Written Answers of 11 December 2000

DEFENCE

  Battle of Imjin (50th Anniversary)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will reconsider his decision not to allow representatives of the 1 Battalion of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment to take part in the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Imjin, planned to take place next April in Korea. [142077]

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

WALES

  Classroom Assistants
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many jobs as classroom assistants have been created to date under the new deal in Wales. [141691]

  Mr. Hanson
  Information on the destination of new deal participants is not collected at this level of detail.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  TRIPS Council
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what documentation has been prepared by his Department for the TRIPS Council to demonstrate compliance of the United Kingdom intellectual property law with the TRIPS Agreement; what response his Department has received from the TRIPS Council and other bodies to which such documentation was addressed; and if he will place copies of such documentation and responses in the Library. [1420831

  Dr. Howells
  As required by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, the United Kingdom notified its main dedicated intellectual property laws and regulations to the WTO. These were published by the WTO during 1996 in documents with the references IP/N/1GBR/1, IP/N/l/GBR/C/1, IP/N/1/GBR/C/2, IP/N/1/GBR/T/1, IP/N/1/GBR/T/2, IP/N/l/GBR/G/1, IP/N/l/GBR/G/2, IP/N/l/GBR/D/1, IP/N/1/GBR/D/2, IP/N/1/GBR/P/1, IP/N/ 1 /GBR/P/2, IP/N/1 /GBR/P/3, IP/N/l/GBR/L/1, IP/N/l/GBR/U/1, IP/N/2/GBR/1 and IP/N/6/GBR/1.

  The United Kingdom participated in reviews of developed country WTO Members' TRIPS implementing legislation carried out by the TRIPS Council throughout 1996 and 1997. Records of introductory statement made by the United Kingdom delegation, questions put to the United Kingdom delegation and the responses given
  16W
  were published by the WTO in four documents with references IP/Q/GBR/1, IP/Q2/GBR/1, IP/Q3/GBR/1 and IP/Q4/GBR/1.

  All of these documents are available to the public on the WTO website, www.wto.org.

  Employment Agency Regulations
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will publish the Employment Agency regulations. [141693]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  I intend to publish final proposals shortly.

  Electricity Bill
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total electricity bill of his Department for each of the last four years. [141386]

  Dr. Howells
  The total electricity bills for this Department for the last four years are given as follows:

  Year

  £

  1996–97

  1,902,288

  1997–98

  1,958,842

  1998–99

  1,591,965

  1999–2000

  1,828,952

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Government will submit evidence on the national minimum wage to the Low Pay Commission; and if the evidence will be published. [142492]

  Mr. Byers
  The Government have submitted their evidence to the Low Pay Commission today. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. It is also available on the DTI website www.dti.gov.uk/er/nmw

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Official Publications
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list each new publication issued by her Department since 1997; and what the total cost was to the Department of each publication. [141461]

  Clare Short
  The majority of the Department for International Development's publications are listed in the Department's Publications Catalogue, which is updated on a six-monthly basis and is available in the Library of the House. It would be disproportionately expensive to list the total cost to the Department of each individual publication produced since 1997.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department's spending on official publications was for(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99, (d) 1999–2000 and (e) 2000–01; and what the planned expenditure is for 2001–02. [141451]
  17W
  Clare Short
  Expenditure on official publications in the relevant financial years was as follows:

  £000

  1996–97

  375

  1997–98

  382

  1998–99

  537

  1999–2000

  658

  2000–01

  501

  Figures for 2000–01 include expenditure up to the beginning of December. Planned expenditure levels for future years have not yet been finalised.

  Globalisation and Development
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she plans to publish the Government's new White Paper on Globalisation and Development; and if she will make a statement. [142476]

  Clare Short
  The White Paper has been published today. It is entitled "Eliminating World Poverty: Making Globalisation work for the Poor".

  This White Paper stands alongside our first White Paper published in 1997. It reaffirms our commitment to the elimination of poverty and the achievement of the International Development Targets.

  We are living at a time of profound historical change. One in five of the world's population—two thirds of them women—live in abject poverty, at a time of growing material plenty. If the poorest countries can be drawn into the global economy, and get increasing access to modern knowledge and technology, we could move forward to a period of massive progress and the removal of abject poverty from the human condition. But if this is not done, we will see growing poverty, marginalisation, conflict and environmental degradation.

  We need to work collectively to tackle the problems of conflict and corruption, boost investment in education and health, spread the benefits of technology and research, strengthen the international financial system, reduce barriers to trade, tackle environmental problems and make development assistance more effective.

  This White Paper sets out the Government's policies in these areas. It reflects our commitment to work across all parts of Government in order to work with other governments and international institutions to significantly reduce poverty. It provides an agenda for managing globalisation in a way that will help to ensure that the new wealth, technology and knowledge being generated brings benefits to the world's poor.

HEALTH

  Flu Vaccine
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each of the last five years the target month for completing the flu vaccination programme and the target take-up rates to be achieved by that time together with the rates actually achieved. [141539]
  18W
  Yvette Cooper
  No target month is set for the completion of influenza immunisations and therefore no target take-up rates were set. This year, for the first time, we have set a target of 60 per cent. uptake in those aged 65 years and over.

  The most current data on influenza immunisation uptake rates can be found in "Health Trends" volume 30, number 2, 1998, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Patients Forums
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department will provide further guidance on the new Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service; and if he will make a statement. [141528]

  Ms Stuart
  Details surrounding the arrangements for proposals to introduce a patient advocacy and liaison service are outlined in chapter 10 of the National Health Service Plan. We held a series of national stakeholder seminars to develop the detail of the policy based on the best practice from community health councils and others. We will disseminate the results at a national event early in the new year.

  Organs
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many organs, by type, have been retained by hospitals in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [141526]

  Mr. Denham
  The Chief Medical Officer has conducted an investigation into organ retention in the National Health Service which includes a census of all organs in England. An analysis is being carried out and the results will be available in due course. Health services in Wales are the responsibility of the National Assembly for Wales.

  Local Authority Scrutiny
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department will provide further guidance on local authority scrutiny of the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [141527]

  Ms Stuart
  Guidance on the scrutiny of the National Health Service by local authority overview and scrutiny committees will be issued following the passage of forthcoming legislation.

  The legislation in this context is an amendment to the Local Government Act 2000; accordingly guidance will be issued to local authorities by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. Concurrently, the Department will issue guidance to the NHS on its roles and responsibilities in relation to the new scrutiny arrangements.

  The NHS will have a duty to provide information to local authority overview and scrutiny committees which will make reports and recommendations to health bodies based on the review of that information.

  Chief executives will be required to attend scrutiny committee meetings to answer questions on the operation of the health services.
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  NHS bodies will also have a duty to consult with the scrutiny committees on major changes to health services.

  Citizens' Councils
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department will provide further details on the proposed citizens' councils; and if he will make a statement. [141530]

  Mr. Denham
  The Citizens Council for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence was announced in the NHS Plan. We will be evaluating different models with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in spring 2001, and will make an announcement later in the year.

  Hepatitis C
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will allow access to confidential hepatitis C testing in the NHS without the necessity for those wishing to be tested having to volunteer to be a blood donor. [142246]

  Yvette Cooper
  Hepatitis C testing is available in the National Health Service other than through blood donation. Those who have been at risk of exposure to hepatitis C and who seek testing in the National Health Service should be offered well-informed advice and made aware of the implications of a positive test. Those who test positive will be referred to a specialist for confirmatory testing, further assessment and treatment, if appropriate.

  Community Hospitals (Worcestershire)
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were awaiting discharge from acute hospitals in Worcestershire at the end of(a) October, (b) September, (c) August, (d) July and (e) June. [141405]

  Yvette Cooper
  The information is not available in the format requested.

  A one-day census undertaken by the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals National Health Service Trust found that of the 808 patients in trust hospitals on 14 June, 88 patients were awaiting discharge. On 5 November the figure was 80.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMISSION

  Not-for-profit Companies
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission what representations he has received on the adequacy of resources available to the NAO for investigating not-for-profit companies which have been set up at arms length from Central or Local Government to deliver services to the public and which depend in part or in whole on public finance. [141907]

  Mr. Sheldon
  The Public Accounts Commission last met on 18 July to consider and approve the National Audit Office's Corporate Plan for 2001–02 and beyond. This covered a bid for resources for the Office to undertake its financial audit and value for money duties. These resources include a small provision for the investigation of not-for-profit companies where the C&AG has secured access to—but not the audit of—records on a case by case basis. However, under existing companies legislation the 20W
  C&AG is not permitted to undertake the financial audit of limited companies, nor does he have statutory access rights to limited companies. The Commission have advocated in their submission to the Sharman Review of Central Government audit that the C&AG should have full rights of audit and access to such companies.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Clergy Recruitment
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what measures are being taken by the Church of England to tackle shortages in recruitment of clergy. [141908]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  I understand from the Archbishops' Council, whose responsibility these matters are, that although the total number of stipendiary clergy in the Church of England is projected to decline on present trends, the number of new people coming forward for ordination training has risen over the last five years. It is equally encouraging that the number of non-stipendiary priests and Readers continues to grow.

  Church Repairs (VAT)
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent representations he has received on reducing the rate of VAT on church repairs; and if he will make a statement. [141909]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  I was very encouraged, as indeed was the Church of England in general, by the announcement on 8 November by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of Exchequer that the Government wish to seek a reduction in the rate of VAT levied on repairs to listed buildings that are places of worship. I understand that a letter has already been sent to the European Commission on the scope for such a reduction. Any reductions in VAT realised in this area would directly benefit thousands of parishes who currently bear a very heavy and ongoing VAT burden in respect of the necessary repair of their churches.

  Ethical Investment Policy
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what representations he has received regarding the ethical investment policy of the Church of England. [141910]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Church Commissioners are advised by the Church of England's Ethical Investment Advisory Group, who constantly monitor representations on these areas and who review, co-ordinate and communicate policy on ethical investment issues on behalf of the three main investment bodies of the Church.

  Assets
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the value of the assets of the Church Commissioners in the financial years(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [141911]
  21W
  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Commissioners' financial year ends on 31 December and their end year asset value is stated in their annual report, a copy of which will have been sent to the hon. Member. The total market value of their assets at the end of each year from 1997 to 1999 was:

  £ billion

  1997

  3.5

  1998

  3.7

  1999

  4.4

  For the three year period 1997 to 1999, the total return on the Commissioners' assets averaged 19.7 per cent. p.a. against the WM All Funds average of 17.3 per cent.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Global Warming
  Mr. Beard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the findings of current scientific evidence on the contributions to global warming of(a) the greenhouse effect, (b) sun spots and (c) other cyclical influences on climate. [141521]

  Mr. Meacher
  Recent scientific results from the Hadley Centre have shown that the observed temperature rise over the last 50 years is most likely to have been caused by greenhouse gasses emitted through human activities. There is some evidence of solar effects causing warming in the early part of the century but these are now secondary to the effects of greenhouse gasses. Cyclical influences due to the earth's orbit are important on time scales of thousands of years but currently have a negligible influence on global warming.

  Electricity Bill
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the total electricity bill of his Department was for each of the last four years. [141384]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Total electricity costs were as follows:

  £

  1996–97

  3,191,532

  1997–98

  3,137,493

  1998–99

  3,284,279

  1999–2000

  2,851,554

  Concordat (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish a concordat with the Department of Regional Development in Northern Ireland. [142394]

  Ms Armstrong
  I am pleased to say that we have now reached agreement with Gregory Campbell MLA, the Northern Ireland Minister for Regional Development, on the terms of a concordat between us. This is being 22W
  published today and copies will be placed in the House Library. The concordat is also being made available on the Department's website.

  Starter Homes Initiative
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to announce final details of the Starter Homes Initiative. [141402]

  Mr. Mullin
  We set out for consultation our proposals for the Starter Home Initiative for consultation in our Housing Green Paper, published in April. In July we announced that we would provide £250 million of extra funding for the initiative. Further details, including invitations to organisations to bid for funding, will be announced soon.

