Written Answers of 18 January 2000

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Aircraft Incidents (Heathrow)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the incidents involving objects falling from aircraft landing or taking off from Heathrow in the last five years. [104633]

  Mr. Mullin
  In the last five years, the Civil Aviation Authority has received 62 reports of objects landing in the London area, which are presumed to have fallen from aircraft using Heathrow airport. Forty of these reports involved ice, 21 involved aircraft parts or related objects such as tools and one involved the body of a stowaway.

  Airport Traffic
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list in order of the number of their air traffic movements for the last five years all airports where cover is provided other than by National Air Traffic Services, stating the numbers of passengers using those airports in(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98 and (ii) 1998–99. [104627]

  Mr. Mullin
  The following list details passenger traffic for 1996–98 (1999 not yet available), through the major UK airports which do not have air traffic control provided by National Air Traffic Services. The airports are listed in order of their air traffic movements over the last five years, which include both commercial and non-commercial movements.

  Air traffic and passenger data for UK airports which do not have air traffic control provided by National Air Traffic Services

  Passenger traffic (thousand)

  UK airports without NATS ATC provision1

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Bournemouth

  162

  265

  313

  Biggin Hill

  6

  7

  7

  Liverpool

  620

  682

  869

  Jersey

  1,645

  1,687

  1,694

  Gloucestershire

  2

  2

  2

  Newcastle

  2,433

  2,592

  2,920

  Shoreham

  3

  3

  2

  East Midlands

  1,822

  1,878

  2,136

  Prestwick

  522

  567

  558

  Cambridge

  29

  20

  17

  Teeside

  444

  557

  651

  Guernsey

  846

  871

  890

  Luton

  2,411

  3,221

  4,116

  Coventry

  3

  2

  3

  Bristol

  1,394

  1,586

  1,814

  Southend

  551

  618

  725

  Leeds/Bradford

  1,053

  1,247

  1,398

  Southampton

  551

  618

  725

  Norwich

  258

  264

  318

  Blackpool

  85

  83

  94

  Exeter

  205

  213

  241

  356W

  Air traffic and passenger data for UK airports which do not have air traffic control provided by National Air Traffic Services

  Passenger traffic (thousand)

  UK airports without NATS ATC provision1

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Belfast City

  1,361

  1,282

  1,314

  Dundee

  13

  16

  9

  Isle of Man

  605

  677

  701

  Humberside

  279

  332

  344

  Plymouth

  98

  103

  110

  Carlisle

  1

  1

  1

  Lydd

  —

  3

  2

  Inverness

  285

  379

  324

  Sumburgh

  401

  345

  287

  Kent International

  2

  3

  2

  Alderney

  84

  81

  77

  Isles of Scilly—St Mary's

  125

  128

  132

  Londonderry

  64

  56

  49

  Kirkwall

  92

  89

  83

  Stornaway

  94

  96

  96

  Penzance Heliport

  106

  109

  120

  Wick

  28

  25

  23

  Scatsta

  79

  102

  104

  Sheffield City

  —

  —

  47

  1 Listed in decreasing order of air traffic movements

  Notes:

  1. Air Traffic Movements include both commercial and non-commercial movements

  2. Passenger traffic figures are collated in calender years. The 1999 figures are not yet available.

  3. Sheffield City began reporting passenger figures in June 1997.

  National Air Traffic Services
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 21 December 1999,Official Report, column 539W, on National Air Traffic Services, when he expects to be able to offer a detailed list of all property (a) leased and (b) owned by NATS, with a valuation and a list of sites. [104668]

  Mr. Mullin
  A list of properties which are leased or owned by National Air Traffic Services (NATS) is being put together as part of the due diligence exercise for the NATS public-private partnership. A valuation will be produced for the key sites which are owned by NATS. This work is currently scheduled for completion in late Spring 2000.

  Underground Storage Tanks
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals are being considered to oblige owners of sub-standard underground storage tanks to replace them, line them or retrofit cathodic protection. [104635]

  Mr. Meacher
  Existing health and safety legislation requires all employers to assess the risks from their work activities. Where the result of the assessment indicates that storage tanks may be sub-standard, the employer should select the most suitable remedial measure to reduce the risk of a leak. Suitable measures for underground petrol storage tanks include replacement, taking the tank out of use, lining the tank, or fitting cathodic protection.
  357W
  Petroleum Licensing Officers may specifically require the above matters as part of a petrol licence if they consider this is appropriate.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to require underground storage tank owners to measure the risk of corrosion failure. [104637]

  Mr. Meacher
  Employers are required to assess the risks to people's heath and safety in the event of a leak from an underground storage tank, and the likelihood of a tank corroding is one of the factors that should be taken into account in the assessment.

  The Health and Safety Executive has issued guidance on the need to provide corrosion protection where appropriate and it is included in recently published industry guidance as one of the methods to manage the risk of a leak. Measuring the actual degree of corrosion is technically difficult and can be hazardous to the workers involved. For these reasons HSE would advocate leak protection and detection methods.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received on the reliability of tightness testing with regard to underground storage tanks. [104639]

  Mr. Meacher
  Tightness testing is one of a number of options available to employers to check the integrity of a new underground storage tank or to confirm a suspected leak in an existing tank. No recent representations have been received on the reliability of tightness testing.

  Petroleum Licensing
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received on the replacement of petroleum licensing by a safety regime for petrol stations. [104636]

  Mr. Meacher
  No recent representations have been received on replacement of petroleum licensing.

  The existing petrol licensing scheme, provided for under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928, is currently being reviewed by the Health and Safety Commission as part of a project to implement the EU Chemical Agents Directive. Particular consideration is being given to safety controls at petrol stations and the continuing need for a permissioning regime. Discussions to date have included the Petrol Retailers' Association, the United Kingdom Petroleum Industry Association, the Association of United Kingdom Oil Independents and the TUC. The Health and Safety Commission plans to consult on proposals for new legislation to implement the Directive in the autumn.

  Environment Agency
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what information was conveyed by the Minister for the Environment at the board meeting of the Environment 358W
  Agency, held on 15 December 1999; and what matters raised at the meeting have been acted upon by his Department. [104700]

  Mr. Meacher
  I attended part of the December Board meeting. I participated in discussions on the Chief Executive's update on key issues. A summary of the meeting, including my comments, is on the Agency's web site, www.environment-agency.gov.uk. There was no direct action for my Department resulting from my attendance.

  Biggin Hill
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out the powers of(a) his Department and (b) other statutory bodies in respect of applications to provide scheduled and charter aircraft services at Biggin Hill Airfield, Kent. [104851]

  Mr. Mullin
  Biggin Hill Airport Ltd. presented a development strategy for Biggin Hill airfield to Bromley Borough Council in November 1999. No planning application has been received by the Council.

  Depending on the circumstances and size of a proposed development, some or all of the following may be required in order to provide aircraft services: planning permission following the completion of an environmental impact assessment, the granting of a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) operators safety licence, and permission by the CAA to levy airport charges.

  In most cases planning permission for proposed developments would be decided by the relevant local planning authority. However, the Secretary of State has the reserve power to call in a planning application if issues of more than local importance are involved.

