Written Answers of 13 April 2000

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Violence Victims
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the organisations claiming to support victims of violence which(a) are currently receiving and (b) have received public funds; and how much each has received. [117123]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 12 April 2000,Official Report,columns 189-96W.

  Winter Fuel Allowance
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the additional number of pensioners in Northern Ireland entitled to the winter fuel allowance following the European Court of Justice judgment of 15 December 1999. [118120]

  Mr. George Howarth
  It is estimated that there will be 39,000 additional people in Northern Ireland entitled to Winter Fuel Payments as a result of the European Court of Justice judgment. I should point out that these people will not all be pensioners, as men aged between 60-64 are not receiving retirement pension.

  Wheelchairs
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average time taken(a) to process an application for a wheelchair and (b) for an applicant to receive a wheelchair. [118581]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The average time taken to process an application for a wheelchair depends on the type of equipment required. For level 1 wheelchairs, applications are processed within one working day of receipt at the Regional Wheelchair Centre and chairs are delivered to clients within five working days. For level 2 modified equipment, an application takes 10 working days to process and the equipment is delivered within 20 working days. For level 3 specialised equipment, processing of an order takes 10 working days and delivery of the equipment can take in the region of 3-6 months.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many wheelchairs have been allocated to applicants in each of the last three years in Northern Ireland. [118579]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information is as follows:

  1 January-31 December 1997: 2,905

  1 January-31 December 1998: 3,586

  1 January-31 December 1998: 2,631

  240W
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons in Northern Ireland have(a) applied for and (b) are awaiting the allocation of a wheelchair. [118580]

  Mr. George Howarth
  There are 257 applicants awaiting the allocation of a wheelchair. The vast majority of these are existing wheelchair users who, due to changing circumstances, need more specialised equipment, which has been ordered and is awaiting delivery.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  New Deal
  Mr. Kemp
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) men and (b) women have benefited from the New Deal in the North-East. [117940]

  Ms Jowell
  Up to the end of January 2000, 31,838 young people (23,926 men and 7,912 women) and 17,753 long-term unemployed adults (15,620 men and 2,133 women) have benefited from the New Deals in the North-East. It is a measure of the success of the Government's Welfare to Work policies that 16,652 people in the North-East have found work through the New Deals. The remainder are benefiting from the help that the Personal Adviser can offer. This includes help with barriers to employment, access to specialist help and training, education and work experience opportunities. New Deals for the long-term unemployed are only part of the package of Welfare to Work measures introduced by this Government. Many other people in the North-East will benefit from the New Deals for Lone Parents, 50 plus, partners of the unemployed and the disabled.

  Mr. Kemp
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) men and (b) women have benefited from the New Deal in Houghton and Washington East. [117977]

  Ms Jowell
  Up to the end of January 2000, 1,032 young people (787 men and 245 women) and 478 long-term unemployed adults (411 men and 67 women) have benefited from the New Deals in the Houghton and Washington East constituency. It is a measure of the success of the Government's Welfare to Work policies that 522 people in Houghton and Washington East have found work through these New Deals. The remainder are benefiting from the help that the Personal Adviser can offer. This includes help with barriers to employment, access to specialist help and training, education and work experience opportunities. New Deals for the long-term unemployed are only part of the package of Welfare to Work measures introduced by this Government. Many other people in Houghton and Washington East will benefit from the New Deals for Lone Parents, 50 plus, partners of the unemployed and the disabled.

  Standard Spending Assessments
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 10 April 2000,Official Report,columns 49-51W, if he will provide the corresponding estimates of education standard spending assessments per pupil for (a) England and (b) Thamesdown. [118916]
  241W
  Ms Estelle Morris
  The figures requested are shown in the table. Information for Thamesdown was listed under Swindon in the answer given to the hon. Member on 10 April 2000,Official Report,columns 49-51W.

  Thamesdown (Swindon)

  England

  SSA

  Per Primary Pupil

  2,290

  2,474

  Per Secondary Pupil

  2,957

  3,175

  Total Special and Specific Grant per Pupil

  151

  173

CABINET OFFICE

  Organisation of Public Sector Ombudsmen
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when she will publish the report of the review of the Organisation of Public Sector Ombudsmen in England. [119218]

  Mr. Stringer
  I am pleased to announce that the report of the review of the organisation of public sector ombudsmen in England is published today. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House and are also available from the Vote Office.

  The start of the review was announced by the then Minister for the Cabinet Office on 30 March 1999 and forms part of the Modernising Government agenda. The review, which was carried out by a team in the Cabinet Office, was wide-ranging: it covered the Parliamentary Ombudsman, the Health Service Ombudsman for England and the Local Government Ombudsmen for England, and looked at the potential interaction between those ombudsmen and other independent complaints authorities such as the independent Housing Ombudsman and the Data Protection Commissioner. The review team consulted widely with those who have an interest in the ombudsmen system, including all Members, the ombudsmen themselves, central and local Government, representative bodies (such as the Local Government Association and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives) and external interest groups.

  The main recommendations in the report are that the Parliamentary Ombudsman, the Health Service Ombudsman in England and the Local Government Ombudsmen in England should be merged into a collegiate structure (a new Commission); and that the present requirement for complainants to put their complaints via a Member to the Parliamentary Ombudsman (the "MP filter") should be removed; and that their procedures be simplified and made more flexible.

  The Government welcome the review's focus on providing a more customer-oriented Ombudsman service. It recognises that the recommendations raise a number of significant issues about the status and constitution of the Ombudsmen. Accordingly, we shall now be consulting widely before reaching our final conclusions on implementing the review's recommendations.

  GMOs
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps she is taking to increase international co-operation on issues relating to genetically modified organisms. [117726]

  Mr. Stringer
  International co-operation is a crucial part of this Government's policy in biotechnology, which gives priority to the protection of human health and the environment. The UK is active in a number of international bodies, including the World Health Organisation, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the Codex Alimentarius group. It has pressed at European level on issues such as GM food labelling and releases of GMOs to the environment; and in January negotiated the United Nations Programme Biosafety Protocol. Most recently, it successfully hosted an OECD conference on GM food safety in Edinburgh. We will be discussing the results of that conference, including the recommendation for an international scientific advisory panel on GM food and environmental safety, with G8 partners and developing countries in advance of the next G8 summit.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Workplace Parking
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many workplace car parking spaces are available at the buildings used and controlled by his Department. [116757]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 30 March 2000]:The number of workplace car parking spaces available at buildings used and controlled by my Department is contained in the DETR Greening Operations Annual Report 1998–99, dated December 1999. We have prepared travel plans for all our key buildings in line with the commitment set out in the Transport White Paper and are reviewing the scope for reducing our car parking requirements in that context.

  HSE (Field Operations Division)
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many of the(a) operational managers and (b) principal inspectors of health and safety in the Field Operations Division of the Health and Safety Executive possess qualifications in management. [118407]

  Mr. Meacher
  The number of operational managers in HSE's Field Operations Directorate with externally recognised management qualifications is three.

  The number of principal inspectors in HSE's Field Operations Directorate with externally recognised management qualifications is 11.

  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library a copy of the report on management among the principal inspectors of health and safety in field offices of the HSE; and what action is planned as a result of the report. [118388]
  243W
  Mr. Meacher
  It is assumed that the report referred to is an internal study on the workload of operational managers in the Field Operations Directorate. The study was commissioned by the Director of Field Operations and reported to him in June 1998. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library. Action on the specific recommendations in the report has been taken forward by the Directorate in consultation with the managers concerned, and is nearing completion.

  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that all HSE field offices of the Field Operations Division have staffed reception areas for members of the public in easily-accessible ground floor locations. [118387]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires the Health and Safety Commission to provide an "information and advisory service" to help the public. While the Health and Safety Executive ensure that members of the public have access to the information and advice they require, it cannot be guaranteed that staffed reception areas in ground floor locations will be available. In light of the relatively small number of personal callers to offices, a judgment has to be made as to whether a permanently staffed reception area is the most efficient use of resources.

  Hospital Infections
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance the Health and Safety Executive has issued, or plans to issue, on hospital-acquired infection relating to employees and patients of the NHS. [118406]

  Mr. Meacher
  HSE has not issued any guidance on hospital-acquired infections to patients, and has no plans to do so. The primary responsibility for issuing such guidance rests with the Department of Health (DoH) although HSE is consulted where appropriate.

  HSE has, however, produced guidance which is relevant to certain aspects of the control of infection in health services, notably the Health Services Advisory Committee's guidance "The safe disposal of clinical waste" and "The safe working and prevention of infection in clinical laboratories, mortuaries and post mortem rooms".

  HSE's guidance and the code of practice under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 cover general precautions against infection risks, although they do not specifically address hospital-acquired infection.

  HSE is also planning to produce a leaflet on the risks from blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis and HIV, which will be applicable to a number of occupational groups including the healthcare sector.

  HSE (Travelling Expenses)
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the travelling expenses were of the NW regional director of the Health and Safety Executive in the last two and the current financial years. [118384]
  244W
  Mr. Meacher
  The travelling expenses for the NW regional director of the Health and Safety Executive are as follows:

  1997–98—£2,146.18

  1998–99—£1,064.97

  1999–20000—£4,489.57

  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the increase in travelling claims as a result of the closure of the Health and Safety Executive Office at the Triad, Bootle. [118383]

  Mr. Meacher
  The estimated increase in travelling claims as a result of the closure of the Health and Safety Executive Office at the Triad, Bootle is £36,518 per annum in the first three years following the closure of the office, and £26,136 in the fourth year, with further reductions thereafter as Inspectors retire or move to other locations.

  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the total travelling expenses of inspectors of health and safety in field offices of the Field Operations Division were in financial year 1999–2000. [118409]

  Mr. Meacher
  In financial year 1999–2000, the total travelling expenses of the inspectors in field offices of the Field Operations Directorate were £2,899,965.

  HSE (Manchester Office)
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what will be the allocation of space per employee at the proposed new location for the Manchester office of the Health and Safety Executive; what is the current allocation; and if the new premises comply fully with the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 as regards(a) toilet provision and (b) space standards. [118386]

  Mr. Meacher
  The allocation of space at the proposed new location for the Manchester office will be 18.5 sq m per employee. The current allocation at the existing Manchester office is 22.5 sq m. The new (proposed) premises will comply fully with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 as regards(a) toilet premises and (b) space standards. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 replaced the relevant sections of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963.