  Landfill Sites
  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress there has been on the Small Area Health Statistic Unit study, on health effects around landfill sites. [142395]

  Mr. Meacher
  On the advice of the Director of the Small Area Health Statistic Unit (SAHSU), in the light of problems with the scale and interpretation of data, a revised protocol (study design) has been agreed. A summary of the revised protocol will shortly be available on the DOH website www.doh.gov.uk/envchemh.htm. As a result of this we are now expecting the report from SAHSU by summer 2001.

  Connex South Eastern
  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking to ensure that greater priority is given in the repair of track to the restoration of full normal line speeds for the services operated by Connex South Eastern. [141340]

  Mr. Hill
  The industry is working hard to achieve a steady improvement in rail services across all parts of the country. Rai1track expect that nationally train services will be largely back to normal by the end of January. The Rail Recovery Action Group, chaired by the Minister for Transport, has been formed to help to get services back to normal as soon as possible.

  Mobile Phone Masts
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what additional guidance he will offer to local authorities to ensure that the concerns of local residents over planning applications for mobile telephone masts can be more fully represented;[141712]

  (2) following the recommendation that the precautionary principle should be exercised with regard to the siting of mobile telecommunication masts, what additional protection the Government plan to offer local authorities and their communities to avert the need for court action. [141713]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (chaired by Sir William Stewart) published its report on mobile phones and health on
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  11 May 2000. The Group recommended a precautionary approach, comprising a series of specific measures, to the use of mobile phone technologies until we have more detailed and scientifically robust information on any health effects. In their response, the Government accept the recommended precautionary approach advised by the Stewart report. Our acceptance of a precautionary approach is limited to the specific recommendations in the Group's report and the Government's response to them.

  My hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning wrote to all hon. Members for constituencies in England on 29 June 2000, to set out what we were doing to take forward the land-use planning recommendations in the Stewart report, and to reiterate how local planning authorities should treat applications for mobile phone development in the meantime. A similar letter was sent to all Council Leaders in England, copied to all Chief Planning Officers.

  On 31 July 2000, we issued a consultation paper to seek views on possible changes to the planning arrangements for telecommunications development. In particular, the consultation paper sought views on how to improve public consultation in the planning process. The consultation paper included a draft revised planning policy guidance note (PPG8—Telecommunications). The consultation period ended on 31 October. The Department is currently analysing the responses. We shall announce our conclusions as soon as practicable.

  Air Transport
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to publish his air transport consultation document. [142396]

  Mr. Mullin
  Tomorrow my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Transport will be launching a national consultation document on air transport, entitled "The Future of Aviation". This is the first major step towards a new White Paper on air transport. The consultation document invites views on a wide range of aviation and airports issues that underpin air transport policy. In particular, it will examine consumer issues; the best use of airspace and airport capacity; environmental questions; and planning for airport development. The closing date for responses is 12 April 2001. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House. Two supporting studies will also be issued alongside the consultation document: part 1 of a UK Air Freight Study and a study into the Potential Impact of Changes in Technology on the Development of Air Transport in the UK. Copies of these studies will also be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Houses in Multiple Occupation
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many owners of houses in multiple occupation have been prosecuted for permitting use of substandard accommodation in each of the last 20 years. [141686]

  Mr. Mullin
  Information is not collected from local authorities, in either England or Wales, on the number of owners of houses in multiple occupation who have been prosecuted for permitting use of substandard accommodation and this, therefore, is not centrally available.
  24W
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of and how many houses in multiple occupation did not have adequate fire escapes in(a) England in 1980 to 2000 and (b) Wales in 1980 to 1998. [141683]

  Mr. Mullin
  This information is not available centrally in England. However, in 1996, it was estimated that 27,500 traditional HMOs (bedsits) and purpose-built HMOs in England were unfit under section 352 of the Housing Act 1985 due to inadequate "means of escape". This was approximately 30 per cent. of the total number of these dwellings. There is no centrally available information for Wales.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people lived in houses in multiple occupation in each of the last 20 years. [141685]

  Mr. Mullin
  This information is not available in the form requested. Estimates of the number of people living in HMOs in 1991 and 1996 in England are provided in the table. There are no reliable sources of information for intervening years or prior to 1991. Comparable figures for residents living in hostels and bed and breakfast accommodation are not available.

  Number of people1

  19962

  1,592,000

  19913

  2,159,000

  1 Figures include people living in converted flats, purpose-built HMO and traditional HMO (bedsits)

  2 Figures from the English House Condition Survey 1996

  3 Figures from the English House Condition Survey 1991

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of and how many houses in multiple occupation were judged to be substandard in each of the last 20 years. [141684]

  Mr. Mullin
  This information is not available in the form requested. Comparable information on the standard of some houses in multiple occupation in England is available for 1991 and 1996 in the English House Condition Survey. However, this covers only standards relating to use as a dwelling generally rather than standards for multiple occupancy. There are no reliable sources of information for intervening years or prior to 1991. Information on the condition of hostels and bed and breakfast type accommodation is not centrally available.

  Substandard under section 604 only

  1996

  Number

  148,000

  Percentage

  16

  1991

  Number

  182,000

  Percentage

  14

  Note

  1. Substandard dwellings are taken as equivalent to unfit under Section 604 of the Housing Act 1985 (as subsequently amended)

  Driving Licence Regulations
  Ms Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the revisions to the Motor Vehicle (Driving Licence) Regulations 1999 will be implemented. [141392]

  Mr. Hill
  The revised Regulations were laid on 7 December 2000 and will come into force on 1 January 2001.

  Congestion Charging
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list meetings he has had with the Mayor and Greater London Assembly about the introduction of congestion charging in Greater London. [141483]

  Mr. Hill
  Neither my right hon. Friend nor I have had any meetings with the Mayor or the Assembly specifically about the introduction of congestion charging in Greater London. I have regular meetings with the Mayor at which we cover topics of mutual interest. We have touched on congestion charging in this context.

  London Underground
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what meetings he has recently had with Transport for London concerning the London Underground. [141484]

  Mr. Hill
  I and other Ministers have frequent meetings with representatives of Transport for London on a variety of issues.

  Midland Metro
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has completed a preliminary assessment of the economic appraisal of the proposed extensions to the Midland Metro. [142494]

  Mr. Prescott
  In accordance with the policy set out in my Department's Guidance on Local Transport Plans, West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority sought a provisional view on the economic appraisal for two proposed extensions to the Midland Metro, prior to seeking the necessary powers under the Transport and Works Act (TWA). The extensions are between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill and to Birmingham city centre. We have now completed a provisional assessment of the appraisal. I am satisfied that on the basis of the available information the current proposals pass our economic appraisal tests for deciding eligibility for funding.

  This provisional view is given solely in respect of the economic appraisal, and does not in any way indicate any view that I may take on any subsequent TWA application. Any such application would be determined entirely on its merits in the light of all the relevant considerations, and only after all interested persons had been given a full opportunity to state their views.

  Should TWA powers be obtained, final approval of the project for funding would depend both on whether an updated economic appraisal, reflecting any changes to the scheme as a result of the TWA process or any other
  26W
  developments, demonstrates that the project still represents good value for money and on conclusion of a satisfactory agreement on funding.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Qualified Majority Voting
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what circumstances QMV applies to the Common Foreign and Security Policy, specifying the treaty base; from which treaty the power was derived; on what decisions it has been used; and in respect of which matters. [141431]

  Mr. Vaz
  Article 23 of the Treaty on European Union states that the Council shall act by qualified majority—when adopting joint actions, common positions or taking any other decision on the basis of a common strategy;—when adopting any decision implementing a joint action or a common position.

  These provisions formed part of the Treaty of Amsterdam. The Maastricht Treaty had stated (Article J.3(2))
  The Council, when adopting a joint action, shall define those matters on which decisions will be taken by qualified majority.

  Despite the availability of QMV, all decisions on the basis of Common Strategies have, in practice, been taken by consensus, with one exception. This was on the Joint Action on Russia (disarmament and non-proliferation), when one member state abstained. There was also one decision on a Common Position relating to the FRY, when one member state abstained.

  Article 23 of the TEU goes on to state that
  If a member of the Council declares that, for important and stated reasons of national policy, it intends to oppose the adoption of a decision to be taken by qualified majority, a vote shall not be taken. The Council may, acting by a qualified majority, request that the matter be referred to the European Council for decision by unanimity. The votes of the members of the Council shall be weighted in accordance with Article 205(2) of the Treaty establishing the European Community. For their adoption, decisions shall require at least 62 votes in favour, cast by at least 10 members. This paragraph shall not apply to decisions having military or defence implications.

  Lord Levy
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Lord Levy's visit to Latin America was made on behalf of the Prime Minister as his personal envoy. [142076]

  Mr. Battle
  Yes.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list(a) the visits made by Lord Levy as a member of Panel 2000 and (b) the objectives and outcomes of these visits since 1 April 1998; and if he will make a statement. [142071]

  Mr. Battle
  Lord Levy's work for Panel 2000 has not included any visits.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the value is of the expenses that Lord Levy has claimed from Panel 2000 since 1 April 1998. [142070]
  27W
  Mr. Battle
  Membership of Panel 2000 is unpaid. Lord Levy has claimed no expenses.

  Family Visit Visas
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many appeals against a refusal of a visa to visit a family member in the UK have(a) been lodged at posts abroad and (b) been received by the Immigration Appellate Authority since (i) 2 October, (ii) 1 November and (iii) 1 December. [142087]

  Mr. Vaz
  Our latest information from the 100 largest entry clearance posts, which submit monthly statistical data, is that 18 family visit appeals had been lodged by the end of October. The Immigration Appellate Authority, which covers all 164 entry clearance posts, has received appeals as follows:

  Number

  2 October to 31 October

  1

  1 November to 30 November

  57

  1 December to 8 December

  23

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many refusals of a family visit visa application have been overturned by entry clearance managers after submission of an appeal since 2 October. [142089]

  Mr. Vaz
  According to the statistics received so far, two refusals (Islamabad and Lagos) have been overturned by entry clearance managers after submission of an appeal since 2 October.

  Former Yugoslavia
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assurances he has received from his Yugoslav counterpart that the new administration in Belgrade will co-operate with the International War Crimes Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. [141396]

  Mr. Hain
  The Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia are in no doubt about their international obligation to co-operate with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Contacts between ICTY and the Government in Belgrade are ongoing. In particular, the FRY Government have now agreed to the re-opening of the ICTY Liaison office in Belgrade.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the security situation in Presevo Valley. [141399]

  Mr. Vaz
  The activities of armed ethnic Albanian extremists in the Presevo Valley area of southern Serbia continue to be a matter of concern to the international community, as well as to the Serbian and Yugoslav authorities. We welcome the constructive dialogue between the Yugoslav authorities and KFOR/NATO on this issue, and are pleased that this has helped to lower tensions. A lasting resolution to the current situation can only be found through dialogue involving the local communities, not through confrontation or violence.
  28W
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the results of the Bosnia-Herzegovina general elections. [141398]

  Mr. Vaz
  Bosnia and Herzegovina held general elections under OSCE supervision on 11 November. Voters chose between 44 political parties and 6,000 candidates for six levels of Government. The OSCE released final verified results on 27 November. In the State-level Parliamentary Assembly and the Federation House of Representatives, moderate parties won a slim majority of seats. In Republika Srpska, candidates for the nationalist Serbian Democratic Party (SDS) won the Presidency and the Vice-presidency and emerged as the largest single party in the Republika Srpska National Assembly, with 31 of the 82 seats.