  French Hauliers
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the obligations of the French Government under EU law in relation to free trade within France and the action it has taken to fulfil these obligations in respect of the dispute by French hauliers. [105007]

  Mr. Hill
  Council Regulation (EC) 2679/98 requires member states to take all necessary and proportionate measures in order to facilitate the free movement of goods on their territories. Such measures must not, however, affect the exercise of fundamental rights, including the right or freedom to strike. The blockades, which were set up in France on 10 January, were removed on 12 January.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has made to the(a) French Government and (b) European Commission, regarding the dispute by French hauliers; and if he will make a statement. [105006]
  359W
  Mr. Hill
  My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Transport wrote to the French Transport Minister on Tuesday 11 January to express our concern that yet again British hauliers were being prevented from going about their lawful business by a domestic dispute in France. My right hon. and noble Friend also sought assurances that the French Government would ensure the safety and well being of any British lorry drivers caught up in the dispute, and would act quickly to restore the free movement of goods. The letter was copied to the European Commission.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimates the Government have received of the cost to British companies of the French hauliers' dispute; and if he will make a statement. [105012]

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the cost to British business of the latest road blockade in France. [105265]

  Mr. Hill
  Regrettably, a number of companies and individuals will have incurred financial loss and suffered delay and general inconvenience as a result of the dispute in France. The Government have received no estimates of these overall costs and have no means of assessing what they might be.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has discussed with the French Government the issue of compensation for British lorry drivers whose livelihoods are affected by the French hauliers' dispute. [105008]

  Mr. Hill
  It is a cause for concern that, yet again, British hauliers have suffered financially as a result of a domestic dispute in France. However, as the French Government gave notice of this dispute on Friday 7 January, any hauliers who subsequently chose to travel to France and were then blockaded there are unlikely to be eligible for compensation under the relevant French law. Similarly, vehicles that were delayed outside French territory would not be eligible for compensation under French legislation.

  Lorry Netting
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what recent representations he has received regarding the use of netting to secure scrap metal carried in open-top lorries; [105141]

  (2) what recent guidance he has issued to road haulage companies regarding the securing of scrap metal carried in lorries. [105142]

  Mr. Hill
  There have been no representations regarding the use of netting to secure scrap metal carried in open top lorries.
  360W
  Sections 1 and 2 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 require any load carried by a vehicle to be secured at all times and if necessary by physical restraints. To support this my Department issues a Code of Practice on the Safety of Loads on Goods Vehicles, which advises on the best practices for securing loads. This Code is widely used throughout the road haulage industry.

  Waste Disposal (London)
  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of waste from London boroughs in 1998 was disposed of outside the area of the former Greater London Council. [105326]

  Mr. Mullin
  It is for each individual Waste Disposal Authority in London to make its own arrangements for the disposal of municipal waste arising in its area. My Department does not seek or keep information on where that waste is disposed.

  Capital Receipts (Stoke)
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what resources have been made available to Stoke-on-Trent City Council under the housing capital receipts policy in each year since its inception, including amounts agreed for 2000–01. [105156]

  Mr. Mullin
  The allocations made to Stoke-on-Trent City Council under the Capital Receipts Initiative (CRI) were as follows:

  £

  1997–98

  907,000

  1998–99

  3,141,000

  1999–2000

  2,894,000

  There is no separate CRI allocation for 2000–01 as the resources for the CRI, and for support for private sector renovation grants, have been included within the main housing allocation. This has been done to provide authorities with more flexibility over the use of capital resources and to reduce the administrative burdens of operating the three separate funding streams.

  Stoke-on-Trent's main housing allocation for 2000–01 is £11.7 million, 49 per cent. more than its equivalent allocation (including CRI and private sector renovation) for 1999–2000 (£7.8 million).

  Ambleside Bypass
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans for the proposed Ambleside bypass. [105224]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government have no plans for an Ambleside bypass.

  Driving Agencies
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 13 January 2000,Official Report, column 213W, on driving agencies, when the Audit Commission report on the DVLA and the DSA will be published. [105644]

  Mr. Hill
  I now understand that the Public Services Productivity Panel intend to publish this report on 27 January.

  Conservation Funding
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans to provide enhanced funding for the management and conservation of areas of outstanding natural beauty. [105291]

  Mr. Mullin
  Funding for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) has already been increased this year by allocating an additional £2.5 million to the Countryside Agency to be spent on the management and conservation of designated AONBs. This is more than double the amount previously available. This increased funding will be carried through into the next year, to be supplemented by a further £1 million, bringing the countryside Agency's budget for AONBs in 2000–01 to £5.7 million.

  My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment expects to make an announcement soon on other measures to strengthen the protection and management of designated AONBs.

  Road Congestion
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the cost to the economy of road congestion in each of the last 10 years. [105696]

  Mr. Hill
  No complete and consistent set of estimates has, to my knowledge, been compiled. A number of estimates have been made of the value road users place on the extra journey times caused by congestion, for different years and using different methods. They agree that this runs to billions of pounds every year, and has been rising. These estimates do not, though, take into account the very considerable costs of providing congestion-free conditions. We will be examining the economic implications as part of the follow-up to our report, "Tackling Congestion and Pollution", published today.

  Housing
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the total amount of money that local authorities were allowed to spend on(a) housing repairs and (b) new build for each of the past 10 years. [105230]

  Mr. Mullin
  The size and composition of local authorities' housing capital programmes is for them to decide in the light of the resources available (from their own resources and in allocations from central Government)362W
  and their assessment of expenditure priorities. Registered social landlords (RSLs) are now the main providers of new social housing as they can, through the use of private finance, deliver higher levels of outputs. RSL new build is supported through the Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme (ADP) as well as by grants from local authorities. Details of central Government allocations to support English local authorities housing capital programmes, a substantial proportion of which goes on renovation of council housing, and the ADP over the past 10 years (in £ million) are as set out.

  Local authority housing capital1

  ADP2

  1991–92

  1,682

  1,732

  1992–93

  1,593

  2,369

  1993–94

  1,434

  1,843

  1994–95

  1,220

  1,530

  1995–96

  1,147

  1,183

  1996–97

  1,059

  1,068

  1997–98

  925

  702

  1998–99

  1,210

  621

  1999–2000

  1,252

  643

  2000–01

  1,891

  674

  1 Excludes allocations for area based regeneration work delivered through the Single Regeneration Budget and Estate Action and the allowance for expenditure assumed to be financed from receipts included in the allocations for individual authorities.

  2 Gross expenditure, including support for rough sleepers and City Challenge.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many local authority/private partnerships there are in the rented sector, other than housing association partnerships; and what assessment he has made of their effectiveness. [105226]

  Mr. Mullin
  Information is not available on how many local authority/private partnerships there are for the provision of housing services in the rented sector. However, eight local authorities in England are piloting arrangements with the private sector for the refurbishment and management of housing stock via the Private Finance Initiative. We will be monitoring the effectiveness of these arrangements as they progress.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the total number of houses in multiple occupation in use in each of the past 10 years. [105229]

  Mr. Mullin
  There are a number of different types of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The main information on the numbers of HMOs for England are the English House Condition Survey (which is carried out every five years, the last two surveys being conducted in 1991 and 1996) and the Census (1991). There are no reliable sources of information for the intervening years.

