Written Answers of 21 October 1999

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Coral Nurseries
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made in the development of measures to protect coral and related nurseries for fish. [93493]

  Mr. Mullin
  The UK is a founding member of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), a co-ordination mechanism aimed at promoting coral reef protection and sustainable use of coral reef resources world-wide. One of the functions of ICRI is to provide a framework for supporting the development of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN).

  Since February 1997 the UK Government have funded the development of the South Asia node of the GCRMN in India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. This has already successfully established the foundations of an effective coral reef management mechanism in the region.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions visited the Maldives earlier this year and saw this programme in action. Whilst he was there, he was able to announce £300,000 of additional UK funding from the Department for International Development, which will assist countries of the region further to strengthen their national coral reef information systems. It will also enable local people to be trained in a wider range of data analysis and its use in coral reef management and will provide continuing advice to the national institutions implementing the monitoring programme.

  In the past, the failure to undertake routine monitoring has been a significant constraint to effective protection and management of coral reefs. This UK funded programme has established a model which can be applied to other reef systems as a basis for helping poor coastal communities to optimise sustainable benefits from coral reef resources, including fisheries.

  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 United Kingdom Government's position on the Biosafety Protocol; and if he will make a statement. [94871]

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

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Sub-post Offices
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the implications for sub-post offices of the industrial tribunal ruling of 27 September that sub-postmasters and mistresses are entitled to receive the national minimum wage. [95175]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  It is too early to comment on any broader implications for the sub-post office network of the Inverness Employment Tribunal's decision on the pre-hearing of the case brought by Mrs. Elizabeth Bain, the sub-postmistress at Tore, that she is entitled to be paid the national minimum wage. I understand from the Post Office that nationally there are fewer than 1,500 sub-postmasters and post-mistresses for whom the Tribunal's decision is likely to affect their remuneration arrangements with the Post Office.

  Fixed Rate Export Finance Scheme
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the future of the ECGD's Fixed Rate Export Finance scheme. [95430]

  Mr. Caborn
  ECGD is in active discussion with representatives of the British Bankers Association on a successor to the FREF Scheme that expired on 30 September. To allow time for these discussions to be completed, and for an appropriate successor scheme to be put in place, the scheme has been rolled forward for a further two months to the end of November.

  Millennium Compliance
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made by UK offshore oil and gas producers and oil companies in dealing with the millennium bug; and what measures have been taken by his Department to ensure the security of concessionary coal supplies over this period. [95427]

  Ms Hewitt
  I can now report the findings of the independent assessment process established by the DTI which confirms that UK oil and gas producers and oil suppliers have now attained a 100 per cent. Blue status against the Action 2000 assessment criteria and are now assessed as ready to ensure that it will be business as usual and that there should be no major disruption to supplies due to the Year 2000 threat to computer systems. The DTI has been pleased to take on the role of "responsible body" reporting to the Action 2000 national infrastructure forum on the year 2000 preparations being made by the oil industry and UK's offshore oil and gas producers.

  The DTI has approached this task in a systematic and thorough way, making full use of the industry's own resources. It has engaged WS Atkins Consultants Ltd.—an internationally known and highly respected engineering consultancy with extensive experience within the oil and gas industry—to validate independently the process adopted and its results. The industry has fully supported this important work and provided full and frank access to all the relevant information and staff.
  611
  The independent verification approach adopted by DTI has been agreed with Action 2000 and designed to build on the work already in hand by offshore and onshore companies to avoid duplication of effort. It has been closely supported by the relevant trade associations (UKOOA—offshore oil operators association, UKPIAUK Petroleum Industry Association and AUKOI—Association of UK Oil Independents).

  For the offshore sector, DTI arranged for companies to conduct a stringent assessment process supported by UKOOA, which involved preparation of a report on each operator's state of readiness and its independent confirmation by either a "peer group assessor" or an external consultant.

  To enhance further the independent element in this process, WS Atkins carried out a programme of visits to review the process adopted, the supporting data and its conclusions. The format and extent of the visit programme was determined by WS Atkins. It covered all the key elements of the offshore oil and gas industry including production and onshore terminal/pipeline facilities, and was designed to ensure they could reach a fair view on the overall status of the upstream industry.

  For the downstream oil sector covering the supply and distribution of refined oil products, WS Atkins were engaged to carry out a more intensive role. They prepared and issued on behalf of DTI a detailed and closely targeted questionnaire to all the main downstream players. Following a detailed analysis of the responses WS Atkins conducted a series of detailed on site follow-up visits designed to validate the questionnaire responses. Officials from DTI and other interested Government Departments also participated in some of the visits.

  Again, the visit programme was determined by WS Atkins and designed to ensure that they were able to form a fair view of the overall status of the downstream industry. The programme was carefully planned to cover all aspects of the industry. It looked vertically through the supply chain and covered refining, pipelines, distribution terminals, and retail outlets. It embraced all sectors of the industry from the majors, and hypermarkets through mid-size players to smaller retailers. It extended throughout the UK covering locations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

  Throughout the process, DTI has worked closely with Action 2000, other responsible bodies and the various trade bodies to ensure nothing was overlooked and ensure that the process adopted reflected good year 2000 practice.

  At the National Infrastructure Forum meeting in January 1999, the industry attracted an overall "amber" assessment against the standard colour code adopted by Action 2000. I am pleased to report that WS Atkins have confirmed that the industry has since then made substantial progress both onshore and offshore, and has now attained 100 per cent. "blue" status. A copy of their summary reports has been placed in the Libraries of the House, and copies made available on the DTI internet site. WS Atkins have also confirmed that the validation process adopted by DTI provides an effective means of independently validating the industry's state of progress,
  612
  both in terms of its suitability to the offshore/onshore sector, and general good practice in relation to year 2000 risk assessment.

  In detail WS Atkins have awarded 100 per cent. "blue" status in respect of the upstream sector which covers firms engaged in the production and transport to shore of oil and gas, and related gas interconnectors. 100 per cent. "blue" status was also attained by those companies assessed in the downstream oil sector. The assessed companies are responsible for over 90 per cent. Of UK oil supplies and cover the receipt, refining, distribution and retail of oil products.

  The DTI has agreed a follow up plan with WS Atkins, to continue to monitor progress and carry out a further independent check visits to monitor the industry's ongoing readiness throughout the millennium period.

  Regarding coal, the Department is responsible for supplying concessionary fuel to some 90,000 former employees of British Coal. This accounts for 20-25 per cent. of all solid fuel for domestic use. Currently, two large coal companies are under contract to DTI for the supply and distribution of concessionary fuel (CPL Distribution Ltd. and T. H. Fergusson).

  The Department appointed Aon Risk Services Ltd. (risk management consultants) to assess the security of supply of concessionary fuel over the millennium period. This covered the fuel distributors as well as a number of major producers. In addition, Aon was asked to advise on the position in the wider retail market for household coal in so far that the same systems are used by the companies under contract to DTI for distributing concessionary supplies. Aon's conclusions are equally encouraging with all the main operators now assessed as achieving 100 per cent. blue rating. Aon will be involved in continued monitoring of the position.

  Gas and Electricity Regulation
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the Government's response to consultation on proposals to reform the system of gas and electricity regulation, and on his plans to assess the regulatory, environmental and equal treatment impact of the proposed Utilities Bill as a whole. [95429]

  Mrs. Liddell
  In October last year, the Government published a consultation paper on their proposals for reforming the system of gas and electricity regulation. After considering the responses, I have published a document which sets out the Government's proposals on the issues raised ("The Future of Gas and Electricity Regulation: The Government's Proposals for Legislation", DTI, 13 October 1999, ref. URN 99/1049). These proposals will form part of the Utilities Bill which the Government intend to introduce when parliamentary time permits.

  My Department has also published draft regulatory impact, environmental and equal treatment appraisals of the provisions to be sought in the Utilities Bill, requesting comments by 15 November.

  Copies of the documents have been placed in the Library of the House, as has a list of the names of those who responded to the consultation document and who

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  were content for their names and views to be made public. The responses themselves, with the exception of those from parties who made a request for confidentiality, have been placed in the library of the Department of Trade and Industry, where they are available for inspection.

  Subsidence Compensation Scheme
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to receive the Coal Authority's Fifth report on the administration of the Coal-Mining Subsidence Damage Repair and Compensation scheme. [95431]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have now received this report from the Coal Authority and have arranged for copies to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses today.

  Employment Relations Act 1999
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which sections of the Employment Relations Act 1999 have been implemented and on what date; and what is the timetable for the remaining sections. [94791]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The first commencement order (S.I. 1999/2509) for the Act was made on 8 September, bringing sections 38 and 42 into force on 9 September and section 18(6) on 30 September.

  The second commencement order (S.I. 1999/2830) was made on 14 October. Under it, sections 2, 3, 13(1) to (3), 18(1) to (5), 19 to 23, 26 to 33, 34(4), 35, 36(1) (in part), 37, 39, 40 and 43, Schedules 2 and 6 and paragraphs 1, 2, 5 (in part), 6 and 8 of Schedule 7 will come into force on 25 October and sections 7 to 9 and Schedule 4 will come into force on 15 December. The corresponding provisions of section 44 and Schedule 9 (repeals) will come into force on 25 October or 15 December as appropriate.

  It is intended that the remaining provisions in the Act should be brought into force over the coming year, including, by Easter, new rules on industrial action ballots and notices (section 4 and Schedule 3), new protections for unfairly dismissed strikers (section 16 and Schedule 5) and better access for national security staff to employment tribunals (section 41 and Schedule 8), and, shortly thereafter, the new right to be accompanied in disciplinary and grievance hearings (sections 10 to 15) and the statutory trade union recognition scheme and associated provisions (sections 1, 5, 6 and 25 and Schedule 1).

  Raventhorpe Power Station
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will announce his decision on ABB Energy Development Co Ltd's application to construct and operate a combined cycle gas turbine power station at Raventhorpe, Scunthorpe. [95428]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have today decided to give a direction under section 14(3) of the Energy Act 1976 to prevent the building of a 450 MW generating station to be fuelled by natural gas at Raventhorpe, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire.

  Copies of the press notice and decision letter are being placed in the Library of the House.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Household Incomes
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to publish the next analysis in the Households Below Average Income series. [94700]

  Angela Eagle
  Results to 1997–98 were published on 14 October and copies have been placed in the Library.

  We hope to publish the next edition in the summer of 2000.