  HSE (Principal Inspectors)
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the average age is of principal inspectors of health and safety in HSE field offices. [118405]

  Mr. Meacher
  The average age of principle inspectors of health and safety in HSE field offices is 49 years calculated as at today's date.

  HSE (Meetings)
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the NW
  245W
  regional director of the Health and Safety Executive last met (a) the NW TUC and (b) the NW Regional Development Association. [118385]

  Mr. Meacher
  The NW regional director of the Health and Safety Executive last met the NW TUC on 3 February 1999 and the NW Health Partnership, under the auspices of the NW Regional Development Agency, on 9 February 2000.

  Index of Local Deprivation
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which independent academic experts have been consulted over his proposals for changes to the index of local deprivation. [118554]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The index review team benefited from the advice of an advisory panel of 40 academic and other experts. The panel included academics from number of universities including Bath, Bristol, Birmingham, Cambridge, Lincolnshire and Humberside, the London School of Economics, Warwick and York and members of other organisations including the Policy Studies Institute, the Local Government Association, the Improvement and Development Agency and members of the Central and Local Government Information Partnership sub-group on deprivation statistics.

  Housing
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his oral statement of 4 April 2000,Official Report,column 811, on housing, how much of the money he announced has been allocated to Wales; how much of this is additional money; and if he will make a statement. [118486]

  Mr. Mullin
  The money referred to by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions was for investment in housing in England. The allocation of resources for housing in Wales is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

  Air Rage
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with his counterparts in other EU member states concerning the incidence of air rage in their respective air carriers; and if he will make a statement. [118532]

  Mr. Mullin
  Specific discussions at an EU level have not taken place but my officials and those from the CAA actively participate in a number of international fora where air rage issues are discussed and where other EU member states are represented. These include meetings of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the European Civil Aviation Conference, the International Air Transport Association and the Flight Safety Foundation. I understand in the EU only the UK has published comprehensive data on the incidence of air rage, therefore it is not possible to make comparisons with other member states' carriers.

  Housing Act 1996
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if it is Government policy that the Housing Act 1996 should be amended so that local authorities must provide a written explanation of the reasons for(a) excluding and (b) suspending an individual from the Housing Register; [118309]

  (2) the Housing Act 1996 should be amended to prevent the exclusion of people in housing need, except in exceptional circumstances. [118308]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Housing Act 1996 gives local authorities considerable discretion to decide what classes of person qualify, or not, to appear on the housing register. In making any decision to reject a person's application to be put on its housing register, the authority must notify the applicant in writing.

  On 4 April 2000, the Government published their plans for a comprehensive review of housing policy in England in the Housing Green Paper "Quality and Choice: A Decent Home for All". This sets out the Government's proposals for providing choice in social housing. The Government do not believe that anyone should be permanently excluded from social housing and therefore propose to remove the power local authorities have to impose 'blanket' exclusions. Instead the Government propose to allow authorities temporarily to reduce the priority or suspend the applications of households on an individual basis where this is justified. In applying any such sanction, authorities would be required to explain the reason in writing and to give applicants a clear indication of any action necessary to have the restriction removed. They would have a right of appeal in cases of dispute.

  Any decisions to suspend an application would need to consider carefully the circumstances of the household in order to safeguard vulnerable people. Suspensions would be used in exceptional circumstances where other means of managing a problem had been exhausted.

  Gas Safety
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has held with representatives of the Health and Safety Executive regarding excess gas flow valves. [118593]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), is undertaking a fundamental review of the current health and safety regime for the installation and use of gas to determine whether, or how far, changes are needed to the existing system of control.

  The use of excess gas flow valves is one of the many issues being considered in the review. HSE officials have twice met a manufacturer of excess gas flow valves; and HSE has received a written submission from them in response to the fundamental review's discussion document.

  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received about gas safety in domestic dwellings. [118596]
  247W
  Mr. Meacher
  A fundamental review of the current health and safety regime for the installation and use of gas is currently being conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC). Over 650 replies have been received so far in response to the discussion document "Gas safety review: Options for change" published in November 1999 and recent related consultative exercises in Glasgow and Lambeth.

  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many gas explosions have occurred in each of the past five years in domestic properties. [118594]

  Mr. Meacher
  In the period 1995–99 (last available figure to date) the number of gas-related explosions/fires in domestic premises reported to the HSE under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations was as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1994–95

  35

  1995–96

  42

  1996–97

  40

  1997–98

  45

  1998–99

  137

  1 Subject to validation

  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to discuss with housing bodies installation of excess gas flow valves in(a) high rise flats and (b) other domestic properties at risk from gas explosions. [118595]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), is undertaking a fundamental review of the current health and safety regime for the installation and use of gas to determine whether, or how far, changes are needed to the existing system of control. The use of excess gas flow valves in all domestic properties, including high rise flats, is being considered as part of the review.

  Telecommunications Masts
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has recently(a) made to and (b) received from the Health and Safety Executive about the health and safety implications of telecommunications masts sited in residential areas. [118289]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  My officials regularly discuss the health and safety aspects of telecommunications development with officials from the Health and Safety Executive. They have, in particular, held discussions about the joint DETR/DH circular on land use planning and electro-magnetic fields. The guidance will be finalised as soon as practicable after the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones has reported.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for North-East Hampshire of 29 November 1999, regarding his constituents, Mr. and Mrs. Hewett. [118845]
  248W
  Mr. Meacher
  I replied to the right hon. Member's letter on 12 April.

  Westminister Underground Station
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will call for a report from the Health and Safety Executive on the health implications of the continuing accumulation of garbage, in the walkway between Westminster underground station and the House; and if he will call for reports from London Underground on(a) the continued failure (i) to operate lifts at Westminster Station and (ii) to remove netting, fencing and tapes from the walkway from that station to the House on the recessed platform adjoining that walkway and (b) on signal failures on the westbound Jubilee Line on the morning of Monday 10 April. [118910]

  Mr. Hill
  These are operational matters for London Underground (LU). HM Railways Inspectorate, part of the HSE organisation, is in discussion with LU on outstanding issues at Westminster and elsewhere on the extended Jubilee line.

  LUL has cleared litter from the subway in question and will be liaising with Westminster Council (who own the new subway) to ensure that a regime is developed for routine maintenance and cleaning.

  Three of the five lifts at Westminster are already operating. The remaining two are expected to enter service by the end of next month.

  Fencing, tape etc. are in place where there is still work to be done (such as installing permanent lighting) in order to separate the works from the general public. In the interests of public presentation, white painted hoardings are shortly to replace some fencing, and will cover a few currently exposed ledges.

  On the morning of 10 April, trains ran on average every 3-5 minutes westbound through Westminster. There was an 8 minute gap at 08.38 due to the activation of a passenger emergency alarm at Waterloo. There was a 7 minute gap at 09.24 due to a passenger being taken ill on a train at Canary Wharf. Finally, there was a 13 minute gap at 09.48 due to signal computer problems.

  Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  Mr. Kemp
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure greater protection for the public from carbon monoxide poisoning. [118872]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government fully support the published commitment of the Health and Safety Commission to reducing gas-related carbon monoxide poisoning fatalities by at least 10 per cent. over a 10 year average. To further this aim, the Commission published a discussion document on 4 November 1999, entitled "Gas safety review: options for change" to invite views on a wide range of issues which impact on domestic gas safety. This reflects preliminary representations made to the Health and Safety Executive by key consumer and industry stakeholders, analysis of accident data, and work commissioned under the auspices of the Government's People's Panel initiative on the attitudes, knowledge and behaviour of Panel members in relation to gas safety.
  249W
  The discussion document and recent related public consultation exercises in Glasgow and Lambeth have yielded in excess of 650 replies, which are now being evaluated. The Government expect to receive a report of the conclusions of the Commission in the summer on what further regulatory or other action may be justified to enable the agreed target to be met or exceeded in the most equitable and cost-effective way.

  GM Crop Trials
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment. Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress of genetically modified crop trials in the United Kingdom. [117740]

  Mr. Meacher
  Following my announcement about the Farm Scale Evaluations on 17 March, my Department has been notified of 42 proposed field sites. This information is available on our website, which is regularly updated.

  During the spring, GM maize, beet and spring oil seed rape will be planted in part of each field involved in the programme, and the rest of the field will be planted with the equivalent non-GM crop. Independent researchers will then study what effects, if any, growing and managing the GM crops has on wildlife.

  Demonstrating the Government's commitment to openness and transparency on GM issues, my Department has arranged a series of public meetings across England, about the research programme. These meetings provide local people living near to the trial sites an opportunity to hear a series of presentations about the Evaluations and to put questions to a panel consisting of an official from my Department, one of the scientists from the independent researchers, a representative from an environmental group and a representative from the biotechnology industry.

  Flooding (Planning Guidance)
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress is being made with the revision of planning guidance on flooding. [119334]

  Mr. Raynsford
  A consultation paper on a new Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 "Development and flood risk" is published today and has been placed on the Department's website.

  The Government recognise the importance of flooding and the effects it can have on people's lives. While there is no quick and easy solution, in the longer term a more precautionary and risk-based approach will ensure that new development is not exposed to risk unnecessarily or itself add to flood risk in other areas. Taken together with MAFF and Environment Agency initiatives on flood warning and flood defence, this new guidance will assist in reducing the potential impact of flooding.

  The draft guidance published today takes account of the developing knowledge of the likely impacts of climate change, but recognises the inherent uncertainties. Planning decisions should apply the precautionary principle to avoid inappropriate development in flood-risk areas. Where other material considerations outweigh flood risk in favour of proceeding with development, the draft guidance emphasises the need to design and defend such development to an adequate level to ensure the safety of
  250W
  people and minimise property damage. It also emphasises the need for developers to contribute towards the cost of flood defences that may be required as a result of implementing their project.

  The draft guidance advises that it is necessary to look at development and flood management on a wider scale and to ensure that run-off from new development is controlled as near the source as possible through the use of sustainable drainage systems. This mitigates the problems caused when additional run-off from extensions to built-up areas increases flood risk downstream.

  Thaumasite
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the review of the conclusions of the report of the Expert Group on Thaumasite. [119400]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I am today publishing, on my Department's website, the review undertaken by Professor Leslie Clark of the conclusions of the report of the Expert Group on Thaumasite which he chaired and which reported in January 1999. When I announced the publication of the report last year I said that I had asked Professor Clark to review its conclusions in a year's time in the light of the findings of further research and monitoring which was then being commissioned.