  The table provides best estimates for different types of HMOs. This shows a small decline in the number of HMOs from 1991 to 1996. For traditional and purpose built HMOs and converted flats, the building contains more than one accommodation unit and can therefore be fully or partially occupied. This is reflected in the difference between the number of accommodation units provided and the number of households in occupation for these categories of HMO.
  363W

  Buildings, units of accommodation and households in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in England (all tenures) by given type of HMO, 1991 and 1996

  Thousand

  1991

  1996

  Buildings

  Accommodation units

  Households

  Buildings

  Accommodation units

  Households

  Traditional HMOs (bedsits)

  75

  337

  313

  64

  251

  195

  Shared houses and flats

  220

  220

  220

  201

  201

  201

  Households with lodgers

  213

  213

  213

  203

  203

  203

  Purpose built HMOs

  2

  51

  50

  4

  49

  35

  Converted flats

  250

  1,028

  956

  232

  812

  754

  Total

  760

  1,849

  1,752

  704

  1,516

  1,388

  Notes:

  1. Figures exclude hostels, guest houses, boarding houses and bed and breakfast accommodation. Information for this type of HMO is available only from the 1991 Census which reported 45,000 buildings providing 274,000 units of accommodation under this category.

  2. There are slight variations between the statistics quoted above and the figures published in the 1996 English House Condition Survey report. This is because of minor modifications made to improve the EHCS database since publication. The modifications do not affect any of the patterns, findings or conclusions contained in the report.

  3. There is a margin of error involved in the estimates arising from the sample nature of the English House Condition Survey and from the complexities of classifying some types of HMO from information obtained through the Census.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the total number of council houses available for rent in each of the past 10 years. [105227]

  Mr. Mullin
  The number of local authority-owned properties which were tenanted, or available for letting, in England since 1990 is as follows:

  Year

  Dwellings (million)

  1990

  3.990

  1991

  3.859

  1992

  3.810

  1993

  3.729

  1994

  3.637

  1995

  3.534

  1996

  3.438

  1997

  3.369

  1998

  3.277

  1999

  3.142

  Source:

  DETR Annual Housing Investment Programme returns

  Bus Services
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the level of funding for rural bus subsidies in each of the last 10 years. [105698]

  Mr. Hill
  No funding was specifically provided for the subsidy of rural bus services during the period 1989–90 to 1997–98, apart from £4 million in 1989–90 and £1 million in 1990–91 of residual spending on the transitional rural bus grant scheme under the Transport Act 1985.

  New funding for the support of rural buses was introduced by this Government in 1998–99. In that year my Department paid a total of £25.7 million to English local authorities under the Rural Bus Subsidy Grant and Rural Bus Challenge schemes. I understand that allocations by the Welsh Office in 1998–99 to Welsh local authorities under the Bus Partnership Fund totalled £2.25 million.
  364W
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many bus passenger journeys there were in each of the last 10 years. [105697]

  Mr. Hill
  The figures up to 1998–99 are taken from table 2 of the Transport Statistics Bulletin, "A Bulletin of Public Transport Statistics: Great Britain 1999". Local bus passenger journeys made in Great Britain over the last decade are as summarised.

  Local bus services: passenger journeys

  Millions

  1989–90

  5,068

  1990–91

  4,844

  1991–92

  4,660

  1992–93

  4,475

  1993–94

  4,380

  1994–95

  4,415

  1995–96

  4,378

  1996–97

  4,345

  1997–98

  4,325

  1998–99

  4,243

  Protection of Conservation Areas
  Mr. Singh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he intends to take to ensure sites submitted to the European Commission as candidate special areas of conservation under the Habitats Directive are given appropriate protection during delays in the adoption of such sites. [105976]

  Mr. Meacher
  I intend to bring forward Regulations which will extend the provisions of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 to candidate Special Areas of Conservation in England as soon as practicable. I am proposing to give these sites the same level of protection as would be available on sites which become Sites of Community Interest or is already available to sites classified as Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive. This enhanced protection will ensure that the integrity of sites we have proposed as
  365W
  candidate Special Areas of Conservation is not adversely affected by, for example, damaging operations prior to their adoption by Europe.

  Policy for such matters falls within the responsibilities of the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  Road Traffic Reduction
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the Government's first report under the Road Traffic Reduction (National Targets) Act 1998. [106040]

  Mr. Hill
  We have today laid before the House "Tackling Congestion and Pollution", our first report under this Act.

  We agree with the Commission for Integrated Transport that we should not set a national road traffic reduction target. The national volume of road traffic is not a good measure of our success in improving the outcomes that matter, particularly congestion and pollution. Targets for air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, health and road safety are already in place or are shortly to be published. The report invites views on our proposal to develop new benchmarks and targets for congestion for different area or road types.

  With widespread support from local authorities, businesses and the general public for the policies in the Integrated Transport White Paper and Transport Bill, we can also tackle congestion. The report shows that it should be possible to reduce congestion over the next decade, even when national traffic levels are rising.

  The report shows that we can expect to see a reduction of more than half in the effect of traffic pollution on air quality over the next decade, mainly through better designed cars and fuels. We can also reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from road transport, though only to slightly below 1990 levels.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Cawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the police authorities of England and Wales in order of their Band D council tax precept. [105181]

  Ms Bevcrley Hughes
  The information requested on Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  The information requested for England is shown in the following table.

  Band D council tax precepts issued by English police authorities in 1999–2000

  Police authority

  £

  Metropolitan

  83

  Lincolnshire

  82

  Staffordshire

  79

  Cumbria

  78

  Merseyside

  77

  Dorset

  77

  Northamptonshire

  76

  Surrey

  75

  Warwickshire

  71

  Wiltshire

  69

  366W

  Band D council tax precepts issued by English police authorities in 1999–2000

  Police authority

  £

  Gloucestershire

  69

  Derbyshire

  66

  Essex

  65

  Norfolk

  64

  Leicestershire

  64

  Hertfordshire

  64

  Cleveland

  63

  Nottinghamshire

  62

  Bedfordshire

  61

  Avon and Somerset

  61

  Greater Manchester

  60

  West Mercia

  59

  Lancashire

  58

  South Yorkshire

  57

  Thames Valley

  57

  Cheshire

  56

  Suffolk

  56

  Humberside

  55

  West Yorkshire

  55

  Hampshire

  54

  Devon and Cornwall

  54

  Sussex

  53

  Kent

  52

  North Yorkshire

  52

  Cambridgeshire

  52

  West Midlands

  51

  Durham

  50

  Northumbria

  50

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Millennium Celebrations (Drug and Drink Offences)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests were made in central London during the millennium celebrations for suspected offences involving(a) alcohol, (b) heroin and (c) cannabis. [104916]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that during the central London millennium celebrations the numbers of arrests for suspected offences were:(a) alcohol, 43; (b) heroin, nil; and, (c) cannabis, five.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to reply to the letters dated 21 September, 25 October and 9 December 1999 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Aftab Ahmed Butt. [105559]

  Mrs. Roche
  I am sorry my right hon. Friend has not received a reply to his letters. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has written to my right hon. Friend today.