  Departmental Publications
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the titles of the in-house publications and newsletters which were produced for the staff of his Department, excluding non-departmental public 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. [93847]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is as follows:
  "The Quarterly"; forerunner of "DSS News". First produced Autumn 1991, (ceased publication 1998), was issued quarterly."DSS News"; information for staff on current Departmental issues—input from Ministers and Permanent Secretary. First produced April 1998 and issued every two months."Leisure"; sports and social information on recreational events/activities for DH/DSS staff. First produced pre 1994 and issued monthly."The Weekly"; staff vacancies and moves, personnel issues, general issues affecting staff. First produced in current format pre 1994 and issued weekly."Cascade"; single information sheet issued by senior officials to inform staff of current policy or personnel issues. First produced 1998 and issued on an ad hoc basis as and when needed."Network" (now renamed "Oracle"); update by senior official on policy issues for staff in policy branches. First produced 1997 (ceased publication 1999). Issued monthly.
  None of these publications carries a protective security marking.

  In addition to those listed, individual branches may, from time to time, issue newsletters to their own staff. These have limited circulation and would not be distributed generally. Letters may also be issued to staff from time to time on an ad hoc basis on issues affecting staff.

  Cold Weather Payments
  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to announce the outcome of the annual review of the cold weather payments scheme; and if he will make a statement. [95495]

  Angela Eagle
  Following advice from the Meteorological Office, the annual review of the Cold Weather Payments scheme has now been completed. Amending regulations were laid on 11 October 1999 and will come into force on 1 November, in time for the beginning of the winter period.

  Four of the weather stations used in the scheme last winter have been replaced. Abbotsinch (Glasgow Airport), Turnhouse (Edinburgh Airport), Portland and

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  Southampton. They will be replaced respectively by the stations at Bishopton, Edinburgh Gogarbank, Isle of Portland and Thorney Island. Thorney Island is an existing weather station which is already used in the scheme. In addition, a station at Lake Vyrnwy in North Wales has been added to the scheme to improve representation in that area. There have also been some changes by Royal Mail to postcodes which have been reflected in the amending regulations.

  Cold weather payments are separate from, and in addition to, winter fuel payments which are paid only to pensioners.

  I have written to each of the hon. Members affected by the changes.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Public Lending Right
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many authors have received their maximum entitlement from the Public Lending Right. [94457]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  In the last financial year, 1998–99, 100 authors received the maximum entitlement of £6,000 from the Public Lending Right.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what assessment he has made of the operation of the Public Lending Right. [94455]

  (2) what plans he has to increase funding of the Public Lending Right. [94456]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I are currently considering a range of proposals, following a review of the scheme by the Public Lending Right's Advisory Committee. We will be consulting on our response to the review very shortly. The Department greatly values the Public Lending Right scheme and last year found extra funding to maintain the rate per loan. We have also provided increases in funding for the next three years and are currently consulting on an increase in the rate per loan from £2.07 to £2.18. However, we have no plans at present to raise further the allocation to the Public Lending Right. Any bid for increased funding would need to be considered alongside the Department's other programmes.

  Digital Terrestrial Signals
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of relay stations which will require alteration to deliver digital terrestrial signals to 95 per cent. of households. [94445]

  Janet Anderson
  The Independent Television Commission and the BBC are jointly responsible for the provision of digital terrestrial television services in the UK. They are considering, in consultation with the digital broadcasters, the Government, and other interested parties, how to develop the coverage of digital television throughout the UK so that the 99.4 per cent. of consumers who currently receive analogue television can receive the main free-to-air channels digitally.
  616
  No estimate is yet available of the number of relay stations which may be required in respect of digital terrestrial signals. The Government have indicated separately that they want to make sure that 95 per cent. of consumers have access to digital equipment before analogue switch-over is completed.

  PFA Annual Dinner
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to attend the next Professional Footballers' Association annual dinner; and if he will make a statement on his policy in relation to(a) his attendance and (b) his officials' attendance at future PFA social occasions. [94384]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]: Since the last general election no DCMS Minister or official has attended the PFA annual awards dinner. My Department has not yet received any invitations for future PFA social events to date.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Oral Statements
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list(a) the reports published by her Department and its associated bodies, (b) the reports received from bodies set up by her Department, (c) the decisions her Department has taken and (d) events in the UK and elsewhere, since 27 July, which satisfied the criteria she uses for deciding whether to apply to make oral statements to the House when the House is sitting. [93980]

  Clare Short
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Council on 19 October 1999,Official Report, column 429.

  Montreal Conference
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received from the Like-Minded Group on the forthcoming negotiations at the Extraordinary Conference of the Parties in Montreal in January 2000; and if he will make a statement. [94870]

  Clare Short
  I have not received any representations from the like-minded group of 120 developing countries on the forthcoming negotiations in Montreal.

SCOTLAND

  Environment Protection Agency
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the third annual report of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency will be published. [95459]

  Dr. Reid
  The Scottish Environment Protection Agency published its Third Annual Report and Accounts today. The report contains details of the progress made by SEPA during the period 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999, the Agency's third year of operation. Copies of the Annual Report and Accounts have been placed in the Library.

  Departmental Funding
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will provide a breakdown of the running costs of his office to cover(a) staff salaries, (b) office accommodation, (c) residential accommodation, (d) administration and (e) others; and if he will make a statement; [94055]

  (2) if he will provide a breakdown of the difference between the funds allocated to him by Parliament and the funds to be included in the Scottish Consolidated Fund for the years (a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02; and if he will make a statement; [94054]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the discussions he has had with the First Minister of the Scottish Executive on the proportion of the funds allocated to the Secretary of State for Scotland that he proposes to use to perform his duties. [940571

  Dr. Reid
  The provision for grant payable to the Scottish Consolidated Fund, other grants and the running cost provision for my Department are set out in the Estimates for Class XIII, Vote 1. Details for the current year were set out in the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Murphy) on 11 June 1999,Official Report, columns 412-13.

  I have since been reviewing the role and functions of my Department and I have discussed these matters with the First Minister on a number of occasions. I will make a further statement in due course. No decisions have yet been taken about the provision for the Scotland Office for future years.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for an improved level of telephone access for asylum seekers after the Immigration Service takes over responsibility for paying their benefit and responding to inquiries; and if he will make a statement. [93985]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Home Office will be responsible for providing support to asylum seekers under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Bill (when enacted and implemented).

  Quantities of controlled drugs seized in the UK by police and Customs, and by the Merseyside Police Force, 1995–97

  1995

  UK police

  Customs

  Total

  Merseyside police

  Class A

  Cocaine

  63.5

  589.4

  652.9

  15.0

  Crack

  9.4

  9.8

  19.2

  0.1

  Heroin

  362.7

  1,031.8

  1,394.5

  66.6

  LSD

  352.0

  29.8

  381.8

  2.0

  Ecstasy-type

  475.8

  79.2

  555.0

  29.8

  Methadone

  50.7

  0.0

  50.7

  1.6

  Other

  11.7

  10.2

  21.9

  0.0

  Class B

  Cannabis (herbal)

  1,134.0

  12,737.5

  13,871.5

  53.8

  Cannabis plants

  96,208

  96

  96,304

  1,918

  Cannabis resin

  4,821.7

  39,776.2

  44,597.9

  344.0

  618
  Asylum seekers and their dependants who apply to the Asylum Support Directorate within the Immigration and Nationality Directorate will, under the new arrangements, contact staff within the new Directorate for information and inquiries about support.

  We propose to have a single inquiry number for the new Asylum Support Directorate. The service provided will incorporate assisted call routing facilities to minimise the likelihood of calls being re-routed.

  The number will be publicised and known to agencies with whom potential applicants may have contact prior to making a support application.

  Callers requiring application forms will be asked to leave mailing details. Callers who need to speak directly with the caseworker responsible for their support will be able to do so.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list all the proposed offices the Immigration Service will operate to deal with asylum seekers benefit and inquiries; what hours they will be open; what estimate he has made of(a) the average and (b) the farthest distance an asylum seeker is likely to have to travel to the nearest office; and if he will make a statement. [93983]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Asylum Support Directorate will be located in Quest House and possibly other accommodation in Croydon. Quest House will have a public caller unit to enable asylum seekers, who would otherwise be destitute, to seek support. But the Asylum Support Directorate proposes to grant fund the voluntary sector to arrange for them to provide reception centres at some major ports and at one-stop shops around the country. The locations and opening times of these centres have yet to be determined.

  Drugs
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what amount of drugs has been taken out of circulation in each year since 1995 within the UK, by type; [94519]

  (2) what amount of drugs have been taken out of circulation annually in Merseyside since 1995, by type. [94520]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is given in the table, which covers the period 1995–1997, the latest for which date are available. It is hoped to publish 1998 figures by the end of the year.
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  Quantities of controlled drugs seized in the UK by police and Customs, and by the Merseyside Police Force, 1995–97

  1995

  UK police

  Customs

  Total

  Merseyside police

  Cannabis liquid

  2.9

  2.7

  5.6

  0.0

  Amphetamines

  447.1

  372.2

  819.3

  11.4

  Other

  0.4

  0.9

  1.3

  0.0

  Class C

  Benzodiazepines

  4.8

  0.0

  4.8

  0.0

  Temazepam

  0.1

  0.0

  0.1

  0.0

  Anabolic Steroids

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other

  0.6

  0.0

  0.6

  0.0

  Class unknown

  8.6

  0.0

  8.6

  0.0

  1996

  UK police

  Customs

  Total

  Merseyside police

  Class A

  Cocaine

  55.4

  1,155.6

  1,211.0

  1.1

  Crack

  6.3

  2.0

  8.3

  0.0

  Heroin

  329.1

  741.0

  1,070.1

  5.1

  LSD

  98.1

  118.4

  216.5

  0.7

  Ecstasy-type

  946.9

  4,851.1

  5,798.0

  24.1

  Methadone

  87.4

  0.0

  87.4

  2.3

  Other

  32.7

  12.4

  45.1

  0.0

  Class B

  Cannabis (herbal)