  The review found that the recommendations of the Thaumasite Expert Group's report were robust and continue to minimise the risk of the thaumasite form of sulphate attack in new construction. The report has been generally well received by the construction industry and is viewed as sound and well balanced.

  There have been 20 new cases of the thaumasite form of sulphate attack identified in the last year. All of these have taken place in conditions that were anticipated in the report. None have posed any threat to public safety.

  The new data available do not permit relaxation at present of the report's recommendations with one exception. There is a majority view within the Expert Group that the report's very conservative procedure for assessing the sulphate class of sulphide bearing ground can now, with safety, be relaxed somewhat in respect of pyritic clays. The review has also suggested the need for clarification of some aspects of the guidance given in the relevant BRE Digests and British Standards.

  Local Government Bill
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many replies were received in response to consultation on draft guidance and regulations under Part II of the Local Government Bill[Lords]. [119403]

  Ms Armstrong
  176 written responses have been received to consultation to date. None of these have asked to remain confidential. A list has today been placed in the Library of the House and full copies of these have been made available in my Department's library for public scrutiny.

  We will consider carefully all these responses before publishing a revised draft for further consultation after Easter.

  Water Industry (Competition)
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made with the review of competition in the water industry. [119431]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government are today publishing, jointly with the National Assembly for Wales, a consultation paper entitled "Competition in the Water Industry in England and Wales". Copies of this paper have been placed in the Libraries of the House and it is available on the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' website.

  The Government believe that the properly managed development of effective competition in the water industry in England and Wales is desirable. It should benefit consumers by promoting greater efficiency, lower prices, innovation and better services—as it has in other utilities. This consultation paper seeks views on how increased competition can be arranged in ways that safeguard, in particular, public health, the environment and wider social objectives. We are keen to receive a wide range of responses to inform policy decisions. We expect that some of these will be taken forward in a future water Bill.

  Polychlorinated Biphenyls
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when regulations providing for the phasing out and disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls will be laid before Parliament. [119432]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Environmental Protection (Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and other Dangerous Substances) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 were laid before Parliament today.

  They require holders of PCB contaminated equipment to register with the Environment Agency and, subject to certain specific exemptions, for PCBs and associated equipment to be disposed of by the end of December this year. The agency will also have responsibilities in relation to monitoring and enforcement.

  The Regulations will have the effect of curtailing release of PCBs, and so lowering their concentrations in the environment, including in relation to sea mammals, in which PCBs have been found in significant quantities.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Green Park
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on (a) the landscaping being undertaken in Green Park and (b) when the fountains will be turned on. [118291]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Responsibility for the subject of this question has been delegated to the Royal Parks Agency and I have asked for a reply to be given.
  252W
  Letter from Viviane Robertson to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 13 April 2000:
  A new Chief Executive has not yet been appointed and, because it is an operational matter which is the responsibility of the Agency, I have been asked by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the nature of the landscaping work in Green Park, and when the fountains are to be turned on.
  We are re-seeding the area behind the Canada Gate in Green Park following remedial work to problems associated with flooding in the past. The seeding is due to be completed by the end of the month and the grass should begin to appear during May. The area will remain fenced because it is usually heavily used and the new grass needs to be protected until it is well established.
  The Canadian memorial water feature is usually operational. When it fails, as it occasionally does, it is repaired and brought back into service as soon as possible. The Constance Fund fountain is on the route of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walkway and is being restored in time for the official opening of the walkway in June this year.

  Lottery Sports Fund
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much Lottery money has been allocated to the Lottery Sports Fund for each of the last four years; and how much is planned to be allocated in(a) 2000–01 and (b) 2001–02. [118783]

  Kate Hoey
  The total amount of Lottery proceeds (including interest) allocated to sport for 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000 was:

  £million

  Year

  Amount of Lottery proceeds

  1996–97

  314

  1997–98

  368

  1998–99

  307

  1999–2000

  273

  The total Lottery proceeds (including a notional estimate for interest) to be allocated to Sport for 2000–01 and 2001–02 have been estimated using the Lottery income scenarios which the Department sent to distributing bodies in October 1999:

  £million

  Year

  Forecast income

  2000–01

  245 to 292

  2001–02

  226 to 298

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many awards have been made to date by the Lottery Sports Fund; how many have been made for tennis; and what is the total amount spent on tennis projects from the Lottery funds to date. [118784]

  Kate Hoey
  The five distributing bodies of the Lottery Sports Fund have made over 6,300 awards to sport since the inception of the National Lottery in November 1994. Of these, nearly 600 awards have been made to tennis projects with a total value of over £29 million.

  Lottery Arts Fund
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what is the allocation per head from the Lottery Arts Fund since its establishment for Waverley Borough Council; and which local authority has had the(a) largest and (b) lowest allocation per head; [118787]

  (2) how much money has been allocated to the Lottery Arts Fund since its establishment; and how much was spent from the fund in Surrey in each of the last three years; [118785]

  (3) how many awards have been made from Lottery funds to arts centres for capital projects. [118786]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I have asked the Arts Council of England, as the main distributing body of lottery money for the arts, to provide this information. When it is available, I will write to the right hon. Member and place a copy in the Library of the House.

  Picketts Lock
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the British Olympic Association about the suitability of the proposed athletics facility at Picketts Lock to host the 2012 or 2016 Olympics. [118114]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 10 April 2000]:My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I met representatives of UK Athletics, UK Sport, Sport England, the British Olympic Association and London International Sport on 24 March to discuss the bid for the 2005 World Athletics Championships. At that meeting, the British Olympic Association indicated that they were content with Picketts Lock as having the potential for facilities to stage an Olympic Games.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he last visited Picketts Lock, Enfield. [118111]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 10 April 2000]:Neither my right hon. Friend nor I have visited Picketts Lock recently.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what financial(a) help and (b) guarantees his Department has offered to UK Athletics for the development of Picketts Lock; [118215]

  (2) what discussions he has had with the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority about the long-term ownership and use of the proposed athletics stadium at Picketts Lock; [118110]

  (3) what discussions he has held with (a) Railtrack and (b) ministerial colleagues in the DETR about improving rail links to Picketts Lock, Enfield; [118112]

  (4) what discussions he has held with Ministerial colleagues in the DETR about improving road links to Picketts Lock, Enfield; [118109]

  (5) what external advice he has received on the likely timetable of works for the development of a major athletics facility at Picketts Lock, in relation to (a) design, (b) planning, (c) demolition of existing facilities and (d) construction; [118113]
  254W
  (6) what discussions he has had with (a) the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and (b) Enfield Council about the proposed athletics facility at Picketts Lock; and what financial support they have offered for the project. [118117]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 10 April 2000]:UK Athletics is to be congratulated on securing both the 2003 World Indoor Championships in Birmingham and 2005 World Athletics Championships in London at Picketts Lock. UK Athletics is now continuing the process of drawing up detailed proposals for developing the site, including proposals for road and rail links. That process will involve discussions with the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, the London Borough of Enfield, Sport England, UK Sport, the Government Office for London and my Department, among others.

  Prior to making the bid presentation to the IAAF in Paris, UK Athletics and Sport England undertook extensive discussions with a range of parties across London to determine the optimum site for staging the 2005 championships in London. During that process representatives from UK Athletics and Sport England and an official from my Department met representatives of the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and the London Borough of Enfield on 21 March to discuss the feasibility of the Picketts Lock site for staging the championships. At that meeting, the Park Authority indicated that funds were already earmarked in its business plan for developing the Picketts Lock site and both capital and revenue contributions might be forthcoming to a world-class athletics facility on that site.

  National Lottery
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the oral statement by the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting, of 11 April 2000,Official Report,column 11WH, if he will set out the Government's position on not-for-profit bidders for the next licence to run the National Lottery. [119305]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  We have maintained the policy of seeking (and welcoming) any bids from efficient not-for-profit operators; but the selection of the next operator of the National Lottery is a matter for the National Lottery Commission, not the Government. Subject to ensuring that players are protected and the Lottery is run with all due propriety, the Commission will award the next licence to the bidder likely to raise the most for the good causes. Any comments made by my hon. Friend the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting during the course of the debate on 11 April should not be interpreted as contradicting this position in any way.

  Spoliation Advisory Panel
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will announce the membership and terms of reference of the Spoliation Advisory Panel. [119219]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Following consultation on our proposals on both the membership and the terms of reference, I am now able to do so. In establishing the Spoliation Advisory Panel the Government's aim, by
  255W
  providing an alternative to litigation, is to facilitate a just resolution of claims made for cultural objects that may have been looted in the Nazi era between 1933 and 1945.

  The membership of the Panel will be:

  Chair: The right hon. Sir David Hirst

  Mr. Donell Deeny QC

  Professor Richard Evans

  Sir Terry Heiser

  Professor Peter Jones

  Mr. Martin Levy

  Mr. Peter Oppenheimer

  Professor Norman Palmer

  Ms Anna Southall

  Dr. Liba Taub

  Baroness Warnock.

  The constitution and Terms of Reference proposed for the Panel are as set out. These have been revised as a result of consultation and the Government believe they offer a fair way forward. The Panel will be able to advise not only claimants and those who hold the items in question in their collections, but also the Government. The Government intend that the Panel should begin work as soon as possible.

  Spoliation Advisory Panel

  Constitution and Terms of Reference

  Members of the Panel
  1. The members of the Spoliation Advisory Panel (the Panel) will be appointed by the Secretary of State on such terms and conditions as he thinks fit. The Secretary of State shall appoint one member as Chairman of the Panel.

  Resources for the Panel
  2. The Secretary of State will make available such resources as he considers necessary to enable the Panel to carry out its functions, including administrative support provided by a Secretariat (the Secretariat).

  Functions of the Panel
  3. The task of the Panel is to consider claims from anyone (or from any one or more of their heirs), who lost possession of a cultural object (the object) during the Nazi era (1933–45), where such object is now in the possession of a UK national collection or in the possession of another UK museum or gallery established for the public benefit (the institution). The Panel shall advise the claimant and the institution on what would be appropriate action to take in response to such a claim. The Panel shall also be available to advise about any claim for an item in a private collection at the joint request of the claimant and the owner.

  4. In any case where the Panel considers it appropriate, it may also advise the Secretary of State

  (a) on what action should be taken in relation to general issues raised by the claim, and/or

  (b) where it considers that the circumstances of the particular claim warrant it, on what action should be taken in relation to that claim.