  Mike Tyson
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he made of the extent of potential financial hardship to British businesses and individuals of Mr. Mike Tyson not being granted entry to the United Kingdom; and what influence this had on his decision in this case. [105719]
  367W
  Mr. Straw
  In reaching my decision about Mr. Tyson's application for entry to take part in a sporting contest in Manchester on 29 January I had regard not merely to the financial loss which might ensue for a number of companies and individuals should Mr. Tyson be refused entry, but also to the potentially ruinous consequences of such losses to smaller concerns in particular, all of whom had acted in good faith in the expectation that the contest would take place. Together with the general effect on business in the Manchester area and the inconvenience and disappointment of the many thousands who had bought tickets for the promotion this was a significant consideration in reaching my decision.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received, and from whom, about the case of Mr. Mike Tyson. [105716]

  Mr. Straw
  Following a letter from the United Kingdom Immigration Service dated 11 January, Mr. Frank Warren, promoter of the sporting event, made representations about the entry of Mr. Tyson. These representations enclosed others from various companies and individuals with a direct or indirect interest in the promotion. In addition, representations and comments from a number of sources have been received at the Home Office. These are being registered and will receive a reply in due course.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the grounds which influenced his decision in the case of Mr. Mike Tyson. [105713]

  Mr. Straw
  In the special circumstances of Mr. Tyson's case I considered that it would have been invidious for an individual immigration officer to have to weigh the competing considerations involved. I therefore decided, having carefully examined the representations submitted by Mr. Frank Warren, promoter of the sporting event, to issue an instruction to the Immigration Service that Mr. Tyson should be granted leave to enter until 30 January 2000 for the purpose of taking part in the scheduled contest.

  I considered that there were exceptional circumstances which justified my decision. In particular I was mindful of the evidence of the likely effects on the small providers of ancillary services, some of which might have faced bankruptcy, had the promotion been cancelled as a consequence of Mr. Tyson being refused entry. I also had regard to the effect of cancellation on business in the Manchester area and to the great inconvenience and disappointment which many thousands of boxing fans who had purchased tickets would experience.

  I weighed these factors against the nature and seriousness of Mr. Tyson's convictions, and I decided on balance that the exceptional circumstances of this case were such that Mr. Tyson should be granted leave to enter for the purpose of the match. This decision was entirely consistent with the Immigration Rules.

  In reaching my decision I also took into account the fact that in practice the Immigration Rule relating to refusal of entry on the ground of criminal convictions had not been applied consistently in the past. This Rule and the way in which it is applied will now be reviewed.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he gave to the Immigration Service about the case of Mr. Mike Tyson. [105717]
  368W
  Mr. Straw
  Generally the decision as to whether a person is or is not given leave to enter the United Kingdom is one for the immigration officer to take, considering any relevant representations and advice. The Secretary of State for the Home Department has the power under paragraph 1(3) of Schedule 2 to give instructions to immigration officers. Once the content and sweep of the representations about Mr. Tyson's entry were known I decided that it would be invidious for the decision to be made by an individual immigration officer and that it was appropriate to give instructions on this particular case given its high profile and complexity. After careful consideration I instructed the Immigration Service to admit Mr. Tyson for the purpose of taking part in the sporting contest at Manchester on 29 January.

  Sinn Fein
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to ensure that Sinn Fein complies with rules relating to the funding of political parties from overseas sources; and if he will make a statement. [105360]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  In its report on the Funding of Political Parties, the Neill Committee recommended some adjustment for Northern Ireland parties, on a temporary basis, from the provisions on party funding which it recommended should be put in place. The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill, which is designed to implement the Neill Committee's report, would accordingly allow my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to make such provision by Order. Consideration is being given to precisely what form the adjustment would take.

  Firearms
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many firearms certificates were revoked in each of the last five years and in the current year in each police force area; and of these how many were revoked on the grounds of no good reason to possess the firearms in question. [105818]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Firearms licensing statistics for England and Wales are published annually in Home Office statistical bulletins, copies of which are placed in the Library of the House. The most recent bulletin (Issue 22–99) relates to the year 1998 and was published on 26 November 1999.

  Although the statistics give details of the number of revocations in each force, no information is collected centrally about the grounds for this action.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on the requirement for a national database under Section 39 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997; and who is responsible for the implementation of that Section of the Act. [105817]
  369W
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 does not specify the person or organisation which is to provide the central register referred to in section 39. It is being developed as part of the PHOENIX database of the Police National Computer, which is maintained by the Police Information Technology Organisation. As a next step a detailed impact assessment is to be carried out of the work which needs to be done to link the Police National Computer to existing firearms systems in forces. This is expected to be completed in April.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for each police force in England and Wales, if he will list the systems used to hold the register of privately held firearms and persons holding firearms certificates, naming each electronic system concerned; and if he will place a copy of the functional specification and user guide of each such electronic system in the Library. [105824]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I understand that most forces use or have purchased either the ORBIS system or the SHOGUN system, as set out:

  Forces using ORBIS

  Bedfordshire

  Cambridgeshire

  Cheshire

  Cleveland

  Dyfed-Powys

  Essex

  Gwent

  Hampshire

  Kent

  Lincolnshire

  Metropolitan

  North Wales

  Northamptonshire

  Northumbria

  Nottinghamshire

  South Wales

  South Yorkshire

  Staffordshire

  Suffolk

  Surrey

  Sussex

  Thames Valley

  Warwickshire

  West Midlands

  Forces using SHOGUN

  Avon and Somerset

  Derbyshire

  Devon and Cornwall

  Durham

  Gloucestershire

  Greater Manchester

  Hertfordshire

  Lancashire

  Leicestershire

  Merseyside

  North Yorkshire

  West Yorkshire

  Wiltshire

  370W
  Forces using other systems

  City of London

  Cumbria

  Dorset

  Humberside

  Norfolk

  West Mercia.

  The functional specifications and user guides are not held centrally.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons held(a) certificates relating to the holding of (i) firearms, (ii) shotguns and (iii) explosives and (b) dealer certificates at the latest date for which figures are available. [105821]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The most recent year for which firearm certificate statistics for England and Wales are available is 1998. At the end of that year, 131,900 firearm certificates and 627,000 shotgun certificates were on issue, and 2,180 persons were registered as firearms dealers.

  The most recent figures for explosive certificates for England and Wales relate to 1997. At the end of that year, a total of 6,794 certificates relating to the acquisition and keeping of explosives, and a further 2,432 relating to their acquisition only, were in force.

  Local Crime Partnerships
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of local crime partnerships in England and Wales. [105705]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The crime and disorder reduction partnerships brought into being by the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act published their strategies on 1 April 1999 and are currently implementing them. We recently published a national crime reduction strategy which includes measures to support partnerships and develop their effectiveness so that they can fulfil their potential.