  3,838.4

  30,535.9

  34,374.3

  32.5

  Cannabis plants

  115,746

  472

  116,218

  4,053

  Cannabis resin

  20,799.3

  46,137.4

  66,936.7

  116.1

  Cannabis liquid

  1.4

  16.2

  17.6

  0.0

  Amphetamines

  1,783.9

  840.8

  2,624.7

  22.6

  Other

  1.5

  0.0

  1.5

  0.0

  Class C

  Benzodiazepines

  2.3

  0.0

  2.3

  0.0

  Temazepam

  3.6

  1.8

  5.4

  0.0

  Anabolic Steroids

  3.0

  0.8

  3.8

  0.0

  Other

  51.4

  2.0

  53.4

  0.0

  Class unknown

  1.1

  3.3

  4.4

  0.0

  1997

  UK police

  Customs

  Total

  Merseyside police

  Class A

  Cocaine

  279.0

  2,071.2

  2,350.2

  3.3

  Crack

  31.4

  2.1

  33.5

  2.3

  Heroin

  488.7

  1,747.2

  2,235.9

  8.6

  LSD

  162.4

  1.7

  164.1

  3.1

  Ecstasy-type

  4,643.7

  1,461.1

  6,104.8

  14.0

  Methadone

  115.8

  1.5

  117.3

  3.0

  Other

  13.2

  18.1

  31.3

  1.0

  Class B

  Cannabis (herbal)

  8,289.8

  22,830.4

  31,120.2

  31.1

  Cannabis plants

  114,948

  40

  114,988

  454

  Cannabis resin

  64,824.2

  54,025.0

  118,849.2

  612.6

  Cannabis liquid

  1.8

  24.8

  26.6

  0.5

  Amphetamines

  2,360.6

  935.1

  3,295.7

  21.2

  Other

  2.4

  0.0

  2.4

  0.0

  Class C

  Benzodiazepines

  2.0

  0.1

  2.1

  0.0

  Temazepam

  4.0

  0.0

  4.0

  0.0

  Anabolic Steroids

  7.1

  448.4

  455.5

  0.0

  Other

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Class unknown

  4.9

  3.0

  7.9

  0.0

  Notes:

  1. All quantities are in kilograms except for LSD and Ecstasy-type (thousands of doses) and cannabis plants (number of plants).

  2. Anabolic steroids became controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 on 1 September 1996.

  3. Figures for 1998 will not be available until the end of the year.

  Source:

  Drug Research and Statistics Section, Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate
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  Walton Prison
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what remedial assistance people who are convicted and imprisoned of a drug-related crime obtain in Walton Prison. [94518]

  Mr. Boateng
  All prisoners received into Liverpool prison, known locally as Walton, are screened in relation to drug abuse, regardless of the nature of their offences. Those in need of detoxification are prescribed medication appropriate to their clinical needs, and if necessary located in the health care centre. They are referred to the prison drug clinic the day following reception.

  The prison has a designated wing which offers a 12-week programme of education, physical education and group work for prisoners with a substance abuse problem. Prisoners must remain drug free to participate in the programme. Individual counselling is also available.

  Each residential wing has a drug liaison officer who works with specialist support providers to offer counselling, advice and support to enable prisoners to remain drug free.

  The establishment has a throughcare team, seconded from a local drug agency, to offer support and advice and to help place prisoners with drug support agencies on release.

  Cyber Crime
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress made towards agreeing a Council of Europe Convention on Cyber Crime. [94129]

  Mr. Boateng
  Proposals for a Convention have been prepared by a Committee of Experts drawn from 16 member states of the Council of Europe. Experts from a number of other states, including the United Kingdom, attend as observers and in practice participate fully in the discussions.

  The Committee, which began its work in September 1997, was due to conclude at the end of this year but, due to the complexity of the issues, its remit has been extended until December 2000. The Committee's proposals, when completed, will be referred for consideration to the European Committee on Crime Problems, on which all member states at the Council of Europe are represented. The Convention will ultimately be referred for adoption to the Committee of Ministers.

  The Committee of Experts is examining draft provisions which would:
  require state parties to ensure that their criminal law includes offences against the integrity, confidentiality and availability of computer data; copyright and related offences; and content related offences such as the possession and distribution via the internet of child pornography;minimise the problem of negative jurisdiction conflicts, where perpetrators of computer crime escape prosecution because the conduct and the mischief it causes occur in different jurisdictions;put in place arrangements for expedited mutual legal assistance between state parties, where delay risks the loss of vulnerable data required as evidence of computer crime. This includes a proposal that state parties should be able to request or require 622 data holders to preserve for a short period information required as evidence for a domestic or foreign criminal proceeding, while aproduction order is obtained from a judicial authority;and provide for extradition of persons accused of computer and internet related offences.
  The committee is also discussing whether to propose the inclusion of measures to facilitate co-operation between state parties on the tracing, interception or decryption of internet-related communications relating to criminal activity on the internet.

  The Government have been taking advice on a number of the issues from the Forum established by the Association of Chief Police Officers with representatives of internet service providers (known as the ACPO/ Government/ISP Forum).

  Harassment
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were prosecuted for harassment between September 1998 and May 1999; and if he will make a statement on the working of the Protection from Harassment Act 1996. [94389]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The available data from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database, covering the period from September 1998 to March 1999 inclusive, are given in the table. Provisional data for the second quarter of this year will not be available until December.

  A research project to assess the use and effectiveness of the Protection from Harassment Act 1996 is in progress. A report is expected to be published at the beginning of next year.

  Number of persons proceeded against at magistrates' courts for offences under s2 and s4 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, England and Wales, September 1998 to March 19991

  Offence

  September 1998 to March 1999

  Section 2—Offence of harassment (summary)

  2,918

  Section 4—Putting people in fear of violence

  888

  1All data are provisional

  Oral Statements
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [93969]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer to the reply given to the hon. Member by my right hon. Friend, the President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons on 19 October 1999,Official Report, columns 429-30.

  Departmental Publications
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the titles of the in-house publications and newsletters which were produced for the staff of his Department, excluding nondepartmental public bodies and agencies, in the last
  623
  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. [93845]

  Mr. Straw
  The Home Office produces a range of in-house publications and newsletters for its staff, falling into the broad categories shown. All of the items in this list are, or were, made available to all or most Home Office staff. Not included in the list are items with a limited distribution or covering specialist areas.

  None of these publications had, or has, a secrecy classification.

  Newsletters

  Title

  Date first produced

  Frequency of issue

  Inside Track

  October 1995

  10 issues a year

  HO.tline

  July 1998

  fortnightly

  In Touch

  July 1998

  ad hoc

  Home Office Review1

  July 1995

  13 issues to August 1996

  Home Office Bulletin1

  March 1991 to July 1995

  monthly

  Personnel News1

  January 1995

  ad hoc

  IT@Home Office1

  January 1996

  quarterly

  POISE newsletter1

  March 1994

  monthly

  1 These items have ceased publication

  In addition, the Home Office produces a wide range of office notices and guidance for staff, which is updated as necessary.

  Many people now receive their Home Office notices and some other professional guidance electronically through HORIZON, the Home Office intranet, or through disks copied onto their own networks. Only people who do not have access to a network will receive hard copies, which saves on printing costs.

  Over 3,500 staff in the Home Office's central estate, at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in Croydon, and at some outstations now have access to HORIZON.

  Guidance on the Code of Practice on Access to Official Information has been made available to all staff in the Home Office notice on Open Government featured in the list, and further information is available on HORIZON and on the internet.

  Benzodiazepine
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to review the classification of benzodiazepine drugs; [93721]

  (2) what action he is taking to prevent the illegal trade of benzodiazepine drugs. [93720]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The benzodiazepine drugs are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as Class C drugs. They have licit uses as medicines and are subject to controls on their production and supply. They are currently exempted, however, from controls on their import, export and on their possession unless in base form.

  The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) which advises the Government on drug misuse issues reviewed the controls on, and misuse of, these drugs last year. It recommended that additional controls
  624
  should be introduced on their import, export and possession. The Government are actively considering the Advisory Council's recommendations.

  LD50 Test
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on abolishing the LD50 test. [95670]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We will vary, or revoke, any licence which authorises the use of the LD50 test (as defined by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guideline 401) and which was issued since 5 September 1998. On this date, amendments to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 came into effect.

  We have accepted legal advice that Section 5(5) of the Act as amended does not allow licensing of the LD50 test for the purpose of meeting international regulatory requirements. The general principle is that a test will be licensed only where there is no scientifically valid and reasonably practicable and accepted alternative.

  In accord with this principle, we will also review all authorities to use the LD50 test in licences issued before September 1998.

  Freedom of Information Bill
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to make available the responses to the public consultation on the draft Freedom of Information Bill. [95671]

  Mr. Straw
  I have placed copies in the Library today, where they will be held for six months. I intend to announce tomorrow the changes to the draft Freedom of Information Bill which arise from the Government's response to the consultation exercise and pre-legislative scrutiny.

  Police Recruitment
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers were recruited to police forces in England and Wales in each of the last three years for which figures are available and in total for the period; and if he will make a statement. [94767]

  Mr. Straw
  The total number of police officers recruited by police forces in England and Wales in each of the last three years are:

  Year

  Number

  1996–97

  6,450

  1997–98

  6,543

  1998–99

  5,391

  Total

  18,384

  These figures include transfers between forces and have been supplied by the Home Office Research and Statistics Directorate.
  625
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are planned to be recruited to police forces in England and Wales in each of the next three years and in total for the period; and if he will make a statement. [94768]

  Mr. Straw
  In my announcement on 30 September about the Crime Fighting Fund, the planning estimate I used was 11,000 recruits over the next three years. The basis of this estimate is currently being examined. I shall report the outcome to the House as soon as possible. We shall shortly be asking forces for detailed estimates of their planned recruitment over the next three years in order to assess their bids for money from the Crime Fighting Fund.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers retired, resigned or were dismissed from police forces in England and Wales in each of the last three years for which figures are available and in total for the period; and if he will make a statement. [94769]

  Mr. Straw
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Total wastage for all police forces in England and Wales from 1996–97 to 1998–991 (all figures obtained from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary)

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Retirements1

  4,478

  4,807

  4,204

  Resignations

  739

  924

  1,189

  Dismissals

  126

  154

  176

  Total

  5,343

  5,885

  5,569

  1 Covers both ordinary retirements and ill health retirements

  Case Record and Management System
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement concerning progress on implementing the information technology Case Record and Management System in the probation service; [94771]

  (2) how many probation services currently use the Case Record and Management System; and if he will make a statement. [94774]

  Mr. Boateng
  Forty-four probation services are currently using Case Record and Management System. Of these:Six are currently training their staff to use it;
  Twenty-seven use it and classify themselves as fully dependent on it; and
  Eleven classify themselves as partially dependent on it (they are using only some functions or it has only been deployed to some of their offices).

