Written Answers of 14 December 2000

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Rent Increases
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those registered social landlords in the London Borough of Greenwich who have imposed rent increases over the rate of inflation in the last two years. [141650]

  Mr. Mullin
  Twenty registered social landlords (RSLs) owned stock in Greenwich in both 1998 and March 2000. The percentage increase in average rent in March 2000 compared with March 1998 was higher than the rate of inflation over that period for eight of these RSLs. They were:

  South London Family

  Broomleigh

  Hyde

  Family

  London and Quadrant

  Servite

  English Churches

  Anchor Trust.

  Comparisons of rent levels in March 1998 and March 2000 for these RSLs may not be on a like-for-like basis because of acquisitions or disposals of stock during that period.

  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many appeals have been made against rent increases approved by the rent officers in each of the last four years; and how many have resulted in a higher rent being imposed for(a) private landlords and (b) registered social landlords. [141651]

  Mr. Mullin
  Consistent information on the number of appeals (in England) against rent officer fair rent decisions is available from 1996–97, as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1996–97

  7,653

  1997–98

  6,265

  1998–99

  7,754

  Data for 1999–2000 are not yet available.

  The results of these appeals (the percentage of appeals that lead to lower, unchanged and higher rents) are published in "Rent Officer Statistics" but without a separate split by private landlords and registered social
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  landlords. Analysis of the 1998–99 appeals against fair rents shows the following figures:

  Private landlords

  Registered social landlords

  Percentage of appeals resulting in:

  Lower rent

  11

  13

  Unchanged rent

  29

  16

  Higher rent

  60

  71

  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reasons have been given by rent officers in the London Borough of Greenwich for approving rent increases for tenants of registered social landlords above the level of inflation. [141652]

  Mr. Mullin
  Rent officers are required to determine rents for properties with a registered fair rent in accordance with the rules set out in the Rent Act 1977. This requires them to take into account a number of criteria including age of dwelling, its state of repair, character and locality but to disregard any premium resulting from a scarcity of similar accommodation in the area.

  In addition, on 1 February 1999, the Government introduced the Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999 which had the effect of limiting most fair rent increases to RPI plus 7.5 per cent. or RPI plus 5 per cent. The Order was quashed in a judgment of the Court of Appeal in January but was declared lawful in a judgment by the House of Lords on 7 December. The effect of the judgment is that the Order has been in force continuously since 1 February 1999 and all applications for registered fair rents since then must comply with it.

  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the(a) rent increases for each registered social landlord in the London Borough of Greenwich that were applied for in the last two years; and (b) increases that were approved by the rent officers. [141654]

  Mr. Mullin
  Registered social landlords (RSLs) only apply to rent officers for approval in "fair rent" cases. Figures on applications by individual RSLs for registered fair rents are not held centrally.

  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the average rent increase for tenants of registered social landlords in the last two years(a) in the London borough of Greenwich, (b) in London and (c) nationally. [141653]

  Mr. Mullin
  The average rent increase for tenants of registered social landlords between March 1998 and March 2000 was as follows:

  Percentage

  Greenwich

  3.7

  London

  7.9

  England

  6.6

  Number Plates
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which EU regulation stipulates that the national identification symbol on number plates must be that of the member state. [141518]

  Mr. Hill
  Council Regulation (EC) No. 2411/98 of 3 November 1998 provides for the recognition of specified distinguishing signs on number plates as an alternative to the requirements set out in Annex 3 to the Vienna Convention of 1968. The Regulation defines the distinguishing sign as a set of one to three letters indicating the member state in which the vehicle is registered. The use of such signs on number plates for vehicles registered in the United Kingdom will be voluntary.

  Excess Flow Valves
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to ensure that excess flow valves are fitted inside dwellings. [141363]

  Mr. Meacher
  This is one of the issues that will be addressed by the Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive in taking forward the recommendations following from the Commission's recent Gas Safety Review. In particular, the Commission will develop with industry a strategic research plan that will cover the contribution of technological developments, including safety devices, to the safe use of gas in residential premises. The Commission and the Executive will review the safety case for the fitting of excess flow valves, whether as a legal obligation or as recommended good practice, when the results of this further research are available.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his most recent estimate of the amount of carbon saved each year by 2010 as a result of the introduction of the climate change levy. [142423]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: Our most recent estimates of the levels of carbon saved were published in the UK's climate change programme on 17 November 2000. The programme shows that the climate change levy is estimated to save 2 million tonnes of carbon equivalent (MtC) each year by 2010. The climate change agreements which are being negotiated with energy intensive sectors are estimated to save a further 2.5 MtC by 2010. Additional energy efficiency measures using levy receipts and the establishment of the Carbon Trust are estimated to save a further 0.5 MtC. This means that the climate change levy package as a whole is estimated to save 5 MtC per annum by 2010.

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what targets have been set for improvements in energy efficiency on the Government estate; and what progress has been made in achieving them since May 1997. [142420]
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  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: The target is a 20 per cent. improvement on the 1990–91 levels by the end of 1999–2000. By March 1997, overall progress was 16.0 per cent.; by March 1999, it had risen to 18.9 per cent. Results for FY 1999–2000 should be available in 2001.

  I am placing in the Libraries of both Houses a revised set of tables of Government estate energy efficiency results. These supersede the tables deposited in the House on 13 November. However, the headline figure of 18.9 per cent. overall progress to the 20 per cent. target is unaffected.

  Recycling
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much additional funding will be available for local authority recycling schemes as a result of SR2000; and if he will make a statement. [142287]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: The Spending Review 2000 provided substantial extra resources for waste and recycling:
  An annual increase in the provision for revenue spending by local authorities for environmental and cultural services, including waste and recycling; by the third year this will have risen by £1,127 million over current provision;
  £140 million specifically for local authority waste and recycling;
  £220 million PFI credits ring-fenced for integrated waste management schemes, which include a recycling component.

  SR2000 also provided significant resources to the Waste and Resources Action Programme to overcome market barriers to the refuse and recycling of waste. Currently, total funding from Government and the devolved Administrations over the three years is planned to be around £30 million.

  Improvement Grants
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many applications were(a) received and (b) granted for requests for him to set aside the recouping of improvement grants from properties sold within five years of a grant being given in the last five years for which data are available. [142736]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Since the introduction of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 there have been 17 applications for the Secretary of State's consent not to demand repayment of housing renewal grant. Thirteen applications have been approved, four are pending, and none have been refused.

  Yesterday my Department issued a general consent to enable local authorities to waive the requirement to repay grant, or to demand a lesser amount, in a wide range of circumstances. This is part of a package of measures to give local authorities greater control over the delivery of private sector housing renewal policy. The four outstanding applications, which were received shortly before the announcement, are covered by the general consent and we have notified the authorities concerned.

  Road Hauliers (Rebates)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when road hauliers will receive their rebate cheques, in respect of the Government's decisions announced in the pre-Budget report. [142739]

  Mr. Hill
  Hauliers taking out licences with effect from 1 December have already benefited from lower net licence costs, as their rebate has been deducted at source from the statutory VED rate. Letters inviting hauliers to apply for rebates in respect of vehicles licensed at 30 November 2000 will be issued as soon as possible.

  Aviation White Paper
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish the Aviation White Paper. [142745]

  Mr. Mullin
  We hope to issue a White Paper on air transport in 2002. This will need to take account of the final decision on a fifth terminal at Heathrow. On Tuesday 12 December we published a consultation document on the future of aviation. This is the first major step towards the White Paper. Copies of the consultation document are available in the Libraries of the House.

  PPP Contracts
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what additional information he has given since Monday 13 November to Mr. Robert Kiley of Transport for London about the PPP contracts; and if he will make a statement. [142748]

  Mr. Hill
  I understand that, since Monday 13 November, London Underground has supplied Mr. Kiley with the items set out as follows. Some of these items do not relate directly to the PPP contract but provide background information. In addition, my Department has supplied Mr. Kiley with London Transport's report "The Future of London Underground—evaluation of options".

  Items supplied to Robert Kiley:
  Deep Tube Infraco bids (tender stage) executive summaries (one for each of the four bidders).
  Deep Tube Infraco bids (BAFO stage) executive summaries (one for each of the four bidders).
  Subsurface Infraco bids (tender stage) executive summaries (one for each of the three bidders).
  Data room quick reference manual
  Deep tube shortlisting report—qualitative assessment.
  Draft of the safety case for the London Underground PPP.
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  Whole Life Assets Plans for rolling stock and depots, fire protection, signalling and control; station premises and facilities, land and property, communications, lifts and escalators, electrical and mechanical, track, and civil infrastructure.

  Summary of PFI projects

  Marketing plan

  Customer service delivery standards

  Revenue forecasts

  Long-term train plan

  Short-term train plan

  Station capacity investment prioritisation

  Major enhancements project list

  London Transport investment programme

  Business case development manual

  Appraisal methodology

  Overview of grant setting process

  Business plan 2000

  Service plan

  List of committed projects

  Strategic forecasts

  Select committee reports

  Market report

  Consultants' Fees
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much has been spent on fees to each consultant involved in the study of each regional airport; and how much has been spent on consultants' fees. [142767]

  Mr. Mullin
  The programme of studies informing preparation of the Airports White Paper has not taken the form of individual airport by airport studies; rather it is in three principal parts: six regional airports studies and a follow-up regional co-ordination study; the South East and East of England (SERAS) Study; and several strategic studies covering a range of UK wide issues—technology change, commercial trends, air freight and demand forecasting.

  DETR expenditure to date is given in the table:

  £

  Study programmes

  DETR expenditure to date

  South East and East of England

  1,730,000

  Regions outside the South East and East of England

  965,000

  Other Strategic Studies

  870,000

  Total

  3,565,000

  Local Transport Capital Settlement
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will announce details of the local transport capital settlement. [142833]

  Mr. Prescott
  The Government's Transport strategy and investment plans were set out in "Transport 2010: the 10-Year Plan", published in July 2000. The 10-Year Plan provided the long-term framework for investment, which is now being implemented. It will put right the effects of years of under-investment that this Government inherited. The 10-Year Plan provided for £59 billion of expenditure
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  on local transport—£30.6 billion of public revenue expenditure, £19.3 billion public capital investment, and £9 billion of private investment.

  This Local Transport Capital Settlement is the first five-year allocation from the £19.3 billion of public capital investment. The total allocation for English local highways authorities outside London for the period 2001–02 to 2005–06 will be £8.4 billion. The five-year allocation is as follows:

  £ billion

  LTP allocations

  Major schemes, integrated transport schemes, and maintenance schemes

  2001–02

  1.36

  2002–03

  1.52

  2003–04

  1.67

  2004–05

  1,94

  2005–06

  1.93

  Five year total

  8.43

  Note:

  These figures do not sum exactly to total due to rounding.

  Every authority will benefit from this significantly increased funding, which in 2001–02 represents a doubling over last year's allocation for English authorities outside London, with further increases in subsequent years.

  Using this funding, local authorities, working in partnership with local people, transport operators, businesses and interest groups, will be able to make a real difference to the quality of transport in their areas.

  In making these allocations, we have accepted, or provisionally accepted 67 new major schemes (those with a gross cost of over £5 million). These include 28 public transport and integrated transport schemes, including bus priority measures and guided bus schemes, to make journeys faster and more reliable with major new interchanges, and 39 road schemes, such as local bypasses and relief roads.

  This allocation will also enable authorities to take forward the many smaller-scale improvements contained in their Local Transport Plans. These include improvements to public transport, such as priority bus routes, improved integration, better access to bus, rail, and light rail stations, more park and ride schemes, and improved waiting facilities at interchanges. They also include schemes to make local roads safer and less congested, and measures to encourage cycling and walking.

  Within the overall allocation, we have also made provision for authorities to repair local roads and bridges, as announced on 13 November 2000, Official Report, column 492W. This funding, along with the additional revenue funding being made available through the highways maintenance standard spending assessment, should enable authorities to meet the target to halt the deterioration of local roads by 2004.

  Copies of the Press Notice and a list of allocations for individual authorities have been placed in the Library of the House. Details have also been placed in Members' mail-boxes in the Members' Post Officer Counter.
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  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what date he intends to make an announcement regarding the Local Transport Settlement for 2001–02. [142746]

  Mr. Hill
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr. Quinn).

  Housing Authorities
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce the allocation of resources for housing authorities in England for 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [143368]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We are issuing details today of the revenue allocations for 2001–02. Details of capital allocations made through the Housing Investment Programme were given last week. Copies of the documents setting out the allocations to individual authorities are being placed in the Library of the House.

  The £2.6 billion package of housing capital resources for 2001–02 is well over twice the amount allocated in 1997–98, and represents an increase of 24 per cent. in the resources compared to the current year.

  2001–02 will see the introduction of resource accounting within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), including the new Major Repairs Allowance (MRA). Resource accounting is part of the new, more businesslike approach to local authority housing and the delivery of better quality services. The MRA will mean that some £1.6 billion of the housing capital resources available next year will be paid through HRA subsidy, to enable all authorities to maintain the condition of their housing stock over the longer term.

  Introducing the MRA will require changes to the accounting arrangement for HRA. I have made regulations to give effect to these changes and they have today been laid before the House.

  We are combating years of under-investment in the fabric of our council stock. We are determined to improve the quality of council housing and the services to tenants.

HEALTH

  Nursing Vacancies
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide a regional breakdown of the hard to fill (three months or more)(a) nursing vacancies and (b) midwifery vacancies as of September, and a regional breakdown of all nursing vacancies as of September. [142221]

  Mr. Denham
  The information on vacancies as of September 2000 is not available centrally. The data collected at 31 March 2000 were only for three months or longer vacancies.
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  Department of Health vacancies survey, March 2000 Three month vacancies1 in NHS regional office areas, qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  Whole-time equivalents

  All qualified staff

  Midwives

  England

  9,870

  490

  Northern and Yorkshire

  840

  30

  Trent

  490

  2—

  West Midlands

  950

  20

  North West

  780

  10

  Eastern

  1,130

  80

  London

  3,130

  220

  South East

  1,890

  80

  South West

  600

  40

  Others

  60

  0

  1 Posts that had been vacant for three months or more at 31 March 2000

  2 Five or less and greater than zero.

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10

  2. Figures exclude learners and agency staff

  Source:

  Department of Health Vacancies Survey 2000

  Chiropody
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions his Department has had with the British Chiropody and Podiatry Association about the future regulation of the profession. [142189]

  Mr. Denham
  The British Chiropody and Podiatry Association has been included in the recently completed consultation on the Government's proposals for a new Health Professions Council. The Chair of the Association took part in a recent stakeholder event where he had the opportunity to discuss, in detail, future regulation of the profession with Department officials.

  GP Practices
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average distance was travelled by patients to gain access to treatment at a NHS general practitioner's practice in each health authority for each year between 1987 and 1999. [142503]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Smoking
  Mr. Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his plans to reduce the incidence of smoking. [142936]

  Yvette Cooper
  Today the Government have introduced and published the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill. The Department has also issued a press release announcing consultation on the proposal to allow all Nicotine Replacement Products to be prescribed on the National Health Service by general practitioners. Copies of the consultation letter have been placed in the Library.

  Midwifery Units
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the future of midwifery-led units in the NHS. [141490]
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  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 13 December 2000]: The National Health Service provides a variety of types of care for women during pregnancy and childbirth including care in midwife-led units. We would expect to see this variety continue, offering individual choice whenever possible. Locally, health care commissioners and providers need to ensure that a full range of maternity services is available to women as close to home as possible.

  Maternity Services
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to publish his policy on reconfiguring maternity services. [141491]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 13 December 2000]: We are currently discussing with the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Royal College of Midwives the best way to work together on broader issues around maternity unit staffing and configuration. We expect to make an announcement very soon.

  Hospital Appointments
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of patients attended appointments with hospital consultants in the last 12 months. [142531]

  Mr. Denham
  Statistics for the number of missed appointments or 'did not attend' (DNA) rates are collected quarterly for first outpatient appointments only. Statistics collected for the last two quarters of the year 1999–2000 and the first two quarters of 2000–01 show an average DNA rate of 11.37 per cent.1

  Booked appointments allow patients to pre-book hospital appointments and admission dates that are convenient to them, providing scope to reduce DNA rates. The National Health Service Plan target is that by the end of 2005 all patients will be able to plan their appointments and elective admission dates.
  1 Source: QM08 Outpatient Quarterly Return—Trust Based

  Josie and Mary Attard
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the legal fees incurred by St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, for(a) the application for ward of court and (b) other legal costs, for the application to separate the Siamese twins Josie and Mary Attard. [142737]

  Mr. Denham
  The Central Manchester Healthcare National Health Service Trust has so far incurred legal costs of £55,000. This has been in respect of the original court hearing, the appeal court hearing and the action brought by the Pro Life Alliance Group.

  The trust did not make an application for ward of court in relation to the children.

  Speech Therapists
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the outcome was of the claim by speech therapists for equal pay with equivalent professions in the NHS; how much has been provided to health authorities for settlement of compensation claims; and if he will set a target date for all claims to be paid in full. [142753]
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  Mr. Denham
  Most claims were settled through negotiations which found that 351 speech and language therapists out of some 1,800 who lodged claims were due retrospective payment. The settlement also provided a revised grading structure which gave access to the clinical psychologists' pay spine.

  The costs of the settlement will be met from within health authority allocations. Every health authority will get a general increase in their allocations to meet pay and other cost pressures. Employers have been asked to make payments within four weeks (or as soon as possible thereafter) of notification that the speech and language therapist has accepted the settlement offer.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  World Trade Organisation
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what requirements are to be made of developing countries as part of an agreement on trade in services in the World Trade Organisation negotiations. [142545]

  Clare Short
  Developing countries will decide for themselves what commitments they wish to undertake in the negotiations on the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The GATS operates on the basis that governments are able to choose the sectors in which, and the extent to which, they wish to liberalise. Thus, all members are free to decide whether or not opening a particular service to external trade is appropriate and advantageous to their economies.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's negotiating position on an agreement on trade in services in the World Trade Organisation negotiations. [142557]

  Clare Short
  The UK strongly supports the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) negotiations and their objective of progressively opening up trade in a fair and predictable manner. We believe this process offers benefits to all World Trade Organisation members by promoting more efficient, competitive and varied markets domestically and for export.

  My Department is working to help build the capacity of developing countries to participate in negotiations.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the(a) non-Governmental and (b) other organisations involved in the WTO negotiations on the general agreement on trade in services. [142544]

  Clare Short
  Negotiations on the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) are conducted between member Governments of the World Trade Organisation.