  Closed Circuit Television
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent from public funds on CCTV in each of the past 10 years; and what plans he has for spending on CCTV in each of the next three years. [105707]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Under the Crime Reduction Programme Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Initiative, the Government are investing £153 million over three years on public area CCTV systems in England and Wales. We have already allocated nearly £40 million for 218 schemes and anticipate that expenditure under the first round could reach £64 million. The balance of the available £153 million will be allocated in years two and three of the Initiative.
  371W
  From 1994 to 1999, a total of £38.5 million was spent under the Home Office CCTV Challenge Competition, as follows:

  Year

  £ million

  Round 1

  1994–95

  5

  Round 2

  1996–97

  17

  Round 3

  1997–98

  15

  Round 4

  1998–99

  1.5

  Crime prevention measures funded under the earlier Safe Cities Programme and the Single Regeneration Budget may have included elements of CCTV, but these are not separately identifiable.

  Victim Support
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the funding for Victim Support in each of the last 10 years; and what plans he has for its funding in each of the next three years. [105709]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Home Office grant to Victim Support for the last ten years is as follows:

  £ million

  Financial year

  Grant

  1990–91

  4.7

  1991–92

  5.7

  1992–93

  7.3

  1993–94

  8.4

  1994–95

  10.0

  1995–96

  10.8

  1996–97

  11.7

  1997–98

  12.7

  1998–99

  12.7

  1999–2000

  17.3

  Following the last Comprehensive Spending Review grant for 2000–01 was set at £18.3 million and for 2001–02 at £19.0 million. Grant for 2001–02 and beyond is currently being reviewed in the current spending review.

  Electronic Tagging
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many criminals have been electronically tagged in each year since the introduction of tagging; and if he will make a statement. [105710]

  Mr. Boateng
  In 1999, a total of 18,049 persons were subject to electronic monitoring. The great majority of these (15,320) were prisoners released on Home Detention Curfew under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

  Information is not available in the form requested in earlier years. The available information for the period from July 1995, when trials of curfew orders under the Criminal Justice Act 1991 began, to the end of 1998 is set out in the table.
  372W

  Description/period

  Number monitored

  Curfew order under the Criminal Justice Act 1991

  July 1995-June 1996

  83

  July 1996-June 1997

  375

  July 1997-December 1998

  1—

  Curfew order under the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997

  1998

  232

  Bail cases

  1998

  72

  1 Not available

  Violent Crime
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many violent crimes were reported and how many convictions there were for violent crime in each of the past 10 years. [105701]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The figures available cover the ten years to 1998 and relate to violent notifiable offences recorded by the police, and to persons convicted of violent indictable offences, and are as follows:

  England and Wales

  Notifiable violent offences recorded by the police1

  Persons convicted of violent offences2

  1989

  239,858

  67,475

  1990

  249,904

  63,909

  1991

  265,085

  57,517

  1992

  284,199

  53,601

  1993

  294,231

  48,298

  1994

  310,332

  47,009

  1995

  310,936

  38,977

  1996

  344,768

  40,345

  1997

  347,064

  44,674

  1998

  3331,843

  47,159

  1 Violent crime comprises the offence groups of violence against the person, sexual offences and robbery. Figures for persons convicted are not directly comparable with recorded crime figures, as they relate to individuals found guilty, rather than offences.

  2 Covers offences within the indictable offence groups of violence against the person, sexual offences and robbery.

  3 Estimate of the total for the year ending March 1999 using the coverage and the counting rules used up to March 1998. New counting rules were introduced on 1 April 1998.

  Source:

  Home Office Court Proceedings Database

  Burglary
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent from public funds on measures to combat burglary in each of the last 10 years; and what plans he has for such spending in each of the next three years. [105706]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Details of individual police force expenditure in England and Wales on measures to combat burglary are not held centrally. However, burglary is one of the key strategic objectives of most of the local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships. Centrally, of the £250 million budget for the Crime Reduction Programme, which runs from 1999–2000 to 2001–02, £62 million has been allocated to the Reducing Burglary Initiative. This Initiative supports projects undertaken by the Partnerships
  373W
  which apply a range of anti-burglary measures. These projects are to be evaluated to identify what works and where, most cost-effectively.

  So far, £4 million has been committed under the Initiative on the first 63 projects now under way. The balance will be allocated over the remaining two years of the Initiative with up to 200 round two projects beginning in March.

  Police Manpower
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is his policy to encourage police authorities to increase the civilian staff of police forces in order to release more police officers for operational duties; and if he will make a statement. [105422]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Staffing levels in a police force, whether police officers or civilians, are a matter for the police authority and chief officer to determine. It is my policy to encourage authorities and chief officers to make efficient and effective use of staff resources.

  Police authorities have been required to plan and deliver efficiency gains of 2 per cent. year on year between 1999–2002. Efficiency gains totalling £440 million will be redeployed to support front-line policing. Civilianisation of non-operational posts can play a key role in releasing resources for operational work.

  General Pinochet
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date he took the decision to ask for a medical report on General Pinochet. [105712]

  Mr. Straw
  I took the decision on 4 November 1999.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will supply the Spanish judicial authorities with a copy of the medical report carried out on General Pinochet. [105718]

  Mr. Straw
  Senator Pinochet consented to the medical examination on the express basis that none of its contents were disclosed to anyone other than his legal representatives, to me and my advisers, and to the Law Officers and Director of Public Prosecutions. Senator Pinochet has been asked to agree to Spain and the other countries with an outstanding extradition request being provided with a copy of the medical report. He has declined to do so.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received requesting him to make public the medical report on General Pinochet; and if he will make a statement. [105711]

  Mr. Straw
  I have received a number of representations asking me to make public the medical report on Senator Pinochet. I will make a full statement on the case when it is finally concluded.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date the Chilean authorities requested a medical report on General Pinochet; to whom the request was made; and if he will make a statement. [105714]
  374W
  Mr. Straw
  On 14 October 1999, representations were submitted by the Chilean Embassy to me, through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, attaching recent medical reports on Senator Pinochet. They suggested that there had been a recent and significant deterioration in his medical condition.

  I have a clear legal duty to operate the Extradition Act 1989 properly. In the light of the information from the Chilean Embassy, that duty included informing myself of the true facts about Senator Pinochet's health. I therefore asked him to undergo a thorough and extensive medical examination, to be undertaken by an independent team of clinicians.

SCOTLAND

  Employment Statistics
  Mrs. Ann Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what figures he can require from local authorities about the composition of their work forces in terms of(a) standard age groups, (b) ethnic origins and (c) gender. [104013]

  Dr. Reid
  I do not collect figures from local authorities on the detailed composition of their work forces. In some cases, other UK Ministers may seek information direct from Scottish local authorities in areas reserved to the UK Parliament, although this information is unlikely to cover detailed composition of their work forces either. Any collection of information about local authorities' work in areas of devolved competence would be a matter for the Scottish Executive. It is, of course, for local authorities themselves, as independent corporate bodies, to ensure that they comply with employment law, including equal opportunity requirements.