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to replace the Case Record and Management System with an alternative information technology system; if a tender has been put out for an alternative system to CRAMS; and if he will make a statement. [94772]
  626
  Mr. Boateng
  Case Record and Management System now needs to be re-developed in order better to support the modernisation of the probation service, including important developments such as the evidence-based programmes to reduce the likelihood of re-offending, the new joint probation-prisons offender assessment system (OASys), and the new National Standards for the supervision of offenders. Its successor will also need to facilitate connections to other parts of the criminal justice system and the time is now right to take advantage of the further advances in information technology.

  A user requirement is currently being developed and the work will be put out to tender in due course.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total cost to date of developing and implementing the Case Record and Management System in the probation service; what was the original expected cost of the system; and if he will make a statement. [94773]

  Mr. Boateng
  There have been four major release versions of Case Record and Management System. The total development cost of these was £3.2 million which is in line with original estimates. The total implementation cost of the four versions was £1.4 million. This is £300,000 more than the estimated cost of implementation, largely for reasons of Year 2000 compliance.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if a year 2000 compliant version of the Case Record and Management System has been made available to probation services; how many probation services are using such a system; and if he will make a statement. [94775]

  Mr. Boateng
  A year 2000 complaint version of Case Record and Management System is currently being rolled out to probation services. The rollout is on schedule and by the end of this week 26 probation services will have it. The rollout is due to be completed by 17 November.

HEALTH

  Drugs
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from the health trusts in Lancashire with regard to the availability of drugs through the NHS; and what discussions he has held with them. [94186]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]We have received no such representations, neither have we discussed the matter with any of the trusts concerned.

  Dentists
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of NHS dentists by region in each year since 1995. [94316]

  Mr. Hutton
  The table sets out the number of National Health Service dentists providing treatment under the NHS in the General Dental Service, Salaried Dental Service, Hospital Dental Service and Community Dental Service by region in England at 30 September each year.
  627

  The number of general1, salaried2, community3 and hospital dental service3 dentists by health region, England

  30 September

  Health regions

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  England

  19,563

  19,978

  20,484

  21,041

  Northern and Yorkshire

  2,513

  2,427

  2,479

  2,532

  Trent

  1,615

  1,704

  1,801

  1,820

  Anglia and Oxford

  1,936

  1,983

  2,088

  2,152

  North Thames

  2,997

  3,097

  3,286

  3,406

  South Thames

  3,238

  3,308

  3,312

  3,348

  South and West

  2,711

  2,748

  2,823

  2,985

  West Midlands

  1,842

  1,863

  1,939

  1,982

  North West

  2,630

  2,737

  2,778

  2,836

  1 GDS dentists include principals, assistants and vocational dental practitioners.

  2 Salaried dentists are those in post as reported by HAs; 1995 figures are for the Number of contracts.

  3 Dentists are counted in each region in which they work. The figures include some double counting as a dentist may practise in more than one of the dental services. This explains the apparent disparity between the sums of regions and England totals.

  World Mental Health Day
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Government's contribution to World Mental Health Day on 10 October. [94354]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has continued to support the World Mental Health Day campaign co-ordinated by the Health Education Authority. We have allocated £1 million in 1999 to support the campaign, an increase of 57 per cent. over last year. The campaign is an important element of our strategy to challenge discrimination and promote participation and inclusion as key positive steps for mental well being.

  Commission for Health Improvement
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the costs of establishing the Commission for Health Improvement. [93917]

  Mr. Denham
  The budget for the Commission for Health Improvement in 1999–2000 is £3 million. This money will be spent on the establishment and early development of the commission and will cover various costs including accommodation, staff recruitment and training, and the development of methodologies.

  Drug Prices
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which drugs will be reduced in price and by how much, consequent upon his agreement with NHS suppliers. [94029]

  Mr. Denham
  Under the 1999 Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme agreed with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, companies supplying branded medicines to the National Health Service to a value of more than £1 million per annum are required to reduce their prices by 4.5 per cent. from 1 October 1999. As an alternative to an across the board reduction, they are allowed to modulate the prices of these medicines by reductions that equate to an overall level of 4.5 per cent. Companies themselves decide on a commercial basis which medicines should be reduced in price and by how much and supply this information to the Prescription 628
  Pricing Authority. The Department monitors the sales of medicines to determine whether the modulation have achieved the necessary reduction.

  A list of the price reductions notified to the Department at the outset of the scheme has been placed in the Library. It should be noted that companies can remodulate their prices following the initial reduction. Up to date information on the prices of medicines is maintained in the pharmaceutical trade press, copies of which are in the Library.

DEFENCE

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many UK service men and service women were serving or were based in Sierra Leone on 1 September, including those serving on UK warships within the territorial waters of Sierra Leone; and if he will list(a) their units and (b) the units to which they were attached. [94618]

  Mr. Spellar
  There were 25 UK service personnel deployed to Sierra Leone on 1 September 1999, and were drawn from the following units:

  HQ (London District)

  HQ Royal Marines

  39 Regiment Royal Artillery

  3 Staffords

  9/12 Lancers

  RAF St. Mawgan

  RAF Innsworth

  Coldstream Guards

  Army Cookery School

  Royal Marines

  Royal Scots

  East of England Regiment

  Scots Guards

  City of Edinburgh University Officer Training Corps

  4 Royal Green Jackets (Volunteers)/Royal Irish

  Prince of Wales Royal Regiment

  Royal Highland Fusiliers.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many United Kingdom service men and service women have served or been based in Sierra Leone since the beginning of the summer Adjournment; and to which military units(a) they belong and (b) they were attached. [94617]

  Mr. Spellar
  Forty eight UK military personnel have deployed to Sierra Leone since 28 July 1999, of which 27 remain.
  629
  Personnel have been drawn from the following units:

  Permanent Joint Headquarters

  HQ London District

  HQ Royal Marines

  39 Regiment Royal Artillery

  3 Staffordshire Regiment

  9/12 Lancers

  RAF St. Mawgan

  RAF Innsworth

  Coldstream Guards

  Army Cookery School

  Irish Guards

  RAF High Wycombe

  RAF Linton on Ouse

  Commando Training Centre

  RM Royal Marine Reserve Bristol

  Royal Marines

  Royal Scots

  East of England Regiment

  Scots Guards

  City of Edinburgh University Officer Training Corps

  Royal Green Jackets (Volunteers)/Royal Irish

  Prince of Wales Royal Regiment

  Royal Highland Fusiliers

  Devon and Dorset

  Royal Anglian

  Parachute Regiment

  Royal Signals

  HQ Strike Command.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many UK service men and service women were(a) detained, (b) disarmed and (c) kidnapped by rebels, irregulars and other military units in Sierra Leone during August; and if he will state the names of their units and the names of units to which they were attached in each case. [94619]

  Mr. Spellar
  Seven UK military officers serving with UNOMSIL were abducted in early August. They were from the following units:

  HQ London District

  HQ Royal Marines

  9/12 Lancers

  39 Regiment Royal Artillery

  Coldstream Guards

  3 Staffordshire Regiment

  RAF Innsworth.

  In two subsequent and separate incidents, a UK military observer attached to UNOMSIL was briefly detained. One was from RAF Innsworth, and the other from 39 Regiment Royal Artillery.

  All personnel were released unharmed.

  UNOMSIL military observers are unarmed.

  Personnel
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the cost of providing 630
  accommodation and infrastructure for his Department's personnel relocated from Germany to the United Kingdom under the terms of the Strategic Defence Review. [94151]

  Mr. Hoon
  The current estimate of the cost of providing accommodation and infrastructure for personnel relocating from Germany to the United Kingdom under the SDR is of the order of £150 million. The cost of the programme will be spread over seven years. I expect that a proportion of the works will be delivered through Public Private Partnership. Once withdrawal is complete, I expect operating cost savings of some £13 million a year.

PRIME MINISTER

  Performance and Innovation Unit
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Prime Minister what future projects are planned for the Performance and Innovation Unit. [95073]

  The Prime Minister
  The Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) was established to improve the capacity of Government to identify and address strategic cross-cutting issues and promote innovation in the development of policy and in the delivery of the Government's objectives. The PIU project teams are drawn from both inside and outside Government, to ensure new thinking and a wide range of experience is brought to bear on the issues. Their reports make an important contribution to policy making.

  Further to the work announced in December 1998, the Modernising Government White Paper in March 1999 announced that the PIU is undertaking a project aimed at identifying the long-term strategic challenges facing Government. I have now asked the PIU to take on the following further projects:

  The Pursuit and Seizure of Criminal Assets
  To consider the role that following the money trail and seizing criminal assets can play in the fight against crime and how to maximise the effective use of these tools. My right hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield (Mr. McCartney), Minister of State, Cabinet Office is the sponsor Minister for this project.
  The Post Office network
  To identify the contribution made by post offices to the vitality of local communities, consider how the Post Office network can best contribute to the Government's objectives in the future and in the process formulate objectives for the Post Office network. My hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, South (Mr. Clarke), Minister of State, Home Office is the sponsor Minister.
  Social, Health, Environmental and Trade Objectives on the Global Stage
  To identify a coherent set of principles for comparing trade measures with other national and international measures for addressing social, health and environmental objectives. My hon. Friend the Member for Cunninghame, North (Mr. Wilson), Minister of State, Scotland Office is the sponsor Minister.
  The Use of Analysis and Modelling in Central Government
  To review Departments' capabilities for quantitative analysis and modelling in key areas of Government policy, including access to and the use made of data, to identify strengths and weaknesses and make cost-effective recommendations for change.
  The aim is to complete the first three projects next spring and the last by the end of the year.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Plutonium
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement in respect of the international safety implications arising from the plutonium shipment involving the Pacific Teal and the Pacific Pintail. [94716]

  Mr. Hain
  The shipment of MOX fuel to Japan was undertaken in full conformity with well established international non-proliferation safeguard procedures and physical protection regimes. In terms of the measures taken to minimise the risk of radiological accidents all shipments by sea are undertaken in full compliance with all the relevant international standards, regulations and recommendations relating to the transport by sea of hazardous cargoes and nuclear materials. The ships and containers used for this shipment met, and in certain cases exceeded, these requirements.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current political and military situation in Sierra Leone. [94616]

  Mr. Hain
  There has been clear and welcome progress in recent months in the peace process in Sierra Leone. The overall security situation, however, remains volatile.