  The following international organisations have full or partial observer status at the negotiations: the United Nations, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the
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  World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Tourism Organisation, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (APC).

  Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) do not have observer status as it is an inter-government organisation and accountability runs through Governments to their people. The UK Government consult with interested organisations when formulating their position.

  Africa
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how funds for the New Cross departmental forum for reducing conflict in Africa will be spent. [142514]

  Clare Short
  A joint strategy for conflict prevention and peacekeeping is currently being developed co-operatively with the FCO and MOD, as part of the new arrangements for the Africa Conflict Prevention Joint Pool. This will come into effect in April 2001 and is intended to improve the effectiveness, impact and efficiency of HMG's contribution to peacekeeping, conflict prevention and management.

  DFID currently directly supports conflict prevention programmes in 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. For 2000–01 and 2001–02, the three countries in which DFID is expecting to have the highest levels of funding for conflict prevention are Sierra Leone, Uganda and Rwanda. The Conflict Fund will cover much of this expenditure, the bulk of which is likely to be in Sierra Leone.

  We are promoting security in Sierra Leone by giving substantial support to the police, helping to civilianise and make accountable the country's Ministry of Defence, and helping to reintegrate ex-combatants who wish to return to civilian life.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Defence Equipment
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he has taken to ensure that BAe Systems complies with the undertakings given to him as a condition for his approval of its merger with Marconi Electronic Systems in relation to maintaining competition for sub-contracts in the procurement of defence equipment. [142742]

  Dr. Howells
  Under section 75J of the Fair Trading Act 1973, it is for the Director General of Fair Trading to keep under review any undertaking accepted by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in lieu of reference to the Competition Commission. Under the terms of the undertakings accepted from BAE Systems in relation to their acquisition of Marconi Electronic Systems, BAe Systems was required to appoint a Compliance Officer to oversee the company's compliance with the undertakings and to report to the Director General of Fair Trading and the Ministry of Defence on that issue.

  Whitbread Plc
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will refer the proposed sale by Whitbread plc of the freehold in its public houses to the Competition Commission; [142390]

  (2) if he will discuss the impact of the proposed sale by Whitbread plc of the freehold of its public houses with board members of that company. [142389]

  Dr. Howells
  Whitbread's announcement of its intention to sell its public houses reflects a commercial decision by the company. It would not be appropriate for the Government to seek to influence that decision. In the event that the sale qualified for investigation under the Fair Trading Act 1973, it would be for the Director General of Fair Trading to advise my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether or not it should be referred to the Competition Commission.

  Mobile Spectrum Auction
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of receipts generated by the third generation mobile spectrum auction on the broadband fixed wireless access auction. [142686]

  Ms Hewitt
  In their report to me the Radiocommunications Agency will be examining the factors that may have affected the outcome of the auction, including the receipts generated by the third generation mobile spectrum auction.

  ECGD
  Mr. Ivan Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made on developing a statement of business principles for the ECGD; and if he will make a statement. [143245]

  Mr. Caborn
  I am pleased to announce that, following a process of public consultation and with advice from the recently expanded Export Guarantees Advisory Council, a set of Business Principles has now been developed. Copies will be placed in the Library of the House and on ECGD's website www.ecgd.gov.uk.

  Production of a statement of Business Principles by the end of this year was a key conclusion of the Review of ECGD's Mission and Status which I announced to the House on 25 July 2000. The statement sets out clearly and publicly ECGD's approach to fulfilling its new Mission and will guide ECGD's business practice ensuring that its activities take account of the Government's international policies. The Principles set out ECGD's objectives and policies in relation to matters such as business integrity, transparency, debt sustainability, human rights and sustainable development—which includes the concept of trade being conducted within a framework of good governance and without adverse impact on the environment of others.

  ECGD will also publish information about an enhanced project impact screening process and how any sensitive cases will be handled.

  ECGD will report its performance against Business Principles in a full Annual Report to be laid before Parliament next year and will keep its policies and
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  procedures under continuous review, in consultation with the Export Guarantees Advisory Council—which is now operating to a reformed remit.

  I am pleased that ECGD has taken this important step in implementing the agenda for change we set out in the Mission and Status Review.

  Energy/Industry Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Energy/Industry Council held in Brussels on 5 December; and if he will make a statement. [141625]

  Dr. Howells
  I represented the UK at the EU Industry/Energy Council held on 4–5 December.

  The Council held a debate on innovation and industrial competitiveness. The key themes were the need to catch up with the US and Japan; building bridges between various communities (academia, education, business and scientific research); and the importance of intellectual property, especially the Community Patent. It was agreed that it was important to set both qualitative and quantitative objectives and the Commission urged the forthcoming Swedish Presidency to move from analysis to implementation. The Council adopted conclusions on innovation.

  The Commission presented its latest report on the world shipbuilding market, which highlighted that the situation in the world shipbuilding market remained very difficult. The Commission stated that it was unfortunate that the bilateral consultations with South Korea had so far not reached agreement on an effective remedy on unfair South Korean pricing.

  The Commission recommended that while the EU should continue to pursue a solution bilaterally, it should also investigate the Industry complaint under the Trade Barriers Regulation (TBR) with a view to possible action in the WTO. The Commission also indicated that it would propose a defensive temporary support mechanism for vessels subject to Korean unfair competition if no progress had been made with South Korea by May 2001. At the same time it confirmed its opposition to any extension of operating aid after the end of this year. The UK supported this approach.

  The Council adopted conclusions stressing concern at South Korean unfair competition, urging South Korea to agree an effective remedy as a matter of urgency and calling on the Commission to complete its investigation of the Industry TBR complaint as soon as possible. The Council further instructed the Commission to report back by 1 May 2001, with a view to proposing action against South Korea in the WTO if no bilateral remedy had been agreed with South Korea by then. It also took note of the Commission approach for a temporary support mechanism, but added the safeguard that any such proposal should be under the supervision of the Commission and should not distort competition in the EU.

  The Multi Annual Programme for the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (2001–05) was adopted. This provides funding for DG Enterprise's programme of measures in support of SMEs.
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  There was a brief discussion on the proposals to allow ECSC assets to transfer to the Community when the Treaty expires on 2002. The Commission also presented its latest report on the monitoring of the Article 95 ECSC Steel Aid Cases.

  As part of the Commission's work on modernising competition policy, there was a short discussion on the Commission's proposals to reform the way in which Article 81 on restrictive agreements is applied. This work will continue under the Swedish Presidency.

  The centre-piece of the Energy Council was the proposal for a directive on the promotion of electricity from renewable energy sources in the internal electricity market (the "Renewables Directive") where Ministers reached political agreement on a draft text which will now be subject to the co-decision process with the European Parliament. The draft directive sets out indicative targets for the amount of electricity to be generated from renewable sources by 2010. The target for the UK is 10 per cent., which is in line with our domestic target. Discussion at the Council focused mostly on the targets proposed for some other member states and the need to recognise that the achievement of targets will depend on an appropriate state aid regime. Article 175(1) was accepted as the legal base. I regard the political agreement reached at the Council as an important first step which will encourage member states to promote domestic renewables schemes actively and will contribute towards meeting the EU's Kyoto targets.

  The Council also discussed the Commission's oil supply communication where there was general agreement on the need for greater market transparency and for dialogue between consumer and producer countries. There was support for the International Energy Agency to carry this work forward for the consumer countries. The UK rejected the notion of market management as a solution to price volatility and called for more gas to gas competition and for a break in the link between gas and oil prices.

  The Commission gave a report on its plans to bring forward new proposals for the Stockholm Council to accelerate opening of the internal markets for electricity and gas. These will focus on three areas: full market opening with the target of giving all consumers freedom to choose their supplier; transparent and nondiscriminatory access to networks for all suppliers; and the full separation of gas and electricity distribution from the supply side. The Commission also outlined proposals to put the work of the Florence and Madrid processes on a more regularised basis with proper political direction. The UK urged the Commission to press on with proposals to accelerate market opening as quickly as possible, including the development of cross-border charging arrangements, and supported the plans to exert more political control over the Florence and Madrid processes.

  In addition the Commission presented its Green Paper on Security of Supply, emphasising that it was meant to be the first stage on a journey towards a new policy framework for energy. At this stage the Council simply took note. The Council also noted reports on Euro-Med cooperation, the energy charter treaty, COP6 and synergy. Conclusions on the energy efficiency action plan were agreed without discussion.

  Anti-corruption Awareness
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what projects his Department supports to promote anti-corruption awareness among United Kingdom companies. [142218]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 13 December 2000]: Since the UK's ratification of the OECD Bribery Convention in 1998, focusing on the bribery of foreign public officials to obtain or retain business, my Department has been determined to ensure that UK companies understand their rights and responsibilities, and recognise that this Government are not prepared to continue to treat corruption as a necessary part of doing business.

  Details of the Convention itself can be found on the DTI's website www.dti.gov.uk/worldtrade/bribery.htm. The Convention will also feature in a DTI publication on "OECD's Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises" (which the Government have endorsed) due to be published in the new year. DTI has consulted business and the private sector themselves are keen to adopt a more ethical business policy including a strong anti-corruption message, which we strongly encourage.

  Overseas, officials engaged in promoting the specific interests to British companies will always give frank advice on the commercial and legal and regulatory frameworks obtaining in those markets. But we are looking to produce more explicit advice to exporters, working in partnership with the Department for International Development.

  The Export Credit Guarantee Department has also taken steps to reduce corruption by ensuring that applicants for ECGD cover should be asked in future to warrant to ECGD that an export contract has not been secured by corrupt means and divulge whether they have ever been convicted of corruption. ECGD will have the right to deny any insurance cover that it might have given, and recover any loss following the date of conviction.

  Of course corruption is part of a much bigger agenda on Corporate Social Responsibility to which the Government are committed. Last March, my hon. Friend the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs was appointed Minister for Corporate Social Responsibility; this was the first such appointment in any Government in the world and will reinforce private sector efforts to defined responsible business conduct.

  Mobile Phone Masts
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how may new transmitter masts will be required in the UK to provide complete mobile phone coverage; and if he will breakdown the various size-groups of transmitters to be used. [141369]

  Ms Hewitt
  To date, mobile operators' networks cover an area in which 99 per cent. of the UK population live. To the best of my knowledge these networks currently use between them 9,000 transmitter masts, of which 2,000 are poles similar in size to a lamppost and 1,700 carry equipment from more than one operator. It is not possible for me to conjecture how many additional transmitter
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  masts will be required in the future although the Government do encourage operators to use existing sites and to share masts wherever it is appropriate to do so.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Pensioners
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many dependants of pensioners who claim Income Support due to the removal of a State Pension after six weeks in hospital there were at the latest date for which figures are available. [142299]

  Mr. Rooker
  Entitlement to a State Pension is never removed on hospitalisation, although the rates paid are lowered, by 40 per cent., or 20 per cent. if a person has dependants, after six weeks and to the pocket money rate after 52 weeks. The pocket money rate cannot go lower than 20 per cent. of the basic State Pension.

  We do not keep records of why people claim Income Support beyond their basic condition of entitlement.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the(a) cost and (b) number of recipients of the pension supplement for those over 80; what the cost is of increasing it to (i) £5 per week and (ii) £10 per week; and what the administrative cost is of delivering the benefit. [142303]

  Mr. Rooker
  The cost of the age addition is £30 million per annum and 2.4 million people are in receipt.

  Cost of increasing the age addition by £5 and £10

  £ million

  Rate of addition

  £10

  £5

  2001–02

  Gross cost

  1,300

  700

  Net cost

  800

  400

  2002–03

  Gross cost

  1,400

  700

  Net cost

  900

  400

  2003–04

  Gross cost

  1,500

  800

  Net cost

  900

  400

  2004–05

  Gross cost

  1,500

  800

  Net cost

  1,000

  500

  Notes:

  1. Costs are given in cash terms in £ million to the nearest 100 million.

  2. Gross costs of age addition estimated by the Government Actuary's Department.

  3. Net costs are given after income related benefit savings.

  4. Income-related benefits savings are estimated using the Policy Simulation Model.

  5. Value of age addition is assumed to be uprated in line with inflation.

  Hospitalisation
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many under-pensionable age recipients of 212W
  Income Support who lose benefit due to being in hospital for six weeks or more there were at the latest date for which figures are available. [142300]

  Mr. Bayley
  As at August 2000, there were 5,100 Income Support claimants under State Pension age, receiving a reduced rate of benefit due to hospitalisation, of whom 5,000 were under age 60.

  Notes:

  1. "Under age 60" is defined as where neither the claimant nor partner are aged 60 or over.

  2. "Under State Pension age" is defined as where the claimant is under State retirement age: 60 for females/65 for males.

  3. Based on 5 per cent. sample therefore subject to sampling error.

  4. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest hundred.

  Source:

  Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiry, August 2000.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many recipients of a State Pension are removed from entitlement after six weeks' NHS hospitalisation; and what the equivalent figure was for each of the last six years. [142298]

  Mr. Rooker
  None.

  Unclaimed Benefits
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the value was of unclaimed benefits in the UK and Scotland for each financial year from 1995–96 for which figures are available. [142598]

  Mr. Rooker
  Figures for Great Britain can be found in the "Income-related Benefits Estimates of Take-up in 1998–99". Figures for Scotland are not available.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of the 13 November regarding increasing the earnings limit before benefits are affected. [142734]

  Mr. Bayley
  A reply was sent on Wednesday 13 December 2000.

  Departmental Policies (Blackpool, South)
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effect on the Blackpool, South constituency of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [142222]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Department's policies and initiatives have made a significant contribution to the Government's overall objectives of:Eradicating child poverty in 20 years, and halving it within 10;
  Promoting work as the best form of welfare for people of working age while protecting the position of those in greatest need; and,
  Combating poverty and promoting security and independence in retirement for today's and tomorrow's pensioners.

  These goals are being pursued nationwide and our achievements are set out in our annual "Opportunity for all" reports. Our second report, "Opportunity for all—One year on: making a difference" (Cm 4865, September

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  2000) sets out what progress has been made in the past year, as well as highlighting what more needs to be done. Nationwide statistical information is necessarily more complete than constituency level data, but the following provides a comparative guide to the effect of the Department's policies and actions in Blackpool, South since May 1997.

  We are spending an additional £7 billion a year on support for families and children. This includes significant increases in child benefit, which is now worth £15 a week for the eldest child and £10 a week for other children: nationally about 7 million families receive child benefit, and in Blackpool, South 12,394 families benefit.

  We have launched the New Deals to help lone parents, the young unemployed, the long-term unemployed, the over 50s and partners of the unemployed to move from benefit into work. In the period since August 1998 the number of people receiving Jobseekers' Allowance nationally has reduced from 1,205,800 to 972,700; in Blackpool, South, the number has reduced from 2,100 to 2,000. The number of lone parents who claim Income Support has decreased over the same period from 955,000 to 910,100 nationally and in Blackpool, South the number has remained the same at 2,300.

  Next year we will be spending £4.5 billion a year extra in real terms on pensioners as a result of our policies. Winter Fuel Payments have continued to tackle fuel poverty. So far this winter, around 11 million people, of whom around 21,200 live in Blackpool, South, have benefited from the payment. The scheme has been extended to include eligible people from age 60 so that even more older people will benefit. For this winter only, households that qualify will receive an increased payment of £200. The Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) targets the poorest 1.6 million pensioner families, of whom 5,000 live in Blackpool, South. These pensioners will benefit from our alignment of all MIG rates from April 2001, giving single pensioners at least £92.15 each week—a real increase of £12.45 for the poorest pensioners.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the average number of days taken to process new Housing Benefit applications was in each local authority in(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999. [142066]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the number of people in each client group who have been found to have submitted invalid claims for Housing Benefit under the verification framework since its introduction. [141383]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of Housing Benefit and the identification of invalid claims is the responsibility of individual local authorities.

  Floods (Contingency Funds)
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what contingency funds have been made available to local Social Fund budgets in areas affected by the recent flooding; and if he will make a statement. [141311]
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  Angela Eagle
  The discretionary social fund holds a contingency reserve, to reimburse Benefits Agency districts for any payments they make as a result of an accident or disaster that occurs in their vicinity.

  The first payment from the reserve, as a result of the flooding, has been made today to the Community Care Grant budget held by the Bradford and Keighley District. Applications are expected from a number of other districts over the next few weeks and months as people return to their homes. Details of all further payments made during this financial year will be placed in the Library of the House at the beginning of April 2001.

  Corporate Recovery Unit
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for the last three financial years,(a) how much was recovered in benefits by the Corporate Recovery Unit, (b) in how many cases has benefit recovered, (c) what were (i) the amounts and (ii) number of cases in relation to (a) and (b), under each prescribed occupational disease; and if he will make a statement. [141328]

  Mr. Bayley
  The current Compensation Recovery scheme is working in accordance with the principles and objectives set when the reformed scheme was introduced in October 1997.

  The amount recovered is in respect of benefits already paid to the claimant in consequence of their accident, injury or illness and is recovered direct from the compensator, and never from the claimant.

  The information requested is given in the tables. It should be noted that the description of the disease as recorded by the Compensation Recovery Unit may not match exactly the precise description of the disease as recorded for Industrial Injuries Scheme benefits purposes.

