Written Answers of 21 December 2000

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Allocation of Funds
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much money has been allocated to(a) charities by the National Lottery and (b) sports clubs by Sport England, by constituency, since 1998. [141949]

  Kate Hoey
  I have placed copies of a table showing National Lottery awards to registered charities and by Sport England since 1 January 1998 to each UK parliamentary constituency in the Libraries of both Houses. These tables are taken from my Department's National Lottery Awards Database, which uses information supplied by the Lottery distributing bodies. It is not possible to separately identify awards to sports clubs from other awards made by Sport England. Awards by Sport England to charities appear in both columns.

  Communications White Paper
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to whom copies of the Communications White Paper were supplied before 15.30 on 12 December other than the Vote Office of the House of Commons. [143403]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding an rover 20 December 2000]: In accordance with paragraph 92 of the Ministerial Code copies of the Communications White Paper were made available outside Government before 15.30 on 12 December, but embargoed until that time, as follows.

  A number of journalists were invited to read the White Paper on 12 December in a Government conference room, which was locked until the Secretary of State made his Statement to the House.

  I understand that one copy was also made available to each of those who had been most closely involved in the development of the White Paper: the Office of Telecommunications; the Office of Fair Trading; the Independent Television Commission; the Radio Authority; the Broadcasting Standards Commission; the Governors of the BBC; the National Consumer Council; and the group of eight expert advisers.

  Copies were also made available to: the spokesmen of the main political parties in both Houses; the First Minister of Scotland; the First Minister of the National Assembly for Wales; the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland Assembly; the Chairmen of the Culture, Media and Sport and Trade and Industry Select Committees; and through the usual channels.

  Ministerial Travel
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list, for each year since 1995, the numbers of flights including helicopter flights taken by Ministers within his Department for UK and overseas visits; on how many occasions(a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143868]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Free Television Licences
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what arrangements he is making to extend free television licences for people aged over 75 to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. [144032]

  Janet Anderson
  The cost of providing free television licences in the United Kingdom will be met from public funds. Whether or not to fund such a concession in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man is a matter for the island authorities. Free television licences for the over-75s have already been introduced in the Isle of Man and the Guernsey authorities have announced their intention in principle to introduce this concession.

  Departmental Projects
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the projects undertaken for his Department by(a) outside consultants, (b) academic researchers and (c) university departments since 1 May 1997, giving the total expenditure incurred in each category. [144071]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  We are tabulating the information requested, and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is available, placing copies of my letter in the Libraries of both Houses.

CABINET OFFICE

  Regulatory Compliance Costs
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans the Deregulation Unit has to consider the costs of regulatory compliance borne by not-for-profit organisations, with special reference to the Bolton and District Hospital Saturday. [143680]

  Mr. Stringer
  In 1998, the Prime Minister announced that no regulatory proposal with an impact on business, charities or the voluntary sector should be considered by Ministers without a thorough assessment of the costs, benefits and risks. This process of regulatory impact assessment was strengthened in August 2000 with the publication of rigorous new guidance which separates policy and compliance costs and helps ensure that regulations are fair, meaningful and simple to understand.

  In addition the Public Sector Team, within the Regulatory Impact Unit, has carried out extensive work in conjunction with other Departments to reduce the burden

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  of red tape and bureaucracy on front-line public sector workers. This includes a current study on GPs' paperwork.

  Charities (Internet)
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps have been taken by the office of the e-envoy to encourage the effective use of the internet by charities and not-for-profit organisations. [143689]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The UK online report, produced by the office of the e-envoy, contains 25 recommendations for action by Government to encourage people and organisations in all sectors of the UK economy to make effective use of the internet. The report, and updates on progress, can be found at www.e-envoy.gov.uk.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what research has been commissioned by the office of the e-envoy into the use of the internet by charities and not-for-profit organisations. [143690]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The "Virtual Society?" programme funded by the Economic and Social Research Council includes a research project on re-shaping the voluntary and community sectors in the information age. Further details are available on the "Virtual Society?" website at www.virtualsociety.sbs.ox.ac.uk.

  Ministerial Travel
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list, for each year since 1995, the number of flights, including helicopter flights, taken by Ministers within her Department for UK and overseas visits; on how many occasions(a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143867]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Ministers are under a duty to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This Government have given a commitment to publish an annual list of visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500 as well as an annual figure on spend by all Ministers on overseas visits. The list for 1999–2000 was published on 28 July 2000,Official Report, column 969W.

  Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  'Modernising Government' White Paper
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much for each financial year from 1998–99 until the latest date for which sums have been allocated, her Department has spent and expects to spend on the implementation of the 'Modernising Government' White Paper. [143695]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Amounts used by Departments for the implementation of the White Paper on Modernising Government are integral and not separately identifiable within the resources allocated in the Comprehensive Spending Review and the Spending Review 2000. These and departmental plans are set out in the respective White Papers, "Modern Public Services for Britain", Cm 4011, "Public Services for the Future",246W
  Cm 4181, and "Spending Review 2000", Cm 4807 and Cm 4808. Details of individual departmental outturns are available in the Public Expenditure Outturn White Paper for 1999–2000 Cm 4812.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  British Carpets
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to support and encourage the export of British carpets. [143167]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  My Department, through Trade Partners UK, the joint Department of Trade and Industry/Foreign and Commonwealth Office organisation responsible for export promotion, provides a full range of export promotion services which are fully available to the carpet sector. In particular, TPUK is providing assistance through Support for Exhibitions and Seminars Abroad (SESA) to 15 UK carpet companies exhibiting at DOMOTEX in Hanover on 13–16 January 2001.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many calls were made to the minimum wage hotline in each month since its inception. [143423]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The following table gives the number of calls made to the national minimum wage telephone helpline for each month since the national minimum wage was introduced on 1 April 1999.

  1999

  2000

  January

  —

  4,308

  February

  —

  5,154

  March

  —

  6,461

  April

  40,715

  6,480

  May

  11,919

  6,879

  June

  10,473

  8,779

  July

  8,409

  6,069

  August

  5,906

  5,145

  September

  6,405

  8,566

  October

  5,204

  9,159

  November

  5,138

  4,577

  December

  2,878

  —

  In addition, a private sector helpline took some 50,000 calls between January and March 1999.

  Transco
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals Ofgem has to change Transco's investment criterion of being able to cope with a one in 20 years summer as well as a one in 20 years winter. [143451]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Transco's investment criterion is a matter for Ofgem.

  Ofgem published a consultation paper on Transco's investment policy in May and has recently published their response to this consultation. Both publications can be found on Ofgem's website at www.ofgem.gov.uk.
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  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes Ofgem proposes to Transco's licence conditions to encourage new capacity at gas terminals. [143450]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Proposals for licence amendments are a matter for Ofgem.

  New Electricity Trading Arrangements
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date he will take a decision on whether NETA can go-live on 27 March 2001. [143452]

  Mrs. Liddell
  A review of the preparation for the implementation on New Electricity Trading Arrangements will take place in January. Assuming a positive outcome to this review, 27 March will be confirmed as the intended go-live date. However, a final decision to go-live on a particular date cannot be taken until nearer the time.

  National Insurance Fund
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many payments of employment tribunal awards in respect of insolvent employers have been made from the National Insurance Fund in each of the last five years; and what criteria were applied to these awards. [142851]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 19 December 2000]: I have arranged for some figures to be specially compiled and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as this has been done and place the information in the Library of the House.

  Acquired Rights Directive 1998
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the consultation document on the review of implementation of the Acquired Rights Directive 1998 will be published; if arrangements are in place for the Directive's incorporation into UK law by July 2001; and if he will make a statement. [143438]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 20 December 2000]: I am currently considering the changes to UK law needed to implement the revised Acquired Rights Directive.

  Aylesbury Automation
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he received export licence application No. 16047 from Aylesbury Automation; when he expects to reach a decision on the application; and if he will make a statement. [143707]

  Dr. Howells
  Licences to export arms and other goods whose export is controlled for strategic reasons are issued by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry acting through the DTI's Export Control Organisation (ECO). Licence Application 16047 was received by the ECO on 9 August 2000. Individual licence applications are circulated by the DTI to other Government Departments with an interest as determined by those Departments in line with their policy responsibilities.

  A decision has not yet been reached on this application, but will be taken as quickly as possible consistent with the need to give full consideration to the issues involved.
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  UKAEA Officers
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what powers he has to regulate the employment of armed UKAEA officers on board ships. [142855]

  Mrs. Liddell
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has powers under section 3(2) of the Atomic Energy Act 1954 to issue directions to the UKAEA, under which matters relating to the employment of officers of the UKAEA Constabulary on board ships may be addressed.

  OFT Report (Legal Profession)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has received the OFT report on the legal profession; when he intends to make the report public; and if he will make a statement. [143796]

  Dr. Howells
  I should receive the OFT report on restrictions in the professions by the end of January next. I understand that the Director General of Fair Trading will wish to publish this report in due course. I expect publication to follow consideration by Ministers of the report's findings.

DEFENCE

  Type 45 Destroyer
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions(a) he and (b) officials of his Department have had with executives of BAE Systems regarding a non-competitive procurement strategy for the Type 45 destroyer; [142764]

  (2) what plans his Department has to procure up to 12 Type 45 destroyers by means of an incremental capability strategy; how prices for any changes in specification over the life of the programme will be negotiated; what mechanisms there will be to control costs; and if he will make a statement. [142765]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 14 December 2000]: The contract for the Demonstration and First-of-Class Manufacture (DFM) was placed with BAE Systems Electronics, the nominated Prime Contractor for the Type 45 programme, on 20 December. As I announced on 11 July 2000, Official Report, column 701, the design will be capable of evolutionary improvement through an incremental acquisition plan. This will enable the required capability to be inserted during the class build and provide growth paths to enable future capability insertion over the life of the class.

  Prices for changes to specification will be negotiated in the usual way and be subject to affordability criteria. The contractual maximum price represents the limit of our cost exposure and the contract contains strong incentives for the contractor to deliver at a lower price. The hon. Member will be pleased to note that the SMART approach adopted by the MOD provides the best opportunity to deliver additional capability into the programme without increasing the price.
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  The DFM contract covers the construction of the first three ships of the class only. Sub-contractors must now reach satisfactory agreements with the Prime Contractor to secure the opportunities offered to them under the contract; the MOD will—through its involvement in the Integrated Project Team—ensure that these negotiations are conducted fairly. MOD agreement to all significant sub-contracts will be required.

  The BAE Systems Type 45 Prime Contractor and MOD have received an unsolicited proposal from BAE Systems Marine concerning the procurement approach to the Type 45 programme. The proposal will be evaluated and the MOD will consult with other interested Departments before coming to a conclusion.

  Plans are to seek bids for the next batch of three ships around 2004. BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft have expressed an interest in bidding for this work. Bids for work on the follow-on ships should be made to the Prime Contractor at the appropriate time.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how the Design for Manufacture contract with BAE Systems for the Type 45 programme specifies equitable competition between BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft for batches of later ships of the class; and if he will make a statement; [142754]

  (2) what the in-service date is for the Type 45 destroyer First of Class; and if he will make a statement; [142752]

  (3) if he will approve the Defence Procurement Agency's Design for Manufacture contract with BAE Systems for the Type 45 destroyer programme in advance of agreement between BAE Systems and Vosper Thornycroft on the construction of ship platforms. [142755]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 14 December 2000]: The contract for the Demonstration and First-of-Class Manufacture (DFM) was placed with the BAE Systems Prime Contract Office, on 20 December. The in-service date is 2007 for the first-of-class ship. The absence of 'back to back' sub-contracts with the shipyards will not delay this programme.

  The DFM contract covers the construction of the first three ships of the class only. Sub-contractors must now reach satisfactory agreements with the Prime Contractor to secure the opportunities offered to them under the contract; the MOD will—through its involvement with the Integrated Project Team—ensure that these negotiations are conducted fairly. MOD agreement to all significant sub-contracts will be required.

  Plans are to seek bids for the next batch of three ships around 2004. BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft have expressed an interest in bidding for this work. Bids for work on the follow-on ships should be made to the Prime Contractor at the appropriate time.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what cost to benefit analysis his Department has undertaken of moving from a competitive to a non-competitive procurement strategy for the Type 45 programme. [142750]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 14 December 2000]: There has been no move to a non-competitive procurement strategy for the Type 45 programme and thus no change to the strategy I announced on 11 July 2000,
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  Official Report, columns 701–712. We would not move to a non-competitive procurement strategy unless there were compelling reasons to do so.

  The BAE Systems Type 45 Prime Contractor and MOD have received an unsolicited proposal from BAE Systems Marine concerning the procurement approach to the Type 45 programme. The proposal will be evaluated and the MOD will consult with other interested Departments before coming to a conclusion.

  Type 45 Destroyers
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to place the Design for Manufacture contract for the Type 45 Destroyer programme with BAE Systems; how many companies capable of bidding for the follow-on ships of the class have made representations to his Department on the subject; and what steps he has taken to ensure that this contract will contain adequate safeguards to ensure an equitable basis for competition for the follow-on ships. [143035]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 15 December 2000]: The contract for the Demonstration and First-of-Class Manufacture (DFM) was placed with BAE Systems Electronics, the nominated Prime Contractor for the Type 45 programme, on 20 December. As I announced on 11 July 2000, Official Report, column 701, the design will be capable of evolutionary improvement through an incremental acquisition plan. This will enable the required capability to be inserted during the class build and provide growth paths to enable future capability insertion over the life of the class.

  Prices for changes to specification will be negotiated in the usual way and be subject to affordability criteria. The contractual Maximum price represents the limit of our cost exposure and the contract contains strong incentives for the contractor to deliver at a lower price. The hon. Member will be pleased to note that the SMART approach adopted by the MOD provides the best opportunity to deliver additional capability into the programme without increasing the price.

  The DFM contract covers the construction of the first three ships of the class only. Sub-contractors must now reach satisfactory agreements with the Prime Contractor to secure the opportunities offered to them under the contract; the MOD will—through its involvement in the Integrated Project Team—ensure that these negotiations are conducted fairly. MOD agreement to all significant sub-contracts will be required.

  The BAE Systems Type 45 Prime Contractor and MOD have received an unsolicited proposal from BAE Systems Marine concerning the procurement approach to the Type 45 programme. The proposal will be evaluated and the MOD will consult with other interested Departments before coming to a conclusion.

  Plans are to seek bids for the next batch of three ships around 2004. BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft have expressed an interest in bidding for this work. Bids for work on the follow-on ships should be made to the Prime Contractor at the appropriate time.
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  Vessel Contracts
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what action he is taking to ensure that the procurement strategy for the production and assembly of follow-on Type 45 destroyers is on a competitive basis; [142963]

  (2) what conditions are necessary for the procurement of the first batch of Type 45 destroyers to ensure that yards capable of competing for downstream batches have the opportunity to compete equitably; [142961]

  (3) when he expects contracts to be placed with BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft for work on (a) the Type 45 First of Class, (b) ship 02 and (c) ship 03. [142962]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 15 December 2000]: BAE Systems Electronics (the nominated Prime Contractor for the Type 45 programme) has the intention of letting the ship manufacturing sub-contracts with shipbuilders either when a satisfactory risk sharing arrangement emerges (which could happen next year) or when the ship design is sufficiently mature that the shipyards can take on the remaining risk at an affordable price (which is likely to be the case in 2002).

  The prime contract, placed on 20 December, covers the construction of the first three ships of the class only. Sub-contractors must now reach satisfactory agreements with the Prime Contractor to secure the opportunities offered to them under the contract; the MOD will—through its involvement in the Integrated Project Team—ensure that these negotiations are conducted fairly. MOD agreement to all significant sub-contracts will be required.

  Plans are to seek bids for the next batch of three ships around 2004. BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft have expressed an interest in bidding for this work. Bids for work on the follow-on ships should be made to the Prime Contractor at the appropriate time.

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects(a) HMS Portland and (b) HMS St. Albans to be completed. [143032]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 15 December 2000]: HMS Portland was handed over on 15 December 2000.

  The contract for HMS St. Albans requires delivery by 30 November 2001, and this is expected to be achieved.

  Tornado GR1
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Tornado GR1s he expects to be upgraded to GR4 standard. [143029]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 15 December 2000]: It is planned that 142 Tornado GR1s will be upgraded to GR4 standard.

  Service Families (Pets)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consult the Royal Army Veterinary Corps' Cyprus Defence Animal Support Unit about the repatriation of pets belonging to service families; and if he will make a statement. [143123]
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  Mr. Spellar
  Responsibility for regulations governing the importation of animals into the United Kingdom rests with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF). Service personnel are individually responsible for ensuring they comply with the regulations and for making travel arrangements for their pets.

  My Department is advised by MAFF that Cyprus is expected to be included within the PET Travel Scheme (PETS) early next year although a precise date has yet to be fixed. The Ministry of Defence liaises with the Commander British Forces Cyprus to ensure that any associated issues are properly addressed. The Cyprus Defence Animal Support Unit (CDASU) of the RAVC forms part of the Command and is currently advising service personnel about the veterinary aspects of the scheme prior to its introduction, including Rabies Vaccination/Blood Testing, Micro Chipping and Vaccination records.

  Voice and Data Communications System
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he proposes to procure for the RAF combat aircraft an integrated fully encrypted real time air-to-air and air-to-ground voice and data communication system; and if he will make a statement. [143351]

  Dr. Moonie
  Yes. A number of RAF combat aircraft are already fitted with Multi Function Information Distribution System (MIDS) (formerly Joint Tactical Information Distribution System—JTIDS) Link 16 terminals which give this capability, including Tornado F3 and Sentry E3D aircraft. A similar capability is planned to be fitted to the majority of future combat aircraft types, including Eurofighter.

  Royal Navy
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has for the rationalisation of Royal Navy training facilities; and if he will make a statement; [143042]

  (2) what plans he has for the amalgamation of Royal Navy shore establishments; and if he will make a statement. [143043]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 15 December 2000]: The Royal Navy's Special Communications Unit (SCU) at Leydene will close in 2001 and its activities will transfer to HMS Collingwood.

  A number of other reviews are in hand which may result in the amalgamation of RN shore establishments, but no decisions have yet been taken.

  The Royal Navy has completed a comprehensive study of its training estate to identify the estate necessary for training beyond 2010. The study will be considered along with the findings of the Defence Training Review and no decisions have yet been taken.

  European Rapid Reaction Force
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Territorial Army personnel will be(a) allocated to the European Rapid Reaction Force, (b) able to be deployed with the European Rapid Reaction Force at any

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  given time and (c) removed from availability for home defence as a result of such allocation and deployment; and if he will make a statement. [143691]

  Dr. Moonie
  There is no such entity as a standing European Rapid Reaction Force. The UK has identified a pool of forces and capabilities which would enable it to make a powerful contribution to such operations in support of the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy, where NATO as a whole is not engaged. UK participation in any particular operation, and the nature of our contribution (including any potential use of the Territorial Army), would be matters for decision by the UK Government in the light of circumstances at the time.

  Our aim in restructuring the TA was to make it more integrated with regular forces and defence plans, with a shift in emphasis away from the TA's traditional home defence roles to other such as signallers, artillery, air defence, logisticians and particularly medical services. Maximum numbers deployed with regulars would depend on the nature and scale of the operation.

  Soldier Deaths (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the dates since 1974 on which soldiers of the Ulster Defence Regiment and Royal Irish Regiment have died during training exercises indicating(a) where the death took place, (b) at which barracks those officers were stationed in Northern Ireland, (c) whether the soldiers had, during their military career, been seconded for special duties or on assignment to other regiments and (d) who was responsible for the investigation of the cause of death and what were their findings. [142334]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 17 July 2000,Official Report, column 14W. Since my reply of 17 July, the Training Accident Investigation Team based in Netheravon has completed its investigation into the incident and have forwarded their evidence to the Forensic Science Service for further analysis. Their findings will be passed to the Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police, who will issue the final report into the incident.

  Ministerial Travel
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list, for each year since 1995, the number of flights, including helicopter flights, taken by Ministers within his Department for UK and overseas visits; on how many occasions(a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143858]

  Dr. Moonie
  Ministers are under a duty to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This Government have given a commitment to publish an annual list of visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500 as well as an annual figure on spend by all Ministers on overseas visits. The list for 1999–2000 was published on 28 July 2000,Official Report, column 969W.

  Detailed information in the format requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
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  Patriot Missile
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has discussed with the United States Government the possibility of the United Kingdom procuring the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 missile. [143344]

  Dr. Moonie
  No.

  Merlin Helicopter
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the recent loss of a Merlin production helicopter. [143331]

  Mr. Spellar
  On the morning of 27 October, a Royal Naval Merlin helicopter was forced to ditch in the sea off the cost of Scotland. None of the crew sustained any serious injuries. A formal accident investigation is under way and a Royal Navy Board of Inquiry has been convened to look at the broader implications of the accident. Sufficient evidence exists to confirm that the cause of the accident was limited to the crashed aircraft. Preparatory work to enable a phased return to flying is in progress and Royal Naval Merlin helicopters may be expected to resume limited flying this week.

  Naval Carriers
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what date he will take a decision on whether the Royal Navy's two new carriers will be built to carry(a) short take-off and vertical landing or (b) catapult take off and assisted landing aircraft. [143353]

  Dr. Moonie
  Assessment work to investigate design options for the Royal Navy's future aircraft carriers is on-going. A decision on whether the vessels will be built to carry short take-off and vertical landing or catapult take-off and landing aircraft will depend largely on the selection of the future carrier-borne aircraft. A decision on the demonstration and manufacture of the carriers is expected in December 2003.

  Royal Fleet Auxiliary
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the status is of the charter agreements for RFAs Sea Crusader and Sea Centurion; and if he expects to renew these agreements. [143033]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 15 December 2000]: The current contracts for Sea Crusader and Sea Centurion run out in January and April 2001 respectively.

  However, in order to provide a continuing joint rapid reaction force (JRRF) deployment capability, the Ministry of Defence is seeking to charter three roll on/roll off vessels which come into service from September 2002 onwards. The MOD has received a number of tenders for the provisional service and a decision will be made in the new year on which three vessels will be taken up, once full technical and commercial evaluations have been completed.

  Modernising Government White Paper
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much, for each financial year from 1998–99 until the latest date for which sums have been allocated, his
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  Department has spent and expects to spend on the implementation of the Modernising Government White Paper. [143694]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given earlier today by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office,Official Report, columns 245–46W.

  Sunday People
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many legal proceedings he is pursuing against newspapers, in addition to that concerning the Sunday People newspaper, in order to prevent publication of information about the force research unit. [143187]

  Mr. Hoon
  In addition to the action against the Sunday People, legal proceedings are extant against one other newspaper, The Sunday Times, although no action has been taken since I obtained an order in December 1999 preventing the publication of certain information about the force research unit which would put lives at risk or damage national security.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Treasury Solicitor hours were spent in respect of each of the five recent court hearings involving his Department and Mirror Group newspapers and at what cost; on how many occasions a solicitor of the Treasury Solicitor's Department was employed to deliver material by hand to the editor of the Sunday People and at what cost; and how many staff hours employees of his Department have spent in these actions and at what cost. [143188]

  Mr. Hoon
  Staff in the Treasury Solicitor's Department have spent a total of some 200 hours on work relating to all five recent court hearings involving the Ministry of Defence and Mirror Group Newspapers, at a total cost of approximately £16,700. Information as to the amount of time spent on each court hearing is not currently available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. A solicitor of the Treasury Solicitor's Department delivered court orders to the editor of the Sunday People personally on two occasions, at a total cost of £318.

  Records of staff hours spent by MOD employees, including internal legal advisers, and their costs, or individual cases, are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

WALES

  Ministerial Travel
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many flights including helicopter flights were taken by Ministers within his Department for UK and overseas visits in each year since 1995; on how many occasions(a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143860]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Ministers are under a duty to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This Government have given a commitment to publish an annual list of visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing more 256W
  than £500 as well as an annual figure on spending by all ministers on overseas visits. The list for 1999–2000 was published 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 969W.

  Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Military Intelligence
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in identifying the source of military intelligence documents found in August in Clough, County Down; and how many people have been charged and convicted as a result of this raid. [142323]

  Mr. Ingram
  The documents in question were photocopies in very poor condition of what are believed to have been montages produced by the military in the mid-1970s. Relevant records are not available for this period and therefore the origins cannot be definitely ascertained. One person was arrested and two persons interviewed in relation to this discovery. However, insufficient evidence was available upon which to sustain charges.

  RUC Discipline
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many police personnel were questioned in the investigation of complaints made by Mr. Bernard Griffin; if he will list the issues of fact established in the criminal court; and how many disciplinary cases are pending; [142325]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the conviction of Darren James Neill and Michael Magowan; [142326]

  (3) if he will investigate the breakdown of discipline at Oldpark RUC barracks in February 1998; [142328]

  (4) if he will list those criminal convictions in which statements by or evidence of RUC officers Darren James Neill and Michael Magowan was given or taken into account; how many individuals are currently serving a custodial sentence as a result of such convictions; how he plans to ensure that those individuals who may be eligible to have their convictions reviewed are informed of their rights; and how many individuals are so affected. [142330]

  Mr. Ingram
  There is to be a judicial review associated with this case and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment at this time.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he received(a) in mitigation of the offences of and (b) seeking early release for Darren James Neill, Michael Magowan, Andrew Timothy Lea and Matthew Shane Butcher. [142327]

  Mr. Ingram
  I have received no representations in mitigation of the offences of these four individuals or seeking the early release of Darren James Neill and Michael Magowan. Andrew Timothy Lea and Matthew Shane Butcher did not receive a custodial sentence for their offence but were each fined £1,000.
  257W
  One representation was received from a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly in relation to Mr. Neill, asking that everything possible be done to protect the prisoner from threats and abuse from other prisoners. As Mr. Neill and Mr. Magowan were not convicted for a qualifying offence under the terms of the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998, they do not qualify for early release under the Good Friday Agreement.

