Written Answers of 28 February 2000

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Rathgael School
  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of the board at Rathgael School are(a) men and (b) women. [110451]

  Mr. Ingram
  There are five board members, all of whom are men.

  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many members of staff at Rathgael School have taken time off work as a result of stress-related illness in the last 10 years; how many have done so on more than one occasion; and how many of those staff who have taken time off on more than one occasion have sued the Juvenile Justice Board at Rathgael. [110449]

  Mr. Ingram
  52 staff have taken time off for stress-related illness in the last 10 years. 23 have taken time off on more than one occasion. None has sued the Juvenile Justice Board.

  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps have been taken to appoint a new Board at Rathgael School; and for what reason it has not yet been appointed. [110452]

  Mr. Ingram
  Steps to appoint a new Board at Rathgael will not begin until the outcome of the Criminal Justice Review is known.

  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who is responsible for the arrangements for appointing a new board at Rathgael School. [110453]

  Mr. Ingram
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is responsible for these appointments.

  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many members of staff at Rathgael School went on sick leave as a result of assault by children at the school; and how many days were lost each year as a result of such assaults in the last 10 years. [110448]

  Mr. Ingram
  Over the past 10 years, 290 members of staff at Rathgael Juvenile Justice Centre went on sick leave following an assault by children. The information regarding the number of days lost each year as a result of such assaults in the last 10 years is not available.

  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many teachers, social workers, casual staff and night supervisors have been assaulted by children at Rathgael School in the past 10 years. [110447]
  2W
  Mr. Ingram
  The information is as follows:

  Teachers: 34

  Social Workers: 217

  Casual Staff: 26

  Night Supervisors: 13

  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many civil servants there are on the board at Rathgael School; and what are their(a) grades and (b) religious affiliations. [110450]

  Mr. Ingram
  There are five civil servants on the Board at Rathgael. Their grades and religious affiliations are as follows:

  (a) One grade A, three grade B1's, one grade B2

  (b) Three Protestants and two Roman Catholics.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Recycling
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Solicitor-General what percentage of documentation used by his Department is(a) made from recycled paper and (b) collected for recycling. [111611]

  The Solicitor-General
  In the Crown Prosecution Service, 100 per cent. of paper and documents procured and specified for use by the CPS are recycled. It is assessed that 80–85 per cent. of waste paper, documents and card is presently collected for recycling.

  The use of recycled paper in the Treasury Solicitor's Department and Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers is not quantified, but staff are encouraged in both departments to use electronic media where possible, to save paper by double sided printing and to place used paper in bins for recycling.

  The Serious Fraud Office does not currently use recycled paper for its documentation, because of problems experienced in trials to date. It does seek to maximise the recycling of waste paper, but cannot quantify its use of recycled paper as a percentage of total paper used. It is anticipated that the amount of paper consumed within the department will be reduced with the developing use of electronic media for the transfer of cases to the Crown court. Two cases have been successfully transferred in this way so far, and, principally through the implementation of the DOCMAN project, it is hoped to build on these numbers.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  A3 (Hindhead)
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the roads-based A3 Hindhead study will report; what is the cost of the project; what plans he has to include a local planning conference as part of the study; when he plans to visit Hindhead; and if he will make a statement. [110200]

  Mr. Hill
  The A3 Hindhead study is expected to report in autumn 2000. The Regional Planning Body will advise the Secretary of State on the way forward in the light of
  3W
  the study's conclusions and recommendations. The cost of the bored tunnel solution was estimated at the time of the Roads Review as being £110 million. Sufficient funds have been put aside from the Highway Agency's budget to cover the cost of the current study. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no plans to include a local planning conference as part of the study process. However, the study is to be undertaken in an open and inclusive manner ensuring that the voice of the local community and other interests are heard. My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Transport met the right hon. Member on 13 September, when they discussed all the principal issues associated with the problems on the A3 at Hindhead. He undertook to visit the area when his diary permitted.

  Pollution (Yeovil)
  Mr. Ashdown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what monitoring of key pollution indicators takes place at sites within the Yeovil constituency; and if he will make a statement. [110804]

  Mr. Meacher
  My Department published a set of indicators for a strategy for sustainable development for the UK last December1. In that report, almost all of the environmental indicators are presented at a national level and there are only a few which are based on site information. One of these is the water quality headline indicator of rivers of good or fair quality (H12) which is derived from measurements at thousands of river quality monitoring sites across the UK. The location and quality of water at sites in the Yeovil area can be found in the "What's in your backyard" section of the Environment Agency's website http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

  This section also shows the location and emission details of sites which are regulated by the Environment Agency under the integrated pollution control regime. Data on emissions for these sites and large combustion plants are used in the compilation of the indicator of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions (P3). The National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory can be found at the following web address, which is funded by my Department. The address is: http://www.aeat.co.uk/netcen/airqual

  The headline air quality indicator of days of moderate or higher air pollution (H10) and the indicator of concentrations of selected air pollutants (P1) are based on data from air quality monitoring sites, but there are no pollution monitoring sites funded by my Department within the Yeovil constituency. Monitoring does take place in the wider region of South-West England and further information can be located under the "Frequently Asked Questions" section at the following web site address funded by my Department. The address is: http://www.aeat.co.uk/netcen/airqual

  Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 requires local authorities to review and assess the current and likely future air quality in their areas. Where a local authority considers that one or more of the air quality objectives, as prescribed in regulations, is unlikely to be met by the required date, it must declare an air quality management area, covering the area where the problem is expected. It must then draw up an action plan setting out the measures it intends to take in pursuit of the air quality objectives in
  4W
  the area. The Secretary of State has reserve powers to require local authorities to take action where they are failing to make sufficient progress.

  The Yeovil constituency is covered by South Somerset District Council, who are working with three other authorities, Mendip, Taunton Deane and West Somerset, on a joint air quality review and assessment in their areas. They submitted a Stage 1 report to the Department for consultation in February 1999. South Somerset have indicated that the area of Yeovil has been identified as having potentially significant sources of nitrogen oxides and this will be investigated further in their Stage 2 report, which they are currently working on.
  1 Quality of life counts: indicators for a strategy for sustainable development for the United Kingdom, DETR, 1999, ISBN 1 85112 3431

  Public Transport (Rural Areas)
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to encourage people in rural areas to use public transport; [110776]

  (2) what plans he has to improve access to bus services in rural areas. [110777]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government are committed to improving bus services in rural areas. The 1998 Budget provided an additional £50 million a year for three years for rural public transport in the UK as a whole. This was increased by £10 million a year for 1999–2000 and 2000–01 in the 1999 Budget.

  In England, the majority of this funding, £32.5 million per year, is being allocated to local authorities through the Rural Bus Subsidy Grant. Over 1,800 new and enhanced bus services were supported in the first year. We have also given support to 104 innovative rural transport schemes, totalling some £28 million, from the Rural Bus Challenge competitions. There will be at least one further Challenge competition.

  Rural areas also receive assistance for public transport, including modes others than bus, through two schemes administered by the Countryside Agency. The Rural Transport Partnership scheme provides support for partnerships between the public, private and voluntary sectors to develop and implement transport strategies for rural areas. The Rural Transport Development Fund encourages the provision of innovative solutions to local transport needs in rural areas, meeting the start-up costs of new services and providing revenue support to services in danger of being lost.

  The Transport Bill now before Parliament contains a range of measures to ensure that public transport plays its full part in an integrated transport policy, in town and country alike.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many senior civil servants from an ethnic minority background are employed in his Department; and how many of them are(a) men and (b) women. [110687]
  5W
  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Information on ethnic origin in the Civil Service is collected on the basis of self-declaration and on the understanding that it will be treated on a confidential basis. To protect the privacy of individual members of staff we do not disclose data relating to fewer than five people.

  My Department has fewer than five people in the senior civil service who have declared themselves to be of ethnic minority background.

  Road Accidents
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if his Department collects information by postcode on the location of road accidents involving pedestrians. [111065]

  Mr. Hill
  The locations of injury accidents involving pedestrians are recorded by Ordnance Survey grid reference and are not analysed nationally by postcode.

  London Underground
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Mr. Brake) of 21 December 1999,Official Report, column 523W, on London Underground, if he will list the principal causes of the failures of rolling stock, indicating the number of failures in each category. [111593]

  Mr. Hill
  This is an operational matter for London Underground. To provide the principal causes of the failures of rolling stock, indicating the number of failures in each category would incur disproportionate cost.

  Thames Water
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the steps taken by Thames Water to prevent leaks, with particular reference to the timescale for changing all lead pipes in street areas(a) in Leyton and Wanstead and (b) elsewhere in London, including those from mains to house stop-cocks; if he will indicate for each London constituency the amount of such piping which is deemed to need changing; how much Thames Water (i) has spent on this in each of the last five years and (ii) it is committed to spend in the next five years; and if he will break down (i) and (ii) by (1) Leyton and Wanstead and (2) other London constituencies; what incentives Thames Water provides to home owners to change old pipes; and if he will make a statement. [111273]

  Mr. Mullin
  The new Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) tightens the standard for lead in drinking water from its current 50µg/1 to 25µg/1 by 25 December 2003 and to 10µg/1 by 25 December 2013. Where action is necessary to meet these standards, water companies will first treat water to reduce its ability to dissolve lead from pipes, or will optimise that treatment where it is already in place. Replacement of company lead pipes will be needed where water treatment fails to achieve the standards—mainly in soft-water areas. This will become fully apparent only after optimised treatment has been in place for some months. Water companies have no 6W
  responsibilities for the pipework within the property boundary, which will remain the responsibility of property owners.

  Thames Water has met targets for leakage reduction for 1997–98 and 1998–99, reducing leakage over that period by 29 per cent. Under targets set by the Director General of Water Services, this should be reduced by a further 24 per cent. by March 2001.

  Information about spending on leakage and lead pipe replacement is not publicly available, and would need to be requested from Thames Water. However, in Ofwat's publication, "1998–1999 Financial Performance and Expenditure of the water companies in England and Wales", Table 26 states that a total of 86,850 communication pipes were replaced by Thames between 1990–91 and 1998–99.

  Recycling
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of documentation used by his Department is(a) made from recycled paper and (b) collected for recycling. [111598]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  About 99 per cent. of all printing procured through my Department's Print Procurement Unit is on recycled paper, containing at least 75 per cent. post consumer waste. Use of recycled paper by staff generally reached 50 per cent. in 1998–99. Recycling schemes now cover 80 per cent. of staff. Further action is planned to increase the use of recycled paper and to promote improvements in recycling paper and other items.

  Rail Connections (Electrification)
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the(a) advantages and (b) disadvantages of electrifying the North Wales mainline; [111429]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the (a) advantages and (b) disadvantages of completely electrifying the main rail connection between London and Dublin via Holyhead. [111430]

  Mr. Hill
  The possibility of electrifying the North Wales line was investigated as part of the plans for the West Coast Main Line upgrade and it was considered that the expense of doing so could not be justified by the current or potential rail traffic over this line. Railtrack are committed to work which will increase the line speed considerably and some of this work has already been carried out. Both First North Western and Virgin Trains, who are the main operators over this route, are in the process of introducing new rolling stock, with tilting technology in the case of the Virgin Trains, and this will enable the line speed to be raised to between 90 and 100 mph over many sections.

  Aircraft Altitude (Heathrow Approach)
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the minimum permitted altitude of aircraft approaching Heathrow from the west(a) 5, (b) 10, (c) 15 and (d) 20 miles from Heathrow. [111260]

  Mr. Mullin
  The requirements for aircraft approaching Heathrow Airport to land are specified in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).

  Aircraft approaching Heathrow to land from the west are individually directed by air traffic controllers at West Drayton, and for noise mitigation purposes may not descend below an altitude of 2,500 feet before being established on the Instrument Landing System (ILS) localiser, which corresponds to the extended runway centreline. The ILS also includes a radio signal describing a 3° final approach descent gradient (or glidepath) along the extended runway centreline. The ILS glidepath reaches an altitude of 2,500 feet at approximately 7½ nautical miles (nm) from touchdown. At night (between 2300–0700 local time) aircraft are required to intercept the extended runway centreline no closer than 10 nm from touchdown (approximately 3,000 feet). In general, the altitude of an aircraft on final approach to Heathrow would be ca. 6,000 feet at 20 nm out, ca. 4,500 feet at 15 nm out, and ca. 1,500 feet at 5 nm out.

  Precautionary Principle
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his policy on the application of the precautionary principle included in Article 174 of the EC treaty and principle 15 of the 1992 Rio Declaration on the environment and development. [111426]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Government's policy on application of the precautionary principle is based on the Rio Declaration, and is set out in Chapter 4 of the Strategy for Sustainable Development for the UK, "A better quality of life" (page 23), a copy of which can be found in the Library of the House.

  Heads of households of non-pensionable age who were not in paid work1

  Percentage

  Region

  Social rented

  1996–97 Private rented

  Social rented

  1997–98 Private rented

  Social rented

  1998–99 Private rented

  North East

  66

  n/a

  64

  251

  63

  n/a

  North West (including Merseyside)

  66

  47

  64

  47

  64

  48

  Yorks and Humber

  58

  40

  60

  41

  57

  40

  East Midlands

  58

  42

  58

  33

  57

  34

  East Midlands

  61

  37

  56

  31

  55

  33

  East

  53

  35

  49

  27

  45

  27

  London

  63

  40

  59

  36

  56

  36

  South East

  48

  34

  51

  27

  49

  25

  South West

  55

  34

  53

  30

  53

  30

  England

  60

  39

  58

  35

  56

  34

  1 Estimates from the Labour Force Survey Spring and Autumn Quarters. The figures are subject to sampling variability.

  2 Three years data have been combined to give reliable estimates for the private rented sector in the North East to overcome sample size limitation. Thus an average for 1996, 1997, and 1998 is shown under 1997. This calculation is not possible for 1996–97.

  8W
  A better quality of life specifies the precautionary principle as one of the 10 guiding principles and approaches that the Government will take account of in policy development. Based on the Rio Declaration definition, the Government's definition makes it clear that precautionary action requires assessment of the costs and benefits of action, and transparency in decision making. It also sees precaution as being relevant beyond environmental damage, to include affects on animal and human health.

  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to empower local authorities to have recourse to the precautionary principle in Article 174 of the EC treaty when assessing planning applications from telecommunications companies to erect mobile phone masts within highly populated areas. [111425]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Article 174 of the EC treaty applies only in respect of policy-making at the EU level, and not to policy-making by individual member states.

  Housing
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish the Housing Green Paper. [111661]

  Mr. Mullin
  We will publish a Housing Green Paper this year aimed at ensuring everyone has the opportunity of a decent home. The Green Paper will be fully consultative and we hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to let us know what they think of our proposals on the future of housing in the 21st century.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of heads of non-pensioner households in(a) social housing and (b) private rented housing were not in paid work in each region in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98 and (iii) 1998–99. [111517]

  Mr. Mullin
  The following table provides the available estimates from the Labour Force Survey of the percentage by region of heads of household who were below pensionable age and not in paid work.

  Birmingham Northern Relief Road
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the anticipated liability is of the Highways Agency with respect to blight and compulsory purchase of property, associated with the proposed Birmingham Northern Relief Road; and what the basis is for that calculation. [111690]

  Mr. Hill
  The Highways Agency is responsible for the purchase of land under blight and compulsory purchase provisions, and it retains the ownership of all land and properties needed for the BNRR scheme. All the costs that the Highways Agency so incurs will be fully reimbursed by the concessionaire, Midland Expressway Limited.

  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will provide an itemised estimate of the cost to the public purse of widening the M42 section of the proposed Birmingham Northern Relief Road. [111691]

  Mr. Hill
  A previous estimate for the Department's share of the reconstruction costs for widening the M42 near Water Orton was £20 million. That was a preliminary estimate at an early stage in the design process, and it has since been revised. A fixed sum of £18 million has now been agreed with MEL.

  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the annual liability is of(a) the Highways Agency and (b) other Government departments to the private sector, including Midland Expressway, for any delays in the construction of the Birmingham Northern Relief Road and associated work caused by the Highways Agency or other Government departments; and what is the basis of such calculations. [111676]

  Mr. Hill
  There are no such liabilities.

  M25
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the cost of resurfacing the M25 between junctions 8 and 10 in porous asphalt. [111815]

  Mr. Hill
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Nutt to Mr. Crispin Blunt, dated 28 February 2000:
  The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked me to reply to your recent question about the estimated cost of resurfacing the M25 between junctions 8 and 10 in porous asphalt.
  We estimate that it would cost in the region of £14m to resurface this section of road using porous asphalt. This estimate excludes a 3 ½km section in the Leatherhead/Ashtead area at junction 9, which is already surfaced with porous asphalt.

  Funding Inequalities (Education)
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with Education Ministers with 10W
  respect to inequalities in the levels of funding per pupil between different local education authorities across the country; and if he will make a statement. [111971]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  My right hon. Friend has had a number of discussions with Education Ministers on a range of issues relating to the financing of education. The distribution of grant is the subject of a review, announced in our White Paper, "Modern Local Government: In Touch with the People". We expect to publish a consultation paper in the summer.

  Heavy Goods Transport
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the level of heavy goods transport on the roads. [112319]

  Mr. Hill
  The latest available figures are for 1998 when heavy goods vehicles travelled 32 billion vehicle kilometres in Great Britain, accounting for 7 per cent. of all motor traffic. During the same period, 152 billion tonne-kilometres of freight were moved, and 1,630 million tonnes of freight were lifted, by heavy goods vehicles.

  Serco
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list(a) the number, (b) the length of contracts, (c) the details of the service involved and (d) the location of contracts entered into by his Department with Serco. [111784]

  Mr. Hill
  The Department has no contracts with Serco.

  I understand from Railtrack that the main contracts, past, present and anticipated, between Railtrack and Serco are as in the following table:

  Title

  Scope

  End date

  National Weedspray Services

  Weed spray of the national rail network

  Ended

  Major Station Cleaning Contract

  Cleaning of 14 major stations

  April-June 2000

  Rail Property Maintenance RT99

  Maintenance of property in the north of England and in parts of Wales

  July 2000

  On-Track Infrastructure Monitoring Services

  Operation of several instrumental train combinations running across the national network collecting data on the tail infrastructure

  April 2001

  Infrastructure Maintenance Contract

  Maintenance of Railtrack"s infrastructure in the east Midlands

  Award imminent from 1 April 2000 for 5 years

  Eurostar
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultations he intends to hold, and with which interested parties, on the consultants report into the viability of Eurostar Services north of London. [111808]
  11W
  Mr. Hill
  None. The consultants consulted widely with local and regional authorities and groups. It is for the British Railways Board now to consider the report as part of its review of its plan for international through services.

  Non-domestic Rates (Consultation)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will abolish the requirement on local authorities to hold annual local consultation meetings with business rates payers; [111794]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the usefulness of the compulsory annual local consultation meetings between local authorities and business rates payers regarding national non-domestic rates. [111793]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  We will be considering the future of the consultation duty under the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as we develop proposals on the local authority-business partnership arrangements that will be required before local authorities can raise a supplementary local rate. Policy on this was set out in the 1998 White Paper "Modern Local Government: In Touch with the People". We shall be consulting further on the details before introducing the necessary legislation.

  In considering the future of the existing duty, we will also be taking account of the findings of the research into the duty published by the Department of Environment "Local Partnerships—A Research Review of Local Authorities' Statutory Duties to Consult with Business" (1997). In addition, we will also be making use of research commissioned by this Department, which is to be published shortly, about business perceptions of local government and local government involvement with the business community.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will institute regular consultations between his Department, local authorities and business rates payers regarding national non-domestic rates. [111795]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  We hold meetings periodically with representative business organisations, at which the Local Government Association is represented, to discuss matters of concern to ratepayers.

  My right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and the Regions chaired a meeting on 7 September to discuss how to handle the effects of the non-domestic rate revaluation this April. The review group, which we established last month to consider how the revaluation system can be improved, includes representatives from the Confederation of British Industry, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Local Government Association, as well as officials from this and other Departments, the National Assembly for Wales and the Valuation Office Agency. There are also regular ad hoc contacts at official level.

  This system of consultation works well, and we intend to continue with it.

  West Sussex Coastal Strip
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent assessment he has made of the economic status of the West Sussex coastal strip. [112088]
  12W
  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Public Examination of the Draft RPG, held last year by an independent Panel, considered representations and evidence from a range of organisations and individuals. It included discussion specifically about the economic situation along the Sussex Coast.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what grounds the West Sussex coastal strip is no longer to be accorded priority status for special economic support. [112252]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  SERPLAN (the London and South-East Regional Planning Conference) proposed a number of Priority Areas for Economic Regeneration in Draft Regional Planning Guidance for the South-East (Draft RPG9). The strategy and proposals in Draft RPG9 were the subject of a Public Examination last year. The independent Panel who held that Public Examination recommended that a more targeted area of the Sussex coastal area be identified as a Priority Area for Economic Regeneration. The Secretary of State is considering both SERPLAN's proposal and the recommendation of the Panel and will shortly be publishing "Proposed Changes to Draft RPG" for public consultation.

  Virgin Trains
  Mr. McCabe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the compatibility between the condition of carriage arrangements employed by Virgin Trains in respect of loss or damage resulting from delays, and the customer service requirements placed on Virgin Trains under their franchise or by the Rail Regulator; and if he will ask the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority to examine this matter. [112016]

  Mr. Hill
  The National Conditions of Carriage, overseen by the Rail Regulator, govern all rail journeys regardless of the train operator involved. In addition, train operators are required by their franchise agreements to publish a Passenger's Charter, which provides compensation for passengers whose journeys are delayed for reasons within the control of the industry. The arrangements for compensation must be no less favourable than they were under British Rail.

  Uniform Business Rate
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the increases in(a) cash and (b) real terms in the uniform business rate income (i) from and (ii) that is given to (1) each local authority in England and (2) in England as a whole for the years (x) 1997–98 to 1998–99, (y) 1998–99 to 1999–2000 and (z) 1999–2000 to 2000–01. [111926]

  Ms Armstrong
  I have placed the information in the Library. The tables contain information in respect of the amount given to authorities for all years listed in the question. Information on amounts paid in by authorities is so far available only up to 1999–2000.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the estimated council tax increase for each local authority in England in 2000–01. [111925]

  Ms Armstrong
  It is for local authorities to set their own council taxes. I have made no estimates of increases.

  Peat Compost
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 21 February 2000,Official Report, column 710W, what percentage of the compost used in his Department's estate gardens is peat; when use of peat compost will be phased out on his Department's estates; and if he will make a statement. [111950]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Department does not keep central records on the use of peat or organic wastes within its buildings or gardens. However, as I indicated in my answer on 21 February 2000,Official Report, column 710W, the Department's Greening Operations Policy statement applies to all parts of the Department including its Executive Agencies and Government Offices for which DETR has property management responsibility. I can confirm that peat use has already been phased out within the three headquarters buildings.

  Local Deprivation
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the local authorities designated or part designated for(a) Objective 1 and (b) Objective 2 status, indicating how each of them ranks on the Index of Local Deprivation. [111791]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The information requested has been placed in the Library.

  Erica Oil Spill
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will implement the recommendations in the Friends of the Earth report on the Erica oil spill relating to transportation of maritime cargoes; [111922]

  (2) if he will review Government policies on the transportation of maritime cargoes to take account of the Erica oil spill of 12 December; and if he will make a statement; [111921]

  (3) if he will discuss with other EU member states changes to strengthen MARPOL regulations by including stricter regulations for older vessels, and regulation of flags of convenience; and if he will make a statement. [111924]

  Mr. Hill
  Transport of maritime cargoes is an internationally regulated business and accordingly my Department is already in discussion with counterparts in the relevant international and European organisations to determine a practical programme for enhanced protection against maritime pollution. The Friends of the Earth report on the Erika oil spill is being taken into account in that consideration, as is the potential benefit of improved collective enforcement of the MARPOL Convention and 14W
  other relevant regulations. The case for additional international regulations is also being assessed by the Government and neighbouring administrations.

  Rural Bus Subsidy Grant
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to continue the rural bus subsidy grant beyond 2000–01. [112405]

  Mr. Hill
  The Rural Bus Subsidy Grant, which was first introduced in 1998–99, has been of significant benefit to people in rural areas. In its first year it provided for over 1,800 new or improved rural services. I am therefore very pleased to announce our decision to continue the grant for English local authorities for a further three years beyond the initial period which ends in March 2001. The grant will be continued at least at its current level.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Research Contracts
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 4 February 2000,Official Report, column 754W, on how many occasions since May 1997 he has notified research contractors in writing that their project has been identified as being sensitive as provided for in clause 15.3 of his Department's standard research contract, indicating the subject in each case. [111652]

  Ms Quin
  No central records of the use of such notifications are kept. However, given the nature of most of the Department's research, the numbers will have been very small. The standard contract does not give the Department powers to prevent public statements by contractors unless such a statement would jeopardise the commercial exploitation of intellectual property. As is made clear in clause 15.5, the purpose of clause 15.3 is to ensure that the Minister has prior knowledge of a statement being made on a potentially sensitive matter relating to research which he is funding.Extract from Standard MAFF Research Contract
  15. Publication and disclosure
  15.1 Subject to the provisions of conditions 15.3, 15.4 and 15.6, the Contractor shall endeavour to make information about, and results from the Project generally available, and may do so provided he acknowledges in any public statement the financial support of the Minister and of the Co-funders.
  15.2 Subject to condition, 6.5, the Minister shall have the right to disclose, copy or otherwise distribute to the public or use in any way any information arising out of the Project or comprised in any work relating to the Project, as he sees fit.
  15.3 Where the Project, or any matter related to it, has been identified as being sensitive by:
  15.3.1 the Contractor or the Co-funders, or
  15.3.2 the Minister, as notified in writing to the Contractor or the Co-funders, the contractor or the Co-funders shall give written notice to be received by the Minister at least 10 working days before any planned public statement or other disclosure relating to the Project, providing details of the information proposed to be disclosed, the reason, and the medium of disclosure.

  15W
  15.4 The Contractor or Co-funders shall notify the Minster immediately if approached by the media about the Project. The Contractor or Co-funders shall notify the Minister immediately if approached by anyone about a matter related to the Project which is considered sensitive by the Contractor or Co-funders in accordance with condition 15.3.
  15.5 For the avoidance of doubt, the notifications required by conditions 15.3 and 15.4 are for the purposes of informing the Minister or the Contractor or Co-funders (as the case may be) and are not designed to interfere with the issue of any public statement.
  15.6 Where the carrying out of the Project results in, or materially contributes to the creation of Intellectual Property which the Contractor or the Minister considers may be suitable for commercial exploitation, no disclosure of information may be made by the Contractor or the Co-funders which would jeopardise such exploitation.

  Fur Farms
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many fur farms are licensed; if he will list their locations by county; and if he will make a statement. [111014]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: As at 16 February 2000, there were the following mink farms in England:

  County

  Number of licensed mink farms

  Cornwall

  1

  Dorset

  1

  Hampshire

  1

  Isle of Wight

  1

  Lancashire

  5

  Northumberland

  1

  South Yorkshire

  1

  Staffordshire

  1

  West Yorkshire

  1

  Total

  13

  As you know, the Government introduced a Bill on 22 November to fulfil its pre-election pledge to prohibit fur farming. The Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill will prohibit in England and Wales the keeping of animals solely or primarily for slaughter for the value of their fur. I understand that the Scottish Executive will be introducing their own legislation to ban fur farming in Scotland.

  Meetings
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to meet individual hon. Members to discuss farming issues within the next two months. [111298]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: I discuss farming issues with many hon. Members on a variety of occasions.

  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his policy is on accepting requests to meet(a) privy councillors and (b) other hon. Members to discuss farming issues. [111297]
  16W
  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: I have discussed farming issues with many right hon. and hon. Members on a variety of occasions.

  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many individual hon. Members(a) have requested a meeting with him to discuss farming issues, (b) he has refused to meet to discuss farming issues and (c) he has held meetings with to discuss farming issues, since his appointment. [111296]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 28 January 2000]: I, and other MAFF Ministers, accommodate many requests from hon. Members to discuss farming issues.

  GM Crops
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress the United Kingdom Register of Organic Foods Standards has made with re-examining UK standards relating to contact with genetically-modified crops, with special reference to(a) insect pollination and (b) bee-keeping. [109323]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: Neither European Community legislation nor the standards approved by the United Kingdom Register of Organic Food Standards (UKROFS) allow the use of genetically modified material in the production of organic food. No standards have been set in relation to the adventitious presence of such material, although EU legislation provides a procedure for a maximum limit to be determined.

  UKROFS has established a working group to consider how best to reflect in UK standards the provisions of the EU regulation on the presence of GM material in organic produce. It is also participating in discussions between the organic and GM sectors under the chairmanship of MAFF officials with a view to identifying practical means of protecting the interests of both. These discussions are addressing questions relating to the separation of GM and organic crops and are taking account of research on cross-pollination by insects and bees.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he plans to reply to the letter of 20 December from the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, concerning problems his constituent has had with an IAACS/MAFF inspector. [111131]

  Ms Quin
  I replied to the letter from the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tween on 21 February.

  Diversification
  Dan Norris
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to support farmers who wish to diversify within farming. [111270]

  Mr. Morley
  The England Rural Development Plan describes how Government intend to use the European Community co-funded measures in the Rural Development Regulation to support farmers wishing to diversify within farming. Of the £1.6 billion seven-year programme, £152 million will fund a new Rural Enterprise Scheme to encourage diversification; £44 million will fund a new
  17W
  Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme to encourage innovation and achieve added value for primary produce, and £22 million will go towards providing targeted training to support these and other schemes in the Plan.

  Recycling
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of documentation used by his Department is(a) made from recycled paper and (b) collected for recycling. [111612]

  Mr. Morley
  (a) Current estimates are that around 10 per cent. of documentation used by the Ministry is made from recycled paper. Procurement staff and environmental managers are looking to increase this percentage substantially subject to performance, cost and supply availability considerations. The Ministry's Greening Operations Strategy includes objectives to use recycled paper comprising genuine post-consumer waste.

  (b) This information is not recorded. The Ministry's approach to waste management is set out in its Greening Operations Strategy and is based on the three "Rs", with "Recovery" (ie recycling, composting and energy recovery) following "Reduce" and "Re-use" as the preferred options for reducing waste sent to landfill. Schemes to recover waste paper are in place at over 95 per cent. of the Ministry's (including its Executive Agencies') key sites (those where there are over 50 staff) covering approximately 95 per cent. of staff.

  Subsidies (Shropshire)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the cost of subsidy payments to farmers for organic conversion in(a) Shrewsbury and Atcham and (b) Shropshire in each year since their inception; and if he will make a statement. [111411]

  Ms Quin
  Information at lower than county level is available only at disproportionate cost. At a county level, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him on 9 February 2000,Official Report, column 201W.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farmers received subsidy payments in(a) Shrewsbury and Atcham and (b) Shropshire in each year since 1992; and if he will make a statement. [111442]

  Ms Quin
  Information at below county level is available only at disproportionate cost. Information is held by agricultural holding. The number of holdings receiving subsidies in Shropshire is as follows:

  Year

  Numbers

  1992

  681

  1993

  3,089

  1994

  3,595

  1995

  3,473

  1996

  3,551

  1997

  3,459

  1998

  3,413

  The low figure for 1992 reflects the fact that the only subsidy available in that year was Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance.

  Marine Animal Bycatch
  Mr. Cawsey
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what are the Government's plans for monitoring marine mammal bycatch in United Kingdom fisheries in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–2003; [110967]

  (2) how many dedicated observers were employed by the Government to monitor the incidental take of marine animals in UK fisheries in (a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999; what (1) sectors and (2) percentage of UK fisheries this monitoring covered; and how much was spent on such observer programmes in the last year for which figures are available. [110966]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: My Department has agreed to fund the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) to place observers at sea for 300 days in each of the years 2000–01 and 2001–02. They will be monitoring cetacean bycatch in the South western and Irish Sea set net fisheries and in pelagic trawl fisheries.

  Details of the observers assigned to the specific monitoring of cetacean bycatch in the years quoted are included in the following table:

  1997

  1998

  1999

  Number of observers

  6

  4

  12

  Days at sea in gill net fleet

  356

  375

  104

  Percentage of fishery covered

  1.7

  22

  20.6

  Days at sea in pelagic trawl fleet

  0

  0

  30

  Percentage of fishery covered

  —

  —

  20.5

  1 Two more observers are working the Cornish Hake fishery on an EC funded project. MAFF funding supports the management of the project

  2 Estimate

  SMRU's total budget for the monitoring work funded by MAFF in the three-year period between 1997 and 2000 was £275,398.

  Farms (Shrewsbury and Atcham)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the dominant farm type for each parish in Shrewsbury and Atcham; and if he will make a statement. [111072]

  Ms Quin
  The information requested is provided in the following table:

  Parish

  Dominant farm type (predominant farming activity in the parish)

  Acton Burnell CP

  General cropping

  Alderbury with Cardeston CP

  Dairy

  All Stretton CP

  Cattle and sheep (lowland)

  Astley CP

  Cereals and other

  Atcham CP

  General cropping

  Bayston Hill CP

  Cattle and sheep (lowland)

  Berrington CP

  General cropping

  Bicton CP

  Dairy

  Buildwas CP

  Cattle and sheep (lowland)

  Cardington CP

  Cattle and sheep (lowland)

  Church Preen CP

  Cattle and sheep (lowland)

  Church Pulverbatch CP

  Cattle and sheep (lowland)

  Condover CP

  Cattle and sheep (lowland)

  Cound CP

  General cropping

  Cressage CP

  General cropping and cattle and sheep (lowland)

  Ford CP

  Cattle and sheep (lowland)

  19W

  Parish

  Dominant farm type (predominant farming activity in the parish)

  Frodesley CP

  Dairy

  Great Hanwood CP

  Cattle and sheep (lowland)

  Great Ness CP

  Cattle and sheep (lowland)

  Harley CP

  Cereals

  Hughley CP

  1—

  Kenley CP

  Cattle and sheep (lowland) and mixed

  Leebotwood CP

  Dairy

  Leighton and Eaton Constantine CP

  Dairy

  Little Ness CP

  Other

  Longden CP

  1—

  Longnor CP

  Dairy

  Minsterley CP

  Dairy

  Montford CP

  Dairy

  Pimhill CP

  Dairy

  Pitchford CP

  Cereals

  Pontesbury CP

  Dairy

  Ruckley and Langley CP

  Cattle and sheep (lowland)

  Sheinton CP

  Dairy

  Shrewsbury CP

  Other

  Smethcott CP

  Dairy

  Uffington CP

  Dairy

  Upton Magna CP

  General cropping

  Westbury CP

  Dairy

  Withington CP

  Dairy

  Wollaston CP

  Cattle and sheep (lowland)

  Woolstaston CP

  Cattle and sheep (LFA)

  Wroxeter and Uppington CP

  General cropping

  Suppressed to prevent discourse of information about individual holdings

  Note:

  This data relates to main holdings only ie minor holdings excluded

  Source:

  June 1998 Agriculture and Horticultural Census

  The table indicates the farm type with the most main holdings in each parish. Further information on the farm types is available from "The Digest of Agricultural Census Statistics 1993".

  Broiler Chickens
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to encourage the broiler chicken industry to give a higher priority to selective breeding of broiler chickens so as to reduce leg disorders, strengthen legs and increase walking ability. [110771]

  Mr. Morley
  Breeding companies select for a wide range of traits and I am aware of no evidence to suggest that leg strength is not accorded sufficient priority. However, since the Farming Animal Welfare Council reported on broiler welfare in 1992 we have taken a range of measures to address leg weakness, including an extensive research programme and improved training for veterinarians conducting welfare inspections. The industry itself is conducting a survey of leg health, the results of which it is reporting to the Farm Animal Welfare Council.

  Peat Compost
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to phase out the use of peat compost in gardens(a) owned and (b) tended by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [110730]
  20W
  Mr. Morley
  The Ministry has had a policy since 1993 to substitute the use of peat with suitable alternative organic wastes such as compost, manure, leaf mould, bark chippings or coir. Advice on how to replace or minimise the use of peat has been circulated to all MAFF sites. The policy was updated in June 1999 and applies to all sites where the Ministry is responsible for grounds maintenance, including those of its Executive Agencies. We will be using the Green Ministers' Biodiversity Checklist (which encourages the use of peat substitutes and which is due to be published early in March) to raise awareness and to reinforce further our policy. The Ministry has specification clauses included in its contracts covering this issue.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many senior civil servants from an ethnic minority background are employed in his Department; and how many of them are(a) men and (b) women. [110681]

  Mr. Morley
  One member of the senior civil service (SCS) in MAFF has declared himself to be from an ethnic minority background. Two MAFF staff who have declared themselves to be of ethnic minority background are currently on secondment to SCS posts in other Government Departments. Both are men.

  Water Quality
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the recent representations he has received regarding EU regulations to control nitrate in(a) surface water and (b) ground water in the UK. [110536]

  Mr. Morley
  This Department has received two recent representations from industry organisations about general implementation of the EU Nitrate Directive as part of the Review of Regulatory Burdens on Agriculture.

  Farm Incomes
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent meetings he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss(a) the economic state of the agriculture industry, (b) the high value of the pound sterling and (c) supermarket prices. [110532]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I am in regular contact with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  Meat Industry
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received on the cost burden that faces the UK meat industry in comparison with other EU countries; and if he will make a statement. [110534]

  Ms Quin
  A large number of representations has been received from Members of Parliament, industry organisations, individual meat plant operators, farmers, consumers and others about the cost burden facing the UK meat industry in comparison with that in other member states.
  21W
  The Government have, on a number of occasions, made clear to the European Commission its concerns over the lack of transparency in the charging arrangements applied in other member states and itsdoubts as to whether such charges are being set on a common basisthroughout the European Union, in accordance with Community Law.

  We have passed to the Commission copies of both our own survey of meat inspection charges in other member states and the Meat and Livestock Commission's report on meat inspection charges and other enforcement costs. These have been published and copies are available in the Library of the House. My right hon. Friend the Minister and officials continue to press the Commission to carry out a thorough investigation of the way in which the EU Charges Directive has been implemented in all member states and to establish the level of inspection charges in each country.

  At the same time, the Government do recognise the difficulties faced by the industry and has acted on the concerns of the meat industry over the impact of increased inspection costs. As the hon. Member will know from my right hon. Friend the Minister's announcement on 20 September 1999, charges for Specified Risk Material controls will now not be imposed before 2002–03 at the earliest. In addition, on 1 December 1999, he announced that Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) hygiene inspection charges for the whole of 1999–2000 were to be held at the level fixed for 1998–99. This will result in a saving to the meat industry of some £7 million in charges in 1999–2000. We also gave a commitment that the rates of MHS hygiene inspection charges in 2000–01 will not rise by more than the rate of inflation above the levels charged in 1999–2000. These measures represent a considerable cost saving for plant operators.

  The cost burden faced by the industry was one of the main issues considered by the Meat Industry Red Tape Working Group, whose report was published on 13 December 1999. Of its 35 recommendations, 32 have been accepted, or are under further consideration, including the establishment of a small task force to explore all the issues surrounding a "capping" approach to charging. This is being pursued urgently.

  Paper and Timber Products
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to ensure that paper and timber products purchased by his Department come from a sustainable source. [110147]

  Mr. Morley
  The Ministry's Greening Operations Strategy, which was updated and re-published in June 1999, has among its key aims to conserve resources and minimise waste by reducing the use of materials from non-renewable resources and to ensure that any products derived from nature, such as paper and timber, are derived from sustainable resources and comply with EU and international trading agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
  22W
  To help meet these aims the Strategy includes objectives to use recycled paper comprising genuine post-consumer waste and to ensure that any virgin pulp used in its manufacture comes from sustainably managed woodlands. It also, for example, requires the introduction of procedures to ensure as far as possible that timber and timber products come from sustainable resources by requiring documented proof or, if available, independent valuation under an internationally recognised certification or ecolabelling scheme.

  As part of continuing efforts to raise awareness and promote best practice across Government the Ministry is represented on inter-departmental groups concerned with the procurement of timber and paper and, in addition, is a member of The Sustainable Office Forum which is a cross-industry group interested in improving ogranisations' environmental performance through consideration of issues in forestry papermaking, recycling and printing.

  Remploy
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what Remploy products his Department has purchased in the last three years. [109940]

  Mr. Morley
  In the last three years, the Ministry has purchased office furniture, packaging, packing and filing materials to an approximate value of £154,310 (excluding VAT) from Remploy.

  Agricultural Development Scheme
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Agricultural Development Scheme. [109794]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 11 February 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, North-West (Dr. Naysmith) on 2 February 2000, Official Report, columns 640–42W.

  Austria (Bilateral Meetings)
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many bilateral meetings were held between his Department and its Austrian counterpart in each of the last five years; and what was discussed at each meeting since May 1997. [109873]

  Ms Quin
  In addition to the contacts that have taken place in the regular Agriculture Council meetings, five Ministerial bilateral meetings have been held with our Austrian counterparts during the period 1995–99. The dates of these and the subjects discussed at the meetings held since May 1997, are shown in the table.

  Date

  Subjects discussed

  24 November 1999

  EU enlargement

  Rural development

  BSE

  11 September 1998

  Agenda 2000/CAP reform

  Agrimonetary proposals

  Animal welfare

  Date-based export scheme

  Energy crops

  Fishery control regulations

  23W

  Date

  Subjects discussed

  20 July 1998

  Agenda 2000/CAP reform

  Agrimonetary reform

  Animal welfare

  Date-based export scheme

  Wine

  Organic farming

  Forestry protection

  EU-wide SRM controls

  19 November 1997

  Agenda 2000/CAP reform

  Preparation for UK presidency

  Banana regime

  BSE

  Chocolate directive

  Energy crops

  Fisheries

  12 June 1996

  —

  Nil in 1995

  —

  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those previously planned meetings, and their subject, between his Department and its Austrian counterpart which have been cancelled since the formation of the new Austrian Government. [109898]

  Ms Quin
  We are no longer proceeding with plans for an Anglo-Austrian seminar on rural development for applicant member states under the auspices of Technical Assistance Information Exchange (TAIEX), as a follow-up to an earlier Anglo-Austrian seminar in November 1999.

  Animal Slaughter
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has made to(a) the European Commission and (b) the French Government about the slaughter of animals as part of the annual Eid-el-Kebir festival in France; and what was the (i) date and (ii) nature of these representations. [109745]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I wrote to Commissioner Byrne on 9 February 2000 expressing the concerns of many British people at the outdoor slaughter of sheep in France during Eid-el-Kebir, and urging him to take steps to secure compliance with the laws of the European Union relating to this and other animal welfare concerns.

  Gardening Leave
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many officials in his Department are currently on gardening leave. [108424]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 3 February 2000]: One staff member, an Administrative Assistant, is currently absent on full pay awaiting a medical assessment.

  Chicken Imports (Thailand)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many chickens were imported from Thailand in each of the past three years; what assessment he has made of the quality of the feed 24W
  given to such chickens; what health problems have arisen from consumption of Thai chicken products; and if he will make a statement. [108110]

  Ms Quin
  UK imports of chicken from Thailand in 1997 to 1998 and in January to November 1999 were as follows:

  Tonnes1

  £ million

  1997

  Carcase meat

  3,784

  7.6

  Preparations

  2,131

  6.4

  Total

  5,915

  13.9

  1998

  Carcase meat

  7,216

  11.1

  Preparations

  6,760

  17.2

  Total

  13,976

  28.3

  19992

  Carcase meat

  9,767

  14.1

  Preparations

  9,724

  24.0

  Total

  19.491

  38.1

  1 Product weight

  2 January-November

  Source:

  HM Customs and Excise

  No live chicken imports into the UK from Thailand were recorded during this period.

  Responsibility for approving countries from which poultry meat may be imported into the European Community, and for collecting information on practices within those countries to aid decisions on approval, rests with the European Commission. In deciding whether to approve countries, the Commission must, in particular, take account of information on the state of health of the livestock, other domestic animals and wildlife; the provision of information on incidence of certain diseases; the country's rules on disease prevention and control and how these are organised and implemented; the structure of the veterinary services; and legislation on the use, authorisation, distribution and marketing of substances which might be administered to livestock. The quality of feedstuffs used is not a specific consideration.