  We welcome the signing of a Peace Agreement by the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front in Lomé on 7 July. The Agreement offers the people of Sierra Leone the real prospect of a sustainable peace. We support the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation to Sierra Leone.

  We expect all parties to honour the agreement and the accompanying ceasefire, and to implement these fully. An important first step will be early progress on the Disarmament, Demobilisations and Reintegration programme for former combatants.

  We welcome the return to Freetown on 3 October of Foday Sankoh, the leader of the RUF, and Johnny Paul Koroma, the leader for the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council. This is an important step forward in the peace process.

  I gave further details of how we have implemented our £10 million package of assistance in my written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Midlothian (Mr. Clarke) on 20 October 1999, Official Report, column 599.

  Small Arms Exports
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on policy towards the controlled export of small arms. [94141]

  Mr. Hain
  Pursuing a responsible and transparent policy on legal transfers of small arms from the UK, and encouraging other arms exporting countries to do likewise, is one of the main elements of our approach to combatting the problem of small arms proliferation.
  632
  All licence applications to export goods and technology on the UK Military List, including small arms, are assessed on a case-by-case basis against our national export licensing criteria and those in the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports. If there is a clear risk that the proposed export might be used for internal repression or international aggression, or would provoke, prolong or aggravate existing tensions or conflicts in the destination country, the application is refused. We also carefully consider the risk of the goods being diverted to an undesirable end-user and the effect of the proposed export on regional stability.

  We have encouraged non EU-member states to respect the principles of the EU Code of Conduct in their exports of military equipment, including small arms. We have also supported moves to address the issue of legal exports of small arms in the Wassenaar Arrangement for Export Controls on Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods.

  The EU Joint Action on Small Arms of December 1998 commits the UK and other member states to work for international acceptance of the principle that small arms specially designed for military use should be exported only to governments.

  India
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will meet with Ms Maneka Gandhi of the Ministry of Welfare in India, and Shri I. P. Gupta, Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to discuss the Jarawa people. [94391]

  Mr. Hain
  FCO Ministers have no plans to meet Ms Maneka Gandhi or Shri I. P. Gupta.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has held with the Indian Government regarding the reserve for Jarawa people on the Andaman Islands; and if he will make a statement. [94392]

  Mr. Hain
  We are aware of reports regarding the Jarawa people of the Andaman Islands and plans for their resettlement. We understand that these are the subject of an individual's application to the High Court of Calcutta (on which judgment has yet to be delivered). We have not discussed these plans with the Indian Government.

  Iran
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has(a) made and (b) proposes to make on the forthcoming visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister to the UK and (c) on his forthcoming visit to Iran concerning the position of the 13 Iranian Jews detained in Iran on alleged spying charges; and if he will make a statement. [94411]

  Mr. Hain
  We and our EU partners have pressed the Iranian authorities over this case and will continue to do so. As long ago as 20 May the German EU Presidency expressed concern at these detentions on behalf of EU member states, and a formal EU demarche to the Iranian government took place on 30 June.

  We have also told the Iranians of our concern bilaterally, both in Tehran and in London. We have pressed for a fair and open trial, and access for visitors and legal representatives. We have also pressed for access

  633
  for independent observers at any trial. Most recently the Foreign Secretary made these points to the Iranian Ambassador on 29 July. I reiterated them to him on 4 August. The Foreign Secretary also pressed Foreign Minister Kharrazi on this issue during their meeting at the United Nations General Assembly on 21 September. Our Ambassador in Tehran has spoken similarly to the Iranian authorities there.

  Neither the agenda for the Secretary of State's visit to Iran, nor Foreign Minister Kharrazi's visit here, have yet been decided. Should this issue still not be resolved, we will raise it again.

  Burma
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has taken following the imprisonment of James Mawdsley and Rachel Goldwyn in Burma; and if he will make a statement. [94606]

  Mr. Hain
  We have expressed our concerns to the Burmese authorities about the handling of these cases. Consular staff have visited James and Rachel; both confirmed they were well and had not been ill-treated. We will continue to visit regularly and stay in close touch with families. We have done and will continue to do everything we properly can to help.

  Biosafety Protocol
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the next meeting on the Biosafety Protocol will take place; what preparations are being made by his Department for input into the EU position; and if he will make a statement. [94827]

  Mr. Hain
  The resumed extra-ordinary conference of the Parties on Biosafety Protocol will take place in Montreal on 24-28 January 2000. My Department is working closely with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and other Government Departments in assessing the options put forward by other negotiating groups in the informal consultations in Vienna. Our posts are also active in feeding in information on developments in other countries for consideration in discussion with EU partners.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the prospects of the Extraordinary Conference of the parties meeting in Montreal under the auspices of the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity in January 2000 concluding the Biosafety Protocol. [94869]

  Mr. Hain
  Early agreement of a workable and effective Biosafety Protocol is an important objective for this Government. We welcomed the decision made by Minister Mayr to resume the extra-ordinary Conference of the parties to agree the Protocol and particularly the strong political commitment to complete the Protocol expressed by all negotiating groups at the informal consultations in September. Hard work is still needed to come to final agreement on the outstanding issues to be covered under the Protocol. We will be making every effort to promote successful completion of the negotiations.

  Sanctions
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list changes to sanctions regimes implemented by the UK since 26 July. [95494]

  Mr. Hain
  New measures have been introduced against Indonesia; certain measures against Libya have been lifted; and amendments have been made to measures in place against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Details are as follows:

  Indonesia
  On 16 September, the Council of the European Union adopted a Common Position (1999/624/CFSP) imposing restrictive measures against Indonesia. These measures are an embargo on the export of arms, munitions and military equipment; a ban on the supply of equipment which might be used for internal repression or terrorism; and the suspension of bilateral military cooperation.
  The embargo on the export of arms, munitions and military equipment is being applied to all goods and technology on the Military List which forms Part III of the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, as amended.
  The Common Position shall expire on 17 January 2000.
  Following from this Common Position, the EC adopted Regulation 2158/1999 on 11 October which prohibits:

  (a) the sale, supply, export or shipment, directly or indirectly, of equipment listed in an Annex to the Regulation, whether or not originating in the Community, to any person or body in the Republic of Indonesia or to any person or any body for the purpose of any business carried on in, or operated from, the territory of the Republic of Indonesia;

  (b) the participation in related activities the object of which is, directly or indirectly, to promote the transactions or activities referred to in (a) above.

  EU member states may authorise the transactions or activities referred to at (a) and (b) above in respect to certain items in the Annex when they have obtained conclusive evidence that the end use of these items is not for internal repression or terrorism.
  The Regulation applies within the territory of the Community including its air space and on board any aircraft or any vessel under the jurisdiction of a member state and to any person elsewhere who is a national of a member state and any body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a member state.
  The Regulation entered into force on 13 October and is directly applicable in the UK. Legislation has been introduced to provide for licensing and enforcement, including penalties. The Indonesia (Supply, Sale, Export and Shipment of Equipment) (Penalties and Licences) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/2822) came into force on 14 October.
  The Regulation shall expire on 17 January 2000.

  Libya
  On 13 September, the Council of the European Union adopted a Common Position (1999/611/CFSP) lifting a number of EU sanctions against Libya which were imposed in 1986. These measures were restrictions on the freedom of movement of Libyan diplomats and consular personnel; the reduction of staff of diplomatic and consular missions; and stricter visa requirements and procedures. The EU arms embargo against Libya, also imposed in 1986, remains in force.
  635
  Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY)
  On 3 September, the Council of the European Union adopted a Common Position (1999/604/CFSP) allowing exceptions to the EU oil embargo and flight ban in relation to Kosovo and Montenegro.Following from this Common Position, the EC adopted two Regulations.Regulation 2111/1999, adopted on 4 October, repeals and replaces Regulation 900/1999 prohibiting the sale and supply of petroleum and petroleum products to the FRY and provides for member states to authorise the sale, supply, export or shipment of such goods provided that the goods are shipped from the Community to Montenegro or Kosovo without transiting through other parts of Serbia and that the goods shall not leave the territory of Montenegro or Kosovo for any destination elsewhere in Serbia.The Regulation entered into force on 5 October and is directly applicable in the UK. Legislation has been introduced to provide for licensing and enforcement, including penalties. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Supply, Sale and Export of Petroleum and Petroleum Products) (Penalties and Licences) (No. 3) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/2821) came into force on 14 October.Regulation 2151/1999, adopted on 11 October, repeals and replaces Regulation 1064/1999 imposing a ban on flights between the European Community and the FRY and provides for member states to authorise specified flights between the territories of the Community and Montenegro or Kosovo provided that the points of departure, intermediate points and points of final destination in the FRY are located only in Montenegro or Kosovo.The Regulation entered into force on 12 October and is directly applicable in the UK.

TREASURY

  Departmental Publications
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list his Department's spending on official publications since May 1997. [93694]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The spending on official publications since May 1997—which includes the costs incurred by the Department in publishing, preparation, production and purchase of copies for official use—is estimated to be £1,040,000. This excludes the cost of publications produced for internal use. Where the Treasury makes use of a private sector publisher, printing and design costs are generally met by the publisher as part of their acceptance of the risk of publication.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Special Educational Needs Tribunal
  Ms Ryan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he proposes to undertake a review of the Special Educational Needs Tribunal. [95680]

  Jacqui Smith
  In accordance with the Government's policy of conducting quinquennial reviews of all non-departmental public bodies, the Department is launching today, in conjunction with the National Assembly for Wales, a review of the Special Educational 636
  Needs Tribunal. Following Cabinet office guidelines, the first stage of the review will take the form of a "prior options" study with the following terms of reference:
  to review the functions of the Special Educational Needs Tribunal, and the likely future need for those functions;
  to consider the powers, remit, constitutional status, membership and activities of the Special Educational Needs Tribunal;
  to consider whether, on efficiency grounds, some or all of the functions of the Special Educational Needs Tribunal can be carried out within an alternative organisational framework including by another public, private or voluntary body or otherwise within government;
  to review the efficiency and effectiveness of the Special Educational Needs Tribunal in carrying out its functions.
  The review will have particular regard to:
  the overriding objective that special educational provision should meet the needs of individual children; and
  compliance with the Human Rights Act 1998.