  Fuel Smuggling
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on cross-border fuel smuggling. [141743]

  Mr. Ingram
  The problem of cross-border fuel smuggling is being tackled in a strategic and co-ordinated way on both sides of the border. I am determined that criminal elements do not profit from such illegal activity and have the full support of the Irish Government.

  RUC Widows
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what assessment he has made of the financial situation of Royal Ulster Constabulary widows and their families; and if he will make a statement; [143249]

  (2) if he will make an equal tax-free lump sum payment to RUC widows' families based on the difference between the gratuities payable before and after November 1982, as measured by the RPI and if the sum had been invested from 1982 to date; [143251]

  (3) if it is his policy to means-test the financial provision made to RUC widows' families; [143250]

  (4) what measures he will take to ensure the financial security of RUC widows and their families; and if he will make a statement. [143252]

  Mr. Ingram
  In July, John Steele CB OBE TD DL was asked to review the Patten Commission proposal for a substantial fund to be set up to help injured police officers and their families, and police widows. He reported at the end of October and a copy of the report is available in the Library.

  On 7 November my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland announced that he welcomed Mr. Steele's comprehensive and thorough report, which covers the points made by the hon. Member, and that the Government were undertaking a detailed assessment of each of the specific proposals. That assessment, including the arrangements for setting up a Trust Fund, is continuing.

  Sentences (Monitoring)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to monitor sentencing of individuals according to(a) perceived community origin, (b) ethnic origin, (c) gender, (d) sexual orientation and (e) disability. [142277]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Government are considering the development of a strategy for equity monitoring the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland as it affects different categories of people, while ensuring that such monitoring does not compromise judicial independence.
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SOCIAL SECURITY

  Benefit Payments
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he has taken to correct incorrect benefit payments; and how much was(a) recovered and (b) paid in compensation for each major benefit in (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) the most recent figures available. [143103]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of benefits is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Paul Burstow, dated 20 December 2000:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to respond to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what action he has taken to correct incorrect benefit payments; and how much was (a) recovered and (b) paid in compensation for each major benefit in (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) the most recent figures available.
  When an error occurs prompt action is taken to correct the benefit payments due. If an overpayment of benefit has occurred, recovery action will be taken as appropriate. When there are arrears following an underpayment of benefit, our special payments unit consider a compensation payment in recognition of the fact that the customer has lost use of the sum owed because of the Departmental delay. The payment is calculated in the form of interest on the arrears of monies owed using the Average Retail Shares and Deposits rate supplied by the building Society Commission. The Department may additionally make a consolatory payment if the official error has had a direct adverse effect on the life of the customer. Further details about the Department's compensation scheme can be found in the guide to Financial Redress for Maladministration. A copy of the guide is kept in the House of Commons Library, and it is also available in the Publications section of the DSS internet site:
  www.dss.gov.uk
  Information about recovers and compensation is not available in the format requested. However, the information which is available is in the attached tables.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Table 1: Overpayment recoveries

  £ million

  1996–97

  1999–2000

  Income Support (IS)

  61.5

  115.9

  Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

  0.0

  5.0

  Other Benefits

  41.1

  63.8

  Total

  102.6

  184.7

  Notes:

  1. No data are available from 1979–90, there was no system at that time to count overpayments.

  2. Jobseeker's Allowance was introduced during 1996–97, recoveries of overpayments in that year were less than £100,000.

  3. Other benefits figures summarise all BA delivered benefits apart from IS and JSA.

  Table 2: Special payments1

  £

  Benefit

  1996–97

  1999–2000

  Attendance Allowance

  45,609

  30,848

  Child Benefit

  105,822

  73,917

  Disability Living Allowance

  396,251

  157,713

  Disability Working Allowance

  15,434

  25,955

  Family Credit

  125,053

  160,565

  Incapacity Benefit

  57,333

  334,781

  Income Support2

  36,017,170

  41,974,908

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  Table 2: Special payments1

  £

  Benefit

  1996–97

  1999–2000

  Industrial Death Benefit

  2,613

  0

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

  28,043

  133,939

  Invalid Care Allowance

  90,352

  156,446

  Invalidity Benefit

  260,662

  30,633

  Jobseeker's Allowance

  n/a

  143,733

  Maternity Allowance (inc. SMP)

  110

  7,702

  Reduced Earnings Allowance

  65,059

  107,562

  Retirement Pension

  51,538,719

  581,658

  Severe Disablement Allowance

  57,835

  30,236

  Sickness Benefit

  29,772

  1,375

  Unemployment Benefit

  70,724

  0

  Widows Benefit

  283,764

  136,390

  Total

  9,190,325

  64,086,986

  n/a = not available

  1 No figures are available for 1979–80.

  2 Jobseeker's Allowance was introduced on 7 October 1996 and replaced both Unemployment Benefit and Income Support for the unemployed. The figure displayed for Income Support payments made during 1996–97 may also include special payments made in respect of Jobseeker's Allowance, as discrete records were not maintained at that time.

  3 Includes £4,747,031 paid under the Dorset Trust special exercises7.

  4 Includes £406,338 paid by way of special exercises (IS bulletin 105/98).

  5 Includes £275,092 paid by way of special exercise (Retirement LEAP exercise).

  6 A further £2,518,462 was paid to certain recipients of Incapacity Benefit, Retirement Pension, Widows Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance by way of compensation for delays arising from NIRS2 implementation.

  7 A 'special exercise' occurs where a systemic failure affects a number of similar cases, delays in administration occur following introduction of new legislation, or defective legislation which does not reflect the intention of Ministers adversely affects a group of customers.

  Winter Fuel Payments Helpline
  Mr. Bailey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to improve the functioning of the Benefits Agency Winter Fuel Payments Helpline. [143112]

  Mr. Rooker
  The administration of benefits is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Adrian Bailey, dated 20 December 2000.
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent parliamentary question asking what steps he is taking to improve the functioning of the Benefits Agency Winter Fuel Payments Helpline.
  In order to improve the functioning of the helpline, the 150 lines are now open from 8.30am to 8pm instead of 4.30pm. There is also a recorded message for those people who ring and are unable to get through to an operator or the queuing system.
  These measures were implemented from 8 December 2000.
  I hope this reply is helpful.

  Independent Living Funds
  Liz Blackman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review the purpose and operation of the independent living funds. [144281]
  260W
  Mr. Bayley
  It is Government policy to review periodically the need for and operation of Government agencies, non-departmental public bodies and other sponsored bodies. In keeping with this policy we will shortly be commencing a review of the Independent Living Funds (ILFs). This review will have the following terms of reference:To consider how the ILFs fit into overall Government provision in support of independent living for severely disabled people; to consider whether within the broad envelope of available funding the rules and conditions operated by the Funds make reasonable and equitable provision for severely disabled people to live independently; to consider the administration of the Funds; and to make recommendations.

  In addition to seeking the views of the Funds' Trustees, staff and clients we will also be conducting a public consultation exercise. We will shortly be writing to relevant groups and individuals to invite their comments. Details of the review will also be available on the internet at www.dss.gov.uk. Comments should be received by the Department by 16 March 2001 and should be sent to ILF Review, DSS, 6th Floor, The Adelphi, 1–11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT. Comments can also be sent by e-mail to ilf.review@ms41.dss.gsi.gov.uk. It is expected that the result of the review will be announced in summer 2001.

  Pensioners (Australia)
  Liz Blackman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make arrangements to protect the position of pensioners reaching pension age after 28 February 2001 who have periods of residence in Australia. [144171]

  Mr. Rooker
  As I have indicated in response to letters from right hon. and hon. Members who have raised the issue on behalf of constituents, we have been considering how to make transitional arrangements. I am pleased to announce we are putting arrangements in place to protect the position of those people who have periods of residence in Australia, on their return to live permanently in the UK. We are protecting such periods of residence up to and including 5 April 2001 for the purpose of basic retirement pension and bereavement benefits.

  We shall, in advance of Primary Legislation, top up the pensions of people with residence in Australia prior to 6 April 2001 with an extra statutory payment if they have less than the full rate of basic pension. We will do this when they claim their pension.

  There will be no extra cost to public funds as we would have made such payments if the Agreement with Australia had continued. I am arranging to write to all Members of both Houses who have raised the issue specifically with me.

  We are protecting the basic pension position of people with residence in Australia before 6 April 2001.

  Home Energy Efficiency Scheme
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what advice about the availability of(a) the Home Energy Efficiency plus Scheme and (b) other means-tested benefits is given to inquirers about Income Support. [142484]
  261W
  Mr. Bayley
  Income Support Information Sheet INF2(IS), issued with Income Support award notices, advises of other help people may be entitled to and includes a freephone number for advice on the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) and HEES plus for those over 60.

  Also available from Benefits Agency offices is Leaflet MG1 "A guide to Benefits" which gives various helpline numbers for information about benefits and other available help.

  Another source of information is the Benefits Enquiry Line which offers advice on other means-tested benefits and when appropriate will advise customers to contact the Home Energy Efficiency freephone.

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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 (i) benefits, (ii) services and (iii) employment for which his Department has responsibility. [141488]

  Mr. Bayley
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: The Social Security system in this country aims to provide financial support through benefits to individuals according to various sets of circumstances and needs, as defined through legislation and approved by Parliament. Some of the provision through benefits is targeted to very broad groupings by age, such as Child Benefit or Retirement Pension. Other benefits are defined and targeted more specifically to recognise particular personal circumstances. For instance, disability benefits help disabled people according to their needs. Depending on the extent of their disabilities, many disabled people face extra costs over and above the normal cost of living, and disability benefits provide help towards these extra costs, with the level of help reflecting a person's needs for either personal care or mobility. Other benefits reflect the provision of financial support to those on low or no income, such as Income Support. The benefit system aims to treat people fairly in a way that recognises diversity of circumstance and needs, and seeks to balance that with a focus on its key client groups (children, those of working age and pensioners).

  The services that the Department provides are linked to the benefit provision and include locally based offices, centralised offices, telephone-based provision and internet opportunities. The Department uses many methods of communication including television, helplines, face-to-face contact and written information available in a range of languages and type sizes, from various outlets. Access to information is designed to be open to all irrespective of individual circumstances. 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.

  This Department as part of the Home Civil Service aims to be an employer which makes the most of what people can bring to their work, and values diversity. The Department is an Investor in People. It is committed to
  262W
  fairness and equality of opportunity for all in employment and advancement on the basis of suitability. The Department's equal opportunities statement requires that no eligible external or internal job applicant should receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or religious affiliation or because they work part-time. The Department offers, for example, family friendly employment policies, an open promotion system based on merit, specific schemes to encourage ethnic minority staff to develop their skills and careers.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the effect of(a) the minimum income guarantee and (b) the pensioners' credit on the likely uptake of stakeholder pensions. [143845]

  Mr. Rooker
  We are consulting on proposals to introduce the Pension Credit from 2003. The Pension Credit will reward savings and therefore have a positive impact on the take up of second pensions, including Stakeholder pension.

  Ministerial Travel
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list, for each year since 1995, the numbers of flights including helicopter flights taken by Ministers within his Department for UK and overseas visits; on how many occasions(a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143865]

  Mr. Rooker
  Ministers are under a duty to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This Government have given a commitment to publish an annual list of visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500 as well as an annual figure on spend by all Ministers on overseas visits. The list for 1999–2000 was published on 28 July 2000,Official Report, column 969W.

  Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Residential Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to raise the capital limits for people in residential care and nursing homes in line with the changes to the Department of Health's charging rules announced in the NHS Plan. [143771]

  Mr. Bayley
  We have no plans to raise the capital limits for people in residential care and nursing homes.

SCOTLAND

  Ministerial Travel
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list, for each year since 1995, the number of flights, including helicopter flights, taken by Ministers within his Department for UK and overseas
  263W
  visits; on how many occasions (a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143861]

  Dr. Reid
  Ministers are under a duty to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This Government have given a commitment to publish an annual list of visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500 as well as an annual figure on spend by all Ministers on overseas visits. The list for 1999–2000 was published on 28 July 2000,Official Report, column 969W.

  Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Belize
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made on Belize's application for relief under the Commonwealth Debt Initiative; and if she will make a statement. [144117]

  Clare Short
  The Commonwealth Debt Initiative announced in 1997 offers relief on old aid debts to poorer Commonwealth countries, provided they are committed to the international development targets, are actively pursuing sound economic policies that benefit the poor, are promoting responsive and accountable government which encourages transparency, and are bearing down on corruption.

  In assessing Belize's eligibility for debt relief, the UK and Belize Governments have jointly commissioned a study from KPMG to review the regulation of off-shore financial services and the effect of tax exemptions on pro-poor programmes.

  The two Governments have written to KPMG to confirm that the study should cover the issue of Public Investment Companies. When the study has been completed, and discussed with the Government of Belize, a decision will be made on Belize's eligibility for debt relief.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her aid for social welfare for Kosovo. [143277]

  Clare Short
  We are working closely with UNMIK and the World bank to prepare a social protection strategy for Kosovo. We are also investigating possible support to Centres for Social Welfare.

  Child Labour
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to ensure that contracts funded by her Department are not given to companies which use child labour; and what monitoring is undertaken of this issue. [143545]

  Clare Short
  The Department for International Development works, within the framework of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, for the reduction 264W
  of child labour and elimination of its worst forms in a way which ensures children's survival and meets their development needs, particularly in health and education.

  DFID contracts include provision to terminate if a supplier breaks the laws of the country in which it is working including those relating to child labour. Construction work funded through DFID grants must be implemented using internationally accepted forms of contract. DFID is working on revised guidelines to improve labour standards for workers on DFID funded construction projects, which we hope will also be adopted more widely by our partners in developing countries.

  GATS
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the impact of the General Agreement on Trade in Services on developing countries. [142511]

  Clare Short
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Trade and Industry gave on 18 December 2000,Official Report, column 33W.

  Vacuum Aspirators
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what medical opinion her Department has(a) sought and (b) received on the safety and use of manual vacuum aspirators in refugee camps where sterilisation equipment is not available. [143356]

  Clare Short
  The Department for International Development follows guidance produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the provision and use of manual vacuum aspiration (MVA). MVA provides a safe option for the treatment of incomplete abortion, either natural or induced. In settings where sterilisation is not possible, single use disposable equipment is used to minimise risk of infection. MVA increases women's access to post abortion care and reduces the risk of complications during treatment. Failure to properly treat incomplete abortion can have fatal consequences. WHO considers MVA an essential element of care at the first referral level of all health care services.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  New Deal
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the process is by which costs borne by the Employment Service relating to the provision of services under the New Deal are repaid from the New Deal budget; and if he will list the sums transferred in each of the last three years. [142489]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 13 December 2000]: The Employment Service has agreed the arrangements for identifying New Deal expenditure with the National Audit Office. Most expenditure on activities supporting the New Deal is accounted for by the Employment Service through discrete account codes. The exception to this is paybill expenditure, where in a separate exercise staff costs are apportioned on the basis of the time staff spend on New

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  Deal activities. The costs are then charged to the appropriate New Deal budget, so money does not need to be transferred.

  Expenditure on the New Deal has been published in the Departmental Report, which is available in the Library.

  British Sign Language
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what steps is he taking to ensure that British Sign Language is adequately taught to deaf children in schools; [42537]

  (2) what plans he has to improve (a) access to courses in, and (b) recognition of, British Sign Language teaching. [142536]

  Jacqui Smith
  In addition to being a qualified teacher, all teachers working with classes of pupils who are hearing impaired must undertake a specialist mandatory qualification. In June, following a review of mandatory qualifications undertaken at the request of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, the Teacher Training Agency issued a new course specification for providers intending to mount courses from September 2001. The criteria laid down for mandatory qualifications in teaching hearing impaired children require a minimum competence in signing equivalent to the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP) Stage 1 qualification.

  The Department is improving access to courses by contracting with both RNID and CACDP to recruit and train interpreters of British Sign Language. The question of recognition will be explored further with interested parties once the Government have ratified the Council of Europe's Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

  North Somerset Local Education Authority
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many permanent specialist science teaching vacancies there were in North Somerset local education authority schools for each year since 1979. [142863]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The number of full-time science teaching vacancies in maintained secondary schools in North Somerset local authority, on the third Thursday in January each year since the authority was created, is as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1997

  0

  1998

  1

  1999

  2

  2000

  0

  The number of regular teachers in maintained schools increased by 6,900 between January 1998 and January 2000.

  A DfEE survey of maintained secondary schools in England in the first week of September 2000 indicated that there were about 1,000 secondary teacher vacancies.

  There was a growth of 2,000 in the number of people training to be teachers between 1999–2000 and 2000–01, the first such increase since 1992–93.
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  Sure Start
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the need for a Sure Start scheme in the Gedling constituency; and if he will make a statement. [142941]

  Yvette Cooper
  As a result of the Spending Review, investment in Sure Start has more than doubled, and by 2003–04 Sure Start will reach one third of all children under four living in poverty. The main criteria used in selecting districts for Sure Start are levels of disadvantage and poverty, though we also ensure a good mix of rural, urban, semi-urban and coastal areas and a good spread across the country. On the measures of deprivation we have used, Gedling has lower levels of poverty and disadvantage than the areas so far invited to develop a Sure Start programme. As the programme develops, we shall examine ways in which Sure Start can reach disadvantaged young children living in areas with small pockets of deprivation, and in rural areas. We shall be evaluating Sure Start carefully, and disseminating the lessons we learn widely, so that Sure Start will benefit all young children.

  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the next phase of Sure Start will be announced; and what plans he has to include in it small pockets of deprivation outside city council areas. [142834]

  Yvette Cooper
  [pursuant to her reply, 15 December 2000, c. 280W]: Sure Start is an innovative cross-departmental and pioneering programme, which fulfils the Government's undertaking to improve support for families and children before and from birth. Sure Start aims to transform the life chances of younger children through better access to family support, advice on child development, child care, health services and early education. It is focused on areas of disadvantage and open to all families in Sure Start local programme catchment areas. The fourth wave of Sure Start will be announced early in 2001, and will bring the total number of Sure Start programmes to 250 or more, meeting the target set in the first Sure Start Public Service Agreement. The 250 programmes will be spread across the country and contain a mix of rural, urban, semi-urban, and coastal areas.

  Following the Spending Review, investment in Sure Start has been more than doubled, and Sure Start will aim to reach one third of all children under four living in poverty by 2003–04. Although Sure Start must remain focused on areas of disadvantage, we shall also be exploring how Sure Start can meet the needs of disadvantaged young children living in small pockets of deprivation.

  Tuition Fees
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what his policy is in respect of including the income from tuition fees paid by parents in his estimates of total spending on higher education. [143154]

  Mr. Wicks
  Publicly planned funding to higher education institutions has always included both block grant from the funding council and projected income from tuition fees. Having a proportion of tuition fees contributed by students and their families makes no
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  difference, especially since we have continually said that it would be invested in higher education. Between 1998–99 and 2003–04, this has allowed the Government to provide a real terms increase of around 18 per cent.

  Now, for the first time in over a decade, there will be a real-terms increase in publicly planned funding per full-time equivalent student in England in 2001–02, which will be sustained in the following years. Of the almost £1 billion extra funding by 2003–04, only some 10 per cent. comes from tuition fees paid by students and their families. Additionally, we have increased student loans to ensure that students and their families do not have to contribute more overall to the costs of higher education.

  Connexions
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what aspects of the Connexions schemes in Cornwall, Devon and Lincolnshire focus on rural issues. [143261]

  Mr. Wicks
  Both Cornwall and Devon, and Lincolnshire are involved in the piloting of the Connexions Service and are developing their business plans to be in the first phase of delivery of the new service from April 2001.

  As part of the piloting of the service in Cornwall and Devon the Local Management Partnerships in both Cornwall and Devon are piloting aspects of a rural outreach service. The aim of this work will be a better understanding of the needs of young people in rural areas and a better targeting of resource towards those young

  Schools in the top 15 per cent. of 'most improved' schools in England, 1997 to 2000 (Performance Tables definition), with 50 per cent. or more of pupils 'known to be eligible for free school meals'

  School name

  Government office region

  Primary schools

  Elms Primary and Nursery School

  East Midlands

  Huntingdon Primary and Nursery School

  East Midlands

  Bosworth Primary and Nursery School

  East Midlands

  Southwold Primary and Nursery School

  East Midlands

  Newry Junior School

  East Midlands

  Kelvin Grove Primary School

  London

  Lawdale Junior School

  London

  Effra Primary School

  London

  Blue Gate Fields Junior School

  London

  Park Primary School

  London

  St. Alfege with St. Peter's Church of England Primary School

  London

  Queen's Park Primary School

  London

  Michael Faraday School

  London

  Woodberry Down Junior School

  London

  Brackenbury Primary School

  London

  Seven Mills Primary School

  London

  Arnhem Wharf Primary School

  London

  Brettenham Primary School

  London

  John Perryn Primary School

  London

  Mulgrave Primary School

  London

  Loughborough Junior School

  London

  Rhyl Primary School

  London

  Church Mead Junior School

  London

  Bangabandhu Primary School

  London

  St. James's and St. Michael's CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School

  London

  Tower Bridge Primary School

  London

  St. Anne Roman Catholic Primary School

  London

  The Beaumont School

  London

  Cardwell Primary School

  London

  268W
  people. Part of the work will explore cross-border working. The key agencies in the area, local communities and young people are all involved in the work.

  The Lincolnshire pilot involves a number of strands of activity that take account of the rural nature of the county. For example, the project strand that is looking at the involvement of young people and parents has highlighted the need to bring the service to the client through good help-line services. There is also a particular rural dimension to the issue of raising aspirations in communities where most people earn their living from unskilled agricultural work. In the South Holland district, the prospective Connexions Partnership is involved in the rural action zone. One theme of this is a "rural academy" which aims to provide enhanced educational opportunities by linking the resources of a number of existing schools. Another is to provide laptop computers on free loan through local libraries to encourage the use of internet based resources and services.

  Improved Schools
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which of the top 15 per cent. of most improved(a) primary and (b) secondary schools in England in 1997 to 2000 by region have 50 per cent. or more of pupils in receipt of free school meals; and if he will make a statement on the provision of bonuses for teachers and staff in those schools. [143436]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 19 December 2000]: The names of the schools are listed in the table.

  School Achievement Awards will fund staff bonuses at rapidly improving and high performing schools. The first round of awards will be announced before Easter.
  269W

  Schools in the top 15 per cent. of 'most improved' schools in England, 1997 to 2000 (Performance Tables definition), with 50 per cent. or more of pupils 'known to be eligible for free school meals'

  School name

  Government office region

  Newport Primary School

  North East

  Fell Dyke Community Primary School

  North East

  Hawthorn Primary School

  North East

  Grangetown Primary School

  North East

  Mandale Mill Primary School

  North East

  Beechwood Junior School

  North East

  Tilery Primary School

  North East

  Montagu Primary School

  North East

  Ranworth Square Junior Mixed and Infant School

  North West

  St. Joseph's RC Primary School

  North West

  Simonswood Primary School

  North West

  Holy Family RC Primary School

  North West

  St. John's Roman Catholic Primary School, Rochdale

  North West

  Ashbury Community Primary School

  North West

  St. Thomas CofE Primary School

  North West

  Fender Primary School

  North West

  Wild Bank Primary School and Early Years Centre

  North West

  Saint Margaret of Antioch CofE (Aided) Primary School

  North West

  St. Alphonsus RC Primary School

  North West

  St. Aidan's Catholic Primary School

  North West

  Broad Oak Community Primary School

  North West

  Vyner Primary School

  North West

  Oakenrod Primary School

  North West

  Arrowe Hill Primary School

  North West

  St. James CofE Primary School, Farnworth

  North West

  Beever Junior Infant and Nursery School

  North West

  St. Teresa's Catholic Junior School

  North West

  Hillside Community Primary School

  North West

  Robsack Wood Community Primary School

  South East

  Halcon Community Primary School

  South West

  St. Jude's Catholic Primary School

  West Midlands

  St. Matthew's Church of England Primary School

  West Midlands

  Newstead Primary School

  West Midlands

  Regents Park Community Primary School

  West Midlands

  St. Vincent's Catholic Primary School

  West Midlands

  Yorkswood Primary School

  West Midlands

  Heathfield Primary School

  West Midlands

  Allens Croft Primary School

  West Midlands

  Farndale Junior School

  West Midlands

  Warren Farm Primary School

  West Midlands

  Westminster Primary School

  West Midlands

  Wyndcliffe Junior Community School

  West Midlands

  Dalton Foljambe Junior and Infant School

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  Kinloss Primary School

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  Stepney Primary School

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  Woodlands Primary School

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  Greenlands Junior School

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  Thorpepark Primary School

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  Ingram Road Primary School

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  Wyther Park Primary School

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  Secondary schools

  Sir John Cass Foundation and Redcoat Church of England Secondary School

  London

  Oaklands School

  London

  Selly Park Technology College for Girls

  West Midlands

  Aston Manor School

  West Midlands

  Sources:

  Primary and Secondary Performance Tables 2000

  Annual School Census 2000

  School Governors
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the(a) vacancy levels and (b) turnover rate among (i) parent, (ii) LEA and (iii) co-opted school governors; and what principles underlay his proposals for streamlining governing bodies. [143598]
  270W
  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 20 December 2000]: The Department does not routinely collect information on vacancy levels and turnover rates among school governors.