  Although it will take several months for coalition Governments to emerge in the Federation, Republika Srpska or in the State-level Parliamentary Assembly, both the war-time nationalist and moderate parties are claiming victory. Nationalists point to the increased SDS vote and the relative success of the HDZ and the SDA. In fact, the results confirmed the progressive trend (seen in every election since Dayton) way from the nationalist parties. Thus for the first time since Dayton, the nationalist parties failed to secure a majority at either Entity or State level.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to his Yugoslav counterpart on securing the release of the Kosovo Albanian prisoners detained in Serbia. [141397]

  Mr. Vaz
  We have repeatedly made clear the importance we attach to the rapid resolution of this issue. In a statement on 1 November, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary welcomed the release of Dr. Flora Brovina, who had been illegally detained by the Milosevic regime, and urged President Kostunica to release the other Kosovo Albanian prisoners detained in similar circumstances. We have re-emphasised this point in discussions through our Embassy in Belgrade.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the Yugoslav Government's demands that the Kumanavo agreement be renegotiated; and if he will make a statement. [141400]

  Mr. Vaz
  President Kostunica confirmed publicly on 3 December that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia will respect both the Kumanavo Military Technical Agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1244. We welcome the ongoing dialogue between KFOR/NATO and Yugoslav authorities on developments in the Presevo valley. A lasting solution in this area can be found only through dialogue.

  European Security and Defence Policy
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the WEU and the EU have agreed on how they are to co-operate during the transitional period until the EU's crisis-management structures become fully operational. [141336]
  29W
  Mr. Vaz
  Under the authority of WEU Secretary-General/CFSP High Representative, Javier Solana, there is close co-ordination between the WEU and the EU on the transfer of certain functions from the WEU to the EU.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements the EU has made for non-EU NATO members to contribute to EU decisions on defence crisis management. [141332]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Nice European Council agreed extensive arrangements to involve non-EU European members of NATO in EU military crisis management. Those countries have the right to take part in any EU-led operation involving NATO assets and capabilities. Nice also made initial proposals regarding the involvement of Canada in ESDP.

  In any operation in which not-member states take part they will have the same rights and obligations in the day-to-day conduct of that operation as participating member states.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the rights of non-EU European NATO members and other accession candidates(a) within the new ESDP structures and (b) their status in WEU as associate members and associate partners. [141338]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Nice European Council took decisions on arrangements for the involvement in ESDP of non-EU European members of NATO and other accession candidates. These provide for the fullest possible association of such countries in EU-led military operations in times of crisis. These countries' status as WEU associate members and associate partners is unaffected by developments in the EU.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what progress has been made in settling means of parliamentary scrutiny over the CESDP; and if he will make a statement;[141334]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the proposals by the European Parliament to offer representatives of national Parliaments a limited opportunity for involvement in parliamentary scrutiny over CESDP. [141335]

  Mr. Vaz
  Decisions on the deployment of United Kingdom forces on EU-led military crisis management operations are decisions for the Government of the United Kingdom. They will be taken by the Prime Minister, in the same way that decisions to deploy United Kingdom forces on the operations of any international organisation, including NATO or the United Nations, are taken. The Government will be accountable to Parliament for those decisions.

  European Union documents relating to common European security and defence policy will come within the scope of procedures for parliamentary scrutiny of all EU common foreign and security policy decisions.

  The European Parliament will continue to exercise scrutiny over all aspects of common foreign and security policy in accordance with the provisions of Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union.
  30W
  The Prime Minister has proposed the creation of a second chamber of the European Parliament, to be composed of representatives from the national Parliaments of EU member states. Such a chamber could provide a forum for the consideration of CESDP matters in the future.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the basis and structure of consultation between the EU and non-EU NATO countries will be established. [141337]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Nice European Council agreed arrangements for consultation with non-EU European NATO countries and made initial proposals regarding consultation with Canada.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress made in developing permanent consultation bodies for co-operation between the EU and NATO. [141333]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Nice European Council made proposals for permanent arrangements to provide for co-operation, consultation and transparency between the EU and NATO. This followed detailed discussion in EU/NATO working groups over the last few months. We want to see EU/NATO permanent arrangements finalised as soon as possible.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the impact of the ESDP on NATO's primary rights to first resort for(a) collective defence and (b) crisis management. [141331]

  Mr. Vaz
  NATO remains the foundation of the collective defence of its members and retains an important role in crisis management. The EU will act in military crisis management only where NATO as a whole is not engaged. This was agreed by EU Heads of State and Government at the European Council in Helsinki in December 1999. Nothing in the evolution of ESDP has changed that position.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on how NATO members are to be consulted on when and where the EU may act in an emergency crisis. [141339]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Nice European Council endorsed proposals to provide full consultation, co-operation and transparency between the EU and NATO. These EU proposals are now for negotiation with NATO.

  Landmine Clearance (Croatia)
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial contribution his Department makes to the landmine clearance programme in Croatia. [141348]

  Clare Short
  I have been asked to reply.

  My Department has contributed £250,000 this year, through the United Nations Mine Action Service, for the landmine clearance programme in Croatia.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Marshals
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in relation to High Court judges on circuit,(a) what are the duties of the marshal, (b) who appoints the marshal, (c) who pays the wages and fees of the marshal, (d) what was the total cost of the marshal service to public funds for each of the last three years, (e) what uniform, dress code or badge of office distinguishes the marshal, (f) how many marshals there are and (g) what are the qualifications and experience required to be a marshal; and if he will make a statement. [141351]

  Mr. Lock
  (a) A marshal is expected to take an active interest in the trial, make notes and be prepared to enter into discussion with the judge on legal matters; (b) the marshal is invited by the High Court judge to accompany him/her to small official functions; (c) the marshal is not paid any wages or fees, other than an allowance of £2.10 per day which is paid by the Court Service and any travel or laundry costs are borne by the marshal; (d) since April 2000, there have been nine marshals used, for a total of 86 days at a total cost of £180.60; (e) working dress is decided between the marshal and the judge; (f) the number of marshals on any circuit does not usually exceed two; and (g) marshals are normally law students or newly qualified lawyers, who accept the position as useful work experience.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in relation to High Court judges' marshals, when on circuit,(a) what is the selection or appointment procedure followed in choosing a marshal, (b) what training is given to ensure the marshal is appointed in accordance with equal opportunities legislation and (c) for each of the last two years, how many marshals (i) were men, (ii) were women and (iii) were from ethnic minority backgrounds; and if he will make a statement. [141352]

  Mr. Lock
  There are no appointment procedures. Marshals are invited by the High Court judge concerned to accompany him/her while on circuit to gain work experience. The statistics requested are not kept centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Judges' Lodgings
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the value of judges' lodgings and associated expenditure as a benefit in kind for income tax purposes. [141350]

  Mr. Lock
  None. On the Department's present understanding, tax liability is not considered to arise from the existing arrangements for the provision of such accommodation to High Court judges and associated expenditure.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in respect of the Crown courts situated at(a) St. Albans, (b) Reading,(c) Chelmsford, (d) Colchester and (e) Maidstone, (i) how many sitting days were held at each court in each of the last five years, (ii) for how many nights the judges' lodgings were occupied in each of the last five years,
  32W
  (iii) for how many High Court judges sitting at each of the courts (A) regularly made use of the lodgings and (B) habitually commuted from their own residence to court and (iv) what was the annual cost of each of the lodgings for each of the last five years. [141349]

  Jane Kennedy
  For ease of reference I will answer each element of the question using the same numbering as the hon. Member. I should also point out that there is neither a Crown court centre nor judges' lodgings at Colchester.

  Prior to 1997, lodgings were administered locally and it would incur a disproportionate cost to collect comparable cost information for 1995–96 and 1996–97. While sitting figures exist for the Crown court for these years, there are no readily available lodgings data against which to make a useful comparison and they have therefore been omitted from my answer.

  (i) In the context of this question, I have interpreted the request for sitting day information as relating to High Court business only. On that basis, High Court judge sitting days in the Crown court are as follows:

  Crown court

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  St. Albans

  91

  79

  144

  Reading

  98

  78

  76

  Chelmsford

  61

  84

  111

  Maidstone

  124

  149

  82

  (ii) The number of judge nights each lodging was occupied during the same periods are as follows:

  Lodging

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  St. Albans

  105

  120

  165

  Reading

  115

  99

  110

  Chelmsford

  68

  98

  113

  Maidstone

  140

  165

  120

  The difference between sitting day figures and the days the lodgings were occupied can be attributed to a number of factors. For example, cases which settled or adjourned on short notice would not have been recorded as sitting days but would have resulted in the judge being at the lodgings doing paperwork. Similarly, time taken by the judge in writing judgments and decisions during and at the end of cases and on occasions when other High Court judges stayed at lodgings while on other official business would count as judicial occupation but not sitting days.

  (iii) No information is held on how many of the High Court judges who sat at these courts resided at their homes rather than the lodgings.

  (iv) The annual cost of each of the lodgings is set out below on three bases:

  Total cost of lodgings

  £

  Lodging

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  St. Albans

  157,962.00

  203,369.00

  216,451.00

  Reading

  157,152.00

  127,811.00

  112,420.00

  Chelmsford

  107,606.00

  84,690.00

  105,494.00

  Maidstone

  157,553.49

  259,227.43

  185,689.18

  33W

  Total cost of lodgings (less the Treasury capital charge for freehold properties)

  £

  Lodging

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  St. Albans

  133,961.61

  139,977.35

  145,772.95

  Reading

  139,465.25

  94,794.38

  75,576.69

  Chelmsford

  107,606.00

  84,690.00

  105,494.00

  Maidstone

  121,555.49

  217,433.54

  139,051.68

  Costs solely attributable to judicial occupation

  £

  Lodging

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  St. Albans

  50,440.95

  52,863.60

  74,563.50

  Reading

  84,661.85

  55,293.48

  55,169.40

  Chelmsford

  14,877.75

  21,559.56

  29,435.94

  Maidstone

  44,531.20

  81,005.10

  41,024.40

  Immigration Appeals
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the average cost, including accommodation costs and other overheads, to the Immigration Appellate Authority of processing and determining an immigration appeal. [142096]

  Jane Kennedy
  In the time available I regret that it has not proved possible to provide the average direct cost, including accommodation and overhead costs, to the Immigration Appellate Authority of processing and determining an immigration appeal. This information will shortly be calculated and will be laid in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many appeals against a refusal of a visa to visit a family member in the UK have been determined by the Immigration Appeals Authority(a) at an oral hearing and (b) on the papers alone since 2 October; and with what outcome. [142094]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Immigration Appellate Authority received the first family visit visa appeal on 27 October. From 27 October to 7 December (inclusive) a total of 81 family visit visa appeals were received, of these 67 were for determination on paper alone and 14 were for oral hearing. Of this number 33 appeals have been determined, 31 paper and two oral. The outcomes were as follows:Paper appeals—20 dismissed, 11 allowed,
  Oral appeals—two allowed.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what has been the total cost to the Immigration Appellate Authority of administering family visitor appeals since 2 October. [142095]

  Jane Kennedy
  The total fee income of administering family visitor appeals between 2 October 2000 and 7 December 2000 was £17,000. It is too early to assess the costs of administering these appeals. A review is under way.
  34W
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many applications for funding in respect of representation in an oral appeal against a refusal of a visa to visit a family member in the United Kingdom have been made to the Legal Services Commission since 2 October; and with what outcome. [142093]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Legal Services Commission does not currently record case data in a form that would enable an answer to be given to the hon. Member's question.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  School Football Coaches
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how the Football Foundation will help expand the activity of qualified football coaches in primary and secondary schools. [141892]

  Kate Hoey
  The Football Foundation will devote 75 per cent. of its income to improving grassroots football facilities and coaching across England. This will be in the region of £18 million in the current year and double from April 2001 onwards. Grant criteria are a matter for the Foundation, but I would expect primary and secondary schools to be eligible provided facilities and/or coaching was for both the school and the wider community.

  Regional Theatres
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent representations he has received about the funding of regional theatres; and if he will make a statement. [141893]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I have received some representations from the sector, however this remains a matter for the Arts Council of England, as the main funding body for the arts in England, and the regional arts boards.