  Firearms Certificates
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons held(a) certificates relating to the holding of (i) firearms, (ii) shotguns and (iii) explosives and (b) dealer certificates at the latest date for which information is available. [105820]

  Dr. Reid
  The latest dates for which information is available regarding certificates relating to firearms, shotguns and dealers is the end of December 1998 and relating to explosives the end of December 1997.

  At 31 December 1998, 31,072 persons held firearms certificates and 63,100 held shotgun certificates.

  At 31 December 1997, 499 persons held certificates relating to the acquisition and keeping of explosives, and 64 held certificates relating to the acquisition of explosives only.

  At 31 December 1998, 295 persons held dealer certificates.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland for each police force in Scotland, if he will list
  375W
  the system used to hold the register of privately held firearms and persons holding firearms certificates, naming each electronic system concerned; and if he will place the functional specification and user guide of each such system in the Library. [105823]

  Dr. Reid
  This information is not held centrally.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Departmental Assets
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much of his Department's assets have been disposed of during each of the last five years; what valuation the Government puts upon his Department's assets; and if he will list his Department's assets, broken down by(a) the Department of Trade and Industry (Core Department) (b) agencies, (c) trading funds, (d) non-departmental public bodies, (e) research councils, (f) public corporations, (g) the Office of Fair Trading, (h) the Office of Telecommunications, (i) the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets and (j) the Export Credit Guarantee Department. [103603]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 21 December 1999]: (a) During the 1998–99 financial year tangible fixed assets comprising land and buildings to the value of £8,475,000 were disposed of. Information for the preceding four financial years is not available in the form requested.

  The value of assets held by the Department of Trade and Industry (core department) as at 31 March 1999 is set out in the following tables:

  £000

  Fixed Assets—Tangibles

  Land and Buildings

  21,568

  Office Machinery

  235

  Computer Equipment

  3,079

  Scientific Equipment

  14,775

  Telecommunication Equipment

  70

  Furniture, Fixtures and Fittings

  3,127

  Plant and Machinery

  343

  Total

  43,197

  Fixed Assets—Investments

  British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme Investment Reserve

  1,059,000

  Mineworkers Pension Scheme Investment Reserve

  713,000

  Ordinary Shares

  32,668

  Public Dividend Capital

  72,214

  Launch Investment

  1,206,700

  Loans to Trading Funds

  6,237

  Loans to Industry

  5,160

  Total

  3,094,979

  (i) Ofgas: As at 31 March 1999 (fixed asset, operating lease)

  Land and buildings

  Office equipment

  Computer equipment

  Laboratory

  Fixture and fittings

  Motor vehicle

  London consolidation

  Total

  Cost b/f

  1,790,109

  367,818

  329,284

  454,962

  395,560

  —

  —

  3,337,733

  1999 Additions

  43,957

  —

  518

  —

  48,496

  13,865

  1,823,472

  1,930,308

  Disposals

  -140,000

  -2,826

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  -142,826

  Revaluation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Indexation

  183,407

  11,680

  0

  0

  48,869

  458

  —

  244,414

  Cost c/f

  1,877,473

  376,672

  329,802

  454,962

  492,925

  14,323

  1,823,472

  5,369,629

  376W

  £000

  Current Assets

  Debtors

  338,658

  Short-term Investments

  1,663,000

  Cash at Bank and in hand

  410,831

  Total

  1,663,000

  (b)-(f) The net book value of assets held by ACAS on 31 March 1999 was £1,975,000, consisting of computer and office equipment, furniture, fixtures and fittings. Information on the assets of the Department's agencies, including its trading funds, of its larger executive NDPBs (those employing 25 staff or more, which are the Research Councils, the Gas Consumer Council, the National Consumer Council, the Design Council, the Coal Authority, the UKAEA, and the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (replaced by the Competition Commission on 1 April 1999)), and of the Post Office, BNFL and British Shipbuilders, can be found in their annual reports and accounts for 1998–99. These are available in the Library of the House.
  (g) As at 31 March 1999 the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) considered the net book value of its assets to be £4.7 million. This was made up of IT hardware and software (£2.3 million), furniture and fittings (£0.1 million) and assets under construction (£2.3 million). All of the OFT's IT hardware assets have either been replaced or upgraded over the last five years. All redundant hardware was disposed of at nil value, having been depreciated out. There has been no significant disposal of furniture over the period. The OFT had no holdings of land or buildings over the period.
  (h) Within the last year, Oftel modernised its run-down accommodation and office equipment. Most furniture and IT has been replaced or upgraded. Over the last four years, receipts for asset disposals were as follows:

  Year

  £

  1995–96

  2,316

  1996–97

  1,853

  1997–98

  150

  1998–99

  1,370

  Note:

  Only figures for the last four years are available

  The draft resource accounts (unaudited) for 1998–99 show Oftel's net book value of assets as £979,000 including computer, other office and telephone equipment. Oftel's assets are recorded in the National Asset Register published by HM Treasury in November 1997.

  (i) Offer: as at 31 March 1999 (extract from 1998–99 resource account)

  £000

  Gross replacement cost@31 March 1999

  Net book value@31 March 1999

  Computer Pool

  334

  201

  Computers

  431

  260

  Furniture, Office Equipment Pool

  233

  127

  Furniture and Office Equipment

  200

  157

  Official Vehicles

  98

  83

  Total

  1,296

  828

  377W

  (i) Ofgas: As at 31 March 1999 (fixed asset, operating lease)

  Land and buildings

  Office equipment

  Computer equipment

  Laboratory

  Fixture and fittings

  Motor vehicle

  London consolidation

  Total

  Depreciation b/f

  66,169

  176,474

  238,443

  284,183

  290,586

  0

  0

  1,055,855

  Charge for the year

  73,383

  73,564

  65,960

  90,992

  88,811

  2,773

  911,736

  1,307,199

  Disposals

  -5,600

  -565

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  -6,165

  Revaluation

  7,336

  2,336

  0

  0

  9,774

  92

  0

  19,538

  Depreciation c/f

  141,268

  251,808

  304,403

  375,175

  389,171

  2,865

  911,736

  2,376,426

  NBV-1/4/99

  1,736,205

  124,863

  25,399

  79,786

  103,754

  11,459

  911,736

  2,993,202

  NBV-1/4/98

  1,723,940

  191,344

  90,841

  170,779

  104,974

  0

  0

  2,281,878

  (j) ECGD has made no material disposal of property over the period. However, the nature of its operation means that it has disposed of the following assets over the period:

  (a) Debt Sales: Since 1992 the Paris Club has been encouraging creditors to sell or convert a portion of their rescheduled debt. By the end of 1995–96 ECGD had successfully converted approximately £70 million of debts owed to it by Egypt, Mozambique, Nigeria and Tanzania and in 1996–97 seven sales involving Nigerian and Tanzanian debt, to the value of £20 million, were concluded. No sales were made in 1997–98 and 1998–99. (Source: Annual Report and Trading Accounts 1995–96 to 1998–99)

  b) Forgiveness of Unrecovered Claims: Forgiveness of unrecovered claims for the last five financial years is as follows:

  Year

  £ million

  1994–95

  450.2

  1995–96

  14.6

  1996–97

  118.9

  1997–98

  115.6

  1998–99

  11.3

  Source:

  1998–99 Annual Report and Trading Accounts—Treatment of Forgiveness of Sovereign Debt

  Plutonium Holdings
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the United Kingdom's civil plutonium holdings, indicating details of imports and exports. [104699]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Figures for the United Kingdom's civil plutonium holdings are published by my Department each year and are placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The most recent were published on 21 June 1999 covering holdings at 31 December 1998.