  Thai chicken products have not been directly implicated in outbreaks of foodborne illness reported to the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC) of the Public Health Laboratory Service. Should it be evident that any animal product from any country of origin will pose a serious threat to human or animal health, safeguard action can be taken in accordance with EU veterinary rules.

  Pig Industry (EU Aid)
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he proposes to meet European Commissioner Franz Fischler to discuss the issue of aid being provided to pig farmers to assist with the additional welfare costs imposed on the industry. [111154]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: My right hon. Friend the Minister has many discussions with Commissioner Fischler on all manner of topics. The

  25W
  Minister and I discussed state aids in the pig sector with Mr. Fischler in the margins of the Agriculture Council on Monday, 24 January. The Minister, and Mr. Fischler held further discussions in the margins of the NFU AGM on Tuesday, 1 February. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on 1 February, any investment by Government must be linked to long-term change in the structure of the industry. It must also be part of an agreed overall strategy; to this end, my officials are in touch with the National Pig Association and others. Further communication with the European Commission will follow the outcome of these discussions.

  Farmer Suicides
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives are being pursued(a) to reduce suicides among farmers and (b) to investigate the stress levels of farmers. [110531]

  Ms Quin
  A MAFF official has been seconded to work for two years as Deputy Director of the Rural Stress Information Network, an authoritative source of information and advice on initiatives to combat rural stress.

  Staff working at or for MAFF's Regional Service Centres have received guidance to ensure that where their work brings them into contact with distressed farmers they know how to deal with the situation and instigate any follow up. Free business advice is also made available to distressed farmers referred to MAFF by the Samaritans or social services.

  The Department of Health has funded research in this area, the results of which were published in a report in 1998 called "Suicide and Stress in Farmers" available in the Library of the House.

  Livestock Imports (BSE and TB)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on how many cases in each of the last two years of(a) BSE-infected material and (b) TB-infected material have been discovered to be in livestock imported into this country; and if he will list the country of origin for each case. [107380]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 31 January 2000]: In the last two years, there have been two cases of BSE in imported livestock. One was an animal imported from France in 1994 and the other an animal imported from the Netherlands in 1996. Because of their long stay in the UK, it is not possible to determine whether the animals became infected before or after importation.

  With respect to TB, in 1998, 10 cattle imported into Great Britain from Ireland were disclosed as reactors to the tuberculin test at a 60-day post-import check test. The figure for 1999 is seven, all from Ireland.

  Beef on the Bone
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the names of those representatives of his Department present at the meeting at which the reintroduction of the ban on the sale of beef on the bone was discussed, details of which were confirmed in a leaked internal Welsh Assembly document. [107237]
  26W
  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 27 January 2000]: The Government do not comment on leaked documents nor on internal policy discussions.

  Live Animal Exports
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the regulations for inspection of live animals destined for export, enabling the Ministry to nominate which local veterinary inspector should examine a particular consignment, as announced in 1997, will be brought into effect. [102599]

  Mr. Morley
  We are in discussion with the Scottish and Welsh Administrations about the implications of carrying forward the proposals of which these changes form part, in the light of the views expressed in response to our public consultation exercise last year.

  Peat
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his Department's policy is on the purchase and use of peat for its own operations and activities; and what performance targets his Department has set to reduce current peat use. [103011]

  Mr. Morley
  The Ministry's policy on all slow renewables such as peat is to substitute them with suitable organic wastes such as compost, manure, leaf mould, bark chippings or coir. This policy is included in MAFF's Greening Operations Strategy, which was updated and reissued in June 1999.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. David Davis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements(a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department have put in place for the taking and keeping of minutes of meetings between Ministers and people outside his Department. [102373]

  Ms Quin
  Decisions on the format of minutes of meetings will depend on the nature of the discussion.

DEFENCE

  Property Management Market Test
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the outcome was of the British Army (Germany) Property Management Market Test. [112047]

  Mr. Spellar
  Following rigorous competition, Garrison Works Alliance (GWA) is to be awarded a contract to provide elements of Property Management for the British Army in Germany over the next five years. Garrison Works Alliance is an in-house organisation with commercial management support from Laing Management.

  RAF
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to enhance the participation of the Air Training Corps in the recruitment process of the Royal Air Force. [112134]
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  Mr. Spellar
  None. Although we are pleased that members of the Air Training Corps (ATC) often go on to become high quality recruits for the RAF, the ATC is a national youth organisation, not a recruiting agency of the RAF.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent guidance he has issued to improve the relationship between air cadet organisations and the Royal Air Force. [112083]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Air Cadet Organisation and the Royal Air Force have long enjoyed a good relationship and continue to work closely together on a wide range of activities.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on how the Air Training Corps contributes to the recruitment process of the Royal Air Force. [111875]

  Mr. Spellar
  Although the Air Training Corps (ATC) is not a recruiting agency, it is an important source of high quality recruits for the RAF. 16.1 per cent. of the overall intake during Financial Year 1998–99 were ex-air cadets, as the table shows.

  1998–99

  Entry into RAF

  Actual Ex-ATC and CCF(RAF)

  Percentage Ex-ATC and CCF(RAF)

  Officers

  533

  252

  47.3

  Airmen aircrew

  84

  34

  40.5

  Ground airmen

  3,682

  407

  11.0

  Total

  4,299

  693

  16.1

  Departmental Staff
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provisions are made available to (i) departmental staff and (ii) employees of executive agencies under the control of his Department, for(a) maternity leave, (b) maternity pay, (c) paternity leave, (d) parental leave, (e) flexible working hours, (f) part-time work, (g)job sharing, (h) leave to care for sick children, (i) home-working, (j) term-time contracts, (k) annual hours contract, (1) child care allowances, (m) careers' leave and (n) career break schemes; and what criteria are used to judge eligibility in each case. [108847]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given her by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, on 15 February 2000,Official Report, columns 519–22W.

  The following provisions exist for Departmental staff and staff working in executive agencies of the Ministry of Defence:
  (a) Maternity Leave
  18 weeks for all women in accordance with the Maternity and Parental Leave Etc. Regulations 1999. Those with at least one year's established service may have a further period of unpaid leave up to an overall total of 52 weeks.
  (b) Maternity Pay
  Women who have completed 26 weeks service by the 15th week before the expected date of confinement qualify for statutory maternity pay for 18 weeks. Women who have at least
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  one year's established service will in addition qualify for occupational maternity pay which guarantees them full pay for the 18 weeks.
  (c) Paternity Leave
  Five days special paid leave at or about the time of their baby's birth. All staff qualify except casual staff.
  (d) Parental Leave
  13 weeks unpaid leave for each parent after one year's service and for each child born or adopted on or after 15 December 1999, in accordance with the maternity and Parental Leave Etc. Regulations 1999.
  (e) Flexible Working Hours
  Flexible Working Hours schemes are operated widely, and their use is encouraged. There are no specific eligibility requirements save that there should be no adverse effect on the efficiency of the Department.
  (f) Part-time work
  This is encouraged, subject to the needs of the particular post. There are no specific eligibility requirements.
  (g) Job-sharing
  This is encouraged, subject to the needs of the particular post. There are no specific eligibility requirements although job share partners would need to be compatible given the nature of this working arrangement.
  (h) Leave to care for sick children
  Special leave, either paid or unpaid, may be granted for the care of sick children in accordance with the Employment Relations Act 1999 (right to time-off for dependants).
  (i) Home-working
  Home-working is available as an alternative working pattern subject to the needs of the organisation, the equipment required, security implications and health and safety.
  (j) Term-time contracts
  This is encouraged, subject to the needs of the particular post. There are no specific eligibility requirements.
  (k) Annual hours contract
  These are available where irregular hours are a key feature of the post.
  (l) Child care allowances
  No formal child care "allowances" are currently provided. Financial support is given through subsidised workplace nursery places and places in holiday playschemes.
  (m) Career Break Scheme
  Career breaks may be offered for a period of up to five years. Applicants must have a good work and attendance record.
  (n) Career Leave
  Up to three years special unpaid leave is available to pursue a course of study of benefit to the MOD and the future career of the officer concerned.

  Collaborative Programme (USA)
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those items of military equipment which are part of a collaborative programme with the USA. [109857]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
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  Letter from John Howe to Mr. Christopher Gill, dated 28 February 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about those items of military equipment which are part of a collaborative programme with the USA. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  The list of military equipment which are part of a collaborative programme with the USA is shown below.

  Collaborative Defence Projects

  Nations Involved

  Sea Gnat Decoy

  United Kingdom, United States, Denmark

  M483A1 Artillery Shell

  United Kingdom, Netherlands, Turkey, United States

  Multiple Launch Rocket System Phase I

  United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Italy

  Harrier AV8b/GR5/7

  United Kingdom, United States

  Joint Striker Fighter-Concept Demonstration Phase

  United Kingdom, United States

  Multifunctional Electronically Scanned Radar (MESAR) 2 Technology Demonstrator Programme

  United Kingdom, United States

  Joint Tactical Information Distribution System

  United Kingdom, United States

  Directed Infra Red Countermeasures

  United Kingdom, United States

  NAVSTAR Global Positioning system (GPS)

  United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, United States

  NATO Improved Link Eleven

  United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, United States

  Intercooled Recuperated Gas turbine Engine (WR21)

  United Kingdom, France, United States

  Co-operative Outboard Logistics Update

  United Kingdom, United States

  Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System

  United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, United States

  Universal MODEM for Satellite Communications

  United Kingdom, United States

  Surface Ship Torpedo Defence

  United Kingdom, United States

  Future Tank Main Armament

  United Kingdom, France, Germany, United States

  Future Ground Based Air Defence

  United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Turkey, United States

  Lightweight Mobile Artillery System (LIMAWS)—Howitzer

  United Kingdom, Italy, United States

  Tactical Reconnaissance Armoured Combat Equipment Requirement (TRACER)

  United Kingdom, United States

  CONDOR-Covert Night/Day Operation of Rotocraft

  United Kingdom, United States

  Chinnook Low Maintenance Rotor Head

  United Kingdom, United States

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  Collaborative Defence Projects

  Nations Involved

  Future projects under negotiation (subject to national approvals)

  Technology, Equipment and systems development for Environmentally Sound Ships and Naval Installations of the 21st Century

  United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, United States

  Programmable Integrated Ordnance Suite: Technology Demonstrator Programme

  United Kingdom, United States

  Laser Vibrometry: Technology Demonstrator Programme

  United Kingdom, United States

  TRACER
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if the United Kingdom will continue with the development of the TRACER system if the United States ceases to participate; [110141]

  (2) what contractual provision exists for compensation to be paid in respect of incremental costs incurred by the United Kingdom in the TRACER programme in the event of the United States' withdrawal from the programme; [110142]

  (3) how much money the United Kingdom has (a) spent on and (b) committed to the development of the TRACER programme to date. [110143]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Howe to Mr. Quentin Davies, dated 28 February 2000:
  I am replying to your questions to the Secretary of State for Defence on the TRACER programme. These matters fall within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  On the question of contractual provisions in the event of US withdrawal from the programme, the collaborative arrangement with the United States on the TRACER programme is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Whilst the framework of the MoU allows for the programme to progress through to a Production Phase, neither the UK nor US Government has made any formal commitment beyond the current Project Definition phase. Accordingly, compensation would not be payable should either nation decide not to proceed beyond the current phase. However, as is normal for collaborative programmes, provisions have been made in the MoU which would allow the remaining nation to continue to the end of the current phase in the event that either partner withdraws prior to completion of it. Specifically the MoU requires that 'The terminating Participant will pay all Contract modification or termination costs that would not otherwise have been incurred but for the decision to terminate'.
  On the question of whether the United Kingdom will continue with the development of the TRACER system if the United States ceases to participate, I should confirm that the Project Definition phase, a phase to which the United States and the United Kingdom remain committed, is not due to finish until July 2002. At the end of the Project Definition phase, the programme will be formally reviewed, taking account of all relevant factors, before a decision on how the TRACER requirement might be pursued is made.
  On the question of programme costs, UK expenditure to date on the TRACER programme is around £39M. We currently estimate the overall cost to the UK of the Project Definition phase to be £130M.

  Weapons Contracts
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what criteria the Minister will decide between the BVRAAM European guided missile and the USA's AMRAAM; and if he will make a statement. [111012]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence gave him on 16 February 2000,Official Report, column 554W.

  A400M Programme
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will take into account the Airbus Industrie partners' track record of delivering military aircraft programmes in the assessment of the A400M proposal; [111339]

  (2) what account has been taken of Airbus Industrie's track record of delivering aircraft (a) on time, (b) on specification and (c) to cost in the assessment of the A400M proposal; [111338]

  (3) how many A400Ms would have to be ordered by his Department for a viable programme to be sustained. [111336]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from John Howe to Mr. Lindsay Hoyle, dated 28 February 2000:
  I am replying to your questions to the Secretary of State for Defence in which you asked if he will take into account the Airbus Industrie partners' track record of delivering military aircraft programmes in the assessment of the A400M proposal; what account has been taken of Airbus Industrie's track record of delivering aircraft on time, on specification and to cost in the assessment of the A400M proposal; and how many A400Ms would have to be ordered by his Department for a viable programme to be sustained. These matters fall within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  I can confirm that our assessment will take account of the track records both of Airbus Industrie itself, and, in the military sector, of the Airbus Industrie partners.
  The viability of the A400 programme will depend on the offtake of several nations. We continue to discuss with our partners and Airbus Military the effect of the total offtake on visibility and costs.
  Since there is a competition in being it would be inappropriate for me to go into detail at this time. We continue to aim to announce a decision on this programme in the early part of this year.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact upon the United Kingdom's defence collaboration and wider strategic relations with other European partner nations should the A400M programme not proceed. [111337]

  Dr. Moonie
  In deciding how to meet our future air transport requirements, we will take into account a range of factors, among which will be any implications for our international defence relations.

  Cancelled Exercises
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the exercises in 1999 involving(a) the Royal Navy, (b) the Army and (c) the RAF from which units or equipment were withdrawn in
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  advance of the planned exercise, indicating in each case (i) the name of the exercise, (ii) the equipment or units withdrawn (iii) the estimated cost to his Department had the equipment or unit taken part, (iv) the actual cost after withdrawal and (v) the reason for withdrawal; and if he will make a statement. [111675]

  Mr. Spellar
  As the information requested is lengthy, copies have been placed in the Library.

  Ammunition
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his oral answer of 21 February 2000,Official Report, column 1231, what was the amount of ammunition provided to each of the armed services for training purposes in (a) 1999–2000, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [111787]

  Dr. Moonie
  The overall provision levels of ammunition have remained constant. However, I am withholding specific information in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which relates to Defence, Security and International Relations.

  Staff Targets and Requirements
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will publish the seventh annual edition of the compendium of current staff targets and staff requirements. [111969]

  Dr. Moonie
  Our aim is to publish the updated Compendium in April.

  Indonesia (Arms Exports)
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the value of arms exports from the UK to Indonesia in(a) 1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998 and (d) 1999. [112328]

  Dr. Moonie
  The information for 1997 and 1998 has been published in the Strategic Export Controls Annual Report, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. Corresponding information for 1996 and 1999 is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Nancekuke
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 16 February 2000,Official Report, column 607W, (1) if he will release the document containing individuals' names and medical records taken from the Nancekuke study; [111699]

  (2) what factors underlay the decision taken in 1999 not to release the individuals' names and medical records contained within the study concerning illness at Nancekuke. [111701]

  Dr. Moonie
  The document requested is being withheld under Exemption 12 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information (Privacy of an Individual).

  The document containing information on individuals' names and details of their medical records for the study of sickness and absenteeism among employees at Nancekuke is held by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) who decided not to release it as disclosure would

  33W
  breach those individuals' right to privacy. As required under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, due account was taken in reaching this decision of the nature of the information, the conditions under which it was supplied and the possible public interest in disclosure.

  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 16 February 2000,Official Report, column 554W, what estimate he has made of the cost of identifying all archived files relating to defence activities at Nancekuke. [111700]

  Dr. Moonie
  Files are stored in the Ministry of Defence archives in a variety of means, generally, by date of review and, within that, by branch. This method of storage ensures that a systematic review programme, consistent with the procedures recommended by the Public Record Office, is in place. On review, records are assessed on the basis of continuing administrative and potential historical value. Records falling into the latter category are transferred into the custody of the Public Record Office and generally become available to researchers after 30 years, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Records Act, 1958 and 1967.

  The volume of files under 30-years-old, their method of storage and the absence of thematic and computerised indexes would mean that the information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Defence Capability
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the(a) objectives and (b) present work programme of the Defence Capability Initiative; and if consideration of theatre-wide missile defences forms part of that programme. [111356]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: The Defence Capabilities Initiative (DCI) aims to improve NATO's defence capabilities in order to ensure the effectiveness of multinational operations across the full spectrum of Alliance missions, with a special focus on improving interoperability among Alliance forces (and, where applicable, between Alliance and Partner forces).

  The DCI addressed five key areas where NATO has identified shortfalls and deficiencies in force capabilities (deployability and mobility; sustainability and logistics; effective engagement; survivability of forces and infrastructure; and command and control).

  The UK strongly supports the DCI. It reflects both the work that we undertook in the Strategic Defence Review and the emerging lessons learned from Kosovo. Successful implementation of the DCI will also assist the achievement of the European Headline Goal, agreed at Helsinki in December 1999. We welcome the progress that has been made so far, and look forward to further substantial capability improvements.

  The DCI includes consideration of Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence. UK policy remains as set out in my answer to my hon. Friend on 9 December 1999, Official Report, column 594W.

  Nuclear Test Veterans
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress there has been in the National Radiological Protection Board study on the incidence of multiple myeloma among UK nuclear test veterans. [111689]

  Dr. Moonie
  I am pleased to report that work on the study into the incidence of multiple myeloma in the nuclear test veteran population is under way. The first meeting of the independent Oversight Committee took place on 8 November 1999, at which matters such as methodology, scope and timetable were agreed. An observer from my Department and another from the British Nuclear Test Veterans' Association were present. It was originally intended that the study should examine only the incidence of multiple myeloma. However, the Oversight Committee has recommended that, as the information will be available, the scope of the study should be extended to cover other causes of death and other forms of cancer. My Department accepts this recommendation.

  The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) have begun to gather the necessary data from military and other national records and the data collection phase is expected to complete by the middle of this year. Thereafter, the data will be validated and analysed. The NRPB report will then be peer reviewed and the findings published early next year in a suitable scientific journal. This is slightly later than was first envisaged and is due essentially to the NRPB's existing commitments and the time taken to constitute the Oversight Committee.

  Chinook Crash (Mull of Kintyre)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what conclusion investigators reached about the possibility of an unforeseen technical malfunction that would not have left any physical evidence as having occurred in the final flight of RAF Chinook ZD576 on 2 June 1994. [108759]

  Mr. Spellar
  The initial stage of the Board of Inquiry acknowledged that an unforeseen technical malfunction, which would not necessarily have left any physical evidence, was a possibility and could not be discounted. They concluded however that technical failure was unlikely to have been the direct cause of the accident, although they considered it possible that a technical malfunction or indication could have provided a distraction to the crew.

  None the less, after careful consideration of all the available evidence the RAF Board of Inquiry concluded that the most probable cause of the accident was that the crew selected an inappropriate rate of climb to safely overfly the Mull of Kintyre, and the actions of the crew were thus held to be the direct cause of the crash.

  Through-deck Carriers
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average annual cost is of maintaining and manning a through-deck carrier. [109861]

  Mr. Spellar
  The average cost of maintaining a through-deck carrier is currently assessed at some £17 million per annum. In addition the average cost of the ship's company is around a further £17 million per
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  annum, although such costs vary according to the phase of the ship's operating cycle. For example, while in refit the ship's company would reduce significantly, with the associated average annual manning cost reduced to some £2 to £3 million.

  DERA
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 4 February 2000,Official Report, column 744W, on DERA, what assumptions have been made about the size of the credit to the defence budget. [109351]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 11 February 2000]: For strictly planning purposes we have assumed that a Public Private Partnership for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency will generate a credit to the Defence Budget; the actual size of any credit will ultimately depend on the PPP option chosen. No final decision on this has yet been made.

  Departmental Functions (Food)
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if all food served at his Department's official functions meets the standards of production required of domestic producers. [109769]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 11 February 2000]: Food served up for departmental functions comes from a variety of domestic and non-domestic sources. Food supplied to the Ministry of Defence must meet our quality standards and comply with relevant United Kingdom, European Community and other legislative requirements, including prescribed welfare standards, which govern home and imported products.

  Defence Exports
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the costs and benefits of defence exports to the UK. [110319]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Government believe defence exports foster a healthy, technologically capable and competitive UK Defence Industry. Competition for defence contracts has helped to stimulate efficiency in UK firms to the benefit of our own defence needs while enhancing their ability to innovate and compete successfully in international markets. Defence exports can also contribute to international stability by strengthening bilateral and collective defence relationships. MOD officials are currently working, with independent academic support, on an assessment of the costs and benefits of defence exports to the UK for completion later this year.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many questions for written answer he replied to by means of a letter placed in the Library rather than by a substantive answer in the Official Report in session 1999–2000 to date; and if he will make a statement. [110638]

  Dr. Moonie
  As at 15 February 2000, my Department had received 465 questions for written answer in the current session. Of these, 15 were replied to by means of a letter placed in the Library of the House.

  Contractors
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those defence contractors which have been(a) instructed not to submit invoices for defence equipment and supplies until after the end of the current financial year and (b) have been asked to accept that payment will not be made until then. [110553]

  Dr. Moonie
  No defence contractors have been instructed not to submit invoices until after the end of the current financial year. The MOD routinely enters into agreements with its suppliers to promote commercial relationships which benefit both parties. Details are commercially confidential between us and individual companies and are consequently being withheld under Exemption 7a2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Our arrangements are freely entered into by both sides.

  Communications Equipment (Balkans)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the additional communications equipment supplied to army units in the Balkans is compatible with the BOWMAN specification. [110841]

  Mr. Hoon
  There are fundamental differences in the capabilities of the communications equipment being supplied off-the-shelf to army units in the Balkans and that being procured by the BOWMAN project.

  The equipment being supplied to units in the Balkans will mostly be installed in fixed locations and will provide a wide area network in support of peacekeeping operations. BOWMAN has a much wider scope. It seeks to provide mobile, tactical, war-fighting communications, to a military specification, for use by all three Services. In order to be suitable for a hostile environment, the BOWMAN military communications system must be capable of operating without being dependent on a fixed, static infrastructure.

  Cluster Bombs
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if the figures provided by his Department for the number of BL755 cluster bombs used during Operation Allied Force include bombs(a) used during (i) training and (ii) trials and (b) dumped at sea following aborted missions; [111077]

  (2) which types of aircraft operated by Her Majesty's Armed Forces used BL755 cluster bombs during Operation Allied Force. [111078]

  Mr. Spellar
  RBL755 cluster munitions, the medium altitude variant of the weapon, were used by RAF Harrier GR7 aircraft during Operation Allied Force. During the operation, (i) none was used for training, (ii) 12 were used in trials and (iii) none was jettisoned at sea following aborted missions.

  Recycling
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of documentation used by his Department is(a) made from recycled paper and (b) collected for recycling. [111596]
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  Dr. Moonie
  The information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. However, it has been the Ministry of Defence's policy to use recycled paper wherever it is practicable.

  RAF Accidents
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the causes of the accidents involving(a) a Chinook HC2 in Oman in 1999, (b) an RAF Harrier GR7 in Coldstream in 1999, (c) an RAF Jaguar GR1 in Moray Firth in 1999 and (d) an RAF Tornado F3 in Torness in 1999; what steps have been taken since with regard to each case; and if he will make a statement. [111460]

  Dr. Moonie
  Each of these RAF aircraft accidents is the subject of an ongoing RAF Board of Inquiry. I am unable to comment at this stage about the cause of any of these accidents.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the level of the damage to(a) the Tornado F3 that crashed in Torness in 1999, (b) the RAF Jaguar GR1 which crashed in Moray Firth in 1999, (c) the RAF Harrier GR7 which crashed in Coldstream in 1999 and (d) the Chinook HC2 which crashed in Oman in 1999; what was the cost of the damage in each case; and if he will make a statement. [111461]

  Dr. Moonie
  In the first three of these accidents, the aircraft was destroyed beyond economic repair. The approximate cost of the aircraft involved was as follows:

  (a) Tornado F3 that crashed near Torness power station: £25 million

  (b) Jaguar GR1 that crashed in the Moray Firth: £10 million

  (c) Harrier GR7 that crashed in Coldstream: £16 million

  The Chinook HC2 that crashed in Oman is repairable, but the extent of the damage is still being surveyed.

  Boarding School Allowance
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the boarding school allowance money the MOD spent in the independent sector in(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999; and what proportion is forecast for 2000. [111140]

  Mr. Spellar
  The total cost of Boarding School Allowance (BSA) and the estimated amount of money spent by MOD on Independent Schools during the academic years 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000 is as follows:

  £ million

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  11999–2000

  Total cost of BSA

  59.831

  59.205

  58.999

  61.846

  Estimate for STABIS Schools2

  3.920

  3.847

  4.332

  5.167

  Estimate for Independent Schools

  55.911

  55.358

  54.667

  56.679

  Percentage

  93.45

  93.50

  92.66

  91.65

  1 Average for the year based on Autumn Term only

  2 State maintained boarding schools

  Equipment
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all legally binding agreements relating to the supply of defence equipment or services his Department has with foreign Governments. [111484]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: There is a range of Government to Government supply arrangements, as described in the Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls for 1998 (page 128). Sales agreements covering disposal to overseas governments of UK Services' surplus equipment are legally binding. Other Government to Government arrangements are set out in Memoranda of Understanding and Letters of Offer and Acceptance. While we treat the latter as binding on the Government, they are not legally binding agreements.

  Trident
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action his Department plans to take following the ruling by Sheriff Margaret Gimblett on Trident in October 1999. [111520]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: The Lord Advocate has referred Sheriff Gimblett's judgment to the High Court of Judiciary for its determination. It would therefore clearly be inappropriate for the Government to comment on it at this stage. The United Kingdom's minimum nuclear deterrent is consistent with international law.

  Low Flying Training
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the Air Force's low flying training programme. [112304]

  Dr. Moonie
  Military low flying training is kept under continuous review.

WALES

  Recycling
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of documentation used by his Department is(a) made from recycled paper and (b) collected for recycling. [111608]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  My Department operates a purchasing policy which gives full weight to environmental considerations in the procurement of all goods and services. The current paper contract provides paper that is at least 80 per cent. post consumer waste, produced using environmentally chlorine free pulp from sustainable forests.

  Information is not held centrally on the percentage of recycled paper in documentation which was produced externally, but which is used by my Department.

  My Department has a staff of 39, and a correspondingly small production of waste paper. We do not therefore keep formal records of waste recycled, but we recycle paper as a matter of routine.

  Child Abusers
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date an urgent search was ordered in Wales for those people named in the Waterhouse report as being unsuitable to work with children. [111368]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The National Assembly for Wales e-mailed a letter dated 15 February to local authorities, health authorities and trusts in Wales on the morning of 16 February.

  Traffic Flow (Shotwick)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has made to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions concerning the need for improved traffic flows at the Wales-England border at Shotwick; and if he will make a statement. [107421]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have made no such representations. I understand that the Highways Agency are carrying out a study of the A5117 Deeside Park Junctions, which includes the junction at Shotwick. Progress will continue to be monitored closely by the National Assembly for Wales.

  Departmental Functions (Food)
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if all food served at his Department's official functions meets the standards of production required of domestic producers. [109771]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 11 February 2000]: All food served at departmental official functions is provided by an external caterer registered on the list of approved Government hospitality suppliers, and obliged to meet all legal requirements and relevant regulations governing the procurement and preparation of food and related activities.

  Central Government Expenditure
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the latest estimate of Government expenditure and revenue in Wales, updating the Welsh Office assessment of 1994–95 made in January 1997. [111615]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  No update of the report "Government Expenditure and Revenue—Wales 1994–95", which was produced in January 1997, has been undertaken.

  Objective 1 Funding
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many meetings he has attended in the past six months with the Prime Minister to discuss Objective 1 funding for Wales; and if he will make a statement. [111687]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I see the Prime Minister regularly to discuss a number of issues.

  Advertising Budget
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the average cost of issuing a media release from his Department in 1999. [110268]
  40W
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 16 February 2000]: The average cost of sending out a press notice from my Department in 1999 was something in excess of £40 for each press release.

  Health Authority Funding
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what research his Department has(a) undertaken and (b) commissioned, to assess the impact of amending the formula for funding health authorities in Wales since 1997. [110943]

  Mr. Hanson
  In February 1997, the Welsh Office set up the Resource Allocation Working Group (RAWG), comprising Welsh Office officials and NHS representatives. The purpose of the group was to evaluate the existing formula for allocating health resources and, if appropriate, recommend an alternative method.

  The group took account of many factors and recommended that a modified version of the English Department of Health method should be used. This method took account of socio-economic variables.

  Following this an analysis was undertaken to quantify the financial impact of applying the RAWG recommendations and it became apparent that it would exacerbate the financial problems faced in the NHS. At the same time the Department of Health announced a review of the English formula. In view of that, changes were postponed.

  Since 1 July 1999, the responsibility for the allocation of health funding has become the responsibility of the National Assembly for Wales, and I understand that they have recently decided to set up a technical group and a steering group to review the NHS revenue allocation formula.

  Sub-post Offices
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary concerning the future of sub post offices in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [111796]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have regular discussions with the First Secretary and colleagues in Whitehall to discuss a range of issues that affect Wales. Postal services have not been devolved to the National Assembly for Wales and are matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. My officials have also had a number of discussions with their counterparts on the Government's proposals to move to an automated credit transfer system that will assure a safer, modern and efficient way of paying benefits, which is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security.

  In addition, the Prime Minister announced on 21 October 1999 that the Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) in the Cabinet Office is to carry out a study on the post office network which will seek to identify the contribution made by post offices to the viability of local communities. Close independent monitoring of the post office network will ensure that proposed closures which would create significant problems of access to post office counter

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  services, including in rural areas, are taken up with the Post Office, which will then be able to investigate how access needs can best be met.

  Rateable Values
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of businesses in Wales that, as a result of the rates of revaluation which will take effect in April 2000, will(a) have an increase in their rateable value, (b) have a decrease in their rateable value and (c) will have no change in their rateable value. [112305]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Business rates revaluation in Wales is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

  Research Contracts
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 1 February 2000,Official Report, column 538W, for what reasons he has not placed a copy of the standard contract for research services in the Library. [111651]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  A copy of the standard contract for research services, which for my Department are the same as for the National Assembly for Wales, has been placed in the Library of the House.

  New Deal
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with his departmental colleagues and the First Secretary concerning the progress of the New Deal in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [109678]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have regular discussions concerning New Deal with colleagues in central government and the Assembly. I am pleased to note that up to the end of November 1999 well over 17,000 people in Wales had secured jobs through New Deal and 4,941 employers in Wales had signed up to support New Deal.

  Theatre in Education
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will deposit in the Library the bids of(a) Theatre Iolo and (b) Gwent Theatre for the provision of theatre in education; and if he will make a statement. [105169]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: This is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Child Contact Court Orders
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many resident parents have disobeyed court orders for contact by non-resident parents with children; and what penalties were imposed for disobedience in the latest year for which statistics are available. [111918]

  Jane Kennedy
  We do not have information about how many residents have disobeyed court orders for contact by non-resident parents with children, or what penalties were 42W
  imposed for disobeying orders. Failure to comply with a contact order can ultimately render a person liable to being fined or imprisoned for contempt. However, before imposing such a penalty the court would give careful consideration to the consequences for the child of imprisoning or fining the parent with care of that child.

  Family Courts
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) what plans he has to establish family courts in England and Wales; [111889]

  (2) what recent representations he has received in favour of establishing family courts in England and Wales; [111890]

  (3) what studies he has commissioned into the costs and benefits of establishing family courts in England and Wales. [111891]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Children Act 1989, which came into effect in October 1991, introduced a unified family court system in England and Wales including the Family Proceedings Courts (Magistrates' Courts), County Courts and the High Court. From the beginning of 1999 to date I have received one representation suggesting changes to this system. No studies have been commissioned into the costs and benefits of establishing another system of family courts in England and Wales. There are no current plans to change the set up of this unified system.

  Public Interest Immunity Certificates
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make it his policy to collate information on the number of cases in which judges have been asked to consider a public interest immunity certificate. [111677]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Lord Chancellor's Department currently has no plans to collate such information.

  National Insurance Commissioners
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate he has made of the cost of(a) reports and (b) publishing starred decisions of the National Insurance Commissioners (i) in loose leaf format, (ii) in bound format and (iii) on the Internet; and if he will make a statement. [111391]

  Jane Kennedy
  The publication of reported decisions is currently under review and the estimates of costs are not known.

  (i) At present the Commissioner's office only publishes reported decisions in loose-leaf format. Not all starred decisions are reported. There are normally 100 starred decisions a year of which normally about 50 are reported. The DSS publish decisions in loose-leaf form and I am therefore unable to give an estimate concerning cost.

  (ii) Reported decisions have not been kept in bound format since 1990. Until then bound volumes of reported decisions were published every two years but this was judged to be uneconomic. Improved arrangements for publication of reported decisions are currently being discussed with the DSS and commercial publishers.
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  (iii) At present the costs of publishing decisions on the Internet are borne internally from existing budgets by the Court Service Agency.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many official visits the hon. Member for Wyre Forest (Mr. Lock) has paid to the United States since his appointment as Parliamentary Secretary; what was the location of each visit; who he met; and what subjects were discussed. [110911]

  Mr. Lock
  I have made one visit to the United States of America since my appointment as Parliamentary Secretary, where I had the meetings set out in the following table. I also visited Winnipeg and Ottawa, and details of the meetings I held there are also set out in the table.

  The purpose of my visit was to meet experienced practitioners in the USA and Canada to discuss the successful operation of criminal defence services, and the use of salaried defence advocates.

  This forms part of the policy making process for the development of the Criminal Defence Service in England and Wales, the first stage of which will be implemented in October 2000. I will be consulting with professional bodies and other interested parties on the detail of our proposals in the coming months.

  Location

  Subject

  Los Angeles

  Michael Judge, Public Defender

  Setting up and running publicly funded criminal defence services, different models of public defence services, ensuring quality services for defendants, monitoring mechanisms, training and development of public defender lawyers and staff, attending court hearings

  Robert Kalunian, Assistant Public

  Defender

  Adolfo Lara, Assistant Public

  Defender

  Public Defender Office

  Management Board

  Penny Van Bogaert, Assistant

  Deputy Public Defender (Resources)

  Trial lawyers, Paralegals and Investigators from the Public Defender"s Offece

  Portland, Oregon

  Ann Christian, Oregon State

  Setting up and running publicly funded criminal defence services, different models of public defence services, ensuring quality services for defendants, monitoring mechanisms, training and development of public attending court hearings,judicial views on service provided by public defence services

  Judicial Department, Head of Indigent Defence Services

  James Hennings, Metropolitan

  Public Defender, Portland

  Ross Shepard, Lane County Public

  Defender

  Managers and Trial Lawyers,

  Multnomah County Defender Office

  Judge Frantz, Principal Criminal

  Judge, Portland

  Ron Williams, Attorney in charge of drug treatment programme,

  Metropolitan Public Defender's Office, Portland

  Group of Private Attorneys contracted to do public defence work

  Seattle

  James Crane, Office of Public

  Setting up and running publicly funded criminal defence services, different models of public defence services, ensuring quality services for defendants, monitoring mechanisms, training

  Defence, king County, Washington

  Robert Boruchowitz, Public

  Defender, King County

  Managers and Trial Lawyers, Office of Public Defence, King County

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  Location

  Subject

  Daniel Sattenberg, Chief of Staff,

  and development of public defender lawyers and staff, judicial views on service provided by public defence services

  King County Prosecutor"s Office

  Judges from King County Criminal

  Courts

  Winnipeg

  Gerry McNeilly, Executive Director,

  Setting up and running publicly funded criminal defence services, different models of public defence services, ensuring quality services for defendants, monitoring mechanisms, training and development of public defender lawyers and staff, judicial views on service provided by public defence services, operation of civil courts, Narey reforms, legal aid expenditure and control, public service agreements, policy co-ordination across Government

  Legal Aid Manitoba

  Managers and Trial Attorneys,

  Legal Aid Manitoba

  Judge Judith Webster, senior criminal judge, Provincial Court

  Gord Mackintosh, Manitoba

  Minister of Justice and Attorney General

  Ottawa

  Morris Rosenberg, Federal Deputy

  Setting up and running publicly funded criminal defence services, different models of public defence services, ensuring quality services for defendants, monitoring mechanisms, training and development of public defender lawyers and staff, implementation of the Human Rights Act, constitutional reform, judicial appointments policy, Law Commission, policy research projects

  Minister of Justice

  Janice Charette, Senior Assistant

  Deputy Minister

  Officials from Department of Justice, from legal aid research division, judicial affairs division, research and statistics division

  Senator Gerald Beaudoin

  Mr. John Godfrey MP

  Elizabeth Mulholland, Senior

  Adviser, Prime Minister's Office

  Professor Errol Mendes, University of Ottawa

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  HOC Commission Meetings
  Angela Smith
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, when the Commission met in the last 12 months; when it next will meet; and if he will publish the minutes of the Commission's meetings. [112024]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  During the last 12 months, the Commission has met on:1999

  15 March

  17 May

  28 June

  5 July

  12 July

  19 July

  4 November

  6 December

  13 December

  2000
  21 February

  The next meeting is on 6 March 2000. It is not the practice of the Commission to publish its Minutes, but it is considering ways of improving the distribution of information about relevant decisions to Members.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Ilisu Dam
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what provisions of the UN Convention on the non-navigational uses of trans-boundary waterways have implications for his consideration of ECGD support for the llisu dam. [111697]

  Mr. Caborn
  The provisions of the Convention as a whole are relevant to our consideration of ECGD support for the Ilisu dam. The UN Convention has yet to enter into force. However, the UK supports the principles of the Convention and intends to sign and ratify in due course. We encourage all countries to abide by the principles of the Convention, as we do.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in his consideration of projects seeking ECGD support, for what reasons he seeks the views of the Department for International Development; and if he will make a statement on this matter in connection with the Ilisu dam. [111696]

  Mr. Caborn
  ECGD seeks the views of DFID and other interested Whitehall Departments (including FCO, DTI and DETR) as appropriate when considering applications for export credits cover. This is in order to ensure consistency of policies, for example the White Paper on International Development makes it clear that the full range of the Government's policies affecting developing countries, including environment, trade, investment and agricultural policies should take account of its sustainable development objectives.

  The consultation between ECGD and the Department for International Development (DFID) is carried out in a number of ways. DFID is a member of the Export Guarantees Committee and in this capacity sees high value applications for ECGD support in certain markets as a matter of course. DFID are also involved in assessing the productive expenditure implications of all applications for ECGD support for business in Heavily Indebted Poor Countries and countries who are eligible to borrow from the World Bank on International Development Association terms.

  With regard to the Ilisu project, at the beginning of last year DFID provided advice on the environment and resettlement aspects of the project and how these concerns could be addressed. Since the commissioning of the studies on these issues, DFID' s involvement has declined significantly, as Turkey is not one of their key development partners.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has asked the World bank for its assessment of the merits of the Ilisu dam. [111698]

  Mr. Caborn
  No. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not asked because at this point in time the World bank has not been asked for its opinion of the project by the Turkish authorities.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many employers have been reported by 46W
  minimum wage inspectors for paying less than the national minimum wage in (a) Scotland and (b) the United Kingdom, broken down by size of firm. [111436]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The following data refer to all complaint cases passed to the network compliance teams by the minimum wage helpline for inspection and subsequently closed at the end of January 2000. Data on information where non-compliance was detected by minimum wage inspectors in the course of their targeted inspection visits will not be available until late March. I will write to my hon. Friend when that information becomes available.

  Number of employees

  Scotland

  United Kingdom

  1–10

  58

  692

  11–100

  71

  635

  100+

  13

  220

  Total

  142

  1,547

  Arms Brokering
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) in relation to the conduct of arms brokering from the United Kingdom, what research his Department has(a) carried out and (b) commissioned to ascertain (i) what countries are buying arms by such arrangements, (ii) how much business is transacted with each country and (iii) if the countries involved are on the UN embargo list; [111420]

  (2) what the Government's policy is on controlling the conduct of arms brokering from the United Kingdom; [111432]

  (3) what assessment the Government have made of the number of (a) UK nationals and (b) non-UK nationals who are involved in conducting arms brokering from the UK. [111418]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government already have powers to control trafficking and brokering under the United Nations Act 1946 where this is necessary to implement a binding UN Resolution. Additionally, under the European Communities Act 1972 the Government have the power to provide for enforcement of a Council Regulation prohibiting trafficking and brokering of specified goods, e.g. dual use goods where there is Community competence. However, competence to prohibit trafficking and brokering of arms or military equipment lies with the member states.

  The Government's White Paper on Strategic Export Controls, published in July 1998 (Cm 3989), proposed new legislation to extend the Government's power to control trafficking and brokering in several areas, including with respect to the supply of military equipment and other controlled goods to destinations subject to any form of embargo and the supply of equipment the export from the UK of which has been banned because of evidence that goods of the same type have been used in torture.

  The Government are reviewing the White Paper proposals in the light of comments received. In the course of this review, we are examining the information available from both public sources and internal Government sources

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  about trafficking and brokering activities conducted in the UK or by UK nationals abroad, and this is being taken into account in the review. The Government have not commissioned external research on this issue. We will announce proposals for new export control legislation in due course, following conclusion of the review of the White Paper proposals in the light of the responses received.

  Shareholders
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to allow(a) Limited Liability Partnerships and (b) their (i) partners and (ii) shareholders to hold shares in companies to which they are supplying services. [111348]

  Dr. Howells
  Restrictions on the holding by a service provider of shares in a client company relate to the nature of the service rather than to the type of entity through which the service is delivered. In other words, the general rule would be that any such restrictions placed by statute or by a regulator on a company or a partnership would apply equally to a Limited Liability Partnership.

  For example, the conditions applying to the appointment of auditors operating as LLPs will be governed by the Companies Act 1989 (which will be applied to LLPs by regulation) and by the byelaws and ethical guidelines of the appropriate supervisory body. These byelaws preclude an audit firm—and this would include LLPs—from reporting on any company in which it or any partner has a beneficial investment.

  An LLP will not have shareholders.

  British Coal Pensions
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will list the(a) assets and (b) liabilities of the former British Coal Pension schemes; [111089]

  (2) if he will list the number of former mineworkers aged (a) 40 to 50, (b) 50 to 60, (c) 60 to 70, (d) 70 to 80 and (e) over 80 years who are in receipt of pensions from the former British Coal Pension schemes. [111088]

  Mrs. Liddell
  These are matters for the Trustees of the coal pension schemes. I have asked them to write to my hon. Friend direct.

  Supermarkets
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to receive the Competition Commission's report on competition in the supermarket sector; and if he will make a statement. [111383]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced on 21 February that the deadline for the Competition Commission to complete its report on the supply of groceries from supermarkets has been extended from 7 April to 31 July. The Commission advised that more time was needed to complete the inquiry.

  Wages Councils
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list for each wages council in each year from 1970 to their abolition, the years when wage awards were not uprated. [111326]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Low Pay Commission
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Low Pay Commission is established on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement. [111659]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Low Pay Commission was placed on a statutory base in November 1998 following the commencement of provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998. The Government have announced that they will ask the Commission to monitor the national minimum wage and produce a further report, including whether there is a case for an increase and if so to what level, by July 2001. Professor George Bain has accepted the Prime Minister's invitation and agreed to continue to chair the Commission.

  Miners Pension Scheme
  Mr. Trickett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many trustees of the Miners Pension Scheme are employees of his Department; and what reports they have submitted to him concerning the current actuarial review of the scheme. [111574]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Five of the 10 members of the corporate trustee body of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme (MPS) are appointed by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in his role as guarantor to the Scheme. One of these five Secretary of State appointees is a Departmental official. I have received no reports on the actuarial review of the MPS which, I understand, is still under way.