  5.(a) In exercising its functions, while the Panel will consider legal issues relating to title to the object (see paragraph 7(d) and (0), it will not be the function of the Panel to determine legal rights, for example as to title;
  (b) The Panel's proceedings are an alternative to litigation, not a process of litigation. The Panel will therefore take into account non-legal obligations, such as the moral strength of the claimant's case (paragraph 7(e)) and whether any moral obligation rests on the institution (paragraph 7(g));
  256W
  (c) Any recommendation made by the Panel is not intended to be legally binding on the claimant, the institution or the Secretary of State;
  (d) If the claimant accepts the recommendation of the Panel and that recommendation is implemented, the claimant is expected to accept the implementation in full and final settlement of his claim.

  Performance of the Panel's functions

  6. In performing the functions set out in paragraphs 3 and 4, the Panel's paramount purpose shall be to achieve a solution which is fair and just both to the claimant and to the institution.

  7. For this purpose the Panel shall:

  (a) make such factual and legal inquiries, (including the seeking of advice about legal matters, about cultural objects and about valuation of such objects) as the Panel consider appropriate to assess each claim as comprehensively as possible;

  (b) assess all information and material submitted by or on behalf of the claimant and the institution or any other person, or otherwise provided or known to the Panel;

  (c) examine and determine the circumstances in which the claimant was deprived of the object, whether by theft, forced sale, sale at an undervalue, or otherwise;

  (d) evaluate, on the balance of probability, the validity of the claimant's original title to the object, recognising the difficulties of proving such title after the destruction of the Second World War and the Holocaust and the duration of the period which has elapsed since the claimant lost possession of the object;

  (e) give due weight to the moral strength of the claimant's case;

  (f) evaluate, on the balance of probability, the validity of the institution's title to the object;

  (g) consider whether any moral obligation rests on the institution taking into account in particular the circumstances of its acquisition of the object, and its knowledge at that juncture of the object's provenance;

  (h) take account of any relevant statutory provisions, including stipulations as to the institution's objectives, and any restrictions on its power of disposal;

  (i) take account of the terms of any trust instrument regulating the powers and duties of the trustees of the institution, and give appropriate weight to their fiduciary duties;

  (j) where appropriate assess the current market value of the object;

  (k) formulate and submit to the claimant and to the institution its advice in a written report, giving reasons, and supply a copy of the report to the Secretary of State, and

  (l) formulate and submit to the Secretary of State any advice pursuant to paragraph 4 in a written report, giving reasons, and supply a copy of the report to the claimant and the institution.

  Scope of Advice

  8. If the Panel upholds the claim in principle, it may recommend either:

  (a) the return of the object to the claimant, or

  (b) the payment of compensation to the claimant, the amount being in the discretion of the Panel having regard to all relevant circumstances including the current market value, but not tied to that current market value, or

  (c) an ex gratia payment to the claimant, or

  (d) the display alongside the object of an account of its history and provenance during and since the Nazi era, with special reference to the claimant's interest therein; and

  (e) that negotiations should be conducted with the successful claimant in order to implement such a recommendation as expeditiously as possible.

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  9. When advising the Secretary of State under paragraph 4(a) and/or (b), the Panel shall be free to recommend any action which they consider appropriate, and in particular may, under paragraph 4(a), direct the attention of the Secretary of State to the need for legislation to alter the powers and duties of any institution.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Police Complaints Authority
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what recent representations he has received concerning the independence of the Police Complaints Authority from the police that they investigate; [118586]

  (2) what plans he has to increase the Police Complaints Authority's independence from the police that they investigate. [118587]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary receives many representations about the investigation of complaints against the police and the need for greater independence in the process. Although the Police Complaints Authority, which oversees the complaints process, is fully independent of the police, the present arrangements rely on police officers to carry out investigations. We recognise that a complaints system with a stronger independent element in the process would do much to bolster public confidence.

  In line with recommendations made by the Home Affairs Select Committee and the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, we commissioned a feasibility study, which we intend to publish shortly. We will, at the same time, invite public comments on the options which have been identified for achieving such a system.

  Proxy Voters
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the parliamentary constituencies at the 1997 General Election ranked from highest to lowest by(a) number of proxy voters and (b) proxy voters as a percentage of registered electors. [118381]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The lists of parliamentary constituencies ranked by number of persons who appointed proxies to vote on their behalf at the 1997 general election and those persons as a percentage of registered electors have been placed in the Library.

  Charles Kray
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the body of Charles Kray will be released for burial intact. [118878]

  Mr. Boateng
  I understand that the coroner released the body for burial on 7 April after a post-mortem examination had been carried out on his instructions. No organs or other body parts were retained.

  Criminal Records
  Mr. Kemp
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of incorrect information 258W
  from criminal record files provided in response to employment inquiries have been reported to police forces in the last year for which figures are available. [118870]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Such information is not available centrally. We recognise that there are shortcomings in the accuracy of records, which need to be addressed, especially given that the Criminal Records Bureau will come into operation from July 2001 onwards. The Police Service is working to improve the accuracy of criminal records, and the Association of Chief Police Officers has produced proposals for enhancing police data handling. In addition, a report of a review by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary of data quality of criminal records information held on the Police National Computer is expected to be published in the summer.

  Fraud (Prosecutions)
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of fraud were prosecuted in(a) 1997 and (b) 1999. [117761]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database shows that in England and Wales in 1997 there were 20,744 defendants prosecuted for fraud (including false accounting) offences. In 1998, the figure was 23,880. Provisional data for 1999 will be available in the summer.

  Police Numbers
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 6 April 2000,Official Report,columns 595-96W, and his answer to the hon. Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham) of 27 March 2000, Official Report,columns 1-3W, on the number of recruits resulting from the additional £11 million, what level of funding is being provided by his Department for (a) 2,000 extra recruits in 2000–01 and (b) 3,000 extra recruits in 2001–02; how many extra recruits will be funded by the £46 million he has announced in total for 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [118847]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave on 6 April 2000,Official Report,columns 595-96W.

  Young Offenders (Bullying)
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent changes there have been in young offenders' institutions to deal with bullying; if such changes have been effective; and if he will make a statement. [118875]

  Mr. Boateng
  The most recent change in young offender institutions has been the introduction of Prison Service Order 1702 which was issued in July 1999, a copy of which is in the Library. The Order requires that each establishment has a written anti-bullying strategy and an anti-bullying co-ordinator in place. In addition, each establishment must provide a copy of their strategy to Prison Service headquarters. On 11 April 2000, 55 written strategies had been reviewed by Prison Service headquarters; of these, 10 were from young offender institutions.

  The positive action already being taken by establishments will convey to all prisoners that the Prison Service takes the problem of bullying seriously. The

  259W
  Prison Service is confident that the development of the local strategies, together with improved training for staff, will reduce bullying in young offender institutions.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what allegations have been received by his Department of bullying at young offenders' institutions in the last two years; and if he will make a statement. [118876]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested cannot be obtained from the centrally available data without incurring disproportionate costs.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many suicides have occurred in the past two years in young offenders' institutions; and if he will list the institutions. [118877]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Number of self-inflicted deaths

  Young offender institutions

  1998

  1999

  Aylesbury

  0

  3

  Castington

  0

  1

  Deerbolt

  0

  0

  Dover

  0

  0

  Feltham

  0

  0

  Glen Parva

  2

  1

  Guys Marsh

  0

  0

  Hatfield

  0

  0

  Huntercombe

  0

  0

  Onley

  0

  0

  Portland

  0

  1

  Reading

  3

  0

  Stoke Heath

  0

  1

  Swinfen Hall

  0

  0

  Thorn Cross

  0

  0

  Wetherby

  0

  1

  Notes:

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

  Jobseekers Allowance claimants in receipt of national insurance credits only by Government Office Region by sex and age: Great Britain November 1999

  Thousand

  All cases

  Female

  Male

  Under 50

  50 and over

  Under 50

  50 and over

  Under 50

  50 and over

  Great Britain

  67.1

  40.9

  24.9

  11.7

  42.1

  29.2

  North

  4.2

  2.9

  1.1

  0.6

  3.1

  2.3

  North West

  9.3

  4.7

  3.1

  1.2

  6.2

  3.5

  Yorks and Humber

  7.0

  4.3

  2.8

  1.0

  4.2

  3.3

  East Midlands

  3.9

  2.5

  1.6

  0.7

  2.2

  1.8

  West Midlands

  5.8

  4.4

  2.4

  1.4

  3.5

  3.0

  Eastern

  4.8

  3.2

  1.7

  1.1

  3.1

  2.1

  London

  9.4

  4.2

  3.3

  1.5

  6.2

  2.7

  South East

  6.4

  3.7

  2.6

  0.9

  3.8

  2.8

  South West

  5.2

  2.8

  2.3

  0.9

  2.9

  1.9

  Wales

  3.7

  2.9

  1.2

  0.8

  2.5

  2.1

  Scotland

  7.2

  5.2

  2.8

  1.5

  4.4

  3.7

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred and shown in thousands.

  2. Numbers are based on a 5 per cent. sample.

  3. Figures for Northern Ireland can be obtained form my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

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

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Asylum Appeals
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many asylum appeal cases were awaiting a hearing on 1 April. [118492]

  Jane Kennedy
  At the end of March 2000 there were no arrears of work before the adjudicators. All the cases in the system (some 3,500 at the end of February) were at the appropriate stage of preparation for hearing or promulgation of the decision.

  At the end of February, the Immigration Appeal Tribunal had 2,000 cases awaiting hearing. By the end of April all backlog cases which were awaiting a hearing date will have been heard and all new cases will be listed for hearing within five weeks.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the number of persons over state pension age who are not entitled to a winter fuel payment because they have not paid sufficient national insurance contributions to receive a state pension and who do not receive another qualifying benefit. [118917]

  Mr. Rooker
  Arrangements are now in place to make winter fuel payments to people aged 60 and over who satisfy the qualifying conditions, regardless of whether they are in receipt of state retirement pension or other social security benefits.

  Jobseekers
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are registered as looking for work and claiming only national insurance credits in each region of the UK, broken down by sex; and of these how many are aged(a) over and (b) under 50 years. [118758]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is in the table.