  The publication of these figures is in the format agreed by an informal group of nine countries, as part of the international guidelines on the management of national holdings of civil plutonium. This is a format which facilitates international comparisons on a consistent basis.

  Information relating to exports and imports of plutonium is no longer published, but the figures for separated plutonium show both the holdings in the United Kingdom belonging to foreign bodies and the quantity of plutonium belonging to the United Kingdom which is held in locations in other countries as of 31 December each year.

  Military Exports
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in respect of each of the countries listed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his 378W
  Gilbert Murray Memorial Lecture on 11 January, he will list the (a) number and (b) aggregate value of (i) ECGD and (ii) other Government-supported credits approved by his Department in respect of exporting British military equipment to each of those countries in each year from 1987 to 1997. [105065]

  Mr. Caborn
  Of the countries listed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, ECGD support for defence-related business has been given only in respect of Kenya.

  The number and value of guarantees in support of this business with Kenya are as follows:

  1987–88: 1 guarantee valued at £20 million

  1988–89: 2 guarantees valued at £43 million.

  There are no other Government-supported credits in respect of exports of UK defence-related exports to these countries.

  Chrysotile Asbestos
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration has been given in the WTO to extending the market access of Canadian chrysotile asbestos; and what is the United Kingdom's policy on this issue. [104661]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: Canada has brought dispute settlement action in the WTO to challenge the French ban on imports and use of chrysotile asbestos. A final report by the WTO Dispute Settlement Panel is expected in May. Since the French ban was introduced, the UK and the EU have conducted further scientific analysis and have also taken action to ban the import of chrysotile asbestos on health grounds. The UK action came into affect on 24 November 1999. The EU requires all member states to have similar action by 1 January 2005. A number of specialised safety-critical uses are temporarily permitted until safe substitutes have been developed.

  Company Assistance
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what support his Department makes available to manufacturing companies based in non-assisted areas in(a) Chorley and (b) the North West. [105275]

  Mr. Caborn
  Support for manufacturers is listed at Annex A of the DTI report, "Manufacturing in the Knowledge Driven Economy". This report provides contact details for further information and can be found on the DTI website www.dti.gov.uk/comp/competitive.
  379W
  In recent months my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has also announced a number of new initiatives which will assist in the creation and development of manufacturing companies: Regional Capital Venture Funds; a Phoenix Fund, the UK High Technology Fund and the Innovative High Growth Start Up Initiative which will be open to companies across the whole of the North West, including Chorley.

  In addition, in the New Year my right hon. Friend announced the new Enterprise Grant scheme. This is part of the Government's response to the financing problems of SMEs. It is proposed that this will cover 64 per cent. of the population in the North West.

  UK exports of goods and services—balance of payments basis

  £ million

  1990

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  19991

  Goods

  Austria

  694

  1,126

  1,267

  1,157

  1,185

  945

  Belgium-Lux

  5,557

  8,312

  8,538

  8,444

  8,423

  7,377

  Denmark

  1,390

  2,113

  2,216

  2,089

  2,050

  1,688

  Finland

  1,034

  1,718

  1,818

  1,569

  1,435

  1,111

  France

  10,762

  15,290

  17,132

  16,581

  16,466

  13,774

  Germany

  13,007

  20,274

  20,761

  20,650

  20,611

  16,654

  Greece

  672

  1,047

  1,141

  1,046

  1,051

  911

  Ireland

  5,224

  7,806

  8,683

  9,347

  9,610

  8,674

  Italy

  5,525

  7,895

  8,043

  8,200

  8,615

  6,348

  Netherlands

  7,393

  12,362

  13,516

  13,901

  13,004

  11,190

  Portugal

  1,016

  1,471

  1,683

  1,750

  1.717

  1,397

  Spain

  3,780

  6,110

  6,738

  6,730

  7,171

  6,242

  Sweden

  2,669

  4,160

  4,429

  4,444

  4,401

  3,314

  EU

  58,723

  89,684

  95,965

  95,908

  95,739

  79,625

  Canada

  1,919

  1,804

  1,970

  2,147

  2,178

  2,132

  Mexico

  263

  277

  317

  428

  544

  487

  USA

  13,042

  17,901

  19,761

  20,901

  21,702

  20,032

  NAFTA

  15,224

  19,982

  22,048

  23,476

  24,424

  22,651

  1 January to October

  Note:

  EU totals include exports to EU institutions.

  Sources:

  United Kingdom Balance of Payments, Pink Book, 1999, ONS. Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics, ONS

  UK exports of goods and services—balance of payments basis

  £ million

  1990

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Services

  Austria

  181

  341

  360

  308

  322

  Belgium-Lux

  801

  1,440

  1,415

  1,577

  1,722

  Denmark

  311

  504

  860

  866

  946

  Finland

  186

  297

  466

  389

  409

  France

  1,908

  2,656

  2,776

  2,852

  3,312

  Germany

  2,544

  4,007

  3,958

  4,384

  4,228

  Greece

  329

  491

  473

  552

  613

  Ireland

  853

  1,926

  2,168

  2,255

  2,412

  Italy

  1,096

  1,468

  1,581

  1,687

  1,835

  Netherlands

  1,067

  1,775

  2,017

  2,299

  2,535

  Portugal

  158

  305

  315

  262

  321

  Spain

  731

  1,087

  1,244

  1,179

  1,422

  Sweden

  561

  817

  907

  948

  1,078

  EU

  10,831

  17,487

  18,685

  19,790

  21,380

  Canada

  696

  975

  940

  1,180

  1,377

  Mexico

  102

  143

  104

  145

  148

  USA

  6,873

  10,774

  12,247

  13,866

  14,106

  NAFTA

  7,671

  11,892

  13,291

  15,191

  15,631

  Note:

  EU totals include exports to EU institutions.

  Sources:

  United Kingdom Balance of Payments, Pink Book, 1999, ONS.

  Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics, ONS.

  British Exports
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list for the years(a) 1980, (b) 1985, (c) 1990, (d) 1995, (e) 1996, (f) 1997, (g) 1998 and (h) 1999 the value of British exports of (i) goods and (ii) traded services to (1) the other 14 present members of the EU and (2) the three members of NAFTA. [105336]

  Mr. Caborn
  The available information is given in the following table. Consistent figures for 1980 and 1985 are not available. Details for exports of services by partner country are only available annually.