  Mr. Trickett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will use his powers under the Miners Pension Scheme to enable the scheme's trustees to reduce the retirement age of working miners to the age of 50. [111507]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Trustees of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme are currently awaiting the results of a recent actuarial valuation. They will no doubt consider a wide range of options for allocating any surplus which emerges for distribution to beneficiaries. These could include retirement terms for all deferred members of the Scheme including working miners. I shall consider any proposals that the Trustees may make.

  Broadcasting
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his Department's responsibilities in respect of matters where telecommunications and broadcasting issues converge. [111496]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: The forthcoming Communications White Paper will deal with the changes in regulation required as a result of the

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  convergence of the telecoms and broadcasting industries. The Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport have joint and equal responsibility for this work.

  Export Credits Guarantee Department
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list, for each year from 1997 to 1999,(a) those countries in receipt of defence-related contracts covered by the ECGD, (b) the United Kingdom companies involved in each of these contracts, (c) the goods covered by each contract and (d) the financial value of each contract. [108765]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 7 February 2000]: The second table contains details by country and value of the cover which ECGD has provided in support of defence business in each of the last three years.

  The types of goods covered, broken down by category of equipment, are included in ECGD's Annual Report and repeated in the table:

  Percentage

  April 1997-March 1988

  April 1998-March 1999

  April 1999-January 2000 (provisional)

  Aircraft

  31.0

  60.0

  27.5

  Ancillary

  1.3

  2.0

  0

  Artillery/Missiles

  16.4

  1.0

  42.0

  Naval vessels

  0.3

  35.0

  0

  Radar/Communications

  15.0

  1.0

  10.9

  Vehicles

  36.0

  1.0

  19.6

  The further detail the hon. Gentleman requires is a commercial confidence.

  Value of ECGD guarantees issued in support of defence-related contracts 1997–98 to 1999–2000

  £ million

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–20001

  Botswana

  12

  —

  —

  Brazil

  —

  29

  —

  Brunei

  —

  580

  —

  Chile

  —

  —

  2

  Egypt

  9

  —

  —

  Germany

  1

  —

  —

  Greece

  19

  —

  5

  India

  —

  14

  —

  Indonesia

  17

  9

  —

  Italy

  —

  2

  —

  Korea, Rep. of

  62

  20

  —

  Kuwait

  56

  —

  30

  Lithuania

  3

  —

  —

  Malaysia

  —

  15

  123

  Oman

  1

  21

  204

  Qatar

  183

  —

  —

  Saudi Arabia

  225

  1,000

  —

  Singapore

  19

  —

  —

  Sweden

  —

  4

  —

  Thailand

  27

  —

  —

  Turkey

  36

  —

  208

  UAE

  10

  —

  —

  United States

  —

  7

  —

  1 to 31 January

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to exclude renewables which produce below 500 kw from regulations that currently apply to larger producers of power. [111492]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: Companies which generate and supply less than 500kw of electricity from any source, including renewable sources, are not subject to licensing requirements under the Electricity Act at present. We are currently consulting on changes to the relevant Order to relax the present requirements.

  International Price Comparisons
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reasons the survey results of international price comparisons were not published on 11 February; and if he will make a statement. [111631]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: The survey on International Price Comparison was commissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry. The publication of the report was not subject to Parliamentary protocol. The report was published on Sunday 13 February and copies were made available from the Department.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which journalists attended the briefing session at his Department on 11 February about the results of the survey on international price comparisons. [111636]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: Consumer and Lobby journalists from the national Sunday papers, the Press Association, BBC, UN, Sky and IRN.

  Austria
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what change(a) his Department and (b) British Trade International has introduced as a result of the Government's new policy towards bilateral relations with Austria. [111633]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: As a result of sanctions imposed by the 14 EU member states, Ministers will have no bilateral contact with the Austrian Government. There will be no bilateral ministerial visits to or from Austria. Ministers will not receive the Austrian Charg" in London. Along with our other EU partners, the UK will not support Austrian candidates for positions at international organisations.

  These are bilateral measures by the 14 individual countries. The agreed measures are not intended to affect trade.

  North Sea Oilfield
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the membership of the Government task force on the tax and employment aspects of North Sea oilfield decommissioning; when the task force began its work; and when it will report. [111350]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: The Government have not set up a task force on North Sea oilfield decommissioning. However, the oil and gas

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  industry has set up a North Sea Decommissioning Group to take forward a range of industry cooperation and other issues which emerged from the conclusions of a number of workgroups set up by the Oil and Gas Industry Task Force which reported in September 1999. The Decommissioning Group's membership, which comprises representatives from a number of industry bodies including the UK Offshore Operators Association and the Oil and Gas Producers Association, includes representation from my Department. No deadline has been set for the Group to complete its work. General matters of taxation and employment are being considered by workgroups within PILOT (the second phase of the Oil and Gas Industry Task Force) which will continue to meet during the year. More information about the ongoing work of PILOT can be found by accessing the PILOT website at: www.dti.gov.uk/ogitf.

  End of Life Vehicles
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the cost of the End of Life Vehicle Directive to the UK motor industry. [111127]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for South Dorset (Mr. Bruce) on 21 February 2000, Official Report, column 715W.

  Offshore Wind Power
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what target he has set for the percentage of UK electricity to be generated by offshore wind power by 2010; and if he will make a statement. [111128]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: The Government have adopted the target for 10 per cent. of UK electricity to be supplied from all renewable sources by 2010, subject to the cost to consumers being acceptable. Electricity suppliers are being given the freedom to contract for renewable energy from the most economical sources available to them to reduce the cost impact to consumers. It is expected that offshore wind will make a significant contribution.

  MOX Shipments
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on matters discussed and agreements made during the recent visit of departmental staff to Japan to meet officials of the nuclear industry, the Japanese Government and safety regulators. [109914]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 14 February 2000]: I am arranging for a copy of the joint press communiqué between the UK and Japanese governments to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library copies of reports, safety assessments and other material given to the Japanese Government and nuclear authorities by his Department's director of energy during her recent visit to Japan. [109906]
  52W
  Mrs. Liddell
  I understand that BNFL's report into the data falsification incident at its MOX Demonstration Facility, which formed the basis for these discussions, was published on Friday 18 February.

  Laurence Williams, HSE's Chief Inspector of Nuclear Installations Inspectorate also visited Japan to explain to the Japanese nuclear regulator the findings of HSE's independent investigation into the issue. Their report was also published on Friday 18 February.

  As I said in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Shipley (Mr. Leslie) on 17 February 2000, Official Report, column 629W, I have arranged for these reports (together with two other HSE reports on the Sellafield site) to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  WTO
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy to encourage the EU to make progress towards the elimination of subsidies on exports in relation to the forthcoming round of WTO agriculture negotiations. [110963]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Government support further liberalisation of agricultural trade in the WTO. This is firmly linked to further reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, where the Government support the phasing out of all forms of production-related support, including export subsidies, accompanied by targeted measures to conserve and enhance the rural environment and promote the rural economy.

  However, although negotiations on agriculture are getting under way as part of the built-in agenda, progress is likely to be slow outside a Round. The Government therefore remain committed to launching a new comprehensive Round of trade negotiations, including agriculture, as soon as possible.

  Departmental Staff
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what child care provision was made available in the financial year 1998–99 for use by his departmental staff; what was the cost to parents of this child care; and how many parents used the facilities; [108858]

  (2) what provisions are made available to (i) departmental staff and (ii) employees of executive agencies under the control of his Department, for (a) maternity leave, (b) maternity pay, (c) paternity leave, (d) parental leave, (e) flexible working hours, (f) part-time work, (g) job sharing, (h) leave to care for sick children, (i) home-working, (j) term-time contracts, (k) annual hours contract, (l) child care allowances, (m) careers' leave and (n) career break schemes; and what criteria are used to judge eligibility in each case. [108854]

  Dr. Howells
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 15 February 2000,Official Report, column 518W, in which he set out the importance placed on improving the balance between work and family life in the Civil Service as a whole which is reflected in the Civil Service reform programme. Arrangements for DTI are as set out.
  53W
  Childcare

  Departmental staff in central London have access to a 32-place holiday playscheme for a minimum of 54 days each year. Staff contribute £7.50 per day per place towards the £16.90 daily fee. DTI HQ staff in Cardiff have access to a local holiday playscheme for a contribution of £6.50 to the £13.00 daily fee per place. An annual contribution is also made towards the costs of an inter-Department Easter and Summer playscheme for staff in Government Office for the East Midlands.

  Approximately 100 staff have used the central London playscheme in 1998–99 (academic year October—August) using a total of 1,550 places over the year i.e. 93.6 per cent. occupancy rate.

  Leave and flexible working

  The Department has a range of policies providing for leave or flexible working:

  for women with one year's service, maternity leave of up to 52 weeks, including 18 weeks on full pay;

  10 days paid paternity leave;

  for staff with one year's service, parental leave of up to 4 weeks per year up to a maximum of 13 weeks in total for each child;

  up to five days paid leave to deal with an emergency involving a dependant which may include nursing a sick child;

  part-time working including job share, homeworking, flexitime working and term time working are all available. The Department does not offer annual hours contracts;

  where staff incur additional child or elder care costs due to a requirement to make a temporary change to their normal working pattern, these costs may be reimbursed;

  for staff with one year's service, career breaks are available for up to five years for those with caring responsibilities.

  Except where the provision is an entitlement, eligibility is based on a judgment of the individual's circumstances and the needs of the Department taking account of guidance provided to staff covering the different arrangements.

  The arrangements are for DTI Headquarters staff; Chief Executives of the Agencies will reply separately on their arrangements for leave and flexible working.

  Letter from David Hendon to Caroline Flint, dated 28 February 2000:
  I am replying to your questions on behalf of the Radiocommunications Agency which is an executive agency of the Department of Trade and Industry.
  Childcare
  Radiocommunications Agency staff have full access to the DTI's 32 place holiday playscheme as outlined in their separate reply to you on this issue. Approximately three Radiocommunications staff used the central London playscheme in 1998–99 (academic year Oct-Aug).
  Leave and flexible working
  The arrangements for leave and flexible working are identical to those outlined in the DTI's reply. You will note that the DTI does not currently offer annual hours contracts and the position is the same for Radiocommunications Agency staff. Additionally no staff are employed on term time contracts at present.
  When requests are received for alternative working patterns (outside the normal individual entitlement) we consider each request on merit, taking into account the individual circumstances and the Agency's business needs.

  Letter from J. S. Holden to Caroline Flint, dated 28 February 2000:
  I have been asked to reply to your recently tabled Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in respect of Companies House Executive Agency.
  54W
  Companies House provides up to 52 weeks maternity leave (a), of which 18 weeks is paid (b), the balance being unpaid for qualifying staff (over 1 year's service for permanent staff and on two or more year contracts if fixed term appointees). Ten days paid paternity leave (c) is given for similarly qualified staff. Unpaid parental leave (d) is allowed up to a maximum of 13 weeks for those with children born on or after 15 December 1999 and under 5 years old.
  Almost all staff benefit from flexible working hours (e) and 30% additionally avail themselves of the opportunity to work part-time (0. Of the 30% part-timers, 5% are in job-share arrangements (g). Leave of up to 5 days paid, 20 days unpaid is normally given to those needing to care for sick children (h), and longer arrangements are considered sympathetically. Home working (i) is a possibility in a few posts, but is not an entitlement. There is not provision for term time contracts (j) or annual hours contracts (k).
  Companies House offers subsidised holiday play schemes (1) and child care allowances when staff are required to be absent from home outside their normal work hours. Carer's leave (m) and career breaks (n) are considered on application from those with satisfactory performance and attendance records.

  Letter from Seton Bennett to Caroline Flint, dated 28 February 2000:
  The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory to your question about our provisions for maternity, paternity, and parental leave as well as for a range of other flexible employment practices.
  Provision for these within the National Weights and Measures Laboratory are the same as those within DTI, as the Agency follows the Department's guidelines on these issues.

  Letter from Ian Jones to Caroline Flint, dated 28 February 2000:
  You tabled a Parliamentary Question on 3 February to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry concerning conditions of employment in his department and executive agencies. I have been asked to reply in respect of the Employment Tribunals Service (ETS) which is an executive agency of the DTI.
  The following provisions are made available to ETS staff in line with DTI policy on eligibility:
  Maternity Leave; Maternity Pay; Paternity Leave; Parental Leave; Part-Time Working Hours; Job-Sharing; Career Break Schemes and Leave to Care for Sick Children.
  Flexible working hours are available to all staff regardless of status and eligibility is dictated by operational need. Home working is presently limited with each application considered on its merits. As with Term Time and Annual Hours Contracts, opportunities are restricted by the operational needs of the judicial process.
  Childcare allowances are in line with the DTI Policy and ETS also operate a subsidised holiday play scheme. Permanent staff are eligible. Careers leave would be considered for permanent staff on request.
  If there is further information you would like to have, please let me know.

  Letter from Peter Joyce to Caroline Flint, dated 28 February 2000:
  The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply to your question about the provisions made available to employees of The Insolvency Service for (a) maternity leave, (b) maternity pay, (c) paternity leave, (d) parental leave, (e) flexible working hours, (0 part-time working (g) job sharing, (h) leave to care for a sick child, (i) home-working, (j) term-time contracts, (k) annual hours contracts, (1) child care allowances, (m) careers' leave and (n) career break schemes; and what criteria are used to judge eligibility. The provisions available to staff in The Service and the eligibility criteria are set out in the attached table. In several areas the provisions and criteria are under review as part of The Service's "Working 2005" study which is looking at further developing flexible family friendly working policies alongside improvements in availability of services to users.

  55W

  Annex A

  Subject

  Provision

  Eligibility criteria

  Maternity Leave

  Statutory entitlements Contractual entitlements—52 weeks meternity leave

  Permanent staff with one year's service within the last three years

  Maternity Pay

  Statutory entitlements Contractual entitlements—18 weeks meternity pay at normal standard rate of pay.

  Permanent staff with one year's service within the last three years

  Paternity Leave

  Statutory entitlements Contractual entitlements—10 days paid leave except during periods of unpaid absence

  Permanent staff

  Parental Leave

  Statutory fall back scheme applies until internal policy formulated i.e. 13 weeks unpaid leave; right to return to same or equivalent job. Contractual entitlement to adopative leave—52 weeks (20 days paid)

  One year's continuous service Child born/adopted on or after 15 December 1999 and who is under 5 years old or 18 for adoption of childwith a disability

  Flexible working hours

  Current agreement in place since 30 September 1991

  All staff Withdrawal for misuse of scheme or poor timekeeping

  Part-time working/job share

  Currently have 180 staff working part-time. Managers required to consider when advertising a post whether suitable for part-time/job share.

  Available to all staff, Subject to justifiable operational need/job requirements.

  Leave to care for sick child

  Emergency time off under Employment Relations Act 1999. Also covered under special leave with pay—up to 5 days.

  Home working

  A number of home-working posts exist. Staff can request to work from home within their present job in whole or part.

  Suitability of the post for homeworking

  Term-time contracts

  Not currently available in this form.

  Other flexible working practices may be utilised to help staff deal with their responsibilities during school holidays. These include part-time working, flexible working hours and special leave without pay.

  Annual hours

  Not currently available in this form.

  Child care allowance

  Not available, The Service does recompense staff who need to make additional child care arrangements

  56W

  Annex A

  Subject

  Provision

  Eligibility criteria

  to attend work-related events outside their normal working pattern. DTI provides assisted play scheme placements during school holidays

  Careers' leave

  Not available as such. However staff may avail themselves of the provision of extended special leave without pay to pursue external qualifications. Staff studying for an external qualification, which is of benefit to the organisation, may get assistance with cost and study leave.

  Career Break Scheme

  Extended period of special leave without pay to deal with domestic responsibilities. Annual keeping in touch scheme, including two weeks work placement each year.

  Subject to: completion of probation; satisfactory performance; satisfactory attendance. Currently limited to a maximum of 5 years

  Letter from Alison Brimelow to Caroline Flint, dated 28 February 2000:
  I am replying on behalf of the Patent Office to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry relating to the provision of family friendly benefits. Our provision for the initiatives you listed are detailed below.
  a) Maternity Leave
  Paid Maternity Leave
  Paid Maternity Leave consists of 18 weeks maternity leave at the full rate of pay. Staff qualify if they have a permanent appointment and have completed at least one year's paid service. They are also required to:

  i) provide written confirmation that they intend to return to the Office after the pregnancy for a minimum of one calendar month.

  ii) provide written confirmation of their pregnancy at least 21 days before Paid Maternity Leave starts.

  Unpaid Maternity Leave
  Staff qualifying for Paid Maternity Leave will also be entitled to an additional period of unpaid maternity leave. The total period of paid and unpaid maternity leave cannot exceed 52 weeks. However, it is possible for staff to take a career break of up to five years following maternity leave.
  b) Maternity Pay
  Maternity Leave on Full Pay
  Staff qualify for 18 weeks full pay if they have a permanent appointment and have completed at least one year's paid service.
  c) Paternity Leave
  Fathers employed by the Office are entitled to take 10 days paid paternity leave. This need not necessarily be taken at the time of birth but may be taken during the weeks following the birth of the child if it is more helpful to the family.

  57W
  d) Parental Leave
  The statutory entitlement to Parental leave is available to all staff with at least one year's continuous service.
  e) Flexible Working Hours
  We operate a Flexible Working Hours scheme, participation in which is voluntary and open to full and part-time members of staff.
  f & g) Part-time Work and Job Sharing
  We have 72 part-time/job share staff (8.4%) and are always keen to extend these opportunities. Each request is considered on its merits.
  h) Leave to care for sick children
  Line management may grant up to 5 days paid special leave to enable a member of staff to deal with short-term domestic problems or to make satisfactory longer term arrangements for coping with them. Each application is considered sympathetically and on a case by case basis.
  i) Home-Working
  The Office is willing to consider home working arrangements where it is compatible with the work of the Office and interests of the individual concerned. Each application is considered on its merits.
  j & k) Term-time/Annual Hours Contracts
  There are no current provisions for term-time/annual hours contracts.
  l) Child Care Allowances
  Staff who are required to make a temporary change to their normal working routine (eg attending a residential training course or unavoidable late or early working periods for short periods) are eligible to claim the cost of any additional child care expenses that they incur.
  We also subsidise staff whose children attend an on-site nursery. This is also the case with play schemes that are organised during the Easter and Summer holidays. All directly employed staff are eligible to apply for both initiatives.
  m) Careers Leave
  There is currently no provision for careers leave, however, paid study leave may be granted to staff undertaking approved Adult Further Education (eg GCSEs, A levels, degree and professional qualifications) for activities including tutorials, examinations or assessments and revision for them.
  n) Career Breaks
  The Office's Career Break Scheme is open to all permanent staff members who wish to take unpaid leave to assume home care responsibilities for a dependant providing they fulfil the following criteria:

  i) have satisfactorily completed a probation period

  ii) have an overall performance mark of Box 3 (performance fully meets normal requirements of the grade) in their last staff appraisal prior to joining the scheme; or a Box 4 (performance not fully up to requirements; some improvement necessary) where particular circumstances such as recent promotion, illness or domestic circumstances have contributed to a Box 4 marking;

  iii) have a satisfactory attendance record;

  iv) agree to undertake a minimum of two weeks paid work or development training in the Office each year.

  The Office also has a provision for Special Leave without Pay which is also available to all permanent staff for pressing domestic needs such as looking after children (including adopted or fostered children). All cases are considered on an individual basis.

  ACT
  Dan Norris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps the Government are taking to ensure benefit recipients avoid costs and bank charges arising from planned changes in the way benefits are paid to automated credit transfer. [110237]
  58W
  Mr. Rooker
  I have been asked to reply.

  We have decided to move to automated credit transfer (ACT) from 2003 as a modern, more secure and efficient method of paying benefits. The Department has already begun discussions with the banking industry on issues surrounding benefit recipients, charges and other matters. These discussions will continue.

  Charter of Pardon
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement on the status of the Charter of Pardon 1508; [110927]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the applicability of the powers contained within the Charter of Pardon 1508. [110928]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have been asked to reply.

  I have made no assessment of the status of, or the applicability of the powers contained in the 1508 Charter of Pardon, and have not been previously asked to do so.

HEALTH

  Volunteering
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what resources have been made available to the consortium on opportunities for volunteering in the last two years; and if the third year's funding has been approved. [112315]

  Mr. Hutton
  The consortium on opportunities for volunteering received £2,889,000 in 1998–99 and £2,837,762 in 1999–2000. Decisions on funding for 2000–01 will be announced by Ministers shortly.

  Dental Services
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to require dentists to notify patients of charges for all items of treatment. [112318]

  Mr. Hutton
  Dentists are required to display in a prominent position information about National Health Service charges. The information should include details of entitlement to exemption or remission from NHS charges. In addition, dentists who accept a person for continuing care and treatment are required at the time of the first examination, to provide a treatment plan and an estimate of the NHS charge where appropriate.

  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to introduce a recognised scale of fees for all dental treatment. [112317]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Statement of Dental Remuneration contains the scale of fees for all National Health Service dental treatment. Since 1995 a revised scale of fees has been published at least once a year. The latest edition is in the Library.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will calculate the rise in the cost of palladium-based precious metals used in dental appliances over the last 10 years; and if he will calculate the
  59W
  percentage change in the palladium-based precious metals claimed for by dentists from the NHS over the last 10 years. [109581]

  Mr. Hutton
  The cost of palladium-based precious metals used in dental appliances depends on the prices negotiated in contracts between purchasers and suppliers. These will be affected by the price quotations in the metal markets. The average price for palladium in the London market in 1988–89 was about $130 or £75 and in 1998–99 was about $310 or £190. Palladium is only one constituent with fine gold and platinum in precious metal appliances.

  Precious metal casting alloys for use in the General Dental Services must contain not less than 33 per cent. fine gold, platinum or palladium. The available data do not distinguish between the constituents of precious metal alloys and the incidence of precious metal dental appliances cannot therefore be broken down further.

  Information on the number of incidences of the dental treatment item 1711, full or jacket crown cast in precious metal alloy and the comparable treatments 1705 and 1706 which were deleted from 1 December 1996, is shown for 1988–89 and 1998–99.

  General Dental Services (GDS): Number of incidences England and Wales

  Item number

  1988–89

  1998–99

  1705

  7,240

  —

  1706

  154,180

  —

  1711

  52,670

  259,359

  Total

  214,090

  259,359

  The total number of incidences for the treatments shown increased by 21 per cent. between 1988–89 and 1998–99.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what system of control is operated by this Department to ensure that dental patients receive the dental appliances consisting of palladium-based precious metals claimed for by dentists from the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [109585]

  Mr. Hutton
  All dental materials used to manufacture dental appliances must be safe and fit for their purpose and must meet the requirements of the Medical Devices Regulations. Dental appliances must be manufactured in accordance with a dentist's instructions.

  Regulations provide that a dentist shall not claim or accept any fee or other remuneration in respect of any treatment which has not been provided. There is a system by which restorations which are claimed to have been placed can be inspected by a Dental Reference Officer of the Dental Practice Board.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the use of non-precious metals in dental appliances in the NHS; and if he will calculate the percentage change in the non-precious metals claimed for in the last 10 years. [109583]

  Mr. Hutton
  Both precious and non-precious metal alloys continue to have their place in restorative dentistry. The Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR) sets out 60W
  the conditions as to materials which may be used in the fabrication of appliances in the General Dental Services. The wide diversity of both precious and non-precious metal alloys to meet true clinical need is reflected in the SDR.

  The SDR, including the conditions as to materials, is under continuing review with the representatives of the dental profession so as to reflect current best practice.

  Information on the number of incidences of the dental treatment item 1712, full or jacket crown cast in non-precious metal alloy for 1988–89 and 1998–99, is shown in the table:

  General Dental Service (GDS): number of incidences England and Wales

  1988–89

  1998–99

  Percentage increase

  Number of incidences

  5,520

  28,217

  411

  The increase in the number of these incidences is affected by changes in the types of treatment available over the ten year period.

  Children (Physical Punishment)
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the results of the Office for National Statistics Omnibus Survey for April 1998 relating to the physical punishment of children. [111500]

  Mr. Hutton
  Results from this survey were published in our consultation paper "Protecting Children Supporting Parents: A Consultation Document on the Physical Punishment of Children" on 18 January. A separate statistical publication is not planned but further information about the survey and more detailed tabulations of the data are being placed in the Library.

  Lancashire County Council
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on(a) the items on the agenda for discussions when members of the Social Services Inspectorate recently met Councillor Doreen Pollit and other representatives of Lancashire County Council, (b) the main points discussed, and (c) conclusions reached; and if those attending from Lancashire were instructed not to issue public comment on any or all of the items discussed. [111973]

  Mr. Hutton
  At my request, the Chief Inspector for Social Services met with councillors and chief officers of Lancashire County Council on 15 February. They discussed the key issues for Lancashire Social Services identified in the recently published social services inspectorate/ Audit Commission Joint Review Report and established the council's understanding of those issues and its ability to respond.

  It was made clear to those attending the meeting that any decisions as to further action were for Ministers and, in the light of the Chief Inspector's assessment following the meeting, I have now written to Lancashire County Council requesting that they draw up an action plan

  61W
  addressing the key issues identified in the joint report. This will be monitored regularly by the social services inspectorate.

  NHS Direct
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what performance indicators and targets he has set for NHS Direct for 1999–2000. [112018]

  Ms Stuart
  NHS Direct, as a new service, was not subject to explicit performance indicators and targets during 1999–2000. As the service develops, indicators on service responsiveness will be formalised through service level agreements, and NHS Direct sites will be budgeted to be able to handle a forecast number of calls each year.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what budget for NHS Direct was originally set by his Department; and what the expected out-turn is for the financial years 1999–2000 and 2000–01. [112017]

  Ms Stuart
  The 1999–2000 budget for "NHS Direct" was £54 million. The budget for 2000–2001 is not yet known. Final out-turn figures for the current financial year will not be available until the summer.

  PCG baselines, allocations, targets and distances from target

  Initial

  Final

  PCG name

  Baseline (£000)

  Target (£000)

  DFT (£000)

  (%)

  Allocation (£000)

  Current target (£000)

  Current DFT (£000)

  (%)

  Approved for PCT status

  North East Lincolnshire

  96,869

  100,804

  -3,935

  -3.90

  103,673

  106,320

  -2,647

  -2.49

  Central Derby

  59,015

  63,038

  -4,023

  -6.38

  64,810

  67,381

  -2,571

  -3.82

  Newark and Sherwood

  63,178

  63,985

  -807

  -1.26

  67,229

  68,277

  -1,048

  -1.53

  Mansfield

  55,977

  54,765

  1,212

  2.21

  59,427

  58,439

  988

  1.69

  Epping Forest

  62,200

  59,500

  2,700

  4.54

  66,372

  63,412

  2,960

  4.67

  Tendring

  77,329

  86,391

  -9,062

  -10.49

  82,269

  92,070

  -9,801

  -10.65

  Fenland

  50,878

  50,595

  283

  0.56

  54,341

  54,064

  277

  0.51

  Peterborough North

  60,381

  61,544

  -1,163

  -1.89

  64,738

  65,763

  -1,025

  -1.56

  Peterborough South

  46,433

  46,680

  -247

  -0.53

  49,708

  49,880

  -172

  -0.35

  Southend

  98,035

  102,892

  -4,857

  -4.72

  105,756

  110,338

  -4,582

  -4.15

  Nelson and West Merton

  87,936

  85,909

  2,027

  2.36

  93,524

  91,367

  2,157

  2.36

  North Hillingdon1

  53,031

  53,559

  -528

  -0.99

  56,455

  56,983

  -528

  -0.93

  Hayes and Harlington1

  40,393

  41,612

  -1,219

  -2.93

  43,002

  44,221

  -1,219

  -2.76

  Uxbridge and West Drayton1

  51,566

  49,819

  1,747

  3.51

  54,896

  53,149

  1,747

  3.29

  Poole Bay

  49,229

  53,045

  -3,816

  -7.19

  52,431

  55,954

  -3,523

  -6.30

  Poole Central and North

  48,204

  46,885

  1,319

  2.81

  50,710

  49,458

  1,252

  2.53

  Daventry and South Northants

  44,106

  44,398

  -292

  -0.66

  46,963

  47,238

  -275

  -0.58

  Southampton East Healthcare

  68,366

  70,938

  -2,572

  -3.63

  73,070

  75,608

  -2,538

  -3.36

  Manchester South

  97,356

  93,745

  3,611

  3.85

  102,514

  99,030

  3,484

  3.52

  Hertsmere

  50,000

  51,170

  -1,170

  -2.29

  52,839

  54,435

  -1,596

  -2.93

  West Norfolk

  76,761

  75,634

  1,127

  1.49

  81,739

  80,819

  920

  1.14

  Applied for PCT status

  Airedale

  68,146

  64,708

  3,438

  5.31

  72,680

  69,242

  3,438

  4.97

  Bradford City

  83,966

  85,306

  -1,340

  -1.57

  89,944

  91,284

  -1,340

  -1.47

  Bradford North

  53,404

  53,608

  -204

  -0.38

  57,160

  57,364

  -204

  -0.36

  Bradford South and West

  85,831

  87,725

  -1,894

  -2.16

  91,978

  93,872

  -1,894

  -2.02

  Sunderland West

  65,343

  63,311

  2,032

  3.21

  69,660

  67,494

  2,166

  3.21

  North Lincolnshire

  91,937

  88,002

  3,935

  4.47

  95,466

  92,819

  2,647

  2.85

  Doncaster Central

  61,449

  63,818

  -2,369

  -3.71

  65,560

  68,087

  -2,527

  -3.71

  St. Albans

  48,184

  47,323

  861

  1.82

  51,504

  50,343

  1,162

  2.31

  Colchester

  79,790

  84,748

  -4,958

  -5.85

  84,960

  90,319

  -5,359

  -5.93

  Thurrock

  75,088

  74,430

  658

  0.88

  80,396

  79,817

  579

  0.73

  Basildon

  60,569

  59,246

  1,323

  2.23

  64,809

  63,534

  1,275

  2.01

  Lowestoft

  43,343

  43,471

  -128

  -0.29

  45,569

  45,858

  -289

  -0.63

  Greater Yardley

  49,811

  47,577

  2,234

  4.70

  52,956

  50,669

  2,287

  4.51

  Birmingham North East

  46,204

  45,528

  676

  1.48

  49,176

  48,486

  690

  1.42

  Herefordshire

  92,730

  92,730

  0

  0.00

  98,713

  98,713

  0

  0.00

  Stoke North

  63,384

  65,647

  -2,263

  -3.45

  67,941

  70,265

  -2,324

  -3.31

  Bexley

  120,649

  123,755

  -3,106

  -2.51

  127,208

  130,315

  -3,107

  -2.38

  Primary Care Groups
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the(a) maximum and (b) minimum per capita management allowances for 1999–2000 paid to primary care groups in England. [99875]

  Mr. Denham
  Management cost allocations to primary care groups range from £7.10 per head to £1.51.

  Information on per capita management cost allocations has been placed in the Library.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those primary care groups which have formally applied to seek or have already received trust status; and if he will list in each cast the distance from target in the current year of(a) baseline and (b) actual allocation. [107755]

  Mr. Denham
  The baselines, allocations, targets and distances from target for 1999–2000 for those primary care groups who have formally applied to seek, or have been established as primary care trusts are detailed in the following table.
  63W

  PCG baselines, allocations, targets and distances from target

  Initial

  Final

  PCG name

  Baseline (£000)

  Target (£000)

  DFT (£000)

  (%)

  Allocation (£000)

  Current target (£000)

  Current DFT (£000)

  (%)

  Greenwich

  153,449

  150,343

  3,106

  2.07

  161,831

  158,724

  3,107

  1.96

  Bournemouth North

  51,094

  49,486

  1,608

  3.25

  53,738

  52,199

  1,539

  2.95

  Bournemouth South

  55,099

  54,565

  534

  0.98

  57,936

  57,558

  378

  0.66

  Blackmore Vale

  34,852

  34,997

  -145

  -0.41

  36,715

  36,917

  -202

  -0.55

  Torbay

  88,532

  90,246

  -1,714

  -1.90

  93,395

  95,207

  -1,812

  -1.90

  South Hams and West Devon

  59,822

  57,688

  2,134

  3.70

  63,110

  60,859

  2,251

  3.70

  Carrick

  58,447

  58,961

  -514

  -0.87

  61,659

  62,200

  -541

  -0.87

  Southampton West/Test Valley

  South

  64,789

  64,567

  222

  0.34

  69,189

  68,817

  372

  0.54

  Central Southampton

  37,471

  39,411

  -1,940

  -4.92

  40,136

  42,006

  -1,870

  -4.45

  Milton Keynes

  104,132

  105,666

  -1,534

  -1.45

  112,109

  113,266

  -1,157

  -1.02

  Ridgeway

  34,882

  37,100

  -2,218

  -5.98

  37,774

  40,270

  -2,496

  -6.20

  Dartford

  132,863

  123,381

  9,482

  7.68

  139,962

  131,290

  8,672

  6.60

  Mid Sussex

  67,513

  70,586

  -3,073

  -4.35

  72,162

  75,236

  -3,074

  -4.09

  Blackburn with Darwen

  91,799

  96,027

  -4,227

  -4.40

  97,823

  102,336

  -4,513

  -4.41

  Manchester East

  80,711

  85,164

  -4,453

  -5.23

  85,352

  89,964

  -4,612

  -5.13

  Manchester West

  57,467

  61,069

  -3,602

  -5.90

  60,902

  64,510

  -3,608

  -5.59

  Manchester North

  94,560

  90,116

  4,444

  4.93

  99,930

  95,194

  4,736

  4.98

  Barrow

  48,561

  48,819

  -257

  -0.53

  51,160

  51,484

  -324

  -0.63

  Lancaster

  82,182

  84,004

  -1,822

  -2.17

  86,692

  88,591

  -1,899

  -2.14

  South Lakeland

  64,335

  62,256

  2,079

  3.34

  67,878

  65,655

  2,223

  3.39

  Trafford South

  73,730

  70,886

  2,844

  4.01

  78,204

  75,406

  2,798

  3.71

  1 North Hillingdon, Hayes and Harlington and Uxbridge and West Drayton PCGs are combining to form Hillingdon Primary Care Trust

  PFI Projects
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money has been spent since 1 May 1997 on consultants in respect of PFI projects, listed by project and consultant for each project. [101455]

  Costs (£)

  NHS Trust

  Legal

  Financial

  Other

  Total

  As percentage of capital cost1

  Bromley

  1,710,000

  1,759,000

  743,000

  4,212,000

  3.5

  Norfolk and Norwich

  1,559,000

  1,938,000

  932,000

  4,429,000

  3.0

  Hereford

  2,500,000

  1,200,000

  900,000

  4,600,000

  7.2

  Greenwich

  1,169,000

  676,000

  351,000

  2,196,000

  2.4

  South Manchester

  1,224,000

  888,000

  1,051,000

  3,163,000

  4.8

  Wellhouse

  2,531,000

  980,000

  1,175,000

  4,686,000

  8.7

  Carlisle

  605,000

  475,000

  736,000

  1,816,000

  2.8

  Calderdale

  901,000

  654,000

  527,000

  2,082,000

  3.2

  Dartford and Gravesham

  1,215,000

  960,000

  180,000

  2,355,000

  2.5

  South Buckinghamshire

  1,653,000

  780,000

  169,000

  2,602,000

  5.8

  North Durham

  375,000

  438,000

  888,000

  1,701,000

  2.8

  South Tees

  1,706,639

  938,407

  310,000

  2,955,046

  2.4

  South Durham

  1,088,000

  1,087,000

  247,000

  2,422,000

  5.9

  (Bishop Auckland)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Worcester

  1,050,000

  1,110,000

  300,000

  2,460,000

  2.8

  Swindon and Marlborough

  1,135,000

  680,000

  1,730,000

  23,545,000

  3.7

  Totals

  20,421,639

  14,563,407

  10,239,000

  45,224,046

  —

  1 Capital cost defined as: total capital cost to the private sector consortium which includes cost of land, construction, equipment and professional fees but excludes VAT, rolled up interest and financing costs such as bank arrangement fees, bank due diligence fees, banks lawyers fees and third party equity costs.

  2 The figures for Swindon and Marlborough are estimates; the scheme reached financial close in October and the figures for advisers costs have yet to be finalised.

  Notes:

  1. Before May 1997 nearly £18 million was spent on these 15 schemes, but none were delivered.

  2. Since May 1997 we spent £27 million delivering 15 new hospitals.

  3. This represents only 2.2 per cent. of total cost of these 15 schemes.

  4. Detailed breakdown of the pre-May 1997 costs are in the table.
  64W
  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 7 December 1999]: Information on the total amounts spent on advisers costs is collected centrally for major private finance initiative schemes (capital value of £25 million or above) which have reached financial close. The data are set out in the table:
  65W

  Advisers costs for 15 first major PFI schemes to May 1997

  Costs (£)

  NHS Trust

  OJEC Notice Date

  Legal

  Financial

  Other

  Total

  Bromley

  September 1995

  354,000

  716,000

  118,000

  1,188,000

  Norfolk and Norwich

  February 1995

  900,000

  300,000

  500,000

  1,700,000

  Hereford

  June 1995

  661,979

  442,201

  247,104

  1,351,284

  Greenwich

  March 1995

  168,490

  180,207

  78,668

  427,365

  South Manchester

  April 1995

  454,000

  541,000

  427,000

  1,422,000

  Wellhouse

  February 1995

  423,446

  465,543

  407,675

  1,296,664

  Carlisle

  January 1996

  397,000

  312,000

  149,000

  858,000

  Calderdale

  July 1995

  253,708

  354,103

  272,754

  880,565

  Dartford and Gravesham

  September 1995

  1,094,000

  896,000

  57,000

  2,047,000

  South Buckinghamshire

  January 1995

  978,984

  443,347

  123,657

  1,545,988

  North Durham

  December 1994

  435,000

  706,000

  222,000

  1,363,000

  South Tees

  March 1995

  427,887

  441,393

  29,715

  898.995

  South Durham (Bishop Auckland)

  December 1994

  66,500

  179,700

  18,700

  264,900

  Worcester

  July 1995

  205,904

  522,740

  252,825

  981,469

  Swindon and Marlborough

  October 1994

  348,011

  302,737

  837,554

  1,488,302

  Totals

  —

  7,168,909

  6,802,971

  3,741,652

  17,713,532

  Health Authority Funding
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each health authority for the current financial year in both cash figures and as a percentage the actual allocation and the fair share or target allocation. [107756]

  1999–2000 allocations, targets and distances from targets

  Health authority

  Recurrent allocation £000

  Target £000

  Distance from target £000

  Distance from target %

  1 Total allocation £000

  Avon

  582,510

  589,434

  -6,924

  -1.17

  582,510

  Barking and Havering

  256,500

  258,434

  -1,934

  -0.75

  256,500

  Barnet

  209,057

  204,463

  4,594

  2.25

  209,057

  Barnsley

  156,058

  160,844

  -4,786

  -2.98

  156,588

  Bedfordshire

  312,569

  324,996

  -12,427

  -3.82

  312,909

  Berkshire

  431,001

  446,620

  -15,619

  -3.50

  431,001

  Bexley and Greenwich

  289,039

  274,466

  14,573

  5.31

  289,039

  Birmingham

  681,946

  679,290

  2,656

  0.39

  681,946

  Bradford

  311,762

  317,304

  -5,542

  -1.75

  312,844

  Brent and Harrow

  310,379

  301,083

  9,296

  3.09

  310,879

  Bromley

  183,609

  184,106

  -498

  -0.27

  183,609

  Buckinghamshire

  368,084

  377,426

  -9,343

  -2.48

  368,084

  Bury and Rochdale

  248,434

  251,674

  -3,241

  -1.29

  249,286

  Calderdale and Kirklees

  369,064

  367,445

  1,619

  0.44

  369,064

  Cambridge and Huntingdon

  233,706

  236,369

  -2,663

  -1.13

  233,706

  Camden and Islington

  320,052

  313,103

  6,949

  2.22

  320,971

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  316,160

  309,707

  6,454

  2.08

  317,079

  County Durham

  411,001

  420,738

  -9,737

  -2.31

  411,001

  Coventry

  200,882

  208,064

  -7,182

  -3.45

  200,882

  Croydon

  202,682

  205,238

  -2,556

  -1.25

  202,682

  Doncaster

  197,811

  198,087

  -276

  -0.14

  198,465

  Dorset

  446,631

  436,860

  9,771

  2.24

  446,631

  Dudley

  183,018

  184,858

  -1,840

  -1.00

  183,018

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  475,900

  478,734

  -2,835

  -0.59

  475,900

  East and North Hertfordshire

  290,037

  292,156

  -2,118

  -0.73

  290,037

  East Kent

  395,915

  388,808

  7,108

  1.83

  395,915

  East Lancashire

  349,892

  352,280

  -2,389

  -0.68

  349,892

  East London and the City

  490,031

  514,148

  -24,117

  -4.69

  491,634

  East Norfolk

  380,037

  376,838

  3,198

  0.85

  380,037

  East Riding

  359,056

  361,453

  -2,397

  -0.66

  360,233

  East Surrey

  244,052

  239,039

  5,013

  2.10

  244,052

  East Sussex, Brighton and Hove

  505,366

  494,731

  10,634

  2.15

  505,366

  Enfield and Haringey

  323,495

  321,764

  1,731

  0.54

  323,495

  Gateshead and South Tyneside

  254,698

  256,652

  -1,954

  -0.76

  255,537

  Gloucestershire

  334,591

  322,184

  12,408

  3.85

  334,591

  Herefordshire

  98,713

  98,652

  61

  0.06

  98,713

  Hillingdon

  154,353

  153,696

  658

  0.43

  154,353

  Isle of Wight

  92,390

  86,064

  6,326

  7.35

  92,390

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  286,339

  314,256

  -27,917

  -8.88

  286,339

  Kingston and Richmond

  208,380

  203,787

  4,593

  2.25

  208,380

  66W
  Mr. Denham
  The table gives the information for 1999–2000
  67W

  1999–2000 allocations, targets and distances from targets

  Health authority

  Recurrent allocation £000

  Target £000

  Distance from target £000

  Distance from target %

  1 Total allocation £000

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

  571,315

  574,882

  -3,567

  -0.62

  573,116

  Leeds

  467,788

  466,585

  1,203

  0.26

  469,356

  Leicestershire

  517,310

  530,776

  -13,466

  -2.54

  517,887

  Lincolnshire

  394,990

  392,462

  2,528

  0.64

  394,990

  Liverpool

  349,120

  341,971

  7,149

  2.09

  350,296

  Manchester

  348,698

  340,940

  7,758

  2.28

  349,914

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  422,995

  413,443

  9,553

  2.31

  422,995

  Morecambe Bay

  205,730

  197,059

  8,671

  4.40

  205,730

  Newcastle and North Tyneside

  332,729

  330,977

  1,752

  0.53

  333,829

  North and East Devon

  300,720

  295,287

  5,434

  1.84

  300,720

  North and Mid Hampshire

  291,934

  288,021

  3,913

  1.36

  291,934

  North Cheshire

  201,585

  198,024

  3,561

  1.80

  201,585

  North Cumbria

  198,290

  198,179

  111

  0.06

  198,917

  North Derbyshire

  228,364

  228,939

  -575

  -0.25

  228,364

  North Essex

  503,561

  507,041

  -3,480

  -0.69

  503,561

  North Nottinghamshire

  236,475

  239,324

  -2,849

  -1.19

  236,475

  North Staffordshire

  303,653

  311,809

  -8,156

  -2.62

  304,458

  North West Anglia

  250,526

  255,274

  -4,748

  -1.86

  250,526

  North West Lancashire

  321,635

  322,992

  -1,356

  -0.42

  321,635

  North Yorkshire

  434,879

  436,615

  -1,736

  -0.40

  434,879

  Northamptonshire

  326,245

  321,398

  4,847

  1.51

  326,245

  Northumberland

  196,014

  196,339

  -325

  -0.17

  196,638

  Nottingham

  390,375

  400,526

  -10,151

  -2.53

  391,712

  Oxfordshire

  327,812

  337,381

  -9,569

  -2.84

  327,812

  Portsmouth and South East Hampshire

  330,353

  331,271

  -917

  -0.28

  330,353

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  296,944

  283,560

  13,384

  4.72

  296,944

  Rotherham

  159,162

  160,241

  -1,079

  -0.67

  159,696

  Salford and Trafford

  309,165

  302,725

  6,440

  2.13

  310,166

  Sandwell

  205,153

  207,949

  -2,795

  -1.34

  205,838

  Sefton

  192,028

  190,041

  1,987

  1.05

  192,610

  Sheffield

  366,097

  360,678

  5,419

  1.50

  367,283

  Shropshire

  247,650

  248,555

  -905

  -0.36

  247,650

  Solihull

  122,698

  121,100

  1,598

  1.32

  122,698

  Somerset

  290,097

  287,231

  2,866

  1.00

  290,097

  South and West Devon

  383,067

  376,078

  6,989

  1.86

  383,565

  South Cheshire

  405,696

  403,528

  2,168

  0.54

  405,696

  South Derbyshire

  340,745

  347,813

  -7,068

  -2.03

  340,745

  South Essex

  417,802

  432,611

  -14,809

  -3.42

  417,802

  South Humber

  199,138

  192,513

  6,625

  3.44

  199,138

  South Lancashire

  185,797

  181,469

  4,328

  2.38

  185,797

  South Staffordshire

  322,868

  320,147

  2,721

  0.85

  322,868

  Southampton and South West Hampshire

  327,774

  327,461

  312

  0.10

  327,774

  St. Helen's and Knowsley

  236,408

  237,420

  -1,013

  -0.43

  237,210

  Stockport

  176,374

  175,572

  802

  0.46

  176,374

  Suffolk

  397,601

  391,148

  6,452

  1.65

  397,601

  Sunderland

  200,533

  202,063

  -1,530

  -0.76

  201,223

  Tees

  369,278

  372,959

  -3,681

  -0.99

  370,553

  Wakefield

  211,183

  210,413

  771

  0.37

  211,891

  Walsall

  163,243

  165,336

  -2,093

  -1.27

  163,794

  Warwickshire

  293,422

  285,805

  7,616

  2.66

  293,422

  West Hertfordshire

  317,538

  312,558

  4,980

  1.59

  317,538

  West Kent

  562,935

  559,299

  3,636

  0.65

  562,935

  West Pennine

  297,286

  302,185

  -4,898

  -1.62

  297,286

  West Surrey

  371,000

  362,469

  8,531

  2.35

  371,000

  West Sussex

  467,090

  470,645

  -3,555

  -0.76

  467,090

  Wigan and Bolton

  373,322

  385,390

  -12,069

  -3.13

  373,322

  Wiltshire

  345,684

  339,986

  5,699

  1.68

  345,684

  Wirral

  226,212

  221,847

  4,365

  1.97

  226,913

  Wolverhampton

  160,226

  162,577

  -2,351

  -1.45

  160,766

  Worcestershire

  303,405

  298,177

  5,228

  1.75

  303,405

  England total

  31,162,915

  31,162,915

  —

  —

  31,192,915

  1 Includes additional £30 million non- recurrent funding for Health Authorities with HAZs

  68W

  Infertility Treatment
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' third report on clinical guidelines for infertility treatment. [108209]

  Yvette Cooper
  I congratulate the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on their hard work on the third and final set of comprehensive clinical guidelines on the treatment of infertility. I understand that the College will now be distributing the guidelines to all their members.