  Our proposals for streamlining governing bodies are designed to ensure that they focus on a less "hands on", more strategic approach to their responsibility for raising

  271W
  standards in schools, leaving head teachers to manage the day-to-day business. The Consultation on School Governing Bodies, launched on 18 November, also aims to lighten the executive burdens carried by governing bodies through transferring some—particularly staff-related responsibilities to heads. If those changes are agreed, we believe that it would be possible to have smaller governing bodies on which all the existing stakeholders would continue to be represented.

  Remploy Limited
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish the findings of the second stage of the Quinquennial Review of Remploy Ltd. [144126]

  Ms Hodge
  The Department has completed the Financial Management Survey stage of the Quinquennial Review of Remploy. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library and will be sent to key stakeholders and contributors to the consultation exercise. The report will also be available on the DfEE website, www.dfee.gov.uk/remploy, early in the new year.

  This part of the Review considered the relationship between the Government and the Company to ensure that it operates to the highest standards in line with the commitment set out in the Modernising Government White Paper.

  As we set out in the Prior Options report we shall undertake a further look at Remploy when we have evaluated the delivery of their new Corporate Plan. We shall aim to begin this review in April 2002.

  Departmental Vacancies
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many staff vacancies there were in(a) each directorate of his Department, (b) his Department's Legal Adviser's office and (c) Government offices for the regions on business relating to his Department on 1 July. [143590]

  Mr. Wills
  The numbers of staff vacancies for each of the Department's Directorates, Legal Adviser's Office and Government Offices for the Regions as at 1 July 2000 are given as follows.

  Staff vacancies

  Number

  Corporate Services and Development Directorate

  6

  Employment Equality and International Relations Directorate

  6

  Finance and Analytical Services Directorate

  5

  Lifelong Learning Directorate

  14

  Schools Directorate

  11

  Strategy and Communications Directorate

  10

  Private Office

  2

  Legal Adviser's Office

  0

  Government Offices for the Regions (DfEE business)

  37

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Public Trust Office
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the response was to the April 2000 policy statement 'Making Changes: the Future of the Public Trust Office; and what action her Department is taking to put into effect its proposals. [144308]

  Jane Kennedy
  Following publication of the "Making Changes" policy statement on 11 April 2000, much work has been done to take forward its proposals. I have today placed in the Libraries of the House a summary and analysis of the responses received to "Making Changes". As proposed in "Making Changes", and informed by the response to consultation, the Lord Chancellor will create a new body which is to be called the Public Guardianship Office. It will discharge the Court of Protection's decisions on behalf of mentally incapacitated people, a role at present undertaken by the Public Trust Office. The new body is being explored as a candidate for agency status. It will be set demanding targets to provide a high quality service to its clients.

  Central London County Court
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will make a statement concerning the performance of Central London County Court in processing work. [143595]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Court Service uses two key performance indicators to measure the performance of the county courts. The first indicator measures the general quality of service provided, including time taken replying to correspondence, answering telephone calls, the key facilities available, the rate of success of recovering money on county court warrants and the proportion of Courts' Charter Standards met. The national target for this standard is 83 per cent. For the year 1999–2000, the Central London County Court achieved 74.5 per cent. For the period April to November 2000, the court has achieved 70.1 per cent.

  The second key performance indicator measures the percentage of administrative process dealt with within five working days, for example, issuing a county court claim. The national target for this standard is 92 per cent. For the year 1999–2000, the court achieved 83.9 per cent. For the period April to November 2000, the court is achieving 70.3 per cent.

  The Court has experienced difficulties in meeting its targets as the result both of a loss of experienced staff and a growth in workload. These issues are being addressed as a matter of urgency and there is already some sign of improvement.

  Immigration Appeals
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in respect of how many dismissed immigration appeals the adjudicator made a recommendation that the Home Office grant the appellant(a) leave to remain in and (b) leave to enter the UK in the last 12 months. [143608]
  273W
  Jane Kennedy
  The information requested is not held by the Lord Chancellor's Department.

  Modernising Government White Paper
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much for each financial year from 1998–99 until the latest date for which sums have been allocated his Department has spent and expects to spend on the implementation of the modernising government White Paper. [143700]

  Mr. Lock
  I refer the hon. Member to the written answer given to him today by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office,Official Report, columns 245–46W.

PRIME MINISTER

  Peacekeeping (Kosovo)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 11 December 2000,Official Report, column 358, what role is envisaged for the Rapid Reaction Force in peacekeeping activity on the (a) Kosovo-Serbia border, (b) Kosovo-Macedonia border and (c) Kosovo-Albania border. [143276]

  The Prime Minister
  None.

HEALTH

  Imperial Cancer Research Fund
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding was given by his Department to the Imperial Cancer Research Fund in each of the last three financial years for which figures are available; if he has any proposals to increase the amount; and if he will make a statement. [141377]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Department does not directly fund the Imperial Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) but it does provide indirect support for ICRF research in several ways. For example, the Department funds the National Health Service costs of ICRF-funded research that takes place in the NHS, and many ICRF-funded researchers hold departmental/NHS research grants. In addition, the Department and ICRF, plus others, jointly fund substantial research projects such as the United Kingdom Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening.

  The Department will be investing an additional £20 million a year by 2003 in the NHS Cancer Research Network, the Co-ordinating Centre for which involves ICRF. There are two groups one of which is led by Professor Peter Selby, Head of ICRF Cancer Medicine Research Unit at the University of Leeds. The second includes Professor Adrian Harris, Head of the ICRF Medical Oncology Unit at the University of Oxford.

  Hysterectomies
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to ensure that no unnecessary hysterectomies are performed; and if he will make a statement. [141366]
  274W
  Yvette Cooper
  We are concerned that hysterectomies are not performed unnecessarily. As with all major interventions, the decision to undergo hysterectomy must be for the woman concerned in the light of the best available medical advice.

  We work closely with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), which issued guidance in 1999 to all its Fellows and Members on the management of menorrhagia, the presenting problem for about half of all women who undergo hysterectomies. Earlier this year, the RCOG reminded its Fellows and Members of the need for informed consent for surgery. We expect the RCOG's guidelines to be followed by all health authorities and National Health Service trusts. These guidelines are increasingly being used in clinical audit and clinical governance programmes.

  CJD
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what compensation payments will be made to(a) the families of those who have died from CJD and (b) those suffering from this condition. [141370]

  Yvette Cooper
  On publication of the BSE Inquiry Report the Government announced their intention to establish a compensation scheme for victims of variant CJD and their families. Negotiations with the families and their legal representatives have started and are still under way.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the publication "Diagnosis and Incidence of Prion (Creutzfeldt-Jakob) Disease: A Retrospective Archival Survey with Implications for Future Research", published in Neurodegeneration, Vol 4, pp 357–368 (1995). [142267]

  Yvette Cooper
  This article, published in 1995, concluded that human prion disease might be more common than previously supposed, and that a further review of the epidemiology of the disease was required. Since then a number of research projects have been put in place to ascertain the extent to which cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) or variant CJD (vCJD) might have been missed. These include:A comprehensive examination of the Corsellis brain collection to identify any possible unidentified cases of prion disease (Dr. S. M. Gentleman, London);
  Neuropathological spectrum of human transmissible spongiform encephalopathies: relationship with atypical dementias: a national retrospective review (national study in various centres, co-ordinated by Professor J. W. Ironside, Edinburgh);
  Development of model for neuropathological surveillance of the elderly population (Professor J. Lowe, Nottingham);
  Multisource surveillance for all cases of Progressive Intellectual and Neuropathological Deterioration (PIND) occurring in children in the UK (Dr. C. Verity, Cambridge;
  Survey of Oxford autopsy brain tissue for evidence of CJD;
  Possible under-ascertainment of vCJD: a systematic retrospective study.
  275W
  Results from these studies to date have not revealed significant missed diagnosis of CJD or vCJD. The Department, however, takes very a seriously the need to ensure that no cases are missed and to that end is working closely with the National CJD Surveillance Unit and others to encourage continued vigilance in the health care sector.

  Passive Smoking
  Mrs. Organ
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make the draft approval code of practice on the protection of employees from passive smoking mandatory; and if he will make a statement. [142525]

  Yvette Cooper
  On 5 September, the Health and Safety Commission announced that it favoured the introduction of an Approved Code of Practice to safeguard the welfare of employees as far as environmental tobacco smoke in the workplace is concerned. We are considering our response.

  Orthodontic Services
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what responses he has received to his consultation document, Modernising Orthodontic Services; and when he will announce his response to the consultation exercise. [142979]

  Mr. Hutton
  We have consulted three patient representative groups on the reform proposals for orthodontics: Patients Association; National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux; and Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales.

  The responses were generally supportive of the reform of orthodontic provision in the General Dental Service. Discussions with the representatives of the profession are at an early stage.

  Human Papilloma Virus
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to introduce human papilloma virus testing as part of the National Cervical Screening Programme; [142867]

  (2) for what reason the plan to pilot human papilloma virus testing for women has been delayed until March 2001; [142874]

  (3) what representations he has received concerning the need for human papilloma virus testing as part of improvements to the National Cervical Screening Programme. [142873]

  Yvette Cooper
  The National Health Service cancer plan sets out our commitment to introducing new developments to the cervical screening programme. Plans to pilot the new techniques in liquid based cytology (LBC) and human papilloma virus (HPV) testing are highlighted in the plan as the means for informing service improvement.
  276W
  After receiving advice from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in June 2000, we decided to pilot LBC and HPV jointly. A joint protocol was developed which will provide more useful information and be more convenient for women as a number of tests can be carried out from the same sample. Sites in England have now been chosen and the joint pilot will start in March 2001.

  NHS Dentistry
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what extra funding is being made available to ensure the full availability of NHS dentistry by 2001. [143263]

  Mr. Hutton
  The dental strategy includes up to £100 million funding up to the end of the next financial year, for modernising National Health Service dentistry. Meeting our target for increased dental access will cost another £80 million a year in extra treatment fees. As well as this earmarked funding, health authorities are able to use their growth funds to finance personal dental services, targeting local access problems.

  AIDS/HIV
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many persons died of AIDS in the UK in the last 12 month period for which figures are available; and what the comparable figures were for(a) 1995, (b) 1990 and (c) 1980; [143282]

  (2) how many persons were diagnosed as HIV positive in the United Kingdom in the last 12 month period for which figures are available; and what the comparable figures were for (a) 1995, (b) 1990 and (c) 1985. [143280]

  Yvette Cooper
  The table shows the number of AIDS deaths and newly diagnosed HIV infections reported in the United Kingdom for the calendar years 1985, 1990 and 1995 and for the last 12-month period. No deaths were recorded for people with AIDS in 1980. The table also shows the total deaths in HIV-infected individuals because in recent years (since effective combination antiretroviral treatment came into widespread use) this has become more representative of HIV-related mortality.

  HIV infections newly diagnosed

  Deaths in individuals with reported AIDS

  Total deaths in HIV-infected individuals1

  1985

  3,223

  121

  152

  1990

  2,533

  788

  896

  1995

  2,618

  1,510

  1,676

  Last 12 months2,3

  2,729

  229

  350

  1 Includes deaths in HIV-infected individuals without reported AIDS

  2 1 October 1999 to 30 September 2000

  3 The number of diagnoses and deaths are likely to rise as further reports are received

  Venereal Diseases
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many persons in the United Kingdom were diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS in the last 12 month period for which figures are available; and what the comparable figures were for(a) 1995, (b) 1990 and (c) 1985. [143281]

  Yvette Cooper
  The available information is in the table.
  277W

  Total number of diagnoses1 of sexually transmitted infections (excluding HIV/AIDS) seen in genitourinary medicine clinics in the United Kingdom: 1985, 1990, 1995 and 1999

  Year

  Male

  Female

  1985

  222,402

  176,749

  1990

  187,673

  197,158

  1995

  196,116

  242,493

  1999

  247,851

  312,546

  1 Provide an indication of patient numbers but individuals may have more than one diagnosis

  Source:

  PHLS

  Nursing and Residential Care Beds
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what data his Department collects from local authorities regarding availability of nursing and residential care beds in their areas; how often that information is collected and collated; and in what form it is published. [142811]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 15 December 2000]: National Statistics are collected and published on an annual basis on the numbers of residential and nursing care homes and the places or registered beds as at 31 March. Aggregated counts of residential care homes and places within these homes by primary client type and sector of provider are collected from local authorities. Aggregated counts of the number of private nursing homes, hospitals and clinics and the registered beds by type of home, primary client type and broad category of use are collected from health authorities. Both sets of collections identify homes that are registered to provide both residential and nursing care (i.e. dual registered homes). Some information is also collected from individual residential and nursing homes on the facilities available, number of occupied places and nursing staff. Collection of this information is linked to the main pre-announced annual inspection.

  Information is published in both electronic and paper form, the most recent relating to the position as at 31 March 2000, in the Statistical Bulletin "Community Care Statistics 2000: Residential Personal Social Services for Adults". Copies are available in the Library and are available at the Department of Health website at http://www.doh.gov.uk/public/sb0028.htm.

  Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total oncology drug budget was at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in each year since 1992; and if he will make a statement. [143382]

  Yvette Cooper
  The information requested is shown in the table and highlights a year-on-year increase in the cancer drug budget at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital NHS Trust since 1996 (first available figures):

  Royal Shrewsbury Hospital NHS Trust—cancer drug budgets

  £

  Summary

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Oncology

  139,649

  262,245

  400,302

  494,446

  503,585

  Haematology

  254,000

  302,000

  442,428

  460,428

  462,638

  Total

  393,649

  564,245

  842,730

  954,874

  966,223

  Source:

  Royal Shrewsbury Hospital NHS Trust
  278W
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on proposals to pilot the clinical applications for logistics in the management trusts as developed at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital; and if he will make a statement. [143381]

  Yvette Cooper
  The National Patients Access Team have commissioned work to establish a strategic outline case. This work will systematically assess the range of strategic options to meet the information systems requirements to support the national implementation of booked admissions. The work will be completed by the end of February 2001. It will provide sufficient detail to allow Ministers to consider next steps.

  Defibrillators
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the locations of each defibrillator to be placed in pubic locations in(a) Shrewsbury and Atcham and (b) Shropshire; and if he will make a statement. [143388]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Government scheme to provide life-saving heart defibrillators in public places was launched in April 2000. 700 defibrillators will be placed in railway stations shopping centres, airports and bus stations across the country.

  Following initial pilot schemes, a list of sites for the roll out of the defibrillator programme is currently being identified for early in 2001. Each region will have sites allocated.

  Vaccination
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to offer parents a choice between separate injections measles, mumps and rubella and the combined MMR vaccination. [142850]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: Delivery of measles, mumps and rubella as three separate vaccines has never been recommended in the United Kingdom. Single antigen measles and mumps vaccines are not licensed in the UK. The importation of unlicensed single antigen measles and mumps vaccines is restricted by the Medicines Control Agency under the Medicines Act 1986. There is no evidence that the use of single vaccines benefits children and evidence that their use may put children at significant disadvantage. The evidence shows that MMR remains the safest way for parents to protect their children and the Department cannot support the use of separate vaccines and has no plans to make separate vaccines available.

  Autism
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to increase the rate of diagnosis of autism in children at the earliest possible age. [142848]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: The number of children identified as having autism is increasing. Although the full explanation for this is not clear, it is at least in part due to improvement in diagnosis by the clinical professions, including child mental health specialists and community paediatricians.
  279W
  We recognise the importance of health, social services and education agencies collaborating to facilitate early identification and effective intervention. For example, these agencies are working jointly to improve the provision of high quality care and treatment for children by building up locally-based child and adolescent mental health services. We have already invested £50 million of central funds towards these developments.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to help prevent childhood autistic spectrum disorders. [142844]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: Establishing the cause of autism will help in preventing, identifying and treating this distressing condition. The Medical Research Council (which is largely funded by Government) has recently invested £344,000 in one of the largest studies of the causes of autism ever attempted. The researchers will study whether autistic children have a history of other conditions or medical problems such as problems during birth and whether viral infections in the womb or soon after birth appear to play a role in producing autism. They will look at a representative sample of health records drawn from over 2 million people.

  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about declaring 2002 autism awareness year; and if he will make a statement. [143592]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has received only one representation on this subject. There is already an autism awareness week each year, which is now held in May.

  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue guidance to the Medical Research Council to include ethnic monitoring in its research into autism. [143591]

  Mr. Hutton
  Both the Department and the Medical Research Council (MRC) take ethnic minority issues very seriously. The MRC, which receives its funding via the Department of Trade and Industry, is entirely independent in its day-to-day research funding decisions. These take account of both health needs and scientific vision and opportunity including advice from the Department on our priorities. However, the Department does not as a matter of course seek to influence the design of particular MRC-funded research projects. As part of its strategy for research into inequalities in health, the MRC encourages all applicants to consider the feasibility of collecting information on ethnic origin, socio-economic status, gender, etc. in exploring the factors influencing health.

  Midwives
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase midwifery representation on the Nursing and Midwifery Council. [143516]

  Mr. Denham
  We propose that midwives should have equal representation with the other professions to be regulated by the new Council.

  Coronary Heart Disease
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for (i) 1999–2000 and (ii) 2000–01 each 280W
  recipient of funds from his Department's coronary heart disease budget and the total sum to be received by each. [143568]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 19 December 2000]: In 1999–2000, coronary heart disease services were funded from the health authority unified allocations. For 2000–01, in addition to funding within unified allocations, funds were allocated specifically for heart disease. Recipients of these funds are as listed. We have also received £120 million from the Treasury Capital Modernisation Fund over two years to 2002, and a separate announcement on this will be made shortly.

  Partnership Programme
  A total of £3 million has been allocated to the following Partnerships:

  North Essex Cardiac Partnership

  North West London Coronary Heart Disease

  East London and the City Heart Disease Programme

  Manchester, Salford and Trafford Network for Cardiac Care

  East Riding and Hill CHD Partnership

  Southampton and South West Hants HA and Winchester CHD Partnership

  South West Peninsula Cardiac Consortium

  Dorset and Southampton Whole Systems CHD Partnership

  North Trent CHD Partnership Programme

  The Black Country Collaborative.

  Speech and Language Therapists
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to publish the agreement reached between his Department and the Manufacturing, Science and Finance Union on equal value pay for speech and language therapists; if he will place a copy in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [143181]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 19 December 2000]: An out-of-court settlement was reached for all speech and language therapists' equal pay claims, following decisions of the employment tribunal in three cases, and announced on 7 May 2000. The settlement also provided a new pay and grade structure for speech and language therapists which was notified to the National Health Service on 19 May 2000. The settlement was negotiated between the Manufacturing, Science and Finance Union on behalf of the speech and language therapists and my officials.

  351 of the around 1,800 speech and language therapists who lodged claims have been offered retrospective payment.

  Retrospective payment is based on (i) the decisions of the employment tribunal and findings of the independent experts (this applies to the 1980s cases only); (ii) an assessment of the job weight carried out by work assessment experts; (iii) a formula agreed by negotiators to provide a reasonable and fair payment (individuals were not equalised with their individual comparators for many reasons); (iv) the length of relevant claim.

  Nursing Homes
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what additional financial funding will be made available to voluntary sector homes towards the payment of the increase in the London weighting allowance to take place in April 2001; and if he will make a statement. [143759]
  281W
  Mr. Hutton
  Independent sector residential care homes and nursing homes are responsible for negotiating their own contract rates with local authorities and other purchasers of their services. Local authorities are receiving a real terms increase in funding for personal social services for 2001–02 of 3.6 per cent.

  Exercise on Prescription
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the current list of GP practices in England which offer exercise on prescription. [143115]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 20 December 2000]: The Department does not keep a national register of practices which offer 'exercise on prescription' or 'exercise referral' schemes. However, details of existing schemes are held locally by health authorities or local authorities.

  The Department has funded two reviews by the former Health Education Authority that documented the progress of these schemes. The research showed that better designed general practitioner referral schemes can lead to small levels of increased participation in activity, but that practice across the country was highly variable.

  The Department will publish a National Quality Assurance Framework on GP referrals in early 2001. The Framework will aim to raise the standards and consistency of GP referral schemes, and help to make them more effective and self-sustaining.

  Under the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease, all National Health Service bodies will
  'have agreed and be contributing to the delivery of local programmes of effective policies on increasing physical activity'.

  By April 2001, GP referral schemes may form part of these local programmes.

  Clinical Waste
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the most effective method for the disposal of clinical waste; and what advice he gives to NHS trusts. [143321]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 20 December 2000]: Waste disposal in England is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Environment Agency (EA) who license and regulate larger waste disposal facilities, with small waste disposal facilities licensed and regulated by the local authority.

  No one method is equally efficient, effective and economic for the disposal of all clinical wastes in all circumstances. Waste producers must find the solution that best meets their requirements in the most satisfactory way.

  We have issued advice to the National Health Service on appropriate methods of disposing of clinical waste—Health Technical Memorandum 2075 "Clinical waste disposal/treatment technologies (alternatives to incineration)". Further and broader guidance is given in the Health and Safety Commission's "Safe Disposal of Clinical Waste". Copies are available in the Library.
  282W
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has he made of the cost and safety impact of transporting clinical waste and of the average distances such waste is carried. [143323]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 20 December 2000]: National Health Service bodies in England, in making their waste management contracts, follow the principle of seeking the best value and the best service for their particular requirements. Distance is one factor in the decision, but cannot be taken in isolation.

  Producers of clinical waste which is carried on the public highway must meet the statutory requirements for safe packaging.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total annual cost to the NHS is for disposal of clinical waste. [143322]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 20 December 2000]: The total annual cost to the National Health Service for disposal of clinical waste in England was £29.2 million for 1999–2000.

  To reduce the cost and environmental impact of incinerating clinical waste, we issued Health Technical Memorandum 2065 "Healthcare in waste management—segregation of waste streams in clinical areas". This document advocates a change of strategy from waste disposal to waste management in order to achieve the containment of waste disposal costs, the minimisation of healthcare opportunity costs, risk management and a reduction of environmental impact.

  Care Services
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to issue draft guidance to local authorities on charging for non-residential community care services; and what plans he has to consult service users when such draft guidance is issued. [144010]

  Mr. Hutton
  We will issue draft guidance for consultation shortly. The consultation paper and draft guidance will be sent to bodies representing service users and carers and will be on the Department of Health website.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will make an announcement on guidance for charging for care services. [144029]

  Mr. Hutton
  We will issue a consultation paper and draft guidance shortly.

  Care Homes
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds in care homes there were in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) Essex in (i) 1997 and (ii) the latest date for which figures are available. [144092]

  Mr. Hutton
  The number of beds in residential and nursing care homes at 31 March 1997 and 31 March 2000 are given in the table. Figures for the United Kingdom as a whole are not available.
  283W

  Care beds as at 31 March

  England

  Essex

  1997

  523,999

  14,388

  2000

  528,450

  13,854

  Source:

  DH Annual Statistical Returns RA, RH(N)

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Departmental Employees
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many members of staff are employed by his Department, broken down by departments; and how many were so employed in May 1997. [141727]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: Civil Service staff numbers are collected on a six-monthly basis (April and October) and are published by the Cabinet Office.

  On 1 April 2000 the Department of Environment, Transport and Regions, including its agencies, employed 17,810 permanent and casual staff on a full-time equivalent basis. On 1 April 1997, the Departments were separate. Individually, the Department of the Environment employed 3,869 staff and the Department of Transport employed 11,926 staff.

  The figures are not directly comparable because the combined Department assumed additional responsibilities for the regions. Further, April 2000 numbers include the Rent Service created in October 1999, comprising 890 staff of which 800 transferred from local authorities. Among other changes in staff numbers are increases in DVLA (1030) and VI (270).

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many officials(a) are and (b) were in May 1997 employed by his Department on a (i) part-time basis and (ii) full-time basis. [141726]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: Civil Service staff numbers are collected on a six monthly basis (April and October) and are published by the Cabinet Office.

  (a) On 1 April 2000 the Department of Environment, Transport and Regions employed 17,810 permanent and casual staff on a full- time equivalent basis which equates to 18,680 staff on a head count basis, split as follows:

  (i) 2,110 part-time staff

  (ii) 16,570 full-time staff.

  (b) The breakdown of permanent and casual staff on a full and part-time basis is not available for 1 April 1997.

  On the above date the Department of Environment employed 3,869 permanent and casual staff and the Department of Transport employed 11,926 permanent and casual staff (these totals are provided on a full-time equivalent basis).

  The figures are not directly comparable because the combined Department assumed additional responsibilities for the regions. Further, April 2000 numbers include the Rent Service created in October 1999, comprising 890
  284W
  staff of which 800 transferred from local authorities. Among other changes in staff numbers are increases in DVLA (1030) and VI (270).

