10-11

  Helsinki

  European Council

  13

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  13-14

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  13-17

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  14-15

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  14-16

  Brussels

  Ministerial Conference on following of progress on UN Beijing Platform for Action

  16-17

  Brussels

  Fisheries Council

  16-17

  Brussels

  EU-ACP Council (possible)

  January 2000

  14

  Brussels

  Fisheries Council

  18

  Brussels

  Budget Council

  24-25

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  24-25

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  28-29

  Lisbon

  Development Council (informal)

  31

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  February 2000

  11-12

  Lisbon

  Social Affairs Council (informal)

  14-15

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  21-22

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  28

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  March 2000

  3-4

  Lisbon

  Justice and Home Affairs Council (informal)

  9

  Brussels

  European Conference

  13

  Brussels

  Social Affairs/ECOFIN Council

  16

  Brussels

  Internal Market

  20-21

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  20-21

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  23-24

  Lisbon

  European Council

  27

  Brussels

  JHA Council

  28

  Brussels

  Transport Council

  30

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  General Affairs Council
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the General Affairs Council. [94880]
  602
  Mr. Vaz
  The GAC adopted the A points listed in document 11573/99 and noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its session of 13-17 September listed in document 10352/1/99. Copies of the documents listing the A points
  603
  and resolutions will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available.

  Preparation of Tampere European Council
  The Presidency briefed the GAC on Finnish Prime Minister Lipponen's tour of capitals. The traditional letter of invitation to Tampere would issue very shortly. The Presidency also briefly mentioned external aspects of Justice and Home Affairs co-operation, in the context of preparation for Tampere. There was no discussion.

  Charter of Fundamental Rights
  After a very brief discussion, the Presidency concluded that there was agreement on their proposals for the composition and rules of procedure of the body responsible for preparing the first draft of the Charter.

  ESDP Military and Non-Military Crisis Management: Preparation in View of the European Council in Helsinki
  The Presidency briefed Ministers on work underway on European defence.

  Earthquake in Greece
  The Greek Foreign Minister reported to the Council on the extensive damage caused by the earthquake in Athens on 7 September. The Council encouraged the Commission to examine all possible ways of assisting Greece, making full use of the possibilities offered under the structural funds, on the basis of a specific evaluation of the damage.

  Northern Caucasus/Chechnya,
  Ministers expressed their strong concern at the deteriorating human rights situation in Chechnya and at the risks of the conflict spreading. They supported the Commission package of 1.2 million euro of humanitarian aid.

  Western Balkans
  The Council agreed the Commission's proposal for a pilot of the "Energy for Democracy" programme in Serbia, which will supply heating oil and diesel to the towns of Nis and Pirot, where opposition parties run the local administration. The Council discussed the possibility of lifting the flight ban on Serbia, but no consensus was reached.
  The Council welcomed initiatives proposed by the UK on tackling organised crime in Kosovo. The Council asked the Commission and other relevant bodies to come up with proposals. Foreign Ministers will discuss the issue further when they meet at the Tampere Special European Council.

  Burma
  Foreign Ministers expressed their concern at the lack of progress on human rights in Burma. Ministers offered their full support for the forthcoming mission of the UN Secretary General's Special Representative to Burma and hoped that it would lead to an improvement in human rights and the promotion of democracy. The Council extended the EU's Common Position on Burma for a further six months, agreeing to review it after Mr. de Soto's mission.

  EU Code of Conduct on Arms Export
  The GAC approved the first consolidated report on the operation of the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports and agreed to publish the report in the Official Journal. The report summarises actions taken by member states to implement the provisions of the Code and outlines priorities for future action.