  Hearing Equipment
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of his Department's guidance on services provided by local authority social services departments on equipment to assist deaf and hard of hearing people. [108788]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has made clear the benefits of appropriate equipment and adaptations as part of service provision for people with hearing impairment and have emphasised, most recently through 'Better Care, Higher Standards', the importance of speedy delivery of appropriate equipment to all disabled people. Service provision will be monitored through the Referrals, Assessments and Packages of Care Project with further information provided through the Performance Assessment Framework.

  Tooth Whitening Products
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the availability to patients in dental surgeries of tooth whitening products. [109339]

  Mr. Hutton
  Products are available to patients for the whitening of teeth in dental surgeries. Products containing or releasing more than 0.1 per cent. hydrogen peroxide used for oral hygiene products are prohibited from supply under the European Council Directive on cosmetics products, 76/768/EEC.

  NHS Professional Staff
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the number of(a) nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff and (b) members of professions allied to medicine who will qualify and join the NHS in each of the next five years. [109260]

  Mr. Denham
  The available estimations are shown in the table.

  Training courses for nursing, midwifery and the professions allied to medicine are usually of three years in length and we are therefore only able to provide estimates of new qualifiers up to 2002–03 based on entrants to training in 1999–2000.

  Health visitor training is in the main one-year post registration. The numbers of newly qualified health visitors up to 1998–99 is provided. Entrants to training in 1998–99 are subject to validation; entrants to training in 1999–2000 are still planned. However, we expect the
  70W
  trend of just under 600 new qualifiers each year to continue. Not all qualifiers necessarily take up employment in the National Health Service.

  Estimated number of new qualifiers

  Nursing and midwifery

  Professions allied to medicine

  Health visitors

  1997–98

  9,416

  3,100

  583

  1998–99

  10,184

  3,200

  593

  1999–2000

  12,000

  3,400

  —

  2000–01

  13,200

  3,600

  —

  2001–02

  13,800

  3,900

  —

  2002–03

  14,500

  4,300

  —

  Cancelled Operations
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish figures showing the index for patients with operations cancelled for non-medical reasons in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99 for (i) England, (ii) East and North Hertfordshire, (iii) West Hertfordshire and (iv) the health authority in the prospering growth area with the (1) lowest figure and (2) highest figure. [109746]

  Mr. Denham
  The 1997–98 figures were published in "Quality and Performance in the NHS: High Level Performance Indicators" in June 1999. Figures for 1998–99 will be published later this year.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he proposes to take to clear the backlog of operations arising as a result of(a) cancellations over the Millennium holiday period and (b) the flu outbreak. [111374]

  Mr. Denham
  The seasonal rise in waiting lists is expected, reflecting the planned priority the NHS has given to emergencies. This is anticipated in our plans to achieve our manifesto waiting list target. Trusts will continue to work to ensure the target is achieved.

  Amputations
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many healthy limbs have been amputated as part of treatment for a mental health problem in each year since 1990; and if he will make a statement. [109587]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information is not collected centrally about how many healthy limbs have been amputated as part of treatment for a mental health problem.

  Doctors' decisions about treatment and care for a patient are based on a thorough assessment of the individual's condition, taking account of the patient's needs and wishes, the evidence base for the effectiveness of treatment, and the resources available.

  Rickets and TB
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many reported cases of(a) rickets and (b) tuberculosis there were in each of the past 10 years in each health authority area; [109765]
  71W
  (2) if he will list, in descending order, the 10 health authorities with the highest incidence of (a) tuberculosis and (b) rickets over the past 10 years. [109764]

  Yvette Cooper
  Information on cases of tuberculosis is not collected by health authority but by local authority. A table giving the number of cases of tuberculosis notified

  The 10 Local Authorities in England and Wales with the highest number of tuberculosis notifications years 1989–1998

  Local authority

  Year

  Total

  Average

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Birmingham

  311

  289

  326

  349

  319

  263

  239

  275

  252

  258

  2,881

  288.1

  Newham

  123

  133

  154

  132

  137

  206

  194

  186

  174

  213

  1,652

  165.2

  Brent

  138

  95

  162

  178

  129

  162

  193

  190

  195

  163

  1,605

  160.5

  Bradford

  152

  150

  191

  143

  164

  124

  158

  142

  144

  133

  1,501

  150.1

  Leicester

  153

  152

  146

  136

  162

  144

  164

  157

  130

  149

  1,493

  149.3

  Ealing

  93

  87

  96

  109

  125

  117

  127

  130

  162

  212

  1,258

  125.8

  Hackney

  88

  78

  67

  104

  97

  102

  106

  129

  117

  121

  1,009

  100.9

  Tower Hamlets

  80

  94

  88

  99

  109

  103

  97

  87

  136

  104

  997

  99.7

  Lambeth

  68

  77

  85

  97

  118

  94

  104

  110

  94

  102

  949

  94.9

  Source:

  PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Center.

  NHS Trusts (Shropshire)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each year from 1992 to date the number of(a) nurses, (b) doctors and (c) consultants employed by NHS trusts in Shropshire; and if he will make a statement. [110133]

  Mr. Denham
  Although the numbers of nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff in Shropshire declined over the years 1994–1997, the numbers have increased for 1998. The numbers of hospital medical doctors employed in Shropshire has steadily increased since 1993. However, as new classification methods were introduced in 1995, information for later years is not directly comparable with earlier years (see notes).

  NHS hospital and community health services (HCHS): nursing,midwifery and health visiting staff and hospital medical staff, employed within Shropshire

  Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff1,2

  Hospital medical doctors3

  Whole time equivalents

  Numbers (headcount)

  Numbers (headcount)

  Of which Medical Consultants

  1992

  2,330

  2,930

  220

  —

  1993

  2,350

  3,160

  270

  40

  1994

  2,370

  3,040

  360

  130

  1995

  2,170

  2,720

  390

  140

  1996

  2,130

  2,680

  420

  140

  1997

  2,100

  2,630

  440

  150

  1998

  2,190

  2,770

  460

  160

  1 1992, 1993 and 1994 figures include agency staff and exclude learners

  2 1995 to 1998 figures exclude agency staff and learners

  3 Includes all hospital medical staff employed within the Shropshire Health Authority area (but before 1996, some doctors were employed directly by West Midlands Regional Health Authority, and are not included in these figures).

  Notes:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and are as of 30 September every year. A new classification of the non-medical workforce was introduced in 1995. Information based on this classification is not directly comparable with earlier years.

  Sources:

  Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census

  Department of Health Medical and Dental Workforce Census
  72W
  in each of the past 10 years by local authority has been placed in the Library. The ten local authorities with the highest total number of notifications of tuberculosis over the past 10 years in England and Wales are given in the table. The table gives absolute numbers and not population based rates. Information on the incidence of rickets is not collected centrally.

  Waiting Lists (Durham)
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of patients on waiting lists have been waiting over one year in(a) 1979, (b) 1989, (c) 1995 and (d) the latest date for which figures are available in Durham Health Authority; and how many patients this represented. [110225]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is given in the table.

  Waiting list

  1979

  No data available

  1989

  No data available

  1995

  49 out of 12,575 patients waiting as at the end of December

  1999

  141 out of 12,946 patients waiting as at the end of December

  Notes:

  1. Resident health authority based waiting times data were collected for the first time in Q1 1994–95 so data are not available for 1979 and 1989.

  2. In December 1995 County Durham Health Authority did not exist. Up until April 1996 it was composed of North Durham District Health Authority and South Durham District Health Authority.

  3. The figure for 1995 is for patients waiting at the combined North and South Durham District Health Authorities.

  Source:

  QFO1 Return

  Learning Disabilities
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what revisions of continuing care agreements have taken place following the Coughlan Appeal Court decision and his Department's instructions that these agreements should be reviewed; and, in particular, what changes have been made in relation to health and social service provision for people with learning disabilities. [110173]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is not available centrally. We have asked all health authorities to review their eligibility criteria for continuing health care following the Coughlan judgment. Where authorities revise eligibility criteria following any review, they should consider what action they need to take to reassess service users against the revised criteria contained in HSC
  73W
  1999/180: LAC(99) 30. The guidance applies to all client groups including people with learning disabilities. Initial monitoring suggests that in only a few cases are there legal problems with these. We are continuing to monitor the situation.

  Assaults (NHS Staff and Social Workers)
  Dan Norris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what records he keeps centrally of assaults upon(a) hospital staff and (b) social workers. [110234]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Health Service Executive conducted a survey of violence in NHS trusts in 1998–99. The survey found that, on average, seven violent incidents were recorded each month per 1,000 staff. This is equivalent to approximately 65,000 violent incidents against NHS Trust staff each year. Details of the survey can be found in Health Service Circular 1999/229: "Managing Violence, Accidents and Sickness Absence in the NHS", copies of which are in the Library.

  A cross-Government campaign, "NHS zero tolerance zone", was launched last October to tackle violence against staff working in the NHS. The campaign is underpinned by National Improving Targets for reducing incidents of violence against NHS staff by 20 per cent. by 2001 and 30 per cent. by 2003.

  Information about the number of incidents of violence against social workers is not collected centrally. However, we are determined to reduce substantially the incidence of violence towards everyone working in social care. We have set up a taskforce to produce a national action plan by November 2000 with recommendations and timescales for action to reduce violence against social care staff and to promote the safety and welfare of social care workers.

  In particular, the taskforce will advise the Department on the setting of targets that social care employees will be set for the reduction of violence against social care staff, and the arrangements for monitoring of progress. They will also advise social care employers on the development, implementation and monitoring of strategies to reduce violence, to train the workforce in handling confrontational situations, and to support staff who have been the victims of violent incidents.

  Stoma Services
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact on the availability of stoma nurses of a price reduction in stoma appliances. [110931]

  Mr. Denham
  None. Neither the Department nor the manufacturers of stoma appliances have proposed such reductions.

  Elderly and Disabled People (Rural Areas)
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to improve access to(a) day care,
  (b) residential care and (c) recreational clubs for the elderly in rural areas; [110780]

  (2) what plans he has to improve access to (a) day care and (b) residential care for people with disabilities in rural areas. [110779]
  74W
  Mr. Hutton
  We are committed to ensuring that access to social care services is not limited by where people live.

  Last year the social services inspectorate published "Care in the Country", which reported on community care arrangements for older people and people with disabilities in eight rural shire counties. While the report highlights the ways in which rurality can sometimes make it difficult to deliver services it highlights many examples of good practice and offers councils key messages to consider and a checklist to use in evaluating their own services.

  One of the aims of the Fair Access to Care Services guidance, which will be issued for consultation in the summer, will be to set out the principles authorities should follow when devising and applying eligibility criteria for social care services. This will ensure more consistency around the country in the way people are judged eligible for services.

  London Ambulance Service
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what additional funding the London Regional Office of the NHS Executive plans to make to the London Ambulance Service to assist it to meet its performance targets; and if he will make a statement. [110696]

  Ms Stuart
  The National Health Service Executive, London Regional Office will be providing extra funding to the London Ambulance Service to assist it to meet its performance target. The London Regional Office is currently working with the health authorities and the London Ambulance Service to agree a plan for 2000–01 and beyond.

  Chiropody Services (East Staffordshire)
  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on adequacy of NHS chiropody services in East Staffordshire. [110731]

  Mr. Hutton
  There are no specific problems regarding access to chiropody services in East Staffordshire. A three month pilot scheme is currently taking place within my hon. Friend's constituency of Burton, which places greater emphasis on referral of patients on the basis of clinical priority and need, as opposed to age.

  Carers
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to establish a 24-hour national helpline for carers. [110736]

  Mr. Hutton
  There are currently no plans to establish a 24-hour national help-line specifically for carers on a 24-hour basis. Information on National Health Service services is available through NHS Direct, and the Department is presently funding the Carers National Helpline.

  Digital Hearing Aids
  Mr. McCabe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress he can report on the pilot projects which are evaluating digital hearing aids. [110814]
  75W
  Mr. Hutton
  Steps to finalise the details of project planning are currently taking place. We plan to write to National Health Service trusts and health authorities shortly, seeking applications to be involved in the project. The scheme is scheduled to start in April 2000.

  Blood Transfusion
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many incidences there have been in NHS trusts of transfusions of the wrong type of blood to patients in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [110832]

  Mr. Denham
  In 1997–98, the Serious Hazards of Transfusion scheme for the confidential audit of adverse transfusion incidents (SHOT) analysed 114 reports where a patient was transfused with an incorrect blood component. In 88 of these cases the patient survived with no ill effects, but two patients died and 20 patients suffered short term or continuing ill effects. Four patients were reported to have died from the underlying condition.

  We have required NHS trusts to participate in SHOT, to ensure that hospitals transfusion committees are in place to oversee all aspects of blood transfusion, and to agree local transfusion protocols. We are determined to secure the highest standards across the country at all stages of the blood transfusion chain.

  Mental Health
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) which local authorities have made representations to his Department on section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 following the High Court judgment Rv. London Borough of Richmond ex parte Watson and have been advised not to charge for section 117 services; [110981]

  (2) what steps have been taken by his Department to ensure that local authorities follow the decision made in the High Court in R v. London Borough of Richmond ex parte Watson and other related cases; [110982]

  (3) pursuant to his answer of 18 January 2000, Official Report, column 423W, on the Mental Health Act 1983, if there continues to be a variation in practice between local authorities; [110980]

  (4) what research has been undertaken by (a) his Department and (b) local authorities to establish the cost if local authorities ceased to charge for residential care under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983, in line with the High Court judgment R v. London Borough of Richmond ex parte Watson. [110979]

  Mr. Hutton
  On 10 February 2000 the Department issued a circular to local authorities and health authorities in England drawing attention to the High Court judgment Rv. London Borough of Richmond ex parte Wilson (HSC 2000/003: LAC (2000)3). Local authorities still charging for services provided as part of after-care under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 are advised that they should immediately cease to do so. This is consistent with previous informal advice given by the Department and with the response to recent representations by the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADSS) on this issue made on behalf of local authorities. We have no detailed information about which local authorities have continued to charge since the High Court judgment nor
  76W
  the cost to local authorities of ceasing to charge. I understand that ADSS has issued a questionnaire to local authorities on this issue but am not aware of the results of that survey.

  East Midlands Ambulance Service
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on procuring improved control technology for East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust. [110897]

  Ms Stuart
  The process to approve the business case for the procurement of improved control technology is being progressed by East Midlands Ambulance Service Trust and the National Health Service Executive. The Trust has been working to address issues raised in the preliminary stages of the approvals process and is currently revising the final business case for submission to the NHS Executive. Once approval has been given and the scheme commissioned, the Trust's current estimate is that implementation of the new technology will be achieved in six months.

  Crown Report
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will respond to the recommendations of the Crown report on prescribing. [111253]

  Ms Stuart
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs. Spelman) on 3 February 2000,Official Report, column 711W.

  Influenza
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of the recent flu outbreak on(a) waiting lists, (b) elective operations and (c) progress towards Government targets for waiting lists. [111149]

  Mr. Denham
  Demand for National Health Service services this winter has been very high. The NHS has planned well for these critical months since the beginning of last year. A seasonal rise in waiting lists is expected, reflecting the planned priority the NHS has given to winter emergency admissions. This is anticipated in our plans to achieve our manifesto waiting list target. NHS trusts will continue to work to ensure the target is achieved.

  GP Appointments
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GP appointments were missed in(a) the Wigan and Bolton health authority and (b) nationally during 1999. [111594]

  Mr. Denham
  This information is not collected by the National Health Service.

  Compensation Payments
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS paid in compensation payments in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [111422]
  77W
  Ms Stuart
  Figures on how much the National Health Services spent on clinical negligence claims for the last five years for which figures are available are as follows:

  Year

  £ million

  1993–94

  117.9

  1994–95

  160

  1995–96

  173

  1996–97

  235

  1997–98

  144

  It should be noted, however, that changes to accounting practice required by the National Audit Office mean that these data are not directly comparable.

  Epilepsy
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of National Health trusts currently employ epilepsy specialist nurses. [111506]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Hospital Beds
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the number of acute beds in National Health Service hospitals. [111324]

  Mr. Denham
  The latest figures show that there are 108,000 acute beds in the National Health Service. We are currently consulting through the National Beds Inquiry on the future number and balance of acute and other beds in the NHS system.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) general and (b) acute NHS hospital beds there were at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in each year from 1992; and if he will make a statement. [111443]

  Mr. Denham
  The average daily number of available beds for the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital NHS Trust was:

  Year

  Acute

  General and acute

  1998–99

  375

  417

  1997–98

  354

  393

  1996–97

  400

  441

  1995–96

  384

  424

  1994–95

  411

  451

  Note:

  The earliest data available for the trust is 1994–95, and the latest available data are for 1998–99. 'General and Acute' is defined as Acute plus Geriatric.

  Source:

  Annual Korner return KHO3 'bed availability and occupancy'

  The data show annual fluctuations in the number of available beds. The most recent data show an increase in the number of available 'acute' and 'general and acute' beds in comparison to the previous year.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) general and (b) acute NHS hospital beds there were (i) nationally and (ii) in Shropshire in 1998 and 1999; and if he will make a statement. [111444]
  78W
  Mr. Denham
  Statistics on hospital bed numbers are published in the annual publication "Bed availability and occupancy—England", copies of which are in the Library. Latest figures are for 1998–99.

  Dental Amalgams
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) on what date his Department first issued a warning against the use of mercury-based amalgams in treating the teeth of(a) pregnant women and (b) children; and if he will make a statement; [110481]

  (2) what recent appraisal his Department has made of the toxic effects of mercury-based amalgams in dentistry; and if he will make a statement; [110485]

  (3) for what reasons his Department warns against the use of mercury-based amalgams to treat the teeth of (a) women who are pregnant and (b) children; and if he will make a statement. [110479]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: In 1997, the Government's Advisory Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) were asked to review the evidence relating to the toxicity of dental amalgam fillings. COT first considered dental amalgam in 1986 when they reported that the use of dental amalgam was free from risk of systemic toxicity, with only a very few cases of hypersensitivity occurring. COT's 1997 review included evidence in a recent report of an ad hoc working group of experts established by the European Commission to consider dental amalgam within the context of the Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC.

  In their latest statement, published in April 1998, COT stated that the conclusions they had reached in 1986 remain unchanged. However, as a precautionary measure, COT advised that, while there was no evidence that the placement or removal of amalgam fillings during pregnancy was harmful it might be prudent to avoid, where clinically reasonable, the placement or removal of amalgam fillings during pregnancy. The Medical Devices Agency continues to monitor and evaluate the available evidence on the safety and performance of dental amalgam.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent studies his Department has(a) undertaken and (b) commissioned on the efficacy of non-toxic, non-metal amalgams in dentistry; and if he will make a statement. [110482]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: The Department has not directly commissioned or undertaken any recent studies on the efficacy of non-metal dental fillings. Any well-founded research proposals in this area would be considered by the Department in relation to other priorities for research and development.

  Health Service Expenditure (Wakefield)
  Mr. Trickett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the per capita expenditure on health services in(a) England and Wales and (b) Wakefield District in the last year for which figures are available; and what was the equivalent average figure for EU member states. [111576]
  79W
  Mr. Denham
  In 1998–99, gross National Health Service expenditure per capita in England and Wales was £810. England alone was £807 and Wales was £867.

  In 1998–99, healthcare expenditure per capita in Wakefield Health Authority was £854. It should be noted that this figure is not comparable with those given for England and Wales because it is taken from health authority summarised accounts, which do not include all NHS expenditure. The comparable figure for England using summarised accounts data is £720 per head.

  The information on international comparisons is not collected by the Department. It is collected by the Office of Economic Corporate Development and can be obtained from the OECD 1999 health database.

  MMR Vaccine
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the levels of MMR vaccine take-up among children aged 24 months in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) Greater London in each of the last 15 years. [111284]

  Yvette Cooper
  Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine was first introduced into the United Kingdom childhood immunisation programme in 1988. The information available about the percentage of children receiving the MMR vaccination by their second birthday is contained in table 3 in the Statistical Bulletin "NHS Immunisation Statistics. England: 1998–99". This includes data for the London region and dates back to the introduction of MMR vaccine. Copies are available in the Library.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current stock of MMR vaccine ready for use; and how many people could be vaccinated using this stock. [111287]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: As at 17 February 2000, a total of 983,146 doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine were held by the National Health Service's vaccine distributor. This amount is in single doses, enough to immunise 983,146 people with a single dose of vaccine or half that number with two doses. Children are recommended to receive two doses of MMR, the first at around 12–15 months, the second before school entry at around 3 to 5 years of age.

  Health Spending
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list in rank order the levels of spending on health per head of population in each health authority in England in(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98 and (c) 1998–99 and the estimated figures for 1999–2000. [111630]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 28 February 2000]: Health authority spending on health per head of population by rank for 1996–97 to 1998–99 will be placed in the Library. Expenditure estimates for 1999–2000 are not available.

  Expenditure figures are from health authority audited accounts. For 1997–98 and 1998–99 the Prescription Pricing Authority rather than individual health authorities have accounted for the majority of drugs expenditure. Health authorities do not account for the majority of General Dental Service expenditure.
  80W
  Although estimates by health authority are available from the Prescription Pricing Authority for drugs expenditure and from the Dental Practice Board for general dental services gross fees, these are not audited figures and they do not agree with the national audited amounts included within the health authority summarised accounts.

  Long-term Illness
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what Government initiatives there are to assist primary care groups experiencing higher than average rates of limiting long-term illnesses. [110361]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: Primary care groups will develop their services to meet the needs of their community within the framework of their agreed Health Improvement Programme. The Health Improvement Programme will ultimately combine a range of nationally and locally set targets with particular emphasis on addressing areas of major health inequality in local communities.

  As their committees, primary care groups will be supported and developed by their health authorities to take forward the responsibilities for delivering on the targets agreed locally. In addition, they can make full use of the primary care flexibilities, ie Section 36, local development schemes and Personal Medical Services pilots that have been developed nationally.

  To further support health authorities and primary care groups a wide programme of national initiatives is being developed to support implementation of the National Service Frameworks, waiting lists and other priorities.

  Artificial Limbs and Wheelchairs
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a)artificial limbs and (b) wheelchairs were issued by the National Health Service in 1997–98. [102320]

  Mr. Hutton
  [pursuant to his reply, 15 December 1999, c. 221W]: I regret that the information I gave in my previous reply was incorrect. It should read:
  The National Health Service issued 4,464 powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs in 1997–98. Information on how many artificial limbs were issued is not available centrally.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Alternative Service Book
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what estimate the Commissioners have made of the cost of revising the liturgy consequent upon the expiry of the alternative service book. [110630]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  It is the General Synod that is responsible for the revision and authorisation of the Church's liturgy and the Archbishops' Council that is responsible for publishing the new service books that will replace the ASB.

  Ethical Investment
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent steps the Commissioners have taken to review their ethical investment policy; and if he will make a statement. [110631]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Church of England's Ethical Investment Advisory Group has responsibility for reviewing the Church's Statement of Ethical Investment Policy which it commends to the central investment institutions of the Church, including the Commissioners.

  The policy is kept under rigorous review to ensure it remains relevant and appropriate, and was most recently revised in the spring of 1999.

  New Deal
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what use they have made to date of new deal initiatives in their employment policies. [110632]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Joint Staff Council of the national church institutions, of which the Church Commissioners are one, considered an internal paper, "New Deal—An Opportunity for the Church" in December 1998 and gave its support to the national Church institutions becoming involved. Matters have been taken forward subsequently with church representatives at national and diocesan level and with others concerned in this area.

  Retired Clergy
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what is the average weekly value of SERPS payments to eligible retired clergy. [110635]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  Retired clergy are not normally eligible for SERPS payments since the clergy pension scheme is Contracted out of SERPS. (For the purposes of National Insurance contributions the Church Commissioners have, since 1978, been deemed the Employers.) Some clergy may be eligible for some SERPS payments in respect of other work not covered by the clergy pension scheme.

  Church Repairs
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent representations he has received on value added tax on church repairs; and if he will make a statement. [110634]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Church remains concerned at the heavy burden borne largely at parish level resulting from the continuing imposition of VAT on repairs and alterations. I am in regular touch with a group of Church staff who are handling the Church's continuing representations in this area. The Church as a whole continues to co-ordinate its efforts with other faiths and charitable organisations who share our view that the current VAT regime creates heavy costs for church 82W
  communities and charities with limited resources and inhibits conservation and regular necessary repairs to church buildings.

  Recent media reports indicating that my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister, may support an equalisation of VAT rates between new build and repairs are very encouraging. Such change would allow greater activity in the field of conservation repairs while demonstrating a sensible and prudent approach to the management of the public finances.

  Clergy Stipends
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps are being taken to review clergy stipends; and if he will make a statement. [110633]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Commissioners' powers and responsibilities as Central Stipends Authority were transferred to the Ministry Division of the Archbishops' Council with effect from 1 January last year. The Archbishops' Council has commenced a review of clergy stipends. Among other things, the review will:examine the content of the clergy remuneration package (including stipend, housing and non-contributory pension)
  compare the remuneration of clergy with that of other groups;
  conduct a large-scale survey into the financial circumstances of clergy
  It is hoped that the review will make an initial report of the General Synod in November 2000.

  The working group set up by the Council to carry out the review has met three times to date, and is due to meet a further five times this year.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, how many(a) full-time clergy, (b) part-time clergy, (c) non-stipendiary clergy and (d) retired clergy are currently on the books of the Church of England; and what audit is carried out of the cost benefit of funding the training and pay of each group. [111115]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  At the end of 1999, there were 9,520 full-time stipendiary parish clergy (8,459 men, 1,061 women), 156 part-time stipendiary parish clergy (66 men, 90 women), 2,031 Non-Stipendiary Ministers (1,335 men, 696 women), 298 Ordained Local Ministers (162 men, 116 women). At the end of 1999 there were 7,486 clergy and licensed lay workers in receipt of retirement pensions.

  Clergy are self-employed and do not have formal job descriptions. They are encouraged to exercise their ministry in ways which are suited to their parishes. It would not be appropriate to conduct audits of the kind implied.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Football Task Force
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the football task force. [110611]
  83W
  Kate Hoey
  The work of the Football Task Force has greatly benefited football in this country since May 1997. Many of the important recommendations of the Task Force's three previous reports on racism, disabled access and community involvement have been implemented. The Government are now discussing the final report, Football: Commercial Issues, with the football authorities and other interested parties.

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the future of the millennium dome after 31 December 2000. [110612]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Government are determined to find a sustainable alternative use for the Dome when the Millennium Experience finishes at the end of 2000. In March last year, we launched a competition to invite bidders to come forward with proposals and my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and the Regions announced a shortlist of six last month. Bidders are currently developing their proposals and bids. We intend to make a further shortlist and select the winning bid in the summer.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what new measures are being taken to increase ticket sales to the dome. [110618]

  Janet Anderson
  The last week has seen record attendances at the Dome, with many visitors, including children on free education tours, and each day being sold out. The New Millennium Experience Company will continue to promote ticket sales through a range of advertising and other promotional activities. In particular, they will be working with the travel trade to increase uptake of the many excellent travel and accommodation packages.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions his Department has had with sponsors of the dome about their contracts. [110621]

  Janet Anderson
  No such discussions have taken place. Contracts are a matter between NMEC and their sponsors.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will review his policy in respect of the release of information hitherto classified as commercially confidential relating to the Millennium Dome. [109910]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 11 February 2000]: The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC), which is responsible for all aspects of the Millennium Dome, is both a public sector body (by virtue of the issued shares being held by Lord Falconer of Thoroton on behalf of the Government) and a Companies Act company. NMEC is, therefore, required to operate according to non-departmental public body rules and guidelines and according to company law. The guidelines on openness and transparency, to which all public sector bodies are required to adhere, allow for information to be restricted for commercial reasons. In answering parliamentary questions, Ministers have always sought to question those cases where NMEC judges the information to be
  84W
  commercially sensitive. The policy is, therefore, under regular review. NMEC has provided information on a commercial-in-confidence basis to the Select Committee for Culture, Media and Sport throughout its life and will continue to do so.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for what reasons tickets to the Millennium Dome are not available for visits beyond March; and when such tickets will become available. [105246]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) released tickets for visits during April in late January. It has always been NMEC's declared policy to release tickets in tranches through the year. This policy enables the company to consider against the experience of previous months its ticketing strategy for future months and assists the management of seasonal peaks and troughs.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many tickets were sold for the Millennium Dome in the first week during which it was open to the public. [104654]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: There were 99,453 visitors to the Dome in the first week of the Dome's opening. A copy of NMEC's press release of Friday 4 February, containing this information as well as other details of visitor attendance in January, was placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Simon Hughes:
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proposals he has evaluated for use of the Dome for sports after 2000; and if he will make a statement. [111098]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and the Regions gave on 17 January 2000, Official Report, column 255W. Of the six bids that were selected to go through to the next round of the Dome Legacy competition, one was specifically for sporting use. All six bidders are currently developing their proposals further. At this stage, we have no preference for the type of use for the Dome after 2000. However, each bid will be evaluated against the criteria specified for the competition, namely: commercial and environmental sustainability, regeneration benefits, innovation, cultural significance, consistency with the Government's transport strategy, and financial consideration.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the maximum number of tickets that the New Millennium Experience Company is allowed to sell for(a) any one-day session and (b) the evening session at the Millennium Dome. [111314]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: The site capacity set out in the operating licence issued by Greenwich Council is 35,000 plus 2,000 staff at any one time. It is for the New Millennium Experience Company to decide, in the best interests of visitor management and satisfaction, how many tickets to release in any particular period up to the licence capacity.
  85W
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many tickets for the Millennium Dome have been sold from outlets based in Wales. [110099]

  Janet Anderson
  Dome tickets can be purchased through National Lottery outlets, travel operators, the New Millennium Experience Company's website and a call centre. The total number of bookings made from Wales across all outlets is 17,927 to 6 February. It should be borne in mind, however, that when people purchase Dome tickets, particularly through the National Lottery outlets and call centre, their location at the time is not always an indication of their place of residence. Some people may buy a ticket when visiting Wales but do not reside there permanently; conversely, people resident in Wales may buy a Dome ticket when visiting other parts of the United Kingdom and their purchases will, therefore, not be reflected in Wales' figures.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many paying visitors to the Millennium Dome there have been in each of the weeks for which he has data. [108964]

  Janet Anderson
  There were 344,620 paying visitors to the Dome during January out of a total of 366,420. Weekly breakdowns for the total number of visitors (paying and non-paying) are as follows:

  Number

  1 and 2 January

  33,442

  Week commencing 3 January

  102,877

  Week commencing 10 January

  64,346

  Week commencing 17 January

  71,644

  Week commencing 24 January

  87,124

  31 January

  6,987

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the total amount of sponsorship money expected to support the Dome; how much has been received to date; and which sponsors have yet to hand over moneys agreed for sponsorship of the Dome. [109909]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 11 February 2000]: The total value of sponsorship is approximately £160 million. A final and definitive figure will be confirmed when the New Millennium Experience Company's final accounts are audited. Where sponsorship has been received during the period 1 April 1999 to 31 December 1999, that will be confirmed in the company's accounts for that period, due to be published in June 2000. The timing of sponsorship cash receipts, and of the value attributable to value-in-kind contributions which replace a budgeted expenditure within the £758 million cash budget, is dependent on the terms of the contractual arrangements negotiated with each sponsor. In terms of cash payments, most contracts provide for an initial payment on signature followed by further payments subject to a range of contractual provisions. Two sponsors (Boots and BSkyB) have yet to sign their contracts but remain committed at Board level to the sponsorship agreement.
  86W
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will break down the number of visitors to the Millennium Experience in January by category of ticket purchased, indicating in each case the price paid for each category of ticket. [109964]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 14 February 2000]: A total of 366,420 visitors visited the Dome in January. The percentage breakdown and price, by category of tickets is as follows:

  Percentage

  £

  Adult

  53.4

  20.00

  Child1

  5.6

  16.50

  Family Tickets

  21.7

  57.00

  Student

  4.5

  16.50

  Senior Citizen

  6.4

  18.00

  1 Under 5s go free

  The remaining 8.4 per cent. of visitors were children who won tickets as part of the free ballot for schools and some who were on specially managed education visits at £8.00 per head.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about the meeting on Wednesday 2 February between Lord Falconer and sponsors of the Millennium Dome. [110076]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 14 February 2000]: In his capacity as Shareholder of the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC), Lord Falconer of Thoroton has attended, at the invitation of NMEC, a number of functions and events with Millennium Experience sponsors, including that organised by NMEC on 2 February as part of a regular sponsor group meeting. A range of issues, relevant to the Millennium Experience at the Dome and the linked National Programme, are covered at the sponsor group meetings.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list those persons who collectively were responsible for the decisions(a) to discontinue the previous Chief Executive's involvement with the Millennium Dome and (b) to appoint the new Chief Executive. [110075]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 14 February 2000]: The appointment of the Chief Executive of the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) is a matter for the NMEC Board. The non-executive Board members are:

  Robert Ayling (Chairman)

  Sam Chisholm (Deputy Chairman)

  Ian Ash

  Sir Alan Cockshaw

  Len Duvall

  Michael Grade CBE

  Sir Brian Jenkins

  The hon. Mrs. Sara Morrison

  David Quarmby

  The Board was responsible for the recent appointment of Pierre-Yves Gerbeau to replace Jennie Page as Chief Executive. Lord Falconer of Thoroton, as Shareholder of NMEC, was kept fully informed about the decision and approved the terms of the appointment.
  87W
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the(a) capital, (b) revenue and (c) opportunity costs of granting free admission to the dome for school children. [109728]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 11 February 2000]: The capital cost of accommodating the Education Tour scheme, under which up to one million free tickets are available to schools, is approximately £2 million attributable to the reception building and equipment for the scheme on the dome site. The revenue cost, attributable to dedicated staff and administration of the ticketing process, is approximately £150,000. The opportunity costs are impossible to quantify but depend on a range of assumptions about ticket sales and categories of purchaser who might replace the free attendees within the licensed capacity limits of the dome site.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how, and by whom, Monsieur Pierre-Yves Gerbeau was identified as a potential new Chief Executive for the Millennium Dome; what checks were undertaken concerning his background and previous employment; and if he will make a statement. [110074]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 14 February 2000]: Pierre-Yves Gerbeau was appointed as Chief Executive of NMEC by its Board. They were responsible for identifying him as a candidate and undertaking any appropriate checks.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many tickets were sold for the Millennium Dome on each day of the first two weeks of February. [110521]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 17 February 2000]: Attendance for the week commencing 31 January was 104,705 (including 16,545 free education tour visits). For the week commencing 7 February, attendance was 112,788 (including 20,965 free education tour visits).

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what average attendance figures at the Millennium Dome were for the first 12 days of January. [104895]

  Janet Anderson
  There was an average of 12,935 visitors to the Dome for the first 12 days of January. A copy of NMEC's press release of Friday 4 February, containing this information as well as other details of visitor attendance in January, was placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many Dome tickets have been sold(a) overseas, (b) via the Internet, (c) at post offices, (d) by telephone and (e) in small local shops. [107276]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 31 January 2000]: The information is not available in the form requested. However, of the 366,420 people who visited the Dome in January the sources of purchase were:

  Percentage

  Camelot

  26.1

  Ticket line

  23.4

  88W

  Percentage

  Website

  6.7

  Travel trade

  13.6

  Education

  9.0

  Hospitality

  9.6

  Door sales

  11.6

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many tickets to the Dome have been sold so far to(a) adults, (b) children, (c) students, (d) old age pensioners, and (e) people with disabilities. [107277]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 31 January 2000]: The information is not available in the precise form requested. However, a breakdown of the 366,420 visitors in January, by category of ticket, is as follows:

  Percentage

  Adult

  53.4

  Child

  5.6

  Student

  4.5

  Senior citizen

  6.4

  Family tickets

  21.7

  The remaining 8.4 per cent. of visitors were children who won tickets as part of the free ballot for schools and some who were on specially managed education visits at £8.00 per head.

  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the schedule for maintenance and repairs of the roof of the Millennium Dome in 2000. [110935]

  Janet Anderson
  Repairs to the roof are dealt with as soon as they arise. NMEC holds a stock of spare materials and has specified a four-hour response time by the repair team as part of the maintenance contract. In addition trained personnel visually inspect the roof on a monthly basis.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will publish the names of the operators of the contracted catering outlets that operate in and around the Millennium Dome at Greenwich; and what style of food they were contracted to supply. [110504]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 17 February 2000]: Catering and supply contracts have been awarded to the following:

  Catering contracts

  Bakers Oven

  baked foods

  Costa

  coffee bar

  Aroma

  coffee bar

  AMT Espresso

  coffee bar

  New Covent Garden Soup Company

  soup bar

  Great American Bagel Company

  bagel bar

  OpaJohns

  filled pancake style bar

  Simply Internet

  cyber café

  Granada Food Services

  NMEC controlled public catering

  Compass pic

  NMEC controlled hospitality and staff catering

  McDonalds

  fast food restaurant

  89W

  Catering contracts

  Coca Cola

  soda bar

  Birds Eye, Wall's

  ice cream parlour

  Premier Brands

  tea bar

  Yo Sushi

  sushi restaurant

  Regents Inn plc

  NMEC controlled pub

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for what reason the maximum daily number of visitors to the Millennium Dome is set at 20,000; and when it will be increased to 35,000. [105245]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 17 February 2000]: There is no maximum of 20,000. The site capacity set out in the operating licence issued by Greenwich Council is 35,000 plus 2,000 staff at any one time.

  New Millennium Experience Company
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the management of the New Millennium Experience Company. [110613]

  Janet Anderson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC), which has responsibility for running the Millennium Experience; the Dome and the associated National Programme, considers that the management team now in place has the right experience and expertise to deliver the project successfully.

  Mr. Brooke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the Millennium Commission's recent loan to the New Millennium Experience Company. [110615]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cotswold (Mr. Clifton-Brown) on 28 February 2000,Official Report, column 6.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people were employed by the New Millennium Experience Company on(a) 31 December 1999 and (b) 31 January 2000. [110965]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: On both 31 December 1999 and 31 January 2000, the New Millennium Experience Company employed 2,077 people.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received from employees of the New Millennium Experience Company in respect of(a) the replacement of the Chief Executive and (b) the timing of overtime payments due. [109912]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 11 February 2000]: None.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out the terms under which Pierre-Yves Gerbeau has been employed as Chief Executive of the Dome, including the targets which have to be met for M. Gerbeau to qualify for bonus payments, and place a copy of his contract in the Library. [109958]
  90W
  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 14 February 2000]: The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) employed Pierre-Yves Gerbeau with effect from 7 February on a total salary of £100,000 plus 15 per cent. in lieu of pension. In addition, he is eligible, at the sole discretion of the Board, to a performance bonus of up to £100,000. His detailed performance targets are a matter for the Board of NMEC but the key target is to deliver the project over its lifetime within the £758 million cash limited budget. It is not NMEC's policy to publish contract documents between the company and its employees; to do so would breach employee and employer confidentiality.

  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will take steps to introduce(a) a reduced two day and (b) a weekend entrance fee for the Millennium Experience. [106981]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 27 January 2000]: The ticket pricing structure is a matter for the New Millennium Experience Company which, under the terms of its Lottery grant from the Millennium Commission, must consult and obtain the agreement of the Commission to any in-year changes in ticket pricing.

  Mr. Marshall-Andrews
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will provide details of(a) advances, (b) loans and (c) grants agreed to be made to the New Millennium Experience Company from the Millennium Commission since 1 January, and of provisions for (i) their repayment and (ii) the security provided for them. [110435]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 17 February 2000]: The Millennium Commission has approved an additional grant of up to £60 million to assist the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) with its cashflow. The precise amount of additional grant payable up to that maximum will have to be demonstrated by NMEC, to the Millennium Commission's satisfaction, on the basis of need—so far, £32 million has been released by the Commission. As with the original grant of £449 million (gross), this additional grant is repayable from any operating or disposal surplus.

  Mr. Marshall-Andrews
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the contractual liabilities are of sponsors of the New Millennium Experience Company; and whether such sponsors have given undertakings enforceable at law to provide, in cash or kind, the amounts pledged. [110463]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 17 February 2000]: Each of the contracts between the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) and the Millennium Experience sponsors is unique. The contractual obligations of the sponsors to NMEC cover a range of areas depending on the specific circumstances of the sponsorship agreement, for example the provision of cash, value in kind, discounted products and services and marketing support. Where sponsors have signed agreements with NMEC (as is the case with the majority of sponsors), these obligations are contractually enforceable.

  Mr. Marshall-Andrews
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what amount of sponsorship funds has been provided to date to the New Millennium
  91W
  Experience Company; and what (a) proportion and (b) amount of such funds has been provided in (i) cash and (ii) kind. [110442]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 17 February 2000]: Details of sponsorship income will be included in the New Millennium Experience Company's audited Annual Report and Financial Statements. Those for the period 1 April 1999 to 31 December 1999 will be published in June 2000.