  Period

  Number of cases recovered

  Amount recovered (£)

  April 1997 to March 1998

  6,931

  166,906,114

  April 1998 to March 1999

  6,512

  201,468,600

  April 1999 to March 2000

  7,088

  202,105,188

  April 2000 to November 2000

  8,883

  129,976,638

  Description

  Number of cases

  Amount recovered (£)

  April 1997 to March 1998

  Occupational Deafness

  28

  164,242.47

  Asbestosis

  322

  2,232,955.83

  Cancer

  310

  1,738,904.36

  Asthma

  109

  1,044,592.45

  VWF/Raynauds Disease

  120

  611,969.96

  Dermatitis

  98

  458,521.62

  Eczema/Skin Disease

  1

  343.37

  RSI

  315

  1,696,272.41

  Non Coded Disease

  173

  1,521,676.32

  Total

  1,476

  9,469,478.79

  April 1998 to March 1999

  Occupational Deafness

  43

  239,802.34

  Asbestosis

  373

  2,779,901.79

  Cancer

  199

  1,163,700.68

  Pneumoconiosis

  2

  31,645.86

  Mesothelioma

  86

  428,459.23

  Bronchitis/Emphysema

  2

  1,180.60

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  Description

  Number of cases

  Amount recovered (£)

  Asthma

  158

  1,392,038.55

  VWF/Raynauds Disease

  319

  1,779,202.90

  Dermatitis

  96

  501,386.61

  Eczema/Skin Disease

  1

  10,238.14

  Arthritis

  1

  14.50

  Poisoning

  1

  1,114.19

  RSI

  329

  2,132,560.43

  Bilateral Pleural Thickening

  6

  62,121.84

  Pleural Plaques

  8

  49,348.45

  WRULD

  22

  55,132.52

  Occupational Stress/Anxiety

  11

  98,468.72

  Degenerative Disc Condition

  3

  20,072.35

  Mucous Membrane/Rhinitis

  1

  1,654.91

  CTS/Tenosynovitis

  26

  104,632.46

  Chest/Lung Condition

  2

  11,079.94

  Multiple disease

  42

  166,531.73

  Non Coded Disease

  168

  1,713,162.14

  Total

  1,899

  12,743,750.88

  March 1999 to March 2000

  Occupational Deafness

  25

  202,735.48

  Asbestosis

  360

  2,423,934.71

  Cancer

  118

  651,601.75

  Pneumoconiosis

  9

  40,339.94

  Mesothelioma

  173

  948,777.62

  Bronchitis/Emphysema

  116

  1,000,713.19

  Asthma

  174

  1,809,017.66

  VWF/Raynauds Disease

  485

  3,477,329.50

  Dermatitis

  86

  355,272.62

  Eczema/Skin Disease

  7

  3,249.84

  Arthritis

  3

  3,133.17

  RSI

  197

  1,429,625.91

  Bilateral Pleural Thickening

  15

  125,369.97

  Pleural Plaques

  28

  184,600.40

  WRULD

  35

  168,352.04

  Occupational Stress/Anxiety

  31

  312,910.42

  Degenerative Disc Condition

  7

  20,517.76

  Mucous Membrane/Rhinitis

  5

  12,484.01

  CTS/Tenosynovitis

  54

  209,838.44

  Chest/Lung Condition

  4

  24,120.10

  Multiple disease

  141

  909,129.88

  Non Coded Disease

  108

  1,113,732.70

  Total

  2,181

  15,426,787,11

  April 2000 to November 2000

  Occupational Deafness

  8

  34,688.18

  Asbestosis

  186

  1,256,055.71

  Cancer

  41

  303,477.21

  Pneumoconiosis

  1

  2,740.34

  Mesothelioma

  69

  348,661.39

  Bronchitis/Emphysema

  257

  2,414,899.78

  Asthma

  101

  1,119,433.50

  VWF/Raynauds Disease

  849

  7,776,791.09

  Dermatitis

  32

  112,661,09

  Eczema/Skin Disease

  1

  4,876.91

  Arthritis

  2

  10,119.98

  Poisoning

  1

  26,321.25

  RSI

  74

  596,616.09

  Bilateral Pleural Thickening

  11

  74,879.50

  Byssionsis

  1

  5,618.68

  Pleural Plaques

  9

  62,501.08

  WRULD

  18

  190,196.09

  Occupational Stress/Anxiety

  19

  201,490.65

  Degenerative Disc Condition

  5

  53,422.51

  Mucous Membrane/Rhinitis

  2

  65.24

  CTS/Tenosynovitis

  35

  218,661.82

  Chest/Lung Condition

  11

  152,879.23

  Multiple disease

  71

  489,247.90

  Non Coded Disease

  41

  430,722.32

  Total

  1,845

  15,887,027.24

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Fisheries
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what level of co-operation exists between the UK, other member states and third countries on fisheries control and enforcement. [143246]

  Mr. Morley
  There is extensive co-operation between enforcement authorities in the UK and those of other member states and third countries. Such co-operation is important to ensure the effective application of measures designed to conserve fish stocks. Examples of co-operation involving enforcement authorities in the UK over the last 12 months include:exchanging and sharing intelligence on enforcement activity;
  bilateral meetings with Irish and Norwegian authorities;
  joint enforcement operations with the Netherlands in the North Sea;
  participation of inspectors from other member states and Norway in UK enforcement training courses;
  participation in the International Conference on Monitoring, Control and Surveillance organised by the European Commission in Brussels;
  enforcement operations in waters covered by the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission;
  the development of an operational protocol on satellite monitoring with France, Spain, Belgium and Ireland. Similar operational protocols are also being developed with other member states and Norway.

  BSE
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he has commissioned into BSE; and if he will name the organisations involved. [141646]

  Ms Quin
  All of the research projects into TSEs currently funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are listed in the "Research" section of the MAFF website (www.maff.gov.uk/research). The current costs and organisations involved are also given. In addition, the current and past projects are listed in each update of the BSE progress report; again with the organisations involved. All of the projects receiving UK public funds are listed on the MRC website (www.mrc.ac.uk). By the new year this site will also include summaries of the aims of all of the projects.

  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who has responsibility for coordinating his research programme for BSE; and if he will make a statement on what progress has been made to date. [141647]

  Ms Quin
  The research programme into BSE and related diseases is co-ordinated by the head of the TSE Research and Surveillance Unit who reports to the head of the Animal Health and Environment Directorate. The unit was formed in December 1999 to bring together the management of TSE research and strategic aspects of TSE surveillance. The main research aim of the unit has been to implement the recommendations of a SEAC sub-group on research and surveillance on TSEs in sheep. The unit has commissioned new and updated animal accommodation to house this research. An Open Competition (the TSE Research Requirement's document)
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  was held to advertise for new research projects. As a result of this, contracts have been issued for four new projects and a further 27 are under negotiation for funding. A list of the TSE research projects currently funded by MAFF is given on the Research section of the MAFF website (www.maff.gov.uk/research).

  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the scientific tests used by other EU countries to test for BSE in slaughtered bovines. [141716]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: The European Commission has undertaken an evaluation of a number of rapid BSE tests. Three tests were found to perform well in the evaluation exercise in 1999 and have been adopted by other EU countries to test for BSE in slaughtered bovines. These are tests developed by Prionics, Enfer Scientific and CEA. These are in addition to the more traditional, less rapid tests of histopathology, immunocytochemistry and, electronmicroscopy for scrapie associated fibrils.

  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the dates the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee considered each of the post mortem tests being used in other EU countries to detect BSE in bovines; and if he will place the reports of the their findings in the Library. [141718]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: SEAC has not formally considered any of the post mortem tests used in the EU. However the EC has conducted independent validation of a number of tests submitted. Three tests are now recognised by member states and a further six are currently undergoing validation.

  I will arrange for a copy of the latest EC report to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the current tests available to detect the presence of BSE in(a) living and (b) carcases of, bovine subjects; and if he will make a statement on their unit costs and reliability and practicality for mass screening programmes. [141553]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: There is no validated test available to detect the presence of BSE in living cattle. However, this is an active research area.

  A number of post mortem tests are in use. These include histopathology, immunocytochemistry, electron microscopy and scrapie-associated fibrils, ELISA tests and immunoblotting.

  The European Commission has undertaken an evaluation of a number of the more rapid BSE tests. Three of these tests were found to provide good results in terms of sensitivity and specificity in comparison with histopathology. These three tests may now be used by member states in mass screening programmes.

  Test kits are available for unit costs of between approximately £20 and £50 but the costs of collection of samples, identification, handling, transport and examination have to be added to the unit costs. The unit costs may well fall as the tests become more widely used.

  Cattle Passport Scheme
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the extent to which the application procedures for the cattle passport scheme need to be simplified. [142253]

  Ms Quin
  The operation of the cattle passport scheme is closely monitored and kept under constant review. The BCMS have set up an Industry Forum at which all stakeholders meet to identify how services may be improved. We have responded to the Forum's request to provide for electronic data transfer and from early in the new year it will be possible for farmers to choose to register an animal simply by visiting the BCMS website. They will continue to have the options of completing a paper application form or sending an e-mail, if they prefer.

  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what guidance is made available to farmers regarding the cattle passport scheme. [142254]

  Ms Quin
  The British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) has published nine information leaflets offering advice and guidance on the cattle passport scheme. A copy of each of these leaflets has been sent to every cattle keeper in the country. Welsh language versions have also been produced for Welsh speaking farmers.

  The BCMS has also produced two explanatory video tapes, which have been circulated to farmer organisations to be shown at any of their regular discussion group meetings. If requested, BCMS can provide speakers for such meetings. BCMS staff also attend the principal agricultural shows throughout the country to meet with farmers directly.

  The Cattle Tracing website—part of the MAFF website www.maff.gov.uk—gives detailed information (including a question and answer section) on the scheme. The BCMS telephone helpline also provides help and advice.

  Animal By-products
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what implications the EU animal by-products regulations will have on the composting of domestic kitchen waste. [142250]

  Ms Quin
  The EU Animal By-products Regulation, as currently drafted, does not propose controls on the composting of kitchen waste, although it would control the composting of animal by-products. The UK will be requesting clarification of the scope of the Regulation during the negotiations.

  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what guidance he offers regarding the application of the animal by-products regulations to the disposal of kitchen waste, with special reference to meat, in waste dumps. [142252]

  Ms Quin
  The Animal By-Products Order 1999 does not control the disposal of kitchen waste in landfill sites. However, it does require that ruminants, pigs and poultry are not fed, or allowed access to, unprocessed kitchen waste containing meat, meat products or products of animal origin wherever they are disposed of. Guidance on the disposal of animal by-products and catering waste is to be issued shortly and will reiterate this point.

  National Seed List
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the procedures are for a resubmission of an application for placement on the National Seed List; and what restriction there is on the time period before that resubmission can be tabled for acceptance. [142099]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: Under the current regulations for National Seed Listing, the procedures for resubmission of an application for National Listing of a variety are the same as those that apply for any new application for National Listing of a variety. There is no restriction on the time period before an application for National Listing of a variety may be resubmitted.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will commission an inquiry into the role of his Department during the recent application to place Chardon LL on the National Seed List. [142097]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: No. My Department acted properly in accordance with its knowledge at the time when considering the application to place Chardon LL on the National List of plant varieties.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the evidence that his Department planned to submit to the inquiry regarding the application to place Chardon LL on the National Seed List. [142098]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: The purpose of the Chardon LL hearing, now adjourned, is to take submissions and oral evidence from persons affected by the proposal to add Chardon LL to the National List of plant varieties. No decision to add Chardon LL to the National List can be taken until the evidence from the hearing and other written representations are considered. There is no provision in the Regulations for my Department to submit evidence to the hearing and there are no plans to do so. Chardon LL will only be added to the UK National List if all the legal requirements have been met in full.

  Live Animal Exports
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the export of live farm animals. [142797]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government's preference is for meat exports. However, the European Court of Justice has made it clear that a ban on the trade in live animals for slaughter is not an option. We will press for improvements in the rules when discussing the Commission's review of the EU legislation on the protection of animals during transport.

  Farm Business Advisory Service
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list(a) the number of applications for visits by the Farm Business Advisory Service in Somerset to date, (b) the number of applications received for registration as consultants and (c) the number of consultants appointed. [142154]
  220W
  Ms Quin
  The figures up to 7 December 2000 are as follows:

  (a) 199

  (b) 82

  (c) 59 to date.

DEFENCE

  Porton Down Volunteers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if an independent expert will be able to analyse the data from medical assessment programme consultations involving Porton Down volunteers to assess whether patterns of ill-health are associated with particular exposures; [142417]

  (2) if he will list the ways in which the Ministry of Defence will publicise the offer of a thorough medical assessment to the service personnel who have taken part in trials at Porton Down. [142416]

  Dr. Moonie
  Data about specific individuals referral to the Medical Assessment Programme will be medically confidential. However, it is planned to aggregate and anonymise the data to form a case series for analysis. Such data could, with volunteers' consent, be made available to independent researchers, as has been the case with equivalent data relating to Gulf Veterans.

  I announced on 21 November 2000, Official Report, columns 101–02W, a number of measures, including the offer of a thorough medical assessment for Porton Down Volunteers. The announcement was accompanied by a Ministry of Defence Press Release which is available on my Department's website. The announcement generated some interest in the national media. Wiltshire police have kindly sent out on our behalf details of the Medical Assessment Programme with approximately 400 of their letters to volunteers. All letters sent by Porton Down in response to former volunteers' inquiries and by MOD on this subject mention the medical assessment programme where appropriate. Callers to our Helplines will also be made aware of the Medical Assessment Programme. We have also invited the Volunteers' legal representative to publicise details. My Department will set up a website specifically for Porton Down volunteers early in the New Year which will also contain details. We plan to revise and re-issue the MOD leaflet intended for Porton Down Volunteers which was first produced in February 1998. The Porton Down Veterans Support Group also has been sent details, as too has the Royal British Legion. The Department of Health has taken steps to alert the NHS and GPs to the programme.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if the contact address and telephone number of the Porton Down Veterans Support Group will be added to the leaflet and website which publicises the Porton Down Volunteers Helpline run by the Defence and Evaluation Research Agency; [142413]

  (2) if the Defence and Evaluation Research Agency will undertake to include the contact address and telephone number of the newly-formed Porton Down Veterans Support Group in all letters which are sent to volunteers in response to queries about their participation in trials. [142414]
  221W
  Dr. Moonie
  My Department has not been asked to publicise details of the Porton Down Veterans Support Group.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will place in the Public Record Office a copy of the document "possible long-term sequelae of exposure to nerve agents-a retrospective survey" (CDE Technical Note 1010, August 1989); [142384]

  (2) for what reasons the Chemical Defence Establishment Porton Down initiated the survey of the health of service volunteers exposed to nerve agents which was reported in the document "possible long-term sequelae of exposure to nerve agents-a retrospective survey" (CDE Technical Note 1010) in August 1989. [142383]

  Dr. Moonie
  I have today arranged for a copy of the document to which the hon. Member refers to be placed in the Library of the House. Consideration as to whether or not the document should be placed in the Public Records Office will be given under the terms of the Public Records Act 1958 and 1967.

  The work which led to CDE Technical Note 1010 was a small scale study initiated by staff at Porton Down. This was intended to identify any long-term health effect of exposure to nerve agents during the volunteer programme. The work did not reveal any increased incidence of ill health among the volunteers.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his estimate is of the number of individuals who have been exposed to nerve agents at the Chemical Defence Establishment, Porton Down. [142411]

  Dr. Moonie
  My Department estimates that 3,400 volunteers may have taken part in nerve agent studies at Porton Down, although it is probable that not all of these volunteers were exposed to nerve agents as some would have worn protective equipment or been involved as part of control groups. We plan to research the records to establish the definitive numbers, which will be published in due course.

  Official Publications
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [141442]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: The Department does not hold the information in the format requested. The sums expended on Commercial and HMSO publications can be identified for the years requested and are shown in the table. These sums include those for on-Vote Agencies but do not include off-Vote Trading Funds or staff costs.

  Commercial and HMSO Publications

  £ million

  1996–97

  6.866

  1997–98

  7.250

  1998–99

  6.910

  1999–2000

  7.499>

  2000–011

  6.055

  1 Estimate

  Colombian Armed Forces
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training facilities in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) British bases overseas are being used by members of the Colombian armed forces. [142316]

  Mr. Spellar
  None.

  Plan Colombia
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what deployment of members of the UK armed services is required by participation in Plan Colombia. [142312]

  Mr. Spellar
  There is no UK armed forces involvement in Plan Colombia.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Accommodation and Works Committee
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what is the cost of the bridge between Portcullis House and Norman Shaw South. [142550]

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  When the work is complete, the cost is expected to be some £590,000 inclusive of VAT and fees.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Entry Clearance
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many cases have been reviewed by the Independent Monitor of Entry Clearance Refusals in each month of the current year to date. [142792]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Independent Monitor reviews each year a random sample of eligible entry clearance refusals. He or she decides when to do this. Dame Elizabeth Anson reviewed 1,800 refusal decisions from 1999 for her last report, dated 28 June 2000. A report by the new Independent Monitor, Rabinder Singh, covering refusals in 2000, will be laid before Parliament by the end of 2001.

  Raoul Wallenberg
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Russian Government concerning the disappearance of Raoul Wallenberg in 1945. [141524]

  Mr. Vaz
  Sweden set up a bilateral Commission with Russia to look at all available evidence regarding the disappearance in 1945, of the Swedish diplomat, Raoul Wallenberg. This commission is due to issue a joint conclusion in Stockholm in January 2001. We await this conclusion with interest but have not participated in the investigation.

  Competitions (Europe)
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many primary schools
  223W
  (a) were invited to participate and (b) submitted entries to his Department's competition entitled "My Vision of Europe". [141315]

  Mr. Vaz
  We issued an open invitation to all of the UK's primary schools to enter the competition. We received winning entries for eight regions from the co-sponsor Time Group Ltd., from which the panel of judges selected the national winner.

  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much was spent by(a) his Department and (b) schools on his Department's competition entitled "What Europe Means to Me". [141317]

  Mr. Vaz
  To date the costs of the "What Europe Means to Me" competition have been borne by the co-sponsor, British Midland. We are not aware of any expenses accruing to schools.

  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if essays critical of further integration were eligible for the competition entitled "What Europe Means to Me". [141313]

  Mr. Vaz
  All entries on the theme "What Europe Means to Me" were eligible for this competition.

  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much was spent(a) by his Department and (b) by schools on his Department's competition entitled "My Vision of Europe". [141316]

  Mr. Vaz
  We estimate that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will spend approximately £6,000 on this competition once all bills are in. This covers the cost of the awards ceremony on 30 October, and the transport costs of the schools that submitted the winning entries. Some London schools attending the ceremony carried their own costs.

  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what age groups were invited to participate in his Department's competition entitled "My Vision of Europe". [141314]

  Mr. Vaz
  The "My Vision of Europe" competition was open to all of the UK's primary schools.

  Chechnya
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the recent meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council regarding the situation in Chechnya. [142378]

  Mr. Vaz
  The OSCE Ministerial Council, held in Vienna on 27–28 November, did not reach consensus on a Declaration, due in part to differences over the draft language on Chechnya. The Austrian Chair-in-Office issued a statement on her own authority. On Chechnya she noted that a political solution to the conflict was essential, that Ministers had requested Russian support for the immediate return of the OSCE Assistance Group, and called for independent investigation and prosecution of alleged human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law.

  Northern Ireland
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the "Your Britain, Your Europe" roadshow will visit Northern Ireland; which locations it will visit; and if he will make a statement. [142403]

  Mr. Vaz
  I plan to visit Northern Ireland on 22 January. My officials are in contact with the Northern Ireland Executive about the programme.

  Visa Centres (Indian Subcontinent)
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on proposals for the establishment of new visa centres in the Indian subcontinent. [142857]

  Mr. Vaz
  The new offices will be in Jallandhar and Ahmedabad in India; Sylhet in Bangladesh; and Lahore in Pakistan. We continue to discuss with the Governments of the countries the details of the proposed operations. We need their agreement before we can proceed any further.