  East Timor
  Foreign Ministers welcomed the deployment of the International Force in East Timor. The Commission announced its intention to provide further EC funds for the UN Mission in East Timor and for the eventual UN Transitional Authority in East Timor.
  604
  Preparation for Seattle Ministerial
  The GAC continued to discuss the EU's approach to the negotiations on a new multilateral trade round. They confirmed the EU's strong support for a comprehensive round to be launched at the WTO Ministerial conference in Seattle (30 November-3 December).
  Foreign Ministers had lunch with the Israeli Foreign Minister, David Levy. Mr. Levy stressed the Israeli government's commitment to the Middle East Peace Process, and the importance of restarting all tracks of the Process. He called for strengthened links between the EU and Israel. The GAC welcomed EU Special Envoy Moratinos' initiative for an 'EU-Israel Forum'.

  Meeting with Serb Opposition leaders
  The GAC met with representatives of democratic forces in the FRY. Foreign Ministers underlined the EU's readiness to support the people of the FRY in their efforts to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and the development of good regional and international relations.

  Co-operation Councils with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia
  The first ever Co-operation Councils with the three South Caucasus states took place on 12 October. Discussion covered political co-operation, trade and investment, democracy and human rights and co-operation in Justice and Home Affairs.

HEALTH

  Cancer
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many extra(a) radiographers and (b) oncologists he plans to recruit in each NHS region by April 2000 to implement his proposal that no cancer patient referred by a GP should wait more than two weeks. [94022]

  Mr. Denham
  It is for individual National Health Service trusts and health authorities to determine the number, grade and mix of staff they will require to deliver services. An additional £10 million has been made available to facilitate the two-week all cancers waiting time standard.

  Oral Statements
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list(a) the reports published by his Department and its associated bodies, (b) the reports received from bodies set up by his Department, (c) the decisions his Department has taken and (d) events in the UK and elsewhere, since 27 July, which satisfied the criteria he uses for deciding whether to apply to make oral statements to the House when the House is sitting. [93974]

  Ms Stuart
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him yesterday by my right hon. Friend the President of the Council, 19 October 1999,Official Report, columns 429-30.

  Performance Indicators
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will incorporate total and classification group average figures for each of the tables listed in the high level performance indicator set for next year; and if he will make a statement. [94062]
  605
  Mr. Denham
  The high level performance indicator set supports a comprehensive assessment of the performance of the National Health Service across the range of its activity, including services that are provided alongside social services. The current set was the first to be published and we are committed to making improvements over time. The Department is currently reviewing the content and presentation of figures for the next publication of performance indicators.

  NICE
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the costs of establishing the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. [93918]

  Mr. Denham
  The cost of establishing the National Institute for Clinical Excellence was in the region of £734,000.

  This figure includes accommodation costs for the Institute, costs of recruiting staff for the Institute and staffing costs of officials in the Department.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what constraints the National Institute for Clinical Excellence will be able to place upon a clinician's ability to prescribe. [93874]

  Mr. Denham
  Clinicians are expected to take National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance fully into account when exercising their clinical judgment. Such guidance represents the views of an eminent body of senior practitioners who have had the opportunity of carefully considering the available evidence. However, NICE guidance does not override a doctor's individual responsibility to exercise his or her clinical judgment in determining what treatment is appropriate and necessary for a patient.

  Primary Care Groups
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when information regarding maximum and minimum per capita management allowances for 1999–2000 payable to primary care groups in England will be available. [93870]

  Mr. Denham
  This information is currently being collected and validated. Full details will be published as soon as possible.

  Health Professions Regulatory Body
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will bring forward regulations to govern professions allied to medicine; and if a period of consultation will precede them. [93909]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Health Act 1999 provides for the replacement of the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960 by an Order and the eventual repeal of the 1960 Act when replacement arrangements are in place. We are committed to full and wide ranging consultation on the proposals for new legislation as well as the three month statutory consultation on the draft Order, with a Report to Parliament on the outcome, when the Order is laid.