DEFENCE

  Departmental Estate
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many empty houses are owned by his Department in the United Kingdom; how many of them have been empty for over six months; and if he will make a statement. [11 8062]

  Dr. Moonie
  As at 29 February 2000, the Defence Housing Executive held a stock of 61,936 married quarters in England, Scotland and Wales, of which 47,385 were occupied and 3,719 were in the course of disposal. Of the balance of 10,832 empty properties, 3,507 were under offer to service families, most of which are likely to be occupied within the next two months. 1,145 were vacant awaiting further unit deployments or use as decant accommodation during refurbishment programmes. 1,652 properties were empty awaiting modernisation and 4,528 were routine voids, that is a working management margin for some 22,000 family moves each year.

  Including properties identified for disposal, approximately 8,300 have been empty for more than six months.

  Over 6,500 properties are planned for disposal during the next two years. Most of the MOD housing stock in England and Wales is owned by Annington Homes and is underleased by the MOD. Properties identified as having no long-term requirement to the Department are released to that company under the terms of the contract agreed in November 1996 by the previous Administration. Surplus MOD owned properties are sold by Defence Estates.

  In Northern Ireland, a further 3,235 married quarters are owned by the MOD, of which 473 were empty as at 31 March 2000 and 236 had been empty for over six months.

  Weapons of Mass Destruction
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many weapons of mass destruction are held in the United Kingdom. [118537]

  Mr. Hoon
  I have nothing to add to the information on our minimum nuclear deterrent set out in the 1998 Strategic Defence Review.

  The UK has no biological or chemical weapons. As made clear in the 1999 Ministry of Defence publication, "Defending Against the Threat from Biological and Chemical Weapons", the UK gave up its offensive biological and chemical capabilities in the 1950s. A copy of the publication is in the Library of the House.

  National Missile Defence System
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 4 April 2000,Official Report,column 400W, if, in his discussions with the US Defense Secretary or the Deputy Defense Secretary, he (a) indicated UK (i) opposition to or (ii) support for the proposed national missile defence system and (b) offered UK co-operation over the proposed system. [118317]

  Mr. Hoon
  The US has not asked for UK assistance in the deployment of the proposed National Missile Defence system, nor would we expect them to do so until after a US 262W
  decision on whether or not to proceed with its deployment. In my discussions with the US Administration on the subject, I have made it clear that the UK would consider any such request carefully. I have also welcomed the fact that the US will make their deployment decision on the basis of a number of important factors, which will include taking account of the views of Allies and the status of the Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty.

  Performance Targets
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made by his Department in its strategic environmental appraisal of the Strategic Defence Review; and if he will make a statement. [119123]

  Dr. Moonie
  The study phase of the strategic environmental appraisal has now been completed. My Department is reviewing its recommendations and I intend to publish the report in the near future.

  Serle's House
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if an economic option appraisal was conducted by his Department before making the decision to put Serle's House on the open market; and if he will make a statement. [118914]

  Dr. Moonie
  I can confirm that a full investment appraisal and cost-benefit analysis was conducted before the decision to dispose of Serle's House was taken.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the cost of moving the Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum from Serle's House to the Guard Room in Upper Peninsula Barracks; who will bear this cost; and if he will make a statement. [118923]

  Dr. Moonie
  The cost of moving the Western Headquarters of the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment and the Regimental Museum of the Royal Hampshire Regiment from their current home in Serle's House to the Guard Room in Upper Peninsula Barracks has been costed at approximately £317,000, which will cover the refurbishment of the new site and the cost of removals. This cost will be borne by the Adjutant General's Top Level Budged and offset departmentally by the disposal receipt.

  RAF Finningley
  Shona Mclsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how much Government funding(a) was spent in the last 12 months and (b) is planned to be spent in the next 12 months on construction work at the former RAF base at Finningley; [118688]

  (2) on what basis Defence Estates is procuring construction work at the former RAF base at Finningley; [118690]

  (3) what work is to be carried out by Defence Estates at the former RAF base at Finningley. [118689]

  Dr. Moonie
  The RAF Finningley site was sold to Peel Holdings in June 1999, at which point my Department ceased to have any involvement with it. No central government funding has been spent in the last 12 months on construction work at the former RAF Finningley, nor will be spent in the next 12 months.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Horn of Africa
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the famine in Ethiopia. [118040]

  Clare Short
  The situation in Ethiopia is serious. Ethiopia is a very poor country with a GDP of $110 per capita. Many Ethiopians are partially dependent on food aid in most years. This is the third year in succession when the early rains have either failed or been poor. Ethiopia has also been engaged in a war with Eritrea since May 1998. The war has disrupted Ethiopia's economic and social progress. It has also affected food security by diverting trucking capacity and increasing costs; denying access to the ports of Massawa and Assab; and denying rural households supplementary income sources in Eritrea and Tigray. As a result, eight million people now face serious food shortages. According to the information we have available, Ethiopia's initial appeal for 758,000MT of cereals is almost fully met. Britain has provided £4.5 million of food and non-food bilateral assistance this year. We have provided more bilateral food aid this year than any European donor and we will contribute 17 per cent. of the 432,000 metric tonnes which will be provided through the EC this year.

  Cyclone Hudah
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the effect of cyclone Hudah on(a) the flooding in Mozambique and (b) Madagascar. [118097]

  Clare Short
  Cyclone Hudah has not affected the previously flooded areas in southern and central Mozambique. The cyclone made landfall in Pembane in northern Mozambique late on Friday 7 April. Preliminary assessments indicate very limited damage to property and while there has been some localised flooding this has not been exceptional. Full assessments will be completed over the coming days, but it appears there are no outstanding needs at this time.

  The cyclone had previously caused considerable damage while tracking across the North East of Madagascar. As a result, there are an estimated 100,000 people requiring immediate assistance. My Department has already provided some £600,000 for immediate relief to those affected by Cyclones Eline and Gloria. We will continue to monitor the situation closely in collaboration with operational agencies on the ground and the British Embassy in Antananarivo and stand ready to respond following completed assessments.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the need for emergency aid for Madagascar after the recent hurricane. [118042]

  Clare Short
  My officials have maintained close contact with our Embassy in Antananarivo and operational agencies on the ground. There are an estimated 100,000 people requiring emergency assistance as a result of cyclone Hudah. Following the previous two cyclones, Gloria and Eline, effective co-ordination mechanisms were 264W
  established and the United Nations and Red Cross have been supporting the Government of Madagascar to respond to relief needs.

  My Department has already provided some £600,000 for immediate relief to those affected by cyclones Eline and Gloria. This support has been channelled through United Nations Children's Fund, for water sanitation and health activities; and the World Food Programme for food and delivery of relief items to isolated communities. However, due to the increase in the number of people requiring assistance these resources may run out quicker than planned. We stand ready to respond further, pending completion of detailed assessments.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make future aid programmes to Zimbabwe conditional on respect for democracy and human rights. [118047]

  Clare Short
  Good governance and human rights are among the factors taken into account in formulating strategy in all country programmes. Our Zimbabwe country strategy published in 1999 makes clear our position in relation to Zimbabwe.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs concerning the suspension of aid to Zimbabwe. [118053]

  Clare Short
  I have been keeping the development programme for Zimbabwe under very close review since 1997, taking full account of other Departments views. It is the Government's view that it would not help the poor in Zimbabwe to suspend our aid programme. We are disbursing less than half the aid that our published Country Strategy Paper makes clear would be available if the Zimbabwe Government showed a commitment to better governance and economic policies that would benefit the country and improve the life of the poor of Zimbabwe.

TREASURY

  Business Tax
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Treasury estimate of business tax based on the OECD definition as a share of GDP in(a) UK, (b) France and (c) Germany in the latest year for which figures are available. [118643]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 11 April 2000]:The latest OECD figures for tax on business as a share of GDP, for the UK, France and Germany, are published in the OECD publication "Revenue Statistics: 1965/98". A copy of this document is available in the House Library.

  Public Debt Interest Payments
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the reduction in public debt interest payments resulting from a(a) 2 per cent., (b) 3 per cent., (c) 4 per cent. and (d) 5 per cent reduction in interest rates over a period of three years. [118096]
  265W
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Because of the wider economic consequences of such large interest rate movements, the impact on inflation and Government borrowing would give rise to indirect changes to debt interest payments which are difficult to predict both in magnitude and direction.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Geraint Davies
  To ask the Solicitor-General what assessment he has made of the work of the Crown Prosecution Service in co-operating with police and judicial authorities to speed up the completion of court cases. [117755]

  The Solicitor-General
  Since my appointment as Solicitor-General, I have visited many Crown Prosecution Service offices throughout England and Wales. The people I speak to, and the reports I receive, confirm that the CPS continues to co-operate closely with the police and the courts in bringing a high proportion of cases to a speedy conclusion and, wherever possible, at the first hearing. These improvements have involved a significant change in the working practices for many CPS staff which, I am pleased to report, they have undertaken with enthusiasm and professionalism.

  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Solicitor-General what estimate he has made of the costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of the closure of local magistrates courts in the last year for which figures are available. [117757]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Crown Prosecution Service does not gather information on any costs (or savings) incurred from the closure of local magistrates courts.

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Solicitor-General what progress he has made on the review of the code for crown prosecutors. [117759]

  The Solicitor-General
  The review team has now been established, and met for the first time on 5 April. Consultation has begun: the team has written to a large number of organisations and individuals with an interest in the criminal justice system, asking for comments on the existing Code. Local consultation is being led by Chief Crown Prosecutors, who will report their findings to the review team. Information about the Code review has been put on the CPS website, together with an invitation to the general public to e-mail or write to the CPS with comments on the Code. The Director aims to publish the new Code in early September.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the efficiency of the Crown Prosecution Service. [117760]

  The Solicitor-General
  In the year ending December 1999, the CPS secured convictions in respect of 98.3 per cent. (980,729) of defendants in magistrates courts, whose case proceeded to a hearing. In the Crown court, convictions were secured in respect of a further 88.4 per cent. (67,352) of defendants.
  266W
  The CPS have worked closely with the police and courts to implement the Narey and Crime and Disorder Act provisions to bring offenders to court, in many cases the day after charge. In most of England and Wales, at least 60 per cent. of cases are now completed at the first hearing.

  The CPS is also developing local plans to implement new criminal justice units with the police to handle cases in magistrates courts more efficiently and new trial units which will allow the CPS to shift the balance of its resources in favour of the most serious cases in the Crown court.