  We should welcome comments on those matters to be covered by the review from all those with an interest in the work of the Special Educational Needs Tribunal. Comments, which may be made public unless respondents specifically request otherwise, should be sent by 15 January 2000 to:

  Mrs. Susan Ashford

  Special Educational Needs Division

  Department for Education and Employment

  Sanctuary Buildings

  Great Smith Street

  Westminster

  London SW IP 3BT.

  The review should be completed by 29 April 2000. The findings will be published and made available to Parliament.

  Student Loans
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the current(a) number and (b) value of loans to students which have not been repaid by their due date; and if he will make a statement. [94742]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]: The Student Loans Company has informed me that at 31 August 1999 167,716 student loans accounts were in arrears. The total value of the arrears at that date was £70,062,402. These figures are for the United Kingdom. These arrears arise from mortgage style loans taken out under the previous scheme. The new loan system where repayments are directly linked to a borrower's income after leaving university or college and are repaid through the Inland Revenue should result in lower levels of arrears.

  Graduation Test
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he will take to ensure the separate identification of those who graduate under the Social Exclusion Unit's concept of graduation at Level 2 and those who graduate after taking a degree. [94765]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]: The Government have asked the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority to develop and consult on the

  637
  options for a common objective obtainable by all young people which will encourage them to participate in learning beyond 16 and to achieve to at least a Level 2 standard, as recommended in the Social Exclusion Report, "Bridging the Gap". As part of its remit, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority will consider, and consult upon, a name for such a certificate.

  Basic Skills Qualifications
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proposals he has for national qualifications in basic skills for adults. [94763]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]: Following the launch of "A Fresh Start", the report from Sir Claus Moser's working group on adult basic skills, the Government asked the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority to develop national standards for adult literacy and numeracy at Entry Level and Levels 1 and 2. Draft standards will be issued for consultation shortly. We are expecting the final standards to be published in Spring 2000.

  These standards will provide the base for the development of a core curriculum for adult basic skills and national tests at Levels 1 and 2. All recognised qualifications will need to be aligned with the new national standards. We have also asked the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority for advice on the link between national tests and qualifications.

  Education Provision
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements he will make for the coherence of the curriculum and the delivery of education between the post-and pre-16 sectors. [94758]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]: We have already introduced a number of initiatives which will lead to greater coherence between pre-16 and post-16 education and encourage progression throughout the 14-19 phase, as part of our overall drive to raise standards at all levels of education. We are increasing the range of qualifications on offer, and are increasing curriculum flexibility at Key Stage 4 (14-16) with enhanced opportunities for vocational study.

  As a follow up to the National Curriculum Review and in the context of responses to the White Paper "Learning to Succeed", we are looking at ways of increasing coherence in both the curriculum and the delivery of learning. We are working to create a culture where all young people continue in learning until 18 or 19.

  Key Skills
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on integration of key skills into the level 3 curriculum. [94737]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]: The Government want to encourage more young people to develop their key skills as a natural part of their post-16 education and training. We are therefore introducing from September 2000 a new qualification covering communication, application of number and information
  638
  technology. The intention is that individuals should study at the level appropriate to their own needs and to their main course of study. This will include level 3.

  Key Stage 4 Pupils
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many Key Stage 4 pupils there are in schools for which the National Curriculum is currently disapplied. [94733]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government are keen to encourage work-related learning at Key Stage 4. Under s363 of the Education Act 1996, two subjects can be disapplied to allow pupils to spend time in further education and work experience. 8,985 pupils followed this route last year. This year's figures are not yet available. This figure does not include pupils with special educational needs or those in the six schools which have applied under s362 of the 1996 Education Act to disapply all or part of the National Curriculum more generally.

  Young People
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people aged 16 to 18 were not in either education, training or work in each of the last five years. [94764]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]: The latest available information is in the table.

  Year

  Number

  Percentage of population

  1998 (provisional)

  173,000

  9

  1997

  167,000

  9

  1996

  160,000

  9

  1995

  152,000

  9

  1994

  148,000

  9

  Source:

  School, college, and trainee records, Labour Force Survey

  We are taking a strategic approach to reducing the number of 16-18 year olds not in education, training, or work, and to improving participation and attainment across the board.

  An enhanced strategy—called ConneXions—will ensure that far more young people continue in education and training until they are at least 19. Some initiatives under ConneXions, for example, Right to Time Off for Study or Training, will have begun to take effect from September this year. Further details of the ConneXions strategy will be announced shortly.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is chairing a Ministerial Steering Group to oversee the implementation of action recommended in "Bridging the Gap—New opportunities for 16-18-year-olds not in education employment or training", the Social Exclusion Unit's most recent report.

  Local Learning Partnerships
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has for involving students as members of local learning partnerships. [94682]
  639
  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]The White Paper "Learning to Succeed" both endorses the current remit of Learning Partnerships and proposes strengthening their role in reflecting the needs of the community. They are being actively encouraged to involve partners who represent the wider interests of the community, including students and other learners.

  Training
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if multinational and multi-site companies will be able to bypass the local learning and skills councils and deal directly at national level in connection with training and qualifications issues. [94741]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]It will be important for the Learning and Skills Council at national and local levels to engage employers of all sizes in workforce development which will benefit individuals, improve business competitiveness and strengthen the economy. There are large national companies which find it difficult to work effectively within the current system; and the Learning and Skills Council will be able to develop arrangements which make it easier to provide a national link to such companies. The precise arrangements will be developed in coming months.

  New Deal
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what money has been received by Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council from the New Deal programme and how this money has been spent. [94594]

  Ms Jowell
  This information is a commercially confidential matter between the Employment Service and Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council and cannot therefore be released.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Carbon Dioxide (Emissions Reduction)
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of the carbon dioxide emissions reduction needed for a 20 per cent. reduction from the UK's 1990 levels by 2010 he expects to be delivered in Northern Ireland. [93867]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Following Kyoto in 1997, the UK has a legally binding target to cut emissions of a basket of six greenhouse gases by 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels over the period 2008–2012. The UK Government also have a domestic goal to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010.

  The Government are currently developing a draft climate change programme which will set out how the UK will deliver its Kyoto target and move towards its domestic goal. We are aiming to publish the draft programme for further consultation towards the end of 1999.

  Prison Wings
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the paramilitary affiliation of the prison wings in which the six persons charged in May 1997 with the murder of Robert Hamill were imprisoned. [94361]

  Mr. Ingram
  Five of the six persons charged were held within the UVF wings and one was held within the LVF wing in HMP Maze.

  Enforcement Officer Statistics
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many enforcement officers currently operate within the Department of the Environment; and what were the comparable figures for 1992 to 1998. [94450]

  Mr. George Howarth
  At 1 October 1999 there were 13 enforcement officers attached to the Department's Transport Licensing and Enforcement Branch. The comparable figures for 1992 to 1998 are:

  Number

  1992

  14

  1993

  17

  1994

  15

  1995

  15

  1996

  15

  1997

  14

  1998

  13

  Irish-medium Schools
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had with Ministers in the Irish Government about joint funding of Irish-medium post primary schools in the border region; and if he will make a statement. [94766]

  Mr. McFall
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]: 1 have regular discussions with the Irish Minister for Education and Science on topics of mutual interest, including Irish-medium education. Those discussions have not yet involved joint funding of schools, though there is joint funding through the European Peace and Reconciliation Package of teaching materials for Irish-medium primary schools.

  Debris
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what date bomb debris from the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan explosions arrived in Northern Ireland; what was the recorded weight of debris received; if a continuous chain of custody for the debris can be established whilst it remained in Northern Ireland; what happened to the debris after the Belfast forensic scientist Dr. Hall carried out his examination; and where and in whose custody the debris is today. [93526]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 19 October 1999]Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Forensic Science Agency under its Chief Executive, Mr. R. W. Adams. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
  641
  Letter from R. W. Adams to Mr. Kevin McNamara, dated 19 October 1999:
  I am writing in response to your question regarding debris received at this laboratory in connection with bombings in Monaghan and Dublin in 1974.Items relating to the above incidents were received from the Garda Siochana at the laboratory in Belfast on 28 May 1974. No weight was recorded for them.There are no records available in the laboratory in relation to the internal continuity of the items or to their ultimate fate. The presumption is that they were returned to the Garda in line with normal practice for items received from the police.

  Fostering
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number of children from Catholic homes who have been placed with Protestant foster-parents and the number of children from Protestant homes who have been placed with Catholic foster-parents for each of the areas within the South and East Belfast Trust. [94524]

  Mr. George Howarth
  At present, two Catholic children are placed with Protestant foster carers and one Protestant child with Catholic carers in long-term fostering placements. In addition, nine Catholic children are placed with Protestant carers and four Protestant children with Catholic carers in short-term, temporary arrangements. Each of these placements has been made with the consent of the child's parents.

  Car Parking
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many car parks are provided by (1) the Department of the Environment, (2) the private sector and (3) district councils in the urban areas of(a) Dungannon, (b) Portadown, (c) Armagh City and (d) Newry; what is the total number of (i) paid for spaces and (ii) free spaces in each of these urban areas; and what proposals there are to provide additional parking spaces in each of these urban areas. [94625]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Roads Service under its Chief Executive, Mr. Colin James. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from C. James to Mr. John D. Taylor, dated 21 October 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me to respond to your recently tabled parliamentary Question about car park provision in the urban areas of Dungannon, Portadown, Armagh and Newry. The information requested is as follows:

  Urban Area

  Dungannon1

  Portadown

  Armagh

  Newry

  DOE(NI) Roads Service

  Car Parks

  5

  12

  8

  14

  Paid Spaces

  362

  639

  587

  526

  Free Spaces

  218

  754

  308

  814

  Private Sector

  Car Parks

  —

  4

  2

  2

  Paid Spaces

  —

  540

  138

  —

  Free Spaces

  —

  775

  20

  1,950

  642

  Urban Area

  Dungannon1

  Portadown

  Armagh

  Newry

  District Council

  Car Parks

  —

  1

  3

  —

  Paid Spaces

  —

  —

  130

  —

  Free Spaces

  —

  30

  60

  —

  1 Following a review of car parking at Perry Street 40 paid spaces will become free spaces later this year, i.e., there will be 322 paid spaces and 258 free spaces.

  Roads Service has no proposals at present to provide additional car parking spaces in any of the above-mentioned urban areas.
  I hope you find this information helpful.