  Commission for Health Improvement
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding loss of clinical freedom by clinicians consequent upon the establishment of the Commission for Health Improvement; and if he will make a statement. [93921]

  Mr. Denham
  The aim of the Commission for Health Improvement was clearly set out in the consultation document "A First Class Service" (July 1999). This was to work with clinicians to assure, monitor and improve the quality of care provided by the NHS. Clinicians will remain responsible for their clinical judgment in relation to individual patients, although they will be expected to take account of national clinical guidance and of the evidence on which it is based.

  Most responses to "A First Class Service" were supportive of the proposals for the Commission for Health Improvement and the Government's quality strategy as a whole.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made regarding the additional manpower required for the Commission for Health Improvement. [93920]

  Mr. Denham
  The Commission will be an independent body and it will therefore be for the Commission itself to decide its manpower requirements. In doing so, it will need to be aware of its duty to carry out its functions effectively, efficiently and economically.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement regarding the powers of the Commission for Health Improvement to criticise individual doctors. [93922]

  Mr. Denham
  It is not the aim of the Commission for Health Improvement to assess or publicise the performance of individual clinicians. The Commission will look at organisational systems to assure and improve the quality of services.

  The Commission's powers to disclose confidential information about individuals is strictly limited in the Health Act 1999. In line with these restrictions, if the Commission does find evidence of individual poor performance it will draw this to the attention of the employing organisation for them to take action. It may also, if appropriate, draw this to the attention of the professional regulatory body concerned.

  NICE/CHIMP Running Costs
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the annual running costs of(a) the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and (b) the Commission for Health Improvement. [93919]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence's total budget is £9.8 million. NICE will determine its own running costs. However, we expect them to maintain their running costs at a reasonable level to ensure that as much funding as possible is made available for its work programme.

  The Explanatory Notes for the Health Act 1999 cited the estimated annual running costs for the Commission for Health Improvement for 2000–01 at around £7 million.

  Staff Shortages Survey
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the findings of his staff shortages survey will be published. [93876]

  Mr. Denham
  The results of the recruitment, retention and vacancies survey were published on 10 September and have been placed in the Library.

  Drug Prices
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement regarding the change in the number of category D entries appearing in the Drug Tariff published by The Stationery Office each month since February. [93878]

  Mr. Hutton
  Drugs are added to Category D of Part VIII of the Drug Tariff when community pharmacies are having difficulty obtaining supplies of generic drugs at Drug Tariff price. The closure of a significant manufacturer of generics last December, combined with the relocation of some manufacturing facilities at the beginning of the year, and the transfer of products from bulk to smaller packs has meant that a wider range of products than normal have been in short supply, and hence an unusually large number of products have been included in Category D.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what dates Special Advisers from his Department have visited the United States of America on official business since 1 May 1997; which of his Special Advisers took part in each visit; and if he will list the meetings which these Special Advisers held with members and officials of the United States Government during each visit, specifying the date and location of each meeting and the names of the US members and officials at each meeting. [93945]
  608
  Ms Stuart
  Between 1 May 1997 and 18 October 1999, the Special Advisers to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health have visited the United States of America on two occasions in an official capacity as listed.

  Date: 4-7 February 1998

  Destination: Washington DC

  Special adviser: Simon Stevens.

  Accompanying my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to meeting with President Clinton.

  Date: 21-23 October 1998

  Destination: Washington DC

  Special adviser: Simon Stevens.

  Accompanying my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State at the International Health Policy meeting and meeting with the Secretary for Health and Human Services.

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

  Hospital Beds
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish the findings of the inquiry into the level of provision of beds in NHS hospitals; and if he will make statement. [94794]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Beds Inquiry is nearing completion. Its findings will be published in due course.

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 20 October. [94071]

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

  Working Families' Tax Credit
  Working Families' Tax Credit
  EMU
  EMU
  Benefits System Reform: Secretary of State's Speech
  Benefits System Reform: Secretary of State's Speech
  Young First-time Offenders, Scotland
  Young First-time Offenders, Scotland
  House of Lords Car Park
  House of Lords Car Park