  Lottery (Unclaimed Prizes)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the total amount of lottery prizes unclaimed in the past 12 months; and what was the highest individual unclaimed prize. [110614]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  In the 12 months to the end of January 2000, the total value of unclaimed prizes paid to the good causes was £69,649,609; the largest unclaimed prize in this period was £1,234,612.

  Jazz
  Mr. Hopkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to increase support for jazz. [110616]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  It is important that the arts funding system should reflect the full diversity of musical genres including jazz. Under the arm's length principle, however, decisions on funding for individual art forms and organisations are for the Arts Council of England or the 10 English regional arts boards.

  Arts Council
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what benefit he expects to secure for the public from the new funding agreements with the Arts Council of England. [110617]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The Funding Agreement with the Arts Council of England enables the Department to ensure that grant in aid is spent in accordance with the Government's goals for the arts. Under the arms length principle, the Department do not interfere in funding decisions for individual art forms and organisations.

  Heritage Lottery Fund
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what benefit he expects to secure for the public from the new funding agreement with the heritage lottery fund. [110620]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The Heritage Lottery Fund is not subject to a funding agreement since it does not receive money voted by Parliament.

  Free Television Licences
  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many families in Aberdeen will benefit from the introduction of free television licences for households with a member aged 75 years or over. [110622]
  92W
  Mr. Chris Smith
  This information is not available. 1991 Census information is out of date and no household survey has a sample size sufficient to make reliable estimates of qualifying households at a constituency or local authority level.

  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if he will make a statement on the procedure for people over 75 to receive a free television licence; [111095]

  (2) if he will ensure that arrangements put in place for providing free television licences to pensioners aged over 75 years take account of the needs of housebound pensioners; [111514]

  Janet Anderson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 21 February 2000 that free television licences for people aged 75 or over will come into effect from 1 November this year. The main details of the scheme, which will be administered by TV Licensing as agent for the BBC, have also been via a news release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Further details will be published by TV Licensing, who will also write to all households in good time before 1 November, with an application form to be completed and returned if a member of the household is 75 or over. The BBC have indicated that appropriate arrangements will be included for claimants who are housebound.

  Lottery (Sports Safety)
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when funds will be made available from the lottery for safety improvements at(a) rugby league, (b) rugby union and (c) cricket grounds. [110624]

  Kate Hoey
  A new funding package for safety improvements at rugby league, rugby union, cricket and non-league football grounds was announced on 12 April 1999. That package is worth £7.5 million over three years, and the administrative arrangements for its distribution have recently been finalised. A new committee of Sport England's Lottery Panel will shortly take over the work of the Sports Ground Initiative in channelling public funding for safety improvements in these sports.

  National Foundation for Youth Music
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many schools he expects to benefit from the National Foundation for Youth Music in its first year. [110625]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The National Foundation for Youth Music's remit is to support activities for children and young people that take place outside the formal education sector. The number of schools which benefit during the Foundation's first year of Lottery funding will depend to a large degree on the number of applications made to the Foundation's programmes, the first of which—Music Maker—is currently welcoming applications, with other programmes due to be announced in the next few months. The Foundation will report publicly at the end of its first year of distribution of Lottery funds, on the number of children, young people and schools who have benefited from its support.

  National Lottery Distribution Fund
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will take steps to ensure that money spent on lottery tickets in a particular area is applied mainly to projects in that area. [110619]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  It would not be right to seek a direct correlation between the numbers of tickets bought in a constituency and value of Lottery awards made as Lottery funding should be distributed according to need. The Government are, however, committed to ensuring that Lottery funding is distributed fairly both geographically and across all groups of society. This is reflected in the changes made to Lottery distribution through the National Lottery Act 1998, and through the revised Policy Directions which I issued in summer 1998.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much money was spent by the National Lottery on each of the various sectors of activity which it supported during 1999. [111805]

  Kate Hoey
  The amount of National Lottery money drawn down from the National Lottery Distribution Fund for expenditure on grants and administrative costs during 1999 was as follows:

  £

  Arts

  287,109,753

  Charities

  355,530,515

  Heritage

  256,505,732

  Millennium

  559,325,000

  Sport

  410,416,825

  Health, Education and the Environment

  31,304,340

  Total

  1,900,192,165

  Nazi Art Thefts
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which national museums and galleries have conducted in the last two years a review of their holdings of art and cultural objects to identify works which might have been looted during the Nazi era; how many items have been identified to date by each museum and gallery; and if he will make a statement. [111642]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: In December 1998 the National Museum Directors' Conference (NMDC) published a Statement of Principles and Actions relating to the Spoliation of Art during the Holocaust and World War II, making a commitment for 23 national museums, galleries and libraries to consider what research should be undertaken into the provenance of works of art in their collections for the period 1933–45.

  The plans for such research were published in April 1999 (and a copy was subsequently placed in the Library of the House)—see written answer for 8 June 1999, Official Report, column 230W, in response to the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cannock Chase (Dr. Wright).

  I understand that it is the intention of the NMDC to publish the results of this research on Tuesday 29 February on the Internet.
  94W
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to encourage the owners of privately-owned art and cultural collections to examine their collections for items which might have been looted during the Nazi period. [111641]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: I hope that the announcement of the Panel will encourage owners to examine the provenance of relevant items in their collections. I have no powers to require them to do so, as stated in the Terms of Reference published in reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 17 February 2000, Official Report, columns 627–29W. The Panel will be available to advise about any claim for an item in a private collection at the joint request of the claimant and the owner.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what powers will the Spoliation Advisory Panel have in the event of a dispute between a person or body holding art or cultural objects which are suspected of having been looted by the Nazi regime, and a person or body claiming ownership of the item or items concerned; and if he will make a statement. [111646]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 17 February 2000, Official Report, columns 627–29W, and the Terms of Reference of the Panel. If such a situation arises it will be for the Panel to recommend what they consider to be the appropriate action.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what consultations have been held, what representations have been received to date and what further consultations he plans to hold in respect of the membership of the Spoliation Advisory Panel; and if he will make a statement; [111644]

  (2) what steps he plans to take to ensure that the Spoliation Advisory Panel includes persons who have knowledge and understanding of the (a) circumstances in which the Nazi regime looted art treasures, (b) the type of art and cultural objects which were looted by the Nazi regime, (c) the art market in the 1930s to the 1950s in continental Europe and (d) the organisation and modus operandi of the Nazi regime; and that they are representative of the communities victimised by the Nazi regime; [111645]

  (3) what procedures he proposes to adopt in making appointments to the Spoliation Advisory Panel; and if places on the Panel will be advertised; [111640]

  (4) when he will complete the appointments to the Spoliation Advisory Panel; and when he expects it to commence work. [111639]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: The Department's normal appointments procedures, which comply fully with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' guidance, are being followed. These procedures include: specification of the knowledge and skills required in members of the Panel; independent scrutiny and the identification of candidates from a range of sources, including inviting nominations from interested groups; and searches of the Department's and the Cabinet Office's databases of potential candidates for appointment. I have not judged public advertisement to be

  95W
  necessary in this case. I expect to be able to announce the full membership of the Panel within a very few weeks and for the Panel to commence work during March.

  Austria (Bilateral Meetings)
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many bilateral meetings were held between his Department and its Austrian counterpart in each of the last five years; and what was discussed at each meeting since May 1997. [109871]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  My hon. Friend the Minister for Arts met Frau Elizabeth Gehrer, the Austrian Minister for Education and Culture, on 9 October 1998. The meeting covered a wide range of cultural issues on topics in my hon. Friend's area of responsibility such as museums, galleries and the historic environment.

  My hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Mr. Fisher), the then Minister for the Arts, met Dr. Peter Wittman, the then Austrian Culture Minister, on a number of occasions (11 June 1997, 15 October 1997, 23 February 1998, 8 June 1998) to discuss various issues, including the future of the EU's cultural programme, the 2001 City of Culture, cross-border book pricing, cultural aspects of enlargement, the Birmingham Audio-visual Conference and Austria's priorities during the Presidency. He also met Mrs. Ferrero Waldner, the then Austrian Deputy Foreign Minister (now Foreign Minister) on 30 march 1998 to discuss similar issues. Agenda 2000 and plans for the Global Summit in Vienna were also discussed at that meeting.

  Ministers and officials may have had some further bilateral contacts with their Austrian counterparts in the margins of international or EU meetings, but have not held bilateral meetings outside that context. My Department does not routinely keep records of such contacts.

  I have not been able to identify any records of bilateral meetings held by Ministers or officials under the previous administration.

  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list those previously planned meetings and their subject, between his Department and its Austrian counterpart which have been cancelled since the formation of the new Austrian Government. [109897]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  None. My Department had not planned any recent or forthcoming bilateral meetings with its Austrian counterpart.

  Lottery Grants
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 15 February 2000,Official Report, column 509W, on lottery grants by organisations in (a) Gloucestershire and (b) Tewkesbury, what was the total value of National Lottery grants applied for. [111433]

  Kate Hoey
  The total value of Lottery applications from Gloucestershire is £163,111,886; the total value of applications from Tewkesbury is £22,987,247. These figures exclude applications to the Millennium Commission and the New Opportunities Fund, and the 96W
  figure for Tewkesbury also excludes applications to the Arts Council of England, as these bodies do not hold information in the form requested.

  Film
  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the roles of the Film Council and the British Film Institute in supporting the national and regional development of film and moving image exhibitions, education and archives.
  [111365]

  Janet Anderson
  From April 2000, Government funding to support film and moving image culture will flow through the Film Council. The Film Council will develop a cultural strategy in close consultation with the British Film Institute, and agree broad objectives with the BFI arising from the strategy. The BFI will then develop detailed plans for the delivery of those objectives in its specialist areas, education, exhibition and collections. The BFI and the Film Council will also work closely with regional partners to ensure wide access to the benefits of Government support.

  Recycling
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of documentation used by his Department is(a) made from recycled paper and (b) collected for recycling. [111595]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Department's current Green Housekeeping Strategy and Action Plan requires for paper usage:

  To use recycled paper containing 80 per cent. post consumer waste for all non-specialist printing, copying and stationery needs—specifying that the virgin pulp (if any) and the recycling process is chlorine free.

  This target is regularly exceeded as paper containing 100 per cent. post consumer waste is used for all non-specialised printing and copying within the Department. We also specify in contracts to our consultants and contractors that, wherever possible, their documents and reports meet the same standards.

  All waste paper within the Department is collected separately for recycling.

  Foreign Film Companies
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what levels of inward investment have resulted from the activities of foreign-owned film companies in the United Kingdom in each of the past 10 years. [110825]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: Information on the levels of inward investment into the UK by foreign-owned film companies is available only from 1992. The figures are as follows:

  Total film inward investment

  Year

  £ millions

  1992

  58.50

  1993

  127.74

  1994

  182.65

  97W

  Total film inward investment

  Year

  £ millions

  1995

  216.45

  1996

  387.1

  1997

  261.90

  1998

  214.20

  1999

  336.37

  Note:

  The figures cover the total cost of films made in the UK by foreign-owned companies, not just the expenditure in the UK. However, this will be offset by expenditure in the UK on post-production of films shot outside the UK.

  Source:

  British Film Commission.

  Tourism Summit
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport where the Tourism Summit will be held. [112081]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Summit will be held at the conference facilities of The Globe Theatre in London.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many representatives of small business have been invited to the Tourism Summit. [112084]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have encouraged small businesses, and all tourism businesses, to participate fully in the Tourism Forum. As our strategy, Tomorrow's Tourism, promised, it is through the Forum that the industry reports on progress made with the strategy, and it is to the Forum that I will report back the achievements of the Tourism Summit in April.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the Tourism Summit will discuss Government funding of tourism. [112082]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Government set out their public expenditure plans, including the plans for tourism, in 1998. These are plans for a period of three years and, as with other public expenditure plans, will be reviewed during the course of this year.

  Research Contracts
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 8 December 1999,Official Report, column 537W, if he will place a copy of the standard research contract currently in use by his Department in the Library. [111674]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have placed a copy of the draft contract in the Library of the House.

  Sporting Events
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps are being taken to ensure that major United Kingdom and international sporting events hosted in the United Kingdom benefit all the regions and nations of the United Kingdom. [110605]

  Kate Hoey
  This Government place great importance on a fair geographical spread of major international events so that all of the UK may enjoy the sporting and wider benefits from staging such events. Last year, for example,98W
  matches in the Rugby Union World Cup and the Cricket World Cup were played throughout the UK. To ensure a fair distribution, UK Sport is now a Lottery distributor and funding is available on an equal basis to events throughout the UK. Indeed, in 1999 and 2000, Lottery funding was allocated or will be allocated for some 13 major events in all four home countries.

  Museum Admission Charges
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the Government's policy regarding admission charges for museums. [110604]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Funds have been made available to permit free access for children since April 1999 and free access for pensioners from April 2000 to the currently charging national museums funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. We are continuing to assess the most effective ways of extending access in 2001. However, decisions will ultimately be taken by the Trustees.

  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make the provision of free and concessionary tickets for young people for admission to museums and galleries a condition of funding by his Department. [110623]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Funds have been made available to permit free access for children (defined as 16s and under) since April 1999, to the currently charging national museums funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

  BBC
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the written submissions made to(a) The Peacock Committee on financing the BBC, (b) the 1988 White Paper "Broadcasting in the Nineties" and (c) the Davies Inquiry into BBC funding. [109994]

  Janet Anderson
  The organisations which submitted evidence to the Peacock Committee and to the Davies panel are listed in Annexe B and Annexe 4 of the respective reports, copies of which are in the Libraries of the House. The Government have published a list of the organisations which responded to the public consultation on the Davies panel's report when it announces its decisions on the panel's recommendations. This information for the 1988 White Paper, "Broadcasting In The Nineties", is not available.

  Paper and Timber Products
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will ensure that paper and timber products purchased by his Department are independently certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as coming from a sustainable source. [110193]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Forest Stewardship Council label is accepted by buyers as demonstrating that timber and timber products have come from sustainably managed sources. However, it is a voluntary scheme and there are other, equally valid verification schemes. Consequently, it is not practicable to require that all paper and timber
  99W
  products purchased by the Department are certified solely by the FSC because this might discriminate against other products and therefore be contrary to public procurement rules. It might also result in the Department failing to meet its full requirements as currently only a small proportion of timber products are FSC certified.

  The Department's Green Housekeeping Strategy includes as its first aim the conservation of energy, water, wood, paper and other resources, particularly those that are scarce or non-renewable. For timber products, the accompanying Action Plan requires the Department to:

  To purchase sustainably produced timber and timber products which, as far as possible, come from forests and plantations that have been independently verified as well managed with the trees grown and harvested in a way which maintains biodiversity, productivity and vitality and prevents harm to other eco-systems and any indigenous people or forest-dependent people; and to consider buying reclaimed or products made from reclaimed timber where cost effective and practicable to do so.

  For paper and paper products, the Action Plan requires the Department

  To use recycled paper containing 80 per cent. post consumer waste for all non-specialist printing, copying and stationery needs—specifying that the virgin pulp (if any) and the recycling process is chlorine free.

  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he has taken to ensure that paper and timber products purchased by his Department come from a sustainable source. [110192]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Department's Green Housekeeping Strategy includes as its first aim the conservation of energy, water, wood, paper and other resources, particularly those that are scarce or non-renewable. For timber products, the accompanying Action Plan requires the Department

  To purchase sustainably produced timber and timber products which, as far as possible, come from forests and plantations that have been independently verified as well managed with the trees grown and harvested in a way which maintains biodiversity, productivity and vitality and prevents harm to other eco-systems and any indigenous people or forest-dependent people; and to consider buying reclaimed or products made from reclaimed timber where cost effective and practicable to do so.

  For paper and paper products, the Action Plan requires the Department

  To use recycled paper containing 80 per cent. post consumer waste for all non-specialist printing, copying and stationery needs—specifying that the virgin pulp (if any) and the recycling process is chlorine free.

  The Department pursues these aims by requesting that suppliers provide relevant evidence (independently verified if necessary) that such products come from sustainable sources. An example of this is the Forest Stewardship Council's "kitemark". In addition, we check requirements against the DETR publication "Green Guide for Buyers—a Checklist".

  Departmental Secondees
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many staff were seconded from the private sector to his Department in(a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to the latest date for which figures are available, stating in each case the companies from which staff have been seconded. [109292]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 9 February 2000]: In my Department, secondments and attachments are part of the Interchange Initiative, which promotes the exchange of people and good practice between the Civil Service and other organisations. All sectors of the economy are involved: Voluntary, Education, Health, Public and Private. Interchange is a key component of the reform agenda. The Modernising Government White Paper committed us to increasing interchange, in particular by bringing in more people on secondment and sending more of our people out.

  The staff seconded from the private sector to my Department are as follows:
  (a) One secondment for the period May 1997 to April 1998 from Trench Farrow and Partners, who left in December 1998. One specialist from the music sector was employed on a short term contract during this period and this arrangement continues.
  (b) There were no new secondments during the period May 1998 to April 1999. One specialist from the music sector was employed on a short term contract during this period and this arrangement continues.
  (c) There have been no new secondments from the private sector since May 1999 but two specialists from the tourism and sports sectors have been employed on short term contracts and these arrangements continue.

  National Lottery Grants (Burton)
  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many applications for National Lottery grants have been received to date from organisations within the Burton constituency; and how many have been successful. [110741]

  Kate Hoey
  188 applications for National Lottery grants have been received to date from organisations in the Burton constituency. Of these, 71 applications have been successful. The total number of applications and the number of successful awards exclude figures from the Millennium Commission which does not hold the information in the form requested.

  Sports Action Zones
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans his Department has for funding local community sports areas to serve housing estates(a) within Sports Action Zones and (b) outside designated Sports Action Zones. [111113]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: Sport England will allocate at least two-thirds of the planned budget of the Lottery Sports Fund of £200 million per year over the next 10 years to the Community Projects Fund supporting community sports provision for all. As a priority, it will ensure that at leat 50 per cent. of this money is invested in projects which will benefit communities in areas of deprivation such as Sport Action Zones.

  Broadcasting and Telecommunications
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if his Department is the lead department in respect of the forthcoming paper on broadcasting and telecommunications issues. [111497]
  102W
  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department of Trade and Industry are assuming joint and equal responsibility for the preparation of the White Paper on the reform of broadcasting and communications legislation.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people from ethnic minorities have been recruited to each of the services for which his Department has set recruitment targets since the targets were established; how many personnel from ethnic minorities have left, prior to normal retirement age, each of these services in the same period; and if he will make a statement. [111319]

  Mr. Straw
  I published on 28 July 1999 targets for the employment of ethnic minority staff in the Home Office and its service areas, that is the police, fire, prison and the probation services. The purpose of these race equality employment targets is to help ensure that these organisations are representative of the communities they serve, and thereby better able to serve them.

  In the targets publication a commitment was given to report on progress annually. It is expect that the first report will be published in October this year. This is the date by which up to date information on progress within the financial year 1999–2000 on the targets from all the services will be available; such information is not readily available at the moment.

  Advertising Budget
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average cost of issuing a media release from his Department in 1999. [110275]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 16 February 2000]: Some 450 press releases were issued in 1999. The primary cost of issuing press releases relates to their electronic distribution which is carried out through the Central Office of Information, and postage. Electronic news distribution charges amounted to £21,095 and postage approximately £12,000 for the financial year 1999–2000. No central record of other costs which might be involved (eg faxing, e-mail) is available. The variation in the distribution and length of press releases and in their

  £000

  New initiative receiving grant funding

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–20001

  Crime reduction programme

  Crime reduction partnership training and support

  —

  —

  800

  Reducing burglary

  —

  —

  600

  Targeted policing

  —

  —

  600

  On track

  —

  —

  200

  Work with offenders

  —

  —

  900

  Intervention in schools

  —

  —

  600

  Youth inclusion schemes

  —

  —

  100

  Sentencing and restorative justice

  —

  —

  200

  Design against crime

  —

  —

  400

  Development of arrest referral schemes

  —

  —

  700

  Council for the registration of forensic practitioners

  —

  —

  200

  CCTV initiative

  15,000

  1,500

  3,600

  Support for victims

  Payment of grant to the 'support after murder and manslaughter' charity

  —

  43

  100

  Community support grants

  Active community initiatives

  —

  —

  700

  Older volunteers initiative

  —

  —

  788

  Regional voluntary sector networks

  —

  —

  573

  104W
  preparation, combined with the fact that many include accompanying documents, makes the calculation of a robust average charge an exercise which would be disproportionately costly.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's advertising budget for(a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000–01. [110262]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 16 February 2000]: The Home Office advertising budget for financial year 1999–2000 is £5.9 million.

  The Home Office advertising budget for financial year 2000–01 has not yet been decided.

  Police (Port Duties)
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are employed specifically on port duties at each of the major ports in England and Wales. [110469]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Operational deployment of police officers is a matter for the Chief Constable. Details of the number of police based at each port in England and Wales is not collated centrally.

  Grants
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the initiatives launched by his Department since May 1997 under which specific grants are allocated, indicating in each case and for each financial year the funding provided by central Government. [109318]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 10 February 2000]: The information requested for the three financial years 1997–98 to 1999–2000 is provided in the following table. The figures for 1999–2000 are estimates. The figures do not take account of any locally funded initiatives undertaken by individual prisons nor all those funded by Non-Departmental Public Bodies, as such details could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The table does not include specific grants to bodies where these were first initiated before May 1997.
  105W

  £000

  New initiative receiving grant funding

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–20001

  Support for community self-help

  —

  —

  420

  Business partnerships

  —

  —

  137

  Drugs prevention advisory service

  National drugs users network

  —

  —

  25

  Family support grant

  National family and parenting institute

  —

  —

  200

  Family support grant

  —

  —

  1,000

  ParentLine

  —

  —

  333

  Fire service youth training association

  25

  0

  25

  Reception and resettlement of refugees

  Montseratt community support trust

  723

  511

  537

  Kosovan evacuees (support for local authorities)

  —

  —

  45,000

  Kosovan evacuees: support for voluntary bodies

  —

  —

  9,612

  National asylum support services (NASS)

  Refugee council

  —

  —

  930

  Central services team

  —

  —

  160

  Refugee council offices

  —

  —

  54

  Migrant helpline

  —

  —

  294

  Refugee arrivals project

  —

  —

  293

  Refugee action

  —

  —

  304

  Scottish refugee council

  —

  —

  128

  Welsh refugee council

  —

  —

  35

  Youth justice board

  Grants for the development of good practice in work with young offenders and those at risk of offending

  —

  —

  30,800

  Grant to the women's aid federation (England)

  —

  —

  12

  Prison service initiatives

  Partners of prisoners' support groups

  —

  27

  —

  Federation of prisoners' families support groups

  —

  19

  —

  Institute of linguists educational trust

  —

  3

  —

  Prisoners' community liaison

  —

  9

  —

  Female prisoners' welfare project

  —

  20

  —

  The new bridge to support rehabilitative projects

  —

  20

  20

  Prisons video trust

  —

  —

  70

  Literacy and black incarceration project

  —

  —

  7

  1 The funding for 1999–2000 is estimated as final figures cannot be provided until the end of the current financial year

  Police Officers (Insurance)
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers(a) in each police authority and (b) as a percentage of officers employed do not hold (i) occupational accident and (ii) ill-health insurance. [110930]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.

  Although there is no requirement for police officers to obtain ill health or accident insurance, or for police authorities to provide such cover, I understand that some forces have set up their own contributory health trusts and that others encourage police officers to take out private health insurance. All forces also offer medical support services and can provide additional specialist medical treatment for police officers where necessary.

  The Police Pension Scheme provides a range of benefits in respect of police officers who become disabled or die in service.

  Prison Service (Disability Legislation)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the application of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Disability Rights Commission Act 1999 to the Prison Service. [112123]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Prison Service has recognised the responsibilities placed on it by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and has already adopted good practice in the areas of recruitment, training and promotion of staff. It welcomes the establishment of the Disability Rights Commission and the role it will play in protecting the rights of disabled people. As a disability symbol user it demonstrates the importance it places on achieving equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.

  The Prison Service has a duty of care to all prisoners and its policies towards disabled prisoners have been developed to meet the requirements of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Goods, Facilities and

  107W
  Services). These policies require that disabled prisoners have equality of opportunity to access a range of facilities such as work, education and programmes.

  Gammahydroxybutyrate
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to reclassify gammahydroxybutyrate as a drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; [111876]

  (2) if he will reclassify gammahydroxybutyrate as a drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; and if he will make a statement; [111721]

  (3) what plans he has for an announcement about the reclassification of GHB from a medicine to a drug. [111161]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) is not licensed as a medicinal product in the United Kingdom but is regarded as an unlicensed "medicinal product" under the provisions of the Medicines Act 1968. The Medicines Control Agency investigates reports of the unlawful manufacture, advertising sale and supply of GHB in the United Kingdom and has brought a number of successful prosecutions in the last few years.

  With regard to the question of the classification of GHB under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Swindon, South (Ms Drown), on 24 January 2000, Official Report, column 95W.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Cotswold will receive a definitive reply from the Immigration and Nationality Department to his letters of 2 August 1999, 2 September 1999 and 9 October 1999, in the case of Mr. Resal Cerikan and leave to remain in the UK (IND Ref: C1000625 (S) (C449744)). [111792]

  Mrs. Roche
  A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 24 February. I am sorry for the delay.

  Women Prison Officers
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women prison officers were working in segregation units of prison in England and Wales on 1 February. [111934]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The total number of women prison officer grades working in public sector prisons in England and Wales on 1 February was 3,543.

  It is not possible to provide data for those working solely in segregation units as staff may be deployed to any part of the prison at any time and records are not available centrally for specific units or wings.

  Smoke Detectors
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to encourage people to install smoke detectors in their homes. [112316]
  108W
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Smoke detectors make a significant contribution to the protection of life and property from fire and we would want all households to have them.

  Current Building Regulations require all new dwellings in England and Wales to have a smoke detector system installed. Publicity and education have in recent years helped raise smoke alarm ownership levels from less than 10 per cent. of households in 1987 to over 80 per cent. But we are determined to increase this further and the Home Office National Community Fire Safety Centre will be running a fresh campaign with the fire service later this year to reaffirm the value of smoke detectors in giving early warning in the event of fire.

  Hillsborough Inquiry
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 10 February 2000,Official Report, column 259W, on the Hillsborough inquiry, (a) when the material is to be loaned to the designated library and (b) to which library it is to be loaned. [111718]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I understand that the House Library hopes to finalise arrangements shortly for the papers to be sent to the Liverpool Record Office at the Liverpool Central Library.

  Supporting Families
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what uses(a) ParentLine and (b) the National Family and Parenting Institute have put grant given to them from public funds since publication of the consultation document, Supporting Families; and if he will make a statement. [111806]

  Mr. Straw
  In the first year of their three year grant from the Home Office; ParentLine has launched a new national freephone number, with expanded operating hours. ParentLine has expanded its call taking capacity by taking on and training volunteers, and has developed a national structure, training, standards and call data analysis. ParentLine has expanded its call-taking capacity from 12,000 to 80,000, and will reach its eventual target of 500,000 calls per year by April 2002.

  The National Family and Parenting Institute (NFPI) was formally incorporated as a company with a board of trustees in April 1999. The first Chief Executive, Mary McLeod, was appointed in September and started work in October. Government funding for the NFPI began in October 1999. Since then, the Institute had its official launch in November, and has been engaged in recruiting staff, locating premises, and building a strategy and corporate plan. A key focus for these first months is developing awareness of the role and vision of the NFPI, and raising the profile of parenting and family issues in the media.

  The Institute has also started on some major pieces of work that will be completed by the end of this year. For example, the Institute has begun an exercise to map

  109W
  the support available to families at local level across the country. They will also take forward a face to face survey of parents to ask them about the support they want.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will state in respect of each of the last five years(a) the number of asylum decisions taken broken down by the nationality of claimants and (b) the number of claimants of each nationality who were (i) accepted as refugees, (ii) refused refugee status and (iii) granted exceptional leave to remain; [111886]

  (2) if he will list for each of the last five years the number of asylum claims in the United Kingdom broken down by the nationality of the claimant. [111887]

  Mrs. Roche
  Information regarding asylum applications, by nationality, for each of the years 1995 to 1998, is given in Table 2.2 of the Home Office statistical bulletin "Asylum Statistics United Kingdom, 1998". Information on asylum decisions made, by type and nationality during this period is given in tables 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 of the same publication, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Information on asylum applications made in 1999, by nationality, is given in the table. Similar information on decisions made, by nationality, is not yet available. Figures for total asylum decisions made in 1999 can be accessed via the Internet at.http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/index.htm.

  New asylum applications1,2 received in the United Kingdom, 1999

  Year to December

  Europe

  Bulgaria

  80

  Cyprus

  20

  Poland

  1,860

  Romania

  1,985

  Former USSR

  4,105

  Turkey

  2,850

  Former Yugoslavia

  14,180

  Others

  3,200

  Total

  28,280

  Americas

  Columbia

  1,000

  Others

  1,025

  Total

  2,025

  Middle East

  Iran

  1,320

  Iraq

  1,800

  Lebanon

  240

  Others

  805

  Total

  4,165

  Africa

  Algeria

  1,385

  Angola

  545

  Cameroon

  245

  Democratic Republic of Congo

  1,240

  110W

  New asylum applications1,2 received in the United Kingdom, 1999

  Year to December

  Ethiopia

  455

  Gambia

  30

  Ghana

  195

  Ivory Coast

  190

  Kenya

  485

  Liberia

  65

  Nigeria

  945

  Rwanda

  820

  Sierra Leone

  1,125

  Somalia

  7,495

  South Africa

  90

  Sudan

  280

  Tanzania

  80

  Togo

  60

  Uganda

  420

  Zimbabwe

  230

  Others

  2,045

  Total

  18,435

  Asia

  Afghanistan

  3,975

  Bangladesh

  530

  China

  2,625

  India

  1,365

  Pakistan

  2,615

  Sri Lanka

  5,130

  Others

  1,225

  Total

  17,465

  Other and unknown nationalities

  785

  Grand Total

  71,160

  1 Excluding dependants

  2 Figures rounded to the nearest 5

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers left the United Kingdom in each of the last five years(a) voluntarily, (b) through administrative removal, (c) through deportation and (d) following enforcement action; and if he will make a statement. [111888]

  Mrs. Roche
  The available information, relating to removals and voluntary departures of persons who have applied for asylum at Some stage, is given in the table. Failed asylum seekers are removed only once all their rights of appeal in the United Kingdom have been exhausted. It should be noted that the figures include those removed on a third country basis and may include some persons who withdrew their asylum application or appeal before a decision or determination had been reached. Section 10 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, which provides for the administrative removal of certain categories of persons currently liable to deportation, has yet to be brought into force.

  Removals and voluntary departures of asylum applicants, excluding dependants, 1995 to 1999 1

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999 1

  Removals under port procedures

  Refused and Removed of which:

  1,890

  2,695

  4,100

  3,460

  4,895

  Voluntary departures3

  615

  715

  1,090

  1,105

  2—

  111W

  Removals and voluntary departures of asylum applicants, excluding dependants, 1995 to 1999 1

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999 1

  Removals under enforcement procedures

  Deportation removals

  225

  405

  455

  350

  140

  Of which:

  Voluntary departures4,5

  50

  95

  135

  100

  2—

  Illegal entry removals

  1,065

  1,740

  2,605

  3,090

  2,610

  Of which:

  Voluntary departures4,5

  240

  330

  580

  620

  2—

  Total asylum removals

  3,180

  4,840

  7,160

  6,900

  7,645

  Of which:

  Voluntary departures3,4,5

  905

  1,140

  1,805

  1,825

  2—

  1 Figures are provisional

  2 Not available

  3 Includes voluntary departures up to and including notification of the decision on the asylum application for port applicants

  4 Includes only those voluntary departures taking place after the initiation of enforcement action for in-country applicants

  5 1998 voluntary departures are estimated

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest five.

  Ms Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to use Adamton House at Prestwick for accommodation for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement. [111989]

  Mrs. Roche
  A general invitation to tender for the provision of accommodation and related services as part of our new support arrangements for asylum seekers was issued last November. We are currently holding discussions with prospective suppliers aimed at enabling contracts to be awarded very shortly. Information provided by suppliers within the tender process, including property details, is commercially confidential.

  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers entered the United Kingdom during 1999; and how many have been placed in accommodation in(a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland. [111308]

  Mrs. Roche
  Total asylum applications in 1999 were 71,160. Information is not held centrally on where these asylum seekers have been accommodated.

  Under the interim dispersal scheme which started on 6 December 1999, a total of 1,288 asylum applicants to date have been dispersed from London and the South East to other areas of the country. All of these were dispersed to areas in England. Scotland and Northern Ireland are not included in the interim scheme.

  Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill
  Mr. Walter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library copies of the correspondence between himself and the Committee on Standards in Public Life relating to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill since the first reading of the Bill. [111919]
  112W
  Mr. Straw
  Yes. I wrote to the noble Lord, Lord Neill, on 22 December 1999 and 17 January 2000, and he replied to the second of my letters on 4 February 2000. Copies of the three letters have been placed in the Library.

  Metropolitan Police (Recruitment)
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the policy of the Metropolitan Police Service with regard to the(a) reviewing of applications, (b) re-interviewing of applicants and (c) employment of applicants for recruitment in cases where applications have been declined after an interview. [111813]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that the Metropolitan Police are reviewing their recruitment process. As part of this, about 1,000 applications which were rejected in the last half of 1999 are being reviewed. Where, as a result, applicants might now appear suitable, they are being asked whether they wish to pursue their original application.

  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many recruits to the Metropolitan Police Service have been employed notwithstanding the fact that their applications were initially declined after an interview in each of the years(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000 to date. [111814]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that the information requested is not recorded centrally.

  Criminal Records Bureau
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 14 February 2000,Official Report, column 409W, on the Criminal Records Bureau, if he will list the members of the SERCO-led consortium. [111097]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  In the e.Cres consortium, the prime contractor is SERCO, with DeLoitte Consulting and ICL as sub-contractors.

  British Citizenship
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he has involved the Family Policy Division of the Lord Chancellor's Department and the Legal Visitor of the Court of Protection in the review by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the full capacity requirement for renunciation of British citizenship and applications for it under the British Nationality Act 1981; [111409]

  (2) when he will publish the report of the review by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the full capacity requirement for renunciation of British citizenship and applications for it under the British Nationality Act 1981; and whether he will consult (a) MIND, (b) SANE, (c) NSF, (d) the Zito Trust and (e) other organisations concerned with mental health before deciding finally on any changes to the law or regulation. [111408]
  113W
  Mrs. Roche
  It is not possible to say when the review will be completed. It is being conducted as other priorities permit. I shall, of course, take note of my hon. Friend's suggestions as to who might be consulted.

  Prison Nursing Service
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce prison nursing services run jointly with the local NHS trust hospital in the area of the prison; and if he will make a statement. [111465]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Improvements to the way nursing services are organised and delivered in prison are an essential part of the reforms to prison healthcare now underway following the Government's acceptance of the recommendations in the joint Prison Service/ National Health Service Executive report, 'The Future Organisation of Healthcare' published in March 1999.

  Prisons and health authorities are jointly assessing prisoners' health needs at establishment level in order to identify, among other things, ways of delivering nursing services which both meet those needs and are integrated with local provision. One particular objective will be to ensure that nursing staff who work in prisons enjoy the same level of professional involvement, clinical supervision and training as their colleagues who work in the National Health Service. To assist this my right hon. Friend, the Minister of State for the Home Office asked Ms Liz Haggard of the Office of Public Management to chair a working group to consider the development of the prison nursing workforce, with particular reference to healthcare officers, and report, with recommendations, by mid-March 2000.

  Prison Segregation
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) men and (b) women were being held in segregation units of prisons in England and Wales on 14 February. [111464]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  On 14 February 2000, there were 1,433 men and 13 women recorded as being held in segregation units in prisons in England and Wales.

  Prisons (Disabled People)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many disabled people were in prison in England and Wales on 14 February; [111467]

  (2) how many disabled (a) men and (b) women who were confined to wheelchairs were being held in prisons in England and Wales on 14 February. [111466]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Prisoners (Controls and Constraints)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the control and constraints that are permitted to be used on inmates in prisons in England and Wales; what records the prison authorities must keep 114W
  of their use; what obligation there is for the governor of the prison to be informed immediately of the use of such restraints; and if he will make a statement. [111141]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The various control and restraint techniques and the authority for their use on prisoners in England and Wales are contained in Prison Service Order 1600 (Use of Force) and Standing Order 13 (Health Matters), copies of which are in the Library. The Orders make clear that only reasonable force may ever be used and that on every occasion that it is a formal record must be made and kept. Whenever the use of force is planned it is authorised by the governor. However, officers may use force in immediate response to violent incidents when it is impractical to obtain the prior authority of the governor.

  Prison Boards of Visitors
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many board of visitors annual reports for 1999 have been received by his Department; and if he will list the boards of visitors and the prisons for which they are responsible. [111463]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Annual reports to my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary for 1999 had been received from the 80 Boards of Visitors listed in the table as at 18 February 2000. Reports from the remaining 53 boards due to submit their annual report for 1999 should be received by 31 March 2000.

  Of the 80 Boards of Visitors only one—Grendon/ Springhill—has responsibility for more than one establishment.

  1999 Annual Reports received from Boards of Visitors
  Establishment

  Acklington

  Albany

  Aldington

  Altcourse

  Ashwell

  Askham Grange

  Aylesbury

  Bedford

  Belmarsh

  Birmingham

  Blakenhurst

  Blantyre House

  Blundeston

  Brinsford

  Bristol

  Brixton

  Brockhill

  Buckley Hall

  Bullingdon

  Bullwood Hall

  115W

  Camp Hill

  Canterbury

  Cardiff

  Chelmsford

  Coldingley

  Cookham Wood

  Dartmoor

  Deerbolt

  Doncaster

  Dorchester

  Dover

  Downview

  Drake Hall

  Durham

  East Sutton Park

  Eastwood Park

  Elmley

  Erlestoke

  Everthorpe

  Exeter

  Featherstone

  Feltham

  Ford

  Foston Hall

  Frankland

  Full Sutton

  Garth

  Gartree

  Glen Parva

  Gloucester

  Grendon/Springhill

  Guys Marsh

  Haslar

  Hatfield

  Haverigg

  Hewell Grange

  High Down

  Hindley

  Hollesley Bay

  Huntercombe

  Kirkham

  Kirklevington

  Lancaster Farms

  Latchmere House

  Leeds

  Lewes

  Leyhill

  Lindholme

  Liverpool

  Maidstone

  Manchester

  North Sea Camp

  Northallerton

  Portland

  Ranby

  Reading

  Risley

  Rochester

  Send

  Shepton Mallet.

  Recycling
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of documentation used by his Department is(a) made from recycled paper and (b) collected for recycling. [111602]

  Mr. Straw
  Records on the volume of documentation or the percentage of paper recycled in my department are not kept. Trials are being undertaken into various types of recycled paper to establish the practicalities of committing to a policy that stipulates the use of recycled paper. All offices in my department's Central London headquarters buildings have green bins for recycled paper and most of the key buildings across the estate have paper recycling schemes. The department will shortly be undertaking pilot waste minimisation schemes in three different buildings on the estate with the aim of reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.

  The Prison Service has recently set up a Service wide waste management project. The project will identify areas where wastage can be reduced and will address the efficient and effective disposal of prison waste and the recycling of usable waste. Recyclable materials, such as paper will be reprocessed.

  Metropolitan Police
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) police officers and (b) civilian employees were employed in the Kingston Division of the Metropolitan Police in each of the years 1992 to 2000; and if he will make a statement. [111305]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is in the following table, provided by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis :

  Kingston Police Division

  Year

  Police officers

  Civilian staff

  1992

  403

  61

  1993

  375.4

  63

  1994

  395.7

  66

  1995

  373

  85

  1996

  393.3

  97

  1997

  362

  87

  1998

  335

  83

  1999

  313

  78

  2000

  323

  73.5

  Note:

  Figures reflect the position at 31 January of each year.

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police station front offices closed to the public in(a) the Kingston Division and (b) the Metropolitan Police area in each of the years 1992 to 2000; and if he will make a statement. [111306]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis Police informs me that following a review of demand and after consultation with the community, one police station front counter was closed in the Kingston Division in each of the years 1995, 1998 and 1999. There was no such closure in any other year from 1992. Details of police station front counter closures for the entire Metropolitan Police District are not recorded centrally,
  117W
  and cannot readily be obtained from local records because of the extensive reorganisation of territorial commands in the period concerned.

  Special Constables
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many special constables were recruited by each of the police forces in England and Wales between 30 September 1998 and 30 September 1999; [111474]

  (2) how many special constables left each of the police forces in England and Wales between 30 September 1998 and 30 September 1999. [111472]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The numbers of special constables who were recruited to and left each of the police force special constabularies in England and Wales between 1 October 1998 and 30 September 1999 is set out in the table.

  Force

  Recruited

  Left the special constabulary

  Avon and Somerset

  50

  152

  Bedfordshire

  14

  40

  Cambridgeshire

  62

  62

  Cheshire

  18

  51

  City of London

  16

  19

  Cleveland

  33

  32

  Cumbria

  20

  36

  Derbyshire

  30

  82

  Devon and Cornwall

  162

  136

  Dorset

  46

  45

  Durham

  47

  30

  Dyfed-Powys

  28

  41

  Essex

  67

  118

  Gloucestershire

  18

  33

  Greater Manchester

  82

  151

  Gwent

  13

  18

  Hampshire

  176

  203

  Hertfordshire

  34

  63

  Humberside

  125

  54

  Kent

  119

  200

  Lancashire

  47

  87

  Leicestershire

  18

  66

  Lincolnshire

  31

  42

  Merseyside

  105

  13

  Metropolitan police

  1—

  73

  Norfolk

  55

  88

  Northamptonshire

  22

  66

  Northumbria

  68

  79

  North Wales

  29

  86

  North Yorkshire

  16

  104

  Nottinghamshire

  38

  74

  South Wales

  43

  54

  South Yorkshire

  56

  101

  Staffordshire

  20

  82

  Suffolk

  103

  93

  Surrey

  21

  41

  Sussex

  47

  90

  Thames Valley

  65

  101

  Warwickshire

  20

  95

  West Mercia

  84

  33

  West Midlands

  119

  175

  West Yorkshire

  137

  149

  Wiltshire

  37

  28

  Total

  2,341

  3,386

  1 The number of special constables recruited to the Metropolitan police during the period is not yet available

  Source:

  Research, Development and Statistics Directorate, Home Office

  DNA Database
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the national DNA database in identifying offenders. [111483]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Since it began operating in April 1995, the National DNA Database, operated by the Forensic Science Service on behalf of the police, has proved a highly effective intelligence tool in the fight against crime.

  The Database identifies possible suspects of a crime through matching DNA from unsolved crime scene stains with DNA profiles of convicted or suspected people held on the Database. The average match rate is more than 40 per cent. and approximately 500 matches are reported each week to the police for investigation.

  PR and Marketing Consultants
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the(a) reasons for and (b) cost of the use of public relations and marketing consultants by his Department since 1997. [111510]

  Mr. Straw
  Public relations and marketing consultants are used only where new knowledge and experience is needed which adds value to the Home Office's activities and where the expertise is not available in house or from another source. Cost for the period since 1997 is £111,919.00.

  Police Station Closures
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police stations have closed to the public in(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999 (i) in each police force area save the Metropolitan Police area and (ii) in the Metropolitan Police area. [111449]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Decisions on the siting and need for police stations are matters for the Chief Officer's operational judgment within the resources available.