  Local Government Employees
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people have been employed in local government in each of the last three years. [141729]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: The number of full-time equivalent employees in local government in England is given in the table:

  Full time equivalent employees in local government in England (excluding police and magistrates courts), mid year count

  Thousand

  Year

  1998

  1,404

  1999

  1,419

  2000

  1,436

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics

  English Government Offices for the Regions
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the current budget is and how many people are employed in, each of the English Government Offices of the Regions, excluding London,(a) in the current year and (b) in each of the last three years; and how many are budgeted for next year. [141732]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: The current administrative budget and the administrative budget in each of the last three years for the Government Offices for the Regions (excluding London) are detailed in the table. Budget figures for the next financial year (2001–02) are yet to be agreed.

  £000

  GO

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  12000–01

  North East

  8,616.75

  8,618.84

  8,312.05

  8,221.62

  North West

  9,442.59

  13,690.13

  13,048.58

  13,397.92

  Merseyside

  4,199.53

  12.24

  0.00

  0.00

  Yorkshire and Humber

  8,475.01

  8,683.92

  8,888.68

  9,183.87

  West Midlands

  9,757.79

  9,474.35

  9,330.15

  9,794.44

  East Midlands

  6,436.24

  6,754.39

  6,951.28

  7,176.97

  East

  6,270.62

  6,269.43

  7,005.47

  7,391.26

  South West

  6,825.73

  6,985.03

  7,796.87

  8,226.98

  South East

  8,544.99

  8,561.40

  8,658.61

  8,952.79

  Total

  68,569.25

  69,049.73

  69,991.69

  72,345.85

  1 Allocations pre Mid Year Review

  Note:

  GO-NW and GO-M merged during 1998–99

  The current total number of staff employed in each Government Office (excluding London) in the current year and last three years are detailed in the table. Both the administration budgets and the staff numbers are for all the activities, not just those that relate to DETR responsibilities.

  In line with policy set out in the Performance and Innovation Unit report "Reaching Out—the role of central Government at Regional and Local level" published in February 2000, Government Offices are increasingly

  285W
  incorporating regional staff from a wider range of Government Departments, and are taking on an enhanced role in co-ordinating Government action at regional and local level.

  The figures include casual staff, staff on fixed term appointments, staff seconded out, staff on career breaks, staff on maternity leave and staff on special leave with no pay. Figures taken as at 1 April each year. Staff numbers for 2001–02 have yet to be finalised.

  Staff employed in Government Offices

  GO

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  North East

  269

  286

  261

  267

  North West

  428

  383

  401

  402

  Yorkshire and Humber

  274

  275

  251

  282

  West Midlands

  325

  348

  275

  271

  East Midlands

  218

  215

  222

  247

  East

  182

  185

  178

  195

  South West

  255

  196

  204

  227

  South East

  224

  197

  215

  248

  Total

  2,175

  2,085

  2,007

  2,139

  Regional Assemblies
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the individual budget of each regional assembly and regional planning authority in England(a) was last year, (b) is for the current year and (c) is budgeted for next year. [141724]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: Budgets for voluntary regional assemblies and regional planning fora are matters for them. The Department does not have information on budgets for the assemblies but is currently collecting information on regional planning budgets. The Department has provided an additional £6 million in 2000–01 to 2003–04 for expenditure on regional planning in recognition of the new arrangements set out in PPG11.

  Agencies
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list all the agencies responsible to his Department, the number of people they employ and their budgets. [141730]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: The nine Executive Agencies for which DETR is responsible, their staff numbers and budgets are set out in the table.

  Agency

  2000–01 Staff

  2000–01 Gross cash budget (£ million)

  Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

  4,773

  226.7

  Driving Standards Agency

  1,717

  80.0

  Highways Agency

  1,707

  1,451.3

  Maritime and Coastguard Agency

  1,045

  106.7

  Planning Inspectorate

  691

  34.7

  QEII Conference Centre

  52

  8.2

  Rent Service

  918

  36.1

  Vehicle Certification Agency

  87

  5.6

  Vehicle Inspectorate

  1,808

  77.3

  Source:

  2000–01 Agency Business Plans
  286W

  Planning Inspectorate Employees
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people are employed in the Planning Inspectorate; and what is their salary bill. [141731]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: As at 3 April 2000, 724 people were employed in the Planning Inspectorate. This figure includes 15 people who are employed by the National Assembly for Wales. The Planning Inspectorate's anticipated salary bill for 2000–01 is £23 million.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals are being evaluated for the transfer of responsibilities for regional development agencies and regional policy to another Department. [141547]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: None.

  Railway Transport
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people are employed in transport on the railways; and how many were so employed in May 1997. [141728]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: Statistics derived from the Annual Employment survey are available quarterly from the Office for National Statistics. The relevant survey figures for rail transport for June 1997 and June 2000 are 43,000 and 49,000 respectively. The figures comprise staff employed directly by the various rail companies.

  Government Office for London
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the responsibilities of the regional Government Office for London and its budget for(a) last year, (b) the current year and (c) next year. [141725]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: The current administrative budget for the Government Office for London is £14.76 million. Their administrative budget for 1999–2000 was £16.33 million. We are not able to provide budget figures for the next financial year (2001–02) as they are yet to be agreed.

  The Government Office for London is responsible for managing programmes on behalf of the parent Departments, supporting and facilitating effective linkages between partners and programmes, informing the development of the Department's policies from the regional perspective and liaising with the Greater London Authority.

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what future expenditure by(a) the Government, (b) NMEC and (c) English Partnerships on the site of the Dome is required by the Heads of Agreement for the sale of the Dome to Legacy plc, under any eventuality. [142176]
  287W
  Ms Armstrong
  The financial implications of any sale to Legacy plc will of course be addressed as part of the ongoing sale process. Such details are, though, commercially confidential while negotiations continue.

  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the minimum amount payable by Legacy plc on completion of the agreement for the sale of the Dome. [142177]

  Ms Armstrong
  Details of the proposed overall financial consideration for the sale of the Dome to Legacy plc must remain commercially confidential at this stage.

  Waste Disposal
  Mrs. Organ
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how the Government will allocate the extra resources that are needed to achieve the changes to be made to meet the targets in the new National Waste Strategy, the European Landfill Directive and the recent Best Value Performance Indicators on Recycling; how they will be allocated to(a) waste disposal authorities and (b) waste collection authorities in two tier areas; if they will be ring-fenced; and if they will be allocated via supplementary credit approvals. [142727]

  Mr. Mullin
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment on 14 December 2000,Official Report, column 200W.

  The additional provision for revenue spending on environmental and cultural services will be distributed through Standard Spending Assessments. We are developing proposals for the allocation of the £140 million provided specifically for waste and recycling, and will consult in the new year. The £220 million PFI credits will be allocated in line with the general criteria set out in my official's letter of 23 December 1999, and the specific criteria for waste projects which I announced on 22 September 2000.

  Mrs. Organ
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how the Government will protect local authorities if the targets in the National Waste Strategy change after waste disposal companies have introduced plant and infrastructure; and what compensation will be available for local authorities that have built energy-from-waste plants. [142730]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Government have since June 1998 made it clear that we wish to see a firm emphasis on recycling and composting in future local authority waste management. We expect local authorities to take this into account when developing infrastructure. We have no plans to make compensation available to authorities that have built energy from waste plant.

  Mrs. Organ
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assist local authorities which have let their new waste disposal contracts before the national strategy takes effect. [143616]

  Mr. Mullin
  I refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment on 14 December 2000,Official Report, column 200W. The Government are providing substantial extra resources for waste and recycling.
  288W
  Targets to recycle 25 per cent. of household waste have been in place since the early 1990s. The Government announced their intention to review the national waste strategy in January 1998 and published consultation documents in June 1998 and June 1999. Local authorities were, therefore, given notice of the intention to make a step change in waste management practices.

  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how the proximity principle in waste management will be applied to incinerators that depend for their safe and profitable operation on(a) economies of scale and (b) a constant feed of large volumes of waste taken from a large catchment area. [143395]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 19 December 2000]: It is for Local Authorities to determine how the proximity principle, that waste should generally be disposed of as near to its place of origin as possible, can best be applied in their area. "Waste Strategy 2000", published in May, emphasises that energy from waste facilities should be appropriately sized and that care must be taken to ensure that contracts are sensitively designed to avoid 'crowding out' recycling.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many incinerators he estimates will need to be installed to meet the Government's waste targets; and if he will make a statement. [144096]

  Mr. Mullin
  It is for local authorities to decide what mix of waste management facilities is appropriate for their area. The number of incinerators built will depend on how successful we are in tackling waste growth and in increasing recycling and composting.

  "Waste Strategy 2000" makes clear the Government's commitment to substantial increases in recycling and composting, and announces statutory targets for the recycling of household waste—doubling it in three years and nearly tripling it in five. Where a local authority does decide that an incinerator is needed, the authority should ensure that the plant is appropriately sized and that contracts are carefully designed so as not to compete with recycling. Incinerators should also incorporate Combined Heat and Power technology—where heat is used to produce electricity and to provide hot water to local homes and businesses—wherever practical.

  ACRE
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the changes which he is proposing to make, in responses to the Phillips report on BSE, into the operation of the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment, with special reference to the recommendations that(a) the secretariat is totally independent of his Department and should consist of administrators and not scientists, (b) the committee addresses risk assessment and not risk management, (c) the committee does not give policy advice and (d) the secretariat does not provide draft advice for the Committee. [142571]
  289W
  Mr. Meacher
  The Phillips Inquiry report raises a wide range of issues, of which nearly a quarter concern the management, operation and role of scientific advisory committees, such as the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE).

  The Phillips report does not recommend that the secretariats of Advisory Committees should be composed of administrators and not scientists. In fact the report flags the importance of Government Departments retaining 'in house' scientific expertise to enable then to understand and review the advice given by their committees.

  The Government are considering the implications of this extensive, and complex report, including issues raised at (b)-(d) and will publish a response in due course. If any changes are proposed in the operation of ACRE, they will be announced subsequently.

  Road Casualties (London)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many fatal accidents occurred on metropolitan London roads in(a) 1970, (b) 1980, (c) 1990 and (d) 2000. [142532]

  Mr. Hill
  The number of fatal road accidents on "Greater London" roads in(a) 1970, (b) 1980, (c) 1990 and (d) 2000 were:

  1980: 542

  1990: 394.

  Data for the years 1970 and 2000 are unavailable. The number of fatal accidents on "Greater London" roads for the last year for which figures are available (1999) was 254.

  A3 (Hindhead)
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from the Director General of the National Trust in the past three years on the A3 at Hindhead. [142994]

  Mr. Hill
  None, although the National Trust is represented on the Steering Group of the current road based study of the A3 at Hindhead.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to consider the consultants' report on the A3 tunnel at Hindhead; and if he will set out a timetable for action. [142993]

  Mr. Hill
  We anticipate that the Consultant's Report on the A3 Hindhead study will be presented to the South East England Regional Assembly plenary meeting on 14 February 2001. It will then be for the Assembly to make recommendations to Ministers, and decisions on the way forward will be taken in the light of these recommendations.

  Air Conditioning
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the amount of energy and electricity consumption in the service sector that is attributable to the use of air conditioning in offices. [142823]
  290W
  Mr. Meacher
  The Building Research Establishment estimates that about 11 PJ of energy consumption is attributable annually to the use of air conditioning in offices within the service sector. The estimated total annual energy consumption in the services sector attributable to air conditioning is about 48 PJ.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of new office buildings built in each year between 1990 and 1999 which had air conditioning. [142824]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Department has not estimated the specific figures centrally. However, the Building Research Establishment estimates the office space built each year between 1990 and 1999 with some air conditioning as follows:

  million

  Year

  M2 new build offices with some air conditioning

  1990

  2.0

  1991

  1.3

  1992

  0.9

  1993

  0.5

  1994

  0.6

  1995

  0.9

  1996

  1.1

  1997

  2.3

  1998

  2.8

  1999

  1.4

  The approximate amount of office space built with some air conditioning as a proportion of all new office space built in each of the above years is 50 per cent.

  Supermarkets
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers local authorities have to require supermarkets to source a proportion of their products from local suppliers in considering the granting of planning permission; and if he will make a statement. [143083]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The sourcing of products by supermarkets is not normally a material planning consideration. There may, however, be circumstances where it could be demonstrated that the impact of a new supermarket would result in a significant reduction in local purchasing, which in turn would result in material harm to the local economy. For example, in a market town where local food shops currently source their stock locally, a significant reduction in local purchasing as a result of a new supermarket opening and local food stores reducing their purchasing or going out of business could have an adverse effect on the local economy. In such circumstances this might be a material consideration and, if so, would be taken into account in making the decision.

  Neighbourhood Renewal Fund
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to issue guidelines to local authorities on the implementation of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. [143378]
  291W
  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Action Plan for Neighbourhood Renewal, which will be published shortly, will set out the way in which funding from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund should support local Neighbourhood Renewal Strategies. A Special Grant Report, early in 2001, will set out the basis for the distribution of grant and the conditions attached to the funding.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions whom he plans to consult on his proposals to end the 50 per cent. Council Tax discount for second home owners; when the consultation will be completed; and on what date he estimates that local authorities will first be able to charge the full tax. [143260]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 12 December 2000,Official Report, column 76W. The usual period for Government consultations is 12 weeks.

  Community Service Fund
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what system will be used to allocate funding from the Community Service Fund; and if he will estimate the size of the allocation for communities in the South-East Cornwall constituency. [143286]

  Mr. Mullin
  It will be for the Countryside Agency to decide how best to allocate the Community Service Fund, which will not come into operation until 2001–02. No decisions have yet been taken on allocation methods or amounts.

  Region and running total

  RTP name

  Projects funded to date

  Project start date

  Agency contribution

  Yorkshire and Humber

  1

  Harrogate

  Driver Training

  June 2000

  25,000

  2

  Harrogate

  Community Minibus

  September 2000

  8,000

  3

  Harrogate

  Travelwise News

  September 2000

  25,000

  4

  Harrogate

  Computer Scheduling

  September 2000

  21,600

  5

  Harrogate

  Night Out Bus

  September 2000

  26,400

  6

  Craven

  Brokerage Post

  July 2000

  —

  7

  Craven

  Driver Training

  June 2000

  25,000

  8

  Hambleton and Richmond

  Brokerage Post

  July 2000

  —

  9

  Hambleton and Richmond

  Wheels to Work

  November 2000

  77,300

  10

  Hambleton and Richmond

  Driver Training

  June 2000

  25,000

  11

  Ryedale and Scarborough

  Driver Training

  June 2000

  25,000

  12

  Barnsley

  Transport Co-ordination

  Jan 2000

  80,000

  13

  Kirklees

  Community Car Share

  November 2000

  13,400

  14

  Kirklees

  Taxi Vouchers

  November 2000

  14,000

  15

  North Lincolnshire

  Isle of Axeholme Minibus

  November 2000

  35,600

  North East

  16

  Tynedale

  Interchange Improvement

  February 2001

  1,000

  17

  Tynedale

  Travel Information

  February 2001

  2,500

  18

  Tynedale

  Driver Training

  February 2001

  2,000

  19

  Tynedale

  Encouraging Rural Taxis

  December 2000

  2,000

  20

  Tynedale

  Improving Provision for Walkers and Cyclists

  January 2000

  4,500

  21

  Tynedale

  Bringing Services to People

  February 2001

  2,000

  22

  Tyne and Wear

  Transport Information

  February 2001

  15,000

  292W

  Rural Transport
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what schemes have been funded through the Rural Transport Partnership scheme; and how much funding each scheme received. [143257]

  Mr. Hill
  The Rural Transport Partnership (RTP) scheme was launched in the autumn of 1998 to address social exclusion by bringing about long-term transport improvements in rural areas. Grants of up to 75 per cent. of the eligible partnership and project costs are available up to a current maximum of £250,000.

  A partnership is formed between relevant bodies in a particular area (e.g. local authorities, voluntary sector, health and employment bodies) to take a strategic view of the transport needs and provision of that area. Typically partnerships begin with the appointment of a partnership officer, who then conducts a transport needs analysis to produce an action plan of proposed projects for funding to address the needs identified. Once the partnership officer is appointed, a period of typically six months is needed to prepare the action plan for agreement with the Agency. Action plan projects require specific Agency approval and are listed in the table.

  In addition each RTP can also draw down a delegated fund of £10,000 per year in each of the partnership years, for small scale, stand alone transport projects.

  Although there are 71 RTPs set up to date, the table only covers 34, because the remaining 37 have been set up recently and are still developing their action plans.

  There are also two national RTPs not covered in the table. They are the Community Transport Association's RTP, which has received £39,313 and the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (Acorp) RTP. Acorp has received £27,810 to date. Both of these are national development projects to support community transport and rail activity. Rather than initiating their own schemes, these partnerships support projects promoted by others.
  293W

  Region and running total

  RTP name

  Projects funded to date

  Project start date

  Agency contribution

  23

  Tyne and Wear

  Transport Information

  February 2001

  10,000

  24

  West Durham

  Midas Training

  November 2000

  840

  25

  East Durham

  GP Car Service

  November 2000

  1,556

  East of England

  26

  Essex

  Community Transport

  November 2000

  26,640

  27

  Essex

  Hospital Link

  November 2000

  25,650

  28

  Essex

  Car Share

  March 2000

  34,780

  29

  Cambridgeshire

  Dial a Ride

  October 2000

  9,100

  30

  East Norfolk

  Flexi Bus

  September 2000

  22,010

  31

  East Norfolk

  Community Transport

  November 2000

  27,000

  32

  East Norfolk

  Flexi Bus

  August 2000

  22,410

  33

  West Norfolk

  Market Bus

  August 2000

  29,580

  34

  West Norfolk

  Flexi-Bus

  November 2000

  12,600

  35

  West Norfolk

  Development Officer

  November 2000

  —

  36

  Bedfordshire

  Link a Ride

  September 2000

  26,320

  37

  Bedfordshire

  Travel Club

  November 2000

  35,490

  North West

  38

  North Lancashire

  Link Bus

  November 2000

  9,000

  39

  Ribblesdale Rover

  November 2000

  28,000

  West Midlands

  40

  Herefordshire

  Community Transport

  June 2000

  43,221

  41

  Herefordshire

  Green Transport Promotion

  May 2000

  30,164

  42

  Herefordshire

  Wheels to Work

  December 2000

  52,727

  43

  North Warwickshire

  Busy Beeline

  December 2000

  15,064

  44

  North Warwickshire

  Wheels to Work

  January 2000

  39,135

  45

  Telford and Wrekin

  Community Car, Wheels to Work

  July 2000

  43,700

  46

  Telford and Wrekin

  Interchange Project

  April 2000

  30,000

  47

  Telford and Wrekin

  Wrekin Rider

  July 2000

  56,300

  South West

  48

  Wiltshire

  Volunteer Link Drivers

  June 2000

  26,000

  49

  Gloucestershire

  Jumpstart Jobsearcher

  April 2000

  3,500

  50

  Gloucestershire

  Volunteer Drivers

  April 2000

  5,600

  51

  Gloucestershire

  Drivers for the Elderly

  April 2000

  20,000

  52

  Gloucestershire

  Transport Co-ordinators

  April 2000

  10,000

  53

  Cornwall

  Wheels to Work

  April 2000

  22,500

  54

  Dorset

  Leisure Bus

  April 2000

  1,000

  55

  Dorset

  Scooters

  September 2000

  14,000

  East Midlands

  56

  Nottinghamshire

  Volunteer Driver Training

  November 2000

  25,000

  South East

  57

  North and mid-Hants

  Access to Services

  October 1999

  696

  58

  North and mid-Hants

  Transport Co-ordination

  October 1999

  13,447

  59

  South East Hants

  Transport Co-ordination

  October 1999

  10,064

  60

  South West Hants

  Transport for Work

  October 1999

  12,605

  61

  South West Hants

  Access to Services

  October 1999

  2,440

  62

  South West Hants

  Transport Co-ordination

  October 1999

  6,217

  63

  Cherwell

  Community Services

  October 1999

  14,233

  64

  Information and Training

  October 1999

  756

  65

  West Oxfordshire

  CT Directory

  October 1999

  745

  66

  Mini-bus

  October 1999

  421

  67

  Co-ordination

  October 1999

  20

  68

  South Oxfordshire

  Info and Training

  October 1999

  78

  69

  Access and Info

  October 1999

  532

  70

  East Berkshire

  Train, Coach, Taxis

  August 1999

  11,325

  71

  Integration

  August 1999

  21,438

  72

  Bluebird

  CT Service

  April 2000

  50,774

  73

  East Sussex

  Co-ordination

  November 1999

  73,000

  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions whom he plans to consult on plans to relax restrictions on rural community transport; and when the consultation will be completed. [143258]
  294W
  Mr. Hill
  We plan to consult representatives of all the bodies that have a role in the provision and regulation of community transport in rural areas, including Traffic Commissioners, the Community Transport Association, the Confederation of Passenger Transport and the
  295W
  Countryside Agency. In addition we will place a copy of the consultation paper on the Department's website so that any other body and members of the public may contribute their views.

  We expect the consultation to be completed next summer, to give adequate time for views to be submitted.

  Wandsworth
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what funding has been provided by his Department to the London Borough of Wandsworth in each of the last three years. [143146]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The following funding was provided by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions to the London Borough of Wandsworth in each of the last three years:

  2000–001

  Government Grant for Local Authority General Fund Revenue Support: £202,785,000

  Housing Revenue Account Subsidy: £29,740,875

  Housing Investment Programme: £20,832,000

  All Services Basic Credit Approval: £16,794,000

  Single Regeneration Budget: £3,260,264

  Local Transport Capital Expenditure: £1,676,000

  Highway Maintenance Standard Spending Assessment: £7,293,000

  1999–2000

  Government Grant for Local Authority General Fund Revenue Support: £200,512,000

  Housing Revenue Account Subsidy: £30,198,391

  Housing Investment Programme: £8,484,000

  All Services Basic Credit Approval: £731,000

  Single Regeneration Budget: £2,283,274

  Local Transport Capital Expenditure: £2,080,000

  Highway Maintenance Standard Spending Assessment: £7,968,000

  1998–99

  Government Grant for Local Authority General Fund Revenue Support: £197,549,000

  Housing Revenue Account Subsidy: £33,601,236

  Housing Investment Programme: £8,249,000

  All Services Basic Credit Approval: £ nil

  Single Regeneration Budget: £2,226,000

  Local Transport Capital Expenditure: £2,308,000

  Highway Maintenance Standard Spending Assessment: £7,763,000.

  Rollercoaster Crash (Blackpool)
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the outcome of investigations of the rollercoaster crash in Blackpool's Pleasure Beach in September. [143153]

  Mr. Meacher
  The HSE investigation of the incident when two trains were in collision on the PepsiMax Big One rollercoaster on 31 August 2000 is still in progress. An immediate Prohibition Notice on use of the ride other than for testing was served on Blackpool Pleasure Beach on 1 September. This was replaced on 15 September by a further Prohibition Notice restricting the use of the ride to one train only. The second Prohibition Notice is still in 296W
  force and will remain so until Blackpool Pleasure Beach has demonstrated that action has been taken to ensure that a collision between two trains cannot take place.

  HSE has not yet come to any conclusions about further enforcement action.

  English Nature
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the Moors Management Agreement initiated by English Nature, relating to Thorne and Hatfield Moors, and make it available in the Library. [143133]

  Mr. Mullin
  Discussions are currently taking place with the operator of the permission with regards to the release of the Agreement. It is hoped that this issue will be resolved soon.

  I will ask English Nature to write to my hon. Friend in due course.

  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of English Nature's progress in producing conservation objectives for important United Kingdom conservation sites; and if he will make a statement. [143134]

  Mr. Mullin
  In England there are 788 sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) which host features of European or international importance. Of these sites first drafts of conservation objectives for features of interest have been prepared for 557 SSSIs and a further 59 drafts will be prepared by 20 December. These draft conservation objectives are currently subject to internal discussion and review, and will be re-assessed in the light of agreed guidance from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, which is expected early next year. English Nature aim to produce conservation objectives for the remaining 327 SSSIs by April 2003.

  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the timetable is for English Nature producing conservation objectives for Thorne and Hatfield Moors and surrounding sites of special scientific interest; and if he will make a statement. [143132]

  Mr. Mullin
  English Nature aim to produce conservation objectives for all internationally designated sites by March 2001, at which stage copies of each will be placed in the Library.

  Conservation Sites
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to produce detailed guidance for local authorities on the conduct of planning reviews arising from the designation of special areas of conservation and other sites of European significance. [143139]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Guidance on the review of extant planning permissions which are likely to have a significant effect on special areas of conservation or special protection areas is already set out in Annex C to Planning Policy Guidance Note 9 on nature conservation.
  297W

  Playground Injuries
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what statistics his Department collates about injuries to children playing in local authority playgrounds; and if he will publish them. [143379]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) collates statistics on those accidents which are reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995. The table contains the statistics for the past four years.

  Injuries to children1 in local authority2 playgrounds3 as reported to HSE4

  Year

  Fatal

  Non fatal

  Total

  1996–97

  0

  278

  278

  1997–98

  1

  195

  196

  1998–99

  0

  125

  125

  1999–20005

  1

  104

  105

  1 Children are defined as individuals aged one year and up including 15 years of age. A search criteria of 0 years produces records where age is not known as well as children aged under age of one. These data cannot be disagregated.