  Tourism (Wales)
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the promotion of Wales as a tourism venue overseas by the British Tourist Authority. [141894]

  Janet Anderson
  The British Tourist Authority (BTA) works with the Wales Tourist Board (WTB) as equal, strategic partners in promoting Wales abroad. The BTA has an overseas marketing agreement with the WTB, which sets out their respective roles, responsibilities and working relationships in the overseas promotion of Britain and Wales. In addition, the Chairman of the WTB is an ex officio member of the BTA Board, representing Welsh interests and advising on strategic and policy matters whenever key decisions are taken.

  School Sports
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will ensure that those primary schools with poor sports facilities will be made a priority for investment under the space for sport and arts scheme. [141895]
  35W
  Kate Hoey
  One of the key objectives for the space for sport and arts scheme is to create new, and modernise existing, sports and arts facilities for primary schools where existing facilities are poor, inadequate or simply do not exist. The prospectus sent to 65 local education authorities in early October highlighted this objective, and this key message was further re-enforced during a series of regional workshops held with the LEAs in October and November. Sport England received outline proposals from the LEAs last week and these are currently being assessed against a number of criteria, including the condition of existing facilities. We will announce in January details of projects which have been given, in principle, support.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has made to Sport England to amend the 40 hour rule governing the grant of lottery funds to primary schools for sports development involving local communities. [141896]

  Kate Hoey
  Sport England has already reviewed the way in which it assesses Lottery applications under its School Community Sports Initiative. As a result Sport England no longer has a specific requirement that school facilities must be available for 40 hours of community use per week. Rather it assesses the overall sporting benefit to the community together with any particular factors affecting the level of community use in deciding whether to award a grant. Facilities provided by primary schools under the space for sport and the arts scheme will be available to the community, but there will be no requirement for 40 hours of such use.

  Seaside Resorts
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to support the regeneration of seaside resorts. [141897]

  Janet Anderson
  My Department is doing a great deal to support the regeneration of seaside resorts which was one of 15 key action plans set out in the national strategy, "Tomorrow's Tourism". Many resorts are in a position to benefit from funding opportunities in the new European structural funds and UK assisted areas maps or from this summer' s single regeneration budget announcement.I announced a four-point support plan for resorts at the start of a tour I made this summer to learn at first hand about the problems and best practice in seaside resorts. In line with our funding agreement with the English Tourism Council, its resorts task force is due to produce its report early next year, which will recommend a programme of actions for resort regeneration.

  National Museum Visits
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to encourage families to visit major national museums. [141899]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Our policy is to encourage all museums to offer the widest possible access to their collections. We have enabled those national museums funded by my Department which already offer free admission to continue to offer it, and we have scrapped entry charges for children and the over-60s at those that charge. We have also funded them to enable their trustees to introduce a standard admission charge of £1 for adults 36W
  from September 2001, and to allow free admission to all people who are in receipt of the major benefits, including people with disabilities.

  Lottery Funding (Targeting)
  Mr. Lammy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to ensure that funding from the lottery is targeted on the communities with greatest social and economic need. [141900]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have directed Lottery distributors to take into account the need to ensure that all areas have access to funding and the scope for reducing economic and social deprivation. Distributors must show how they will achieve this in their strategic plans and my Department is monitoring progress.

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with commercial companies about the future of the dome at Greenwich. [141901]

  Janet Anderson
  I have had no discussions with commercial companies about the future of the Dome at Greenwich.

  Community Groups (Lottery Funding)
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received about the process by which community groups will apply for national lottery funding. [141902]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have received a number of representations from community groups and others on the need for application processes to be as accessible as possible. The reports I commissioned from the independent Quality, Efficiency and Standards Team and Sheffield Hallam University contained recommendations for simplifying and improving application processes to make it easier for community groups to apply for funding.

  Lottery distributors have welcomed the reports and are working together, with the Department, to take forward the recommendations. These include: the setting up of a joint national helpline to provide initial advice and guidance for potential applicants; reducing information requirements on applications for smaller grants; and ensuring that all guidance notes are of a high standard.

  In addition, the highly successful awards for all scheme, which uses a simpler application form and provides Lottery grants of between £500 and £5,000 to small community based groups, is to continue in England until at least March 2002.

  Bridge and Chess (Lottery Support)
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received in relation to the eligibility for Lottery support of organisations involved with bridge and chess. [141877]

  Kate Hoey
  My Department has received a number of representations in the past from chess and bridge organisations regarding eligibility for support from the Lottery.

  Public Libraries
  Ms Ryan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to improve accessibility to public libraries. [141881]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Last year I published a policy document, "Libraries for All", which identified what public libraries can do to help combat social exclusion and improve their accessibility to everyone in the community. I intend to publish a revised policy statement together with an action plan very soon and I shall also be introducing public library standards next year which will deal with all aspects of library services including access.

  Sports Coaching
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proposals he has for increasing the number of qualified sports coaches working with schools. [142059]

  Kate Hoey
  Many of our proposals are directed towards increasing the number of qualified coaches working with schools.

  The school sports co-ordinator scheme will provide 1,000 co-ordinators in secondary schools by 2004. Most of the co-ordinators will be based in secondary schools and linked to specialist sports colleges, of which there are now 83 designated across 58 different local eduction authorities. The sports colleges draw on the coaching expertise of local sports clubs and are developing excellent facilities across a range of sports, and, through their partnerships with local primary schools and community groups, are giving many children the opportunity to gain a head start in sport.

  Alongside the co-ordinators scheme, we recognise the need to invest in volunteer training to increase the links between schools and elite sports. That is why we have set aside £4 million from our spending review settlement to invest in two levels of volunteer training and support from 2002. We will underpin the training and support for young people aged 14 to 19 to develop leadership skills in sport and in their local communities where they can act as role models for younger children and perhaps prepare themselves for careers in sport. We will be working closely with NGBs to develop volunteer strategies to encourage and support more adults to get involved as leaders, coaches, officials and administrators.

  The Sport Strategy Implementation Group has been looking at ways to increase the number of qualified sports coaches working with schools, and once the recommendations have been presented to Ministers on 13 December, the implementation process will proceed.

  Tobacco
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the value in each of the last three years to(a) sports bodies and (b) cultural organisations of advertising and sponsorship by the tobacco industry. [141416]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  As part of the 1995 Voluntary Agreement on Sponsorship of Sport by Tobacco Companies, the Tobacco Manufacturers Association is 38W
  required to make a return detailing the expenditure incurred in that year by tobacco companies on sports sponsorship in the United Kingdom.

  The returns for the three most recent years available are:

  £

  1996–97

  8,053,000

  1997–98

  7,516,000

  1998–99

  8,139,000

  Detailed figures for sponsorship of cultural organisations by the tobacco industry are not available, but we do not believe that significant sums are involved.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding for sport has been secured by the Tobacco task force since it was established. [141415]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Assistance with the replacement of existing contracts can most effectively be targeted in the 12 to 18 months before they lapse, which is the normal lead-in time for negotiating new sponsorship agreements. My hon. Friend the Minister for Sport is in close touch with the seven sports affected and task force members are also offering ongoing advice and assistance to help the sports prepare to move away from existing tobacco sponsors. None of these sports have asked for the task force to reconvene at the present time.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on which dates since December 1997 the Tobacco Task Force has met; and who was in attendance on each occasion. [141414]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The information requested is as listed.

  10 December 1998

  Tony Banks

  Jon Smith (First Artist Corporation)

  Maurice Lindsay (Central Council for Physical Recreation)

  Mike Reynolds (Institute of Sports Sponsorship)

  Anne Leach (Virgin Group)

  Rajiv Bhattia (Virgin Group)

  Derek Etherington (DCMS Sports Sponsorship Consultant)

  Colin Jones (DCMS Official)

  Graham Bond (DCMS Official)

  24 February 1999

  Tony Banks

  Jon Smith (First Artist Corporation)

  Lizzie Leopolds (First Artist Corporation)

  Maurice Lindsay (Central Council of Physical Recreation)

  Mike Reynolds (Institute of Sports Sponsorship)

  Derek Etherington (DCMS Sports Sponsorship Consultant)

  Colin Jones (DCMS Official)

  Graham Bond (DCMS Official)

  39W
  19 October 1999

  Kate Hoey

  Lizzie Leopolds (First Artist Corporation)

  Mike Reynolds (Institute of Sports Sponsorship)

  Derek Etherington (DCMS Sports Sponsorship Consultant)

  Will Whitehorn (Virgin Group)

  Helen Day (European Sponsorship Consultants Association)

  Graham Bond (DCMS Official).

  In addition, there was also an informal meeting on 19 June 1998 which included members of the Task Force. Present at that Meeting were:

  Tony Banks

  Jon Smith (First Artist Corporation)

  Maurice Lindsay (Central Council of Physical Recreation)

  Mike Reynolds (Institute of Sports Sponsorship)

  Brad Rosser (Virgin Group)

  Colin Jones (DCMS Official)

  Graham Bond (DCMS Official).

  Although there have been no formal meetings since 19 October 1999, work has progressed. The Task Force has concluded the first phase of its work to identify the needs of the sports and ascertain how it can best assist them. Most sports have confirmed that it is too soon to be looking to replace existing contracts, and have indicated that the help of Task Force can most effectively be targeted in the 12–18 months before these contracts lapse, which is the normal lead time for negotiating new sponsorship agreements. It has been agreed with the sports therefore that there is no need for the Task Force to continue to meet on a regular basis. The Task Force has made it clear to all the sports that its assistance is still available in its second phase, as and when they require it.

  Accommodation Rating Scheme
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures he proposes to promote a UK-wide accommodation rating scheme. [141425]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Responsibility for tourism policy, including on accommodation grading, in the other countries of the United Kingdom now rests with the devolved administrations. Ministers have previously looked at the possibility of moving towards a UK-wide accommodation grading scheme but there was no straightforward solution. Both the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting and I would, however, be happy to discuss this again with our counterparts in Scotland and Wales should they so wish.

  Historic Wrecks
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to extend the statutory protection of historic wrecks. [141535]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Government are seeking the earliest suitable legislative opportunity to give English Heritage powers with regard to underwater archaeology, including historic wreck sites designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, in the territorial waters of the UK adjacent to England. This will put underwater archaeology in England on the same footing as land 40W
  archaeology, allowing underwater projects and sites access to English Heritage expertise and grant funds which are currently not available to them.

  Tourism
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what methodology is used by his Department to calculate average spending by visitors to(a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland. [141410]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  My officials consult the findings of well-established surveys of(a) UK households and (b) overseas visitors to the UK, from which information is collected concerning total tourism spending in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The total figures are then divided by the estimated number of tourists, as also identified by the surveys.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his policy is towards proposals to extend EU competence in the field of tourism. [141418]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Her Majesty's Government would not support any proposals to extend EU competence in the field of tourism.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on trends in incoming tourism to the United Kingdom. [141426]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The numbers of North American and other long-haul visitors to the UK have increased by 3 per cent. and 1 per cent. respectively in the first 10 months of this year, compared with the corresponding period of 1999, although visits from Europe are down by 4 per cent. and overall visits by 2 per cent.

  Overall spend by overseas visitors is up by 1 per cent. to £10.8 billion in the first 10 months of this year, compared with the equivalent period of 1999, and remains on course to be one of the highest levels on record.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to restore a marketing remit to the English Tourism Council. [141424]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The English Tourism Council was set up with a specifically strategic role. It does of course consider marketing needs in this context and it carries out market research and identifies and disseminates best practice, working closely with Regional Tourist Boards and others. In recent months it has produced guidance for the use of regional and local bodies and the industry, to help to promote the England brand.