  The new offices should save visa applicants unnecessary travel and expense. They will:
  offer advice on entry clearance requirements and procedures
  give out visa application forms and information leaflets
  accept, check and forward visa applications to the relevant High Commission or Deputy High Commission
  return passports to applicants once the application has been considered
  provide office and interviewing facilities for visiting entry clearance officers.

  As soon as we have the agreement of the Governments of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, we will establish the offices as quickly as possible.

  Nice Council
  Miss Begg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on vote re-weighting in the European Union following the European Council at Nice. [142875]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The Nice IGC agreed that on 1 January 2005 member states' votes in the Council would be re-weighted according to the following table.

  Current weighting

  From 2005

  Germany

  10

  29

  UK

  10

  29

  France

  10

  29

  Italy

  10

  29

  Spain

  8

  27

  Poland

  —

  27

  Romania

  —

  14

  Netherlands

  —

  13

  Greece

  5

  12

  Czech Republic

  —

  12

  Belgium

  5

  12

  Hungary

  —

  12

  Portugal

  5

  12

  Sweden

  4

  10

  Bulgaria

  —

  10

  Austria

  4

  10

  Slovakia

  —

  7

  Denmark

  3

  7

  Finland

  3

  7

  225W

  Current weighting

  From 2005

  Lithuania

  —

  7

  Latvia

  —

  4

  Slovenia

  —

  4

  Estonia

  —

  4

  Cyprus

  —

  4

  Luxembourg

  2

  4

  Malta

  —

  3

  Total

  87

  345

  This is the first time that votes in the Council have been re-weighted and the effect that it will have on the UK's relative voting influence1 is set out as follows:
  1 Relative voting influence is a measure of the fairness of a member state's vote weighting. It is calculated as the ratio between a member state's percentage of the total number of votes and its percentage of the EU's total population.
  The vote weighting system is a compromise between one vote per member state and an allocation of votes proportional to population size. Smaller member states are therefore proportionately over represented and have ratios above one. The reserve is true of larger member states.

  The UK's relative voting influence

  Current voting system

  Nice agreement

  EU9

  0.86

  0.91

  EU12

  0.75

  0.83

  EU15

  0.73

  0.78

  EU211

  0.66

  0.72

  EU271

  0.61

  0.69

  1 For the purposes of this calculation, EU21 includes Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Estonia and Cyprus. EU27 then adds Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania and Malta. Of course other scenarios for enlargement are equally possible

  Under the Nice agreement, the voting system will be supplemented by a population safeguard. When a decision is to be adopted by the Council by a qualified majority, a member of the Council may request verification that the member states constituting the majority represent at least 62 per cent. of the total population of the Union. If this condition is not met, the decision in question shall not be adopted.

  The effect of these changes is to ensure that in an EU of 27, a decision cannot be passed in the Council where QMV applies if the three largest member states—Germany, the UK and France—are opposed.

  The Nice agreement also stipulates that a majority of member states must support a qualified majority for a decision to be passed by QMV.

  Plan Colombia
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings his Department has held with NGO's in Colombia to discuss the operation of Plan Colombia. [142315]

  Mr. Battle
  We hold frequent meetings with NGOs and human rights organisations to discuss Plan Colombia and the peace process more widely. I met a number of NGOs and peace organisations during my visit to Colombia in September, including representatives from Christian Aid, CODHES, Mandato Ciudadano por la Paz, Indepaz, Redepaz, No Mas, and also Padre Francisco de Roux and Monsignor Pedro Rubiano. NGOs participated in the London meeting on Colombia on 19 June, at our 226W
  invitation, and the Madrid and Bogota Conferences on 7 July and 24 October respectively. We value all these contracts and will continue this substantial dialogue.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the representations he has received concerning Plan Colombia; and if he will make a statement. [142314]

  Mr. Battle
  The UK Government have received a number of representations, both verbal and by correspondence, about Plan Colombia. These have been from MPs, NGOs and members of the public, but we also have a substantial and on-going dialogue with other Governments.

  Plan Colombia sets out the Colombian Government's proposals for tackling the violence, social and economic inequalities, abuse of human rights, and drugs cultivation and trafficking. We have encouraged the Colombian Government to consult NGOs and civil society about the implementation of Plan Colombia. There are some welcome signs that this is happening. Economic Development Minister Ramirez Ocampo has held a series of meetings with NGOs and civil society groups about Plan Colombia and the peace process more widely, and we were pleased that the Colombian Government participated in the NGO sponsored Costa Rica meeting on 17 October. We hope this dialogue continues to strengthen.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total UK Government financial involvement in Plan Colombia is, broken down into EU funding and bilateral arrangements. [142313]

  Mr. Battle
  There is no UK Government financial involvement in Plan Colombia either bilaterally or through the EU. Assistance through the EU of 105 million euro will support human rights, long-term economic and social development, and an end to violence.

  Recruitment (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with the Northern Ireland Office and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland on the inclusion of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office under the provisions of section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. [142304]

  Mr. Vaz
  There are no plans to designate the FCO for the purpose of section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what measures his Department has put in place to ensure that its recruitment practices in Northern Ireland appeal to both Protestants and Catholics; [142305]

  (2) what percentage of staff in his Department and overseas posts come from Northern Ireland; and how this is broken down between the Catholic and Protestant communities in Northern Ireland; [142306]
  227W
  (3) how many Catholics from Northern Ireland have been recruited to (a) the Policy Entrant/Fast Stream and (b) the Operational Entrant/Main Stream in each of the last 10 years; [142307]

  (4) what measures his Department has put in place to attract more applications from Northern Ireland's Catholic community; [142308]

  (5) how many recruitment initiatives have been undertaken by his Department in Northern Ireland in predominantly (a) Catholic and (b) Protestant communities in the last 10 years. [142309]

  Mr. Hain
  In 2000 the Department adapted its previous policy of advertising in UK national media. It now additionally advertises in leading publications in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In the light of advice from the Fair Employment Commission at the Northern Ireland Office, all jobs in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (except those at clerical grade A1, which are advertised in London only) are advertised in the Belfast Telegraph. Care is taken to ensure that advertisements appeal to a wide cross-section of the UK population.

  In line with its diversity policy, the Department does not require applicants to provide information on religious affiliation during (or after) the recruitment process. Nor does it have information that would enable it to say how many staff are from Northern Ireland or any other part of the United Kingdom. The Department is therefore unable to provide information on the percentage of staff employed in any capacity from either community in Northern Ireland.

  Northern Ireland is included in the Department's recruitment initiatives. For example, in November 2000 the Department visited Queen's University Belfast and the University of Ulster to discuss careers in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Europe with young people from eleven schools, encompassing both Catholic and Protestant students. The Department does not retain records of university visits and other recruitment initiatives for more than the current year.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department's recruitment and advancement strategy and accompanying targets for recruiting(a) Catholics from Northern Ireland, (b) ethnic minorities, (c) women and (d) people with disabilities. [142310]

  Mr. Hain
  A copy of the FCO's strategy for improving minority ethnic representation ("Bridges into the Future") is available in the Library of the House. The Department is currently developing a broader diversity strategy. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Departmental Report, to be published in the spring, will give further details. The Department does not have specific targets for the employment of Catholics from Northern Ireland or from any other part of the UK. The Department's objective is that 10 per cent. of recruits to the Diplomatic Service each year should be of minority ethnic origin,228W
  that 50 per cent. should be women and that by 2005 disabled staff should account for 3 per cent. of its Senior Management Structure.

  Tibet
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the outcome of Her Majesty's Government's request to the Chinese Government to open a dialogue with the Dalai Lama about the Tibetan situation. [142155]

  Mr. Battle
  The Government believe that a long term peaceful and political solution in Tibet can be found only through dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Tibetans, in particular the Dalai Lama. During the last round of the UK/China human rights dialogue, held in London between 16–18 October, the Chinese side briefed us on recent talks that had taken place between the Chinese authorities and Gyalo Thondup, the Dalai Lama's brother, in Beijing. We welcomed these preliminary discussions, and expressed the hope that both sides would work promptly towards high level talks.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  National Lottery
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to ensure that the work of the Camelot Foundation continues regardless of decisions about the future of the National Lottery. [141699]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: I recognise the value of the Camelot Foundation's work. However, the future of the Foundation is a matter for Camelot Group plc.

  Advisory Panel on Illicit Trade
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he will publish the report of the Advisory Panel on Illicit Trade. [143279]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The Advisory Panel's report will be published on Monday 18 December, when copies will be deposited in the Libraries of both Houses.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Official Publications
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his 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 was for 2001–02. [141444]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The account code structure of the Northern Ireland Office does not allow for production costs of official publications to be separated from the normal costs of office expenditure, such as general printing and the purchasing of non-departmental publications.

  This information could be provided only by a manual exercise at disproportionate cost.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Teachers
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what meetings his Department has held with London borough chief education officers to discuss a pan-London strategy for the recruitment and retention of teachers in London. [141945]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I discuss education issues with individual London boroughs regularly. Most recently I discussed a range of issues, including teacher recruitment with the ALG on 11 December. My right hon. Friend announced on 29 August the package of measures for London.

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate his Department has made of the number of new teachers that will have to qualify each year for the next five years to fill projected teaching vacancies; and what targets his Department has set for recruitment of new teachers for each of the next five years. [141947]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The firm and indicative targets are announced for rolling three-year periods. On 8 December, I announced that 29,820 places would be available on initial teacher training courses in England in 2001–02, and that the indicative intake targets for 2002–03 and 2003–04 were 29,535 and 29,095 respectively. Those figures will be reviewed at the appropriate time. The targets that I announced do not take account of the 1,680 employment-based training places that will be available in each of the next three years and for which funding had already been announced. These mean that there is provision for 31,570 people to enter initial teacher training in 2001–02 and that, on current estimates, we plan to make 31,215 places available in 2002–03 and 30,775 in 2003–04.

  We expect these targets, together with the new £6,000 training salaries that we are now offering graduate trainee teachers, to allow good progress to be made towards recruiting the number of entrants to initial teacher training that we estimate will be needed to ensure an adequate supply of newly-qualified teachers. We have already, this year, secured the first rise in recruitment to initial teacher training since 1992–93, with more than 2,000 more people currently in training than at this time last year.

  Schools Funding
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what payments the Treasury(a) has made and (b) intends to make directly to schools in the form of flat-rate payments; [141954]

  (2) what payments his Department (a) has made and (b) intends to make directly to schools in the form of flat-rate payments. [141955]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Government are making School Standards Grant of approximately £290 million available in 2000–01. In 2001–02 the amount of such grant will increase to £540 million, and will continue for the following two years with a 2.75 per cent. annual uplift. Schools receive this grant in lump sums based on the size 230W
  and category of school; in 2001–02 a typical primary school will receive £20,000 and a typical secondary school, £60,000.

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will set out the payments made to all local education authorities from his Standards Fund expressed in amounts per pupil for each year since 1997. [141956]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The following table shows payments from the Standards Fund, shown as an amount per pupil, for 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000, for each local education authority. The figures for 1999–2000 are estimated payments, as audited outturn statements have yet to be received from all authorities. The figures include all grants paid through the Standards Fund payment system, excluding New Deal for Schools Capital, which is not part of the Standards Fund programme. Details for 2000–01 are not yet available.

  Standards fund payments grant per pupil

  £

  Local education authority

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  City of London

  89

  111

  797

  Camden

  37

  71

  202

  Greenwich

  31

  53

  162

  Hackney

  35

  66

  239

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  32

  61

  158

  Islington

  41

  58

  168

  Kensington and Chelsea

  41

  58

  198

  Lambeth1

  41

  90

  217

  Lewisham

  35

  49

  137

  Southwark

  41

  57

  173

  Tower Hamlets

  37

  51

  256

  Wandsworth

  49

  79

  173

  Westminster

  30

  54

  204

  Barking and Dagenham

  44

  71

  97

  Barnet

  22

  47

  92

  Bexley

  21

  51

  73

  Brent

  42

  63

  102

  Bromley

  30

  56

  89

  Croydon

  28

  43

  103

  Ealing

  34

  45

  116

  Enfield

  30

  35

  99

  Haringey

  33

  53

  189

  Harrow

  22

  35

  81

  Havering

  25

  37

  62

  Hillingdon

  28

  84

  133

  Hounslow

  30

  47

  117

  Kingston upon Thames

  23

  42

  57

  Merton

  30

  38

  146

  Newham

  30

  57

  118

  Redbridge

  27

  45

  85

  Richmond upon Thames

  24

  33

  150

  Sutton

  30

  52

  88

  Waltham Forest

  33

  43

  147

  Birmingham

  28

  47

  120

  Coventry

  38

  63

  132

  Dudley

  28

  63

  109

  Sandwell

  29

  62

  139

  Solihull

  31

  65

  113

  Walsall

  34

  60

  138

  Wolverhampton

  37

  58

  148

  Knowsley

  28

  67

  128

  Liverpool

  31

  44

  120

  St. Helens

  25

  43

  97

  Sefton

  22

  46

  96

  Wirral

  28

  45

  95

  Bolton

  27

  44

  151

  Bury

  25

  79

  126

  Manchester

  34

  53

  161

  Oldham

  25

  46

  204

  Rochdale

  34

  59

  133

  Salford

  25

  48

  124

  231W

  Standards fund payments grant per pupil

  £

  Local education authority

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Stockport

  33

  61

  120

  Tameside

  29

  52

  111

  Trafford

  30

  52

  101

  Wigan

  36

  64

  117

  Barnsley

  33

  49

  111

  Doncaster

  27

  38

  110

  Rotherham

  27

  47

  142

  Sheffield

  29

  56

  128

  Bradford

  25

  47

  157

  Calderdale

  33

  52

  110

  Kirklees

  34

  64

  142

  Leeds

  29

  50

  116

  Wakefield

  31

  61

  107

  Gateshead

  32

  56

  130

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  43

  86

  112

  North Tyneside

  37

  59

  109

  South Tyneside

  37

  59

  110

  Sunderland

  26

  42

  78

  Isles of Scilly

  123

  144

  496

  Bath and North East Somerset

  17

  50

  116

  Bristol, City of

  28

  47

  107

  North Somerset

  28

  48

  98

  South Gloucestershire

  31

  68

  135

  Hartlepool

  29

  63

  110

  Middlesbrough

  24

  46

  137

  Redcar and Cleveland

  33

  63

  104

  Stockton-on-Tees

  27

  49

  114

  City of Kingston-upon-Hull

  28

  40

  206

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  31

  53

  110

  North East Lincolnshire

  22

  59

  93

  North Lincolnshire

  27

  81

  130

  North Yorkshire

  30

  53

  107

  York

  38

  65

  115

  Bedfordshire

  31

  51

  116

  Luton

  26

  42

  149

  Buckinghamshire

  27

  52

  130

  Milton Keynes

  30

  48

  106

  Derbyshire

  32

  93

  103

  Derby

  27

  100

  153

  Dorset

  30

  58

  104

  Poole

  26

  54

  92

  Bournemouth

  32

  49

  85

  Durham

  34

  61

  121

  Darlington

  28

  63

  130

  East Sussex

  27

  55

  105

  Brighton and Hove

  24

  57

  110

  Hampshire

  27

  43

  73

  Portsmouth

  24

  40

  101

  Southampton

  24

  41

  114

  Leicestershire

  28

  53

  94

  Leicester

  23

  55

  144

  Rutland

  50

  85

  124

  Staffordshire

  27

  48

  86

  Stoke-on-Trent

  30

  52

  143

  Wiltshire

  35

  60

  113

  Swindon

  30

  53

  100

  Berkshire

  28

  n/a

  n/a

  Bracknell Forest

  n/a

  46

  105

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  n/a

  52

  90

  West Berkshire

  n/a

  61

  118

  Reading

  n/a

  69

  125

  Slough

  n/a

  66

  135

  Wokingham

  n/a

  44

  96

  Cambridgeshire

  31

  53

  106

  Peterborough

  n/a

  50

  125

  Cheshire

  29

  50

  84

  Halton

  n/a

  48

  97

  Warrington

  n/a

  61

  120

  Devon

  33

  73

  106

  Plymouth

  n/a

  61

  95

  Torbay

  n/a

  46

  115

  Essex

  31

  52

  78

  Southend-on-Sea

  n/a

  48

  77

  Thurrock

  n/a

  47

  94

  Herefordshire

  n/a

  60

  149

  Worcestershire

  29

  42

  94

  232W

  Standards fund payments grant per pupil

  £

  Local education authority

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Kent

  30

  46

  85

  Medway

  n/a

  44

  94

  Lancashire

  32

  57

  126

  Blackburn with Darwen

  n/a

  51

  184

  Blackpool

  n/a

  68

  114

  Nottinghamshire

  26

  45

  86

  Nottingham

  n/a

  66

  171

  Shropshire

  33

  66

  104

  Telford and Wrekin

  n/a

  82

  135

  Cornwall

  35

  59

  140

  Cumbria

  36

  63

  107

  Gloucestershire

  36

  66

  96

  Hertfordshire

  31

  52

  82

  Isle of Wight

  38

  65

  111

  Lincolnshire

  32

  53

  92

  Norfolk

  33

  62

  99

  Northamptonshire

  33

  54

  102

  Northumberland

  34

  59

  114

  Oxfordshire

  33

  61

  121

  Somerset

  32

  62

  119

  Suffolk

  29

  43

  75

  Surrey

  28

  51

  83

  Warwickshire

  29

  52

  105

  West Sussex

  32

  54

  84

  1 Estimated for 1998–99

  n/a—Authorities affected by local government reorganisation in April 1998

  Note:

  Payments to Lambeth were stopped after September 1998 due to unresolved issues surrounding their audited outturn statement.

  Student Absences
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will issue further guidance to local education authorities and higher education institutions concerning students who are temporarily absent from their studies due to(a) illness and (b) caring responsibilities. [141312]

  Mr. Wicks
  The Department issued further guidance in early November 2000 to all local education authorities and Higher Education institutions on the provisions for students who are temporarily absent from their course due to illness or caring responsibilities. Similar information was also made available to students in Higher Education.

  Under the Education (Student Support) Regulations, full-time students in England and Wales who are absent from their course because of illness are entitled to continue to receive student support for the first 60 days of absence. Before academic year 1998–99 this was only 28 days. Local education authorities also have the discretion to determine whether student support should be continued when a student is absent for reasons other than illness or caring duties.