  2 Local authorities have been identified by HSE: client status code—04.

  3 Playgrounds have been identified by HSE: process environment code—5550.

  4 Injuries reported to HSE's Field Operations Directorate

  5 Provisional.

  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to(a) compel or (b) encourage local authorities to ensure that children's playgrounds have soft surfaces to minimise the risk of injury. [143380]

  Mr. Meacher
  Health and safety legislation already compels local authorities to carry out an assessment of the risks to the health and safety of persons not in their employment who may be affected by the manner in which they carry out their undertaking. This would include assessing the risks in children's playgrounds and such assessments should consider whether the surface complies with published standards on impact absorbing surfaces. Guidance on these standards is available to all local authorities.

  Where local authorities fail to ensure playgrounds have suitable impact absorbing surfaces, HSE is prepared to take enforcement action.

  Rural Bus Service (Shrewsbury)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each year since 1997(a) the amount paid to Shropshire from the Rural Bus fund and (b) the number of new or improved bus services in Shrewsbury; and if he will make a statement. [143389]

  Mr. Hill
  Rural Bus Subsidy Grant was introduced in 1998–99, in that year Shropshire received £630,354 and introduced 46 new or improved rural bus services. In 1999–2000 the grant was the same but the number of services grew to 58. Shropshire has again been allocated £630,354 for the current financial year.
  298W
  Shropshire was also successful with two bids totalling £43,500 in the 1999 Rural Bus Challenge competition. They have also bid for funding from this year's competition; we hope to announce the results of that shortly.

  We have already announced that the Rural Bus Subsidy Grant is to continue and that the funding will be increased in future years. The Rural White Paper includes details of our intention to extend the grant to also provide for services in and around market towns.

  Council Housing
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each year since 1997(a) the financial value of capital receipts and (b) the number of council houses repaired or improved in Shrewsbury and Atcham; and if he will make a statement. [143371]

  Mr. Mullin
  Information reported by Shrewsbury and Atcham Council to the Department since 1997 is given in the table. These figures exclude Social Housing Grant.

  Capital receipts (all services) £000

  Total receipts

  Usable receipts

  Number of LA dwellings repaired or renovated

  1997–98

  2,659

  736

  433

  1998–99

  3,088

  965

  525

  1999–2000

  3,510

  1,037

  531

  Note:

  A proportion of capital receipts is "reserved", and must be set-aside as provision for credit liabilities. The remainder is "usable" and may be applied for capital spending as the authority sees fit.

  Source:

  Department of the Environment

  Capital Outturn Returns (COR5) and Housing Investment Programme Returns

  Dorneywood
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those people who have been entertained at public expense at Dorneywood since May 1997. [143268]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  When the Deputy Prime Minister has used Dorneywood for meetings on Government business, the costs involved have been paid by the Department. Since May 1997, Dorneywood has been has been used for meetings with a range of Ministers and officials on a number of occasions.

  Tyre Landfilling
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from environmental organisations regarding the decision to extend the deadline for the cessation of the landfilling of tyres beyond 2003. [143143]

  Mr. Mullin
  We have not received any representations from environmental organisations. The Government have made no decisions on deadlines as these are already set out in the Landfill Directive. For landfill sites opened after 16 July 2001 the requirement is that they must cease accepting whole used tyres from 16 July 2003 and
  299W
  shredded tyres from 16 July 2006. For existing landfill sites the requirement is that they cease to accept whole used tyres and shredded tyres "as soon as possible" in accordance with their conditioning plan agreed by the Environment Agency and, in all cases from 16 July 2009.

  Railtrack
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of Railtrack's compliance with condition no. 7 of its operations licence in relation to the number of broken rails in each year since 1994. [143556]

  Mr. Hill
  The Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) is responsible for ensuring that Railtrack meets its network licence obligations. The Regulator has informed Railtrack that he regarded the excessive level of broken rails in 1998–99 and 1999–2000 as prima facie evidence of a breach of licence condition 7; and that the ORR and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) were commissioning an independent report from Transportation Technology Centre Inc. (TTCI). The TTCI report was published on 9 November.

  I understand that the ORR and HSE have asked Railtrack to respond to the TTCI report and for a statement of how it proposes to take the necessary action.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will discuss with Railtrack the implementation of arrangements whereby future maintenance contracts for maintenance contractors will exclude the right of Railtrack to override recommendations for maintenance and renewal made by maintenance and repair contractors and include the right of maintenance contractors to vary repair and maintenance contracts with the approval of regulatory bodies. [143550]

  Mr. Hill
  Railtrack has prime responsibility for the safety and security of the railway it controls and for the health and safety of those who are affected by its activities.

  Railtrack's contracts for infrastructure maintenance require contractors to be compliant with specified standards designed to ensure safe and secure operation. The maintenance contractors are also obliged by the contracts to recommend renewals and other specified repair works to Railtrack.

  In order to continue to discharge its statutory safety obligations under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, Railtrack must accept responsibility for all decisions that relate to infrastructure maintenance, repair and renewal works.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions Railtrack has been served with enforcement orders relating to its operations since 1994. [143554]

  Mr. Hill
  The Health and Safety Executive's (HSEs) Railway Inspectorate has served Railtrack with 79 enforcement notices since 1994.
  300W

  Notices issued against railtrack 1 April 1994 to 6 December 2000

  Improvement notice

  Prohibition notice

  1994–95

  7

  0

  1995–96

  12

  1

  1996–97

  9

  0

  1997–98

  6

  1

  1998–99

  8

  0

  1999–2000

  15

  3

  2000–01

  17

  0

  Imported Railway Lines
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will secure from Railtrack an assurance that all strings of railway lines imported and used on the national rail network comply with Railtrack specifications; [143548]

  (2) if bulging in railway line products supplied to Railtrack from Italy has implications for Railtrack's renewal programme. [143547]

  Mr. Hill
  Railtrack advise that the recent problems encountered with some rails from Italy are still undergoing evaluation. There is now an embargo on importing Italian rail until a full assessment is made of their quality assurance process. Railtrack have an additional quality approved supplier in Sweden and they will step into any breach caused by the Italian embargo.

  Bulging deficiencies in rail from any source may impact on work programmes. This is one of the reasons why Railtrack maintain supply contracts with several different rail manufacturers. Railtrack experience problems from time to time with any source of rail and need to be able to maintain their supplies.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if levels of asymmetry tolerance in relation to railway lines imported from Italy in 2000 have implications for the safety of the national rail network; [143561]

  (2) if levels of asymmetry tolerance in relation to railway lines imported from Corus operations in France have implications for the safety of the national rail network. [143562]

  Mr. Hill
  All measurement tolerances are uniform for the acquisition of all track products including rail and are designed to avoid safety implications.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if problems with the welding of railway lines imported from Italy in 2000 have implications for renewal of the national rail network. [143564]

  Mr. Hill
  There were no problems in being able to weld Italian rail. All rail is welded for Railtrack by Corus at two UK plants. There are ample supplies of rail for welding.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will secure from Railtrack an assurance that all rail track products used on the national railway network are as individual pieces of equipment traceable as to(a) country of manufacture and (b) name of manufacturer. [143551]
  301W
  Mr. Hill
  Railtrack advise that all rail is stamped with the manufacturers' unique identifier, the year and month of manufacture, the appropriate profile and grade of rail and the string number. Railtrack are able to identify which batch any single string came from and would always investigate the rest of any batch where a single fault has been found.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will request Railtrack to provide details as to the nature of the contractual arrangements for the import of railway lines from Italy. [143549]

  Mr. Hill
  This is a commercial matter between Railtrack and its suppliers.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the return of railway lines imported from Italy in 2000 was related to the need to maintain safety standards on the national rail network. [143563]

  Mr. Hill
  No rail has been returned to Italy. Railtrack have simply put an embargo on importing any more until such time as they are satisfied that the Italian company's quality control can reliably meet specification.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the implications are for safety arising out of comparative evaluations as to macrosegregation in the context of quality between railway lines produced by Voest Alpine of Austria, Luccini's of Italy, Corns operations in France and Corus operations in Workington. [143441]

  Mr. Hill
  The origin and quality of railway lines is a matter for Railtrack.

  Train Derailments
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list all train derailments since 1994. [143555]

  Mr. Hill
  The Health and Safety Executive's (HSEs) Railway Inspectorate is able to provide a list of train derailments only for the two year period 1998–99 and 1999–2000, which is shown in the table. This shows derailments on all railways, which includes the Railtrack network, Metropolitan railways, London Underground, Heritage railways and Tramways.

  For earlier years the numbers of derailments are included in the Railway Inspectorate's annual reports. Copies are in the House Library.

  List of train derailments in the last two years1

  Date

  Location

  Time

  2 April 1998

  Warsop RLF

  15:17

  7 April 1998

  Machen Quarry

  15:53

  9 April 1998

  Hopton Road

  14:20

  12 April 1998

  Brocklesby Jcn

  07:44

  16 April 1998

  Tyseley

  18:03

  19 April 1998

  Clapham Jcn/Queenstown Road

  15:30

  19 April 1998

  Reading

  15:45

  19 April 1998

  Gloucester Yard Jcn

  23:52

  24 April 1998

  Margam Moors

  14:50

  25 April 1998

  Lindsey Oil Refinery

  15:45

  27 April 1998

  Eastfield

  21:36

  29 April 1998

  Ruislip Lido

  15:10

  302W

  List of train derailments in the last two years1

  Date

  Location

  Time

  30 April 1998

  Cannon Street

  08:34

  1 May 1998

  Wood Street

  06:09

  3 May 1998

  Llandudno

  00:00

  4 May 1998

  Cardiff Central

  17:55

  6 May 1998

  Pengam Flt

  :20

  12 May 1998

  Furzebrook

  12:22

  16 May 1998

  Brockenhurst

  23:10

  19 May 1998

  March

  00:38

  28 May 1998

  Ripple Lane Depot

  14:55

  28 May 1998

  Littlemore

  15:06

  31 May 1998

  Shebden Park

  17:00

  10 June 1998

  Bristol Temple Meads

  13:04

  12 June 1998

  Northwich

  04:12

  14 June 1998

  Lakeside Station

  15:00

  16 June 1998

  Sandy

  17:57

  19 June 1998

  Park Jcn

  13:35

  23 June 1998

  Kincardine Power Station

  02:53

  25 June 1998

  Allerton Jcn

  08:55

  28 June 1998

  Princess Street/Blundell Street

  16:30

  28 June 1998

  Princess Street/Blundell Street

  12:34

  28 June 1998

  Promenade/Foxhall

  16:00

  28 June 1998

  Princess Street/Blundell Street

  13:40

  28 June 1998

  Promenade/Foxhall

  16:20

  28 June 1998

  Princess Street/Blundell Street

  16:05

  8 July 1998

  Burntisland

  06:30

  8 July 1998

  Barnetby

  02:54

  8 July 1998

  Rotherham Central

  02:01

  9 July 1998

  Regent Road AOCL Crossing

  11:50

  12 July 1998

  Horbury Junction

  20:35

  14 July 1998

  Galton Jen

  06:35

  14 July 1998

  Claydon Lane Junction

  14:30

  14 July 1998

  Dent

  12:55

  28 July 1998

  Doncaster Belmont

  20:31

  30 July 1998

  Crianlarich

  01:50

  5 August 1998

  Holyhead

  08:37

  8 August 1998

  Pleasure Beach Loop

  16:10

  10 August 1998

  Clapham Junction

  06:17

  11 August 1998

  Bromley Junction

  22:29

  11 August 1998

  Mermaid Bridge (Bure Valley)

  16:40

  12 August 1998

  Woodgrange Park

  10:55

  14 August 1998

  Paddock Wood

  06:40

  14 August 1998

  Durnsford Road (Wimbledon)

  02:50

  15 August 1998

  Immingham

  06:22

  16 August 1998

  Toton

  12:20

  16 August 1998

  Morecombe South Jcn GF

  09:32

  19 August 1998

  Pleasure Beach

  16:32

  20 August 1998

  Clayton West

  13:10

  20 August 1998

  Hopton Road

  00:00

  27 August 1998

  Swindon

  04:34

  28 August 1998

  Be kton

  03:50

  30 August 1998

  Wickstead Park

  03:15

  3 September 1998

  Kingswinford Jcn

  12:23

  7 September 1998

  Scunthorpe

  08:35

  9 September 1998

  Blisworth

  05:00

  23 September 1998

  Royston

  03:58

  30 September 1998

  Ripple Lane Flt

  10:45

  13 October 1998

  Ripple Lane

  19:07

  14 October 1998

  Abercynon North

  11:13

  14 October 1998

  Pleasure Beach

  16:38

  19 October 1998

  East Loop-Little Bispham

  11:14

  22 October 1998

  Llanberis Station

  14:40

  23 October 1998

  Marshfield

  02:50

  23 October 1998

  Bicester

  09:45

  24 October 1998

  Sanquhar

  15:25

  25 October 1998

  Bold Street/Queens Terrace

  11:20

  26 October 1998

  Bold Street/Queens Terrace

  18:06

  28 October 1998

  Hopton Road

  16:38

  3 November 1998

  Crag Hall

  19:50

  6 November 1998

  Highworth Jcn

  11:39

  18 November 1998

  Bargoed

  13:47

  21 November 1998

  Paddington

  15:47

  22 November 1998

  Toton

  15:18

  27 November 1998

  Newport

  09:05

  303W

  List of train derailments in the last two years1

  Date

  Location

  Time

  28 November 1998

  Derby Station North Jcn

  21:25

  2 December 1998

  Salthouse jcn

  12:18

  2 December 1998

  Paddington

  10:43

  11 December 1998

  Steventon

  23:47

  13 December 1998

  Pitsea

  12:20

  21 December 1998

  Beattock

  20:30

  21 December 1998

  Falkland

  21:34

  4 January 1999

  Ditton No: 1

  11:15

  6 January 1999

  Brampton Fell

  06:45

  9 January 1999

  Coventry South Jcn

  15:25

  9 January 1999

  Leicester Braunston Gate

  09:10

  13 January 1999

  Pilning

  03:14

  15 January 1999

  Crosby Garrett Tunnel

  19:40

  16 January 1999

  Bescot

  23:48

  19 January 1999

  Immingham East Junction

  09:40

  22 January 1999

  Seven Sisters/Finsbury Park

  00:59

  22 January 1999

  Kensington Olympia

  05:25

  28 January 1999

  Daw Mill

  17:25

  31 January 1999

  Kilwinning

  03:45

  2 February 1999

  Neath and Brecon Junction

  10:05

  3 February 1999

  Dymchurch Station

  07:35

  4 February 1999

  Cardiff

  07:02

  5 February 1999

  Margam

  01:40

  7 February 1999

  Crouch Hill

  12:12

  10 February 1999

  Crowle

  08:00

  19 February 1999

  Hainault Depot

  00:39

  25 February 1999

  Willesden South Jcn

  21:41

  27 February 1999

  Glynn Square

  16:37

  8 March 1999

  Kildale

  06:45

  9 March 1999

  Glynn Square

  06:55

  11 March 1999

  Willeden South West Sidings

  22:02

  14 March 1999

  Dunston

  19:40

  8 April 1999

  Willesden South West Sidings

  22:39

  21 April 1999

  DM Dean Hill

  15:20

  24 April 1999

  Gunnersbury

  10:39

  6 May 1999

  Milky Way, Downland Cross

  16:40

  6 May 1999

  Healey Mills

  15:30

  8 May 1999

  Hednesford

  07:45

  11 May 1999

  Theale

  06:00

  13 May 1999

  Bognor Regis Sidings

  01:08

  21 May 1999

  Llanberis Stn Yard

  11:20

  30 May 1999

  Felling/Heworth

  15:39

  1 June 1999

  Truro

  19:50

  3 June 1999

  Warrington South Jcn

  04:42

  6 June 1999

  Brittania Points

  13:10

  15 June 1999

  Harrow and Wealdstone

  11:03

  15 June 1999

  Abergynolwyn

  11:20

  16 June 1999

  Tan-y-bwlch Station

  11:23

  20 June 1999

  Bescot

  10:38

  24 June 1999

  Middlewich

  22:30

  25 June 1999

  Milford

  16:05

  26 June 1999

  Halfway Station

  15:22

  29 June 1999

  Knutsford

  15:49

  2 July 1999

  Forders Siding

  21:21

  12 July 1999

  Bridgeton Yard

  15:02

  13 July 1999

  Hereford

  12:13

  15 July 1999

  Rolvenden Station

  11:05

  15 July 1999

  Wolverhampton

  15:49

  17 July 1999

  Paddington

  01:59

  21 July 1999

  Chelsea Bridge

  10:34

  6 August 1999

  Neath and Brecon Jcn

  13:05

  6 August 1999

  Tywyn Wharf Station

  16:15

  7 August 1999

  Cavendish Road, Bispham

  16:43

  9 August 1999

  Norwich Crown Point Depot

  09:00

  14 August 1999

  Stormy

  18:30

  14 August 1999

  Tower

  17:25

  17 August 1999

  Llangollen Station

  18:30

  17 August 1999

  Carn Brea

  15:54

  24 August 1999

  Talbot Square

  11:05

  27 August 1999

  Felixstowe Beach Lc

  18:30

  27 August 1999

  Treeton

  20:42

  29 August 1999

  Desborough

  12:16

  31 August 1999

  Tickhill

  08:34

  304W

  List of train derailments in the last two years1

  Date

  Location

  Time

  31 August 1999

  Derby

  00:09

  3 September 1999

  Derby, London Road Junction

  01:51

  4 September 1999

  Acton Canal Wharf

  14:45

  9 September 1999

  Pengam

  06:20

  10 September 1999

  Holyhead

  23:36

  14 September 1999

  Aberdeen

  18:28

  20 September 1999

  Shoeburyness Depot

  19:40

  22 September 1999

  Hale

  17:55

  27 September 1999

  Alexandra Dock Jcn

  16:00

  5 October 1999

  Westferry

  10:55

  5 October 1999

  Hertford East

  18:35

  11 October 1999

  Edington

  15:30

  11 October 1999

  Bletchley Cambridge Sdgs

  12:00

  13 October 1999

  Wardley

  18:55

  20 October 1999

  Workington No. 2

  00:49

  20 October 1999

  Landor Street Jcn

  02:06

  20 October 1999

  Bishops Stortford

  08:12

  24 October 1999

  Goathland

  09:44

  28 October 1999

  Corrour

  08:52

  30 October 1999

  Embankment

  14:22

  3 November 1999

  Margate

  00:15

  4 November 1999

  Lancaster

  07:15

  14 November 1999

  Temple Mills Manor Yard

  17:26

  28 November 1999

  Ardencaple LC

  19:08

  3 December 1999

  Barrhead

  06:10

  4 December 1999

  Stoneacre Loop

  14:30

  11 December 1999

  Immingham East Jcn

  10:05

  12 December 1999

  Milton Viaduct

  11:10

  16 December 1999

  Strood Tunnel

  13:03

  11 January 2000

  Garston Jcn

  10:35

  13 January 2000

  Luton North Jcn

  11:29

  19 January 2000

  Edgware Road Sidings

  14:36

  21 January 2000

  Kirkconnel

  21:49

  28 January 2000

  Witham

  22:10

  31 January 2000

  Winchfield

  06:25

  1 February 2000

  West Calder

  02:00

  2 February 2000

  Washwood Heath

  06:55

  10 February 2000

  Edgware Road

  21:25

  13 February 2000

  Aldgate

  12:56

  15 February 2000

  Bardon Hill

  00:40

  17 February 2000

  Hayes and Harlington

  16:00

  18 February 2000

  Cridling Stubbs LC

  20:45

  24 February 2000

  Croft Sidings

  21:30

  4 March 2000

  Worcester Shrub Hill

  00:01

  6 March 2000

  Acton Yard

  12:25

  8 March 2000

  Aldgate

  21:31

  28 March 2000

  Rutherglen Central Junction

  13:35

  30 March 2000

  Camden Road West Jcn

  21:39

  1 Information supplied by HSE's Railway Inspectorate

  Note:

  The list of train derailments is based on all derailments in Great Britain, as well as those on that have occurred on the Railtrack Controlled Infrastructure, the list includes those that have occurred on Heritage Railways, Tramways and Metropolitan Railways such as London Underground.

  Railway Lines (Ultrasonic Testing)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the implications for safety in the national rail network arising from not using angle probe techniques in the ultrasonic testing of railway lines; [143560]

  (2) if ultrasonic testing of railway lines at the site of the Hitchin crash included angle probe ultrasonic testing in the period prior to the crash; [143558]
  305W
  (3) if ultrasonic testing of railway lines on site throughout the UK rail network included angle probe ultrasonic testing as a matter of routine. [143559]

  Mr. Hill
  Railtrack advise that angle probe techniques are applied in ultrasonic testing of railway lines and these testing procedures are contained in Railtrack's Line Standards RT/CE/S/055.

  Balfour Beatty Report
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place a copy of the Balfour Beatty maintenance audit report on railway stewardship of August in the Library. [143557]

  Mr. Hill
  This is a commercial matter between Railtrack and Balfour Beatty.

  Heat-treated Rails
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of Railtrack's(a) current and (b) future renewal programme involves the use of heat-treated rails. [143552]

  Mr. Hill
  None. There is an embargo on the future use of mill heat treatment (MHT) rail pending investigations following the Hatfield incident.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the safety and usage implications for the life of railway lines arising out of the use of(a) heat-treated and (b) non-heat treated railway lines on the national rail network. [143553]

  Mr. Hill
  No such assessment has been made by either the Health and Safety Executive or Railtrack.

  Projects1

  Total investment by English Partnerships (£000)

  Speke Garston Regeneration costs to end 1996–97

  19,027

  Boulevard Industry Park, Speke

  10,267

  Merseyside Development Corporation, Princess Dock, Liverpool

  7,466

  Terminal Complex, Neptune Development

  6,707

  Rope Walks: Duke Street/Bold Street Public Realm works

  6,198

  Capital Exchange, Liverpool

  5,016

  Speke Garston Regeneration-Estuary (also known as Northern Airfield) Phase 1

  4,695

  Liverpool City Centre Offices

  4,500

  Exchange Buildings Offices, Liverpool

  4,449

  Liverpool City Centre Residential

  4,000

  Speke Garston Regeneration-Northern Airfield Land Acquisition

  3,902

  Rope Walks; Duke Street Triangle

  3,587

  Speke Garston Regeneration—off site works

  3,549

  Queen Square Hotel, Liverpool

  3,341

  Acquisition and Regeneration—45 acres leasehold land

  3,264

  Matchworks—Urban Splash

  2,988

  Speke Garston Regeneration—VAT project

  2,840

  Plot 2 Boulevard Business Park

  2,786

  Intercity (JIS) Ltd./Capital bank

  2.751

  Collegiate School Liverpool

  2,630

  Merseyside Development Corporation—Princess Dock Hotel

  2,554

  Medeva (also known as Evans Medical) Boulevard Industrial Park

  2,518

  Speke Garston Regeneration—Bryant and May acquisition

  2,195

  Conix Development Boulevard Business Park

  2,105

  306W

  London Underground
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much Government funding has been made available during the last 12 months for the improvement of London Underground stations; and if he will make a statement. [143530]

  Mr. Hill
  Government funding is provided to support LUL's overall investment programme. It is a matter for LUL to determine how the funds available for investment, including the funds which LUL generates internally, are allocated. In the last complete financial year (1999–2000) expenditure on station improvements totalled £52 million.

  Rough Sleepers
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people he estimates are sleeping rough in the Greater London area. [143531]

  Ms Armstrong
  Figures published in August showed that as of June 2000 there were an estimated 546 people sleeping rough in Greater London on any single night. A breakdown of this figure by local authority area is available in the Library of the House. A street count was carried out in central London on 11 December and provisional estimates suggest that the number of people sleeping rough has reduced by around 100. The result of this count is being collated and will be made available to the House in the new year.

  Regeneration (Liverpool)
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which regeneration projects in Liverpool have been assisted by Partnership Investment Programme funding; and how much funding has been allocated to each. [143174]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: The following is a list of all PIP projects in Liverpool since 1994.
  307W

  Projects1

  Total investment by English Partnerships (£000)

  New Hall Place, Corner Project, Liverpool

  2,015

  Lime Street Student Flats/Retail, Liverpool

  1,971

  Plot F, Estuary Commerce Park

  1,909

  Post and Echo Office Redevelopment, Liverpool

  1,784

  Rope Walks—The Tea Factory

  1,692

  Rosemary Housing, Liverpool

  1,691

  Boulevard Industry Park (Plot 3)

  1,618

  Beetham Plaza/Wilberforce House

  1,476

  Canning Place and Media Factory

  1,346

  Plot H2(a) Estuary Commerce Park

  1,333

  Myrtle Street Housing, Liverpool

  1,318

  Plot 5 Boulevard

  1,300

  Temple Square Offices, Liverpool

  1,252

  Manchester Street, Liverpool

  1,204

  Plot 4 Boulevard

  1,201

  Rope Walks Duke Street/Bold Street Executive Teams Costs

  1,101

  Speke Garston Regeneration—Professional Fees

  1,079

  Rope Walks; VAT Centre

  1,029

  Everton Gardens

  971

  Highfield Gardens Housing, Liverpool

  934

  St. Johns House

  853

  St. Andrews Gardens, Liverpool

  852

  Plot C, Estuary (Powder Systems Ltd.)