  The British Tourist Authority does an excellent job marketing England abroad and this is complemented by the work of the Regional Tourist Boards, local authorities and other destination organisations.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the English Tourism Council regarding the funding of IT programmes. [141417]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I and my officials are in regular contact with the English Tourism Council (ETC) about the development of e-tourism in this country. The
  41W
  importance of this was highlighted in the Government's national tourism strategy and we have set up an e-tourism group, chaired by the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting, and including private sector expertise, in order to assess the best way forward, including funding. We have increased the ETC' s budget by 20 per cent. from 2002–03, rising by a further 5 per cent. the year after.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the per capita public funding of tourism in(a) England, (b) Scotland,(c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland in the current financial year. [141411]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  In 2000–01, the National Tourist Boards are due to receive grant in aid as follows:

  Board

  Grant in aid £ million)

  Population (Million)

  Grant in aid per capita (£)

  British Tourist Authority

  37.0

  57.6

  0.64

  English Tourism Council

  11.0

  49.6

  0.22

  Scottish Tourist Board

  24.5

  5.1

  4.80

  Wales Tourist Board

  15.4

  2.9

  5.31

  Northern Ireland Tourist Board

  13.9

  1.7

  8.18

  However, Government support for tourism is not confined to grant for tourist boards. DCMS is also spending some £1 billion in 2000–01, for example, on the arts, royal parks and palaces, museums and galleries, much of which directly benefits tourism. Moreover, English local authorities are estimated to have spent over £90 million last year on tourism, or £1.81 per head; comparable figures for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are not available.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he last(a) attended and (b) was represented at, the EU Internal Market Council for Consumer Affairs and Tourism. [141419]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The first meeting of the newly reorganised Internal Market, Consumer and Tourism Council was on 30 November in Brussels and was attended by my hon. Friend the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs.

  Broadcasting
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans he has to reform cross media ownership rules; and if he will make a statement;[141533]

  (2) what plans he has to reform the regulation of independent television; and if he will make a statement;[141534]

  (3) what plans he has to reform the role of the Broadcasting Standards Commission; and if he will make a statement. [141532]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Government's plans for the future framework for and regulation of broadcasting and telecommunications will be considered in a Communications White Paper, which I expect to be published tomorrow.

  British Sports Trust
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the future funding of the British Sports Trust. [141413]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The British Sports Trust has made an application for funding to Sport England which is currently under consideration. I understand that discussions between officials of Sport England and the Trust will be taking place soon.

  Olympic Games
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the Government's support for a bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, indicating where the opening and closing ceremonies would be held. [141421]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Government are committed to supporting a viable bid for the Olympic Games, but the British Olympic Association has primary responsibility for UK bids and has not yet taken a decision on whether to bid for 2012. The BOA has decided that a London-based bid would have the best chance of success and are due to report their conclusions of extensive studies on the viability of a bid to my Department by the end of the year. The location of opening and closing ceremonies will be a matter for the organising committee of any bid.

  National Lottery Licence
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the award of the next licence to run the National Lottery. [141412]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The award of the next National Lottery operating licence is a matter for the National Lottery Commission. The commission will make its decision on the criteria set out in section 4 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 (as amended): ensuring that the National Lottery, and every lottery that forms part of it, is operated with all due propriety; ensuring that the interests of every participant in a lottery that forms part of the National Lottery are protected; and, subject to satisfying those two criteria, maximising the net proceeds of the Lottery for good causes.

  I understand that the Commission hopes to announce the outcome of the bidding process for the next licence later this month.

  English Heritage
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to enable English Heritage to undertake projects on behalf of overseas clients. [141537]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Government are seeking the earliest suitable legislative opportunity to give English Heritage powers to enable them to undertake projects on behalf of overseas clients. This will enable EH to generate additional income and may well create export opportunities for other suppliers and contractors in the heritage field.

  World Athletics Championships
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on England's bid to host the 2005 World Athletics Championships.(141422]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  In April this year, the International Amateur Athletics Association (IAAF) announced that the London bid for the 2005 World Athletics Championships had been successful. UK Athletics and the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority are working closely with Sport England and the London Borough of Enfield to develop the new National Athletics Stadium in Edmonton, North London, which will be the venue for the 2005 World Championships.

  Official Publications
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list his Department's spending on official publications for(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99, (d) 1999–2000 and (e) 2000–01 and the planned expenditure for 2001–02. [141443]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Department's spending on official publications for the period 1996–97 to 2000–01 is as set out. This excludes the cost of publications produced only for internal use. Where the Department makes use of a private sector publisher the publishing and printing costs are generally met by the publisher as part of their acceptance of the risks of publication. Estimates for 2001–02 are not yet available.

  Year

  £

  1996–97

  501,366

  1997–98

  338,761

  1998–99

  288,100

  1999–2000

  448,238

  2000–01

  1345,000

  1 Forecast outturn

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list each new publication issued by his Department since 1997 and the total cost to the Department of each publication. [141466]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The new publications issued by my Department since 1997 are as listed. Information on the cost of each document could be supplied only at disproportionate cost. I have however provided the hon. Member with overall yearly figures in answer to another question he has tabled. These figures show that we have achieved substantial savings over the sums spent in the last year of the previous Government.

  DCMS Publications 1997–98

  Treasure Act Code of Practice

  Underwater Archaeology poster and leaflet

  Government Response to the Select Committee

  Export of Works of Art 1996–97

  Government Art Collection: Tel Aviv Catalogue

  National Lottery White Paper

  Film Policy Review Group Report

  Government Response to the Select Committee report on the Millennium

  44W

  Departmental Annual Report

  Interfaith Millennium Leaflet Network leaflet

  UK Presidency leaflet and booklet

  Poetry and the Presidency booklet

  DCMS Publications 1998–99

  The Eyre Review

  Export of Works of Art 1997–98

  Response to the Select Committee on the Multimedia Revolution

  Creative Industries mapping document

  Departmental Annual Report 1998

  Common Wealth and Museums Report

  Digital Convergence Green Paper

  Portable Antiquities Annual Report

  Building a Global Audience

  Government Response to the LIC Report

  DCMS/Wolfson Fund Annual Report 1997–98

  Children's Play leaflet

  National Lottery information leaflet

  New Opportunities Fund consultation document

  Interfaith Millennium leaflet reprint

  Museums in the Learning Age

  Sustainable Tourism document

  Tomorrow's Tourism Strategy Report

  DCMS Publications 1999–2000

  Government Art Collection leaflet

  Export of Works of Art

  Government Art Collection—Conditions of Loan booklet

  Portable Antiquities Annual Report

  World Heritage Sites

  Treasure Annual Report

  Finding Our Past leaflet

  Building a Global Audience

  The Future Funding of the BBC

  Review of the BBC's Financial Projections

  Creative Industries—Report on the Creative Industries Finance Conference

  Creative Industries—Exports: Our Hidden Potential

  Creative Industries—Internet Inquiry: Snapshot of a rolling wave

  Creative Industries—Your Creative Future

  Creative Industries—UK Television Exports Inquiry

  Annual Report 2000

  Local Cultural Strategies

  PAT 10—Policy Action Team 10: Report to the Social Exclusion Unit

  A Sporting Future For All

  Libraries for All: Social Inclusion in Public Libraries

  The White Book—Option Appraisal of Expenditure Decision: A Guide for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and its Sponsored Bodies

  Consumers Call the Tune—The Impact of New Technologies on the Music Industry

  Report on the DCMS/Wolfson Fund 1998–99

  Libraries and the Regions—A discussion paper

  Appraisal of Annual Library Plans 1999

  British Library Review

  Regional Consortium leaflet

  Efficiency and Effectiveness of Government-sponsored Museums and Galleries

  Report of the Tourism Consumer Group

  Guidance on Disposals of Historic Buildings

  45W
  DCMS Publications 2000–01 (to date)

  Treasure Annual Report

  Vacant Plinth Advisory Panel Report

  Broadcasting Command Paper

  Review of the Transparency of the BBC

  Creative Industries Finance booklet

  DCMS Annual Report 1999–2000

  Learning Power of Museums

  Government Art Collection—Conditions of Loan booklet

  Public Appointments Guidance

  Tax Relief for Charities booklet

  Music Industry Report

  Library Standards Report

  Coalfields and the Lottery Report

  Museums Education Report

  Museums Social Inclusion Report

  New Opportunities Fund Consultation Paper

  Better Public Buildings

  A Sporting Future for All

  Tourism Summit leaflet

CABINET OFFICE

  Official Publications
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what is the cost per issue of "Modernising Government News"; how many issues there have been to date; how many civil servants are employed full-time or part-time in work on it; what its circulation is; and what is its total cost to date. [141428]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  There have been seven issues of "Modernising Government News", the first of which was published in April 1999.

  Two staff work on the newsletter. This equates to 25 per cent. of one full-time member of staff and 10 per cent. of another full-time member of staff.

  The circulation is 72,443.

  The total spend to date is £173,965.56.

  Opposition Policies (Civil Servants)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) if civil servants are unable to take part in work that analyses or costs policies of Opposition parties; and if she will make a statement; [141722]

  (2) if, under the model contract for special advisers, they are unable to take part in work that analyses or costs policies of opposition parties; and if she will make a statement. [141723]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Departments are asked from time to time, under Governments of any party, to cost the policies and pledges of their political opponents. Since Departments would provide factual answers (subject to the limits on disproportionate cost) to questions from MPs about the costs of identifiable changes in activities or benefits, there is no objection to officials providing such factual information. These rules have applied under successive Governments.
  46W
  The basis on which this is done is that Ministers, assisted if they wish by their special advisers, are responsible for identifying the text of commitments together with any further interpretations or assumptions necessary to allow the commitments to be costed. Departments then provide factual material, drawing attention to any additional assumptions or qualifications which they have made (eg territorial basis, price level, first year or full year) including possible overlaps with other similar costings. Very often the exercise will be co-ordinated by the Treasury, who will then be in a position to exercise their own scrutiny and check consistency with other costings. When the exercise is not being co-ordinated by the Treasury, individual costings are cleared with the Treasury before being published.

  When the factual material has been provided, it is for Ministers (assisted by their special advisers) to determine the form of presentation, although it is legitimate for Departments to check the presentation for factual accuracy and consistency.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  SERPS
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the current SERPS rebate rates for those who have contracted out of SERPs and taken out private pensions; and what estimate he has made of what these rates would have been had their calculation taken into account the recently announced SERPS widows' entitlements. [141546]

  Mr. Rooker
  Current rates of rebates for contracting-out of SERPS are set out in the following Orders:The Social Security (Reduced Rates of Class 1 Contributions) (Salary Related Contracted-out Schemes) Order 1996 (S.I. 1996/ 1054)
  The Social Security (Reduced Rates of Class 1 Contributions, and Rebates) (Money Purchase Contracted-out Schemes) Order 1998 (S.I. 1998/945)
  The Social Security (Minimum Contributions to appropriate Personal Pension Schemes) Order 1998 (S.I. 1998/944).

  The rate of rebate for members of salary-related schemes was set for the five years beginning 6 April 1997 following a review by the Government Actuary. That rebate is flat rate, based on a range of economic and demographic assumptions, using weighted averages with regard to age and sex, and including a contingency margin and expense loading. The weights assumed comparatively few members in the age range affected. The effect on the rebate of the changes to SERPS announced on 29 November would have been insignificant compared with the total level of the rebate. Age-related rebates for members of money purchase schemes and personal pensions would not have been affected because of the cap which applies at older ages.

  Social Security Fraud
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people who have been convicted of social security fraud in each of the past five years had a previous conviction for social security fraud; [141432]
  47W
  (2) how many people have been (a) prosecuted and (b) convicted of social security fraud in each of the last five years. [141433]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows:

  Sanctions for benefit fraud

  Year

  Prosecutions

  Cautions and penalties as an alternative to prosecution

  Total

  1995–96

  10,677

  —

  10,677

  1996–97

  12,863

  —

  12,863

  1997–98

  12,009

  —

  12,009

  1998–99

  11,185

  2,835

  14,020

  1999–2000

  10,087

  10,292

  20,379

  Note

  The figures do not include sanctions for benefit fraud by authorities administering Housing and Council Tax benefits. Penalties as an alternative to prosecution were introduced by the Social Security Administration (Fraud) Act with effect from December 1998.