  Full-time students who have suspended their studies because of illness or caring responsibilities, and who are required to wait until they are permitted to rejoin their course, can now claim Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing/Council Tax Benefit from when they recover from illness or their caring duties end.

  The revised guidance encourages local education authorities to use the discretionary powers available to them to continue paying student support when a student is temporarily absent from their course.

  Modern Apprenticeships
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many Modern Apprenticeships have been started in each of the last five years. [141695]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: The numbers of people starting Modern Apprenticeships in the last five years in England are given in the table:

  Number

  1995–96

  25,800

  1996–97

  70,300

  1997–98

  84,200

  1998–99

  119,100

  1999–2000

  170,700

  Notes:

  1. Figures for the first two years are for Advanced Modem Apprenticeships only

  2. From 1997–98 they also include Foundation Modem Apprenticeships.

  Maintained Sector
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many(a) primary and (b) secondary schools in the maintained sector have a charitable trust to raise funds for education-related purposes; [141697]

  (2) how many (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in the maintained sector seek voluntary contributions from parents towards the running costs of the school. [141698]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: The information is not held centrally.

  Colleges of Agriculture (Funding)
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will set out details of the funding for colleges of agriculture for(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–03. [142284]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: £61 million has been allocated to 20 colleges of agriculture for the 2000–01 academic year. Provisional allocations for colleges of further education, including colleges of agriculture, for the 2001–02 academic year will be made at the end of February 2001. Allocations for the 2002–03 academic year will be made in 2002.

  Learning and Skills Council
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many of the 753 staff of his Department employed in the Government Offices will transfer in April 2001 to the Learning and Skills Council; and what fraction of the aid budget will be transferred as a result. [142289]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: The work that Government Offices (GO) currently perform in respect of TEC contracts will no longer be necessary once the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is in place. There will therefore be no formal direct transfer of staff and work from Government Offices to the LSC. We do, however, expect a small number of GO staff to find opportunities with the Learning and Skills Council over
  234W
  time. We have estimated that, as a result of the creation of the LSC, GO running costs will be some £15 million less than they otherwise would have been.

  Lifelong Learning Directorate
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment of the 1,013 staff employed in the Lifelong Learning Directorate of his Department, how many will transfer to the Learning and Skills Council on April 2001; what budget will be allocated to them; and what functions will remain in the Lifelong Learning Directorate. [142290]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: We estimate the equivalent of 90–100 full time posts will transfer to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) from the Department as a whole. As individuals are being given a choice as to whether they join the LSC or not, the number of people actually transferring with the work may be less than this.

  We have set an overall administration budget for the LSC of £188 million for 2001–02. It is for the LSC to decide how it uses that resource to achieve the objectives it has been set.

  The Lifelong Learning Directorate is responsible for the oversight and delivery of the Government's policies to promote post-16 learning, including: quality and delivery of the post-16 agenda; adult learning and skills; higher education; youth policy; qualifications and the Connexions strategy.

  Higher Education Funding
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the level of funding per student in higher education is in 2000–01 and is planned to be in(a) 2001–02, (b) 2002–03 and (c) 2003–04. [142291]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 30 November 2000, Official Report, columns 810–11W.

  Blind and Visually Impaired People
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what he is doing to encourage the wider dissemination of career information in alternative formats to blind and visually impaired people. [141554]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: Section B 11 of the Requirements and Guidance for Careers Services states that information must be made available in ways that ensure clients with disabilities, including those with learning difficulties or sensory impairments, are able to access it. Equality of opportunity is a fundamental principle in provision of careers guidance and will be equally applicable to those working in the Connexions partnerships. Suppliers of career resources are encouraged to make their materials available in alternative formats to meet the needs of particular groups including blind or visually impaired. These include audio tapes, large print Braille and facilities in electronic formats, including websites to permit access by speaking browsers.

  Golden Jubilee
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are the implications of the extra Golden Jubilee bank holiday in June 2002 for the timetable of public examinations during that summer. [141555]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: The awarding bodies were notified that HM the Queen's Golden Jubilee will be on Monday 3 June 2002 and that the spring bank holiday has been moved to 4 June 2002. Examinations will be rescheduled to take place in the last week of May and no examinations will take place in the week beginning 3 June 2002.

  Adult Basic Skills
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will set out his strategy for improving adult basic skills with particular reference to(a) the costs of the programme, (b) methods of delivery, (c) professional development for those involved in tuition and (d) the criteria for its evaluation. [141556]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: On 5 December my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State issued a statement on how the Government propose to improve adult basic skills. Measures include new standards, a national test and curriculum, new learning materials and programmes and action to target specific groups of adults with basic skills needs. Spending on this programme will rise from £241 million in 2000–01 to £313 million in 2001–02, £366 million in 2002–03 and £403 million in 2003–04. Raising standards through training and qualifications for new and existing teachers will be a key part of the strategy. The national strategy, to be launched early next year, will be evaluated through pathfinder projects and regular monitoring of progress at national level against the target of reducing the number of adults with weak literacy and numeracy skills by 750,000, by 2004.

  Joint Academic Network
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made in linking further education colleges with the Joint Academic Network. [141557]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: At the end of November, 212 of the 420 English FE colleges have direct connections to the Joint Academic Network (JANET). These connections were funded by the National Learning Network initiative. A further 114 colleges have connections to JANET via a local university, and these will be converted to direct connections in due course. The plan to have all English FE colleges connected to JANET by spring 2001 remains on target.

  Needy Students
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how he will encourage higher education institutions to attract additional funds to assist needy students. [141558]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: The Government have increased the resources available through the Access and Hardship Funds to £87 million in 2000–01,
  236W
  over four times greater than in 1997–98. Additionally, Opportunity Bursaries for young disadvantaged students will also be available from 2001. This carefully targeted extra support is a key part of our widening access policies, which are designed to ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds have the confidence to enter higher education and the help they need to complete their studies. We have made available £2.7 million of the total amount of £4.4 million provided for specific administrative funding in 2000–01. We believe that higher education institutions should also use their own funds to ensure these essential services are properly resourced and effectively delivered.

  Of course we welcome initiatives such as the Ogden Bursary scheme, and the recent one announced by Edinburgh University with the Royal Bank of Scotland, which are excellent examples of private/public sector partnerships providing further opportunities for more of our disadvantaged young people to benefit from higher education. We have responded to these initiatives by increasing the income students can receive through bursaries without it affecting the level of student support they receive from the taxpayer.

  Equality
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he has taken to promote equality between(a) older people, (b) disabled people, (c) ethnic minorities, (d) religious minorities, (e) women and (f) gay and lesbian people, and the rest of the population with respect to the services and employment for which his Department has responsibility. [141486]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: As an equal opportunities employer, the Department is committed to fairness and equality of opportunity for all in employment and advancement on the basis of suitability. As an employer we aim to develop DfEE into an organisation that values the diversity of its staff and enables all to realise their potential by valuing the contribution of all and recognising the positive benefits that difference can bring.

  The Department also aims to ensure that it mainstreams equal opportunities in all its policies, programmes and services in line with the joint-departmental guidelines "Policy Appraisal for Equal Treatment" issued in 1998.

  Nuffield Languages Inquiry
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will assess the final report of the Nuffield Languages Inquiry, 'Languages: The Next Generation'; and if he will make a statement. [141492]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 13 December 2000]: We have analysed and assessed the recommendations of the Nuffield Report and will be producing a clear statement of response in the new year. This statement will take account of Nuffield's proposals, as well as highlight the positive languages policies already in place. We are already doing a great deal to promote learning in this field, for example by expanding our numbers of specialist language colleges and offering attractive incentives to teacher trainees. The statement will reinforce our commitment to broadening opportunities and will point

  237W
  to where there will be scope for development. Our Languages National Training Organisation has already indicated its readiness to participate in vocational language learning initiatives. Additionally we are working with our key partners to promote the programme of events for next year's European Year of Languages. We have recently broached these matters in discussions with our Nuffield colleagues and in formulating our statement we will be working closely in consultation with them.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the public bodies which(a) are under a duty to and (b) may advise local education authorities of special educational needs of children under the age of five years in order to assist them in planning provision for compulsory years of school attendance; and if he will make a statement on the collation and coordination of such information of needs. [142629]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government attach importance to effective identification of special educational needs in respect of children under five. Early education settings are

  Adult learning committee members

  Name

  Current main role

  John Monks (Chair)

  General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress

  Alex Pratt

  Managing Director of Sunalex Ltd.

  Chris Humphries, CBE

  Director-General of British Chambers of Commerce (but soon to move to become Director-General of the City and Guilds of London Institute)

  Alexandra Burslem, OBE

  Vice Chancellor of the Manchester Metropolitan University

  Jane Drabble

  Formerly Director of Education at the BBC

  Hugh Try, CBE

  Deputy Chairman, Galliford Try plc and Chairman of the Construction Industry Training Board

  Tony Chandler

  Head of Learning and Organising Services at UNISON

  Janice Shiner

  Principal and Chief Executive of Leicester College

  Alan Tuckett

  Director of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education

  Michael Brunson, OBE

  Freelance writer and broadcaster. Previously Political Editor of ITN

  Paul Convery

  Director of the Unemployment Unit and Youthaid

  Patrick Passley

  Lecturer in Law, Barnet College and Commissioner on the Commission for Racial Equality

  Judith Armitt

  Chief Executive of Medway Council

  Young people's committee members

  Name

  Current main role

  Chris Banks (Chair)

  Managing Director of Coca-Cola Great Britain Ltd.

  Ian Ferguson

  Chairman of Data Connection Ltd.

  Imtiaz Farookhi

  Chief Executive of the National House Building Council (NHBC)

  John Rourke

  Principal of St. Charles Catholic 6* Form College, London

  Helen Edwards

  Chief Executive of Nacro—the crime reduction charity

  Kim Parish

  Personnel Director of Scottish and Newcastle Retail (S&N plc)

  Bill Connor

  General Secretary of USDAW

  Sue Peacock

  Head of Research and Development at EMTA (the National Training Organisation for Engineering Manufacture)

  Maggie Galliers

  Principal of Henley College, Coventry

  Dr. Kevin Conway

  Principal of Greenhead College, Huddersfield

  Ian Gartshore

  Head-teacher of Downham Market High School, Norfolk

  Alex Williams

  Community Scheme Manager at Manchester City Football Club

  Rosalie Clayton

  Director of Education at Peterborough City Council

WALES

  Business Rate
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total amount of revenue raised in Wales from the business rate in each of the last four years. [141387]
  238W
  required to have regard to the current SEN Code of Practice and this has been amplified in a full chapter of the draft revised Code issued for consultation in the summer devoted to identification, assessment and provision in early education settings. This chapter refers to the legal requirement placed on child health services to inform both parents and the appropriate local education authority where they believe a child has special educational needs. The draft Code offers advice on contact between early education providers and child health services and we are currently considering comments offered on this, and other, sections of the draft document.

  Adult Learning and Young People's Committees
  Gillian Merron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the progress being made on the appointment of committee members to the Learning and Skills Council's Adult Learning and Young People's Committees. [143116]

  Mr. Wicks
  Bryan Sanderson, Chairman of the Learning and Skills Council, has today announced the appointment of the members of its Adult Learning and Young People's Committees. They are:

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The total amount of revenue raised in Wales from the business rate between 1996–97 and 1998–99 was as follows:

  Year

  £

  1996–97

  427,156,005

  1997–98

  460,306,025

  1998–99

  464,847,538

  239W
  Since 1 July 1999, this has been a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

  St. David's Day
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly on enhancing the status of St. David's Day; and if he will make a statement. [141374]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I meet the First Secretary regularly to discuss a number of matters including this one. The UK Government are currently considering this issue, but have not yet formed a view.

  Official Publications
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what his 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. [141455]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: The figures are as follows:

  Year

  £

  Welsh Office

  (a) 1996–97

  134,327

  (b) 1997–98

  104,834

  (c) 1998–99

  139,232

  Wales Office (Office of the Secretary of State for Wales)

  (d) 1999–2000

  8,508

  (e) 2000–01

  15,353

  1 To date

  Planned experience for 2001–02 is £9,000

  New Deal
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the impact of the New Deal for over 50's in Wales. [142376]

  Mr. Hanson
  The New Deal for 50 Plus operated on a Pathfinder basis in Flintshire and Wrexham from October 1999. It went nationwide in April this year.

  I am pleased to be able to report that, up to the end of November, 1,200 people in Wales had secured jobs through the programme.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Human Rights Act
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on the eligibility criteria for the determination of the public funding by the Legal Services Commission of cases before employment tribunals. [142382]

  Mr. Lock
  Sir Andrew Leggatt is conducting a review of all tribunals. He will, among other things, assess the extent to which current procedures and other arrangements, including representation, comply with our ECHR and EU obligations; and to identify the options for 240W
  ensuring compliance in the future. It would be premature to make any decisions on extending publicly funded representation in employment tribunals until Sir Andrew's review has been completed.

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on the work of his Department. [142381]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Lord Chancellor's Department prepared at all levels for the implementation of the Human Rights Act 1998; for example, ensuring that all judges and magistrates and the Department's staff were trained; that judges have speedy access to ECHR case law, and that the High Court has sufficient judges, if needed, to deal with any additional workload. Guidance was issued to clarify best practice in certain areas and necessary changes to procedure were made.

  It is too early to make an assessment of the impact of the Act on court workload but so far there has been no turbulence in the courts.

  Enforcement Review
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action has been taken to implement the recommendations of the report of the First Phase of the Enforcement Review; and if he will make a statement.[142269]

  Mr. Lock
  Those proposals not requiring primary legislation and not likely to be affected by Phase 2 of the Review will be considered by the Civil Procedure Rule Committee in the New Year. Phase 2 of the Enforcement Review is itself continuing.

  Commonhold and Leasehold
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he plans to introduce his bill on commonhold and leasehold. [142149]

  Mr. Lock
  Following this Government's policy of exposing their legislation to maximum expert scrutiny at the earliest convenient stage, the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill was published in draft in August this year and the consultation period ended on 20 October. The great majority of responses were encouraging and many contained helpful advice and comment on points of detail. Taking advantage of this expert input to the legislative process, the Government continue to develop their proposals in light of the consultees' comments. We hope to introduce a Bill as soon as parliamentary time allows.

  Departmental Policies (Blackpool, South)
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effect on the Blackpool South constituency of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [142224]

  Jane Kennedy
  The policies developed by this Department generally relate to England and Wales as a whole and it is therefore not possible to say what the specific impact is on the Blackpool, South constituency.
  241W
  However, the Blackpool Community Legal Service Partnership (CLSP), which covers Blackpool, South constituency, is one of 145 CLSPs throughout England and Wales. The Commission's total expenditure in the Blackpool Community Legal Service Partnership area, including both new legal help matters and contingent liability, is £935,933.79. The Community Legal Service Partnership covers the whole borough of Blackpool. It does not include any of the surrounding areas, which are part of the North West Lancashire Community Legal Service Partnership.

  In the Blackpool, South constituency, 18 agencies have been awarded contracts with the LSC. This includes 17 law firms and one CAB. The total value of the contracts awarded amounts to £626,920. The 18 agencies are all holders of the CLS Quality Mark. In addition there are a further 12 organisations in the constituency who provide General Help or General Help with Casework who have committed themselves to applying for the CLS Quality Mark by October 2001.

  Additionally a contract has been let with Wyre CAB at Cleveleys to give Debt advice and some of this work is carried out in Blackpool. A contract with Preston and Western Lancashire Race Equality Council in Preston includes delivery of part of their service in Blackpool.

  In addition I have set out details of claims issued at Blackpool county court in the 12 months period either side of the Civil Justice Reforms in April 1999. This allows for a comparison to be made of any changes in the levels of claims made as a result of the Civil Justice Reforms, and is a more useful indicator than just providing all the claims issued since May 1997.

  Month claims issued

  Number

  1998

  May

  438

  June

  534

  July

  560

  August

  526

  September

  603

  October

  380

  November

  594

  December

  550

  1999

  January

  427

  February

  510

  March

  663

  April

  657

  Introduction of Civil Justice Reforms

  May

  176

  June

  454

  July

  401

  August

  465

  September

  410

  October

  395

  November

  358

  December

  407

  2000

  January

  181

  February

  342

  March

  544

  April

  501

  Asylum Appeals
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many asylum appeal cases awaiting a decision there were at 31 December(a) 1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998, (d) 1999 and (e) at the end of each month in 2000. [142780]

  Jane Kennedy
  Asylum appeals outstanding at Adjudicator level on each of the dates specified were as follows:(a) 31 December 1996–20,455
  (b) 31 December 1997–22,482
  (c) 31 December 1998–12,602
  (d) 31 December 1999–4,327
  (e) 31 January 2000–3,825
  29 February 2000–3,581
  31 March 2000–3,805
  30 April 2000–4,354
  31 May 2000–5,048
  30 June 2000–6,957
  31 July 2000–9,894
  31 August 2000–11,853
  30 September 2000–13,233
  31 October 2000–14,216
  30 November 2000–14,641.

  These figures represent all cases within the system at the relevant points in time. The increase in cases in the system over the last few months reflects the higher throughput of cases as the capacity of the Appeals system has increased significantly.

  Asylum appeals outstanding at Tribunal level on each of the dates specified were as follows:
  (c) 31 December 1996–207
  (d) 31 December 1997–1,018
  (c) 31 December 1998–1,703
  (d) 31 December 1999–2,050
  (e) 31 January 2000–1,996
  29 February 2000–1,725
  31 March 2000–950
  30 April 2000–755
  31 May 2000–576
  30 June 2000–492
  31 July 2000–471
  31 August 2000–424
  30 September 2000–401
  31 October 2000–432
  30 November 2000–491.

  Once again these figures represent all cases within the system at the relevant points in time.

CABINET OFFICE

  Regulatory Impact Unit
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what joint progress the Department for Education and Employment and the Cabinet Office Regulatory Impact Unit have made in reducing bureaucracy and red tape in schools. [142682]
  243W
  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Department for Education and Employment and the Cabinet Office have today published a joint report setting out the outcomes of their project to reduce school paperwork. The estimated potential savings for schools are around 4.5 million hours every year. For a typical school, that constitutes a saving of over 200 hours per year.

  Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Official Publications
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list her 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. [141440]

  Mr. Stringer
  The Cabinet Office spending on publications is given in the table.

  £

  Actual

  1996–97

  2,660,505

  1997–98

  2,114,993

  1998–99

  2,752,521

  1999–2000

  3,105,505

  To end November

  2000–01

  1,591,508

  Plan

  2001–02

  n/a

  Notes:

  1. Cabinet Office currently comprises Cabinet Office administration (including the Prime Minister's Office, Government Car and Despatch Agency, and NDPBs) and Central Office of Information, which is a trading fund.