  Sentences (Driving Offences)
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many unduly lenient sentences the Attorney General has referred to the Court of Appeal in the past five years which relate to driving offences. [117758]

  The Solicitor-General
  The number of sentences referred to the Court of Appeal in cases which concerned either causing death by dangerous driving or causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs is as follows:

  1995—five sentences;

  1996—11 sentences;

  1997—one sentence;

  1998—five sentences;

  1999—three sentences.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Select Committees
  Mr. White
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many specialist advisers have been appointed by each Select Committee; and what were the associated costs since May 1997. [118349]

  Mr. Darvill
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, how much has been spent on overseas travel by each Select Committee since May 1997. [118360]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  The information sought by the hon. Members is contained in the Sessional Returns ordered to be printed by the House on 25 January 1999 (HC142) and on 16 December 1999 (HC1). The returns contain comprehensive information about Select Committee activity costs and costs which the hon. Members may find useful.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Imported Livestock (Hygiene)
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on food hygiene standards in respect of livestock imported into the UK from France. [117741]

  Mr. Morley
  Livestock imported into the United Kingdom from France and from other member states must be certified in accordance with harmonised rules for
  267W
  intra-Community trade. Random, non-discriminatory documentary, physical and identity checks are carried out on such imports. Thereafter, livestock entering the United Kingdom is subject to the same legislation as livestock reared here.

  Pig Industry
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action the Government are taking to support British pig farmers and the pig industry. [117742]

  Ms Quin
  At the 30 March Agriculture summit my right hon. Friend the Minister announced that the Government have decided to introduce a pig industry restructuring scheme. This three year scheme, which has been formally notified to the European Commission and we await its clearance, will make available £26 million to pig producers in its first year. The aim of the scheme will be to help pig producers reduce breeding capacity, reduce costs, overcome any competitive disadvantage and restore long term viability.

  My Department has also helped the pig industry through the Agriculture Development Scheme and through measures to promote pigmeat consumption and to tackle misleading labelling.

  Climate Change
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effects of global warming and climate change on British food production. [117743]

  Mr. Morley
  Like many business sectors, agriculture will need to adapt to the effects of changing climatic conditions. Last month, my Department published a booklet summarising a £6 million research programme we have commissioned into the impact of climate change on all sectors of agriculture. The booklet also suggests practical ways in which farm management can adapt.

  Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill
  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received in support of the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill. [117744]

  Mr. Morley
  In excess of 2,000 representations have been received from members of the public and animal welfare organisations supporting the banning of fur farming.

  Farming (New Entrants)
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to help new entrants to the farming sector. [117745]

  Ms Quin
  The Action Plan for Farming announced at the Agriculture Summit on 30 March will help create a long-term perspective for farming which will be of benefit to both existing farmers and new entrants. In addition, measures under the England Rural Development Plan announced in December will be targeted at new entrants where appropriate.

  Agriculture Summit
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on measures announced as a result of the Prime Minister's agricultural summit. [117746]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  A wide cross section of farming and food industry interests were represented at the Prime Minister's meeting on 30 March. There has been a good deal of interest in the outcome of the meeting.

  Distant-water Trawlermen
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about compensation for distant-water trawlermen. [117747]

  Mr. Morley
  The case for providing compensation for former distant water trawlermen is being given urgent consideration and a decision is expected shortly.

  Agenda 2000
  Ms Ryan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the savings to consumers from the Agenda 2000 reform of the common agricultural policy. [117748]

  Ms Quin
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan) on 16 March 2000,Official Report,column 307W.

  Farmers (Business Support)
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what business support he is offering to farmers. [117749]

  Ms Quin
  The Action Plan for Farming announced on 30 March provides help for farmers in relation to diversification, the use of IT, and training and other steps to develop better business practices including £6.5 million which has been allocated to deliver tailored business advice through the Small Business Service.

  Dairy Farmers
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what help he is providing for dairy farmers. [117750]

  Ms Quin
  The Plan for Farming announced on 30 March indicated that we would be paying around £22 million in agrimonetary compensation to dairy farmers this year. Dairy farmers will also benefit from any raising of the maximum weight limit under the Over-Thirty-Months Scheme. It also included the removal of dairy hygiene charges in England. In addition, my right hon. Friend announced last autumn the deferral of cattle passport charges worth some £12 million in total to dairy farmers.

  Common Fisheries Policy
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list his priorities for the review of the common fisheries policy of 2002. [117751]
  269W
  Mr. Morley
  The Government are pursuing a wide-ranging agenda of improvements to the Common Fisheries Policy. Our priorities include maintaining six and 12 mile limits, improving the integration of environmental policy into the CFP and introducing a greater regional dimension into decision-making.

  Farm Incomes
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to address the level of farm incomes. [117739]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  The Government recognise the serious problems facing the farming industry. That is why my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister hosted a meeting on 30 March with farming and food industry leaders to determine a strategy for the future. A copy of the "Action Plan for Farming", discussed at the meeting, has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the items in his Department's budget on which planned expenditure was reduced by over £100,000 in financial year 1999–2000 and in each of the previous three financial years. [117972]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 6 April 2000]:The information requested by the hon. Member could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Agrimonetary Compensation
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the amount of agri-monetary compensation(a) claimed by the UK in (i) 1997–98 (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000 and (b) that the Government intend to claim in 2000–01. [117971]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 6 April 2000]:The approximate figures are set out as follows for the following CAP scheme years:

  Scheme year

  £ million

  1997

  85

  1998

  48

  1999

  264

  Because payments relate to scheme years, some of the expenditure falls between calendar years.

  In addition, we intend to pay £154 million in 2000 and £44 million in 2001. This is subject to exchange rates remaining as they are, and approval of new schemes by the European Commission.

  UK/US Meetings
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what meetings have been held between United States Government officials and his Department in(a) the USA and (b) the UK in the last 12 months, indicating the dates and locations of the meetings and the subjects discussed. [118627]
  270W
  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 11 April 2000]:There have been frequent meetings between United States Government officials and MAFF officials over the last 12 months covering a range of bilateral and multilateral issues. Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Sustainable Agriculture
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Government's policies on sustainable agriculture. [117736]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  In December 1999 this Government set out their long-term strategy for the development of a sustainable industry that must be competitive, diverse, flexible, responsive to consumer demands and environmentally responsible. The Plan I announced on 30 March will help steer the industry in a new direction; it will help ensure that Government and industry work together to find ways to improve profitability; and it provides financial support to ease the process of change for the hardest hit sectors. The Government continue to work to secure a more market-oriented CAP.

  Agri-environment Schemes
  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his Department's expenditure is on agri-environment schemes in the financial year 1999–2000. [117728]

  Mr. Morley
  Payments to farmers under agri-environment schemes in England in 1999–2000 are expected to be £87.4 million. The equivalent figure in 1996–97 was £44.4 million. I am pleased to say that this represents an increase of 97 per cent. over the last three years.

  BSE
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make publicly available the latest progress report prepared by his Department on bovine spongiform encephalopathy. [119402]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  A further Progress Report on BSE in Great Britain was placed in the Library of the House today.

  The report outlines the measures which have been taken to protect public health since June 1999, including legislation to establish the Food Standards Agency and to lift the retail ban on beef on the bone and beef bones. It summarises the results of action to enforce existing public health measures. An update on the number of cases of vCJD is included.

  There is also a section on the protection of animal health which covers controls on animal feed.

  The epidemiology section shows that the epidemic of BSE in the UK continues to decline. The number of clinically suspect cases of BSE reported in Great Britain has continued to fall and for the year to 31 December 1999 was 26.3 per cent. less than for the same period in 1998, and 46.2 per cent. less than for the same period

  271W
  in 1997. A continued improvement is expected for the future. The report shows that 63 per cent. of UK herds with adult breeding cattle have never had a case of BSE, including 84 per cent. of beef suckler herds. Reported incidence also shows that herds with more than four cases of BSE account for three quarters of all BSE cases, but represent less than one eighth of all herds.

  The section on the European perspective reports the first exports of UK beef produced under the Date-based Export Scheme which started in August 1999. It also covers the Commission's latest proposal for regulation to control and prevent animal transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

  Countryside and Rights of Way Bill
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the farming unions and individuals involved in the industry on the question of the universal access proposals contained in the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill; and if he will make a statement. [118402]

  Mr. Mullin
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government have received representations on the access provisions of the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill from a range of organisations representing, or associated with, the farming and land management industry, including the National Farmers Union, the Farmers' Union of Wales, the Tenant Farmers Association, and the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs. We have also received representations from a number of individual farmers and others involved in farming. To provide details of representations from individuals would involve disproportionate cost.

  Feed Supplements
  Mr. Ashdown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of the effect on the feed supplements sector in the UK of Regulation 13 of the Feedings Stuffs Regulations 2000; and if he will make a statement; [115388]

  (2) when he will reach a decision on whether to proceed to implement Regulation 13 of the Feeding Stuffs Regulations 2000; and if he will make a statement; [115389]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the effect of Regulation 13 of the Feeding Stuffs Regulations 2000 on competition in the European feed supplements sector; and if he will make a statement. [115390]

  Ms Stuart
  I have been asked to reply.

  The consultation on the draft Feeding Stuffs Regulations 2000 specifically requested comments on the proposed Regulation 13 in order that its effect on all sectors could be assessed.

  There have been a substantial number of responses and some of these have drawn attention to comparisons with the European feed supplement practices. The Government's response will be drawn up taking account of all the issues raised in consultation, and a decision announced shortly.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Short Money
  Mr. Kemp
  To ask the President of the Council what steps she takes to ensure that Short money allocated to Her Majesty's Opposition is used exclusively for parliamentary purposes. [118873]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Recipients of Short money have to furnish the Accounting Officer of the House with the certificate of an independent professional auditor, in a form determined by the Accounting Officer, to the effect that all expenses in respect of which the party received financial assistance during the period ending with that day were incurred exclusively in relation to the party's parliamentary business under the House's resolution.

  Mr. Kemp
  To ask the President of the Council how much Short money has been allocated to Her Majesty's Official Opposition for each of the last six years. [118874]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The figures are as follows:

  £

  1994

  1,439,802.97

  1995

  1,489,749.12

  1996

  1,530,190.51

  1997

  986,762.82

  1998

  1,112,885.74

  1999

  3,377,670.28

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  United Biscuits
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer the bid by Finalrealm for United Biscuits to the Competition Commission; and if he will make a statement. [117610]

  Dr. Howells
  The size and European dimension of this proposed bid for United Biscuits means that it has fallen to the consideration of the European competition authorities under the EC Merger Regulation (ECMR). The European Commission assesses such cases on competition grounds and member states have a formal role in the ECMR process.