  Rural Policing
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will take into account the recommendations resulting from his Department's research into the cost of policing in rural areas in deciding the police funding formula for 2001–02; [111515]

  (2) what plans he has to implement the recommendations resulting from his Department's research into the cost of policing in rural areas. [111451]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The findings of the independent research report on policing sparsely populated rural areas were considered by a Home Office chaired Working Group, which included representatives of the police service, police authorities and local authorities, last summer. There was no single view within the Working Group on the conclusions of the report. There was general agreement that a sparsity factor had been detected, but less agreement about how to include it appropriately in the police funding formula.
  119W
  We have also taken into consideration the need for stability in the police funding system to enable police authorities to plan ahead. In the July 1998 White Paper, "Modern Local Government—In Touch With the People", my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister said that we would not expect to make fresh changes to the method of calculation of Standard Spending Assessments (SSA) while a fundamental review of the local government grant distribution system is being conducted. This applies equally to the method of police grant distribution, as a common formula is used for distribution of police grant and SSA.

  In the light of these factors we have not made any changes to the method of police grant distribution for 2000–01. The Government do not intend to make substantive changes to the funding formula during the more general review of the local government grant distribution system that is being taken forward in consultation with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities.

  Rural police forces will continue to benefit from the existing 'sparsity' element of the funding formula. This element allocates 0.5 per cent. of the available funding (about £35 million) on a judgmental basis.

  Public Safety Radio Communications Service
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police authorities have signed an initial letter of consent to take the Public Safety Radio Communications Service; and if he will list them. [111471]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Thirty nine out of the 43 police authorities in England and Wales have written, to date, to the Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO), which is responsible for the Public Safety Radio Communications Project (PSRCP) to confirm their intention of taking up the Public Safety Radio Communications Service. These authorities are listed as follows:

  Police authorities which have notified PITO of their intention to take up the Public Safety Radio Communications Service

  Avon and Somerset

  Bedfordshire

  Cambridgeshire

  Cheshire

  City of London

  Cumbria

  Derbyshire

  Devon and Cornwall

  Dorset

  Durham

  Dyfed-Powys

  Essex

  Gloucestershire

  Greater Manchester

  Gwent

  Hampshire

  Hertfordshire

  Humberside

  Kent

  Lancashire

  Leicestershire

  120W

  Lincolnshire

  Metropolitan

  Norfolk

  North Wales

  North Yorkshire

  Northamptonshire

  Northumbria

  Nottinghamshire

  South Wales

  South Yorkshire

  Staffordshire

  Suffolk

  Surrey

  Sussex

  Thames Valley

  Warwickshire

  West Mercia

  Wiltshire.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on whether the implementation of the Public Safety Radio Communications Service is dependent on the number of police authorities who sign up to the project. [111470]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The overwhelming majority of police authorities in England and Wales, 39 out of 43, have already indicated that they intend, subject to satisfaction with the terms, to sign service contracts for the Public Safety Radio Communications Service (PSRCS). On the basis of their support, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is prepared to authorise signature of the Framework Arrangement by the Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO), which is responsible for managing the Public Safety Radio Communications Project, provided negotiations are satisfactorily concluded and the necessary approvals secured.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the cost of the Public Safety Radio Communications Project will be met by police authorities. [111379]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The cost of the core service for the Public Safety Radio Communications Project represents approximately 80 per cent. of the total service charges for police forces in England and Wales. This is to be funded centrally by means of deduction from total police grant provision.

  The cost of services additional to the core service, the so called 'menu services', which all forces will purchase according to their own requirements, accounts for the remaining 20 per cent.

  Separately from the core and menu service charges, forces will need to purchase control room and radio terminal equipment along with system integration services. Based upon our understanding of the police service's overall requirements, it is estimated that the initial purchase and subsequent replacement costs total around £300 million in Net Present Cost terms over the Public Safety Radio Communications Service life.

  Police Officers
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many police officers were available for ordinary duty, by rank, for each of the police forces in England and Wales on 30 September 1999; [111513]

  Police strength in England and Wales—total strength for ordinary duty as at 30 September 1999

  All ranks 1

  Police force

  Chief Constable

  Assistant Chief Constable

  Superintendent

  Chief Inspector

  Inspector

  Sergeant

  Constable

  Total police ranks 1

  Avon and Somerset

  1.0

  3.0

  23.0

  36.0

  147.6

  452.4

  2,325.7

  2,988.7

  Bedfordshire

  1.0

  2.0

  13.0

  10.0

  54.8

  141.5

  826.1

  1,048.4

  Cambridgeshire

  1.0

  2.0

  14.0

  13.0

  61.3

  203.5

  977.4

  1,272.2

  Cheshire

  1.0

  3.0

  19.0

  30.0

  98.0

  328.0

  1,564.6

  2,043.6

  City of London

  1.0

  2.0

  8.0

  12.0

  46.0

  100.8

  574.8

  744.6

  Cleveland

  1.0

  1.0

  24.0

  2.0

  60.0

  196.0

  1,088.6

  1,372.6

  Cumbria

  1.0

  2.0

  10.0

  19.0

  51.0

  170.0

  839.9

  1,092.9

  Derbyshire

  1.0

  3.0

  23.0

  28.0

  94.0

  289.0

  1,325.6

  1,763.6

  Devon and Cornwall

  1.0

  4.0

  33.0

  45.0

  133.0

  422.8

  2,222.3

  2,861.1

  Dorset

  1.0

  2.0

  17.0

  22.0

  66.0

  204.1

  964.1

  1,276.1

  Durham

  1.0

  2.0

  18.0

  24.0

  77.0

  208.7

  1,224.0

  1,554.6

  Dyfed Powys

  1.0

  2.0

  15.0

  18.0

  46.0

  179.0

  787.6

  1,048.6

  Essex

  1.0

  3.0

  24.0

  46.0

  124.0

  446.4

  2,190.3

  2,834.7

  Gloucestershire

  1.0

  2.0

  10.0

  15.0

  55.0

  162.2

  852.8

  1,098.0

  Greater Manchester

  1.0

  6.0

  79.0

  89.0

  337.3

  999.6

  5,298.4

  6,810.3

  Gwent

  0.0

  0.0

  14.0

  16.0

  54.0

  200.0

  977.3

  1,261.3

  Hampshire

  1.0

  3.0

  39.4

  36.0

  164.8

  531.4

  2,635.2

  3,410.8

  Hertfordshire

  1.0

  3.0

  20.0

  23.0

  96.0

  259.3

  1,357.7

  1,760.0

  Humberside

  1.0

  2.0

  20.0

  26.0

  103.0

  279.6

  1,494.6

  1,926.2

  Kent

  1.0

  4.0

  26.0

  38.0

  142.0

  473.4

  2,572.3

  3,256.7

  Lancashire

  1.0

  3.0

  34.0

  36.0

  164.0

  519.1

  2,464.4

  3,221.4

  Leicestershire

  1.0

  3.0

  16.0

  19.0

  95.0

  271.4

  1,592.1

  1,997.5

  Lincolnshire

  1.0

  2.0

  11.0

  17.0

  65.0

  185.5

  829.3

  1,110.8

  Merseyside

  1.0

  3.0

  50.0

  55.0

  176.0

  615.8

  3,170.1

  4,070.8

  Metropolitan police2

  7.0

  29.0

  214.0

  388.6

  1,208.5

  4,050.9

  19,986.5

  25,884.5

  Norfolk

  1.0

  2.0

  17.0

  22.0

  73.0

  203.4

  1,063.2

  1,381.5

  Northamptonshire

  1.0

  2.0

  12.0

  10.0

  50.6

  174.1

  880.3

  1,130.0

  Northumbria

  1.0

  4.0

  36.0

  56.0

  183.8

  532.9

  2,986.4

  3,800.1

  North Wales

  1.0

  1.0

  16.0

  29.0

  71.0

  232.0

  1,049.0

  1,399.0

  North Yorkshire

  1.0

  1.0

  12.0

  12.0

  53.0

  215.5

  999.2

  1,293.7

  Nottinghamshire

  1.0

  3.0

  21.0

  19.6

  117.0

  328.0

  1,737.4

  2,227.0

  South Wales

  1.0

  4.0

  30.0

  36.0

  159.0

  442.0

  2,311.0

  2,983.0

  South Yorkshire

  1.0

  4.0

  38.0

  46.0

  168.0

  485.8

  2,422.2

  3,165.0

  Staffordshire

  1.0

  3.0

  21.0

  27.0

  112.0

  337.7

  1,704.3

  2,206.0

  Suffolk

  1.0

  2.0

  13.0

  15.0

  55.0

  171.4

  902.6

  1,160.0

  Surrey

  1.0

  3.0

  16.0

  19.0

  76.5

  261.8

  1,343.9

  1,721.1

  Sussex

  1.0

  4.0

  27.0

  38.0

  152.4

  466.0

  2,221.0

  2,909.3

  Thames Valley

  1.0

  3.0

  43.0

  28.0

  194.0

  565.4

  2,915.2

  3,749.5

  Warwickshire

  1.0

  1.0

  10.0

  8.0

  47.0

  124.5

  724.2

  915.7

  West Mercia

  1.0

  3.0

  18.0

  30.0

  99.0

  299.7

  1,528.7

  1,979.4

  West Midlands

  1.0

  4.0

  59.0

  46.0

  307.0

  987.4

  5,892.0

  7,296.4

  West Yorkshire

  1.0

  4.0

  45.0

  75.0

  238.0

  669.4

  3,840.6

  4,873.0

  Wiltshire

  1.0

  2.0

  14.0

  18.0

  62.0

  177.9

  875.3

  1,150.2

  NCS

  1.0

  5.0

  17.0

  33.0

  85.0

  252.0

  943.0

  1,336.0

  NCIS

  1.044

  2.0

  7.0

  16.0

  20.0

  62.0

  131.0

  239.0

  Total all forces

  50.0

  148.0

  1,246.4

  1,647.2

  6,042.5

  18.878.8

  96,611.9

  124,624.7

  1 Full-time equivalents

  2 The Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners are counted as Chief Constables

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the number of police officers who will be diverted from public duties to statistical operations as a result of new Home Office targets. [111452]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The deployment of police officers is the operational responsibility of Chief Constables. However, the introduction of best value into the police service from April this year and the requirement
  122W
  (2) what was the total number of constables available for ordinary duty on 30 September 1999 for each of the police forces in England and Wales. [111476]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The requested details are given in the table as full-time equivalents.

  that year on year efficiency savings of 2 per cent. must be recycled into front line policing should allow Chief Constables to allocate more officers to the essential job of reducing crime. Information Technology systems being delivered under the National Strategy for Police Information Systems and new radio technology for the police being provided as part of the Public Safety Radio Communications Strategy, will also do much to free officers from administrative burdens.
  123W
  Police authorities already set a wide range of targets for existing performance indicators. The new arrangements for crime targets are a refinement of this. The recently announced proposed targets for domestic burglary, vehicle crime and, for five police authorities, robbery, demonstrate the police service's commitment to setting challenging, but realistic five year reduction targets for the crimes which are of most concern to the public.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers from ethnic minorities(a) have completed the police service accelerated promotion scheme and (b) are currently on the accelerated promotion scheme. [111481]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Three ethnic minority police officers have successfully completed the Accelerated Promotion scheme since its inception in 1992, and five are currently on the Scheme. These include two officers who were recently selected through an in-service competition to attend this year's Accelerated Promotion Course, which is an integral part of the Scheme.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the registration of police officers who are freemasons. [111477]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  On 1 April 1999, the Home Office wrote to the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) requesting that ACPO write to each Chief Constable in England and Wales to ask them to set up voluntary, internal registers of freemasonry membership among their police officers and civilian staff. ACPO duly wrote to each Chief Constable on 7 April 1999. As a result, 34 forces in England and Wales have established voluntary registers.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is his policy that there should be more police officers in England and Wales at the end of this parliament than at the start; and if he will make a statement. [110744]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: Following the passage of the Police and Magistrates Courts Act 1994, the actual numbers of police officers at any one time is a matter for Chief Constables to determine. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary set out his policy on the number of police officers, in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Elmet (Mr. Burgon) on 9 February 2000, Official Report, columns 172–74W.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the implementation of targets for recruitment from ethnic minorities by police forces in England and Wales. [111571]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  At the National Conference for the Recruitment, Retention and progression of Black and Asian Police Officers (Dismantling Barriers) in April 1999, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary set out what the police service targets would be. All forces in England and Wales were set individual targets to reflect their local ethnic minority population within 10 years.

  The targets and Dismantling Barriers Action Plan were published in August last year. The 25 point strategic plan was published as part of the Dismantling Barriers programme. The programme aims to remove
  124W
  discriminatory practices in the Police Service and to make it more attractive to all groups that are currently underrepresented in the service.

  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has also set employment targets for recruitment, retention and progression for the Home Office and all its service areas, that is, police, fire, probation and prison services. These targets were published on 28 July 1999.

  Change will not happen overnight and that is why my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has set a 10-year agenda. The use of milestones and regular monitoring will allow the existing momentum to be maintained over the 10-year period. A Targets Working Group, chaired by the Home Office Race Equality Unit has been established to take forward the implementation of the targets. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will also produce a report on progress annually.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many police officers were recruited by each of the police forces in England and Wales between 30 September 1998 and 30 September 1999; [111473]

  (2) how many police officers left each of the police forces in England and Wales between 30 September 1998 and 30 September 1999 due to (a) retirement, (b) resignation or (c) other reasons. [111475]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The details requested are given in the table and are based on numbers of officers rather than full-time equivalents.

  Officer recruitment and wastage—October 1998 to September 1999

  Number of officers

  Police force

  Recruited

  Retiring

  Resigning

  Other wastage

  Avon and Somerset

  153

  76

  20

  7

  Bedfordshire

  55

  44

  8

  8

  Cambridgeshire

  40

  46

  13

  3

  Cheshire

  81

  62

  9

  3

  City of London

  11

  29

  8

  17

  Cleveland

  9

  63

  12

  7

  Cumbria

  22

  48

  12

  6

  Derbyshire

  49

  40

  7

  7

  Devon and Cornwall

  68

  100

  9

  7

  Dorset

  34

  49

  13

  13

  Durham

  51

  31

  11

  6

  Dyfed Powys

  67

  27

  5

  2

  Essex

  88

  116

  25

  17

  Gloucestershire

  60

  42

  9

  1

  Greater Manchester

  229

  264

  36

  22

  Gwent

  62

  46

  11

  10

  Hampshire

  106

  106

  25

  43

  Hertfordshire

  133

  55

  30

  10

  Humberside

  57

  74

  9

  16

  Kent

  169

  75

  33

  15

  Lancashire

  106

  74

  16

  4

  Leicestershire

  90

  49

  22

  13

  Lincolnshire

  1

  47

  8

  1

  Merseyside

  164

  144

  17

  9

  Metropolitan Police

  1,329

  882

  329

  293

  Norfolk

  33

  38

  11

  5

  Northamptonshire

  24

  20

  21

  13

  Northumbria

  190

  86

  12

  29

  North Wales

  78

  63

  1

  4

  North Yorkshire

  1

  39

  15

  4

  Nottinghamshire

  55

  80

  11

  14

  South Wales

  198

  156

  12

  12

  South Yorkshire

  133

  90

  26

  15

  Staffordshire

  32

  51

  21

  8

  Suffolk

  31

  39

  8

  6

  Surrey

  165

  58

  18

  5

  Sussex

  110

  116

  51

  26

  125W

  Officer recruitment and wastage—October 1998 to September 1999

  Number of officers

  Police force

  Recruited

  Retiring

  Resigning

  Other wastage

  Thames Valley

  134

  97

  53

  7

  Warwickshire

  44

  30

  9

  7

  West Mercia

  55

  70

  23

  6

  West Midlands

  405

  187

  68

  61

  West Yorkshire

  4

  146

  29

  24

  Wiltshire

  39

  28

  14

  1

  NCS

  255

  0

  0

  281

  NCIS

  36

  2

  0

  30

  Total all forces

  5,256

  3,985

  1,100

  1,098

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of possible cultural bias in the testing procedures for promotion to the senior ranks of police. [111450]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  An equal opportunities audit is at present under way of the Extended Interview (EI) process by which officers are selected to attend the Strategic Command Course at National Police Training Bramshill. Successful completion of the Course is a requirement for promotion to the rank of Assistant Chief Constable or Commander. The audit will provide an independent assessment of the fairness of the process and will identify areas for further improvement.

  The EI process involves a wide range of tests and exercises, designed to give every candidate maximum opportunity to demonstrate his or her competencies and also to promote maximum objectivity in assessment. All assessors receive training from the Home Office Assessment and Consultancy Unit for this task, and the Director and Co-Directors of Police Extended Interviews monitor the process to ensure consistent standards and fairness. Every effort is made to ensure that the questions and tests used are not unfair to any group of candidates.

  Police Buildings
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the maintenance costs of police buildings and the projected costs of repairs in 2000–01 and 2001–02. [111482]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is not collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the Audit Commission, in their report "Action Stations—improving the management of the police estate", published in March 1999, stated that in the two thirds of forces able to estimate the expenditure required to bring existing buildings up to a satisfactory state of repair, the maintenance backlog amounted to £205 million.

  Crime Tackling Priorities
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the priorities which have been set for tackling different categories of crime in England and Wales. [111480]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We have made it clear that our priorities are to reduce domestic burglary, vehicle crime, and violent crime.

  Crime Reduction Targets
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when the first assessment of police forces' progress against the crime reduction targets for vehicle crime and burglary will be completed; and if it will be published; [111478]

  (2) what mechanisms are in place to assess police forces' progress against the crime reduction targets for vehicle crime and burglary. [111479]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Each police authority's Best Value Performance Plan will be audited each year between 1 April and 30 June. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary will then undertake a series of risk based inspections, an important element of which will be an assessment of the progress a police authority has made towards meeting its five year crime reduction targets. Where targets are not being met, this will have a direct bearing on the appropriate level of inspection.

  The recorded crime figures will continue to be published every six months at both police force and Basic Command Unit level. The next publication will be July 2000. These figures will continue to give the public valuable information about how successful their local police have been in reducing crime and what progress has been made towards meeting their crime reduction targets.

  Police
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many public relations and/or marketing consultants were engaged by each police force in 1997, 1998 and 1999; [111511]

  (2) if he will estimate the number of police officers who currently spend more than 90 per cent. of their working time collating and producing statistics; [111453]

  (3) how many press officers were employed in each police force area in 1997, 1998 and 1999. [111512]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Hampshire Constabulary
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) police officers and (b) civilian staff left the Hampshire constabulary in each year since 1991–92. [111300]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The available information is set out in the table. Information on wastage of civilian staff is not centrally collected.

  Hampshire Constabulary 1991 to 1999—total wastage

  Year

  Officer wastage

  1991–92

  161

  1992–93

  147

  1993–94

  150

  1994–95

  164

  1995–96

  159

  1996–97

  142

  1997–98

  157

  1998–99

  137

  1999–20001

  111

  1 Wastage figures for 1999–2000 are for the first six months only (March to September 1999)

  127W
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) police officers and (b) civilian staff there were in the establishment of the Hampshire constabulary in each year since 1991–92. [111299]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information on police force establishments after March 1995 is not available. Under legislation passed by the previous Government in 1994, police officer establishments for each force, set by Government, were abolished from April 1995. It became the responsibility of individual chief constables to determine the number of police offices in their force within the available resources. The Home Office has never set establishments for civilian support staff.

  The available information is set out in the table.

  Hampshire Constabulary—1991 to 1999

  Year (as at 31 March)

  Establishment

  Police officer strength

  Civilian support staff

  1991–92

  3,202

  3,211

  1,051.5

  1992–93

  3,269

  3,275

  1,077.5

  1993–94

  3,269

  3,270

  1,151

  1994–95

  3,269

  3,256

  1,230.5

  1995–96

  n/a

  3,347.1

  1,323

  1996–97

  n/a

  3,451.7

  1,315.6

  1997–98

  n/a

  3,489.5

  1,330.9

  1998–99

  n/a

  3,473.4

  1,380.7

  1999–2000 (as at 30 September)

  n/a

  3,410.8

  1,402.7

  Immigration Rules
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has given to the Immigration Service about the interpretation and enforcement of Rule 57(6) of the Immigration Rules following the Government's decision to allow students from outside the European Economic Area to work in this country without a student work permit. [111440]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Immigration Service has been informed of the range of part-time work a student may take without the need for Job Centre approval. There has been no change to the enforcement of paragraph 57(vi) of the Immigration Rules.

  West Mercia Police
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each year since 1992 for the Shrewsbury division of West Mercia police(a) the number of notifiable offences, (b) clear-up rates and (c) the number of police officers; and if he will make a statement. [111445]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The total of notifiable offences and clear ups, and numbers of officers, are not collected centrally below police force area level. Details of the numbers of a restricted range of offences for basic command units, including Shrewsbury, for the six month period ended September 1999 are available in the Home Office Statistical Bulletin on recorded crime, issue 1/00, published on 18 January, which is available in the Library.

  Child Pornography (Internet)
  Dan Norris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what measures the Government are taking to prevent child pornography being placed on the Internet; [111268]

  (2) what penalties are in place to deter people from publishing child pornography on the Internet; and what further measures are planned. [111269]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We have very strict legislation against child pornography which applies equally to material placed on the Internet as to material in other forms. Under the Protection of Children Act 1978, the United Kingdom has an absolute prohibition on the production, circulation and possession with a view to distribution of any indecent photograph of a child under 16. These offences carry a maximum sentence of three years' imprisonment, an unlimited fine or both. The simple possession of an indecent photograph of a child is also an offence under Section 160 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 and carries a sentence of six months' imprisonment. Section 84 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 updated these controls to include indecent computer-generated photographs of children and they have been successfully applied to child pornography transmitted over the Internet.

  We are determined to ensure that there are effective measures against child pornography. We support the work of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) which passes to the police details of potentially unlawful material brought to their attention by members of the public via a specially established hotline. If the originators of the material are abroad, the Foundation passes the report to the National Criminal Intelligence Service who liaise with the enforcement agencies of the countries concerned. The IWF took action on 1,126 reports of alleged child pornography in 1999.

  The Government also fully support international initiatives in the Council of Europe and the G8 to combat criminal misuse of the Internet.

  Drug Treatment and Testing Orders
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the estimated cost is of a drug treatment and testing order per offender; and what the average cost is of a custodial sentence in such cases. [111660]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The estimated average cost of a drug treatment and testing order per offender is approximately £6,000. The cost of custody for all offenders, including drug misusers, will depend on the length of their sentences. The average annual cost of custody for all prisoners in 1998–99 was £25,096 per place.

  Nuclear Bunker (Soar)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 9 February 2000,Official Report, column 176W, on Soar, how many open days will be allocated to inspect the former nuclear bunker at Soar, near Kingsbridge; when they will be; what is the cut-off date for receipt of sealed bids; and where bids must be sent. [111438]
  129W
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Four days have been allocated; 24 February, 2 March, 14 March and 30 March. Further open days will be arranged if there is an exceptional level of interest in the site. The cut off date for receipt of sealed bids is Friday 14 April 2000. These bids must be sent to:

  Building and Property Ltd.

  Government Buildings

  Burghill Road

  Westbury on Trym

  Bristol

  BS10 6HH.

  Fire Service Vehicles
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the average service life of operational Fire Service vehicles by fire service in England. [111516]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The table sets out the information by Brigade for the twelve months to 31 March 1999:

  Vehicles: actual replacement period in years

  Brigade

  Pumps1

  Aerials2

  Specials3

  Avon

  15

  15

  16

  Bedfordshire and Luton

  13

  15

  15

  Buckinghamshire

  12

  15

  15

  Cambridgeshire

  14

  15

  12

  Cheshire

  13

  19

  10–20

  Cleveland

  13

  15

  17

  Cornwall

  15

  15

  17

  County Durham and Darlington

  15

  15

  15

  Cumbria

  16

  18

  18

  Derbyshire

  12

  10–15

  15

  Devon

  7

  15

  20

  Dorset

  13

  15

  15–18

  East Sussex

  14–15

  20

  15

  Essex

  13

  16

  16

  Gloucestershire

  10

  15

  13

  Greater Manchester

  10

  10

  10

  Hampshire

  12

  15

  22

  Hereford and Worcester

  12

  15

  12

  Hertfordshire

  12

  15

  15

  Humberside

  15

  19

  19

  Isle of Wight

  20

  20

  20

  Isles of Scilly

  15

  n/a

  n/a

  Kent

  15

  15

  15

  Lancashire

  12

  16

  8–15

  Leicestershire

  16

  17

  17

  Lincolnshire

  15

  20

  15

  London

  13

  17

  n/a

  Merseyside

  10

  16

  16

  Norfolk

  15

  20

  20

  North Yorkshire

  16

  23

  12

  Northamptonshire

  13

  17

  13

  Northumberland

  18

  n/a

  n/a

  Nottinghamshire

  12

  17

  18

  Oxfordshire

  11

  19

  10

  Royal Berkshire

  13

  19

  12

  Shropshire

  12–15

  20

  12

  Somerset

  17

  18

  10–20

  South Yorkshire

  13

  18

  10 and 15

  Staffordshire

  14

  20

  8–20

  Suffolk

  15

  20

  20

  Surrey

  12

  12

  12

  Tyne and Wear

  12

  15

  19

  Warwickshire

  12–13

  15–16

  10–15

  West Midlands

  12

  15

  12

  West Sussex

  12

  15

  15

  West Yorkshire

  10

  12–15

  10–15

  Wiltshire

  16

  15

  15–20

  1 Pumps: what the public traditionally class as a fire engine

  2 Aerials: turntable or hydraulic platform

  3 Specials: vehicles providing special facilities, eg command and control, heavy rescue, water tankers, etc

  Ricky Reel Inquiry
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what were the reasons for his decision to release to the family of Ricky Reel the report of the Surrey Police investigation into the inquiries carried out by the Metropolitan Police into the death of Ricky Reel; [111385]

  (2) if he will place in the Library a copy of the Metropolitan Police investigating officer's report into the death of Ricky Reel; [111389]

  (3) if he will place in the Library a copy of the Surrey Police report into the Metropolitan Police investigation into the death of Ricky Reel. [111388]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Disclosure of the Metropolitan Police investigation report into the death of Ricky Reel and Surrey Police report on the Metropolitan Police investigation of the case are matters for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

  The Commissioner agreed to disclose, exceptionally and in confidence, the report of the Surrey Police investigation into the inquiries made by the Metropolitan Police into the death of Ricky Reel to the Reel family and their solicitor. He did so in order to assist the investigation by helping to ensure that every avenue of inquiry had been pursued. The Commissioner informs me that he has no plans for the wider publication of either the Metropolitan or Surrey Police reports on the Ricky Reel investigation.

  The Government have accepted recommendation 10 of the Macpherson Inquiry Report, that Investigating Officers' reports resulting from public complaints should be disclosed to complainants subject only to the `substantial harm' test for withholding disclosure. Progress and action to be taken on implementation of recommendation 10 is detailed in the 'Home Secretary's Action: Plan First Annual Report on Progress', published on 23 February.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of the Metropolitan Police investigation into the death of Ricky Reel. [111386]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has advised me that the cost, to date, of the Metropolitan Police investigation into the death of Ricky Reel is approximately £2,000,000.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of the Surrey Police report into the Metropolitan Police investigation into the death of Ricky Reel. [111387]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Chief Constable of Surrey Police has informed me that the cost of the Surrey Police inquiry into the Metropolitan Police investigation into the death of Ricky Reel was approximately £420,000.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the date of his meeting in 1998 with the family of Ricky Reel and their lawyers. [111384]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary met the family of Ricky Reel and their legal advisers on Tuesday 17 November 1998.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMISSION

  Resource Accounts
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission pursuant to his oral answer of 20 December 1999,Official Report, column 524, on the Government Resources and Accounts Bill, how much of the extra £1.3 million approved for the National Audit Office in 2000–01 relates to organisations not previously audited by the NAO. [110629]

  Mr. Alan Williams
  The additional £1.3 million for 2000–01 provides for a number of factors, notably the audit of Resource Accounts and other new accounts produced by bodies that the National Audit Office already audits. There is also provision to maintain competitive salary rates and for building maintenance and information technology.

  Some £250,000 of the additional £1.3 million relates to new audits not previously undertaken by the National Audit Office.

  Fair Trading
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission, pursuant to his oral statement of 21 February 2000,Official Report, column 1249, if he will list the oversights of regulatory bodies conducted by the NAO which have considered fair trading issues. [112052]

  Mr. Alan Williams
  The statement referred to was made by the Chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts, the right hon. Member for Haltemprice and Howden (Mr. David Davis). I understand that he was referring to the following six reports presented to the House by the Comptroller and Auditor General, each of which deals with or touches on issues of fair trading:The Water Industry in England and Wales: Regulating the Quality of Services to Customers (HC 388 Session 1997–98)
  The Office of Telecommunications: Countering Anti-Competitive Behaviour in the Telecommunications Industry (HC 667 Session 1997–98)
  The Office of Electricity Regulation: Improving Energy Efficiency Financed by a Charge on Customers (HC 1006 Session 1997–98)
  The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets: Giving Customers a Choice—the Introduction of Competition into the Domestic Gas Market (HC 403 Session 1998–99)
  Insolvency Service Executive Agency: Company Director Disqualification—a Follow Up Report (HC 424 Session 1998–99)
  The Office of Fair Trading: Protecting the Consumer from Unfair Trading Practices (HC 57 Session 1999–2000).
  I should add that, like the Chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts, I am sure that the NAO has the expertise and experience to examine fair trading issues in the context of the work of public authorities, and can do so in a non-political way.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Libya
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he first examined the alleged MI6 report indicating knowledge by 132W
  the Secret Intelligence Service of plans to overthrow Colonel Gaddafi of Libya. [111678]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the right hon. Member for Horsham (Mr. Maude) on 21 February 2000,Official Report, column 839W.

  Zimbabwe
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when was the last occasion representations were made to him regarding the Matabeleland massacres in the early 1980s. [112132]

  Mr. Hain
  We are in regular contact with the two non-governmental organisations who jointly compiled a report on the atrocities committed in Matabeleland in the 1980s.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when was the last occasion he made representations to the Zimbabwean Government about the Matabeleland massacres in the early 1980s. [112131]

  Mr. Hain
  My predecessor raised the specific issue of Matabeleland and the atrocities committed there with the Zimbabwe President in December 1998. Since then I have expressed our concerns on human rights and good governance to the President.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason a manuscript amendment was made to the extract from the Official Report of 9 February 2000, column 184W, attached to his answer of 17 February 2000 (ref. 110577) to the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham, on arms exports to Zimbabwe. [111964]

  Mr. Hain
  Manuscript corrections were made to a copy of the Official Report attached to the answer to the hon. Member's question because of the discovery of an administrative error. This has been drawn to the attention of the Official Report. The hon. Member for Richmond Park (Dr. Tonge), who tabled the question in the first place has also been informed.

  Sierra Leone
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the South African Government concerning the visit to South Africa by the Sierra Leonean rebel leader, Foday Sankoh. [111965]

  Mr. Hain
  As soon as we were aware that the leader of the Revolutionary United Front, Foday Sankoh, was travelling in South Africa in breach of UNSCR 1171, we raised our concern with the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We requested that his visit visa be revoked. The South African Government responded quickly to ensure Foday Sankoh's prompt departure from South Africa. We understand he is currently in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

  The UK also called for an urgent meeting of the UN Sanctions Committee on Sierra Leone to discuss the breach of sanctions. The Chairman of the Committee raised Foday Sankoh's visit in a letter to the UN

  133W
  Permanent Representative of South Africa and issued a press release reminding all member states of their obligations to implement UNSCR 1171.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the progress made by European Union in its economic and infrastructure reconstruction efforts in Kosovo. [112059]

  Mr. Vaz
  The EU is making a major contribution to international efforts in Kosovo. The EU makes the biggest contribution to reconstruction. In 1999, the EU pledged 127 million euros. This year, the EU will make available 360 million euros, almost half of international pledges.

  The main priority of the UNMIK EU reconstruction pillar, under the leadership of Mr. Joly Dixon, a British national, has been the establishment of a coherent modern macro-economic framework. EU assistance is making possible urgent repair of large numbers of homes and transport infrastructure and education facilities and, for electricity supply, generation and distribution facilities as well as paying for emergency imports of power supplies. The EU has also established a Customs Service.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of progress in establishing and overseeing the development of the first stage provisional democratic self-governing institutions in Kosovo. [112060]

  Mr. Vaz
  The UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) under the authority of Security Resolution (SCR) 1244, intend to hold municipal elections this Autumn for provisional institutions in Kosovo. UNMIK are currently preparing regulations to set up the election law and administration.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the progress that has been achieved in the civil implementation of the UNSCR 1244 in Kosovo. [112303]

  Mr. Vaz
  UNSCR 1244 charges the UN Mission in Kosovo with the establishment of provisional democratic institutions and the transfer of responsibility to the people of Kosovo. The Kosovar Albanian leadership agreed in December 1999 that they would participate in a new Joint Administrative Structure (JIAS). The Serbs have not yet joined the JIAS but the UN is hopeful that they will do so soon. Four of the 19 administrative departments under the JIAS have now been established. The Kosovo Transitional Council (KTC) will remain as a consultative body to UNMIK and has been expanded to about 40 to be more representative of Kosovo's ethnic composition including better representation of women. UNMIK intend to hold municipal elections this Autumn to provisional institutions and are preparing regulations to this end.

  Moscow Visit
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list his official engagements during his recent visit to Moscow; and what planned engagements were(a) changed and (b) cancelled. [111966]
  134W
  Mr. Vaz
  During his visit to Moscow, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met Acting President Putin and Foreign Minister Ivanov, Head of the Yabloko Party, Yavlinsky, and Head of the Alliance of Right Forces Coalition, Kirienko. He also signed the condolence book for former St. Petersburg Mayor Anatoly Sobchak.

  As is usual during the planning of such visits, a number of possible engagements/meetings was considered. Some were changed and others could not be taken forward because of timing or availability constraints.

  Scott Inquiry Recommendations
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many recommendations of the Scott Inquiry into military and dual-use equipment sales to Iraq have been implemented since 1 May 1997; what are the reasons for the outstanding recommendations not being implemented; and if he will set out the timetable for the implementation of those recommendations accepted by ministers but not yet implemented. [110650]

  Dr. Howells
  I have been asked to reply.

  On 1 May 1997, the recommendations contained in Sections K2 and K3 of the Scott Report, on the power of Government to control exports and on export licensing procedures respectively, remained outstanding. In response to these recommendations the Government published their White Paper on Strategic Export Controls in July 1998 (Cm 3989). The Government will announce proposals for new export control legislation in due course, following conclusion of the review of the White Paper proposals in the light of responses received. The Government are committed to introducing a new export control Bill as soon as time is available in the legislative programme.

  EU Structural Funds
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the total funding from European Union regional funding that was made available to the UK during 1999. [110230]

  Mr. Caborn
  I have been asked to reply.

  The total European Union Structural Funds allocation to the United Kingdom for 1999 was 2,673 million euros, which is £1,748 million in 1999 prices. This includes the European Social Fund allocation, only part of which was for regional funding.

  Official Visits
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the planned official visits to Britain from non-EU countries in the next two months. [112129]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The following are expected to visit the United Kingdom before the end of April 2000:
  135W
  Guest of Government
  Prime Minister Amarjargal of Mongolia

  Working Visits

  The Foreign Ministers and Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland

  The Secretary General of the United Nations

  The Foreign Minister of Albania

  The President of the Federal Council and Minister for Defence and Sport of Switzerland

  The Minister for Internal Security of Israel.

  There will also be a variety of other inward visits by officials of foreign governments. However, these are often planned at short notice and it is not possible to compile a consolidated list of such visits.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list overseas visits to non-EU destinations planned by Ministers in the next two months. [112126]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  It is not our practice to publish a long term programme of Ministerial travel. Visits are subject to agreement with host governments and are often changed, postponed or cancelled at short notice.

  Non-proliferation Treaty
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about his priorities for the non-proliferation treaty review conference. [111955]

  Mr. Hain
  We are unequivocally committed to our obligations under the NPT, which remains the cornerstone of our non-proliferation policy.

  Our priority is to see a successful outcome to the Review Conference which furthers the government's goal of achieving a world free of nuclear weapons.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Millennium Bug
  Mr. Plaskitt
  To ask the President of the Council, pursuant to her oral statement to the House of 20 January 2000,Official Report, columns 975–77, if she will report on the immediate impact of the Millennium Bug on central Government Departments and Agencies. [111880]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I am pleased to update Members with the results of the detailed monitoring exercise on the impact of the Millennium Bug on central Government Departments and Agencies. Copies of the completed questionnaires have been placed in the Libraries of the House and published on the internet, as has been the Government's practice. This report follows on from my statement to the House on Thursday 20 January.

  I can confirm that—as predicted—it continues to be business as usual across Central Government. Twenty-seven Departments and Agencies logged 82 Millennium Bug related incidents over the new year period. Almost all the incidents were assessed as having a low or very low impact, principally because either the problems were fixed before the return to work on 4 and 5 January or because the errors were very minor, such as incorrectly dated reports.
  136W
  There is no doubt this work on meeting the threat of the Millennium Bug had to be undertaken. The Bug was shown to have the capacity to wreak havoc among services, which, though essential, we take for granted. The Government's objective in that work was always to ensure that the Bug resulted in no material disruption to essential services. That objective has been achieved.

  The Government will continue to lead by example and be open and transparent. I will report back to the House in March on the impact of the leap year date change on Central Government, which is expected to be low. This will be followed by a more detailed report on lessons learned and benefits captured.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Education Maintenance Awards
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the take-up was of Education Maintenance Awards in Stoke-on-Trent for 1999–2000. [111694]

  Mr. Wicks
  The number of students being paid the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in Stoke-on-Trent to 21 January 2000 was 1,276.

  We are very encouraged by the way the scheme is running in Stoke. Already, it is making a real difference to the life chances of many young people there.

  Higher Education (Funding)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was public spending on higher education, excluding the science budget, as a proportion of GDP for each year from 1979 to 1999; and what is the forecast for(a) 2000–01 and (b) 2001–02. [110399]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: The proportion of GDP spent on UK higher education for each financial year, both including and excluding the DTI/OST science budget, is given in the following table. The figures including the science budget are as in our reply to the noble Lord, the Lord Baker of Dorking of 27 January 2000, Official Report, House of Lords, column WA206. Both sets of figures include expenditure from public funds on tuition fees, maintenance awards and student loans. Figures for 2000–01 and 2001–02 are current spending plans. The proportions will vary depending upon the performance of the economy, which determines the level of GDP. Funding for higher education in England will increase by 11 per cent. in real terms over the four years to 2001–02.

  Percentage

  Including science

  Excluding science

  1979–80

  1.23

  1.08

  1980–81

  1.33

  1.17

  1981–82

  1.33

  1.16

  1982–83

  1.30

  1.13

  1983–84

  1.28

  1.11

  1984–85

  1.23

  1.07

  1985–86

  1.16

  1.00

  1986–87

  1.14

  0.98

  137W

  Percentage

  Including science

  Excluding science

  1979–80

  1.11

  0.96

  1980–81

  1.07

  0.92

  1981–82

  1.08

  0.92

  1982–83

  1.10

  0.94

  1983–84

  1.19

  1.03

  1984–85

  1.28

  1.11

  1985–86

  1.29

  1.11

  1986–87

  1.31

  1.13

  1995–96

  1.29

  1.11

  1996–97

  1.19

  1.02

  1997–98

  1.16

  1.00

  1998–99

  1.12

  0.97

  1999–2000

  1.13

  0.97

  2000–01

  1.14

  0.98

  2000–02

  1.14

  0.98

  Engineering Faculties
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the initiatives he has taken since 1 May 1997 to attract high-calibre academic staff into engineering faculties in universities in England. [111257]

  Mr. Wicks
  Higher education institutions are independent bodies which appoint and retain the staff they need to run their academic programmes. For their part, the Government plan to increase funding to the higher education sector by over £1 billion in the four years to 2001–02.

  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many academic teaching posts in engineering faculties remained unfilled as at 30 September 1999 in universities in England. [111256]

  Mr. Wicks
  The information is not held centrally.

  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the age distribution, in 10-year bands, of those holding academic teaching posts in engineering faculties in universities in England. [111258]

  Mr. Wicks
  The latest available data are given in the table:

  Academic staff 1 in engineering faculties 2 in higher education institutions in England 1998–99

  Age of staff

  Number

  Percentage

  21 to 30

  442

  6.6

  31 to 40

  1,748

  26.1

  41 to 50

  2,071

  30.9

  51 to 60

  1,934

  28.8

  61 and over

  510

  7.6

  Not known

  2

  0.0

  Total

  6,707

  100.0

  1 Academic sraff whose primary employment function is either teaching, or teacher and reseach.

  2 Includes the following cost centers, General Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mineral, metallurgy and materials engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical,electronic and computer engineering and Mechanical, aero and production engineering

  Higher Education (UK Component Countries)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many applications were made in 1999 by students based in the United Kingdom for enrolment on a course in a component country of the United Kingdom in which they were not resident. [110395]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: The latest data on applicants via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Survey (UCAS) for entry in autumn 2000, based on students who had applied by 15 December 1999, are given in the table. Similar data for part-time courses are not available.

  Applicants 1 for entry in 2000 by country of study and country of home domicile

  Country of study 2

  Country of domicile

  England

  Scotland

  Wales

  N. Ireland

  Total

  England

  241,707

  22,347

  33,815

  764

  298,633

  Scotland

  5,749

  22,126

  416

  172

  28,463

  Wales

  10,757

  713

  10,342

  37

  21,849

  N. Ireland

  6,622

  5,687

  814

  11,555

  24,678

  Total

  264,835

  50,873

  45,387

  12,528

  373,623

  1 The number of applicants who applied by 15 December 1999.

  2 Applicants are counted once for each county to which they apply i.e. a student who applied to one or more courses in England and one or more courses in Scotland will be counted once under England and once under Scotland.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many undergraduate students from European Union countries are currently enrolled on courses in each of the component countries of the United Kingdom. [110372]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: The most recent information available is given in the table.

  Students 1 from European Union countries enrolled on undergraduate courses in the United Kingdom 1998–99

  Country of institution

  Students from the European Union 2

  England

  54,886

  Scotland

  6,262

  Wales

  4,139

  N. Ireland

  3,431

  Total

  68,718

  1 Full-time and part-time students

  2 Excluding students from the UK

  Qualifications
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of the population in(a) the Leeds, Central parliamentary constituency, (b) the City of Leeds and (c) the UK have (i) a higher education degree, (ii) at least 2 A-levels at grade E or above, (iii) 5 or more GCSEs at grades A-C or equivalent and (iv) no qualifications. [111064]

  Mr. Wicks
  The information available, as measured by the Labour Force Survey, is contained in the following table.
  139W

  Highest qualification held by people of working age 1, 1998–99

  Percentage

  Proportion qualified to at least

  Leeds, Central parliamentary constituency

  City of Leeds

  UK

  Higher education degree or equivalent (NVQ level 4 or above)

  n/a

  22.8

  22.0

  Two A-levels at grade E or above or the equivalent (NVQ level 3 or above)

  n/a

  40.6

  39.9

  Five or more GCSEs at grades A-C or equivalent (NVQ level 2 or above)

  n/a

  n/a

  61.8

  No qualifications

  n/a

  18.2

  17.4

  1 People of working age consist of males aged 16–64 and females aged 16–59 n/a=estimates not available

  Source:

  DfEE estimates from the Labour Force Survey

  School Threshold Payments
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to allocate threshold payments to a school where a deficit budget exists. [110999]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: The Special Grant will target resources for the performance threshold additional to and separate from schools' delegated budgets. Schools will be able to draw additional funds from this grant via their local education authority for each teacher promoted to the upper pay spine. Such payments will not be affected if a school has set a deficit budget.

  Youth Services (North-west)
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the amount spent per head of population on youth services for each local authority area in the North West Region in(a) 1990, (b) 1995 and (c) the last year for which figures are available. [111665]

  Mr. Wicks
  The following table sets out the unit cost per head of population, based on the 13 to 19-year-old population for each authority in the north-west region, and in the Merseyside area, as these two regions are often presented together. These figures cover 1995–96, and 1997–98, the latest figures which are available. Information for unit cost per head of population for 1990–91 is not available because the Office for National Statistics (ONS) did not collect individual age band data at that time.