  833

  Sylvester Street, Housing/Shops, Liverpool

  824

  Eldon Grove, Liverpool

  821

  Stanhope House Housing, Liverpool

  816

  Plot 1A—Boulevard

  713

  Plot 5B—Boulevard Industry Park

  704

  Cathedral Chambers Commercial Development Liverpool

  685

  Vauxhall Gardens

  684

  Lady Chapel Square

  636

  Powerhouse Foyer

  621

  130–134 Upper Parliament Street, Liverpool

  578

  Wood Street Offices/Housing, Liverpool

  564

  Sparrow Hall Estate Housing, Liverpool

  559

  Walton House

  558

  Kings Drive Housing, Liverpool

  550

  Bereys Building 2

  549

  Rope Walks; St Peters Church

  500

  15–19 Sweeting Street

  475

  Rope Walks; 116 Duke Street, Liverpool

  463

  Plot E, Estuary

  441

  Rope Walks; Starting Point Project

  429

  Prince Edwin Street Housing, Liverpool

  415

  15 Victoria Street, Liverpool

  387

  165–179 London Road, Liverpool

  376

  Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool

  374

  Vauxhall Community Centre

  348

  Speke Garston Reclamation—Matchworks (also known as Bryant And May) development

  342

  Cawdor Street Phase 1, Liverpool

  339

  Africa House Offices Mark 2, Liverpool

  314

  Pembroke Place Mixed Development, Liverpool

  302

  Merseyside Development Corporation—Vauxhall Neighbourhood Centre, Sylvester Street

  284

  Burroughs Gardens Housing, Liverpool

  275

  Lodge Lane/Upper Parliament Street

  266

  Merseyside Development Corporation—Peaston/YHA Tabley Street

  258

  1 Queens Square

  241

  Scotland Road Housing, Liverpool

  220

  3–5 Trueman Street, Liverpool

  202

  Speke Garston Regeneration—Liverpool Airport Terminal

  199

  The Millennium Discovery Park

  186

  Speke Garston Regeneration—Estuary Phase—Security Costs

  175

  Tithebarn Street Offices, Liverpool

  140

  Sunnyside Housing, Liverpool

  139

  St. Pauls Shepperd Centre

  132

  Mount Pleasant Student Flats, Phase 2. Liverpool

  114

  Abdullah Building Mixed Development, Liverpool

  110

  Lord Nelson Street, Liverpool

  109

  Grenville Street South Adventure Playground

  108

  Total

  162,623

  1 Over £100,000, 1994 to date

  308W 309W

  "The Future of Aviation"
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason copies of the national consultation document, "The Future of Aviation", were not made available in the Vote Office and no ministerial statement made to the House at the time of publication. [143448]

  Mr. Mullin
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 11 December 2000,Official Report, column 25W. This statement informed the House that the consultation document would be published the following day. The consultation document does not contain any new statements of Government policy. Copies of the consultation document were received in the Libraries of the House and in the Vote Office on the day of publication, Tuesday 12 December. However, due to an oversight they did arrive late to the Vote Office.

  Gas Installation
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on extending the CORGI registration scheme to cover non-gas work carried out in conjunction with work on gas appliances; and if he will make a statement. [142638]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: The Health and Safety Commission has received a number of representations on this issue in response to its Discussion Document "Gas safety review: Options for change" and an associated shorter document "Key issues for consumers". These are summarised in the Commission's report on the outcome of the Review: "Proposals for Change", a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

  Non-gas work includes plumbing and electrical work not directly connected to gas safety, carried out by installers in conjunction with gas work on a combustion appliance. Only a minority of respondents to the Discussion Document expressed support for the extension of the CORGI registration scheme to cover such work. The great majority (53 out of 77, or over two-thirds) were not in favour of extending the scheme in this way. The same question raised in the associated consumer document elicited a similar balance of responses.

  The 'non-gas' activities of installers are already subject to the general requirements of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations. The Commission has accepted the view that the increased prescriptive burden that an extension of the CORGI registration scheme would represent would be difficult to justify in safety terms. However, the Commission will ensure that the general health and safety requirements are duly emphasised in its Approved Code of Practice on "Standards of training in safe gas installation", which it plans to update in the light of the Review findings.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with other Government departments on ways of improving protection for consumers dealing with gas installation businesses; and if he will make a statement. [142639]
  310W
  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: I am currently considering, in conjunction with colleagues at the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Health, the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales the recommendations set out in the Health and Safety Commission's recent report "Fundamental Review of the Gas Safety Regime: Proposals for Change".

  My preliminary view is that the report's recommendations include useful measures for making further improvements to the safety regime for the installation and use of gas. I am discussing the recommendations with my colleagues in Government along with more radical proposals in certain areas. The Government will issue a statement in the new year on implementation.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the desirability of introducing a scheme for the formal recording of gas equipment sales; and if he will make a statement. [142588]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: The Health and Safety Commission has received a number of representations on this issue, in response to its discussion document "Gas safety review: Options for change". These are summarised in the Commission's report on the outcome of the Review, "Proposals for Change". A copy has been placed in the Library.

  In response to a question on possible controls over do-it-yourself installation, the option of requiring retailers to record sales of gas equipment was supported by 26 respondents to the main Discussion Document, with 34 against; that of subsequent inspection by a central body was supported by 20, with 33 against. The parallel question in the associated shorter discussion document aimed at consumers elicited 36 in favour and 26 against such control. The main reservations expressed were over the possible compliance burden, bureaucracy and doubtful effectiveness of this approach.

  A similar question was asked in relation to further action directed towards non-registered installers. Responses here were equally divided, with 14 in favour and the same number against. Several supporting this option did so in view of its potential deterrent effect on non-registered installers. Those against had concerns about the cost, bureaucracy and doubtful effectiveness of this approach.

  The case for such action will be re-examined when additional data from improved accident reporting arrangements, to be introduced as part of the implementation of the Review findings, are available.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what directions overriding a note of dissent by an accounting officer have been given by the boards of non-departmental public bodies within his Department's remit since May 1997; and if he will place details of such directions in the Library. [143540]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  There have been no such directions.
  311W

  Planning Applications
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) which of the applications objected to by the Environment Agency in 1999–2000 were(a) approved, (b) rejected and (c) called in for review; [143637]

  (2) if he will list the planning applications included in the Environment Agency's Annual report supplied to MAFF and his Department in June which were (a) approved, (b) rejected and (c) called in for review; [143636]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Environment Agency's Report on high-level target 12—Development in areas at risk of flooding covers the period from October 1999 to March 2000. It lists 403 applications and identifies those where the local planning authority decision was in line with or contrary to Agency advice and those not yet determined. It also lists 22 appeals but does not contain information on applications called in for review. I have placed the report in the Library of the House.

  High Hedges
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made in drafting legislation to tackle high hedges; and if he will make a statement. [143635]

  Mr. Prescott
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Poole (Mr. Syms) on 15 December 2000,Official Report, column 290W.

  Antarctica
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent information has been received by his Department concerning changes in air temperature, precipitation and ice cover in Antarctica; and if he will make a statement. [143412]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 20 December 2000]: Meteorological information for Antarctica is provided to the UK Government by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). The Antarctic Peninsula region has experienced a significant rise in temperature of more than 2°C in the last 50 years and in the frequency of precipitation events resulting in a reduction in both ice shelves and perennial snow cover. Other areas, such as the South Pole, show significant cooling, but changes in ice cover over the remainder of Antarctica are not known. There is no significant trend in sea ice area over the last 27 years of high quality records. A report on the stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, commissioned by my Department, shows that expert opinion is divided on the likelihood and cause of any collapse of this ice sheet, although the majority consider it to be unlikely. Such a collapse has been considered to be a possible consequence of global warming. The report concluded that there is a very low risk of collapse in the next three centuries, however, this issue remains a key matter for research at BAS.

  Incineration (Dogs)
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if a person with a permit from a local authority to(a) use his
  312W
  premises as a knackers yard and (b) to incinerate specified risk material requires a waste management licence to incinerate dogs. [143846]

  Mr. Meacher
  Yes, subject to the following considerations.

  The incineration of waste is classified as a waste disposal operation under the amended Framework Directive on waste. This means that any person operating an incinerator is required to hold a permit—as defined in paragraph 1 of Schedule 4 to the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 (as amended). A waste management licence, issued under Part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, is a permit for these purposes and would usually be required where the incinerator is designed to burn waste at a rate of 50 kgs per hour or less. An exemption from licensing may apply where the conditions set out in regulation 17 and paragraph 29 of Schedule 3 to the 1994 Regulations are fulfilled.

  An authorisation under Part I of the 1990 Act is required for incinerators designed to burn waste at more than 50 kgs per hour.

  Structural Funding
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many projects submitted under the Merseyside Objective 1 2000 to 2006 Programme have been passed to the relevant section of DTI for clearance under European Commission state aid rules. [143848]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Thirty-three such projects have been referred to the Department of Trade and Industry for an opinion.

  Modernising Government White Paper
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the number, purpose and total value of contracts with external consultants and advisers that(a) have been let and (b) are due to be let, by his Department to further the implementation of the Modernising Government White Paper indicating those contracts that relate specifically to management consultancy. [143705]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The cost of implementing the White Paper on Modernising Government by my Department is not separately identified within the resources allocated in the Comprehensive Spending Review and the Spending Review 2000. The plans for my Department along with others are set out in the respective White Papers, "Modern Public Services for Britain", Cm 4011 and "Public Services for the Future", Cm 4181; and Spending Review 2000, Cm 4807 and Cm 4808. The Department's individual spending plan is set out in the Public Expenditure Outturn White Paper for 1999–2000, Cm 4812.

  Energy Efficiency
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make it his policy to require that the sellers' packs, proposed in the Homes Bill, will include(a) an energy efficiency rating for the property, (b) advice on

  313W
  cost-efficient energy saving measures that could be taken in the property and (c) the consequent savings due to these measures; [143189]

  (2) what steps he is taking to promote energy efficiency to new home buyers; and if he will make a statement. [143278]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Homes Bill establishes the requirement for a person marketing a residential property to compile a seller's pack, and enables the Secretary of State to prescribe by statutory instrument the contents of the seller's pack.

  The pilot study carried out in Bristol earlier this year tested some of the potential components of a seller's pack. This pack included an energy efficiency assessment incorporating an energy rating using the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), the Government's recommended system for energy rating of homes. It also included generic advice on measures to improve energy efficiency. The inclusion of such information was well received by home buyers, although some concerns were expressed about the format of this information and the accompanying advice. We are looking into these points further.

  It is currently intended that Regulations prescribe the inclusion of an energy report in the seller's pack, and that this will include generic advice on measures to improve energy efficiency, and an indication of the cost and pay back period of each of those improvements.

  As regards new homes, all new dwellings must comply with Part L of the Building Regulations, Conservation of Fuel and Power. We are currently reviewing Part L. In addition, through the Energy Efficiency Best Practice programme, we encourage housebuilders to build and promote highly energy efficient dwellings which would deliver a Standard Assessment Procedure energy rating of 80 or more on the 1–100 scale (the SAP 80+ initiative). Under an amendment of the Building Regulations taking effect from 1 January 2001, builders will have to post up notices of SAP ratings in new homes.

  Ministerial Travel
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list, for each year since 1995, the number of flights, including helicopter flights, taken by Ministers within his Department for UK and overseas visits; on how many occasions(a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143873]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Ministers are under a duty to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This Government has given a commitment to publish an annual list of visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500 as well as an annual figure on spend by all Ministers on overseas visits. The list for 1999–2000 was published on 28 July 2000,Official Report, column 969W.

  Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
  314W

  Heathrow
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he has made a decision on the proposals for changes to the preferential use of Heathrow's runways at night; and if he will make a statement. [144168]

  Mr. Mullin
  I have concluded that it would not be fair and equitable to maintain the current Westerly Preference at night. It would be irrational to maintain in operation a noise mitigation measure that no longer serves the purpose for which it was originally intended. Indeed, it now has the perverse effect at night of adding to the sum of the disturbance that may be caused.

  It makes no sense for the Westerly Preference to be operated at times when there are few or no take-offs, because it does not serve as a noise mitigating measure, and it is incompatible with the Government's aim to minimise the impact of the airport on the local environment.

  I have considered carefully the arguments put forward for introducing and easterly preference at night, because I recognise this would provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number of people, but it would not provide a fair and equitable outcome. Everyone, whether they live in a densely populated area or otherwise, is entitled to the same consideration and respect.

  I have decided that the current Westerly Preference should be replaced at night by a weekly rotation between westerly and easterly operations whenever weather conditions permit.

  I expect the new arrangements will be introduced in the spring, but full implementation will not be possible until the completion of runway resurfacing work in 2002–03.

  No changes are being made to the night restrictions regime introduced in 1999.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Supply Teachers
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to amend the policy in respect of working holidaymakers employed as supply teachers. [144125]

  Mrs. Roche
  The purpose of the working holidaymaker scheme is not to meet skills shortages, or enable teachers to secure employment in the United Kingdom, but as a concession to the normal arrangements working holidaymakers who are qualified teachers are allowed to undertake supply teaching during their stay. In keeping with the ethos of the scheme, any teaching work should be incidental to a holiday and they should not be working for the whole of their time here.

  For those non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who wish to engage in full-time teaching employment in the United Kingdom there are already provisions under the work permit scheme, and provisions in the Immigration Rules enabling approved exchange schemes for teachers and language assistants.
  315W
  I have nonetheless considered representations about the particular staffing difficulties and disruption faced by schools when supply teachers in their employ leave during the course of a school term because their leave to enter or remain as working holidaymakers has expired. In the interests of schools and their pupils, and in the light of the unique considerations which apply to the completion of school terms, I have agreed to amend the policy instructions in respect of working holidaymakers. This change will enable a short extension of leave to remain in the United Kingdom to a working holidaymaker who is already employed as a supply teacher, and whom the school wishes to retain, to enable them to complete the school term during which their have to remain as a working holidaymaker has expired Such leave will be granted on an exceptional basis outside the Immigration Rules in order to benefit those whose leave will expire during the course of a term but will not permit extensions to cover a whole term or more. Schools wishing to employ working holidaymakers as supply teachers will be expected to take account of the date upon which such a teacher's leave to enter or remain is due to expire when planning the coverage of vacant posts over the school year.

  Football Disorder
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many hooligans have received football banning orders since the enactment of the Football (Disorder) Act 2000; what impact the Act is having on the behaviour of English football fans overseas; and when the working group on football disorder will report its findings. [144127]

  Mr. Straw
  The courts have imposed 122 football banning orders under the measures contained in the 2000 Act. While there are no grounds for complacency there has been no significant disorder involving English football supporters overseas since the Act came into force. The early indications are that the new measures are helping to deter disorder and encouraging the vast majority of travelling supporters to rid English football of its hooligan reputation. A copy of the interim report of the Working Group on Football Disorder has today been placed in the Library. It outlines the group's provisional findings and the work upon which it has embarked. The group has been tasked to produce by April of next year a collective and cohesive plan for improving the image of English football, the behaviour of its followers and the role of football at all levels in promoting social inclusion. Measures aimed at tackling the racist and xenophobic attitudes that so often prompt football violence and disorder will feature in the plan.

  Official Publications
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [141449]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: Total annual figures for spending on official publications are available for the financial years 1997–98 onwards. Collated data are not available for the cost of publications produced in 1996–97. For figures 1997–98 and 1998–99,
  316W
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean) on 25 October 1999, Official Report, column 693W, which confirmed annual total expenditure of 1997–98 £4,600,752 and 1998–99 £4,339,587 respectively.

  The total expenditure for 1999–2000 was £3,348,854 and current expenditure for 2000–2001 to date is £2,541,317.

  It is at this time not possible to provide any figures for planned expenditure for the financial year 2001–02.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list each new publication issued by his Department since 1997; and what the total cost is to the Department of each publication. [141462]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: Detailed figures for the production of new publications for the Home Department are available only from 1 April 1999, when the total Department's publications budget became centralised.

  Before this, individual Directorates within the Home Department were responsible for production of and payment for publications. It is not therefore possible to provide a complete list of new publications or costs prior to this date.

  The following lists cover the financial years 1999–2000 and 1 April 2000 to date (6 December 2000). These costs include preparation, production and purchase of copies for official use, but not staff costs.

  New publications produced by Communication Directorate from 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000

  £

  Active Community Unit: Supporting Families

  9,532

  Active Community Unit: Policy Action

  4,920

  Active Community Unit: Giving Time Getting Involved

  4,933

  Active Community Unit: Strengthening

  3,552

  Active Community Unit: Family Policy

  500

  Active Community Unit: Listen-Up Document

  6,500

  Criminal Justice Consultative Council: Summary of Activities

  2,446

  HMI Probation: Probation Service

  2,501

  HMI Probation: Gwent

  4,792

  HMI Probation: Gwent Q&E Report

  2,280

  HMI Probation: 1998 Annual Report

  4,068

  HMI Probation: Powys

  4,367

  HMI Probation: Test

  1,386

  HMI Probation: West Midlands

  5,926

  HMI Probation: Staffordshire

  4,980

  HMI Probation: Shropshire

  5,395

  HMI Probation: Warwickshire

  5,368

  HMI Probation: Hereford and Worcs.

  4,936

  HMI Probation: Region 1

  2,605

  HMI Probation: Region 2

  17,069

  Victim Perspective

  7,154

  Integrating Business and Information Systems: Strategic Plan/Leaflet

  27,060

  Justice and Victims Unit: Homicide Leaflets

  1,490

  Action for Justice

  1,875

  Vulnerable/Intimidated Witness

  587

  Victims of Crime (language versions)

  33,668

  Release of Prisoners

  8,451

  Planning to Protect

  2,890

  Juvenile Offenders Unit: Implementation Guidance

  3,088

  Court Ordered Secure Remand

  1,100

  Probation Service Inf. Strategy

  5,283

  Probation: Extended Sentences

  2,255

  Probation Service Booklets

  12,088

  Probation: What Works

  5,329

  Probation Service/Sex Offenders

  1,310

  Probation: National Systems

  50,537

  Domestic Violence:Inter-Agency Guide

  8,940

  European Elections Leaflet

  466,902

  317W

  New publications produced by Communication Directorate from 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000

  £

  Police Policy: Dismantling Barriers

  701

  Police Policy: Mega Mela Leaflet

  2,450

  Police: Graduate Opportunities

  10,225

  Prisons Ombudsman Annual Report

  7,116

  Prisons Ombudsman: Leaflets

  3,635

  Human Rights: Whitehall Guidance Materials

  25,696

  Human Rights: Task Force

  7,254

  Human Rights: Introductory Guide

  16,740

  Human Rights: Core Guidance

  11,290

  Emergency Planning Materials

  6,080

  Millennium Bug Leaflet

  4,288

  Joint Charter

  1,291

  Home Office Annual Report

  15,200

  Home Office Business Plan

  5,000

  Home Office Recruitment

  5,555

  Racial Equality in Public Services

  19,460

  CCTV Prospectus

  2,184

  Making Arrests

  1,664

  Neighbourhood Watch Report

  1,680

  Crime Reduction: Pathfinders Report

  26,142

  Tackling Vehicle Crime

  6,210

  Ministerial Tour Materials

  10,140

  Retail Crime

  1,699

  Crime Reduction Strategy

  34,097

  Cardiff Crime Leaflet

  1,327

  Neighbourhood Watch Package

  20,640

  Vehicle Key Code

  1,280

  Drugs Prevention Advisory Service: Briefing Papers

  18,280

  Drugs Prevention Advisory Service: Our Developing Prevention Agency

  4,034

  Drugs Prevention Advisory Service: Report and Summary

  9,669

  Drugs Prevention Advisory Service: Guidance Manual

  8,424

  Drugs Prevention Advisory Service: Drugs and Young Offenders

  5,980

  Drugs Prevention Advisory Service: Compendium

  25,813

  Fire Safety: Candles Leaflet

  12,707

  Fire Safety: Guidance 'Toolbox'

  40,000

  Fire Safety: Escape Plans

  32,714

  Fire Action Plan (languages)

  3,353

  Chief Inspector of Prisons: Annual Report

  6,780

  CM 4355 Draft Legislation

  4,159

  Youth Justice

  803

  Immigration and Asylum Bill

  4,258

  Interception/Communications Report

  4,753

  Data Protection Act

  6,097

  Funding of Political Parties

  7,552

  Animal Procedures Report

  19,953

  Private Office Misc. Reports

  82,318

  Legal Advisers: Building A Safe Just and Tolerant Society

  2,350

  Lawyers in the Home Office

  493

  Misuse of Drugs

  3,418

  Legal: Lighters Refill

  1,675

  Prevention of Terrorism

  1,498

  Statutory Instruments

  35,309

  HMI Constabulary—Managing Learning

  18,696

  HMI Constabulary—Cumbria

  2,292

  HMI Constabulary—West Yorkshire

  2,342

  HMI Constabulary—Briefing Paper

  747

  HMI Constabulary—Essex Police

  3,330

  How Long Youth Cases Take

  980

  National Criminal Intelligence

  2,798

  HMI Constabulary: Hampshire

  2,317

  HMI Constabulary: Metropolitan Police

  7,492

  HMI Constabulary: Leicestershire

  2,021

  HMI Constabulary: Inspection into Integrity

  10,930

  HMI Constabulary: Strategy

  4,527

  HMI Constabulary: Annual Report

  4,923

  HMI Constabulary: Reports

  101,190

  Sentencing and Offenders: Booklet

  4,397

  Rehabilitation of Offenders

  1,219

  Anti-Social Behaviour Booklet

  4,072

  Rehabilitation of Offenders

  1,219

  Detention/Young Offenders

  1,081

  Total

  1,506,070

  318W

  Departmental Policies (Blackpool, South)
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home 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. [142226]

  Mr. Straw
  The Home Office is working 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. Detailed information on the impact of Home Office policies across the full range of responsibilities is set out in Home Office annual reports. A copy of the most recent report, "Home Office Annual Report 1999–2000", is available in the Library.

  The impact of Home Office policies and actions is not normally examined by constituency and the statistics which the Department collects cannot be matched in the way requested. However, the following are examples relating to Blackpool, South constituency or the immediate locality:

  Crime data for all recorded offences are collected centrally at police force area level. Blackpool, South forms part of the Western Division of the Lancashire Constabulary, who have provided the following information on the overall number of recorded crimes in this Division:

  Year ending 31 March 1997: 20,143

  Year ending 31 March 2000: 18,599.

  These figures are not, however, directly comparable as there was a change in counting rules for recorded crime on 1 April 1998, which laid more emphasis on measurement of one crime per victim, and also expanded the coverage of offences.

  A number of projects have been funded in Blackpool under the Crime Reduction Programme:
  Two projects under the Reducing Burglary Initiative worth a total of £91,200.
  One project under the Targeted Policing Initiative worth £103,000 to tackle vehicle crime and general disorder.
  The Youth Justice Board funded a Splash Programme on the Mereside estate in the 2000 school summer holidays and Blackpool have been invited to run a Splash scheme in Easter and summer 2001 school holidays. The Youth Justice Board has also been working with Blackpool to establish a Youth Inclusion project.

  More generally, all of the policies of the Home Office will impact on the residents of Blackpool, South to a greater or lesser extent. For example:
  376 Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships and 154 Youth Offending Teams have been established;
  the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 ensures greater protection for victims in rape trials;
  Ministers have taken proper responsibility for the Prison Service;
  racial harassment and racially motivated crimes have been made criminal offences by he Crime and Disorder Act 1998;
  the backlog of asylum applications has been cut from 103,495 in January this year to 74,380 as at October 2000;1
  good progress is being made in reducing the incidence of fire related deaths in the home.
  319W

  Cross-sectoral Bodies
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the local, sub-regional and regional partnerships, boards of zones and other cross-sectoral bodies supported by his Department; and the funding streams with which they are associated. [142186]

  Mr. Straw
  The information requested is not held centrally. In delivering its Aims, the Home Office works in partnership with a wide range of organisations, both formally and informally. At local level, the Home Office is working with the Regional Co-ordination Unit to ensure effective delivery of Home Office services, including through local partnerships.

  Some examples of partnerships and cross-sectoral bodies include the 376 crime and disorder partnerships in England and Wales, youth offending teams (YOTs), the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB), vehicle crime reduction action team (VCRAT), drug action teams, black and minority ethnic twinning volunteering partnerships and prison healthcare delivery.

  Crime and disorder partnerships are led by the police and local authorities, but also involve others such as health, education, private and voluntary sectors. They are required to formulate and implement a crime and disorder strategy for their area and are able to bid for funding for particular crime reduction projects from the crime reduction programme.

  Youth offending teams are a local partnership between police, probation officers, social workers, health and education staff. They are responsible for delivering community based intervention programmes to make young offenders face up to their crimes and change their attitudes and behaviour and to promote youth inclusion. YOTs are resourced through contributions from the agencies involved.

  The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales is a cross-sectoral, non-departmental public body. It was established in September 1998 with the Juvenile Offenders Unit as the Home Office, Sponsor Unit. The YJB receives funding from the Home Office through monthly grant-in-aid payments.

  Another example of a cross-sectoral partnership is the VCRAT. This comprises of senior representatives from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the Retail Motor Industry Federation, the Association of British Insurers, the Automobile Association, the Association of Chief Police Officers (including Scotland), Police Superintendents Association, Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Home Office and the Scottish Executive. VCRAT is working to reduce vehicle crime by 30 per cent. over five years (1 April 1999–30 March 2004) and advising on progress with implementation in the light of recorded vehicle crime figures as they are published. VCRAT itself does not have access to funds, but funding is available from the Crime Reduction Programme to support its work.
  320W
  Drug Action Teams (DATs) are locally organised teams with representatives from police, probation, local authority services and health. They are responsible locally for delivery of the Government's drugs strategy. Each of the local agencies in the DAT are funded individually. Additionally, DATs receive funding through the Drugs Prevention Advisory Service, to assist in the co-ordination of their work.