  Ilisu Dam Project
  Ms Kingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment his Department has made of(a) the number of British jobs that will be created, (b) the number of existing British jobs that may be sustained, (c) which other countries expect to have jobs created, (d) the number of jobs that will be created for persons from other countries, (e) the number of jobs that will be created for local people and (f) the ratio of jobs for local people to jobs that will be available for persons from other countries, including in Britain, as a result of the Ilisu Dam project by Balfour Beatty Construction. [118029]

  Mr. Caborn
  Contractual negotiations on the Ilisu project are still progressing and therefore we do not have the detailed information sought by my hon. Friend.
  273W
  Indeed, such information normally becomes available only some time after contract signature. However, I can say that
  it is estimated that in the region of 2,000 jobs in Britain could be sustained;
  other countries where export credit agencies are considering support are: Switzerland, the USA, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Austria, and Portugal;
  other countries may be involved as sub contractors;
  the potential UK goods and services represent around 10-12 per cent. of the total project cost;
  around half the value of civil works will be expended locally;
  the contractor has advised us that the peak work force on site—most of whom will be local—will be around 5,000 and that the construction period will be approximately seven years.

  Ms Kingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which banks are investing in the Ilisu Dam project; and what discussions his Department(a) has had and (b) is planning to have concerning the project. [118030]

  Mr. Caborn
  We understand that a lending syndicate would be led by UBS of Switzerland. As no decision has been taken on the availability of export credit support, discussions have not yet commenced on the financing. If and when a decision is taken to provide support, ECGD will discuss the project with the lending syndicate as part of its normal procedures.

  Astra
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library file bundles 120, 121, 140 and 141 in the Astra case. [118393]

  Table showing the number of cases disposed of and the respective outcomes according to jurisdiction.

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Sex Discrimination

  Cases disposed of

  3,677

  1—

  2,839

  4,025

  ACAS settled

  1,464

  1—

  1,005

  1,791

  Withdrawn or privately settled

  1,508

  1—

  1,070

  1,334

  Reached a hearing

  574

  1—

  676

  797

  (of which) successful

  218

  1—

  224

  270

  Equal Pay

  Number of cases

  694

  1—

  1,483

  1,530

  ACAS settled

  128

  1—

  253

  517

  Withdrawn or privately settled

  456

  1—

  1,069

  650

  Reached a hearing

  82

  1—

  91

  316

  (of which) successful

  36

  1—

  18

  7

  Racial Discrimination

  Number of cases

  1,737

  1—

  2,194

  2,694

  ACAS settled

  405

  1—

  661

  813

  Withdrawn or privately settled

  656

  1—

  727

  871

  Reached a hearing

  562

  1—

  653

  837

  (of which) successful

  109

  1—

  119

  131

  Disability Discrimination

  Number of cases

  n/a

  1—

  337

  858

  ACAS settled

  n/a

  1—

  140

  365

  Withdrawn or privately settled

  n/a

  1—

  123

  284

  Reached a hearing

  n/a

  1—

  69

  189

  (of which) successful

  n/a

  1—

  4

  33

  1Due to changes to the database system of the ETS in 1996, statistics are not available for 1996–97 n/a = DDA Act did not come into force until 2 December 1996

  Note:

  It should be noted that the ETS statistical years follow the financial, not calendar years and as yet, the statistics for 1999–2000 are being collated and are not available.
  274W
  Dr. Howells
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 22 March 2000,Official Report,column 611W. It is well established that material obtained through the use of compulsory powers is subject to duties of confidentiality. Disclosure can be made only in certain circumstances and for certain specified purposes. While I am unable to make such material available to the Library of the House, the inspectors' concluded views were set out in their report published in June 1993.

  Employment and Tribunal Claims
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many employment and tribunal claims in(a) Wales, (b) England and (c) Scotland in each year from 1995 to 2000 in (i) sex discrimination, (ii) equal pay, (iii) race discrimination and (iv) disability discrimination cases (A) were lodged, (B) were settled through ACAS, (C) were privately settled, (D) were withdrawn, (E) reached a hearing and (F) were successful at hearing; what was the distribution of compensation awards in successful cases separately distinguishing compensation for injury to feelings; and how many individuals were represented at tribunals. [118736]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The following tables set out the information requested. The statistics are produced on a Great Britain basis.

  Table showing the number of cases registered according tojurisdiction

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Sex Discrimination

  2,880

  1—

  3,440

  6,203

  Equal Pay

  1,482

  1—

  1,845

  5,018

  Racial Discrimination

  1,774

  1—

  2,578

  2,746

  Disability Discrimination

  n/a

  1—

  959

  1,430

  1 Due to changes to the database system of the ETS in 1996, statistics are not available for 1996–97.

  n/a = DDA Act did not come into force until 2 December 1996

  275W

  Table showing compensation levels by jurisdiction and year

  Award

  less than £499

  £500—£2,499

  £2,500—£6,999

  greater than £7,000

  1995–96

  Sex Discrimination

  13

  31

  18

  15

  Equal Pay

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Racial Discrimination

  3

  16

  4

  9

  Disability Discrimination

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  1996–97

  Sex Discrimination

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Equal Pay

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Racial Discrimination

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Disability Discrimination

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1997–98

  Sex Discrimination

  12

  47

  47

  28

  Equal Pay

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Racial Discrimination

  2

  22

  20

  35

  Disability Discrimination

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1998–99

  Sex Discrimination

  7

  47

  56

  54

  Equal Pay

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Racial Discrimination

  2

  18

  24

  28

  Disability Discrimination

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1 Statistics on Equal Pay and Disability Discrimination cases are not collated separately.

  2 Due to changes to the database system of the ETS in 1996, statistics are not available for 1996–97

  n/a = DDA Act did not, come into force until 2 December 1996

  Note:

  Statistics on compensation awards for injury to feeling are included in the above details but can not be separately identified.

  Table showing representation at the employment tribunals— for applicants

  Year

  None or Self 1

  Other

  Legal

  Union

  1995–96

  10,342

  3,983

  4,520

  2,374

  1996–97

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1997–98

  11,579

  2,532

  4,142

  1,814

  1998–99

  9,413

  2,743

  4,545

  4,223

  1Includes cases where the parties failed to attend.

  2 Due to changes to the database system of the ETS in 1996, statistics are not available for 1996–97.

  Source:

  ETS—April 2000

  Personal Computers
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will ask the Competition Commission to review the retail personal computer market, with particular reference to exclusive supply arrangements; [118565]

  (2) if he will seek a meeting with representatives from the Dixons group of stores to discuss their exclusive supply arrangements with manufacturers of personal computers; and if he will make a statement. [118566]

  Dr. Howells
  Under UK competition law in the first instance it is the responsibility of the Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT) to investigate allegations of anti-competitive behaviour and possible abuses of a dominant position.

  The Office of Fair Trading announced on 10 April that it would be seeking further information from those that have raised concerns about this market, and will be meeting with them shortly.
  276W
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer the retail market for personal computers to the Competition Commission; and if he will make a statement. [118583]

  Dr. Howells
  Under UK competition law in the first instance it is the responsibility of the Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT) to investigate allegations of anti-competitive behaviour and possible abuses of a dominant position.

  The Office of Fair Trading announced on 10 April that it would be seeking further information from those that have raised concerns about this market.

  Miners' Pension Funds
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the names of the trustees of the miners pensions funds, giving the date of their appointment and the length of their term in office. [118744]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Mineworkers Pension Scheme (MPS) has 10 Trustees, while the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) has eight. Half of the Trustees in each Scheme, including the Chairmen, are appointed by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in his role as Guarantor to the Schemes. The remaining Trustees are elected by the Scheme membership. Details are as follows:

  British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme

  Appointed Trustees

  Mrs. S. Gleig (Chair)—appointed for three years to 30 April 2000

  Mr. R. Dennis—appointed for three years to 30 April 2000

  Mr. D. Brandick—appointed for three years to 30 April 2000

  Mr. M. Atkinson—appointed for three years to 31 December 2001

  277W
  Elected Trustees

  Mr. B. Hancock—elected for three years to 30 September 2000

  Mr. D. McIntosh—elected for three years to 30 September 2000

  Mr. S. Jukes—elected for three years to 31 March 2002

  Dr. R. Chappell—elected for three years to 31 March 2002

  Mineworkers Pension Scheme

  Appointed Trustees

  Mr. N. Braithwaite (Chair)—appointed from 1 September 1999 to 13 February 2003

  Mr. D. H. Tucker—appointed for three years to 13 February 2003

  Mr. P. J. Keenan—appointed from 6 October 1998 to 30 September 2001

  Mrs S. Gleig—appointed from 6 October 1998 to 30 April 2000

  Mr. M. Atkinson—appointed for three years to 31 December 2002

  Elected Trustees

  Mr. J. Perry—elected for three years to 31 March 2002

  Mr. J. Stones—elected for three years to 31 March 2002

  Mr. G. Bolton—elected for three years to 30 September 2000

  Mr. N. Greatrex—elected for three years to 30 September 2000

  Mr. J. Wills—elected for three years to 31 March 2002.

  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received from the trustees of the miners' pension funds concerning arrangements for the showing of surpluses between Government and beneficiaries. [118745]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I met the Chairmen of the Trustees of the coal pension schemes (the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme and the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme) recently and discussed how the Government and Trustees could build on the arrangements put in place at privatisation to the mutual benefit of both Scheme members and the Government. These discussions are continuing.

  Miners (Compensation)
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the total amount paid by his Department for the miners' compensation scheme for chest diseases and vibration white finger(a) to solicitors, (b) in interim payments to miners and (c) as final settlement with miners. [118743]

  Mrs. Liddell
  As at 9 April the Department has made payments for chest diseases amounting to:

  £13.2 million to solicitors, including £9.8 million in trial costs;

  £50.6 million in interim and bereavement award payments; and

  £5.4 million in final settlements.

  As at 9 April the Department has made payments for Vibration White Finger amounting to:

  £12.1 million to solicitors, including £4.4 million in trial costs;

  £25.4 million in interim payments; and

  £55.1 million in final settlements.

  Energy Prices
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the average cost of(a) 650 therms of gas and (b) 8,000 units of electricity to consumers (i) paying by direct debit and (ii) paying by means of a pre-payment meter in each of the last 10 years, excluding the last 12 months for which figures are available. [118365]
  278W
  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 10 April 2000]:The information to produce estimates of costs on this basis for the last ten years is not readily available. Estimates of these costs for the years for which this information is available (1998 and 1999) are given in Table 1 as are equivalent bills for customers on standard credit terms. The majority of customers are still on standard credit terms. The available information on bills for earlier years is presented in Table 2. This is based on different levels of consumption to those stated in the question.