  General Social Care Council
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the proposed General Social Care Council will operate in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [94542]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The publication of a fundamental review of the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (CCETSW) was announced in the House on 22 December 1997,Official Report, column 553. The Secretary of State for Health announced his intention then to establish mechanisms for regulating the personal social services workforce in England and to hand over CCETSW's functions for social services training to the new body.

  I have given careful thought to the best arrangements for regulating the social services workforce in Northern Ireland, consistent with the Government's plans as outlined in the Social Services White Papers for England, Scotland and Wales. I have taken into account that there are to be separate regulatory bodies for England, Scotland and Wales.

  I have concluded that there should be a separate body for the regulation of the social services workforce in Northern Ireland and that it should, as in England, Scotland and Wales, assume responsibility for CCETSW's training functions. However, the Northern Ireland body must have the closest possible alignment with similar machinery in the other countries of the UK, and officials will be working to ensure that effective links of this kind are put in place.

  We also need to have coherent overall arrangements for developing and enforcing high standards of conduct and practice, and for ensuring that workforce and training strategies are directed towards the same standards. I have, therefore, also asked officials to ensure that we bring together the work of the regulatory body and the work in Northern Ireland of any future National Training Organisation for the personal social services.

  Children and adults who use the social services in Northern Ireland should be able to rely on a workforce that is properly trained, appropriately qualified and effectively regulated. We will be bringing forward more detailed proposals for the new regulatory body in a social services paper to be published shortly. It is our intention to ensure that the new arrangements in Northern Ireland are available at the same time as in other parts of the United Kingdom.

  Policing Review
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated total cost of implementing the Patten Recommendations on Policing in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [94351]

  Mr. Ingram
  It is not possible to estimate the total cost of implementing the recommendations made by the Patten Commission. The Government are currently engaged in a consultation exercise and in assessing the impact of the proposals, including financial implications. The consultation process will continue until the end of November, following which the Secretary of State will make a statement to the House.

  Director of Disability
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the new Equality Commission in Northern Ireland will appoint(a) a Director of Disability and (b) support staff in the Directorate for Disability; and if he will make a statement. [94561]

  Mr. McFall
  The Equality Commission is currently making preparations to appoint a Director of Disability and an additional operational post. In August 1999 it temporarily allocated an existing Director to take responsibility for disability issues including making preparations for the new advisory and enforcement powers, accommodation and staffing and organisational structure.

  Prostate Cancer
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have died due to prostate cancer in each of the past 10 years; what has been taken to address the problem; and if he will make a statement. [94546]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information on deaths is as follows:

  Deaths

  1989

  159

  1990

  195

  1991

  175

  1992

  201

  1993

  182

  1994

  209

  1995

  216

  1996

  211

  1997

  208

  1998

  1220

  1 Provisional

  Source:

  Figures supplied by General Register Office (NI)

  Cancer services in Northern Ireland are presently being reorganised to ensure that all cancer patients are managed by specialist cancer teams. Such care is associated with a better quality of life and improved prospects of survival. All patients with prostate cancer, who require surgery will be treated by specialist teams. Current research evidence does not support population screening for prostate cancer.

  Sovereign's Portrait
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is on display within RUC stations; if the Patten Commission report changes the policy of display of the sovereign's portrait; and if he will make a statement. [94349]

  Mr. Ingram
  The portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II can be on display in RUC stations, though the RUC have advised that there is no formal policy about displaying the portrait. The Patten Commission did not make any specific reference to this issue in its report, however, it did recommend that the police service should maintain a 'neutral working environment'. This proposal, as with all the other recommendations, is part of the current consultation process.

  Disability
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the timetable for the introduction of legislation to provide statutory enforcement powers in Northern Ireland similar to those available in Great Britain under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; and if he will make a statement. [94560]

  Mr. George Howarth
  It is intended that the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland will enforce disability rights from April 2000. The legislation to confer the necessary enforcement powers on the Equality Commission will be introduced shortly by means of an Order in Council. If devolution of powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly occurs before the Order has completed all its parliamentary stages the legislation will transfer to the Assembly.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the new rights under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will become available in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [94559]

  Mr. George Howarth
  New rights under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 were introduced across the UK from 1 October 1999.

  School Premises, Portavogie
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) when the premises, formerly occupied by the East Down Institute for Further Education, adjacent to Portavogie Primary School, New Harbour road, Portavogie, became vacant; what proposals there are for the future user or ownership of these premises; and if he will make a statement; [94431]

  (2) how long the school premises at New Harbour road, Portavogie adjacent to the primary school have been vacant; what proposals there are for the future use or disposal of these premises; and if he will make a statement. [94540]

  Mr. McFall
  The adult education centre in Portavogie was officially closed down by the East Down Institute for Further and Higher Education in June 1998. The South Eastern Education and Library Board carried out a feasibility study into possible renovation of the building but it proved too costly. I understand that the premises will now be offered for public sale.

  Ambulance Service
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to make additional resources available to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Trust over the next three years; and if he will make a statement. [94342]

  Mr. George Howarth
  An additional £15 million has been invested in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service over the three year period 1999–2002. The first instalment of that investment was announced on 28 June 1999 when £3 million was provided for immediate investment in the provision of accident and emergency ambulances, replacement of equipment, and training and development of ambulance crews. The balance of the £15 million will be deployed in accordance with the outcome of the Comprehensive Review of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service which is due to report by the end of November.

  Housing, Carryduff
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to publish the Strategic Framework for Northern Ireland; if decisions for planning applications for housing schemes at Carryduff will be delayed until after the publication of the Strategic Framework; and if he will make a statement about the future of housing development in Carryduff and District. [94556]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Regional Strategic Framework for Northern Ireland is not expected to be published until Spring 2000. A draft of the Regional Strategy is presently the subject of a Public Examination and the independent panel conducting the examination will not submit its report to the Department of the Environment until the end of 1999. Thereafter, it is expected that the matter will be considered by the new Northern Ireland Assembly before the Regional Strategy is finalised.

  As regards decisions on existing planning applications for housing schemes at Carryduff, the position is that these applications are incomplete and cannot be processed until Environmental Statements have been submitted in support of the proposals. Only when the Environmental Statements have been submitted will the Department be in a position to decide how the applications can be progressed.

  The matter of future housing in Carryduff and District will be for the forthcoming Belfast Metropolitan Area (BMA) Plan; the BMA Plan will have due regard for strategic principles resolved by, and contained in, the final versions of the Regional Strategy.

  British Fluoridation Society
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money the British Fluoridation Society received in grant aid from the Northern Ireland office in each of the last five years. [94717]
  646
  Mr. George Howarth
  The Department of Health and Social Services provides funding to the British Fluoridation Society on an annual basis. In the last five years the following funding has been provided.

  £

  1999–2000

  2,159

  1998–99

  2,104

  1997–98

  2,047

  1996–97

  2,037

  1995–96

  1,982

WALES

  Oral Statements
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 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. [93979]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  None. I refer my right hon. Friend to the answer given by the President of the Council on 19 October 1999,Official Report, column 429-30.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many cases have been successfully prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service in the last 12 months. [93421]

  The Solicitor-General
  In the year ending June 1999, the Crown Prosecution Service secured 975,003 convictions in magistrates courts and 69,299 convictions in the Crown Court. This amounts to 98.3 per cent. of cases proceeding to a hearing in the magistrates court and 88.7 per cent. of cases proceeding to a hearing in the Crown Court.

  Valerie Davey
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement about the work of the Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate. [93424]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Chief Inspector is at present implementing the changes necessary to adapt the Inspectorate to the revised (42 Area) structure of the CPS and to give effect to the recommendation of the Glidewell Report that its remit should be widened. These changes will include, at the specific request of my right hon. noble and learned Friend the Attorney-General, the introduction of a substantial lay element in the inspection process. In addition, the Government are already committed to legislation to place the CPS Inspectorate, which is at present internal, on an independent statutory basis.

  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the implementation of the restructuring of the Crown Prosecution Service areas. [93419]
  647
  The Solicitor-General
  The restructuring of the CPS into 42 areas was implemented on 1 April 1999. Chief Crown Prosecutors are now preparing outline plans for the implementation of further structural changes as recommended in the Glidewell report. These will involve the creation of new Criminal Justice Units and Trial Units.

  Mr. McCabe
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the recent visits by the Law Officers to branches of the Crown Prosecution Service. [93420]

  The Solicitor-General
  Since taking office last summer I have visited 16 CPS areas throughout England and Wales, as well as CPS Headquarters and CPS Inspectorate. The Attorney-General has visited four areas since taking up the post and has another three visits planned. I have another seven visits planned this year and by next summer I anticipate I will have visited all CPS areas. The visits have given me a valuable insight into the workings of the CPS and how the Glidewell and Narey initiatives are being taken forward.

  I have met many Higher Court Advocates and I have been very impressed. The Higher Court Advocates seem to have been accepted well by the judiciary and the local Bar. They have had many years' experience of prosecuting in the magistrates' court and so are well equipped to meet the demands of higher court advocacy. Changes in the Access to Justice Bill allow CPS staff who are barristers to join their colleagues in the Crown Court.

  Young Offenders (Trials)
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the length of time young offenders have to wait between being charged and trial. [93422]

  The Solicitor-General
  For young offenders' cases where not guilty pleas are entered, the average time from charge to start of the trial was 123 days in February 1999. For all cases in the youth court, the average period from charge to verdict was 67 days in February 1999, compared with 71 days in June 1998 and 81 days in June 1997. Information on the Crown court is not available as case progress information there does not distinguish adult from youth cases.

  The Government are committed to reducing unnecessary delay in the youth justice system still further. Chief Crown Prosecutors throughout England and Wales are working closely with other agencies locally to ensure this is achieved.

  Owen Oyston
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Solicitor-General what recent representations he has received concerning the conduct of the Crown Prosecution Service in the case of Owen Oyston. [93423]

  The Solicitor-General
  In August this year, the Attorney-General received a copy of a letter from my hon. Friend the Member for Stalybridge and Hyde (Mr. Pendry) to the Secretary of State for the Home Department concerning the case of Owen Oyston.

  Charities
  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement with regard to his role in relation to charities. [93418]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Attorney-General's role in relation to charities is wide-ranging and of historic origins. The Attorney-General's function is to represent the Crown as parens patriae and so to act as protector, both of charity in general and of particular charities.