  Information on the number of prosecutions resulting in convictions is currently only available in respect of Benefit Fraud Investigation Service prosecutions in the years 1997–98 and 1998–99—in both years, 99 per cent. of such prosecutions were successful.

  The proportion of prosecutions resulting in custodial sentence has increased from 3.9 per cent. in 1996–97 to 5.5 per cent. in 1999–2000.

  Our research suggests that approximately 5 per cent. of prosecutions involve a person with a previous conviction for benefit fraud. We are putting in place mechanisms to identify second and further convictions.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Electoral Procedures
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what pilot schemes of electoral procedures he has approved for the local elections in May 2001. [1421751

  Mr. Straw
  I have approved the following pilot scheme applications for May 2001:

  Hertfordshire—electronic counting (two divisions)

  Norfolk—(seven divisions)1

  Reading—(three wards)1

  Staffordshire—(eight divisions)1

  West Sussex—(one division)1

  1 All-postal ballot

  2 Marsham Street
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the annual running cost is, including the council tax liability, of his Department's former offices in 2 Marsham Street; how many civil servants work there; and what his plans are for the future of 2 Marsham Street. [141429]

  Mr. Straw
  My Department took responsibility for the maintenance of the site of 2 Marsham Street on 1 April 1999, as part of the Home Office Central London 48W
  Accommodation Strategy. The cost of maintenance and security for the year ending 31 March 2000 was £640,000 and for the year ending 31 March 2001 is not expected to exceed £725,000. Offices are not liable to Council Tax but to non-domestic rates. The empty rate liability is currently expected to be £1.2 million for the current year.

  No civil servants work at the site, which has been vacant for several years other than occasional casual use such as a winter shelter for the homeless. With respect to the redevelopment of the site, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Regent's Park and Kensington, North (Ms Buck) on 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 1167W. This explained that subject to final contract negotiations, part of the site will be used for the relocation of the Home Office, including the Prison Service, and part will be sold for other uses, mainly housing including affordable housing. Anne's Gate Property plc has been selected as the preferred bidder for the project. The demolition of the existing building on the site will commence after contracts are exchanged.

  Once demolition has started no non-domestic rates liability will arise until a new building has been erected. Completion of the new development is expected in 2004.

  Gaming Machines
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans that the Gaming Machines (Methods of Payment) draft Deregulation Order will be put out to formal consultation; and if he will make a statement. [141542]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Preparation of the consultation document has taken longer than we had hoped. The deregulation proposals raised some complex legal issues which have required detailed discussion with the industry and the Gaming Board. We expect, however, to publish it very shortly.

  Asylum Applications
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what average time is currently taken by the National Asylum Support Service to determine an application for support. [142085]

  Mrs. Roche
  The information requested is not currently available.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have exercised a human rights appeal under section 65 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 in relation to a refused family visit visa application since 2 October. [142092]

  Mrs. Roche
  I am not aware of anyone who has made an allegation under section 65 in respect of a decision to refuse an application for a visa to visit a family member.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for support were determined by the National Asylum Support Service in(a) September and (b) October; and in what proportion of these cases the application was determined (a) within seven days, (b) within 14 days and (c) in more than 14 days. [142086]
  49W
  Mrs. Roche
  As at the end of August 2000, 11,3001 asylum seekers were allocated support by the National Asylum Support Service. This figure was 14,2001 at the end of September 2000 and 18,2001 at the end of October 2000. These figures include dependants. Information on the proportion decided within seven or 14 days is not available.
  1 Figures rounded to the nearest hundred.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the net income from fees for family visitor appeals since 2 October. [142091]

  Mrs. Roche
  As of 4 December, the net income from fees from family visitor appeals was £13,000. It may be that some of this total will be refunded following the resolution of appeals which are currently outstanding.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for support have been made to the National Asylum Support Service by asylum-seekers since 3 April 2000; how many of these applications have been determined; and how many applications remain under consideration. [142084]

  Mrs. Roche
  As at 4 December 2000, the National Asylum Support Service had received 25,0001 applications for support since 3 April 2000. 22,7001 asylum seekers, including dependants, have been allocated NASS support. Information on the number of applications determined, and the number outstanding, is not currently available.
  1 Figures rounded to the nearest hundred.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the rules governing asylum seekers' ability to undertake(a) voluntary work and (b) paid employment; and if he will make a statement. [141705]

  Mrs. Roche
  I have no plans to limit the ability of asylum seekers to undertake paid voluntary work. I am reviewing the concession which allows asylum seekers to seek permission to take paid employment if an initial decision on their asylum application has been outstanding for six months or more.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff were employed in processing asylum applications on the last date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [141706]

  Mrs. Roche
  As at 4 December, the number of staff employed in the Integrated Casework Directorate in processing asylum applications was about 1,230. As with the reply given to the hon. Member on 4 July 2000,Official Report, column 175W, this figure includes those who manage and support staff making the decisions as well as the decision makers. It does not include Immigration Service staff also engaged in processing asylum applications.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average time was for reaching(a) an initial decision and (b) a final decision on an asylum application for (i) an individual, (ii) a family and (ii) for all applications, (A) on the latest date for which figures are available and (B) in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [141703]
  50W
  Mrs. Roche
  The available information is given in the table.

  Although 2000 statistics are not yet available, the average time taken to reach an initial decision in October 2000 was estimated to have fallen to 11 months.

  The Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) are setting in place new systems which will enable average decision times to be calculated, split by individual and family applicants.

  Average time to initial decision1, in months, 1996–99

  Applications lodged:

  Year

  All applications

  Pre-July 1993

  Post-July 1993

  1996

  17

  52

  11

  1997

  22

  64

  14

  1998

  17

  78

  12

  19992

  35

  91

  16

  October 20002

  11

  n/a

  n/a

  1 The average length of time (in months) is calculated from when the data application is lodged to the date of initial decision, and relates to the year in which the decisions were made.

  2 Figures are estimates based on cases for which information is recorded.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what date he expects to comply with Government targets for the time taken to process asylum applications; and if he will make a statement. [141704]

  Mrs. Roche
  The 1998 White Paper committed the Government to make most initial asylum decisions within two months by April 2001. We are on course to meet this target and are already doing so for families with children.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he made of the administrative costs(a) in total and (b) per asylum seeker of providing support for asylum seekers through (i) the voucher system and (ii) the social security system; what the total cost to date is of administering asylum vouchers; and if he will make a statement. [141707]

  Mrs. Roche
  The total staffing and related costs of the National Asylum Support Service (NASS), which include the administrative costs of the voucher scheme, are estimated as £16 million for 2000–01. Based on an anticipated total of 43,000 applications for support the estimated administrative cost per asylum seeker in 2000–01 is £372.

  Total staffing and related administrative costs of NASS, including the costs of administering the voucher scheme, assessing applications for support and arranging the dispersal and accommodation of asylum seekers to 30 November 2000 are recorded as £9 million. Vouchers are printed and distributed by third party providers under contract to the Home Office and the costs of this service are commercially confidential. Payments made under the voucher contract to 30 November 2000 are included in the total staffing and related administrative cost.

  Between 1994 and 1999 the annual administrative costs for income support for asylum seeker claims for one year was estimated to be in the region of £1 million and £2.5 million in 1999–2000. The estimated costs in the current year to the end of October are £0.5 million.
  51W
  These figures, which are rounded to the nearest £0.5 million, are based on the cost of processing new income support claims and maintaining existing cases. Costs per asylum seeker are not available.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what date he plans to end the policy of not allowing change to be given when asylum vouchers are spent; and if he will make a statement. [141702]

  Mrs. Roche
  As part of the review of the operation of the asylum voucher support system, we are giving early consideration to how change and lower denomination vouchers can be issued in the context of the decisions made by Parliament and reflected in the 1999 Immigration and Asylum Act. My officials are working on the practicalities and we hope to make an announcement soon.

  Oakington Reception Centre
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide an analysis of the weekly unit cost of housing an asylum seeker at Oakington reception centre when the centre is operating at full capacity; what is the basis of the difference between the figures given in his answers to the hon. Member for Aylesbury on 14 April 2000,Official Report, column 292W and the right hon. Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Miss Widdecombe) on 26 October 2000, Official Report, column 217W; and if he will make a statement. [141482]

  Mrs. Roche
  The weekly cost of housing an asylum seeker at Oakington, when operating at full capacity, is expected to be £800. That figure includes contract costs for accommodation, supervision of detainees, security and costs of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) staff on site.

  The purpose of Oakington reception centre is to deal quickly with asylum applications. This requires the presence on site of IND caseworking staff, although consideration of all asylum applications involves caseworking costs.

  The cost of £527 a week given in the earlier reply was based on a preliminary estimate of the costs of running and the establishment and excluded the costs of IND staff.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to review the voucher scheme for asylum seekers. [141353]

  Mrs. Roche
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead and Highgate (Ms Jackson) on 27 November 2000,Official Report, column 446W.

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many reported incidences of domestic violence there were involving(a) grievous bodily harm and (b) death for England and Wales in the years 1980 to 2000. [141688]
  52W
  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested on reported incidents of domestic violence involving grievous bodily harm is not available. Offences recorded by the police do not separately identify domestic violence.

  The most readily available information on the number of recorded homicides where the principal suspect is the current or former spouse, cohabitant or lover is as follows:

  Offences currently1 recorded as homicide where the victim was the spouse or former spouse, cohabitant or lover England and Wales

  Year

  Number

  1988

  126

  1989

  136

  1990

  121

  1991

  150

  1992

  137

  1993

  111

  1994

  130

  1995

  131

  1996

  119

  1997

  130

  1997–98

  130

  1998–99

  112

  1 As at 29 October 1999; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and courts as further information becomes available.

  Some information on the extent of domestic violence against men and women is available from the British Crime Survey (BCS). The survey does not include grievous bodily harm as a category and, as a survey of victims, does not hold data on deaths.

  The estimated number of incidents of domestic violence measured by the BCS is as follows:

  Number of BCS incidents of domestic violence, 1981 to 1999 England and Wales

  Thousand

  Number

  1981

  292

  1983

  288

  1987

  443

  1991

  538

  1993

  1,178

  1995

  990

  1997

  834

  1999

  761

  Source

  1982, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998 and 2000 British Crime Survey

  The number of victims reporting domestic violence incidents to the BCS is relatively low and results are subject to sampling error.

  The 1996 BCS included a special self-completion component that addressed the extent of domestic violence in 1995. Respondents recorded significantly more incidents when asked about domestic violence via a self-completion module. This found a best estimate of 6.5 million 'domestic assaults' against men and women during 1995, and that 2.9 million of these incidents resulted in injury. A report is in the Library (Home Office Research Study No. 191).
  53W
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children have been victims of domestic violence in each of the last 20 years. [141679]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested is not centrally available.

  Information is available on the numbers of homicides where the victim was a son or daughter.

  Offences currently1 recorded as homicide where the victim was a son or daughter

  England and Wales

  Year

  Number

  1988

  78

  1989

  46

  1990

  51

  1991

  66

  1992

  53

  1993

  53

  1994

  58

  1995

  55

  1996

  59

  1997

  52

  1997–98

  49

  1998–99

  69

  1 As at 29 October 1999; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and courts as further information becomes available.

  Child Prostitution
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of children involved in prostitution in each of the last 20 years. [141677]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Home Office does not collect data on the number of children involved in prostitution. The hidden nature of this problem makes it difficult to produce reliable estimates of the extent of child prostitution. Those studies that have attempted to examine this have focused on particular geographic areas, but no accurate national data exist.

  Suicides (Prisons)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out(a) the number and (b) the rate per thousand inmates, of suicides at (i) Eastwood Park and (ii) all women's prisons, (A) in each of the last three full years and (B) in each month of the current year; and if he will make a statement. [141345]

  Mr. Boateng
  There have been three self-inflicted deaths at Eastwood Park this year. Overall deaths of women prisoners have totalled three in 1997 and 1998, four in 1999 and eight in 2000. Breakdowns in the form requested are given in the tables.