  2. Figure for 1996–97 includes the costs of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Chessington Computer Centre, Recruitment and Assessment Services, and Occupational Health and Safety Agency. These Executive Agencies were privatised during 1996–97 and expenditure for that year is available in their respective Completion Accounts.

  3. Figures are taken from accounting definitions and may include procurement of publications not produced by the Cabinet Office, but will not include staff costs or external consultant costs.

  4. Planned expenditure for 2001–02 is not yet available.

  Anglo-Irish Relations
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office on how many occasions the joint Steering Group co-chaired by the Irish Department of the Taoiseach and the Cabinet Office has met since 10 November 1997; on what date the most recent progress report on East/West co-operation was drawn up; and if she will place a copy in the Library. [142273]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Good Friday Agreement established a British-Irish Inter-governmental Conference to promote bilateral co-operation. Progress was reviewed at the BIIGC Summit on 17 December 1999, after which a communiquéas issued. Officials have maintained contact with the Taoiseach's Office to review progress since.

  New Deal (Young People)
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people have been employed in the civil service under the New Deal for the Young Unemployed to date. [142161]

  Mr. Stringer
  As at 1 October 2000, the information on all Civil Service Departments (including their agencies) participating in the New Deal is as follows:

  New Deal starts as a 1 October 2000

  Main Department (including agencies)

  Number

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  58

  Intervention Board

  3

  Cabinet Office

  13

  Privy Council Office

  1

  Charity Commission

  25

  Culture, Media and Sport

  4

  Ministry of Defence

  118

  Education and Employment

  2,182

  Office for Standards in Education

  1

  Environment, Transport and the Regions

  63

  Export Credits Guarantee Department

  4

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  8

  Government Communications Headquarters

  1

  Government Offices for the Regions

  8

  Health

  39

  Home Office

  89

  International Development

  7

  Law Officers' Departments

  15

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  38

  National Assembly for Wales

  36

  Northern Ireland Office

  11

  Scottish Executive

  54

  Registers of Scotland

  1

  Social Security

  603

  Trade and Industry

  51

  HM Treasury

  3

  Office of Government Commerce

  1

  HM Customs and Excise

  73

  Inland Revenue

  317

  Office for National Statistics

  10

  Royal Mint

  3

  Total

  3,840

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps she has taken to ensure that Government Departments promote equality between(a) older people, (b) disabled people, (c) ethnic minorities, (d) religious minorities, (e) women and (f) gay and lesbian people, and the rest of the population in each case, in service provision, employment, drafting of legislation and other activities; and if she will make a statement. [142517]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  As an equal opportunities employer, the Civil Service is committed to fairness and equality of opportunity for all in employment and advancement on the basis of suitability for the work.

  A central commitment of the Civil Service reform programme is to achieve a dramatic increase in diversity. The aim is to develop a service that values the diversity of its staff and enables all to realise their potential by recognising the contribution of all and the positive benefits that difference can bring.
  245W
  In respect of the services that Government Departments provide, all Departments aim to ensure that all the Government's activities, including policies, programmes, legislation and services are taken forward in line with the joint-departmental guidelines "Policy Appraisal for Equal Treatment" issued in 1998.

TREASURY

  Children's Tax Credit
  Mr. Geraint Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the introduction of the new children's tax credit. [141843]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The new children's tax credit is a tax cut for hard-working families. It will be worth up to £442 a year or £8.50 a week when it is introduced from April next year. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his recent pre-Budget Report that it was his aim to increase this to £520 or £10 per week in his next Budget.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on his plans to introduce a new children's tax credit. [141866]

  Dawn Primarolo
  We have received a number of representations on this along with all other aspects of the tax system. The new children's tax credit is a tax cut for hard-working families. It will be worth up to £442 a year or £8.50 a week when it is introduced from April next year. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his recent pre-Budget Report that it was his aim to increase this to £520 or £10 per week in his next Budget.

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what impact he estimates the new children's tax credit will have on the incomes of working families. [141871]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The new children' s tax credit will be worth up to £442 a year or £8.50 a week for hard-working families when it is introduced from April next year. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his recent pre-Budget Report that it was his aim to increase this to £520 or £10 per week in his next Budget.

  Child Poverty
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the fiscal measures he plans to introduce to relieve child poverty. [141847]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government are committed to tackling child poverty. That is why we have set a long-term commitment to halve it within 10 years and to abolish it within a generation.

  The Government's tax and benefit reforms are already providing extra support for all families with children, and targeting help on those who need it most. It is estimated that the measures introduced in this Parliament will lift more than one million children out of poverty.

  EU Structural Funds
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the efficiency of delivering EU structural funds to the United Kingdom's four objective 1 regions. [141850]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Single Programming Document (SPD), drawn up at the start of the Objective 1 period, forms the basis of ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed Objective 1 programme. I am pleased that the European Commission is promoting the Cornish document to the rest of Europe as a model of good practice.

  We are concerned continually to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Structural Funds.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on the operation of the Working Families Tax Credit. [141851]

  Dawn Primarolo
  We have received representations about the operation of the Working Families Tax Credit from a number of sources including applicants. Within its first year of operation, Working Families Tax Credit already helps over 1.1 million families with average awards of £73 per week.

  Cleaner Vehicles
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what incentives he has introduced for motorists to convert their vehicles to run on low emission fuels; and if he will make a statement. [141852]

  Mr. Timms
  The cleaner vehicles programme offers grants of up to 75 per cent. of the cost of converting vehicles to natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and electricity. Its funding has been almost tripled for this year, to £10 million. We have introduced a sharply reduced rate of duty on liquid petroleum gas, and the new graduated VED system for new cars being introduced in March will offer new reductions for cars using low emission fuels.

  In the pre-Budget report, the Chancellor set a challenge to British industry to develop proposals for practical alternative fuels. Our intention is to be in a position to announce significant duty reductions for the most promising alternative fuels at the time of the Budget.

  Public Services
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his plans for capital investment in public services over the next four years. [141854]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Public sector net investment is set to double over the period 2000–01 to 2003–04. Detailed plans on how this additional spending will be delivered are set out in recently published Departmental Investment Strategies.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his proposals to help the poorest pensioners. [141855]
  247W
  Dawn Primarolo
  We are significantly increasing the Minimum Income Guarantee next year for two million of the country's poorest pensioners. The new, aligned rates will be £92.15 a week for single pensioners and £140.55 for couples. These will then be raised in line with average earnings, reaching £100 and £154 a week by 2003. In addition, we are consulting on a new Pension Credit which will benefit 5.5 million pensioners with low and moderate incomes.

  Minimum Wage
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the minimum wage on average earnings. [141856]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Government have asked the Low Pay Commission to follow up its February 2000 report by further monitoring and evaluating the impact of the National Minimum Wage, and to make recommendations. It will report by 2001.

  Working Families (North-West)
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many working families he estimates in the north-west(a) pay no income tax and (b) pay tax only on the lowest band rate in the current financial year. [141857]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Some 180,000 working families are estimated to pay no income tax in the north-west and Merseyside in the 2000–01 financial year and some 300,000 individuals in that region are expected to have a lop marginal rate.

  Sterling
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on the impact of the level of the pound on manufacturing industry; and if he will make a statement. [141858]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Chancellor and other Treasury Ministers hold regular discussions with business on a wide range of issues.

  Rare Species (Customs Seizures)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what statistics HM Customs and Excise has available for the number of(a) rare animals and (b) rare plants seized over any period during 1999–2000. [141859]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The last period for which HM Customs and Excise have fully adjusted figures for seizures of endangered species is 1 October 1999 to 30 September 2000. During this period Customs seized:

  Number

  2,720

  —

  Live animals and birds

  559

  —

  Plants

  1,586

  —

  Parts and derivatives of endangered species

  2,810

  Capsules/Pills

  Medical preparations containing parts and derivatives of endangered species

  58,483

  Grammes

  Medical preparations containing parts and derivatives of endangered species

  343,845

  Grammes

  Caviar

  Widows Bereavement Allowance
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many men applied for the Widows Bereavement Allowance in the year April 1999 to March 2000. [141860]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue does not maintain records for the number of claims it has received from men for the Widow's Bereavement Allowance. There is no entitlement in UK law for widowers to claim this allowance.

  Departmental Policies (Employment)
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the impact of his Department's policies on the levels of(a) employment and (b) unemployment in the UK. [141862]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Over the past three and a half years, we have taken the tough decisions necessary to secure a platform of stability to help us attain our central objective of high and stable levels of growth and employment. Since the election employment has risen by over one million and unemployment has been cut by over 500,000.

  Family Support
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what tax measures he has introduced to support the family. [141863]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government's tax and benefit reforms mean that by 2001 families with children will be on average £850 a year better off, and the direct tax burden on a family on average earnings with two children will be at the lowest level since 1972. The Children's Tax Credit, due to be introduced in April 2001, will reduce the tax burden by up to £442 a year for five million working families with children.

  Small and Medium-sized Companies
  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium-sized companies. [141864]

  Mr. Timms
  Economic stability is the only sound base for competitive enterprise and industry in a global economy. To this end, the Government have cut public borrowing, ensured low and stable inflation and achieved the lowest long-term interest rates for over 30 years. This sound policy platform has encouraged small and medium-sized businesses to invest for the long-term in the skills and infrastructure they require to compete and succeed. To strengthen further the competitiveness of small and medium-sized companies, we have also introduced major reforms to ease compliance with regulation, boost the level of finance available and to improve the level of skills. By focusing on these areas the Government aim to make the UK the most competitive environment for business in the world.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much would be raised, in the current and
  249W
  each of the next four financial years, by raising tax to 50 per cent. for those earning more than £100,000 per annum. [141865]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Monmouth (Mr. Edwards) on 28 November 2000,Official Report, column 591W.

  Lone Parents (Employment Prospects)
  Mr. Best
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the impact of the Government's policies on the employment prospects of lone parents. [141867]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Improving the employment prospects of lone parents is a key priority for the Government. The lone parent employment rate has risen from 44 per cent. in 1997 to 50 per cent. in spring 2000—the highest rate for 20 years. Many more lone parents say that they would like to work and so the Government have set a new objective: that 70 per cent. of lone parents are in employment by the end of the decade. Policies such as the New Deal for lone parents, the Working Families Tax Credit and the National Childcare Strategy are already helping the Government to achieve this aim.

  Youth Unemployment
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the impact of measures taken by his Department to reduce youth unemployment. [141868]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Youth unemployment has fallen by over 80 per cent. since May 1997.

  This Government announced in November that they had met their manifesto commitment of moving 250,000 young people into jobs during this Parliament.

  By helping young people into work, the New Deal is not just addressing their needs today but seeking to ensure that their long-term employment prospects are more secure.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from businesses on the climate change levy. [141869]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government have developed the climate change levy in an open and consultative way. The levy was developed on the basis of the work of Lord Marshall's Task Force which examined "Economic Instruments and the Business Use of Energy". This was followed by an extensive consultation exercise following the announcement of the levy in Budget 1999. More recently, the Government have consulted on the draft legislation underpinning the levy, on support for energy efficiency measures and on "good quality" Combined Heat and Power.

  During this process, the Government have received many representations from business and other interested parties and these views have helped to refine the design of the levy.

  Living Standards
  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what impact he expects the measures contained in his pre-Budget statement to have on the living standards of the average family. [141870]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The living standards of a single earner family on average earnings with two children are expected to increase by 10 per cent. in real terms over the Parliament.

  The children's tax credit, to be introduced from April 2001, will be worth at least £442 a year to this family. As the Chancellor announced in his pre-Budget statement, his aim is to increase it to £520 a year, equivalent to a cut in the basic rate of tax of 2½ per cent. for this family.

  Social Exclusion
  Ms Blears
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his assessment of the impact of his taxation reforms on social exclusion. [141872]

  Dawn Primarolo
  This Government believe that where work is an option, it remains the best route out of poverty and social exclusion. But those who cannot work have a right to security and support.

  Over 1.1 million families are now receiving the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), nearly 300,000 more than its predecessor, Family Credit, at its peak. Families receiving the WFTC are receiving on average £30 a week more than under Family Credit. A lone parent on Income Support with two children under 11 is now £25 a week better off in real terms than in 1997, and a couple nearly £30 a week better off.

  As a result of measures introduced in this Parliament it is estimated that more than one million children will be lifted out of poverty. And by next year the poorest pensioner households will be at least £800 a year better off in real-terms than in 1997.

  Environmental Taxation
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to improve the scope of environmental taxation. [141848]

  Mr. Timms
  The climate change levy comes into effect next April and we plan to introduce the aggregates levy from April 2002. We are also planning a number of reforms to existing taxes to help meet our environmental objectives, including a package of measures responding to the urban task force aimed at regenerating Britain's towns and cities.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for meetings with the Regional Development Agencies in England to discuss their involvement with the implementation of measures contained in his pre-Budget statement. [141844]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Treasury Ministers have met the Regional Development Agencies on regular occasions in the past to discuss a wide range of issues affecting them and we look forward to further meeting with them in the future.
  251W
  On the measures we announced in the PBR, RDAs have been fully consulted at every stage. For example, my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury attended the Joint meeting of Chairmen and Ministers in October. Further consultation is continuing with them on the implementation of these measures.

  Tourism
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to review the impact of the exchange rate on the British tourist industry; and if he will make a statement. [141853]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Government regularly assess the effects of the exchange rate and all other relevant factors on the UK economy. Developments in individual industries, including tourism, are also closely monitored by both the Treasury and other Departments.

  VAT
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to change VAT levels. [141845]

  Dawn Primarolo
  This Government have not changed the main rates of VAT in this Parliament, and we have no plans to do so now.

  Subsidies (Environment)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the examples of justifications of a subsidy which is damaging to the environment which were submitted to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury during the Spending Review 2000; and if he will make a statement. [142539]

  Mr. Timms
  Departments' submissions during Spending Review 2000 are confidential.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 2 November on the Climate Change Levy. [142731]

  Mr. Timms
  I expect to do so shortly.

  Departmental Policies (Blackpool, South)
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effect on the Blackpool, South constituency of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [142230]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Blackpool, South parliamentary constituency, along with the rest of the United Kingdom, is benefiting from the long-term action we have taken to build economic stability and secure high and stable levels of growth and employment. Since the General Election, claimant unemployment in the constituency has fallen by 1,858, or 50 per cent., youth unemployment is down by 80 per cent., and long-term unemployment has fallen by 78 per cent.

  Macroeconomic stability is being complemented at the microeconomic level by the Government's policies to ease the transition from welfare into work and to make work
  252W
  pay. To the end of September 2000, the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds had helped 931 young people in the Blackpool, South constituency gain valuable skills and experience—474 (51 per cent.) of whom had moved into employment. The Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), introduced in October 1999, is helping to make work pay for low and middle income families. In May 2000, 3,300 families in Blackpool, South were benefiting from WFTC.

  The Government are also committed to developing policies which enable all pensioners to share in the country's rising prosperity. As a result of the recent pre-Budget report, all pensioners, including 20,600 in Blackpool, South, will receive an above-inflation increase in the basic state pension from April 2001. Single pensioners will receive an extra £5 a week, and couples will receive an extra £8 a week. All pensioners aged 75 or over have also been entitled to a free TV licence since November 2000—including around 13,500 in Blackpool, South.

  Tax (Self Assessment)
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what improvements he plans to make in the income tax self assessment scheme, with particular respect to investigations. [142474]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government announced on 10 November that they intend to bring forward changes to the law in the next Finance Bill, and that the Inland Revenue will improve its procedures for conducting inquiries in consultation with interested representative bodies (Inland Revenue Press Release PR174/00).

  These improvements are the result of a joint report, "Income Tax Self Assessment Inquiries", published by the Inland Revenue and the Chartered Institute of Taxation on 10 November 2000 and which has been placed in the Library.

  Tax Investigations
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reason the Inland Revenue does not give reasons for investigations of individuals' tax affairs. [142475]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Tax inspectors have the statutory right to inquire into any tax return to check whether it is correct. They do not need to have grounds for suspicion, and the return may be chosen at random or following an assessment of risk. Disclosing how a return has been chosen would reduce the future effectiveness of the selection methods. Any person whose tax return is the subject of an inquiry may appeal to the General Commissioners for a direction that the inquiry should cease.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Communications Data
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce powers to permit(a) the storage of communications data relating to all telephone calls and telecommunications and (b) access to this information by law enforcement

  253W
  agencies and the security services; what representations he has received relating to this issue; and if he will make a statement. [141749]

  Mr. Straw
  My Department has received representations from the National Criminal Intelligence Service on behalf of the law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies underlining the importance of communications data to their investigations, and arguing for mandatory retention of such data. We will consider these representations but the Government have no current plans to legislate.

  Law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies access communications data now in a number of different ways including the Data Protection Act 1998. Part I, Chapter II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 puts in place statutory controls, for the first time, governing access to such data. Access must be properly authorised, for specific purposes only, and is subject to independent oversight. The relevant RIPA provisions will be commenced next year.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the Government's policy is on enforcing the return of Kosovan nationals to Kosovo during the winter period; and if he will make a statement. [143118]

  Mrs. Roche
  In response to a request to host countries by the United Nations Authorities in Kosovo (UNMIK) to cease enforcing the return of Kosovans to Kosovo during the severe Balkan winter, we have given this careful consideration and decided that a wholesale suspension of enforced returns back to Kosovo would not be justified. We do not accept that single people or couples who have put forward manifestly unfounded applications and who may, for example, have arrived in the United Kingdom in recent months and long after peace was secured in Kosovo and who have families and homes there, could not return to them. But we have agreed to temporarily suspend the enforced return of families with children or vulnerable dependants or other vulnerable cases in recognition of the difficulties that larger family groups and vulnerable people may present to UNMIK in terms of providing support and accommodation during the winter period.

  This position has been fully explained to UNMIK who have also been assured that, in line with their previous request, we will continue to inform them of returns in advance where it is possible to do so. UNMIK have said they understand our position and have expressed gratitude for the considered way in which the United Kingdom has approached the accommodation problems in Kosovo.

  Immigration and Asylum Act
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if arrangements for the implementation of the marriage aspects of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 have been made; and if he will make a statement. [143117]

  Mr. Straw
  The marriage powers in section 24 and Part IX of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, will come into effect on 1 January 2001.
  254W
  In support of this, The Reporting of Suspicious Marriages (Scotland) Regulations 2000 and The Reporting of Suspicious Marriages (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2000 were made on 8 December. These provide for the reporting of suspicious marriages in Scotland and Northern Ireland to the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND).