  North-west region and Merseyside—youth service expenditure

  Unit costs per head of population (£ cash)

  LEA number

  LEA name

  1990–91

  1995–96

  1997–98

  Merseyside

  340

  Knowsley

  n/a

  1—

  1—

  341

  Liverpool

  n/a

  156

  146

  342

  St. Helens

  n/a

  43

  57

  343

  Sefton

  n/a

  61

  63

  344

  Wirral

  n/a

  80

  69

  North-west

  350

  Bolton

  n/a

  71

  53

  351

  Bury

  n/a

  74

  47

  352

  Manchester

  n/a

  67

  59

  353

  Oldham

  n/a

  62

  117

  354

  Rochdale

  n/a

  77

  73

  355

  Salford

  n/a

  49

  56

  140W

  North-west region and Merseyside—youth service expenditure

  Unit costs per head of population (£ cash)

  LEA number

  LEA name

  1990–91

  1995–96

  1997–98

  356

  Stockport

  n/a

  49

  54

  357

  Tameside

  n/a

  101

  91

  358

  Trafford

  n/a

  55

  53

  359

  Wigan

  n/a

  45

  46

  906

  Cheshire

  n/a

  48

  71

  923

  Lancashire

  n/a

  90

  88

  909

  Cumbria

  n/a

  41

  39

  1 Figures not available

  Notes:

  1. Unit costs are presented in cash terms.

  2. Unit costs have been calculated using net current expenditure (after recharges for management and support services) from the Department of Transport and the Regions Revenue Outtum form called the RO1, together with population data supplied by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

  Pupil Mobility
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to introduce an agreed national formula for assessing pupil mobility at school level. [111139]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  University College London are currently undertaking research into pupil mobility, funded partly by this Department and partly by the Nuffield Foundation. The project is due to conclude in June 2000. The Department will be looking further at the issues once the final report is available.

  Class Sizes (Newcastle)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the average class sizes were(a) in (i) primary and (ii) middle schools, and (b) for (1) seven, (2) eight, (3) nine, (4) 10, (5) 11, (6) 12, (7) 13, (8) 14, (9) 15, (10) 16 and (11) 17 year olds in the last three years in the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. [111052]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The available information on class sizes for the Newcastle-upon-Tyne local education authority area is shown in the following tables.
  141W

  Average size of classes taught by one teacher by age band in maintained Secondary schools, including middle-deemed Secondary schools, in the local education authority area of Newcastle-upon-Tyne: 1997–99

  Secondary (ages) 1

  Position as at January

  Middle-deemed secondary

  Mainly under 14s

  Mainly 14 and 15

  16 or older

  Total secondary

  1999

  Average class size

  26.2

  24.5

  20.9

  10.6

  21.7

  Number of classes

  137

  265

  243

  110

  755

  Number of pupils

  3,590

  6,502

  5,090

  1,171

  16,353

  1998

  Average class size

  26.7

  24.4

  21.6

  11.0

  21.8

  Number of classes

  136

  260

  240

  121

  757

  Number of pupils

  3,636

  6,342

  5,186

  1,326

  16,490

  1997

  Average class size

  25.8

  24.4

  21.0

  10.6

  21.5

  Number of classes

  133

  259

  244

  112

  748

  Number of pupils

  3,438

  6,315

  5,135

  1,184

  16,072

  1 Ages as the start of the academic year (August 31)

  Average size of classes taught by one teacher, by year group, in maintained Primary schools in the local education authority area of Newcastle-upon-Tyne: 1997–99

  Year groups

  Position as at January

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  Mixed1

  Total primary 2

  1999

  Average class size

  27.8

  28.3

  27.6

  27.1

  3—

  26.7

  26.7

  Number of classes

  78

  72

  47

  49

  3—

  108

  721

  Number of pupils

  2,171

  2,039

  1,299

  1,330

  3—

  2,888

  19,270

  1998

  Average class size

  27.2

  28.3

  28.1

  28.7

  4—

  27.0

  27.6

  Number of classes

  77

  65

  47

  56

  4—

  111

  726

  Number of pupils

  2,097

  1,841

  1,321

  1,609

  4—

  2,994

  20,054

  1997

  Average class size

  4—

  4—

  4—

  4—

  4—

  4—

  27.6

  Number of classes

  4—

  4—

  4—

  4—

  4—

  4—

  746

  Number of pupils

  4—

  4—

  4—

  4—

  4—

  4—

  20,574

  1 Excludes mixed year group classes which are comprised wholly of pupils educated at key stage 1

  2 Includes all classes in primary schools

  3 Not applicable (no classes of this type)

  4 Not available

  Education Funding (Leicestershire)
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much money has been given to Leicestershire County Council in respect of education funding for each year since the introduction of the revenue support grant. [110838]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  Leicestershire County Council Education SSA

  £ million

  Year

  SSA total

  1990–91

  276.8

  1991–92

  321.3

  1992–93

  344.5

  1993–941

  311.2

  1994–95

  313.9

  1995–96

  316.4

  1996–97

  333.8

  1997–982

  201.1

  1998–99

  215.3

  1999–2000

  228.2

  2000–01

  241.0

  142W
  1 From 1993–94 Education Standard Spending figures are affected by the creation of the Further Education Funding Council and the subsequent reduction in post-16 funding.

  In 1997–98 £527 million was removed for Education Standard Spending for the Nursery Voucher Scheme. Leicestershire was also affected by Local Government Reorganisation—the old Leicestershire LEA was split into Leicester City, Rutland and 1997 Leicestershire. The figures from 1997–98 to 2000–01 quoted in this table are for 1997 Leicestershire.

  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the percentage increase in education funding for Leicestershire County Council for each year between 1991–92 and 2000–01. [110839]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  Percentage increase in education SSA 1

  Year

  1991–92

  16.1

  1992–93

  7.2

  1993–942

  -9.7

  1994–95

  0.9

  143W

  Percentage increase in education SSA 1

  Year

  1995–96

  0.8

  1996–97

  5.5

  1997–983

  —

  1998–99

  7.1

  1999–2000

  6.0

  2000–01

  5.6

  1 The Government are reviewing the way the local authority finance system distributes funding and plans to issue a green paper on the options for change by the summer of 2000.

  2 In 1993–94 Education Standard Spending figures were affected by the creation of the Further Education Funding Council and the subsequent reduction in post-16 funding.

  3 In 1997–98 £527 million was removed from Education Standard Spending for the Nursery Voucher Scheme. Leicestershire was also affected by Local Government Reorganisation—the old Leicestershire LEA was split into Leicester City, Rutland and 1997 Leicestershire. The figures from 1997–98 to 2000–01 quoted in this table are for 1997 leicestershire.

  Percentages

  Ward category 1

  No school for 6-year-olds

  No school for 12-year-olds

  No school for 18-year-olds

  Wholly urban2

  12

  57

  71

  Wholly or predominantly urban3

  11

  57

  72

  Wholly, predominantly or mixed urban4

  11

  58

  73

  1 Based on the 1991 population census.

  2 Every population census Enumeration District (ED) in the ward is defined as urban (based on where the majority of the population reside).

  3 Where 75 per cent, or more EDs in the ward are urban.

  4 Where 50 per cent, or more EDs in the ward are urban.

  There are almost 9,000 wards in England, compared with about 3,500 secondary schools and 18,000 primary schools.

  School Meals
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list for each local education authority the percentage of schools in which hot meals are served; and if he will make a statement. [110703]

  Jacqui Smith
  This information is not collected centrally. Under current education legislation, it is up to local education authorities, and schools with delegated budgets for school meals, to decide on their presentation and content, including whether a meal should be hot. The minimum nutritional standards for school lunches, which will be phased in from September this year, will apply to both hot and cold lunches. We plan to offer guidance on when hot meals may be appropriate.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will assess the impact on schools and school children in Newcastle of the delegation of financial responsibility for paid school meals to schools combined with the removal of local education authority subsidy for such meals. [112133]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We shall be keeping all new areas of delegation within the new Fair Funding framework under review, including school meals. With the new nutritional standards for school meals to underpin delegation, the transfer of responsibility for school meals to governing bodies opens up new opportunities for schools to provide what their pupils need.

  University (Somerset)
  Mr. Ashdown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to establish a university in Somerset; and if he will make a statement. [110764]

  Mr. Wicks
  The Government do not determine the siting of higher education institutions. It is a matter for the interested bodies in the region to consider with the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

  Schools (Urban Wards)
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of urban wards have(a) no school for six-year-olds, (b) no school for 12-year-olds and (c) no school for 18-year-olds. [110813]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The following table shows the percentage of urban wards in England that do not have maintained schools (or further education colleges) that cater for the specified age ranges.

  Maintained Secondary Schools
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the average cost of a place in a maintained secondary school in England in the most recent year for which figures are available. [109547]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The average cost of a place in a maintained secondary school in England based on 1999–2000 Local School Budget figures was £3,672. The Local Schools Budget relates to the new "fair funding" arrangements introduced in April 1999 and is not comparable with the General Schools Budget under the previous arrangements.

  Disabled Student Allowance
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the courses eligible for the disabled student allowance; and what plans he has to increase the number of courses. [108137]

  Mr. Wicks
  To be eligible for the Disabled Students' Allowances, a student should be studying full-time on a designated course as defined in the Education (Student Support) Regulations 1999. The list is as follows:

  1. A first degree other than a course referred to at paragraph 4.

  2. A course for the Diploma of Higher Education.

  3. A course for the Higher National Diploma or Higher National Certificate of:

  (a) the Business and Technician Education Council; or

  (b) the Scottish Qualification Authority.

  4. A course for the initial training of teachers, including such a course leading to a first degree.

  145W

  5. A course for the further training of teachers or youth and community workers.

  6. A course in preparation for a professional examination of a standard higher than that of:

  (a) examinations at advanced level for the General Certificate of Education or the examination at higher level for the Scottish Certificate of Education; or

  (b) the examination for the National Certificate or the National Diploma of either the bodies mentioned in paragraph 3 not being a course for entry to which a first degree (or equivalent qualification) is normally required.

  7. A course providing education (whether or not in preparation for an examination) the standard of which is:

  (a) higher than that of courses providing education in preparation for any of the examinations mentioned in paragraph (6)(a) or (b); but

  (b) not higher than that of a first degree course, and for entry to which a first degree (or equivalent qualification) is not normally required.

  From September 2000, part-time students studying at least 50 per cent. of an equivalent full-time designated course will also be eligible for Disabled Students Allowances.

  Some students in receipt of NHS bursaries are also eligible for Disabled Students Allowances. NHS funded student support is a matter for the NHS Executive and the Department of Health.

  Primary School Class Sizes
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what recent representations he has received regarding class sizes in primary schools; [111380]

  (2) if he will make a statement on average class sizes in primary schools. [111407]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  My Department receives representations from time to time about primary class sizes. The average size of primary classes went down from 27.7 in January 1998 to 27.4 in January 1999—the first fall in ten years.

  Nursery Pupils
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the number of(a) part-time and full-time pupils in nursery schools,
  (b) pupils in each year in LEA and LEA supported schools, excluding nursery schools and (c) pupils in each year in private schools in the City of Newcastle upon Tyne in each year from 1995 to 2000. [111050]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: The January 2000 Annual Schools Census (Form 7) is currently being undertaken and provisional national estimates will be available in April.

  Information about pupils is collected in the Annual Schools Census (Form 7) by age not by year group.
  146W
  Tables give the figures by the age of the pupils at the beginning of each school year and have been placed in the Library.

  Teachers' Pay
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance he will issue for the measurement of pupil progress where teachers do not teach key stage test classes or external examination classes. [110996]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: The performance threshold materials we will be publishing in March will contain guidance notes to help teachers complete their applications to demonstrate that they meet the threshold standards. Draft guidance notes were published for consultation on 9 February. Under the "Pupil progress" standard the draft states that where external test data is not available teachers should use data internal to the school to show progress. This could include examination marks, general coursework marks or grades achieved. Where possible teachers should use these to quantify progress in terms of the levels used within the national curriculum.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to recognise the team element of raising standards in schools under the proposed performance-related pay scheme. [111000]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: Part of the 'professional characteristics' aspect of the proposed performance threshold standards will be an evaluation of the way teachers build a team commitment with their colleagues. Teachers and their team leaders may also want to identify objectives relating to team building as part of the process of annual performance review.

  We are also introducing an annual performance awards scheme for schools which will provide recognition of high performing teamwork within institutions. An overall budget of £60 million per year will be available to reward between a quarter and a third of excellent and improving schools through allocation to these schools to fund one-off non-consolidated pay bonuses for their staff. The first payments will be made in 2001 on the basis of results from summer 2000.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment under what circumstances teachers on Point 9 of the teachers' salary scale who win PLATO awards(a) cross the performance pay threshold and (b) become advanced skills teachers. [111044]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 21 February 2000]: PLATO awards or teaching awards are organised by the Teaching Awards Trust, sponsored by a Lloyds/TSB venture supported by the Department for Education and Employment. Award winners wishing to apply to cross the performance threshold or wishing to apply to become Advanced Skills Teachers will be required to follow the appropriate application procedures and be assessed in the same manner as other teachers.

  Employment Targets
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on progress towards fulfilment of the Government' s target for getting young people into work. [111663]

  Ms Jowell
  The New Deal continues to progress well. We are now nearly three quarters of the way to reaching the manifesto pledge of helping 250,000 young people into work. The New Deal has helped more than 185,000 young people move into jobs by the end of December 1999.

  Assisted Places Scheme (Shropshire)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer on the assisted places scheme of 15 February 2000,Official Report, column 475W, when the assisted places scheme will be phased out in Shropshire; and if he will make a statement. [111062]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Almost all children currently holding assisted places in Shropshire will have completed their school education by the end of academic year 2003–04. We are providing continued support for existing assisted place holders for the remainder of the current phase of their school education. Those receiving secondary education will continue to hold their places until the completion of their secondary education. Those receiving primary education will normally hold their places until the end of their primary education, unless discretion is exercised under the Education (Schools) Act 1997 for individual children to have their places extended for a period in which they receive secondary education.

  Education Action Zones
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on recent developments in establishing education action zones. [111662]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I am pleased to say that all 48 of the second round shortlisted applications have now been approved, over half of which were led by schools. That means there are now 73 EAZs across England. There are further plans to establish up to 50 small zones within the Excellence in Cities programme, 12 of which are due to start in April 2000.

  New Deal (50 Plus)
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people have found work through the New Deal for 50 plus. [111578]

  Ms Jowell
  Since New Deal 50 plus started in the nine Pathfinder areas in Great Britain on 25 October 1999, nearly 600 people have come off benefit and started work with the help of the Employment Credit. Many of those finding work so far through this New Deal have been out of work and on benefits for a long time. New Deal 50 plus will be available across the whole country in April.

  Schools Funding (Staffordshire)
  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the total allocation of seed challenge capital for schools within Staffordshire County Council in the next financial year. [110742]

  Jacqui Smith
  The total allocation of Seed Challenge Capital for schools within Staffordshire County Council in the next financial year is £458,806.

  The next financial year, 2000–01, is a pilot year for Seed Challenge. If it is successful in building partnerships and raising additional funding, we will consider expanding the scheme in future years.

  Remploy
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what Remploy products his Department has purchased in the last three years. [109936]

  Ms Hodge
  This information is not held centrally, so could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  LEA Funding
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) which local education authorities in Tyne and Wear had sums withheld from the extra £50 million grant for education; and on what basis those sums were withheld; [112101]

  (2) how much each local education authority in Tyne and Wear received from the extra £50 million grant for education; and what was the basis of the apportionment to each local education authority. [112100]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has yet to make a decision on the release of an authority's share of the £50 million special grant. He wants to see authorities passing the whole of their education SSA increases to their education budgets before doing so.

  The funding will be distributed among authorities according to their numbers of schools and pupils, following the same pattern as the school improvement grant for 2000–01. The information for the LEAs requested is shown in the following table.

  £

  LEA

  Share of £50 million grant

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  243,000

  North Tyneside

  182,000

  South Tyneside

  181,000

  Gateshead

  209,000

  Sunderland

  323,000

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will assess the impact on Newcastle's schools of a further delegation from the local education authority to schools of responsibility for
  149W
  specials needs services combined with a cut of £140,000 in LEA support for such services. [112127]

  Jacqui Smith
  The quality of provision for special education needs will be taken into account by Ofsted as part of its regular programme of school and LEA inspections. Newcastle local education authority (LEA) must determine how best to manage its budget for the benefit of all pupils. Regardless of whether funding is delegated to schools or retained centrally, the LEA retains responsibility for securing the necessary provision for pupils with statements of special educations needs.

  White

  Non-white

  Declined to say

  Number

  Percentage

  Number

  Percentage

  Number

  Percentage

  Entered New Deal

  654

  98

  3

  Less than 1

  9

  1

  Leavers from New Deal

  480

  —

  2

  —

  5

  —

  Into unsubsidised jobs

  210

  44

  0

  0

  3

  60

  We have set targets for all partnerships delivering New Deal, to achieve parity of outcome on jobs between white and ethnic minority young people. Paisley, South is part of the Renfrewshire Unit of Delivery which has responsibility for the parity target.

CABINET OFFICE

  Magisterial Appointments
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what representations she has received on the proposed transfer of responsibility for magisterial appointments in Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to the Lord Chancellor. [111577]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Replies to the consultation paper were requested by the end of February 2000, and currently we have received 118. I have received my hon. Friend's reply, for which I thank him.

  Cabinet Committee on Rural Affairs
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the special advisers to the Cabinet Committee on Rural Affairs; and if she will make a statement. [111912]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The proceedings of Cabinet and Cabinet Committees are exempt from the commitment to disclose information under Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Drugs Policy
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recent evidence her office has taken into account in formulating drugs policy. [111116]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government are responsive to all reliable drugs-related evidence which is available. Recent statistics show encouraging signs that Government anti-drugs measures are having a positive effect. For example, research undertaken in 1999 reported that the number of 14/15-year-olds who experimented at least once with illegal substances fell from around 32 per cent. in 1996 to around 26 per cent. in 1998.

  New Deal (Paisley, South)
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of the young people in the constituency of Paisley, South who have taken part in the New Deal Scheme and who are(a) white and (b) of non-white origin have moved on from the New Deal into permanent jobs. [110497]

  Ms Jowell
  In the period to end the of November 1999 the information is as follows for the Paisley, South constituency:

  On crime, the Home Office study on arrest and probation referral schemes and prison-based work in South London, Brighton and Derby reported large falls in opiate use after contact with criminal justice drug workers. Respondents were also spending £300 less per week on drugs with corresponding falls in drug related crime. The Prison Service has also seen a dramatic reduction in the rate of positive mandatory drug tests, from 24.4 per cent. in 1996–97 to 18.3 per cent. in 1998–99. Furthermore, recent Home Office drug seizure and offender statistics show that in 1998 we seized drugs with a total street value of £710 million and dealt with 127,900 drug offenders—an increase of 13 per cent. on the previous year.

  Evidence such as this indicates that the Government's approach is the right one and will deliver the kind of results we all want to see in tackling drug abuse in our society.

  GM Conununications Unit
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what is the annual total running cost of the Biotechnology Presentation Unit. [112072]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The GM Communications Unit comes within the budget of the Cabinet Office press office. The budget for running the Cabinet Office press office for this financial year (April 1999 to March 2000) is £1,918,000.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list(a) the date and (b) the people present at meetings members of the Biotechnology Presentation Unit have had with (a) companies with a financial interest in genetically modified organisms, (b) special interest groups and (c) others at which a White Paper on biotechnology has been discussed. [112073]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  No one working in the GM Communications Unit (which the hon. Member incorrectly referred to as the Biotechnology Presentation Unit) has had meetings with(a) companies with a financial interest in genetically modified organisms, (b) special interest groups and (c) others at which a White Paper on biotechnology has been discussed.

  There are no plans for a White Paper on biotechnology.
  151W
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what is(a) the Civil Service grade and (b) the salary of each of the staff employed in the Biotechnology Presentation Unit. [112071]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The grades of those currently employed in the GM Communications Unit are as follows:s

  One at Band A

  Three at Band B2

  One at Band Cl.

  It is not our practice, nor has been the practice of successive Governments, to give personal salary details of those employed in the civil service.

  Racism
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what investigations have been undertaken in each Government Department to identify the existence of institutional racism in relation to employment of staff and service provision; and what remedial action has been taken as a consequence of such investigations. [111288]

  Mr. Stringer
  A key aim of Sir Richard Wilson's Report on Civil Service Reform is for Government departments and agencies to achieve a dramatic improvement in diversity. Departments have been asked to produce diversity action plans and six-monthly reports on progress, including equality proofing of their processes, especially for recruitment, appraisal and promotion.

  We are also undertaking research through the People's Panel into the satisfaction of members of ethnic minority communities with public services. The results will be published in the spring.

  Gardening Leave
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many officials in the Cabinet Office are currently on gardening leave. [111090]

  Mr. Stringer
  One member of the Cabinet Office is currently on special leave with pay while awaiting a posting.

TREASURY

  Research Contracts
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 16 December 1999,Official Report, column 300W, what was the (a) number and (b) total value of research contracts let by his Department since May 1997. [111650]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer the Economic Secretary gave him on 1 February 2000,Official Report, column 582W.

  Audit and Accounts
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to change audit and accountability arrangements for central Government. [112404]
  152W
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I am proposing to undertake a study to recommend suitable audit and accountability arrangements for central government in the 21st century.

  The study will cover the issues raised by the Committee of Public Accounts concerning the role and powers of the Comptroller and Auditor General in their recent report on the Government Resources and Accounts Bill (9th Report 1999–2000, HC159). It will also cover other relevant issues, such as the role of audit in modernising government, including performance validation, the audit of joined-up activities and attitudes to risk-taking. It will look at the implications of devolution, the wider European context with particular reference to European directives affecting audit arrangements, possible models from other countries, and the relationship with other audit and regulatory bodies. All this must have regard to the importance of Parliamentary scrutiny and accountability, the costs and burdens of regulation and the mechanics of change.

  Given the importance of Parliament's rights in these matters, its interests in scrutiny, accountability and control of expenditure will be reflected in the way the review is undertaken, including the steering group for the study. The steering group will direct a project board responsible for the delivery of the study. The project board will have an independent Chair.

  International Monetary Fund
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Government have to accept the Fourth Amendment to the International Monetary Fund's Articles of Agreement. [112378]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer is today laying before Parliament a Command Paper indicating formal UK Government acceptance of the Fourth Amendment to the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund. The Chancellor is also writing to the Secretary of the IMF to inform him of this action. The Command Paper is available in the Library of the House of Commons and is accessible on the Treasury's website www.hm-treasury.gov.uk.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made of the take-up rate for Working Families Tax Credit; [110284]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the take-up rate for the Working Families Tax Credit. [110700]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Up to the end of January 2000, there had been 704,500 awards of the Working Families Tax Credit, of which around 325,000 were for families who were not in receipt of family credit at the time of the claim.

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many individuals in London have received assistance under the working families tax credit. [110499]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is estimated that about 52,500 families in the London Government Office Region had been awarded the Working Families' Tax Credit by the end of January 2000.

  Birmingham Northern Relief Road
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what VAT rate will apply to tolls on the Birmingham Northern Relief Road. [111692]

  Dawn Primarolo
  This will depend on the outcome of a case before the European Court of Justice. The Government's policy is to exempt tolls from VAT, but the European Commission argues they should be taxed at 17.5 per cent. VAT.

  Pensioners (Taxation)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people are affected by the provisions which enable the Inland Revenue to tax pensions on the amount of entitlement rather than the amount received; and how much extra tax was paid on average by each pensioner in 1999–2000, as a result of these provisions. [111252]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Income tax on pensions under Schedule E is chargeable on the amount to which the pensioner becomes entitled during the year and is not affected by the frequency of payment. No extra tax is payable as a result.

  Injury Statistics
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the suicide plus undetermined injury rate per 100,000 people in England based on a three-year average around(a) 1997 and (b) 1998. [109817]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Frank Field, dated 28 February 2000:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent question on suicides plus undetermined injury rate per 100,000 people in England.
  The European age standardised rate for the average of the years 1996 to 1998 for England is 9.2 suicides or undetermined injury deaths per 100,000 population. 1999 figures are not yet available and we are therefore unable to provide a three year average around 1998.

  Child Care
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assistance with child care expenses he will give to parents in receipt of Working Families Tax Credit who do not have access to registered childminders in their locality. [112090]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Assistance with child care expenses is not restricted to parents who have access to registered childminders. The Childcare Tax Credit can be paid to parents in receipt of Working Families Tax Credit who use and pay for any form of eligible child care. For under eights, this includes child care provided by after school clubs, holiday play schemes, breakfast clubs and nurseries and playschemes registered with local authorities. For children aged eight and over it includes out of school care which is provided by the school, and from April 2000, care which is approved under the new accreditation scheme.

  Population (Newcastle upon Tyne)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of residents of the city of Newcastle upon Tyne(a) in total and (b) in the age range (i) 0 to 4, (ii) 4 to 14 and (iii) 14 to 24 years in each year since 1990; and if he will estimate the numbers in each age range for (1) 2000, (2) 2001, (3) 2002 and (4) 2006. [112307]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 28 February 2000:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking for population statistics for the city of Newcastle upon Tyne.
  The lowest level at which mid-year population estimates and projections are compiled is the local authority level. The information provided in the attached table therefore relates to the metropolitan district of Newcastle upon Tyne.

  Mid-year population estimates and projections for the metropolitan district of Newcastle upon Tyne

  Thousands

  Persons

  All ages

  0–4

  5–14

  15–24

  Population estimates:

  mid-1990

  279.0

  17.8

  31.1

  49.0

  mid-1991

  278.2

  17.7

  31.5

  47.3

  mid-1992

  281.7

  18.1

  32.8

  46.1

  mid-1993

  285.3

  18.3

  33.9

  45.0

  mid-1994

  283.6

  18.2

  34.1

  45.9

  mid-1995

  283.1

  18.0

  34.5

  46.7

  mid-1996

  282.3

  17.3

  35.0

  47.3

  mid-1997

  279.5

  16.7

  35.1

  47.6

  mid-1998

  276.1

  16.1

  35.0

  47.4

  1996-based population projections:

  1999

  282.2

  16.3

  34.6

  50.2

  2000

  282.8

  16.0

  34.3

  50.3

  2001

  282.1

  16.1

  33.6

  50.6

  2002

  282.0

  16.0

  33.1

  51.2

  2006

  281.5

  15.9

  31.3

  52.6

  Source:

  ONS, Population Estimates Unit and Population Projections Unit

  Household Incomes
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for the Vale of Clwyd, 16 February 2000,Official Report, columns 610–12W, on household incomes, if he will list the factors underlying the increase in household income in the north between 1997 to 1998 and 1998 to 1999; and if he will also estimate for the North East region the figures given for the years quoted in his answer. [112308]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 28 February 2000:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on the increase in household income in the north.

  155W
  The Answer to the honourable Member for the Vale of Clwyd, Official Report, columns 610–12W mentioned that, like all estimates from sample surveys, the figures were subject to sampling variability, and that care should be taken in interpreting short-term changes in the data. The apparent large increase in income in the North shown by the Family Expenditure Survey between 1997–98 and 1998–99 is almost certainly due mostly to random sampling variability. The estimated increase is £58 a week but this is subject to sampling variability of plus or minus £49 a week, this is the 90% confidence interval. There is only a one-in-ten chance that the true figure lies outside the estimated range. Published regional breakdowns from the FES are now based on three-year averages to reduce their sampling variability.
  Figures for the Government Office Region of the North East are available only from 1994–95 and are shown below. The comments on sampling variability apply also to these estimates.

  Gross weekly household income for the North East Region, 1994–95 to 1998–99

  North East

  Gross weekly households income (£)

  1994–95

  310

  1995–96

  340

  1996–97

  320

  1997–98

  340

  1998–99

  400

  An alternative source, the Family Resources Survey, would normally be preferred for regional breakdowns because of its larger sample, more than three times that of the FES. It was not used for this question because it does not provide as long a run of data as the FES and because results are not yet available for 1998–99.

  Consumer Debt
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for the Vale of Clwyd of 16 February 2000,Official Report, column 612W, on consumer debt, if he will publish regional estimates of consumer debt. [112311]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 28 February 2000:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on regional estimates of consumer debt.
  The information requested is not available.

  Customs
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the correlation between the cost of extra custom officers and the extra duty paid to the Treasury on account of the consequent diminution in smuggling. [112054]

  Dawn Primarolo
  A variety of factors influence the level of smuggling. There is no assessment which makes a direct correlation between the cost of extra Customs staff and changes in smuggling or variations in revenue collected.
  156W
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in respect of the re-sale to the producers by HM Customs and Excise of branded goods, seized as contraband, the average percentage of retail value achieved for each type of branded item. [112041]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Suppliers of UK branded spirits have a contract with Customs and Excise to purchase spirits seized in bulk. The information requested is commercial in confidence.

  High Street Banks
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the profit levels of high street banks. [112057]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Don Cruickshank has been asked to review UK banking industry efficiency and competition; and his report is due shortly.

  Banking Ombudsman
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the maximum sum which can be awarded by the Banking Ombudsman in favour of the complainant; [111801]

  (2) what has been the average settlement awarded by the Banking Ombudsman in favour of the complainant; [111800]

  (3) what percentage of complaints received by the Banking Ombudsman have been resolved in favour of complainants; [111799]

  (4) what resources were made available to the Banking Ombudsman and the FSA for each of the last five years for (a) qualified staff, (b) administrative staff and (c) clerical staff, [111871]

  (5) how long it has taken on average for the Banking Ombudsman to determine a complaint; [111798]

  (6) what is the backlog of cases waiting to be dealt with by the Banking Ombudsman; [111797]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The available information is published in the Banking Ombudsman's annual report.

  I am arranging for a copy of the report to be placed in the Library of the House.

  EU Trade
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the volume of trade with the European Union by firms in London and the South East. [111957]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Firms in London and the South East, along with others in the rest of the United Kingdom, benefit greatly from our participation in the Single Market. The European Union is Britain's foremost trading partner, accounting for more than half of both our exports and imports of goods by value.

  Trade data for the UK regions are available only for the value of their total exports and imports of goods (there is no EU/non-EU split). These data indicate that last year London and the South East accounted for around 33 per cent. of UK exports and 45 per cent. of UK imports.

  Third World Debt
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what plans the Government have to support a multilateral deal on debt at this year's G8 summit in Okinawa; [111960]

  (2) what the Government's policy is on changing the level of the debt-to-export ratio within the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative. [111959]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The UK Government have never closed off any possibility regarding a further multilateral deal on debt. The Chancellor and the Secretary of State for International Development have both stated publicly that debt relief is not enough in itself and that more must be done to help the poorest countries meet even the basic International Development targets set for 2015. In the first instance, the UK Government want debt relief to lead to poverty reduction and improvements in basic living conditions for the poorest sectors in these countries.

  Taxes
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer using the assumptions underpinning the calculations made in the 1996 Budget, if he will calculate the(a) direct taxes and (b) indirect taxes paid by the average family in the UK as a result of (i) the 1997 Budget, (ii) the 1998 Budget and (c) the 1999 Budget. [111927]

  Dawn Primarolo
  For estimates of direct taxes paid by the average family I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Truro and St Austell (Mr. Taylor) on 25 January 2000,Official Report, columns 214–15W.

  Estimating the impact of indirect taxes is imprecise as spending patterns vary widely between households with the same composition and income, with the consumption of the majority of goods and services far from universal. For example, only around one third of adults are smokers, just over half the adult population are in households paying vehicle excise duty and around 10 per cent. of households pay air passenger duty. This can be contrasted with direct taxes and benefits where at specified earnings and for particular household types there is a known benefit entitlement or tax liability.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 25 January 2000,Official Report, columns 214–15W, on taxes, what proportion of households are a one-earner married couple, with two children, on male median earnings; what proportion of earners earn within five per cent. of male median earnings; what proportion of households comprise a one-earner couple with two children; and if he will recalculate his answer to apply to a two-earner household where both earners are employed, one on male median earnings and one on female median earnings, with two children. [110213]
  158W
  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 16 February 2000]: According to the Family Expenditure Survey 1995–96 to 1997–98, 12.6 per cent. of households are one-earner couples with 2 children. The proportion of these couples who are married is not readily available.

  According to the New Earnings Survey, in 1999 8.3 per cent. of males working full-time on adult rates earned within 5 per cent. of median earnings.

  Percentage of income paid in direct taxes by a two earner couple where both earners are employed, one on male median earnings and one on female median earnings, with two children

  Year

  Percentage

  1983–84

  24.0

  1984–85

  23.5

  1985–86

  23.4

  1986–87

  23.1

  1987–88

  22.5

  1988–89

  21.7

  1989–90

  21.5

  1990–91

  21.2

  1991–92

  21.1

  1992–93

  20.4

  1993–94

  20.5

  1994–95

  21.8

  1995–96

  22.2

  1996–97

  21.4

  1997–98

  20.8

  1998–99

  20.8

  1999–00

  20.2

  2000–01

  20.1

  2001–02

  18.9

  Notes:

  1. Direct taxes are defined as Income Tax plus National Insurance minus Child Benefit. In line with long-standing convention, Child Benefit is treated as a negative component of Income Tax, making it consistent with child tax allowances prior to 1976.

  2. Earnings are taken to be median weekly earnings of full-time employees on adult rates with pay unaffected by absence form the New Earning Survey. Median earnings on a consistent basis are not available before 1983.

  By 2001 the tax burden for the 2 earner married couple both on average earnings with 2 children will be below 20 per cent. for the first time ever.

  Agriculture (Fuel Tax)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much tax per litre of diesel, used for agricultural purposes, was charged in each of the member states of the EU, including all duties and sales taxes in the last financial year for which figures are available. [111790]

  Mr. Timms
  The rate of excise duty on diesel for agricultural purposes in the United Kingdom is 3.03 pence per litre. Diesel for agricultural purposes is liable to VAT at 17.5 per cent. of the retail price.

  Information on the rates of tax on diesel for agricultural purposes in the other member states of the EU is not available.

  Wales (Earnings)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in Wales earn(a) £3.60 per hour,

  159W
  (b) £3.61 to £3.80 per hour, (c) £3.81 to £4.00 per hour and (d) £4.00 to £4.50 per hour; and what percentage of total employees this constitutes in each case. [111682]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Dafydd Wigley, dated 28 February 2000:
  As the Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent question regarding earnings for employees in Wales.
  The New Earnings Survey (NES) can provide earnings data for geographical areas. However, the release of NES data is restricted to figures which are derived from a sufficiently large sample of employees and have an acceptable level of accuracy. I have provided information for Wales in the attached table. These are based on the 1999 NES, the latest survey for which data are available.
  We are only able to give percentages earning below specified thresholds, rather than numbers because appropriate grossing factors for the NES sample are not available.
  The NES is based on a one per cent. sample of employees in the PAYE system and is therefore likely to under-represent relatively low paid staff earning below the tax threshold and in particular those who work part-time.

  £ billion

  Abolishing the upper earnings limit on employee national insurance contributions3

  +3.2

  Introducing a 50 per cent, rate of income tax for taxable income over £100,000 per year4

  +2.6

  Extending the starting rate band to £2,730 for all taxpayers4,5

  -3.5

  Extending the starting rate limit to £2,730 for taxpayers other than higher rate taxpayers4,5

  -3.1

  Raising the rate of the national minimum wage for adults to £4.94 per hour

  6—

  1 All estimates are consistent with the November 1999 pre-Budget report.

  2 Includes the effects on Working Families Tax Credit and Disabled Persons' Tax Credit.

  3 The NIC effect was produced by the Government Actuary's Department.

  4 The income tax estimates are based on the 1997–98 Survey of Personal Incomes.

  5 £2,730 is the difference between £7,115 and the non-aged personal allowance of £4,385.

  6 It is not possible to give an estimate of the impact on Exchequer revenue of increasing the National Minimum Wage to £4.94 per hour. Such a move could have significant adverse effects on the employment of low-skilled workers. Therefore any Exchequer gains through increased tax revenue could to some extent be offset by increases in benefit payments.

  Income Tax
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review his decision to reduce income tax by one penny. [111378]

  Dawn Primarolo
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced in his 1999 Budget statement that the basic rate of income tax will fall to 22p in the pound from April 2000.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many claimants of the Working Families' Tax Credit and the Disabled Person's Tax Credit have earnings below the lower earnings limit to national insurance. [111311]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is estimated that there have been 704,500 awards of the Working Families' Tax Credit up to the end of January 2000. Of these about 100,000 were where the single person or the main earner in a couple was earning less than the lower earnings limit of £66 per week.
  160W

  Employees on adult rates, whose pay for the survey period was unaffected by absence

  Percentage earning

  Gross hourly earnings excluding overtime (£)

  £3.60

  £3.61-£3.80

  £3.81-£4.00

  £4.01-£4.50

  Wales

  Full-time

  0.8

  1.4

  1.9

  5.6

  Part-time

  5.6

  6.6

  7.3

  14.2

  All

  1.9

  2.6

  3.1

  7.6

  Source:

  New Earnings Survey, April 1999 (GB)

  Fiscal Changes
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the impact on revenue to the Exchequer in the financial year 2000–01 of(a) abolishing the upper earnings limit on employee national insurance contributions, (b) introducing a 50 per cent. rate of income tax for taxable income over £100,000 per year, (c) extending the 10 per cent. income tax band to £7,115 per year of gross income for (i) all taxpayers and (ii) taxpayers other than higher rate taxpayers and
  (d) raising the rate of the national minimum wage for adults to £4.94 per hour. [111643]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The estimated full-year tax and National Insurance Contribution effects for 2000–01 are in the table.

  10,712 awards of the Disabled Person's Tax Credit were made in the same period and of these 3,279 had earnings less than £66 a week on the same basis.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the total yield from national insurance contributions in 1999–2000 prices in each financial year since 1978–79, broken down by(a) employer national insurance contributions, (b) employee national insurance contributions, (c) national insurance contributions paid by the self-employed, (d) national insurance contributions paid by the others and (e) the national insurance surcharge; if he will provide corresponding estimates of the investment income of the National Insurance Fund; and if he will provide projections for each of these items of the next three financial years. [107660]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Available information for Great Britain is given in the table.
  161W

  Yield in 1999–2000 prices

  £ billion

  (a) Employer NICs

  (b) Employee NICs

  (c) Employed NICs

  (d) Other NICs

  (e) NI surcharge

  (f) Investament income

  1978–79

  19.54

  12.11

  0.91

  0.04

  6.18

  1.45

  1979–80

  19.35

  12.08

  0.75

  0.03

  8.31

  1.52

  1980–81

  19.22

  12.28

  0.73

  0.03

  8.16

  1.44

  1981–82

  18.67

  14.03

  0.81

  0.03

  7.94

  1.28

  1982–83

  19.35

  16.80

  0.95

  0.04

  5.44

  1.01

  1983–84

  20.06

  17.89

  1.05

  0.05

  3.35

  0.95

  1984–85

  20.37

  18.23

  1.15

  0.05

  1.65

  0.96

  1985–86

  21.57

  18.81

  1.16

  0.07

  0.07

  0.95

  1986–87

  22.94

  19.49

  1.18

  0.05

  0.01

  l.04

  1987–88

  24.11

  20.28

  1.24

  0.05

  0.00

  0.96

  1988–89

  25.60

  21.02

  1.38

  0.05

  0.00

  1.17

  1989–90

  26.98

  20.28

  1.48

  0.05

  0.00

  1.47

  1990–91

  27.33

  18.63

  1.48

  0.05

  0.00

  1.30

  1991–92

  26.81

  18.37

  1.44

  0.06

  0.00

  1.37

  1992–93

  26.96

  18.09

  1.45

  0.06

  0.00

  l.10

  1993–94

  27.94

  17.59

  1.63

  0.05

  0.00

  0.55

  1994–95

  27.29

  20.32

  1.63

  0.07

  0.00

  0.42

  1995–96

  27.88

  20.81

  1.65

  0.06

  0.00

  0.49

  1996–97

  28.35

  20.95

  1.73

  0.06

  0.00

  0.51

  1997–98

  29.59

  22.89

  1.78

  0.07

  0.00

  0.49

  1998–99

  31.06

  23.97

  1.64

  0.06

  0.00

  0.67

  1999–2000

  32.16

  23.48

  1.70

  0.07

  0.00

  0.73

  2000–01

  33.26

  23.31

  1.35

  0.06

  0.00

  0.83

  2001–02

  33.35

  23.23

  2.05

  0.06

  0.00

  0.95

  Notes:

  1. Constant prices using GDP deflation at market prices.

  2. Employer NICs are Class 1 secondary, Class 1A and Class 1B contributions.

  3. Employee NICs are Class 1 primary contributions.

  4. Class 1 contributions are net of contracted-out rebates deducted from contributions but do not allow for rebates paid in the following yeai

  5. Self Employed NICs are Class 2 and Class 4 contribution.

  6. Other NICs are Class 3 contributions.

  7. The NI Surcharge account is closed 1986–87 being the last year that anything other than an insignificant amount was paid in.

  8. The totals for Employer and Employee NICs contain some payments into the Redundancy and Maternity Pay Fund. These, like payment to the NI surcharge, have now ended.

  9. Figures for 1999–2000, 2000–01 and 2001–02 are projections consistent with the November 1999 pre-Budget Report.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Pensioner Incomes
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much better off than in the previous year, on average(a) single pensioners and (b) pensioner couplesons

  The weekly gain to pensioners on Income Support taking into account winter fuel payments and the reduction in VAT on fuel

  Actual weekly increase on previous year including winter fuel payment and estimated saving due to reduction in VAT1 £

  Real value of1 uprated to April 2000 prices 2 £

  Actual percentage increase on previous year %

  Average earnings percentage increase 3 %

  Single Pensioners

  April 19974

  Under 75

  2.30

  2.45

  3.5

  4.2

  75 to 79

  2.40

  2.55

  3.5

  4.2

  80 and over

  2.65

  2.80

  3.6

  4.2

  April 1998

  Under 75

  2.90

  3.05

  4.2

  4.1

  75 to 79

  2.95

  3.10

  4.2

  4.1

  80 and over

  3.05

  3.20

  4.2

  4.1

  April 1999

  Under 75

  4.55

  4.60

  6.3

  4.9

  75 to 79

  4.60

  4.65

  6.2

  4.9

  80 and over

  4.75

  4.85

  6.0

  4.9

  162W
  on Income Support aged (i) under 75, (ii) 75 to 79 and (iii) 80 years or over were in (1) April 1998, (2) April 1999, (3) April 2000 and (4) April 1997, (X) in cash terms, (Y) in real terms and (Z) relative to average earnings, taking into account winter fuel payments and the reduction in VAT on fuel. [111810]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information requested is in the table.
  163W

  The weekly gain to pensioners on Income Support taking into account winter fuel payments and the reduction in VAT on fuel

  Actual weekly increase on previous year including winter fuel payment and estimated saving due to raeduction in VAT1 £

  Real value of1 uprated to April 2000 prices 2 £

  Actual percentage increase on previous year %

  Average earnings percentage increase 3 %

  April 2000

  Under 75

  3.45

  3.45

  4.5

  4.5

  75 to 79

  3.55

  3.55

  4.5

  4.5

  80 and over

  3.80

  3.80

  4.5

  4.5

  Pensioner Couples

  April 19974

  Under 75

  3.55

  3.80

  3.4

  4.2

  75 to 79

  3.75

  4.00

  3.5

  4.2

  80 and over

  4.00

  4.25

  3.6

  4.2

  April 1998

  Under 75

  3.80

  3.95

  3.6

  4.1

  75 to 79

  3.90

  4.05

  3.6

  4.1

  80 and over

  4.00

  4.15

  3.5

  4.1

  April 1999

  Under 75

  7.25

  7.35

  6.6

  4.9

  75 to 79

  7.30

  7.40

  6.4

  4.9

  80 and over

  7.40

  7.50

  6.2

  4.9

  April 2000

  Under 75

  5.35

  5.35

  4.5

  4.5

  75 to 79

  5.50

  5.50

  4.5

  4.5

  80 and over

  5.75

  5.75

  4.5

  4.5

  1 Winter fuel payments of £50 per year from January 1998 to November 1999 and then £100 from December 1999, per Income Support claimants, divided by 52 to give weekly increase. Saving due to reduction in VAT on fuel estimated at £16 per year divided by 52 to give weekly gain.