  Self-inflicted deaths by month 20001

  Brachial

  Eastwood Park

  Holloway

  New Hall

  Styal

  Total

  January

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  February

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  March

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  April

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  May

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  June

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  2

  July

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  August

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  September

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  54W
  The three deaths at Eastwood Park, like those elsewhere, were, or are, being investigated to assess the adequacy of suicide awareness procedures with a view to implementation of action plans to address deficiencies. The numbers of self-inflicted deaths among women prisoners are relatively low but unfortunately rising this year. The Prison Service is reconsidering with Ministers its suicide/self-harm prevention strategy and an announcement will be made early in 2001.

  A. Self-inflicted deaths and rates for Eastwood Park Prison by month, 20001

  Month

  Number of deaths

  Rate per 1,000 inmates

  Rate per 100 inmates

  January

  0

  0

  0

  February

  0

  0

  0

  March

  0

  0

  0

  April

  0

  0

  0

  May

  0

  0

  0

  June

  1

  3.3

  332.2

  July

  0

  0

  0

  August

  0

  0

  0

  September

  1

  3.6

  364.9

  October

  0

  0

  0

  November

  1

  3.4

  335.6

  December

  0

  0

  0

  Total

  3

  10.1

  1,006.7

  1 As at 7 December 2000

  Notes

  1. The population figures are taken from end of month totals

  2. The total rate was calculated using the end of October total population figures

  B. Numbers of self-inflicted deaths in women's prisons in England and Wales 1997–20001

  Calendar Year

  Establishment

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  Total

  Brachial

  —

  1

  1

  2

  4

  Bullwood Hall

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Eastwood Park

  —

  —

  —

  3

  3

  Holloway

  —

  1

  2

  1

  4

  Low Newton

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  New Hall

  —

  1

  1

  1

  3

  Risley

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Styal

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  Total

  3

  3

  4

  8

  18

  1 As at 7 December 2000

  Note

  1999—one female prisoner died while in the custody of Prisoner Escort and Custody Services

  There were no self-inflicted deaths at any of the following women's prisons during the period 1997–2000; Askham Grange, Cookham Wood, Drake Hall, East Sutton Park, Foston Hall, Highpoint and Send.
  55W

  Self-inflicted deaths by month 20001

  Brachial

  Eastwood Park

  Holloway

  New Hall

  Styal

  Total

  October

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  November

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  December

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  Total

  2

  3

  1

  1

  1

  8

  1 As at 7 December 2000

  C. Rates of self-inflicted deaths in women establishments in England and Wales, 1997–20001

  Rate per 100,0002

  Number of deaths

  1997

  112.1

  3

  1998

  96.6

  3

  1999

  123.2

  4

  2000

  246.4

  8

  1 As at 7 December 2000

  2 All women prisoners

  Note

  Population figures taken from annual averages

  Rate of self-inflicted deaths by month, 20001

  Rate per 100,000 (all prison inmates)

  Rate per 100,000 (all female inmates)

  January

  0

  0

  February

  0

  0

  March

  1.5

  29.5

  April

  1.6

  30.1

  May

  1.5

  30.2

  June

  3.1

  59.6

  July

  0

  0

  August

  1.5

  29.0

  September

  1.5

  29.4

  October

  0

  0

  November

  1.6

  29.1

  December

  0

  0

  1 As at 7 December 2000

  Note

  Population figures are taken from monthly totals

  Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the prohibition of foreign donations in the application of Schedule 15 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, to permitted participants to a referendum in Northern Ireland where an order is in force under section 70(1) of that Act to allow foreign donations to political parties participating in the same referendum; what discussions he has had with Northern Ireland political parties and others about them; and if he will make a statement. [141715]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The effect of any order made under section 70(1) of the Act on the foreign funding of a referendum campaign in Northern Ireland was extensively debated during the passage of the Bill. There have been no separate discussions between my Department and Northern Ireland political parties and others about this aspect of the special provision for Northern Ireland parties. During the consideration of the Bill in another place, we received two letters on this matter from Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish.
  56W
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to bring into force those elements of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 not already brought into force; and in particular when he proposes to bring into force(a) section 4, (b) section 10, (c) section 12, (d) section 13, (e) section 141 and (f) section 144. [141481]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We intend to commence a substantial part of the Act, including section 4 and Parts II, IV to VII and IX, on 16 February 2001. We propose to consult the Electoral Commission before coming to a final view on the timing of commencement of the Commission's general functions set out in sections 5 to 13 of the Act. Subject to the Commission's views, our provisional intention is to bring sections 10, 12 and 13 into force on 16 February, 1 April and 1 July 2001 respectively. We also propose to consult the Commission and the main political parties before a decision is taken on the commencement of the amendments made to the Representation of the People Acts by Part VIII and sections 141 and 144 of Part X. However, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary indicated at Second Reading, 10 January 2000,Official Report, column 44, that the reduction in the qualifying period for registration as an overseas elector (provided for by section 141) would not be brought into force until after the next election.

  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to lay before the House a draft order under section 70(1) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000; what consultations he plans to have with(a) Northern Ireland political parties and (b) other political parties prior to the draft order being laid; what representations he has received regarding the terms of the draft order; and if he will make a statement. [141480]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We intend to lay before the House a draft order under section 70(1) of the Act shortly after the Christmas recess with a view to it coming into force, subject to parliamentary approval, on 16 February 2001, that is at the same time as Part IV of the Act is brought into force. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland met with the six main Northern Ireland parties in February to discuss the special provision for Northern Ireland parties in what is now section 70 and plans to do so again in advance of the draft order being laid. This provision was the subject of extensive debates both in this House and in another place during the passage of the Bill. Outside those debates we have received no recent representations about the terms of the draft order.

  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how it is proposed that(a) political parties and (b) the Electoral Commission will verify to the standard required by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 that donations from

  57W
  individuals are from individuals registered on UK electoral registers at the time the donation is made; what discussions he has had with electoral administrators regarding the practicality of the proposed procedures; and if he will make a statement. [141478]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  [pursuant to his reply, 6 November 2000, c. 111W]: I placed in the Library a paper by the Improvement and Development Agency setting out the proposed arrangements for giving both political parties and the Electoral Commission on-line access to all electoral registers in order to facilitate the checks which will need to be undertaken to comply with Part IV of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. In the period between 16 February 2001, when Part IV comes into force, and the roll-out of the proposed arrangements for on-line access, registered parties will need to make appropriate interim arrangements to check donors against the relevant local electoral register which will be supplied to parties free of charge. Both the Association of Electoral Administrators and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives have been actively involved in the consideration of the interim and permanent arrangements for providing parties and the Commission with ready access to electoral registers.

  Electoral Information
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on members of staff of the Electoral Commission who are members of political parties having access to confidential financial information relating to other political parties; if the Electoral Commission will disclose to political parties that members of its staff with access to confidential financial information about those parties are members of another political party; and if he will make a statement. [141477]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Electoral Commission was established on Royal Assent of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. The Commission is wholly independent of the Home Office and, more generally, of the Government of the day. Questions relating to the way the Commission carries out its statutory functions should accordingly be directed to the Chairman of the Commission once he has been appointed and, in the interim, to the Commission's Chief Executive, Roger Creedon. The Commission's address is:

  First Floor

  Trevelyan House

  Great Peter Street

  London

  SW 1P 2HW.

  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the interim solutions considered by his Department on access to the electoral register together with his estimate of the cost of each solution and the reasons why each solution would not provide value for money; and if he will make a statement. [141479]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We considered one interim solution put forward by the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA). This would have involved registration officers sending their registers (together with the monthly updates under rolling registration) to a contractor who would create and maintain a central electronic register. A second contractor would then have 58W
  provided access to the data to political parties and the Electoral Commission via a secure intranet or internet route. The key difference between this approach and the proposed permanent solution is that under the permanent arrangement access would be to the locally held registers, obviating the need to send copies to a central point and thereby ensuring the data are always up to date. The estimated cost of this interim solution was £440,000 a considerable sum for a solution with only a limited shelf-life.

  This proposed interim solution would have been a considerable IT project in its own right with all the attendant risk. In particular, there was no certainty that the necessary contractual arrangements could be made, the technical issues resolved and the data supplied in time to enable the arrangement to run from February.

  Fraud (Dome)
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Fraud Squad has completed its inquiries about the Dome. [141407]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that this complex investigation has not yet been completed.

  Youth Workers
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish an impact assessment survey of proposals to require vetting of volunteer leaders and workers with youth organisations by the Criminal Records Bureau. [141701]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I hope to do so before the end of February 2001. The assessment will cover the impact of the proposals on the voluntary and private sectors.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the annual cost to youth organisations which will arise from charges for vetting volunteer leaders and workers by the Criminal Records Bureau. [141700]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We are currently refining our estimates of both the likely volume of demand from the voluntary sector and for the services to be offered by the Criminal Records Bureau, and the cost of providing these services. These factors will be taken into account in setting the fees to be charged by the Bureau, which will be announced as soon as possible.

  Police
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion and total amount of(a) total Government spending and (b) gross domestic product was spent on policing in each of the last five years; and what the planned proportion is of total Government spending in each of the next two years. [141710]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information is set out in the table.
  59W

  £ billion

  Percentage

  Year

  Total managed expenditure (TME)

  Money GDP

  Police provision

  Police provision as a proportion of TME

  Police provision as a proportion of Money GDP

  1996–97

  343.6

  768.1

  6.8

  1.98

  0.89

  1997–98

  341.2

  815.8

  7.0

  2.05

  0.86

  1998–99

  339.4

  858.9

  7.2

  2.12

  0.84

  1999–2000

  341.5

  906.6

  7.4

  2.17

  0.82

  2000–01

  371.6

  950.0

  7.7

  2.07

  0.81

  2001–02

  394.9

  994.8

  8.5

  2.15

  0.85

  2002–03

  418.3

  1,041.8

  9.0

  2.15

  0.86

  Notes

  1. Police provision is total Government provision (police grant, special grant, capital grant, credit approvals and central Home Office spend and police Standard Sending Assessment).

  2. Figures for 2000–01 to 2002–03 are estimates.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers there were in each police force and in total at the end of September; what the total was in March 1997; and if he will make a statement. [141711]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information about the number of police officers at the end of September 2000 is being prepared and will be published shortly in a Home Office Statistical Bulletin.

  Appeals
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the people whose cases have been referred to date by the Criminal Cases Review Commission to the Court of Appeal, indicating the amount of time elapsed between referral and the individual concerned being released on bail. [141675]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Criminal Cases Review Commission has to date referred the cases of 106 people to an appellate court. Their names, and the date on which their case was referred, are set out in the table. Some of these individuals were dead, and others were not in custody, when their case was referred. The referral by the Commission of the conviction or sentence of someone who is in custody brings no automatic entitlement to bail. If an application for bail is made, it is for the court to decide whether or not it should be granted. No central record is kept of whether bail was applied for, and if so when, and whether it was granted, in these cases, and this information is not readily available.