  The Reporting of Suspicious Marriages and the Registration of Marriages (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2000 were made on 29 November. These regulations provide for the reporting of suspicious marriages in England and Wales to IND, and prescribe procedures for the Registrar General for England and Wales to waive or reduce the new 15 day waiting period, and various consequential amendments to forms. The related Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees)(Amendment) Order 2000 was laid before Parliament on 30 November. This Order prescribes the fees payable for the entry of a notice of marriage in the marriage notice book and for an application to the Registrar General to waive or reduce the 15 day waiting period.

  Magistrates
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the report will be published of the joint Home Office-Lord Chancellor's Department research into stipendiary and lay magistrates, which was announced in November 1999. [143120]

  Mr. Straw
  The research which was jointly commissioned by the Lord Chancellor's Department and the Home Department last year to assess the relative costs, effectiveness and other benefits and disadvantages of the lay and professional judiciary in the magistrates courts has been published today under the title "The judiciary in the magistrates courts". A copy of the report has been placed in the Library; it is also available on the Home Department website www.homeoffice.gov.uk.

  The report has been passed to Lord Justice Auld to inform his review of the work of the criminal courts, the conclusions of which are expected in the new year.

  Terrorism Act
  Mr. Anthony D. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will lay before Parliament the draft United Kingdom-wide codes of practice under the Terrorism Act 2000. [143119]

  Mr. Straw
  I have today laid before Parliament the draft code of practice for the audio recording of interviews. It is my intention to lay the remaining two United Kingdom-wide draft codes of practice, relating to the functions of Examining Officers and Authorised Officers, early in the new year.

  National Asylum Support Service
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what notice period will be required for separated children in local authority care homes or temporary accommodation seeking asylum when they are dispersed by the National Asylum Support Service at the age of 18; [142043]
  255W
  (2) if separated children with siblings still in the care of a local authority will be referred to the National Asylum Support Service for dispersal; and if he will make a statement. [142044]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children reaching 18 may apply to the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) for support. Those requesting accommodation as part of their application will normally be offered accommodation outside London or the south-east in line with our dispersal policy. It is open to an applicant to put forward reasons why they do not wish to leave the area where they are living. This could include the presence of younger siblings still in the care of a local social services department. Full consideration will be given to any compassionate factors. Applicants for support who have been offered accommodation in a dispersal area are expected to travel to their new address within a few days of receiving the details of the support Main Home Office package which is being made available to them.

  Released Prisoners
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are in place to assist released prisoners find accommodation; and what follow-up assistance is available. [142040]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government are funding a number of initiatives to help released prisoners find accommodation. Ministers have approved six pilot projects focusing on the resettlement of short-term prisoners. The Rough Sleepers Unit (RSU) is also funding four prison-based housing advice centres run in partnership with the voluntary sector. The Prison Service has also funded the National Association of Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders (NACRO) Prison Link Unit since 1988 to deliver pre-release information including housing.

  Leaflets issued by the RSU about housing and benefits are being piloted in Her Majesty's Prison Pentonville and other London prisons with a view to providing them in all prisons early in 2001. I launched the leaflets at Her Majesty's Prison Pentonville on 11 December.

  Around £10.5 million a year is spent on probation accommodation grants. This supports some 6,000 places and represents 40 per cent. of the probation services' partnership purchases nationally and 3 per cent. of its total revenue spending.

  In addition around £400,000 a year is spent by the probation service on services which can be regarded as accommodation related, such as grants to private or voluntary sector organisations to provide housing advice, help people under supervision by the probation service find accommodation, or to assist people to maintain tenancies through support workers.

  CJD-related Deaths
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue guidelines to all coroners instructing them to identify, report and publish information arising from early death which may be attributed to CJD; and if he will make a statement. [141372]
  256W
  Mr. Boateng
  Coroners are required solely to investigate relevant deaths reported to them. There are no powers to require them to exceed their statutory responsibilities in the way proposed. Details of the numbers of deaths arising from all types of CJD are already published monthly by the Department of Health.

  Departmental Electricity Bill
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total electricity bill of his Department was for each of the last four years. [141385]

  Mr. Straw
  The table shows the expenditure on electricity for the years of 1995–96 to 1998–99 inclusive. Figures for 1999–2000 are not available yet.

  £

  Main Home Office

  1995–96

  11,529,981

  1996–97

  1,320,031

  1997–98

  1,194,929

  1998–99

  1,264,912

  1 Figures for 1995–96 include United Kingdom Passport Agency (UKPA) and Forensic Science Service buildings. Figures for other years exclude agencies save for a building shared by the main department and UKPA.

  Note:

  The costs relate to key buildings only.

  Metropolitan Police Officers
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the qualification requirements to join the Metropolitan police based on(a) UK residence and (b) UK Commonwealth and Irish citizenship; and if he will make a statement. [141329]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Home Office Circulars 99/1982 and 33/1987, issued to police forces on 3 November 1982 and 15 June 1997 respectively, provide guidance on the nationality qualifications for applicants to the police service in England and Wales, including the Metropolitan police. To be eligible for appointment as a constable a candidate must be:(a) a British citizen; or
  (b) a Commonwealth citizen (other than a British citizen) or a citizen of the Irish Republic, in which case he or she must satisfy one of the following conditions:
  (i) at least one of his or her parents must be, or have been at death, a Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Irish Republic; or
  (ii) he or she must have resided in a country or territory within the Commonwealth or in the Irish Republic, or have been employed elsewhere in the service of the Crown, or partly have so resided and partly been so employed, for at least five years out of the last eight years preceding the date of his or her appointment. If not qualified under (i) or (ii) he/she must satisfy the chief officer of police that he/she is so closely connected with a country or territory within the Commonwealth either by ancestry, upbringing or residence, or by reason of national service, that an exception may properly be made in his/her favour.

  There is no statutory requirement for an applicant for appointment as a police officer to have resided in the UK prior to application which is a matter to be determined on a local basis by chief police officers. No record is held centrally of which forces have a residency requirement as part of their recruitment process.
  257W
  Cabinet Office guidance, on which police forces base their policy for carrying out security clearances of applicants, recommends that the normal residency requirement for security clearance is that the applicant has been resident in the United Kingdom for the previous three years. However, if the applicant has spent the previous three years in another country, discretion may be given to undertake overseas security checks where this is possible.

  Consultation with the police service in 1998 identified no consensus for change to the present nationality requirements. We are giving further consideration to whether it would be appropriate to propose any changes.

  Porton Down
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what specific criminal allegations are being pursued by Wiltshire police in the investigation of the Porton Down volunteers scheme; and if he will make a statement. [142377]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There are currently 10 cases under investigation by the Wiltshire police. These consist of nine individuals who took part in separate experiments and a company of 20 servicemen who took part in an experiment as a group. The offences being investigated in respect of these cases are the administering of a noxious substance and assault offences.

  In addition, the Wiltshire police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an individual during an experiment in May 1953 and the subsequent evidence given to the Coroner's Inquest regarding that death.

  Gammahydroxybutyrate
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on the findings of the risk assessment on GHB carried out by the European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction; [142404]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the decision by ACMD to review its view on GHB in relation to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; [142405]

  (3) what action he proposes to take in response to the WHO recommendation that GHB should be scheduled under Schedule IV of the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971. [142406]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There is little I can usefully add at this stage to my reply to my hon. Friend's question on 29 November 2000,Official Report, column 681W. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) and the European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) have concluded, separately, that the available data do not support calls to increase the controls on GHB. But both organisations have decided to see if additional data can be obtained to better inform their decisions. I look forward to receiving their further advice in due course.

  I have seen the report of the World Health Organisation recommending that GHB should be scheduled under Schedule IV of the United Nations (UN) Convention of Psychotropic Substances 1971. I understand that all parties will be voting on this recommendation at the
  258W
  meeting of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs in March 2001. In order to assist the Commission in making a decision the United Nations International Drug Control Programme has asked for further data from parties' Governments about GHB in general, but specifically about seizures. We are in the process of collating data from a range of sources in order to comply with this request.

  Police Numbers
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers(a) were recruited and (b) retired, resigned or were dismissed, in each police force and in total (i) in 2000 and (ii) in each of the previous three years; what was the net change in the number of officers in each case; and if he will make a statement. [141708]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: Police numbers are not assessed on a calendar year basis. The most recent available data, for the last three financial years, are given in the table. It should be noted that these figures relate to numbers of officers, as opposed to full-time equivalents.

  Police officer recruitment, wastage and net change, England and Wales, for years ending March 1998, March 1999, and March 2000

  Year ending March 1998

  Police force

  Officers recruited

  Total wastage

  Net change

  Avon and Somerset

  138

  148

  -10

  Bedfordshire

  49

  67

  -18

  Cambridgeshire

  65

  68

  -3

  Cheshire

  94

  102

  -8

  Cleveland

  71

  41

  30

  Cumbria

  79

  56

  23

  Derbyshire

  66

  93

  -27

  Devon and Cornwall

  179

  129

  50

  Dorset

  129

  108

  21

  Durham

  123

  79

  44

  Essex

  124

  157

  -33

  Gloucestershire

  34

  65

  -31

  Greater Manchester

  437

  380

  57

  Hampshire

  201

  157

  44

  Hertfordshire

  78

  95

  -17

  Humberside

  88

  112

  -24

  Kent

  119

  139

  -20

  Lancashire

  135

  135

  0

  Leicestershire

  118

  93

  25

  Lincolnshire

  61

  74

  -13

  London, City of

  34

  73

  -39

  Merseyside

  181

  178

  3

  Metropolitan Police

  1,200

  1,561

  -361

  Norfolk

  84

  88

  -4

  Northamptonshire

  57

  57

  0

  Northumbria

  275

  204

  71

  North Yorkshire

  65

  52

  13

  Nottinghamshire

  111

  113

  -2

  South Yorkshire

  145

  124

  21

  Staffordshire

  239

  161

  78

  Suffolk

  76

  64

  12

  Surrey

  116

  119

  -3

  Sussex

  135

  181

  -46

  Thames Valley

  276

  188

  88

  Warwickshire

  67

  66

  1

  West Mercia

  79

  99

  -20

  West Midlands

  444

  446

  -2

  West Yorkshire

  203

  232

  -29

  Wiltshire

  71

  63

  8

  Dyfed-Powys

  42

  32

  10

  259W

  Police officer recruitment, wastage and net change, England and Wales, for years ending March 1998, March 1999, and March 2000

  Year ending March 1998

  Police force

  Officers recruited

  Total wastage

  Net change

  Gwent

  39

  50

  -11

  North Wales

  48

  55

  -7

  South Wales

  168

  153

  15

  Total all forces

  6,543

  6,657

  -114

  Year ending March 1999

  Officers recruited

  Total wastage

  Net change

  Avon and Somerset

  142

  104

  38

  Bedfordshire

  36

  63

  -27

  Cambridgeshire

  46

  66

  -20

  Cheshire

  112

  72

  40

  Cleveland

  0

  78

  -78

  Cumbria

  34

  60

  -26

  Derbyshire

  52

  59

  -7

  Devon and Cornwall

  57

  111

  -54

  Dorset

  44

  64

  -20

  Durham

  106

  42

  64

  Essex

  96

  122

  -26

  Gloucestershire

  64

  60

  4

  Greater Manchester

  217

  346

  -129

  Hampshire

  117

  137

  -20

  Hertfordshire

  79

  91

  -12

  Humberside

  48

  94

  -46

  Kent

  120

  149

  -29

  Lancashire

  55

  99

  -44

  Leicestershire

  88

  94

  -6

  Lincolnshire

  6

  61

  -55

  London, City of

  18

  58

  -40

  Merseyside

  234

  136

  98

  Metropolitan Police

  1,629

  1,725

  -96

  Norfolk

  28

  64

  -36

  Northamptonshire

  29

  60

  -31

  Northumbria

  233

  160

  73

  North Yorkshire

  17

  44

  -27

  Nottinghamshire

  22

  110

  -88

  South Yorkshire

  130

  144

  -14

  Staffordshire

  31

  96

  -65

  Suffolk

  57

  54

  3

  Surrey

  138

  82

  56

  Sussex

  109

  201

  -92

  Thames Valley

  153

  136

  17

  Warwickshire

  50

  55

  -5

  West Mercia

  109

  100

  9

  West Midlands

  466

  341

  125

  West Yorkshire

  17

  198

  -181

  Wiltshire

  49

  55

  -6

  Dyfed-Powys

  30

  25

  25

  Gwent

  61

  50

  11

  North Wales

  59

  72

  -13

  South Wales

  183

  166

  17

  Total all forces

  5,391

  6,104

  -713

  Year ending March 2000

  Officers recruited

  Total wastage

  Net change

  Avon and Somerset

  104

  146

  -42

  Bedfordshire

  37

  58

  -21

  Cambridgeshire

  23

  54

  -31

  Cheshire

  36

  90

  -54

  Cleveland

  68

  59

  9

  260W

  Year ending March 2000

  Officers recruited

  Total wastage

  Net change

  Cumbria

  23

  66

  -43

  Derbyshire

  79

  47

  32

  Devon and Cornwall

  74

  134

  -60

  Dorset

  87

  75

  12

  Durham

  51

  58

  -7

  Essex

  93

  169

  -76

  Gloucestershire

  59

  53

  6

  Greater Manchester

  286

  296

  -10

  Hampshire

  152

  190

  -38

  Hertfordshire

  167

  115

  52

  Humberside

  91

  95

  -4

  Kent

  174

  156

  18

  Lancashire

  99

  111

  -12

  Leicestershire

  67

  69

  -2

  Lincolnshire

  34

  67

  -33

  London, City of

  0

  50

  -50

  Merseyside

  41

  145

  -104

  Metropolitan Police

  994

  1,477

  - 483

  Norfolk

  43

  57

  -14

  Northamptonshire

  19

  38

  -19

  Northumbria

  121

  151

  -30

  North Yorkshire

  10

  66

  -56

  Nottinghamshire

  104

  92

  12

  South Yorkshire

  128

  137

  -9

  Staffordshire

  22

  81

  -59

  Suffolk

  17

  56

  -39

  Surrey

  183

  80

  103

  Sussex

  101

  185

  -84

  Thames Valley

  190

  189

  1

  Warwickshire

  59

  38

  21

  West Mercia

  15

  102

  -87

  West Midlands

  255

  327

  -72

  West Yorkshire

  61

  209

  -148

  Wiltshire

  29

  66

  -37

  Dyfed-Powys

  54

  39

  15

  Gwent

  82

  68

  14

  North Wales

  79

  56

  23

  South Wales

  124

  131

  -7

  Total all forces

  4,535

  5,948

  -1,413

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum removals there were in the first half of 2000–01; how many he estimates there will be in the second half of 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [142773]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The number of asylum removals between 1 April and 30 September 2000 was 4,870.

  The Government are determined to increase substantially the number of such removals. We have set a target of 12,000 removals of failed asylum seekers in this financial year increasing to 30,000 in 2001–02, 33,000 in 2002–03 and 37,000 in 2003–04. To achieve this, we are pursuing a number of measures, including recruiting an extra 400 immigration officers for enforcement work, expanding the detention estate and setting up a network of reporting centres.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many non-asylum offenders were removed in the first six months of 2000–01; how many he estimates will be removed in the second half of 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [142778]
  261W
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Between 1 April and 30 September 2000, 2,440 immigration offenders who had not made an asylum application at any stage were removed from the United Kingdom.

  It is likely that non-asylum removals in the whole of the financial year will exceed our original target of 3,500.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of substantive asylum applications are decided within two months; and if he will make a statement. [142777]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Approximately two thirds of new substantive family applications lodged between 1 April 2000 and 30 September 2000 had an initial decision within two months. Information on non-family applications is not at present available.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many non-asylum after-entry decisions were made in the first six months of 2000–01; how many he estimates there will be in the second half of 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [142775]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There were 140,000 non-asylum after-entry decisions made in the period April to September 2000, excluding those in respect of European Economic Area cases but including cases dealt with by the Public Caller Unit which did not involve a decision. It is expected that the number of such decisions for the whole of the financial year 2000–01 will exceed the annual target of 205,000.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers and dependents, by nationality, have been housed at Oakington since the centre opened. [142803]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  As at 1 December, the number of principal applicants held at Oakington since its opening is shown in the following table. A breakdown of the number of dependants by nationality could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Nationality

  Number

  Albania

  322

  Bangladesh

  68

  China

  387

  Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

  12

  Czech Republic

  303

  Estonia

  22

  Ghana

  30

  India

  44

  Iraq

  38

  Kosovo/Kosovo Albanian

  273

  Lithuania

  73

  Latvia

  31

  Nigeria

  19

  Pakistan

  254

  Poland

  113

  Romania

  265

  Slovakia

  23

  Tanzania

  3

  Uganda

  23

  Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)

  42

  Zimbabwe

  189

  Total

  2,534

  262W
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum decisions were made in the first six months of 2000–01; how many he estimates there will be in the second half of 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [142779]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  In total, 57,655 initial asylum decisions were made in the period April to September 2000. We remain on course to achieve our target of 130,000 to 150,000 decisions for the whole year.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the extent to which the introduction of the vouchers system of asylum support has deterred the making of asylum applications by economic migrants; and if he will make a statement. [142789]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The introduction of the new asylum support arrangements, including the voucher system, is part of the Government's wider strategy to deliver a fairer, faster and firmer immigration and asylum system. The number of asylum applications from Central European countries, where the vast majority of applications prove to be unfounded, have dropped since April this year.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the extent to which asylum support vouchers are used fraudulently; and if he will make a statement. [142787]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The National Asylum Support Service's Performance Monitoring (Investigations) section has the responsibility to detect and deter fraudulent abuses of the asylum support arrangements.