  It falls to the Attorney-General to institute legal proceedings to protect a charity and to represent the charitable interest. The Attorney-General is a necessary party to any litigation in which the objects of a charity need to be separately represented, for example, where the interest of the Trustees do not coincide with the objects of the charity.

  In addition, the Attorney-General has the power to authorise ex gratia payments from charitable funds on moral grounds where such payments might otherwise amount to breaches of trust. He also has the power, by derogation from the Sovereign, to give directions under the Sign Manual as to the re-distribution of uncertain charitable gifts under wills.

CABINET OFFICE

  Enforcement Concordat
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on the workings of the Enforcement Concordat. [94550]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Enforcement Concordat sets out a blueprint for fair, practical and consistent enforcement. It has been developed in consultation with all the key stakeholders in the enforcement process. The Concordat policies and procedures therefore represent a consensus about best practice in regulatory enforcement. The Concordat provides a balanced approach to enforcement based on the philosophy that enforcers should work with businesses who wish to comply while at the same time taking firm action against those who deliberately flout the law or act irresponsibly. The organisations that have adopted it have provided a clear statement to business and others being regulated about what they can expect from enforcement officers. I commend the Enforcement Concordat to all local and central government enforcement officers.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what procedures are in place to measure the impact of the Enforcement Concordat. [94555]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The adoption, implementation and effectiveness of the Enforcement Concordat are all monitored.

  The Cabinet Office keeps a record of all the authorities, agencies and other bodies that have adopted the Concordat. Individual implementation plans are sent to the Cabinet Office or the relevant local authority associations. Those plans should include arrangements for

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  performance appraisal. The Concordat is still relatively new but, once arrangements have been operational for a year, individual annual reports will be submitted following which the Cabinet Office will review the Concordat's effectiveness. There should be sufficient data to begin the first review next spring.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what are the aims and objectives of the Enforcement Concordat. [94551]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The aims and objectives of the Enforcement Concordat are to achieve widespread adoption by both national and local enforcement bodies of simple, business-friendly enforcement procedures.

  Regulatory Impact Unit
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on the progress and achievements of the Regulatory Impact Unit. [94600]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Regulatory Impact Unit (RIU) was launched in March this year. Since then it has introduced the scrutiny of regulatory proposals to ensure that their impact has been properly assessed. It has published the Guide to Better European Regulation and continues to promote the use of the Better Regulation Guide. It has agreed with Departments that they will include regulatory performance reports in their Annual Reports. It has launched, on the Cabinet Office website and on the intranet of other government departments, an IT based checklist for policymakers.

  The RIU has supported the Better Regulation Task Force in the production of its reports, reviews and other activities.

  The RIU has also consulted about reform of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994. The Government intend to bring forward reforms when parliamentary time allows.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the responsibilities, aims and objectives of the Regulatory Impact Unit. [94601]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The RIU is part of the Cabinet Office and therefore shares its aims and objectives. In particular it plays a part in the Cabinet Office Public Service Agreement (PSA) to develop public services, programmes and regulation across the public sector which meet the needs of users and which are of a high quality, modern and well co-ordinated. Under the (PSA) it has been committed to introducing arrangements for the audit and evaluation of better government practice including the preparation of Regulatory Impact Assessments.

  The RIU:
  helps Ministers and Departments find the right legislative balance to achieve proper standards of protection without unnecessary impact on business;
  scrutinises regulatory proposals to ensure that they have been properly assessed in line with the best practice that it develops and circulates such as the Better Regulation Guide and the Guide to Better European Regulation;
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  works with other Member States and the European Commission to improve the quality of legislative proposals at the European level;
  promotes the Enforcement Concordat;
  operates the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 and develops proposals for its reform; and
  supports the Better Regulation Task Force in the production of its reports, reviews and other activities.

  Regulations
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office which regulations have been identified as(a) no longer necessary and (b) capable of simplification. [94502]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Government have recently announced plans to remove and simplify regulations in a number of areas including; licensing law, the complex rules on tax relief on stakeholder and personal pension contributions, the law on weights and measures and the current system of consumer credit. We are also looking at simplifying regulation of the private recruitment industry, speeding up the way houses are bought and sold, and have announced a major review of farming regulations.

  In addition, we are introducing legislation to make it easier for Departments to remove or refocus out-dated regulations by increasing the flexibility of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act as soon as parliamentary time allows.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox) of 11 June 1998,Official Report, column 664, if the total annual salary cost of £3.6 million of employing special advisers includes the pension contributions listed in the answer of 13 July 1999, Official Report, column 173. [94567]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Yes. The figure of £3.6 million included pension contributions of £413,000.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Animal Feed
  Mrs. Organ
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action his Department plans to take to ensure that animal feed which includes genetically modified ingredients is so labelled. [93398]

  Ms Quin
  The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs held its first meeting on 24 September. It will have an important role in considering both the safety and labelling of genetically modified material in animal feed.

  Pesticides
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to reduce the use of pesticides. [93404]

  Ms Quin
  We actively encourage farmers and growers to minimise their use of pesticides, consistent with effective pest control. We fund extensive R&D programmes; we publish guidance; and we support the work of the Pesticides Forum.

  Genetically Modified Foods
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the rules for the labelling of imported genetically modified foods. [93405]

  Ms Quin
  EC regulations require all foods containing genetically modified material to be clearly labelled. These rules apply equally to imported food and foods produced in the UK.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will intervene to ensure that products can only be described as 100 per cent. Geneticmodification-free if they have no GM content. [93407]

  Ms Quin
  EC proposals on the rules to be applied to food described as "genetically modified (GM) free" are expected to be published in the next month or so. Until these rules are agreed any products described in this way will continue to be regulated by the Food Safety Act 1990. This Act makes it an offence to describe, by way of labelling or advertising, a food falsely or in a way likely to mislead a purchaser as to its nature, substance or quality. In addition, the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 makes it an offence for a trader to supply food to which a false trade description has been applied or to which a trade description has been applied which is misleading to a material degree. The interpretation and enforcement of these requirements is initially a matter for local authorities, and ultimately for the courts, to decide.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met the Fisheries Minister of Iceland to discuss fisheries policy. [93408]

  Mr. Morley
  I met the Icelandic Fisheries Minister on 30 May 1998.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received. from the protected horticulture sector regarding proposals for a climate change levy. [93409]

  Mr. Morley
  I have received several representations about the impact of the climate change levy direct from members of the protected horticulture sector and from hon. Members representing constituents in the industry. Concerns have been expressed about the high net cost of the proposed levy to protected horticulture businesses and the impact this will have on profitability and competitiveness.

  Battery Hens
  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to improve the welfare of battery hens. [93410]
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  Mr. Morley
  A new EU Directive on the welfare of laying hens was agreed on 15 June. This requires all member states to ban the conventional battery cage from 1 January 2012 and to apply improved standards to its use in the meantime.

  Dairy Farmers
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the industry on the future structure of dairy farming and milk processing. [93411]

  Ms Quin
  Following the publication of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report into the supply of raw milk in Great Britain on 6 July by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, my right hon. Friend the Minister has had a number of meetings with representatives of all sides of the dairy industry to engage in a constructive debate on the way forward.

  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of business prospects for small dairy farmers. [93412]

  Ms Quin
  All dairy farmers face challenging times as a result of reduced milk prices, increasing liberalisation of world markets, and progress on CAP reform. But, the dairy farming sector's ability to respond positively to these challenges will be helped by the high level of producer expertise and commitment, favourable farm structure and ideal climate for milk production.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the prospects for dairy farmers. [93401]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  Dairy farmers face challenging times as a result of reduced milk prices, increasing liberalisation of world markets, and progress on CAP reform. But the dairy farming sector's ability to respond positively to these challenges will be helped by the high level of producer expertise and commitment, favourable farm structure and ideal climate for milk production.

  Farming (Less-favoured Areas)
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on plans for reform of support for farming in less-favoured areas. [93413]

  Mr. Morley
  We issued an initial consultation paper on this subject in April to which we received 81 responses from a wide range of interests. These views are being taken into account as we draw up detailed reform proposals on which we shall consult in due course.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives his Department is taking to improve standards of animal welfare; and if he will make a statement. [93414]

  Mr. Morley
  We have taken a number of initiatives to improve standards of animal welfare. These are detailed in our most recent "State of Play" document, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Bovine TB
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the progress of the trials investigating the control and spread of bovine TB. [93402]

  Ms Quin
  Five triplets have been enrolled in the trial and work has been carried out in all these areas. Progress has been slower than we would have liked, mainly owing to interference by protesters which we regret as it will take longer to find a scientific solution.

  Organic Farming
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on Government support for organic farming. [93400]

  Mr. Morley
  We have allocated more than £16 million of aid under the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS), we are funding the Organic Conversion Information Service and we are spending more than £2 million this year on organic R&D.

  We are currently reviewing the operations of the OFS in the light of trends in the organic sector.

  Council of the European Union: Forthcoming Business
  Council of the European Union: Forthcoming Business
  General Affairs Council, 11 October
  General Affairs Council, 11 October
  Millennium Preparedness Information: FCO Website
  Millennium Preparedness Information: FCO Website
  GCHQ Recruitment
  GCHQ Recruitment
  Sierra Leone
  Sierra Leone
  Foreign Countries' Senates: Membership
  Foreign Countries' Senates: Membership
  Death Penalty
  Death Penalty
  North Korea: Missile Building Facilities
  North Korea: Missile Building Facilities
  UK/US Bilateral Treaties
  UK/US Bilateral Treaties
  Outer Space Treaty
  Outer Space Treaty
  Indonesia: Genocide Convention
  Indonesia: Genocide Convention
  PFI Schemes: Servicing Costs
  PFI Schemes: Servicing Costs
  Vaccines and NAPS Co-administration Study
  Vaccines and NAPS Co-administration Study
  National Air Traffic Service
  National Air Traffic Service
  Airspace Upper Limit
  Airspace Upper Limit
  Homeless People: Assistance Programme
  Homeless People: Assistance Programme
  Multi-modal and Road Based Studies
  Multi-modal and Road Based Studies
  Special Advisers
  Special Advisers
  Holocaust Remembrance Day
  Holocaust Remembrance Day
  Freedom of Information Bill: Consultation
  Freedom of Information Bill: Consultation
  LD50 Test
  LD50 Test
  Abnormal Load Escort Duties
  Abnormal Load Escort Duties
  Home Office Minister: Unanswered Letter
  Home Office Minister: Unanswered Letter