  Name

  Date of referral

  Danny McNamee

  3 July 1997

  John Henry Taylor

  16 September 1997

  Mahmood Mattan

  23 September 1997

  Derek Bentley

  6 November 1997

  Patrick Nicholls

  18 November 1997

  David Ryan James

  18 November 1997

  George Keith Twitchell

  8 January 1998

  Raymond Cook

  8 January 1998

  Mary Druhan

  28 January 1998

  Clovis Gerald

  11 February 1998

  Michael Gilfillan

  17 February 1998

  Wallace Duncan Smith

  24 March 1998

  James Hester

  7 April 1998

  Forid Miah

  15 March 1998

  Yash Pal Kansal

  27 March 1998 and 30 June 2000

  Leslie Burke

  27 March 1998

  Michael Dunne

  9 June 1998

  William Gerard Gorman

  3 August 1998

  60W

  Name

  Date of referral

  Patrick Martin McKinney

  3 August 1998

  Katrina Moseley

  12 August 1998

  Edward Graham

  22 September 1998

  Donald Brown

  6 October 1998

  Anthony Millen

  19 October 1998

  Dominic Alan Fannin

  20 October 1998

  Graham Walker

  22 October 1998

  Stephen Craven

  23 October 1998

  Michael P

  23 October 1998

  Michael O'Brien

  29 October 1998

  Ellis Sherwood

  29 October 1998

  Darren Hall

  29 October 1998

  Ronald Brown

  11 November 1998

  Alexander Allan

  23 November 1998

  Christopher Maguire

  24 November 1998

  Derek A

  30 November 1998

  Brian Parsons

  2 December 1998

  Reginald F

  11 December 1998

  Robert Coleman

  17 December 1998

  Trevor Campbell

  21 January 1999

  Donald Pendleton

  2 February 1999

  Raymond Robery

  18 February 1999

  Ian Thomas

  2 March 1999

  Eddie Gilfoyle

  15 March 1999

  James Hanratty

  29 March 1999

  Patrick McCann

  31 March 1999

  Michael Davis

  8 April 1999

  Randolph Johnson

  8 April 1999

  Raphael Rowe

  8 April 1999

  Patrick Gaughan

  9 April 1999

  John Kamara

  26 April 1999

  Aaron Giacopazzi

  7 May 1999

  Chetan Popat

  17 May 1999

  David Ealand

  16 June 1999

  Frank Johnson

  21 July 1999

  John Haase

  25 August 1999

  Shane Shrimpton

  3 September 1999

  Deborah Henry

  21 September 1999

  Kenneth Togher

  27 September 1999

  Peter Fell

  29 September 1999

  Michael Brown

  29 September 1999

  Kevin Martin

  29 September 1999

  Anthony Taylor

  29 September 1999

  Bryan James Hemmings Clark

  28 September 1999

  John Brannan

  6 October 1999

  Bernard Murphy

  6 October 1999

  Joseph Otoo

  25 October 1999

  Michael Rowe

  29 October 1999

  Harold Johnson

  9 November 1999

  Robert Burton

  16 November 1999

  Richard Mclcahy

  17 November 1999

  Susan May

  19 November 1999

  Gerard Kavanagh

  10 January 2000

  Thomas Green

  13 January 2000

  Allen Smith

  25 January 2000

  61W

  Name

  Date of referral

  Peter P

  26 January 2000

  Cornelius Renny Shaw

  9 February 2000

  Mohammed Jamil

  1 March 2000

  Terence Quiddington

  1 March 2000

  John Christopher (Christy) Walsh

  27 March 2000

  Olbie Shaw

  28 March 2000

  Jan Christofides

  28 March 2000

  Scott Norman Tomlinson

  10 April 2000

  Gurbinder Singh Samra

  28 April 2000

  Thomas John Such

  30 May 2000

  William Garner

  2 June 2000

  Peter Ian Hakala

  5 June 2000

  Cheri Anne Looker

  13 June 2000

  Reginald Dudley

  21 June 2000

  Robert Maynard

  21 June 2000

  Kathleen Bailey

  21 June 2000

  Gerald Maloney

  26 June 2000

  Robert Doubtfire

  6 July 2000

  Anthony Steel

  21 July 2000

  Michael Magee

  25 July 2000

  Iain Hay Gordon

  25 July 2000

  John Snooks

  3 August 2000

  Alan Christopher Spragg

  3 August 2000

  Harold Williams

  7 August 2000

  Ishtiaq Ahmed

  24 August 2000

  Perry Wooster

  30 August 2000

  Alfred Nathan Bain

  6 October 2000

  Matthew Barry James Offen

  16 October 2000

  Dennis Bernard Underwood

  20 October 2000

  Dennis Francis Hayes

  24 October 2000

  Geoffrey Andrew Foster

  7 November 2000

  Stephen Leslie Downing

  21 November 2000

  Paul Cleeland

  21 November 2000

  Child Labour
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many companies were prosecuted for illegally employing children in each of the last 20 years. [141682]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Limited available information, taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database, on the number of prosecutions for offences under the Employment of Children Acts, is given in the table.

  Selected years only are given to reduce the cost of this answer below the level of disproportionate costs.

  Number of defendants prosecuted at the Magistrates courts for offences under the Employment of Children Acts1, England and Wales 1979,1984, 1989, 1994–1999

  Males

  Females

  Others2

  Total

  1979

  22

  2

  12

  36

  1984

  20

  3

  5

  28

  1989

  30

  4

  1

  35

  1994

  15

  11

  1

  27

  1995

  43

  31

  3—

  74

  1996

  7

  30

  3—

  37

  1997

  13

  26

  2

  41

  1998

  16

  53

  3—

  69

  1999

  34

  115

  3—

  149

  1 Offences under Children and Young Persons Act 1933, Sections 4, 18–21 (Section 18 amended by the Children Act 1972), 25, 26, 28, Children and Young Persons Act 1963 Sections 40(1)(a), the Education Act 1996 Sections 558 and 559 and similar provisions in Local Acts.

  2 Includes prosecutions of companies and other bodies.

  3 Nil return.

  Missing Children
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children have been reported as missing in each of the last 20 years. [141678]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Figures are not available to confirm the precise numbers of children reported missing each year since this information is not routinely collected in many forces. However, indications of the total number of children reported missing are available from a number of separate research studies, and estimates can be made on this basis. One study, published in 1992, estimated that 43,000 persons under the age of 18 were reported missing in England and Scotland in 1990. This would equate to a total number of missing children 'incidents' of 102,000, since some missing children disappear on more than one occasion. Repeat missing children is a significant problem. The vast majority of missing children reported to the police return home safely within 24 hours.

  On-going Home Office research indicates that between 65 and 80 per cent. of all missing persons reported to the police will involve individuals under the age of 18. This would suggest that in 1999, there were between 150,000 and 190,000 cases of reported disappearances of children throughout the United Kingdom.

  Parish Warden Scheme
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he received a bid from Boyd Valley Ward in South Gloucestershire to participate in his parish warden scheme; and what level of financial contributions was to be made by the parties concerned at the time when the bid was submitted;[141344]

  (2) what financial contribution was required from parishes participating in his parish warden scheme when the scheme was first introduced; and what change there has been to the level of contributions required. [141343]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Neighbourhood Wardens grant programme bidding guidance states that the Government would fund up to 50 per cent. of the cost of schemes. At the time when the bid was received on 7 July 2000, the estimated total cost of the funding for years one and two of the scheme to cover four parishes was £313,000. The bid was for a total of £156,550 worth of grants from the Neighbourhood Warden programme. Full match funding details were not provided by the four parish councils concerned.

  The schemes are currently working on their implementation plans with the help of technical support consultancy advice. The completed implementation plans are due in by 15 December. Until the completed implementation pans have been received I am unable to say whether the level of funding details have changed.

  Police Morale
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the level of police morale in England and Wales. [141401]
  63W
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There is no single or precise measure of police morale. In any service one will find some people who are happy about their work and others who are less than happy.

  The number of people leaving a profession may be taken as an indicator of morale. Total wastage from the police service is very low. Figures for the last four years are given in the table. As total wastage includes ordinary retirements of officers who have completed 30 years service, the table also shows the number of voluntary resignations from the service.

  Number

  Total police strength at 31 March 19961

  126,901

  Total police strength at 31 March 19971

  127,158

  Total police strength at 31 March 19981

  126,814

  Total police strength at 31 March 19991

  126,096

  1 Full time equivalents

  Total wastage1

  Resignations1

  Number

  Percentage of total strength

  Number

  Percentage of total strength

  1996–97

  5,951

  4.7

  774

  0.6

  1997–98

  6,657

  5.2

  988

  0.8

  1998–99

  6,104

  4.8

  1,083

  0.9

  1999–2000

  5,948

  4.7

  1,236

  1.0

  1 Number of persons

  Comparative figures for the Civil Service are as follows:

  Number

  Total Civil Service strength at 1 April 19951

  474,880

  Total Civil Service strength at 1 April 19961

  458,660

  Total Civil Service strength at 1 April 19971

  439,310

  1 Full time equivalents

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Total wastage1

  Number

  43,680

  47,900

  35,070

  Percentage of total strength

  9.2

  10.4

  8.0

  Resignations1

  Percentage of total strength

  2.4

  2.6

  3.2

  1 Headcount

  Days lost to sickness may also be an indicator of morale. In 1996–97 the average number of days sickness per police officer was 12.80. This declined to 11.55 or by 1.25 days per officer by 1999–2000.

  Pay rates may also have an effect on morale. According to the New Earnings Survey, at April 2000 average gross weekly earnings of full-time employees in Great Britain were:

  £464.70 for non-manual workers in the whole economy

  £485.20 for non-manual workers in the private sector

  £428.80 for non-manual public sector workers

  £438.10 for non-manual workers in local government

  £499.30 for local authority teachers

  £541.80 for the police.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  People's Peers
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Council where people's peers will be placed in the order of precedence. [141540]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Those awarded peerages on the recommendation of the House of Lords Appointments Commission, like all peers, will take precedence from their rank, in this case as barons, and the date of their patent of creation.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Council how many and what percentage of applicants for a people's peerage are to be invited for interview. [141541]

  Mrs. Beckett
  This is a matter for the Appointments Commission. However, the number will be substantially smaller than the number of applicants because the Commission has made it clear that it is likely to call for interview only those it is considering recommending for appointment.

TREASURY

  Stamp Duty
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he plans to exempt from stamp duty reserve tax collective investment schemes within individual pension accounts. [142493]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Government plan to bring forward legislation in the next Finance Bill to achieve this exemption. This will exempt from stamp duty reserve tax transactions in certain classes of shares in open-ended investment companies where they are held as part of an Individual Pension Account. The exemption will also apply to unit trusts whose investors subscribe as part of their Individual Pension Accounts.

  Government Expenditure
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the(a) gross and (b) net effects on total Government expenditure in each of the next five years of the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000. [141373]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 provides the statutory basis for a resource-based system of parliamentary supply, as part of the long-planned move to resource accounting and budgeting (RAB) in Central Government. By measuring public spending more accurately and providing new incentives for Departments to manage their resource more effectively, I anticipate that RAB will bring about significant improvements in the value for money of public services over the next five years and beyond.

  Broadband Fixed Wireless
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Government's plans for using the receipts of the auction of licences for broadband fixed wireless access at 28 GHz. [141656]
  65W
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Allowance was made for the proceeds of this auction in the pre-Budget report projections of receipts. The Government intend to use these to reduce national debt.

  VAT (Wales)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was spent by the Treasury on(a) the Welsh Office in (i) 1997–98 and (ii) 1998–99, and (b) the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales and National Assembly in 1999–2000; what is the planned expenditure by the National Assembly and the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales in (A) 2000–01, (B) 2001–02 and (C) 2002–03; and if he will provide the figures on a consistent basis with regard to resource accounting and treatment of VAT. [141378]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Outturn expenditure for Wales Departmental Expenditure Limit expenditure for 1997–98 and 1998–99 and estimated outturn for 1999–2000 was published in table 1.2 of Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2000–01 (Cm 4601) in April 2000. Expenditure 66W
  in resource terms for Wales Departmental Expenditure Limit expenditure in 2000–01, 2001–02 and 2002–03 is published in table B14 of the pre-Budget report (Cm 4917) in November 2000; this table also includes outturn expenditure for 1999–2000 on the same basis.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out the details of his calculation that a reduction in the national insurance lower earnings limit to £59.20 per week would cost £420 million. [142082]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The estimate was provided by the Government Actuary's Department.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people are awaiting national insurance rebates for the tax years(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000, (d) 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000 and (e) 1998–99 and 1999–2000. [142080]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer my right hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Havant (Mr. Willetts) on 22 May 2000,Official Report, column 383W.

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