  There have been no substantial incidents of fraudulent abuse of vouchers.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many IND staff are employed at Oakington; and what their grades and functions are. [142769]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There is a total of 72 Immigration and Nationality Directorate staff currently employed at Oakington with grades ranging from Assistant Director to Administrative Assistant. They act as a liaison point between the centre and immigration offices, conduct substantive asylum interviews and decide whether applicants should be granted temporary release or detained at the end of the Oakington process.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers and dependants have been housed at Oakington Reception Centre since it opened. [142771]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  As at 1 December, 2,534 principal applicants and 483 dependants have been housed at Oakington Reception Centre since it opened on 20 March.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many internal flights have been taken by asylum seekers attending IND interviews; what the cost was; what his policy is on the taking of such flights; and if he will make a statement. [142785]
  263W
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) have not used internal flights to transport asylum seekers to IND interviews and has no current plans to do so.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers housed at Oakington since the centre opened received an initial decision on their case while they were staying there. [142768]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  As at 1 December, of the total of 2,534 principal applicants who have been housed at the Centre since its opening on 20 March, 2,170 asylum seekers have received an initial decision on their cases while at Oakington.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers housed at Oakington since the centre opened have moved into(a) accommodation provided through the National Asylum Support Service, (b) another detention centre, (c) private accommodation and (d) have left the UK. [142770]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  As at 1 December, 462 asylum seekers and their dependants housed at Oakington Reception Centre have been transferred to detention centres and 298 have left the United Kingdom. Information on those moved to the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) of private accommodation is only available from 25 May. Since that date, NASS has provided accommodation for 693 principal applicants and their dependants and provided subsistence only support to 409 principal applicants and their dependants who moved into private accommodation.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to amend the Immigration Rules to include the proposals put forward in his consultation document on the refusal of entry to those with certain criminal convictions; and if he will make a statement. [142784]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Officials are working on implementation of the proposals set out in the consultation paper, as indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham (Mr. Clark) on 24 October 2000,Official Report, column 115W. We will bring forward the necessary changes as soon as practicable in the new year.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the conclusions were of the inquiry ordered by the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), into the asylum cases highlighted by Refugee Action as contributing to the reasons for the closure of their Liverpool office on 2 November. [142783]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Refugee Action raised several points that are currently being pursued. A key point was that Refugee Action could not deal with the number of inquiries from asylum seekers claiming their vouchers were late in arriving. National Asylum Support Service has now addressed this problem by expanding the Voucher Inquiry team and the provision of additional telephone numbers for inquiries.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers are available to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate to obtain 264W
  information from (a) other Government Departments and agencies and (b) other organisations on persons suspected of being immigration offenders. [142781]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The statutory powers available to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) are contained in sections 20 and 21 of the 1999 Immigration and Asylum Act, which came into force on 1 January 2000. These provisions allow information on suspected immigration, and other, offenders to be exchanged for specified purposes between IND and the police, the National Crime Squad, the National Criminal Intelligence Service and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise. They also contain order-making powers which will enable further purposes to be specified, and additional statutory gateways to be established with other agencies. In addition there is already excellent co-operation between IND and a number of other governmental and nongovernmental bodies.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when it was decided to alter the target for the reduction of the backlog of asylum applications awaiting an initial decision to the equivalent of some two months' work, as stated in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate business plan for 2000–01; what level of applications this represents; what progress has been made; if the target will be met; and if he will make a statement; [142791]

  (2) by when he intends to eliminate the existing backlog of asylum cases; and if he will make a statement. [142782]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The White Paper "Fairer, Faster and Firmer—A Modern Approach to Immigration and Asylum" set out the Government's aim to reduce the asylum decision backlog to frictional levels by 2001. The commentary in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate's (IND) 2000–01 business plan was to give an indication of what is meant by frictional levels. Subject to the level of intake, we are on course to achieve this.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average time taken by the National Asylum Support Service is to process an application for assistance; what his target time for processing such applications is; and if he will make a statement. [142793]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Information on the current average time taken by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) to process an application for assistance is not available.

  Targets for the time taken to process NASS applications were published in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate business plan, Annex E, Objective 18. These targets were 70 per cent. in two days and 100 per cent. in seven days.

  Nationality Cases
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many decisions on nationality cases were made in the first six months of 2000–01; how many he estimates there will be in the second half of 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [142774]
  265W
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The number of decisions taken in nationality cases in the period April-September 2000 was 45,714. At the end of November 2000 this had risen to 62,170. The estimated number of decisions to be made in the period October 2000-March 2001 is 45,306.

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to promote equality between(a) older people, (b) disabled people, (c) ethnic minorities, (d) religious minorities, (e) women and (f) gay and lesbian people, and the rest of the population in each case, with respect to the services and employment overseen by his Department. [142516]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The purpose of the Home Department is to "build a safe, just and tolerant society in which the rights and responsibilities of individuals, families and communities are properly balanced, and the protection and security of the public are maintained".

  The Home Department has seven main aims of which Aim Five—"Helping to build, under a modernised constitution, a fair and prosperous society in which everyone has a stake, and in which the rights and responsibilities of individuals, families and communities are properly balanced"—specifically deals with the promotion of equality between all people. In respect of the services that this Department provides, we also aim to ensure that all our policies, programmes and services are taken forward in line with the joint-departmental guidelines, "Policy Appraisal for Equal Treatment", issued in 1998.

  A range of initiatives are set out in "Race Equality and Public Services", published in March 2000. This will help reduce the sometimes differential and adverse impact of public services on minority ethnic communities.

  As an equal opportunities employer the Home Department is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all staff, regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability or any other irrelevant factor.

  As an employer we aim to develop into an organisation that values the diversity of its staff and enables all to realise their potential by valuing the contribution of all and recognising the positive benefits that difference can bring. The Home Department and its Executive Agencies have prepared a joint Diversity Action Plan with the aim of working towards diversity including incorporating diversity awareness and actions in all the management processes. As part of this all middle managers will receive mandatory diversity awareness training by the end of 2001. Our plans for diversity cover the specific areas identified here and other where these emerge as concerns from annual staff surveys, formal or informal other avenues of communication.

  In the specific areas identified we have taken the following steps:

  (a) older people: we all work within the Department for Education and Employment's Code and Practice. With regards to internal progression arrangements we do not ask applicants to state their age, and individuals are assessed on their merits. We do not require age to be stated on our recruitment application forms.
  266W
  (b) disabled people: a Disability Support Network Group is being set up to cater for the needs of those in the organisation and aim to ensure that staff with disabilities are employed in all areas. This follows a survey of all staff earlier this year. The Home Office Management Board has had a detailed session on next steps for those with disabilities and plans further work in 2001.

  (c) ethnic minorities: work with, and the needs of, ethnic minorities has been a priority issue within the Home Department. The Home Department has therefore recognised the need for a full-time senior Race Adviser to the Permanent Secretary.

  Steps have been taken to improve relations between ethnic minority staff and all other staff, and to promote equality awareness. In November 1999 a Network for Ethnic Minority staff was set up to encourage ethnic minority staff to share views and experiences within the Home Department. The Department race action plan and local action plans set out key developments and targets.

  Public appointments: the Home Department has reached its target of recruiting the figure of 9 per cent. ethnic minority representation in public appointments.

  Prison Service: the Prison Service has taken steps to promote equality of ethnic minority staff, by devising its Respond Programme, which aims to achieve racial equality for staff and prisoners. An outreach recruitment programme has helped to attract ethnic minority groups, and a network for ethnic minority staff is to be established encompassing the three local groups already formed.

  The Prison Service aims to have a representation of 3.8 per cent. of the workforce as ethnic minorities by March 2001.

  Fire Service: the Fire Service is currently aiming to increase its representation of ethnic minority staff to reflect the communities that it serves.

  Passport Agency: the United Kingdom Passport Agency is currently taking steps to promote equality of ethnic minority staff by devising a system of Harassment Contact Officers.

  (d) religious minorities: equality awareness of religious minorities is being promoted within the Home Department. A faith forum was set up in November 2000 to discuss and advise on matters relating to religious discrimination and of facilities required by individual faiths such as Muslim prayer rooms.

  (e) women: equality awareness of women is being promoted within the Home Department. Steps are currently being taken within the Fire Service department of the Home Department where efforts are being made to increase the representation of women in the workforce. The Home Department and the Fire Service have targets to improve the representation of women at more senior levels. A range of policies such as flexible working arrangements, child care provisions, special needs and career breaks are available to enable staff, particularly those with caring responsibilities to balance their work and home responsibilities.
  267W
  (f) gay and lesbian people: a group of Home Department staff have suggested setting up a network to challenge prejudice against gay and lesbian people within the Home Department and the feasibility of doing this is being considered.

  The Promotion of Diversity in a General Context

  Equality advisers: there are 60 trained Equality Advisers who advise and assist individual Home Department Directorates on Equality Issues and provide an input into the Department's race policies.

  Training: all senior managers attended a programme of race equality workshops for senior managers in 2000.

  Race equality targets: targets have been set for the recruitment, retention and progression of ethnic minority staff and a first report on progress in reaching the targets was published in October 2000.

  Recruitment and promotion: the Home Department is currently devising a direct recruitment campaign with the aim of promoting greater equality and attracting a wider range of staff. This will be monitored through the ratio of those successful in the process. Assessment centres are also under development where steps will be taken to ensure it caters for all, with an awareness of diversity issues and the promotion of equality, including training for all assessors.

  Harassment contact officers: new harassment and discrimination procedures were established in June 1999 where a pilot Harassment Contact Officer Scheme was set up. This advises and offers support to individual members of staff.

  Closed Circuit Television
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has issued to local authorities regarding CCTV cameras, with special reference to(a) who has access to the film, (b) for what purposes and in what circumstances the film may be used, (c) the monitoring procedure to ensure film is not mis-used and (d) introducing a complaints procedure for the mis-use of CCTV footage. [142311]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We are advising crime and disorder reduction partnerships to adhere closely to the Data Protection Commissioner's code of practice for users of public space closed circuit television (CCTV) systems. The code outlines legally enforceable standards and makes good practice recommendations on compliance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. It includes advice on subject access, disclosure of images, information security, monitoring procedures, and the requirement for a complaints procedure. A copy is available on the Commissioner's website: www.dataprotection.gov.uk.

  All schemes funded under the Crime Reduction Programme, CCTV Initiative are required to operate under codes of practice designed to ensure their fair and lawful use. Before schemes are approved, individual codes of practice are assessed to ensure they take due account of the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.

  Police Manpower (Sussex)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) police officers and (b) police
  268W
  constables there were in Sussex in (i) 1979, (ii) 1992, (iii) 1997 and (iv) the most recent 12 month period for which figures are available. [142766]

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

  Year

  Total number of police officers

  Number of constables

  1979 (December)

  2,777

  2,059

  1992 (March)

  2,984

  2,261

  1997 (March)

  3,085

  2,374

  2000 (30 September)

  2,812

  2,119

  Replica Guns
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people carrying replica guns were(a) injured and (b) killed by the police in (i) 1990, (ii) 1997, (iii) 1998 and (iv) 1999. [142619]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The requested information is as follows:

  1990
  Information not available.

  1997
  One many carrying a replica handgun and an antique pistol was injured by the police.

  1998
  One man carrying a replica pistol was killed by the police and one man carrying a replica 9mm handgun was injured by the police.

  1999
  Two men carrying replica firearms were injured by the police. In addition, two men carrying air weapons were fatally injured by the police.

  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on amending the Firearms Act 1968 to include a ban on replica guns. [142618]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Home Affairs Select Committee and the Firearms Consultative Committee have recommended that there should be restrictions on the availability of replica firearms and their possession in a public place. We have also received representations from the Association of Chief Police Officers about the use of replica firearms in robbery and other crimes, and from the Gun Control Network. We intend to consider all these recommendations and representations carefully in consultation with the police service and other interested parties.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the supply of places for juveniles on remand or sentenced provided by(a) the Prison Service, (b) local authorities and (c) the independent sector over the next five years. [142593]

  Mr. Boateng
  The estimate of the supply of places for juveniles on remand or sentenced provided by all three sectors—Prison Service, local authorities and private are
  269W
  shown in the table. There are no formal estimates of supply of Prison Service places beyond 2002–03 at this stage.

  Estimates of supply for juveniles over the next five years

  Prison Service

  Local authorities

  Independent sector

  2000–01

  2,970

  300

  120

  2002–03

  2,970

  300

  230

  2003–04

  1—

  300

  450

  2004–05

  1—

  300

  500

  2005–06

  1—

  300

  660

  1 No estimates beyond 2002–03 at this stage

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) 15 and (b) 16-year-olds are on remand in adult prisons; if he will list the prisons concerned; and how many were so remanded on the equivalent date in 1999. [142595]

  Mr. Boateng
  There are no 15 or 16-year-olds on remand in adult prisons. The number remanded to adult prisons in 1999 is set out in the table.

  Receptions of 15 and 16-year-olds on remand into adult prisons in England and Wales in 1999

  Untried

  Convicted unsentenced

  Prison

  15

  16

  15

  16

  Altcourse

  17

  29

  4

  12

  Cardiff

  8

  20

  10

  13

  Doncaster

  52

  72

  22

  38

  Exeter

  3

  4

  —

  5

  Gloucester

  4

  18

  2

  5

  Hull

  13

  21

  3

  12

  Low Newton

  2

  5

  1

  2

  Norwich

  2

  20

  4

  11

  Parc

  5

  19

  1

  7

  Swansea

  3

  12

  —

  3

  Total

  109

  220

  47

  108

  Notes:

  1. Provisional figures

  2. Total receptions cannot be calculated by adding together receptions in each category because of double counting

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the change in demand for places within the juvenile estate over the next five years. [142594]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Home Office publishes a long-term projection of the custodial population annually in February of each year. Projections are provided according to various alternative scenarios. For the February 2000 projection the middle variant projection assumes growth in the use of custody by courts but no change in the average sentence length. The higher variant projection assumes that custody rates and sentence lengths increase. Both variants include an assumption of an increase in the juvenile estate due to the introduction of the Detention and Training Order in April 2000.
  270W
  The projection made in February 2000 predicted the following numbers in the juvenile estate:

  Variant

  Middle

  Higher

  1999

  2,690

  2,690

  2000

  3,000

  3,020

  2001

  3,010

  3,050

  2002

  2,990

  3,040

  2003

  3,010

  3,090

  2004

  3,000

  3,100

  2005

  3,040

  3,160

  The increase observed in 2000 was due to the expected impact of the introduction of the Detention and Training Order in April 2000.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what areas(a) a shortage and (b) a future shortage of places within the juvenile estate has been identified. [142592]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Youth Justice Board's commissioning strategy has identified three areas—London, Wales and the North-west, where there are currently overall shortages of secure accommodation for both male and female juvenile offenders.

  The Board's current commissioning plans, which are subject to negotiations with the Prison Service and planning applications and approval for potential new sites seek to redress the shortages in Wales by late 2003–04. Options for London are under consideration which will release some of the pressure by March 2002, with further sites addressing the shortfall by March 2005. Some inroads into the North-west shortfall are expected in 2001–02 but the necessary new accommodation is not expected to be available until 2004–05.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to end the remand of 15 and 16-year-old youths to adult prisons. [142596]

  Mr. Boateng
  Juveniles remanded to prison are held in Prison Service juvenile accommodation whenever possible. On 13 December 224 15 and 16-year-olds male remandees were held there and 17 in ordinary prisons for exceptional reasons.

  Our wider priorities for the replacement of juveniles were set out in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd, West (Mr. Thomas) on 29 March 2000, Official Report, column 138W.

  Petition (Thorrington)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will respond to the petition from the residents of Thorrington and others presented to Parliament on 27 July. [142751]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I have written on two occasions to the hon. Member for North Essex about the issue raised in the petition, namely the placement of asylum seekers at the Silver Woods Hostel (formerly the Silver Springs motel). My first letter preceded the presentation of the petition to Parliament and the second was sent in response to the hon. Member's further letter of 7 September.
  271W
  I can only confirm that the present use of the hostel for asylum seekers is not a matter for which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has any responsibility and he has no powers to prevent that use. The National Asylum Support Service has not designated Thorrington as a cluster area for the dispersal of destitute asylum seekers and their families and has not sought to accommodate asylum seekers there.

  Economic Migrants
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is his policy that the UK should be made a less attractive destination for economic migrants; and if he will make a statement. [142788]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Our policy is to reduce misuse of the asylum system by people who are not refugees. The changes we have made to that system are designed to minimise its attractions to unfounded applicants while ensuring that those with genuine claims are not left destitute.

  At the same time there is a developing debate in the United Kingdom and elsewhere flowing from an analysis of the potential economic and social benefits of migration. The Immigration Rules already set out circumstances in which people may come here for work and other purposes. The United Kingdom is quite rightly an attractive destination for legitimate migrants, who make a strong contribution to our economy and our society. But this is a wholly separate issue from our unwavering determination to restore the integrity of the asylum system.

  Naturalisation
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average time for granting citizenship is; and if he will make a statement. [142776]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The current average waiting times for applications, as at 30 November 2000, are shown in the table.
  272W

  Months

  Naturalisation

  15.8

  Registration

  8.6

  Overall

  13.5

  Illegal Immigrants (Herefordshire)
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action was taken against three suspected illegal immigrants arrested in a lorry on the A40 near Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, on 5 December. [142626]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Three men were arrested by the police on the M5 on that date. They were interviewed by immigration officers and are being treated as illegal entrants. Their cases are currently under consideration.

  Immigration Appeals
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications have been made for legal aid for appeals under the Immigration Appeal (Family Visitor) Regulations; and how many have been accepted. [142242]

  Jane Kennedy
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to the written answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Southwark, North and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 11 December 2000, Official Report, column 36W.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many appeals have been received by the Immigration Appeals Advisory Service since the Government introduced the £500 charge for appeals in respect of family visits; and what has been the result of the appeals. [142240]

  Jane Kennedy
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Immigration Appellate Authority received the first Family Visit Visa Appeal on 27 October. From 27 October to 7 December (inclusive) a total of 14 Family Visit Visa Appeals were received for an oral hearing. Of this number two appeals have been determined, both of which were allowed.

  The Magistracy: Report
  The Magistracy: Report
  Local Transport Capital Settlement
  Local Transport Capital Settlement
  Home Office Certificates of Identity
  Home Office Certificates of Identity
  Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988: Visitors' Permit
  Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988: Visitors' Permit
  Kosovo: Enforced Returns during Winter
  Kosovo: Enforced Returns during Winter
  Terrorism Act 2000: Codes of Practice
  Terrorism Act 2000: Codes of Practice
  Immigration and Asylum Act 1999: Marriage Provisions
  Immigration and Asylum Act 1999: Marriage Provisions
  Illicit Trade: Advisory Panel Report
  Illicit Trade: Advisory Panel Report
  Fisheries Control and Enforcement: International Co-operation
  Fisheries Control and Enforcement: International Co-operation
  NHS: Delayed Discharge of Elderly Patients
  NHS: Delayed Discharge of Elderly Patients
  Patient Treatment: Withdrawal for Research Purposes
  Patient Treatment: Withdrawal for Research Purposes
  Lifespan NHS Trust: Discharge of Chiropody Patients
  Lifespan NHS Trust: Discharge of Chiropody Patients