  Black and Minority Ethnic Twinning Volunteering Partnerships aim to raise national awareness of good volunteering practice in black and minority ethnic communities; to improve opportunities for black and minority ethnic volunteers and increase their involvement in mainstream voluntary organisations; and to provide access to funding. £800,000 from the Home Office Community Support Grant has been provided to fund the initiative over the period 1999–2002.

  The Prison Service, working with the National Health Service (NHS), supports a partnership to reform and deliver more appropriate health services to prisoners. This involves prison governors and health authorities identifying the health needs of prisoners and developing local joint prison health plans. The process is led from the centre by two joint Prison Service/NHS units—a policy unit and a task force—located within the Department of Health.

  National Black Police Association
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met representatives of the National Black Police Association; and if he will make a statement. [142499]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Association is represented on the steering group overseeing the follow up to the report into the murder of Stephen Lawrence, which is chaired by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, which last met on 21 November 2000. The Secretary of State last met representatives of the Association on 19 October 1998 for a bilateral. I last met the Chair and Deputy Chair on 18 July 2000. My right hon. Friend, strongly supports the Association in its work of developing support networks for minority ethnic police officers.

  Departmental Advertising
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99, (d) 1999–2000 and (e) 2000–01, (i) his Department's total spending on advertising campaigns, (ii) the cost of each individual advertising campaign and (iii) the criteria that were established to gauge the effectiveness of each campaign; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of each campaign based on these criteria. [142717]

  Mr. Straw
  The Home Office uses advertising in various media to inform the public about how they are affected by Departmental legislation, and also to encourage good practice in such areas as fire safety, crime reduction and voter registration. More recently a substantial police recruitment campaign has been launched.
  321W
  Total expenditure during the years requested is as follows:

  £ million

  1996–97

  5.23

  1997–98

  1.4

  1998–99

  1.8

  1999–2000

  5.65

  2000–01

  11.08

  1 Spend to date

  Note:

  Figures include Value Added Tax

  Advertising is undertaken through the Central Office of Information.

  The breakdown of advertising campaigns excluding those under £50,000 is as follows:

  £

  1996–97

  Vehicle Crime Reduction

  1,900,000

  APSG Police Recruitment

  80,000

  Electoral Registration

  693,000

  Special Constables Recruitment

  2,100,000

  Fire Safety

  460,000

  1997–98

  APSG Police Recruitment

  75,000

  Electoral Registration

  570,000

  Special Constables

  420,000

  Fire Safety—Chips pilot

  305,000

  1998–99

  APSG Police Recruitment

  75,000

  Electoral Registration

  580,000

  Special Constables

  355,000

  Fire Safety—Smoke Alarms

  370,000

  Crime Partnerships

  430,000

  1999–2000

  APSG Police Recruitment

  75,000

  Electoral Registration

  575,000

  Special Constables

  910,000

  Fire Safety—Chips national

  1,330,000

  Fire Safety—Escape pilot

  345,000

  European Parliamentary Elections

  1,870,000

  Passport Agency

  545,000

  2000–011

  Police recruitment

  4,100,000

  Vehicle crime reduction

  4,000,000

  Fire safety

  2,200,000

  Human rights

  780,000

  1 Spend to date

  Each campaign is evaluated to ensure maximum effectiveness and value for money. Evaluation criteria are set according to the individual objectives of each campaign (for example increases in awareness and understanding of fire safety issues are measured, along with changes in public attitudes and subsequent shifts in fire statistics). The results of each evaluation exercise are used to inform future campaign development.

  Historical data on the individual communication objectives and evaluation criteria for each campaign can be supplied only at disproportionate cost.
  322W

  Voluntary Organisations
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to ensure that voluntary organisations do not suffer financial penalties as a result of the requirement to check all volunteers with the Criminal Records, Bureau. [142534]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Criminal Records Bureau is being established under Part V of the Police Act 1997, which does not lay down a legal requirement for all volunteers to be subject to checks through the Bureau. Checks will be carried out on individuals on application. The fees to be charged for such checks have not yet been settled, but they will be as low as possible. Before making regulations setting the fees, we shall carry out a regulatory impact assessment to consider the implications for voluntary organisations and other users of the bureau's service. The outcome will be made public.

  Operational Care
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police forces in England have been offered special payments in respect of the additional workload involved in Operation Care. [143136]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Merseyside police has not asked for a special payment for Operation Care. Neither have any other police authorities requested such payments for any major child abuse investigations that have been mounted.

  Chief constables would normally be expected to meet the cost of such operations from within the forces available budget, and from its reserves.

  Firearms Certificates
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many temporary firearms certificates have been issued by Cheshire Police in each of the past six months to holders of firearms certificates who are awaiting renewals. [143855]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I understand that the following number of police permits have been issued under section 7 of the Firearms Act 1968:

  Month

  Number

  June

  1

  July

  1

  August

  1

  September

  1

  October

  0

  November

  1

  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department In how many times in each of the past six months, and for what reason, North Wales police has issued written permission for a named person to possess firearms and ammunition in the name of the authority of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation dealer's certificate No. 116 for the purposes of section 8 of the Firearms Act 1968. [143856]
  323W
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Section 8 of the Firearms Act provides that a person carrying on the business of a registered firearms dealer or a servant of any such person may, without holding a certificate, have in his possession, or purchase or acquire, a firearm or ammunition in the ordinary course of that business. The police have no authority to issue 'written permission' for a person to act as a dealer's servant: this is a matter of fact.

  We understand that last month North Wales police issued a firearm certificate permitting a new employee of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) to possess firearms and ammunition held by the dealership as a temporary measure while BASC's approval as a target shooting club was being renewed. This is a purely administrative matter, and BASC, North Wales police and the Home Office are not aware of any problems arising from this.

  Metropolitan Police (Recruitment)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what residency qualificants are operated by the Metropolitan police when considering for recruitment applications; what plans he has to review the qualifications; and if he will make a statement. [143795]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The nationality requirements for applicants to the police service in England and Wales, including the Metropolitan police, were set out in my reply to my hon. Friend on 14 December 2000,Official Report, column 258W.

  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.

  I understand that within the Metropolitan police, following the introduction of the Metropolitan Police Recruitment Taskforce, short periods abroad (i.e. of less than six months), are disregarded. Longer periods are still a matter of concern as counter terrorism checks can be carried out in a meaningful way only where the residency of the person can be confirmed.

  To ensure that those candidates who have been broadening their horizons by visiting foreign countries and gaining experience of other cultures are not disadvantaged, a new protocol has been agreed with Special Branch. This protocol states that where a candidate appears suitable in every other respect, but residency is in question, Special Branch will carry out an individual risk assessment which may include a personal interview with the candidate. In appropriate cases, Special Branch will offer clearance for the recruiting process to continue.

  I have no plans to review the qualification in respect of residency.
  324W

  Police Checks
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost has been to the Scout movement as a result of charges for police checks on those wishing to work with children. [143793]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We are currently refining our estimates of the likely cost of operating the Criminal Records Bureau, and thus the cost of carrying out checks. Information as to charges will be announced as soon as possible.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if charges for police checks on people wishing to work with children are applicable in Wales. [143794]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Existing national policy, agreed with the Association of Chief Police Officers, on the conduct of police checks relates to both England and Wales. Similarly, the Criminal Records Bureau, through which such checks will be possible from next summer, will provide a service in both England and Wales.

  Home Affairs Research and Statistics Directorate
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the titles of projects(a) undertaken and (b) completed by the Home Affairs Research and Statistics Directorate in the past six months, indicating which of these have been published; and how their findings have been made available. [142333]

  Mr. Straw
  The available information taken from the Home Office Research Development and Statistics (RDS) business plan has been included in a table that has been placed in the Library. The RDS Business plan is also published on the Home Office website (www.homeoffice.gov.uk).

  In addition to publication, Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate findings are available on the Home Office website and the research is regularly referred to at seminars and conferences.

  Ministerial Travel
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list, for each year since 1995, the number of flights, including helicopter flights, taken by Ministers within his Department for UK and overseas visits; on how many occasions(a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143870]

  Mr. Straw
  Ministers are under a duty to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This Government have given a commitment to publish an annual list of visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500, as well as an annual figure on spend by all Ministers on overseas visits. The list for 1999–2000 was published on 28 July 2000.

  Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  325W

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  CAP (Rural Development)
  Mr. Bradshaw
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to increase the proportion of common agricultural policy expenditure by him devoted to rural development. [142344]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  The Government are committed to further enhancing rural development measures: the "second pillar" of the CAP. We announced this commitment on 7 December 1999 with the seven-year, £1.6 billion, England rural development programme. We estimate that, by 2005–06, spending on rural development will have risen to 15 per cent. of total CAP expenditure in the UK. At Community level, we will continue to press for a greater share of EU funding from the second pillar.

  Livestock Farmers (Compensation)
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about agrimonetary compensation for livestock farmers. [142345]

  Ms Quin
  Livestock farmers will have received around £340 million in agrimonetary compensation from 1997 to the end of 2001.

  BSE
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to implement the recommendations of the BSE inquiry report. [142346]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I intend to publish at the end of January the Government's interim response to the report. Lord Phillips' findings go to the heart of what is good governance, including properly informed policy-making; joined-up Government; best use of advisory committees and expert advice; timely decision-taking; a consistent and proportionate approach to risk management and precaution—especially when dealing with uncertainty; and effective implementation of policy decisions. The report's conclusions also emphasise the need for openness and better communication with the public about scientific knowledge and risk to inform consumer choice.

  The interim response will focus on actions already taken on these key themes, as well as addressing how we will deal with the 160 plus detailed lessons that the report identifies. It will form the basis of consultations and discussions, enabling all those interested to contribute to the final response that the Government will make later next year.

  In my statement on 26 October, I said that I and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health would commission an independent assessment of current scientific understanding, including emerging findings, of the origins of the BSE epidemic. We have now asked Professor Gabriel Horn to chair this review.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cattle, slaughtered as a consequence of the anti-BSE measures, are held in cold stores in the United Kingdom; and at what cost. [143316]
  326W
  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 20 December 2000]: No cattle slaughtered as a consequence of the anti-BSE measures are currently held in cold storage in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he is undertaking into alternatives to the incineration of cattle slaughtered as an anti-BSE measure. [143324]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 20 December 2000]: MAFF is funding two research projects which are looking into alternatives to the incineration of cattle slaughtered as a control measure for BSE. These projects are in their early stages and results are not yet available. The first project is looking at the effectiveness of high temperature, pressure and alkali in inactivating the TSE agent; the second is looking at the effect of high pressure steam. Both these projects are using pilot scale apparatus, but could be scaled up for industrial use.

  Hill Farming
  Mrs. Betty Williams
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he has taken to ensure that aid to hill farmers encourages the adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices. [142347]

  Mr. Morley
  The upland environment depends on viable hill farm enterprises. Less favoured area support payments include environmental objectives and are tied to good farming practice. The taskforce my right hon. Friend the Minister announced on 23 November is examining how to strengthen hill farming in England using the whole range of ERDP and other measures.

  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assistance the Government have given to hill farmers to help them diversify. [142351]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  The Rural Enterprise Scheme provides new grains for all types of farmers, including hill farmers, seeking to pursue good diversification projects. Other measures, such as the vocational training scheme and the farm business advice service, also offer relevant support.

  Livestock Sales
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what meetings he has held with farmers' representatives in the last month to discuss the sale of livestock. [142352]

  Ms Quin
  I and my colleagues meet with farmers' representatives on a regular basis, during which we often discuss issues relating to the livestock industry. Most recently, my right hon. Friend the Minister attended the Smithfield Show on 26 November and livestock industry representatives attended the agricultural strategy industry forum meeting hosted by my right hon. Friend the Minister on 23 November.

  Common Fisheries Policy
  Mr. Michael Jabez Foster
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his priorities are for the 2002 review of the common fisheries policy. [142348]
  327W
  Mr. Morley
  The Government wish to see the maintenance of key features of the present arrangements, such as national quotas, based on relative stability and access restrictions within national 6/12 mile limits. At the same time, we want to secure improvements to make the CFP a more effective instrument for conserving fish stocks, including enhancing the regional dimension, integrating environmental considerations more fully and reducing discards.

  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to secure a greater regional dimension to the common fisheries policy. [142356]

  Mr. Morley
  I have been actively supporting the strengthening of the regional dimension of the common fisheries policy. At my initiative, the Irish sea cod recovery programme has been developed through regional consultations involving fishermen, scientists and managers from the member states concerned. A similar model will now be used for the North sea cod and hake recovery programmes. This is very much the direction in which I want to see the common fisheries policy develop.

  Horticulture
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assistance he plans to provide to horticulture; and if he will make a statement. [142349]

  Ms Quin
  We assist the horticulture sector through a programme of strategic research and development, costing about £10.3 million in the current year. In addition, we have recently launched new schemes under the England rural development programme, including the rural enterprise scheme and the processing and marketing grant scheme, both of which will provide opportunities for the horticulture industry to improve its competitiveness.

  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of the agricultural wages board arrangements on rates of pay in the horticulture sector. [142353]

  Ms Quin
  My Department conducts an annual survey of earnings and hours of agricultural and horticultural workers.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the UK horticulture industry about the climate change levy. [142355]

  Ms Quin
  We have received several representations.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what meetings he held with horticulturalists representatives in the last month. [142361]

  Ms Quin
  We maintain regular contact with representatives from across the horticultural industry. Last month I attended and addressed the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers Dinner. I have accepted an invitation to the Fresh Produce Consortium Convention in the new year.

  Ear Tagging
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the effect on the welfare of livestock of ear tagging. [142350]
  328W
  Mr. Morley
  Many representations have been received voicing concerns about distance readable cattle eartags. It is, of course, an EU requirement for all cattle born after 1 January 1998 to be identified with at least one distance readable eartag. Such tags, although still relatively new for the UK, have been in use for some time in other European countries and no welfare problems have been reported.

  The identification of sheep and goats by eartag or tattoo will also be legally required in Great Britain from 1 January 2001. We have already issued guidance to farmers on best tagging and tattooing practice.

  Pesticides
  Ms Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to reduce pesticide use. [142357]

  Mr. Morley
  We strictly regulate pesticides use, on the basis of independent scientific advice. We encourage farmers and growers to use pesticides responsibly and the pesticides forum promotes minimisation of use.

  Farm Incomes
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his estimate is of average farm income in the financial years(a) 1996–97 and (b) 1999–2000. [142358]

  Ms Quin
  Total income from farming is the preferred measure of aggregate farming income. It consists of business profits plus income to workers with an entrepreneurial interest. Figures are calculated on a calendar-year basis.

  In 1996, the average total income from farming per person (full-time equivalent) was £22,400; in 1997 it was £12,800; and in 1999 it was £10,100. The first estimates of this year's total income from farming per person, published on 30 November, indicate an average of £7,500.

  Pig Industry
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what meetings he has held with pig farmers' representatives in the last month to discuss the state of the industry. [142359]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  My ministerial team and I have between us held or attended seven meetings involving pig farmers or their representatives since the beginning of November. Principal among the topics discussed have been: the pig industry restructuring scheme, which has now received full EU Commission approval and is open to both outgoers and ongoers; and the recent outbreak of classical swine fever in East Anglia, where I am pleased to say the final area movement restrictions affecting commercial pig operations were lifted this week. Producers will also have been heartened by the ending of the export ban on live pigs from Norfolk and Suffolk at midnight last night. I am sure the House will want to join with me in paying tribute to Jim Scudamore, the chief veterinary officer, his staff and the state veterinary service and their administrative colleagues for their sterling efforts in controlling the disease, for representing the
  329W
  national interest so effectively at EU and wider international level, and for responding so swiftly to the many practical problems which the outbreak created.

  Flood Risk (Dredging)
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent advice he has received from the Environment Agency about the contribution that dredging can make to the alleviation of local flood risk; and if he will make a statement. [142360]

  Mr. Morley
  While for many rivers dredging is an important part of the maintenance regime, there can be a limit to the amount of dredging that may sensibly be performed. On some rivers, for example, too much dredging could cause the river banks or walls to collapse; larger watercourses often do not need dredging as they tend to be self cleaning; while deepening a tidal river will not create any additional capacity in the river as the level will be governed by the tide.

  On some rivers with a very large catchment, such as the Severn, the volume of water is such that any increase in channel capacity would have to be extremely large to have even a noticeable effect on flood levels. This would go far beyond simple dredging and would create a channel which would be unsustainable during normal flows. The Environment Agency consider that they cannot justify carrying out dredging work for flood defence purposes on such rivers because benefits are so limited.

  Regulation
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of Government regulation on farmers in the last year. [142363]

  Ms Quin
  The red tape review teams looking at all areas the industry identified as burdensome completed their findings in the last year. Implementation so far of their recommendations on intervention, and IACS and inspections has saved £3 million as well as reduced time spent form filling, while new measures to achieve further savings, for example through electronic forms and co-ordinated inspections, are already well under-way. In addition, every possible new regulation affecting business is subject to regulatory impact assessments and these are published.

  Organic Farming
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what meetings he has held with organic farmers representatives in the last month. [142364]

  Mr. Morley
  My right hon. Friend the Minister met representatives of the Soil Association on 27 November.

  Farms Sizes
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the average acreage is of a farm in England and Wales. [143506]

  Ms Quin
  The average size of a main holding in England and Wales is 60.7 hectares.

  Source:

  Agricultural and Horticultural Census, June 1999.
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  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who chaired the July meeting of the Interdepartmental Group on animal welfare; for what reason no meeting has taken place since July; and what is on the agenda of the next meeting. [143404]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 20 December 2000]: The Under-Secretary of State for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin), chaired the July meeting of the interdepartmental ministerial group on animal welfare. The group agreed to hold these meetings twice yearly and will meet again next year. The date and the agenda have yet to be fixed.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  CPS
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Solicitor-General what assessment he has made of the effect of the proposal to restrict trial by jury on the Crown Prosecution Service's workload. [142365]

  The Solicitor-General
  It is estimated that the proposed Bill to amend the procedure for determining mode of trial for offences triable either way will result in a reduction in the number of trials taking place in the Crown court of around 14,000 per annum. These trials will take place in the Magistrates court. The reduction in the number of Crown court trials will enable the Crown Prosecution Service to focus more effectively on the serious and complex cases that are tried in the Crown court.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Solicitor-General what steps he has taken to raise the profile of the Crown Prosecution Service within local communities. [142371]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Glidewell report recommended that the CPS should establish a more positive relationship with the public. Each of the 42 Chief Crown Prosecutors has taken on this role at a local level by establishing and maintaining links with MPs, the press and local community groups.

  CCPs explain the Service's role and listen and respond to local concerns in a number of ways. They include attending local community and ethnic minority interest group meetings, visiting schools, hospitals, universities, places of worship, and court "open days". Many CCPs also host CPS "open days" for the public and the CPS has translated the Code for Crown Prosecutors into twelve community languages, available on the CPS website.

  Each CCP accounts for the performance of their Area to the communities they serve in a local Annual Reports. The reports on the first year of performance were published in October 2000.

  Human Rights
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many legal proceedings have been initiated under the Human Rights Act 1998. [142367]
  331W
  The Solicitor-General
  Issues may be raised under the Human Rights Act in any legal proceedings. The Lord Chancellor's Department has introduced arrangements to survey cases through data collection systems in the Magistrates courts and the Courts Service. The results of the first quarter will be available in February. However I understand that there has been no overall increase in the number of civil and criminal cases following the Act's entry in force. In very many cases, human rights points are simply raised alongside other claims.

  Victim Impact Statements
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Solicitor-General when victim impact statements will be permitted; and what plans he has for assisting victims in providing such statements. [142370]

  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Solicitor-General when victim impact statements will be permitted; and what plans he has for assisting victims in providing such statements. [142374]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Home Secretary earlier this year announced his plans to introduce during 2001 victim personal statements (previously referred to as victim impact statements or simply victim statements). The new name was adopted to make it clear that these statements will not deal solely with the effects of the crime upon the victim. This remains their principal purpose, but personal statements will also enable victims to say what they feel about many other issues important to them. They may, for example, wish to voice their fears about intimidation and their concerns about bail; say whether they wish to seek compensation; whether they would like information on the progress of the case; whether they would welcome help from the support agencies; and so forth.

  Criminal justice agencies are working with the police and Victim Support to produce guidance on how the new scheme will operate. The guidance will include an explanatory leaflet for victims, notes for practitioners and a booklet for police officers giving advice on the scope and purpose of the scheme.

  Serious Fraud Office
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Solicitor-General what proportion of cases prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office in the last 12 months resulted in convictions. [142373]

  The Solicitor-General
  In the past 12 months, 17 of the 18 cases prosecuted by the SFO resulted in convictions. In the 17 cases which resulted in convictions, 36 defendants were convicted and four acquitted. This represents a case success rate of 94 per cent. and a conviction rate of 86 per cent.

  Mr. Bernard Griffin
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will set out the substantive reasons adduced by the Northern Ireland Director of Public Prosecutions for his decision to drop charges against Mr. Bernard Griffin. [142329]

  The Solicitor-General
  I refer my hon. Friend to the given reply on 25 May 2000,Official Report, column 632W. I will write further to my hon. Friend.
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TREASURY

  Access Charges
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Government's progress in developing legislative proposals to open up access to payment systems and oversee access charges. [143601]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Government today issued a consultation document setting out their proposals to give the Office of Fair Trading new powers aimed at promoting effective competition in payments systems for the benefit of consumers.

  Copies of the consultation document will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Further copies are available from the Treasury, and can also be accessed via the Treasury's website www.hm-treasury.gov.uk.

  Manufacturing Work Force
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the net change in the number of people employed in manufacturing in the United Kingdom in each of the last 12 months. [141689]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Graham Brady, dated 21 December 2000:
  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question on the number of people employed in manufacturing in the United Kingdom in each of the last 12 months (141689).
  Regular monthly information is only available for employee jobs in manufacturing. The monthly estimates are based on the results of employer surveys which count employee jobs. The number of employee jobs is higher than the number of persons employed because it includes second jobs which cannot be identified separately. Information is published monthly in Table B.12 of "Labour Market Trends" copies of which are held in the House of Commons Library. A quarterly series of Workforce Jobs in the manufacturing industries is also published in Table B.12 and in Statbase on the ONS website www.statistics.gov.uk. Workforce Jobs include employee jobs, self-employment jobs and Government Supported Trainees.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many families are eligible for the working families tax credit; [142480]

  (2) how many recipients of the working families tax credit are receiving it via the payroll; [142481]

  (3) in how many families the working families tax credit is paid to (a) a woman and (b) a man. [142479]

  Dawn Primarolo
  For the number of families eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 16 November 2000,Official Report, column 757W. For the number of families where WFTC is paid to (a) a woman and (b) a man, and for the number receiving it via the payroll, I refer to my letters to the hon. Member of 22 September and 19 October, respectively. Copies of these letters are already available in the Library.
  333W
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people who are eligible for Working Families Tax Credit have been paid compensation for delays or errors in payment. [142462]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 12 December 2000]: 95. In such circumstances, the Inland Revenue's Code of Practice allows for these ex-gratia redress payments to be made.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the effect on carbon dioxide emissions of the introduction of the climate change levy on the United Kingdom horticulture industry; [142621]

  (2) how many EU member states have imposed a climate change levy on their horticulture industry; [142590]

  (3) what reliefs are available for horticultural enterprises in EU member states which impose a climate change levy on horticulture. [142624]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 14 December 2000]: In relation to the climate change levy, the Government recognised the position of the UK horticulture sector with the special package of measures announced in Budget 2000.

  Eight other EU member states have introduced or are developing some form of energy tax. The climate change levy has been designed to safeguard the competitiveness of UK firms, and, for the horticulture sector, the position in the Netherlands is of particular importance. The Dutch energy tax has recently been extended to include the horticulture sector.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the amount of energy used by sectors of British industry eligible for the lower tax rate of climate change levy expressed as a proportion of total industry use; and what is his most recent estimate of the proportion which will be subject to the lower rate. [142955]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 15 December 2000]: The Government expect that around 60 per cent. of energy use in the manufacturing sector and 35 per cent. of all business energy use will qualify for an 80 per cent. discount on the climate change levy.

  Widowers
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with TaxAid about the implications for recently widowed men of the out-of-court settlement with Mr. Christopher Crossland. [143509]

  Dawn Primarolo
  TaxAid have not approached Treasury Ministers on this issue but have asked for a meeting with Inland Revenue officials which has taken place. The friendly settlement reached with Mr. Christopher Crossland has no implications for other recently widowed men.