  2 For income related benefits the Rossi index (Retail Prices Index less rent, local taxes and mortgage interest payment) as published by the Office for National Statistics.

  3 Average Earnings are taken from the New Earnings Survey (NES) estimates of earnings for all full-time adult employees, as published by the Office for National Statistics.

  4 Winter fuel payments not payable until 9 November 1998.

  Note:

  The figures are rounded to the nearest 5 pence at each uprating.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Shropshire and (ii) nationally; and if he will make a Social Security if he will list by decile the(a) total average income per week and (b) percentage change in that in each year since 1979, for pensioners, (i) in

  Average (median) net income of pensioner by decile of the net income distribution (UK,1979 to 1996–97)

  Year

  Dl

  D2

  D3

  D4

  D5

  D6

  D7

  D8

  D9

  D10

  Decile of the pensioner couples net income distribution

  1979

  90

  102

  109

  116

  126

  139

  153

  181

  218

  310

  1981

  96

  107

  115

  121

  128

  140

  157

  187

  227

  342

  1987

  103

  119

  129

  140

  153

  169

  192

  225

  279

  462

  1988

  101

  116

  125

  135

  151

  171

  199

  239

  294

  505

  1989

  101

  116

  127

  137

  149

  166

  195

  228

  288

  445

  1990–91

  97

  116

  127

  141

  159

  182

  212

  250

  318

  497

  1992

  107

  128

  139

  156

  174

  198

  231

  272

  333

  512

  1993

  106

  130

  143

  159

  179

  200

  230

  269

  338

  506

  1994–95

  116

  136

  152

  167

  185

  207

  232

  273

  357

  506

  1995–96

  113

  137

  152

  169

  191

  215

  244

  297

  364

  555

  1996–97

  113

  140

  154

  169

  191

  220

  254

  298

  385

  562

  Change 1979 to 1996–97 (percentage)

  25

  37

  41

  46

  51

  59

  66

  64

  76

  81

  Decile of the single pensioners net income distribution

  1979

  52

  58

  63

  68

  72

  76

  81

  88

  105

  155

  1981

  55

  62

  68

  73

  77

  82

  87

  95

  113

  162

  1987

  57

  65

  73

  80

  86

  92

  99

  109

  135

  209

  1988

  55

  63

  71

  80

  86

  91

  98

  110

  144

  217

  164W
  Shropshire and (ii) nationally; and if he will make a statement. [111913]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables.
  165W

  Average (median) net income of pensioner by decile of the net income distribution (UK,1979 to 1996–97)

  Year

  Dl

  D2

  D3

  D4

  D5

  D6

  D7

  D8

  D9

  D10

  1989

  53

  64

  70

  78

  85

  90

  96

  111

  147

  227

  1990–91

  57

  65

  75

  82

  89

  95

  104

  124

  162

  258

  1992

  60

  69

  79

  88

  94

  100

  111

  130

  166

  283

  1993

  63

  72

  82

  93

  100

  107

  115

  131

  168

  242

  1994–95

  65

  75

  85

  95

  103

  111

  122

  141

  179

  269

  1995–96

  65

  79

  91

  101

  109

  116

  127

  148

  180

  263

  1996–97

  63

  76

  91

  101

  110

  118

  133

  154

  187

  258

  Change 1979 to 1996–97 (percentage)

  22

  32

  45

  48

  52

  55

  66

  75

  78

  67

  Notes:

  1. All money amounts are given in £ per week, at July 1997 prices.

  2. Single pensioners are defined as single (non-cohabitating) people over State pension age (65 for men, 60 for women); pensioner couples are defined as couples (married or cohabiting) where the man is over State pension age.

  3. For any given decile of the income distribution, the average amounts refer to the median net income before housing costs within that decile.

  4. The distribution of income is calculated on the net income before housing costs measure. Separate distributions are calculated for pensioner couples and single pensioners in each year. Figures are not available for the distribution of pensioner couples and single pensioners combined.

  5. Information is given for all years for which comparable Pensioners' Incomes data, derived from the Family Expenditure Survey, are available. Information for 1997–98, based on the Family Resources Survey is available but has not been included because it is not comparable with Family Expenditure Survey based estimates.

  6. All years up to and including 1993 are calendar years, except 1990–91 which refers to the combined calendar years 1990 and 1991. All years from 1994–95 onwards are financial years.

  7. All estimate are subject to a high degree of sampling error, since they are based on small sample sizes, and should therefore be treated with caution. In particular, these figures should not be used to estimate changes over time, unless over a period of several years.

  8. Estimates are given for the United Kingdom. Estimates are not available for Shropshire due to small sample sizes.

  Source:

  Family Expenditure Survey.

  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will state, for(a) 1970, (b) 1980, (c) 1990 and (d) the latest year for which information is available, at 1999–2000 prices, the percentage of people aged 65 years and over whose annual incomes were
  (i) £4,000 and below, (ii) £4,001 to £6,000, (iii) £6,001 to £8,000, (iv) £8,001 to £10,000, (v) £10,001 to £15,000, (vi) £15,001 to £20,000 and (vii) over £20,000. [112046]

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

  Net benefit unit income of people aged 65 years and over

  Percentage

  Annual net income of benefit unit

  1981

  1990–91

  1996–97

  People aged 65 and over in couples

  Less than £4,000

  *

  1

  *

  £4,001-£6,000

  18

  11

  4

  £6,001-£8,000

  42

  28

  16

  £8,001-£10,000

  15

  17

  22

  £10,001-£15,000

  16

  24

  29

  £15,001-£20,000

  5

  9

  14

  More than £20,000

  4

  10

  15

  All individuals

  100

  100

  100

  Single persons aged 65 and over

  Less than £4,000

  38

  24

  13

  £4,001-£6,000

  48

  46

  35

  £6,001-£8,000

  8

  13

  27

  £8,001-£10,000

  4

  6

  11

  £10,001-£15,000

  2

  6

  11

  £15,001-£20,000

  1

  2

  2

  More than £20,000

  1

  2

  2

  All individuals

  100

  100

  100

  All persons aged 65 and over

  Less than £4,000

  18

  11

  6

  £4,001-£6,000

  32

  27

  18

  £6,001-£8,000

  26

  21

  21

  166W

  Net benefit unit income of people aged 65 years and over

  Percentage

  Annual net income of benefit unit

  1981

  1990–91

  1996–97

  Annual net income of benefit unit

  1981

  1990–91

  1996–97

  £8,001-£10,000

  10

  12

  17

  £10,001-£15,000

  9

  16

  21

  £15,001-£20,000

  3

  6

  9

  More than £20,000

  2

  7

  9

  All individuals

  100

  100

  100

  Notes:

  1. Estimates are rounded to the nearest 1 per cent., but are not necessarily accurate to that degree. Estimates of less than 0.5 per cent. are denoted by "*". Columns may not sum to 100 per cent. due to rounding.

  2. Income is defined as the net income before housing costs of the benefit unit, expressed in July 1999 prices. Benefit units are defined as a single person or couple (married or cohabiting) and any dependent children.

  3. Percentage estimates relate to the proportion of individuals aged over 65, whose benefit unit income falls into a given category.

  4. Income amounts are "unequivalised" (i.e. they have not been adjusted to take account of the size and composition of each benefit unit). This means that a comparison between the benefit unit incomes of someone in a couple and a single person does not give any indication of relative living standards. Therefore, results are provided separately for people in couples and single persons. The table for people in couples and single persons combined can be used only to look at changes in income level over time—it should not be used as a measure of the distribution of incomes in the context of relative living standards.

  5. Most components of income are reported in the Family Expenditure Survey as weekly or monthly amounts, which have then been converted to annual amounts for the purposes of this analysis. No account has been taken of variations in the income of a benefit unit over the year.

  6. Figures are given for the calendar year 1981, the combined calendar years 1990 and 1991, and the financial year 1996–97—the latest year for which comparable estimates are available.

  7. There is no information of this type readily available prior to 1979.

  Source:

  Family Expenditure Survey

  Winter Fuel Payment
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners have benefited from a winter fuel payment this winter; and how many times the weather conditions activated a payment to be made for(a) Gordon constituency, (b) Aberdeenshire and (c) Scotland. [111490]

  Mr. Rooker
  The hon. Member will be aware that Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments are different benefits. As the administration of benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, he will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 22 February 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent parliamentary question asking how many pensioners have benefited from a winter fuel payment this winter; and how many times the weather conditions activated a payment to be made for (a) Gordon constituency, (b) Aberdeenshire and (c) Scotland.
  Winter fuel payments were introduced in the winter of 1997/98 for an initial two years. The Government subsequently decided to continue the scheme, and in addition, increased the amount of the payment to £100 for every eligible household. Delivery of this winter's payments was broadly similar to the last two winters, other than the payments were made before the new year, with the Generalised Matching Service being used to compare addresses to determine whether £50 or £100 was payable to eligible non Income Support/Income based Jobseekers Allowance pensioners. Eligibility is not determined by the severity of the weather conditions.
  Where official records showed more than one eligible pensioner as living at an address, each received £50. Other eligible pensioners received £100. Determining the correct amount of payment involved the cross matching of around 13 million records on 8 benefit systems.

  Weather Stations

  Weather station

  Dates

  Estimated qualifiers

  Districts affected

  Aviemore

  12 December 1999–18 December 1999F

  929

  Grampian and Shetlands, Highlands and Islands,Tayside

  19 December 1999–25 December 1999F

  —

  —

  Braemar

  12 December 1999–18 December 1999F

  54

  Grampian and Shetlands

  19 December 1999–25 December 1999F

  —

  —

  27 December 1999–2 January 2000

  —

  —

  Eskdalemuir

  15 December 1999–21 December 1999F

  3,723

  East Edinburgh and Borders, North Cumbria, South West Scotland

  Loch Glascarnoch

  12 December 1999–18 December 1999F

  430

  Highlands and Islands

  19 December 1999–25 December 1999F

  —

  —

  14 February 2000–2 February 2000R

  —

  —

  Salsburgh

  18 December 1999–24 December 1999F

  10,884

  East Edinburgh & Borders, Glasgow South, Lanarkshire

  Tulloch Bridge

  15 December 1999–21 December 1999F

  1,968

  Argyll and West, Highlands and Islands, Tayside

  F —forecast

  R —recorded

  Total payments this winter so far (by district and cold weather period)

  District

  CWP period payment run (week ending)

  Automated payments (£)

  Number of payments

  Argyll and West

  17 December 1999

  620.50

  73

  East Edinburgh and Borders

  17 December 1999

  21,250.00

  2,500

  23 December 1999

  3,799.50

  447

  Glasgow South

  23 December 1999

  2,924.00

  344

  Grampian and Shetlands

  17 December 1999

  4,284.00

  504

  23 December 1999

  4,275.50

  503

  6 January 2000

  450.50

  53

  168W
  In Great Britain a total of 10.2 million pensioners in over 7.5 million households received a Winter Fuel Payment. In Scotland 905,638 pensioners received a payment. The Benefits Agency does not keep statistics in exactly the format you require. However, according to available information the constituencies in Aberdeenshire are Banff & Buchan, Gordon, Aberdeen Central, Aberdeen North, Aberdeen South and West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine, though their boundaries may not exactly match. The attached table shows payments issued to customers in each of the constituencies.

  Cold Weather Payments (CWP) are however dependent on the severity of the weather and are paid to people in receipt of Income Support or Income-based Jobseekers' Allowance who have a pensioner or disability premium, or a child under 5 in the household. A CWP is currently £8.50. No separate claim is needed for a CWP.

  CWPs are triggered if the temperature has been recorded as an average of 0°C or below over any seven consecutive days, or a forecast shows the temperature is likely to average 0°C or below oever the next seven days, for a weather station area. The payment process can start without awaiting actual recorded temperatures. Payments are not recalled if a forecast is not confirmed by recorded data.

  Again BA does not keep information in the format requested but we are able to provide numbers of estimated qualifiers by weather station (and linked postcodes), and actual payments by BA Districts.

  Because of the way in which information is held in respect of Cold Weather Payments, we are unable to identify pensioners as a specific group. Therefore, any information provided refers to all customers, i.e. people who are entitled to IS or JSA(IB) for one day in the period of cold weather, and who receive one of the qualifying premiums (Pensioner, Higher Pensioners, Enhanced Pensioner, Disability, Severe Disability, Disabled Child), or, an amount for a dependent child under five.

  So far this winter, periods of cold weather have been declared and payments made as shown in the attached tables.

  I hope this is helpful.
  169W

  Total payments this winter so far (by district and cold weather period)

  District

  CWP period payment run (week ending)

  Automated payments (£)

  Number of payments

  District

  CWP period payment run (week ending)

  Automated payments (£)

  Number of payments

  Highlands and Islands

  17 December 1999

  14,441.50

  1,699

  23 December 1999

  4,088.50

  481

  Lanarkshire

  17 December 1999

  2,014.50

  237

  23 December 1999

  79,288.00

  9,328

  North Cumbria

  17 December 1999

  17.00

  2

  South West Scotland

  17 December 1999

  7,089.00

  834

  Tayside

  17 December 1999

  8,806.00

  1,036

  23 December 1999

  178.50

  21

  Note:

  Total automated payments are noted. We do not yet have total clerical payments. The latest trigger at Loch Glascamoch in not included.

  Winter fuel payments issued-Period of time Winter 1999–00

  Constituency

  Number of payments made

  Banff and Buchan

  12,178

  Gordon

  11,945

  Aberdeen Central

  11,041

  Aberdeen North

  10,627

  Aberdeen South

  13,970

  West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

  11,245

  Income Support
  Ms Dari Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the number of people on income support for each ward in the constituencies of(a) Stockton South and (b) Stockton North. [110768]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Ms Dari Taylor, dated 22 February 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary question asking if he will estimate the number of people on Income Support for each ward in the constituencies of (a) Stockton South and (b) Stockton North.
  We are unable to supply figures at ward level for either of these constituencies. However, we estimate that there are 5,400 Income Support claimants in the Stockton South constituency and 7,400 in Stockton North.
  These figures are rounded to the nearest hundred and, because they come from the Income Support Statistical Enquiry, August 1999 which is based on a 5% sample, they are subject to sampling error.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are on income support in each ward of the Vale of Clwyd. [110826]

  Mr. Bayley
  The administration of benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Chris Ruane, dated 22 February 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people are on Income Support in each ward of the Vale of Clwyd.
  We are unable to supply figures at ward level for the Vale of Clwyd. However, there are 6,400 Income Support claimants in the Vale of Clwyd Parliamentary Constituency.
  170W
  This figure is rounded to the nearest hundred and, because it comes from the Income Support Statistical Enquiry, August 1999 which is based on a 5% sample, it is subject to sampling error.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many senior civil servants from an ethnic minority background are employed in his Department; and how many of them are(a) men and (b) women. [110686]

  Angela Eagle
  As at 1 April 1999, 55 members of the senior civil service across all government Departments were from ethnic minority background (1.7 per cent).

  Information on ethnic origin in the Civil Service is collected on the understanding that it will be treated on a confidential basis. To protect the privacy of individual members of staff we do not disclose data relating to fewer than five people. This Department has fewer than 5 people of ethnic minority background in the Senior Civil Service.

  However, a range of measures are in place to improve representation at senior levels. These include a Leadership Group on Equal Opportunities, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, with representation drawn from senior grades and the Trade Unions, the aim of which is to promote diversity issues across the Department.

  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what provisions are made available to (i) departmental staff and (ii) employees of executive agencies under the control of his Department, for(a) maternity leave, (b) maternity pay, (c) paternity leave, (d) parental leave, (e) flexible working hours, (f) part-time work, (g) job sharing, (h) leave to care for sick children, (i) home-working, (j) term-time contracts, (k) annual hours contract, (1) child care allowances, (m) careers' leave and (n) career break schemes; and what criteria are used to judge eligibility in each case; [108853]

  (2) in each of the last five years, what proportion of women employees in (i) his Department and (ii) executive agencies under the control of his Department (a) returned to work after childbirth, (b) returned to work after childbirth before the end of maternity leave, indicating the (1) time-range and (2) mean time, (c) returned to work after childbirth on reduced working hours, indicating the average hours worked and (d) returned to work after childbirth full-time and subsequently reduced their hours; [108973]

  (3) what childcare provision was made available in the financial year 1998–99 for use by (i) his departmental staff and (ii) employees of executive agencies under the

  171W
  control of his Department; what was the cost to parents of this childcare; and how many parents used the facilities. [108974]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer my hon. Friend to the Written answer from my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 15 February 2000,Official Report, columns 518–22W.

  Information about women employees and childcare provision is not available in the format requested as detailed information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  However, this Department and its Agencies, are fully committed to providing a family friendly environment to help staff balance home and work responsibilities. The specific provisions and their eligibility criteria are follows.

  All women are eligible for up to a maximum of 52 weeks maternity leave.

  Women with one-year service at the time they give birth are entitled to 17 weeks paid maternity leave.

  Staff are entitled to seven days paid paternity leave and up to a maximum of 10 days paid leave in exceptional circumstances.

  Parents have an automatic right to parental leave of three months for the care of children until aged eight and until aged eighteen for children with special educational needs. This is in excess of the Parental Leave Directive. Staff are also entitled to reasonable paid time off to attend to urgent and unforeseeable domestic incidents involving their children.

  Flexible working hours are generally available to most staff with individual patterns being determined locally within a framework to meet business needs.

  Part-time work and job sharing are available to staff where arrangements can be made to balance the individual's requirement to work reduced hours and the business constraints in doing so. All requests are treated sympathetically and most are approved, however there is an appeals' procedure to deal with unsuccessful requests.

  Parents with at least one-year service are eligible for up to 7 days paid special and or extended unpaid special leave to care for sick children and if the normal childcare arrangement is interrupted or breaks down.

  The Department's homeworking policy aims to achieve a successful balance between the individual's requirement to work at home and the business constraints in doing so. Managers will support requests for short-term homeworking to help parents manage caring responsibilities.

  Term-time and annual contracts working are available to staff where arrangements can be made to balance the individual's requirement to work reduced hours and the business constraints in doing so. All requests are treated sympathetically and most are approved, however there is an appeals' procedure for unsuccessful requests.

  The Department provides for child care allowances in several ways by meeting the full cost of family care expenses if staff are required to work outside normal
  172W
  working hours; child care subsidy ranges from £7-£30 and is available for staff to access both Departmentally sponsored or commercial facilities.

  The Department operates a career break scheme of up to five years for parents to care for children.

  Staff in the Department have access to nursery places and holiday playschemes in a variety of locations across the country. The cost of this childcare varies according to the age of the child, the nature of the provision and the location of the childcare. However, there is a subsidy available to staff of up £30 per child per week. This represents a 30 per cent. subsidy on the total cost of care.

  Each business unit is responsible for making its own detailed arrangements which are suitable for local circumstances.

  Benefit Claimants (Savings)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will(a) raise the savings limit of £2,500 for all benefit claimants and (b) establish a higher limit for those with special needs. [110713]

  Mr. Bayley
  The capital limits in the income-related benefits are reviewed regularly but are not uprated annually. The lower limit of £3,000 was introduced in April 1988. From April 1996 this was increased to £10,000 for people living permanently in residential care and nursing homes. The rules are designed to ensure that help is targeted on those who need it most while not entirely denying benefit to those with only a modest amount of capital. We have no plans to establish a higher limit for other people with special needs.

  Compensation Recovery
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the impact of the Social Security (Recovery of Benefits) Act 1997 on(a) public finances, (b) speed of settlement of cases, (c) insurers and employers and (d) victims of illness, accident and diseases. [111683]

  Mr. Bayley
  The compensation recovery scheme was reformed in October 1997 when the provisions of the Social Security (Recovery of Benefits) Act 1997 came into force. The main objectives of the reformed scheme were that a person should not get compensation twice over for the same need; the taxpayer should receive the fullest possible protection; the scheme should allow damages for pain and suffering to be paid in full; the scheme should not result in Government becoming directly involved in the compensation process; and the simplicity of the previous scheme, which helped ensure that administration costs run at less than 5 per cent. of the amount recovered, should be preserved.

  The objectives have been achieved: the main changes in the scheme brought about by the Act are that compensators are liable to repay benefits in full; compensators may reduce compensation payments to take account of the liability to repay benefits, but only where benefits and compensation are paid for a like need; compensation for pain and suffering cannot be reduced. The reformed scheme has been designed so that the negotiation process can be as flexible as possible,

  173W
  allowing claims to be settled quickly. Administration costs continue to be less than 5 per cent. of the amounts recovered, which in 1998–99 was £201.5 million.

  Asbestos-related Diseases
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the cost of(a) a CT scan and (b) a chest x-ray when evidence is sought as to whether a person has an asbestos-related disease. [111703]

  Mr. Bayley
  There is no standard cost for either investigation. Claimants for an asbestos-related disease under the Industrial Injuries Scheme are referred to Medical Services for advice, which will often necessitate their taking and reporting upon plain chest radiographs. If a CT scan was felt to be necessary, Medical Services would provide one. In either case, Medical Services is recompensed for the investigations it supplies through its overall contract with the Benefits Agency, which does not specify fees for particular investigations.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will accept a privately-commissioned CT scan as evidence when a person is seeking to prove that he has an asbestos-related disease. [111686]

  Mr. Bayley
  Claimants for Social Security benefits may ask the decision maker to consider whatever evidence they wish to produce in support of their claims. The decision maker will consider any evidence upon its merits. This includes medical investigations carried out in the private sector.

  Compensation Recovery Unit
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish statistics for each of the past five years on the work of the Compensation Recovery Unit. [111684]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is in the table.

  Net amounts recovered 1994–95 to 1999–2000

  Year

  £ million

  1994–95

  110.1

  1995–96

  135.1

  1996–97

  145.5

  1997–98

  170.9

  1998–99

  201.5

  1999–2000 (to December)

  157.5

  Note:

  Figures rounded to the nearest hundred thousand

  Number of certificates issued by CRU 1994–95 to 1999–2000

  Year

  Number

  1994–95

  261,000

  1995–96

  339,000

  1996–97

  416,000

  1997–98

  720,000

  1998–99

  1,267,000

  1999–2000 (to December)

  918,000

  Note:

  Figures rounded to the nearest thousand

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in receipt of housing benefit live in(a) local authority properties, (b) housing
  174W
  association properties and (c) owner-occupied housing in (i) the DSS administrative region containing Paisley, (ii) Scotland and (iii) the UK. [111681]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested is not available. Such information that is available is in the table.

  Number of Housing Benefit recipients living in (a) local authority properties, (b) housing association properties in (i) Scotland and (ii) Great Britain—February1999

  Total local authority

  Total housing association

  Scotland

  383,000

  80,400

  Great Britain

  2,589,600

  858,900

  Note:

  1. The number of recipients is rounded to the nearest hundred.

  2. Recipients refer to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple.

  3. Owner occupiers are not entitled to Housing Benefit.

  4. It is not possible to give a smaller administrative unit as data on housing in individual local authority areas administered by Scottish Homes is not available. Figures in the table take into account housing administered by Scottish Homes.

  5. The information in the table refers to Scotland and Great Britain only. Requests for Housing Benefit data for Northern Ireland should be referred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

  Source:

  Housing Benefit Management Information System, Quarterly caseload taken on the second Thursday in February 1999.

  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are in receipt of housing benefit and of these how many are(a) of working age, (b) in receipt of incapacity benefit, (c) in receipt of unemployment benefit and (d) in receipt of income support in (i) the DSS administrative region containing Paisley, (ii) Scotland and (iii) the UK. [111680]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Housing benefit recipients, Scotland and Great Britain—May 1998

  Housing benefit (HB) recipients

  Great Britain

  Scotland

  All housing benefit recipients

  4,475,000

  520,000

  Of working age

  2,662,000

  296,000

  In receipt of incapacity benefit

  438,000

  72,000

  In receipt of JSA (Contribution based)

  65,000

  11,000

  In receipt of Income Support/JSA (Income based)

  2,860,000

  324,000

  Notes:

  1. The number of recipients is rounded to the nearest thousand.

  2. Recipients refer to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple.

  3. Jobseekers Allowance (Contribution Based) replaced Unemployment Benefit from October 1996.

  4. There is an overlap in the figures as each case could fit into more than one category.

  5. "Working age" is where the claimant is aged 16 or over and under 60.

  6. It is not possible to give data for smaller administrative regions as information gained from the sampling process becomes unreliable at this level.

  7. The information refers to Scotland and Great Britain only. Requests for Housing Benefit data for Northern Ireland should be referred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

  Source:

  Housing Benefit Management Information System, annual 1 per cent. sample inquiries taken on the second Thursday in May 1998.
  175W
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much money was spent on housing benefit in(a) 1980, (b) 1990, (c) 1996, (d) 1997 and (e) 1998 in (i) the DSS administrative region containing Paisley, (ii) Scotland and (iii) the UK. [111679]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Housing Benefit expenditure in Great Britain and Scotland

  £ million, cash

  Scotland

  Great Britain

  1980–81

  95

  1,623

  1990–91

  595

  5,147

  1996–97

  967

  11,380

  1997–98

  1,017

  11,180

  1998–99

  1,034

  11,156

  Notes:

  1. Information for all the years, except for 1998–99, is final outturn. 1998–99 information is estimated outturn.

  2. Figures for Renfrewshire have not been included as they do not include expenditure in relation to housing administered by Scottish Homes in the Renfrewshire area (figure not available). The figures for Scotland and Great Britain do include expenditure in relation to housing administered by Scottish Homes. As an indication of the level of spending on Housing Benefit in the Renfrewshire area, the latest available figure for the local authority's spending is £40 million for 1998–99.

  3. The information refers to Scotland and Great Britain only. Requests for Housing Benefit data for Northern Ireland should be referred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

  Source:

  The figures underlie the Departmental Reports and the 1998–99 figure is from the Pre-Budget Report 1999.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many regulations have been made in respect of housing benefit in(a) the past 12 months and (b) since the benefit was introduced. [111997]

  Angela Eagle
  There have been 14 sets of regulations made in the last 12 months that affect Housing Benefit and approximately 110 sets of regulations since Housing Benefit was introduced in 1988. Some of the sets of regulations relate only to Housing Benefit, while others affect a number of the income related benefits, including Housing Benefit. Such regulations may contain only minor changes to Housing Benefit policy.

  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the level of fraud in respect of housing benefit in(a) the DSS administrative region containing Paisley, (b) Scotland and
  (c) the UK. [111693]

  Mr. Rooker
  No figures are available on the level of Housing Benefit fraud for the Benefits Agency Area Directorate containing Paisley or for the United Kingdom as an entity.

  However, the 1997–98 Housing Benefit Accuracy Review provided the information in the following table on the estimated percentage of the number of Housing Benefit cases for Scotland and Great Britain found to be incorrect as a result of either a confirmed or a suspected fraud.
  176W

  Scotland

  Great Britain

  Confirmed fraud

  1.8 (0.7–2.9)

  1.9 (1.3–2.6)

  Strong suspicion of fraud

  2.4 (1.2–3.7)

  4.0 (1.9–6.8)

  Mild suspicion of fraud

  0.5 (0.2–0.8)

  1.1 (0.7–1.7)

  Notes:

  1.The figures in italic provide the best estimate from the Review for the percentage of the caseload in 1997-98 within each of the fraud categories. The figures in brackets indicate the range within which we can be 95 per cent. confident that the true value lies.

  2. The definition of "confirmed fraud" was "where the claimant had provided incorrect or incomplete information or failed to report a change in circumstances which, on correction, led to a reduction in, or cancellation of, benefit and there was evidence or admission of intention to obtain monies fraudulently".

  3. The definition of "strong suspicion of fraud" was "where a fraudulent claim could not be proven but, on the balance of probabilities, the incorrect payment was likely to be due to fraud".

  4. The definition of "mild suspicion of fraud" was "where there was some suspicion of a fraudulent claim but, on the balance of probabilities, the incorrect payment was not likely to be due to fraud"

  Source:

  "National Housing Benefit Accuracy Review 1997–98" published by the Government Statistical Service in October 1998.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many circulars have been issued in respect of housing benefit in(a) the past 12 months and (b) since the benefit was introduced. [111998]

  Angela Eagle
  In the last 12 months 88 circulars covering administration, fraud and subsidy matters in respect of housing benefit have been issued. Since the benefit was introduced in 1988 approximately 585 circulars have been issued. Some of these circulars covered Council Tax Benefit as well.

  Maternity Payment
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the cost of raising the flat-rate statutory maternity payment to £100 a week. [111242]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is in the table.

  Estimated cost of raising the flat-rate Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Maternity Allowance (MA) to £100 a week

  £ million

  Option

  Cost increase

  SMP—imposing floor of £100 for first 6 weeks

  10

  SMP—raising flat rate to £100 for next 12 weeks

  140

  SMP Total

  150

  MA—Raising rate to £100 for 18 weeks

  45

  Total Cost

  195

  Note:

  These estimates are based on the Government Actuary's Department projection of the average number of women on SMP during 2000–01 and assume 100 per cent. take-up. The estimate of MA for 2000–01 is based on the Government Actuary's Department projections for 2001–02 in 2000–01 prices.

  Ministerial Meeting
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which subjects were discussed at his meeting with the European Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs on 31 January. [111313]
  177W
  Mr. Darling
  Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou and I discussed a number of issues. The main issue was the Lisbon Special Summit due to be held in March 2000, but we also discussed poverty and the UK Anti-Poverty Report, the Commissioner's proposed Social Action Programme due to be published in September 2000, and prospects for Commission reform.

  Welfare Reform
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate how many people disabled from birth will benefit from the Welfare Reform Bill in(a) Shrewsbury and Atcham and (b) Shropshire; and if he will make a statement. [111448]

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

  From April 2001, young people disabled before the age of 20 (or 25 if they have been in education) will be able to qualify for Incapacity Benefit without having to have made National Insurance contributions. Rates of Incapacity Benefit are higher than Severe Disablement Allowance (to which such young people would currently be entitled)—after a year on benefit, the rate is over £26 a week more. It is estimated that in Great Britain the change will bring approximately 6,500 young people into Incapacity Benefit each year. If the national pattern of receipt were replicated in Shrewsbury and Atcham, and in Shropshire, the numbers moving into Incapacity Benefit each year in those areas would be some 10 and 25 respectively.

  Also from April 2001, the higher rate mobility care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will be extended to severely disabled children aged three or four. It is estimated that approximately 7,000 children in Great Britain will become entitled in the first year and approximately 8,000 in each subsequent year. If the national pattern of receipt were replicated in Shrewsbury and Atcham and in Shropshire, the numbers of children qualifying in those areas in each year would be some 10 and 50 respectively.

  Poverty Statistics
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for each member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development the average percentage of(a) people and (b) children, living in poverty for each year since 1992; and if he will make a statement. [111067]

  Mr. Bayley
  Poverty and social exclusion are complex multi-dimensional issues, affecting many aspects of people's lives—their income, health, housing, the quality of the environment, opportunities to work and to learn. There is no single measure which can capture the complex problems which need to be overcome.

  The most commonly used measures of poverty in international comparisons are income based. International comparisons are not available annually. The following table gives figures for the proportion of people below 50 per cent. of mean equivalent household disposable income for members of the Organisation for Economic
  178W
  Co-operation and Development (OECD) for which data are available. The source of these is the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS), August 1998.

  Percentage of population below 50 per cent. of equivalent mean household disposable income for certain OECD countries

  Country

  Year

  Percentage

  Australia

  1994

  17.0

  Belgium

  1992

  7.1

  Canada

  1994

  14.4

  Czech Republic

  1992

  1.7

  Denmark

  1992

  7.8

  Finland

  1995

  5.7

  France

  1994

  14.9

  Germany

  1994

  13.7

  Hungary

  1994

  14.7

  Italy

  1995

  18.7

  Luxembourg

  1994

  7.2

  Netherlands

  1991

  9.9

  Norway

  1995

  8.1

  Poland

  1995

  15.6

  Spain

  1990

  15.6

  Sweden

  1995

  9.2

  United Kingdom

  1995

  19.5

  United States

  1997

  26.2

  Source:

  LIS Low Income Measures as computed by K. Vleminckx (Luxembourg Income Study—LIS), August 1998

  Studies showing child poverty rates across countries are also subject to data availability. The following table quotes draft results from "Child poverty across the industrialized world: Evidence from the Luxembourg Income Study", Bradbury and Jantti, August 1999. This study presented results for children in households with an equivalent disposable income less than 50 per cent. of the overall median population income. The results are therefore not directly comparable with those in the first table, as median income differs from mean income.

  Percentage of children in households below 50 per cent. of equivalent median household income for certain OECD countries

  Country

  Year

  Percentage

  Australia

  1994

  17.1

  Belgium

  1992

  6.2

  Canada

  1994

  16.0

  Czech Republic

  1992

  1.8

  Denmark

  1992

  5.9

  Finland

  1991

  3.4

  Germany

  1994

  11.6

  Hungary

  1994

  11.5

  Italy

  1995

  21.2

  Luxembourg

  1994

  6.3

  Netherlands

  1991

  8.4

  Norway

  1995

  4.5

  Poland

  1995

  14.2

  Spain

  1990

  13.1

  Sweden

  1992

  3.7

  United Kingdom

  1995

  21.3

  United States

  1994

  26.3

  Notes:

  1. Results for individual countries are not accurate to the degree of precision presented in the tables. Comparisons between countries may be affected by differences in the extent to which households in the datasets are representative of the population, and in the accuracy of the income data and its editing.

  2. Results for children are sensitive to the precise way in which household incomes are adjusted for household size and composition; the figure for the United Kingdom is higher than official UK estimates for the "50 per cent. of median income" income level.

  National Insurance Commissioners
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much his Department has spent in each of the last three years on legal representations before the National Insurance Commissioners on(a) in-house legal advice, (b) legal advice from Treasury solicitors, (c) junior counsel and (d) QCs in each of the last three years. [111400]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  £

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  In-house legal advice1

  214,236.88

  211,192.05

  221,300.56

  Legal advice from Treasury solicitors

  0

  0

  0

  Junior Council

  21,661.05

  20,173.87

  8,203.00

  QCs2

  0

  2,367.63

  6,310.00

  1 Estimated on basis that staff involved spend 50 per cent, of their time on work on appeals to the Social Security and Child Support Commissioners.

  2 Junior Council and QCs charges for 45 weeks only, up to week commencing 14 February 2000.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total amount of benefit in the most recent available year(a) in dispute before appeals to the National Insurance Commissioners by claimants, (b) in dispute before appeals to the National Insurance Commissioners by the DSS, (c) awarded as a consequence of successful appeal to the National Insurance Commissioners and (d) reduced, removed or not awarded as a consequence of a decision by National Insurance Commissioners. [111399]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) in respect of requests for written reasons preparatory to lodging an application for leave to appeal to the National Insurance Commissioners, what was(a) the average, (b) the median and (c) the longest time between (i) the request being received and the written reasons prepared and (ii) the reasons being prepared and communicated to the claimant in each of the last three years; [111402]

  (2) how many applications for leave to appeal to the National Insurance Commissioners were made to appeal tribunal chairmen; of these how many were (a) refused, (b) renewed by application to the commissioners and (c) granted leave in each of the last three years; [111404]

  (3) how many cases remitted to appeal tribunals after successful appeals to the National Insurance Commissioners were successful on rehearing; what was (a) the average, (b) the median and (c) the longest time between the date of decision of the Commissioners and the decision being communicated to the claimant in each of the last three years; [111403]

  (4) in relation to cases in which leave to appeal to the National Insurance Commissioners was granted; what was (a) the average, (b) the median and (c) the longest time between leave being granted and the bundle of documents being transmitted to the Commissioners by the appeal tribunal in each of the last three years. [111401]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  War Pensions
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which local authorities disregard war pensions but not war widows' pensions when assessing entitlement to housing benefit or council tax rebates. [111580]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  We do not routinely collect this sort of information on discretionary local schemes for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit as such schemes are funded from an authority's own resources.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the percentage of lone parents out of work for each year since 1992 for(a) Shrewsbury and Atcham and (b) Shropshire; and if he will make a statement. [111066]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.

  Lone parents on income support

  Shrewsbury and Atcham

  Shropshire

  Great Britain

  November 1992

  1—

  1—

  964,000

  November 1993

  1—

  1—

  1,010,000

  November 1994

  1—

  1—

  1,025,000

  November 1995

  1—

  2,500

  1,046,000

  November 1996

  1—

  2,600

  1,022,000

  November 1997

  1—

  2,400

  982,000

  November 1998

  900

  2,400

  938,000

  August 19992

  900

  2,400

  940,000

  1 Data not available

  2 August 1999 are the latest figures available

  Notes:

  1. Sample size 5 per cent., therefore subject to sampling error

  2. Lone parents are defined as single claimants with dependants who are not in receipt of the disability or pensioner premium

  3. Shropshire County changed boundaries between 1998 and 1999. The Wrekin has been removed from figures prior to 1999 as this became a new unitary authority in 1999.

  4. Figures for Shrewsbury and Atcham and Shropshire have been rounded to the nearest hundred; figures for GB are rounded to the nearest thousand.

  Source:

  Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiries, November 1992 to August 1999.

  To help lone parents who are out of work and in receipt of Income Support the New Deal for Lone Parents offers advice and support with jobsearch, training, childcare and benefits. Since October 1998 over 100,000 lone parents have joined NDLP and one in three of these have obtained jobs. In addition, initiatives such as the National Childcare Strategy, the Lone Parent's Benefit Run-On and the Working Families Tax Credit are for the first time making work a viable option for many lone parents.

  Average Incomes
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the average income per week per household for each year since 1992, for(a) Shrewsbury and Atcham and (b) Shropshire; and if he will make a statement. [111071]
  181W
  Angela Eagle
  The latest figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for household income by county are for 1995 and were published in Table 9 of Regional Accounts 1996: Part 2, Economic Trends No. 535, June 1998. Estimates for household income by region, up to 1997, were published in Regional Accounts 1997: Part 2, Economic Trends No.551, October 1999. Both of these publications are available in the House of Commons Library. No figures are available at constituency level.

  The published figures are normally presented in terms of total gross annual household income per head of population. These converted to weekly averages, give for Shropshire from 1992 to 1995 of £166, £173, £184 and £197. These figures on incomes of the household sector are defined on a national accounts basis, which includes persons living in private households and in institutions. These figures have not been adjusted for inflation.

  Pensions
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information he has collected on the number of people who are members of occupational pension schemes that include provision for early retirement on grounds of ill health; and if he will make a statement on the impact of the introduction of stakeholder pensions on that number. [111454]

  Mr. Rooker
  The vast majority of occupational pension scheme members are part of schemes that include provision for early retirement on grounds of ill-health. Only around 1 per cent. of occupational pension scheme members have no such provision. This means that around 10 million people are covered by arrangements for early retirement on grounds of ill-health. We do not expect the introduction of stakeholder pensions to affect that number.Source:
  The forthcoming Tenth Survey of Occupational Pension Schemes by the Government Actuary.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate, on the basis of his Department's Family Resources Survey, the number of male married pensioners under the age of 85 years who are receiving amounts of state retirement pension in excess of the rate of full basic state pension applicable to a pensioner of that age. [111239]

  Mr. Rooker
  In 1997–98 the number of male married pensioners aged under 85 in Great Britain receiving State Retirement Pension in excess of the full basic State pension was 2.27 million. This total includes 0.22 million pensioners between the ages of 80 and 85 who were in receipt of the 25p age addition.Notes:

  1. The numbers above have been extracted from the Family Resources Survey (FRS) 1997–98. The FRS is a survey of private households in Great Britain.

  2. In this year, the full basic State pension was £62.45 and £62.70 for pensioners aged 80 years and over (includes the 25p age addition).

  Independent Tribunal Service (Sutton)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many staff were working in the office of the Independent Tribunal Service at Sutton on 4 January; [110756]

  (2) how many faxes were received by the Independent Tribunal Service at Sutton, Surrey over the Christmas and New Year period; and on what dates each was processed; [I 10757]

  (3) if the Independent Tribunal Service at Sutton, Surrey (a) collected and (b) had delivered its incoming recorded delivery mail on 4 January. [110758]

  Angela Eagle
  Administration of the Appeals Service (formally the Independent Tribunal Service) is the responsibility of the Chief Executive, Neil Ward. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from N. D. Ward to Andrew Mackinlay, dated 9 March 2000:
  I am writing in reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the service at our Sutton office over the Christmas and New Year period.
  We are committed to improving the quality of service we provide to all who use or rely upon our Service. We deal with many thousands of appeals every year without incident, but I recognise that each appeal is of great importance to the individual who makes it. We strive, therefore, to provide the best service possible to every appellant in their given circumstances, whatever the period of the year. Over holiday periods we maintain sufficient—if inevitably lower—levels of staffing at all our offices.
  There were 39 staff working our Sutton office on 4 January 2000. The Sutton office is situated next door to the local Post Office and it is our practice to collect mail from them every working day morning. Staff did collect incoming recorded delivery main on 4 January 2000 and the letters were distributed to the appropriate staff during the course of that morning.
  I am unable to say how many faxes were received at the Sutton office over the Christmas and New Year period. There are three fax machines in the Sutton office and because of the volume of activity, a log of incoming faxes is not kept. Faxes received are regularly taken from the machines and distributed to the relevant processing teams. It is not possible to say when each of the faxes was processed.
  I hope that this reply is helpful. Please contact me should you require any further information.

  Research Contracts
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 1 February 2000,Official Report, column 552–53W, what conditions have been placed on the publication of research findings under the premise of clause 12.2 of his standard research contract; what was the subject of each such case; and what were the reasons for the conditions being imposed. [111702]

  Mr. Rooker
  No conditions have been placed on the publication of research findings under clause 12.2 of the standard Departmental research contract. All consent to publish has been given unconditionally.

  Benefits Agency (Somerset)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on recruitment and promotion of Benefits Agency staff in Somerset. [110831]
  183W
  Angela Eagle
  This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Jackie Ballard, dated 22 February 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about recruitment and promotion of Benefits Agency (BA) staff in Somerset.
  The number of staff recruited by the BA in Somerset over the last 3 years is:

  1997: 36 staff (this includes 8 existing BA staff who transferred to Somerset)

  1998: 80 staff (this includes 3 existing BA staff who transferred to Somerset)

  1999: 162 staff (this includes 27 existing BA staff who transferred to Somerset)

  The number of BA staff from Somerset that have been promoted over the same period is:

  1997: 1 member of staff

  1998: 14 staff

  1999: 12 staff (of which l is still unposted)

  The high numbers recruited in 1999 are partially the result of Somerset District being a pilot for the ONE Project, and cover staff employed in the District together with other BA Units which are based in the Country of Somerset.
  It is anticipated that there will be further promotion and recruitment exercises in Somerset later this year.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the impact which the projected Benefits Agency overspend will have on staff in Somerset. [110461]
  184W
  Angela Eagle
  This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Jackie Ballard, dated 22 February 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to respond to your recent Parliamentary question about the impact which the projected Benefits Agency (BA) overspend will have on staff in Somerset.
  A conscious decision was taken at the beginning of the 1999/2000 financial year to maintain staffing levels at the agreed level in order to ensure we were in a position to update as much work as possible before the millennium, to minimise any potential disruption to service.
  This decision was reflected in the allocation of resources to the field network, including Somerset District, and was agreed shortly after the start of the financial year. This strategy helped the Agency in service delivery and also to maintain and improve standards through the year.
  However, indicators were that unless some action was taken in the latter part of the year to reduce costs, the total expenditure for the Agency would exceed our annual budget allocations.
  Such measures, undertaken in all areas included:

  no overtime working [except in exceptional circumstances] minimal use of casual staff

  no recognition payments and the deferral of incentive payments to defer posting recruited staff until April 2000

  deferral of mandatory and non-mandatory training

  Somerset District, in line with other local districts, took these measures to ensure the Agency lived within it's budget while continuing to maintain service to the public.
  At the outset of the year a resource allocation was made to Somerset which allowed for an average 371.49 whole-time equivalent staff to be employed compared with the 1998/99 average of 347.13, an increase of over 24 staff for the year.
  Staffing on mainstream District business is currently still running above the 1999/2000 allocation of 371.49 and is expected to do so until the end of March when the anticipated position will be 385.27.
  I hope this is helpful.

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