  Table 1: Estimated annual electricity and gas bills for domestic consumers1

  Cash terms (£)

  Payment method

  Standard quarterly credit

  Monthly direct debit

  Pre-payment meter

  Gas (650 therms)

  1998

  331

  292

  349

  19992

  320

  281

  336

  Electricity (8,000 kWh)

  1998

  600

  580

  611

  19992

  594

  574

  608

  1 Average UK bills, including VAT

  2 Provisional

  Table la: Estimated annual electricity and gas bills for domestic consumers1

  Real terms 1999 prices2 (£)

  Payment method

  Standard quarterly credit

  Monthly direct debit

  Pre-payment meter

  Gas (650 therms)

  1998

  329

  289

  345

  19993

  320

  281

  336

  Electricity (8,000 kWh)

  1998

  610

  590

  624

  19993

  594

  574

  608

  1Average UK bills, including VAT

  2Real 1999 terms calculated using the GDP (market prices) deflator

  3Provisional

  Table 2: Estimated gas and electricity bills for domestic consumers

  Cash terms1(£)

  Payment method

  Standard quarterly credit

  Monthly direct debit2

  Pre-payment meter

  Gas (18,000 kWh, 614 Therms)

  1990

  285

  n/a

  303

  1995

  327

  311

  347

  1996

  330

  308

  350

  1997

  328

  307

  348

  1998

  315

  277

  331

  19993

  305

  267

  318

  Electricity (3,300 kWh,)

  1990

  245

  n/a

  264

  1995

  300

  295

  319

  1996

  297

  295

  317

  1997

  285

  277

  302

  1998

  268

  258

  285

  19993

  265

  256

  282

  1Average UK bills, including VAT where payable, VAT was
  charged at 8 per cent, from 1994 and at 5 per cent, from
  September 1997

  2 The monthly direct debit payment method was not widely available
  in 1990

  3Provisional

  279W

  Table 2a: Estimated gas and electricity bills for domestic consumers

  Real 1999 terms1 (£)

  Payment method

  Standard quarterly credit

  Monthly direct debit2

  Pre-payment meter

  Gas (18,000 kWh, 614 Therms)

  1990

  381

  n/a

  405

  1995

  368

  350

  391

  1996

  360

  336

  381

  1997

  348

  325

  369

  1998

  324

  285

  340

  19993

  305

  267

  318

  Electricity (3,300 kWh,)

  1990

  328

  n/a

  354

  1995

  337

  332

  359

  1996

  324

  322

  345

  1997

  302

  294

  320

  1998

  275

  265

  293

  19993

  265

  255

  282

  1Real 1999 terms calculated using the GDP (market prices) deflator

  2The monthly direct debit payment method was not widely available in 1990

  3Provisional

  TrustUK
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how the consumer launch of TrustUK will be promoted to UK consumers. [118775]

  Dr. Howells
  The consumer launch is being handled by TrustUK who are currently exploring options and developing a media planning strategy. The launch will take place in central London.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the consumer launch of TrustUK will take place. [118776]

  Dr. Howells
  The consumer launch is expected to take place in June.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the consumer protection provided by the monitoring standards set out in TrustUK. [118777]

  Dr. Howells
  TrustUK's criteria require e-commerce code owners to carry out effective monitoring to ensure that traders comply with the codes to which they subscribe. The criteria require monitoring to be carried out independently and with integrity and objectivity. Monitoring work must be capable of being externally verified. TrustUK will be developing statistically robust monitoring techniques.

  TrustUK's criteria allow a degree of flexibility as to how monitoring is performed. The Government believe this approach, combined with effective enforcement and sanctions, should provide adequate consumer protection. At the same time it gives code owners some choice about the kind of monitoring procedures they adopt. The Government believe that codes should be flexible instruments, capable of evolving in response to market developments. TrustUK is developing a transparent procedure for keeping its criteria under review.

  Assisted Areas Status Map
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the reasons are for the length of time taken by the Government and the European Commission to assess the Assisted Areas Status map for the United Kingdom; and when he expects it to be published. [118938]

  Mr. Caborn
  We have been engaged in detailed negotiations with the Commission with a view to securing the best possible deal for the UK's Assisted Areas within the constraints set by the Commission's rules on regional aid.

  The new Assisted Areas map will be published when the College of Commissioners has approved it.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Oxford Forum
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason reference to the Oxford Forum has been included in the political and economic briefing relating to the USA. [117963]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 6 April 2000]:I regret the administrative error that has led to my hon. Friend receiving an incorrect answer to his earlier question.

  The Oxford Forum is a trilateral meeting of parliamentarians and experts from the UK, US and Germany. It was formed as a result of a joint initiative by President Clinton and the right hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Major) in 1995. The event has been previously held in Oxford, Berlin, Harvard and Belfast.

  Party whips select the hon. Members of the delegation.

  The Oxford Forum is included in the bilateral relations paragraph of the US Political and Economic brief as it forms part of the strategy to strengthen relations between parliamentarians.

  European Documents
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will deposit a copy of(a) Commission Document, "Building an Inclusive Europe" (6715/00) and (b) the Presidency report, "Strengthening the Common European Security and Defence Policy", discussed at the Lisbon summit, in the Library. [118025]

  Mr. Vaz
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security has led a policy responsibility for the areas covered in the Commission Document, "Building an Inclusive Europe" (6715/00). A copy of the document will be placed in the Library once an official version has been received.
  281W
  I have arranged for a copy of the Presidency Report, "Strengthening the Common European Security and Defence Policy", to be placed in the Library.

  Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes have been made to the implementation of EU financial sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. [119401]

  Mr. Vaz
  EC Regulation 723/2000 amending EC Regulation 1294/1999 concerning a freeze on funds and a ban on investment in relation to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) was adopted by the Council of the EU on 6 April. The Regulation, which enhances the implementation of the existing financial sanctions against the FRY, came into force on 8 April. Among other changes, it clarifies the scope of the freeze of funds by tightening the definition of "the Government of the FRY" and "the Government of the Republic of Serbia".

HEALTH

  Prostate Cancer
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of intensity-modulated radiotherapy against prostate cancer. [118328]

  Yvette Cooper
  Preliminary evidence from the United States of America indicates that intensity-modulated radiotherapy may have a role in the treatment of prostate cancer. However, this treatment is not common practice in the United Kingdom and its effectiveness has not been evaluated.

  Papilloma Virus
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the progress of arrangements for the three human papilloma virus pilot tests due to start in the summer. [118695]

  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which sites will be used for piloting human papilloma virus testing as part of the National Cervical Cancer Screening Programme. [118703]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Department is currently establishing an advisory group, which will oversee the commissioning and running of the pilot sites for HPV testing and provide expert advice and support on all aspects of the scope of the project. A limited competition exercise will be held in the summer to select the pilot sites, and it is anticipated they will be chosen by the autumn. Testing will begin when preparatory work at each site is complete.

  BCG Vaccine
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the progress made in identifying an additional supplier for the BCG vaccine. [118603]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Department has identified other manufacturers of BCG vaccines worldwide and is investigating these possibilities together with experts from the National Institute of Biological Standards and Control, the Medicines Control Agency and National Health Service Supplies. This work is still ongoing due to the complex nature of ensuring the safety and efficacy of any alternative source. Products from different manufacturers vary in their composition. We will need to be assured of the safety and efficacy of these products, that they can satisfy current United Kingdom licensing requirements and also that supply is such that further interruptions to the programme, once reinstated, will not occur. We are not yet in a position to be able to confirm when or if an alternative source will be available.

  GM Animal Feed
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure animal feed is labelled to show whether it contains genetically modified organisms. [117730]

  Ms Stuart
  I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that a proposed European Commission Regulation covering novel feed is expected to be presented to Council in the summer. We have been pressing for this as it should contain fair and consistent labelling rules for genetically modified material. In the meantime, the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs is considering questions of terminology and thresholds.

  Food Labelling
  Barbara Follett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures his Department is taking to ensure clear labelling of food with regard to country of origin. [117729]

  Ms Stuart
  Origin labelling rules are harmonised at EU level. We are actively pressing for a review of these rules, and of international guidelines, to improve the amount and clarity of origin information on food labels.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made since 1 January 2000 in labelling all food with the country of origin. [117734]

  Ms Stuart
  On 1 February my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food issued tough new guidance to industry and enforcement authorities emphasising the need to ensure that country of origin markings on food labels are unambiguous.
  283W
  Origin labelling rules are harmonised at European Union level. We are actively pressing for a review of these rules, and of international guidelines, to improve the amount and clarity of origin information on food labels.

  National Alcohol Strategy
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the full draft of the National Alcohol Strategy will be issued for consultation; and when the strategy will be published. [118374]
  284W
  Yvette Cooper
  The Department plans to launch a consultation paper about a National Strategy to Tackle Alcohol Misuse in England later this year. After a sufficient period for comment the strategy will be published.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the hon. member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 6 March, regarding a constituent (ref: POH(2) 5608/42). [118846]

  Mr. Denham
  I replied to my hon. Friend on 11 April.

  Racial Discrimination: International Convention Declaration
  Racial Discrimination: International Convention Declaration
  Zimbabwe: CMAG Mandate
  Zimbabwe: CMAG Mandate
  Intelligence Services Tribunal
  Intelligence Services Tribunal
  Chechen Refugees in Georgia
  Chechen Refugees in Georgia
  Asylum Support Service
  Asylum Support Service
  Government Departments: External Consultancy Costs
  Government Departments: External Consultancy Costs
  DTI's Role
  DTI's Role
  Takeover Directive
  Takeover Directive
  E-commerce Accreditation Scheme: Consultation
  E-commerce Accreditation Scheme: Consultation
  "Spam" e-mail
  "Spam" e-mail
  Poor Behaviour and Truancy in Schools: Cost of Remedial Measures
  Poor Behaviour and Truancy in Schools: Cost of Remedial Measures
  Spoliation Advisory Panel
  Spoliation Advisory Panel
  Statutory Instruments
  Statutory Instruments
  Hereditary and Life Peers
  Hereditary and Life Peers
  County Down to Belfast Rapid Transit System Proposal
  County Down to Belfast Rapid Transit System Proposal
  Smoking in Public Places
  Smoking in Public Places