  EU Budget
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average net payment to the EU was in each of the last 11 years. [143672]
  334W
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Government's latest estimated outturn for the United Kingdom's net contribution to the EC Budget in 1999–2000 can be found at footnote 1 to Table B17 of the pre-Budget report (Cm 4917) published in November. Details of the United Kingdom's net contribution to the EC Budget for the period 1988–89 to 1998–99 can be found in departmental reports of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Departments from 1994 to 2000

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the net contributions to the EU in 2001. [143673]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Government estimates of the United Kingdom's net contribution to the EC Budget for future years are given on a financial year basis. The Government's latest forecast for 2000–01 and 2001–02 can be found at footnote 1 to Table B17 of the pre-Budget report (Cm 4917) published in November.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will make a statement on the content and purpose of table B20 of the pre-Budget report; [143676]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the item on EC contributions in table B20 of the pre-Budget report; and which particular sums are included within the figures quoted. [143675]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The accounting adjustments set out in table B20 in the pre-Budget report (PBR) reconcile the public spending aggregates used by the Treasury for planning and control purposes with Total Managed Expenditure (TME) and the National Accounts aggregate for total public sector expenditure based on internationally agreed definitions. The purpose of this table is to ensure that this adjustment is clear and transparent.

  The line for EC contributions in Table B20 shows those adjustments needed to Net payments to EC institutions to reconcile to TME.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on(a) the Maastricht Deficit referred to in table C of the Budget 2000 publication HC 346 and (b) how he calculated the windfall tax receipts and associated spending. [143674]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Table B6 in the November 2000 pre-Budget report shows that the Treaty reference level of 3 per cent. of GDP for the general government deficit is achieved comfortably throughout the projection period 2000–01 to 2005–06.

  Tables 4.1a and 4.1b of the pre-Budget report give estimates of the allocation of windfall tax receipts from 1997–98 to 2000–01, and how the windfall tax is expected to be used to finance the Employment Opportunities Fund from 2001–02 to 2003–04.

  Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what announcements he has made to date concerning the date on which the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 will become fully operational; and when he expects the Act to become fully operational. [143853]
  335W
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 received Royal Assent last June. There has been good progress on implementation since then. The Treasury has issued 13 pieces of draft secondary legislation.

  Consultation on six draft orders published in October by the Treasury has now closed. We are grateful for the comments we have received and will be studying them closely.

  The target I set last July of N2 in about one year remains. It is still too early to be precise on when the Act will come into force. As soon as I can give a firm date I will do so, and plan to do so during the spring. I will provide a reasonable time for industry preparations between announcing a firm date and N2.

  Healthcare Plans
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the administrative charges to be levied by the Financial Services Ombudsman for the handling of complaints; and what steps he is taking to ensure that charges will not be substantially greater than the sums likely to be dealt with in relation to complaints about low cost healthcare cash plans offered by not-for-profit organisations. [143678]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) published a joint consultation paper on funding the Ombudsman in November 2000.

  Both the FSA and FOS are mindful of the particular circumstances of small firms, and the need for charges to be proportionate to the nature and size of complaints. That is why the consultation proposes special arrangements for small firms, under which, once a minimum levy has been paid, case fees would not apply.

  VAT (War Memorials)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy on charging VAT on war memorials, with special reference to the Korean war memorial in West Lothian. [142816]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The construction of war memorials is standard rated as has been the case since the introduction of VAT in 1973.

  Tobacco
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to publicise the risk to consumers who purchase tobacco over the internet of the goods which they have purchased being seized by Her Majesty's Customs; and if he will make a statement. [143190]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In September, the Government launched a campaign designed to increase public awareness of tobacco smuggling. As part of this campaign, information has been placed on most of the major internet search engines to target anybody searching for cigarettes. This includes links through to a Customs and Excise web page which fully explains the legal implications of purchasing tobacco over the internet.
  336W

  National Insurance Rebates
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the compensation scheme for those people with personal pensions who have suffered from delayed payment of their rebate from the National Insurance Fund. [142081]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: The Secretary of State for Social Security announced on 26 October 1998, Official Report, column 32, special compensation arrangements commencing at the beginning of November 1998 for delayed age-related rebates in respect of the 1997–98 tax year.

  Kindertransport Survivors
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement concerning the claim of Kindertransport survivors for German pensions. [143594]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Treasury is not responsible for determining entitlement to social security benefits either in the United Kingdom or in other EU member states.

  Alcohol and Tobacco Duty
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the estimated loss of duty to the Inland Revenue as a result of spirit, beer and tobacco purchases in France by UK residents during the last 12 months. [143619]

  Dawn Primarolo
  HM Customs and Excise have responsibility for excise duties. For the latest published overall estimates of cross-border shopping I refer my hon. Friend to my answer given on 26 November 1999,Official Report, columns 254–55W. Customs do not have figures for revenue lost from purchases in individual countries.

  Capital Allowances
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of providing capital allowances (1) for IT assets, using the definition of IT used in the Finance Act 2000, leased by SMEs, with first year allowances at 100 per cent., over a five-year period; and if he will set out the basis used in the costing; [143792]

  (2) for assets bought or leased by SMEs, with first year allowances at 100 per cent., over a five-year period; and if he will set out the basis used in the costing; [143791]

  (3) for assets leased by SMEs, with first year allowances at (a) 40 per cent. and (b) 100 per cent., over a five-year period; and if he will set out the basis used in the costing. [143790]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government regret that information on the level of expenditure on assets leased by small and medium-sized enterprises is not available.

  Modernising Government White Paper
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the number, purpose and total value of contracts with external advisers and consultants that(a) have been let and (b) are due to be let, by his Department to further the implementation of the

  337W
  Modernising Government White Paper, indicating those contracts that relate specifically to management consultancy; [143704]

  (2) how much, for each financial year from 1998–99 until the latest date for which sums have been allocated, his Department has spent and expects to spend on the implementation of the Modernising Government White Paper. [143702]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office,Official Report, columns 245–246W.

  Ministerial Travel
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many flights including helicopter flights were taken by Ministers within his Department for UK and overseas visits in each year since 1995; on how many occasions(a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143872]

  Mr. Timms
  Ministers are under a duty to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This Government have given a commitment to publish an annual list of visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500 as well as an annual figure on spend by all Ministers on overseas visits. The list for 1999–2000 was published on 28 July 2000,Official Report, column 969W.

  Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Stability Pact
  Barbara Follett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to submit an updated annual Convergence Programme as required by the Stability and Growth Pact. [144246]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  As required under the Stability and Growth Pact, an updated, annual Convergence Programme is being submitted to the European Commission today. Copies of the Programme are being placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Bank of England
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has set guidelines for the overnight investment of the foreign exchange reserves held by the Bank of England. [143844]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  A description of credit risk management for the Exchange Equalisation Account is given in the Credit Risk section (paragraphs 21–23) of the Foreword to "Exchange Equalisation Account: Accounts 1997–98".

  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the average rate of return earned by the Bank of England on its foreign exchange reserves during 1999–2000. [143843]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Information on the rate of return on the foreign exchange reserves is given in the financial accounts for the Exchange Equalisation Account.
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FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Arms Sales
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the system of prior scrutiny of arms sales by the United States and Swedish legislatures. [143692]

  Mr. Hain
  The systems of prior scrutiny of arms exports by the legislature in the US and Sweden are very different, and in each case reflect the particular circumstances in those countries. In both cases, only a small minority of licence applications are subject to prior scrutiny.

  Lord Levy
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the responsibilities and duties of Lord Levy, as the Prime Minster's personal envoy in the Middle East. [142970]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: To develop the United Kingdom's bilateral relations with the countries the Prime Minister asks him to visit, and to exchange views on key regional issues with leaders in those countries.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what ministers and Heads of Government Lord Levy met on his last visit to the Middle East as the Prime Minister's personal envoy. [142971]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: Lord Levy's last visit in the region as the Prime Minister's envoy was to the Palestinian Authority on 8 October, when he passed a message on the Prime Minister's behalf to President Arafat.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent meetings he has had with Lord Levy to discuss Latin America. [143304]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave on 20 December 2000, Official Report, column 237W.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the visits undertaken by Lord Levy since February as representative of Her Majesty's Government, indicating in each case the(a) dates, (b) destinations, (c) cost to public funds and (d) purpose of the visits. [142974]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: I refer the right hon. Member to the answers given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister: to him on 20 December 2000, Official Report, column 236W; to the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan), on 20 December 2000, Official Report, column 235W; and to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 1 November 2000, Official Report, column 510W.

  Lord Levy paid his own travel expenses. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Embassies provided practical support, the cost of which is not separately itemised.
  339W
  The purpose of the visits was to develop the United Kingdom's bilateral relations with the countries visited and to exchange views on regional issues.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on which dates Lord Levy has had meetings with(a) Ministers and (b) senior officials in his Department since 1 May 1997, giving in each case the purpose of the meetings; and if he will make a statement. [142972]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: Lord Levy liaises regularly with the Foreign Secretary, Ministers and a limited number of officials in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Foreign Secretary last saw him on 6 December and I last spoke to him on 14 December.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what practical support was given by his Department to Lord Levy during his recent visits to Middle Eastern states on official business as the Prime Minister's personal envoy. [142973]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on behalf of the Prime Minister on 30 March 2000, Official Report, column 262W. Similar practical Support was given during Lord Levy's recent visits to Middle Eastern states as the Prime Minister's Envoy.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role Lord Levy played in the recent round of Middle East peace talks. [142969]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: My right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, Lord Levy and I have encouraged the parties to maintain their dialogue, to take steps to bring the violence to an end, and to resume negotiations. I am encouraged at the recent news that negotiations have resumed.

  Wilton Park Executive Agency
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the conclusions of the current Quinquennial Review of Wilton Park Executive Agency. [144124]

  Mr. Hain
  The first stage of the review of Wilton Park has recommended that Wilton Park should retain its status as an Executive Agency of the FCO. Ministers have accepted this recommendation. The review has been conducted by Sir Robin Fearn KCMG. The first stage of his report is available on the FCO's and Wilton Park's websites. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  NATO Parliamentary Assembly
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes have been made to the composition of the United Kingdom Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. [144128]

  Mr. Vaz
  The hon. Member for Barnsley, West and Penistone (Mr. Clapham) has replaced the hon. Member for Halesowen and Rowley Regis (Mrs. Heal) as a member of the delegation.
  340W

  Diego Garcia
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy on disclosure of matters relating to the rights of former inhabitants of Diego Garcia arising from their length of association with the islands; and if he will make a statement. [142815]

  Mr. Battle
  The papers relating to the exclusion of the Ilois from the British Indian Ocean Territory were disclosed in the recent High Court proceedings. The conduct and openness of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office was commended by the Court.

  Aylesbury Automation
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he received export licence application No. 16047 from Aylesbury Automation; when he expects to give a decision on the application; and if he will make a statement. [143706]

  Mr. Hain
  I refer the hon. Member to today's reply from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Competition and Consumer Affairs (Dr. Howells),Official Report, column 247W.

  "What Europe Means to Me"
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many essays(a) critical of further political integration in Europe and (b) opposed to UK membership of the European Union were (i) submitted and (ii) awarded prizes in his Department's competition, "What Europe Means to Me". [143656]

  Mr. Vaz
  As co-sponsors, local newspapers in Leicester, Liverpool and Leeds agreed to receive and judge all the entries for the competition.

  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if potential entrants to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office competition, "What Europe Means to Me", were informed that essays critical of closer political integration in Europe would be accepted. [143657]

  Mr. Vaz
  No. Our co-sponsors, local newspapers in Leicester, Liverpool and Leeds, simply asked entrants to write an essay on the theme of "What Europe Means to Me".

  European Rapid Reaction Force
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 15 December 2000,Official Report, column 300W, what unpublished agreements there are with (a) other countries, (b) the EU and (c) NATO concerning arrangements for the European Rapid Reaction Force. [143847]

  Mr. Vaz
  The objective of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy is that EU nations, co-operating together, should be able rapidly to deploy troops for crisis management operations, where NATO as a whole is not engaged. This will not involve the establishment of a standing rapid reaction force, let alone a European Army. The decisions listed in my previous answer constitute the framework for this initiative. The EU and NATO will need to reach an overall agreement, covering
  341W
  arrangements for consultation, NATO support for EU-led operations, security issues and capabilities. An interim agreement on security measures was reached between the EU Council Secretariat and NATO in July 2000, to allow for the exchange of classified information.

  Nice Council
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has negotiated an opt-out for North Sea oil from the provisions of Article 100(1) TEC, to which QMV was extended at the Nice Council. [143782]

  Mr. Vaz
  There was no need for an opt-out to be negotiated. The United Kingdom has sovereign rights over its North Sea reserves under international law, and the EC Treaty does not confer competence on the Community to claim ownership of or control over them. Article 100(1) TEC cannot be used to displace the framework of rights existing under international law.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guarantees he has obtained on the interpretation of the no bail out clause in Article 100(2) TEC, to which QMV was extended at the Nice Council. [143783]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Government negotiated a specific declaration linking Article 100(2) TEC with Article 103. Article 103 makes clear that a member state shall not be liable for or assume the commitments of other member state Governments or other member state public bodies, except in the case of mutual financial guarantees.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason references to the Western European Union were deleted from paragraphs one, two and three of Article 17 TEU, as set out in the provisional Nice Treaty. [143780]

  Mr. Vaz
  The European Council in Nice approved the Presidency Report on the European Security and Defence Policy. The Report noted that the European Union has confirmed its intention of itself assuming the crisis management function of the WEU.

  This position was reflected in the Declaration of the WEU Ministerial Council in Marseilles on 13 November 2000. Article 17 of the TEU includes provisions governing the EU's relations with the WEU in respect of crisis management. The amendments made to Article 17 at Nice update the Treaty in the light of the decisions at Marseilles and Nice itself and recognise the fact that these WEU provisions will no longer be relevant as the EU assumes the crisis management functions of the WEU.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason it was decided at the Nice Council to abolish the national veto on the establishment of enhanced co-operation under the TEC. [143785]

  Mr. Vaz
  In an enlarged EU it is not reasonable for one member state to hold up all the others wishing to proceed with enhanced co-operation, provided that the rigorous conditions for enhanced co-operation have been met. These provide that enhanced co-operation is open to all and that the single market is protected; and will help ensure that there is no development of an inner core.
  342W
  In addition the appeal clause we secured allows a member state to seek discussion by the European Council of a proposal for enhanced co-operation before any decision is taken. This is the right balance between the interests of member states and the benefits of greater flexibility in an enlarged EU.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason he agreed at the Nice Council to extend QMV to incentive measures in Article 13 TEC. [143788]

  Mr. Vaz
  Incentive measures, such as the exchange of best practice or information between member states, are exactly what we are encouraging the Commission to pursue. Extending QMV to these will facilitate co-operative action on non-discrimination. This is an agenda that the Government are keen to pursue. But, at our insistence, the Treaty makes explicit that QMV cannot be used for any harmonisation of national legislation or regulation.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under the provisional Clause A agreed at the Nice Council, dealing with the general principles of enhanced co-operation, for what reason it was decided(a) to insert a new condition relating to co-operation and the process of integration and (b) to delete the condition relating to the interests of states not participating in the relevant measures. [143786]

  Mr. Vaz
  Clause A of the provisions on enhanced co-operation is intended to reinforce the point that enhanced co-operation should serve the interests and objectives of the Union as a whole, rather than a small group of member states.

  The reference to enhanced co-operation not affecting the interests of non-participating members states was felt potentially to be a cause of legal uncertainty, because it could give rise to spurious legal challenges to enhanced co-operation by non-participating member states. This would not be in the UK's interest.

  The clause maintains the requirement that enhanced co-operation must not affect the competencies, rights and obligations of non-participating member states.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason he agreed at the Nice Council to the extension of Article 191 TEC. [143787]

  Mr. Vaz
  With UK support, it was agreed at Nice to provide a legal base for a Statute to regulate the funding of European Political Parties, which were first recognised in the Maastricht Treaty.

  The European Court of Auditors recommended such a Statute in its recent report into the funding of political groups in the European Parliament. The proposal for a Statute has the support of the main groups in the European Parliament, including the party of European Socialists and the European People's Party.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the cost of the EU and its member states of increasing the number of(a) Commissioners to a maximum of 27 and (b) MEPs to 732, as agreed at the Nice Council. [143784]
  343W
  Mr. Vaz
  No specific estimate has been made, but enlargement of the EU will of course cost money. However it will also bring huge benefits for Britain through creating more prosperity and more jobs.

  The financial perspective for the EU until 2006 has been agreed under Agenda 2000, which took enlargement into account and created a ceiling for payments.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason it was decided to extend Article 137 of the Treaty of European Communities to cover measures designed to encourage co-operation on the modernisation of social protection systems without prejudice to point (c), and for providing for agreement by QMV, as agreed at the Nice Council. [143779]

  Mr. Vaz
  QMV under tiret (k) of Article 137 is limited to co-operation between the member states. Harmonisation of their laws and regulations is explicitly excluded. It makes sense to exchange information with our partners and encourage the development of modern and sustainable social protection systems. This was one of the goals we agreed at Lisbon. QMV will make it easier to bring it about.

  Saudi Arabia
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent terrorist attacks on British nationals in Saudi Arabia. [143776]

  Mr. Hain
  There have been three car bombs in Saudi Arabia. One in Al-Khobar on 15 December, one in Riyadh on 17 November, and another in Riyadh on 22 November. These have resulted in the death of a British Citizen and the injury of four others. No group has claimed responsibility for these incidents and the motive for them is unclear.

  The Saudi authorities have arrested a US citizen in connection with the two Riyadh car bombs, but have not ruled out other possible lines of investigation.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Saudi Arabian authorities regarding the terrorist attacks on British nationals there. [143777]

  Mr. Hain
  A British police team is in Saudi Arabia to liaise with the Saudi authorities over the latest incident. A week ago, the same team liaised with the Saudi authorities, in charge of the investigations into the first two bombings. They continue to receive full co-operation.

  We are in close touch with the Saudi Government over the incidents. Our Ambassador is in regular contact with the Acting Minister of the Interior.

  Kidnappings (Africa)
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those(a) British citizens and (b) British citizens with dual nationality who have been kidnapped in Africa from 1 January 1999 to date, indicating the (i) date of the kidnap, (ii) identity or suspected identity, of the kidnappers and (iii) outcome of the kidnaps. [143778]
  344W
  Mr. Battle
  Not all kidnappings of British national are reported. However, to our knowledge, the following kidnappings have taken place in Africa since 1 January 1999:1999

  In January 1999, two British nationals were taken hostage by an Ijaw group. They were later released.

  On 9 February 1999, Jim Simpson, a British national, was abducted by local youths in Warri, Nigeria, along with an Italian and a Nigerian. He was released unharmed on 17 February.

  On 14 February 1999, Martin Westbury and his young son Benjamin, both British nationals, were abducted by armed youths in Warri, Nigeria. They were released unharmed on 15 February.

  On 1 March 1999, Joanne Cotton, Steve Roberts, Mark Lindgren, Martin Friend, Gary Tappenden (all British nationals) and Mark Avis (joint New Zealand/British national) were abducted by Rwandan Interahamwe rebels in Bwindi National Park, western Uganda, along with a number of other Western tourists. Gary Tappenden and Mark Avis found their way to safety; the other four were murdered by their abductors, along with four US and New Zealand tourists.

  On 3 March 1999, Ian Lane (British national) was abducted by armed men in Warri, Nigeria. He was later released.

  On 8 June 1999, three British nationals were taken hostage by local youths in Nigeria. All were released.

  On 20 June 1999, a British national was taken hostage near Port Harcourt in Nigeria, probably by an Ijaw group. He was released on 12 July.

  On 3 August 1999, a British national was taken hostage by armed youths in Nigeria. He was released on 10 August.

  On 4 August 1999, five British soldiers, who were part of a UN team were taken hostage by a group of former Sierra Leone Army rebels in Sierra Leone. They were released on 8–9 August.

  On 7 August 1999, two British nationals were taken hostage by local youths. They were released on 11 August.

  On 9 August 1999, two British nationals were taken hostage by local youths in Nigeria. They were released on 11 August.

  On 11 August 1999, four British nationals were taken hostage in Liberia by an armed gang. They were released on 13 August.

  On 30 September 1999, a British national was taken hostage in Nigeria. He was released on 3 November.

  On 11 October 1999, British nationals were kidnapped from their compound in Port Harcourt by local tribesmen. They were all released the next day.

  On 9 November 1999, a British national was taken hostage in Ondo State, Nigeria. He was released on 14 November.
  345W
  On 21 December 1999, a British national was abducted, in Nigeria, by an unknown group. He was subsequently released.

  2000

  In April 2000, Major Andy Harrison was detained in an area of Sierra Leone controlled by the RUF. He was brought out by the UN on 14 July.

  On 7 April 2000, oil company employees were taken hostage by local 'activists' in Nigeria. We believe there were some British nationals involved. The incident was resolved peacefully the same day.

  In May 2000, Alan Smith, an aid worker, was taken hostage by RUF in Sierra Leone. He later escaped.

  On 16 June 2000, a British national was taken hostage in Nigeria by local people. He was released the same day.

  On 13 July 2000, a British national was briefly taken hostage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was released unharmed.

  On 26 July 2000, Jonathan Ward, a British aid worker, was taken hostage by tribesmen in Somalia. He was released on 19 September.

  Around 31 July 2000, five British nationals were taken hostage as part of a larger group on two oil rigs in Nigeria. The hostage takers were two local groups. All were released on 4 August.

  In August 2000, five British nationals were taken hostage in the Delta Region of Nigeria. They were released on 5 August.

  On 25 August 2000, a group of British Army personnel were taken hostage in Sierra Leone by the West Side Boys. They were all released in an operation carried out by UK military forces.
  346W
  On 26 October 2000, a British national was taken hostage by a local group in Nigeria. He was released the same day.

  On 8 November 2000, a British national was taken hostage by local oil company employees in Nigeria. He was released.

  On 5 December 2000, a British national was held hostage by Nigerian oil workers on a Nigerian oil platform. He was released unharmed on 6 December.

  Article 100 TEC
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the occasions on which Article 100(1) TEC has been used in the past(a) year, (b) five years and (c) 10 years. [143781]

  Mr. Vaz
  Article 100 TEC was introduced under the Maastricht Treaty as Article 103(a). On 1 May 1999, when Amsterdam came into force, it became Article 100 TEC.

  It was used three times in 1997:
  for Council Decision 1997/374/EC repealing a Decision on the exporting of crude oil and petroleum products from one member state to another in the event of supply difficulties.
  for Council Decision 1997/8/EC repealing a Directive concerning the restriction of the use of petroleum products in powers stations.
  for Council Decision 1997/7/EC repealing a Directive obliging the member states to maintain minimum stocks of fossil fuels at thermal power stations.

  It was used once in 1998:
  for Council Directive 1998/93/EC amending a Directive imposing an obligation on member states of the EEC to maintain minimum stocks of crude oil and petroleum products.

  The Government are not aware of Article 100 (1) TEC being used in any other circumstances.

  Asylum Applicant Interviews, Liverpool
  Asylum Applicant Interviews, Liverpool
  Asylum Seekers, Feltham Young Offenders Institution
  Asylum Seekers, Feltham Young Offenders Institution
  Volunteers Working with Children: Criminal Record Checks
  Volunteers Working with Children: Criminal Record Checks
  Football Disorder Prevention
  Football Disorder Prevention
  Supply Teaching by Working Holidaymakers
  Supply Teaching by Working Holidaymakers
  HM Prison, Brixton: Chief Inspector's Report
  HM Prison, Brixton: Chief Inspector's Report
  Export of Works of Art Reviewing Committee: Annual Report
  Export of Works of Art Reviewing Committee: Annual Report
  House of Lords Smoking Policy
  House of Lords Smoking Policy
  London Underground: Delay Incidents
  London Underground: Delay Incidents
  Nato Parliamentary Assembly: UK Delegation
  Nato Parliamentary Assembly: UK Delegation
  Common Agricultural Policy
  Common Agricultural Policy
  Iraq: Export of Demining Equipment
  Iraq: Export of Demining Equipment
  Wilton Park Executive Agency
  Wilton Park Executive Agency
  Palestinian Schools: Damage and Closure
  Palestinian Schools: Damage and Closure
  European Union: Community Incentive Measures
  European Union: Community Incentive Measures
  Iraq: Forcible Expulsions
  Iraq: Forcible Expulsions
  Belfast Agreement
  Belfast Agreement
  Pakistan: Election Undertakings
  Pakistan: Election Undertakings
  Cameroon: Local Elections
  Cameroon: Local Elections
  General Pinochet: Judge Garzon's Diary
  General Pinochet: Judge Garzon's Diary
  Overseas Territories: Adult Homosexual Acts
  Overseas Territories: Adult Homosexual Acts
  Rosyth: Proposed Continental Ferry Service
  Rosyth: Proposed Continental Ferry Service
  Internet Protocol Version 6
  Internet Protocol Version 6
  Lawful Business Practice Regulations and Data Protection Act
  Lawful Business Practice Regulations and Data Protection Act
  Public Guardianship Office
  Public Guardianship Office
  Appeals against Conviction
  Appeals against Conviction
  Serving Judges: Publication of Memoirs
  Serving Judges: Publication of Memoirs
  Northern Ireland: Legal Aid Budget Increase
  Northern Ireland: Legal Aid Budget Increase
  Disqualifications Act 2000: Irish Government Support
  Disqualifications Act 2000: Irish Government Support
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Irish Commission of Human Rights
  Irish Commission of Human Rights
  European Defence Force
  European Defence Force
  Chinook Helicopter ZD 576
  Chinook Helicopter ZD 576
  European Court of Justice: Judgments in Proceedings against UK
  European Court of Justice: Judgments in Proceedings against UK