  EU Regional Funds
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action his Department is taking to ensure that assisted area status grants for the Sussex Coastal Strip are paid promptly by the European Commission. [105216]

  Mr. Caborn
  Payments of Regional Selective Assistance in the Assisted Areas in England are made by the UK Government.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received regarding the late payment of assisted area status grants to the Sussex Coastal Strip by the European Commission. [105215]

  Mr. Caborn
  None.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with the European Commission regarding grants awarded for assisted area status for the Sussex Coastal Strip between Shoreham and Newhaven. [105214]
  381W
  Mr. Caborn
  Discussions with the Commission on the proposals for new Assisted Areas, including the Sussex Coastal Strip between Shoreham and Newhaven, are continuing. We will announce the new map as soon as possible.

  Anglo-French Trade Issues
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he next plans to meet the Prime Minister of France to discuss trade issues. [104206]

  Mr. Caborn
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry would not normally meet the French Prime Minister to discuss trade issues and consequently has no plans to meet him in the future. My right hon. Friend met his opposite number, the French Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industry, at the Anglo-French Summit in London in November 1999 and Trade issues were discussed at this meeting. In addition, I met the French Minister for Trade in October 1999 and we are in touch regarding bilateral meetings as and when the need arises.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  World Cup
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the economic benefits which will accrue to each nation of the UK as a result of the England World Cup 2006 bid being successful; what account was taken of such an assessment in granting Government assistance to the England World Cup 2006 bid; and if he will make a statement. [103752]

  Kate Hoey
  As the bid for the 2006 World Cup has been made by the English Football Association, and as all matches will be played in England if the bid is successful, no separate assessments of the economic benefits of holding the tournament in the Home Nations have been carried out. However, studies of the effects of major sports events held in the UK in the past strongly suggest that a successful bid will bring benefits to all parts of the UK. Sport England took account of these studies, together with analyses of the economic effects of previous World Cup tournaments, in considering its grant to the FA in support of the bid.

  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the cost of Government expenditure and support since 1997, other than in grants and loans, for the England World Cup 2006 bid. [103755]

  Kate Hoey
  The Government are fully committed to supporting the Football Association's bid for the 2006 World Cup, and Sport England has earmarked £3 million in grant-in-aid to the bid. Direct costs to the Government have arisen in respect of the previous Minister of Sport's visits to a number of countries in support of the bid. The cost of these visits was £102,780, although some other Government business was also conducted. Mr. Banks's duties as Special Envoy to the bid have involved further overseas visits, the costs of which are principally being met by the FA and by sponsorship, although the Government are making a contribution to these costs.
  382W
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when Sport England will publish its full accounts on its contribution to the FA (FIFA) World Cup 2006 bid. [104169]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 10 January 2000]: Sport England made an award of £3 million in 1998 in respect of the Football Association's bid for the 2006 World Cup. In accordance with the Accounts Direction for Sport England's National Lottery Distribution Accounts, that award was reflected within the overall totals for grant commitments in the annual accounts for 1998–99. To date, Sport England has paid £1,328,404 to the Football Association in respect of the bid. This and future payments in respect of the bid will be included in the overall totals of commitments met in Sport England's accounts.

  Wembley Stadium
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment Sport England has made of the proposals for the English National Stadium at Wembley put forward by Wembley National Stadium Ltd. regarding the proposals' compliance with the Lottery Funding Agreement concluded between them. [104335]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 10 January 2000]: While Sport England were satisfied that Wembley National Stadium Limited (WNSL) and the Football Association had complied with the technical requirements of the Lottery Funding Agreement, the solution for athletics was not ideal. The DLA Ellerbe Beckett report raised serious concerns about the proposed solution for athletics in terms of the practicality and cost. Further discussions between my Department and all interested parties concluded that athletics should be removed from Wembley.

  Sport England, the Football Association and WNSL are currently considering whether amendments are necessary to the existing Lottery Funding Agreement to reflect Wembley's new role as the centrepiece for football and rugby league in England. In the light of the prospective agreement, the Football Association has proposed that £20 million be returned to Sport England.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what discussions his Department has had with Sport England over the handling of the money agreed to be refunded by the developers of Wembley Stadium; and if these funds will be held separately; [105348]

  (2) if Sport England has received any funds due to be returned to his Department in respect of failure by the developers of Wembley Stadium to provide adequate athletics provision; [105347]

  (3) how much of the money due to be repaid to Sport England has been received to date from the developers of Wembley Stadium; [105349]

  (4) on what date Sport England expects full payment of the money agreed to be refunded by the developers of Wembley Stadium. [105350]

  Kate Hoey
  As signatories to the Lottery Funding Agreement, it is for Sport England, the Football Association and Wembley National Stadium Ltd. to agree
  383W
  the details in respect of the proposal to return £20 million of the Lottery award. Discussions are currently ongoing and a further announcement will be made in due course.

  London Freedom Pass
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment his Department has made of(a) customer awareness of the London Freedom Pass and (b) uptake of the Pass. [105018]

  Janet Anderson
  This Department has made no direct assessment of customer awareness of the London Pass or its uptake. However, we understand that there has been widespread national and international media coverage about the London Pass since its launch on 10 November last year. Information about the pass is also available through British Tourist Authority and London Tourist Board publicity. The pass is purchased from a private company and currently allows free entry to 43 attractions in the capital.

  The producers of the pass predict first year sales figures of 100,000 and they say that advance sales are looking healthy. We hope that the pass will widen access to a range of attractions and leave visitors to London more satisfied and ready to return again.

  Royal Opera House
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many opera performances have been cancelled by the Royal Opera House since the publication of the new season's programme; and at what estimated cost in lost revenue income. [105339]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: The Royal Opera House has cancelled nine performances of opera since the opening season was announced in January 1999. I understand the overall loss to the Royal Opera House of the nine cancelled performances is estimated at £243,115 when the value of lost revenue is offset by savings in expenditure. The Royal Opera House's contingency budget will accommodate this loss.

  Running Tracks
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make it his policy to provide support for the creation of running tracks in each district authority area. [105545]

  Kate Hoey
  The majority of Government money specifically allocated to sport and active recreation is channelled through Sport England, an independent body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport which, within an overall policy framework set by the Department, dispenses these funds according to its own detailed policies and priorities.

  Sport England is also responsible for overseeing the Sports Lottery Fund. Last year, it published its Lottery Strategy document which sets out the broad strategic framework within which it will distribute Lottery money to sport over the next ten years.

  Sport England's Lottery Community Projects capital fund will invest £115 million per year between 1999–2000, with £21 million earmarked for projects
  384W
  requiring under £100,000, and will inject a total investment of £1.115 billion over the next ten years to sports capital projects, which could include running tracks, making a significant contribution to the sporting life of communities.

  Local authorities may apply for Sports Lottery Funding for specialist facilities, such as running tracks, with the support of the governing body, UK Athletics, through the National Athletics Facilities Strategy.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to increase the number of running tracks in Lancashire. [105546]

  Kate Hoey
  My right hon. Friend has no plans to increase the number of running tracks in Lancashire. The existing number of running tracks in Lancashire fully meets the requirements of Sport England's National Athletics Facilities Strategy, which was produced in partnership with the athletics governing body, UK Athletics.

  However, we would both welcome any proposals for further investment in the sporting infrastructure in Lancashire to ensure that every community has access to as wide a range of facilities as possible, and that the opportunities to use them exist for everybody.

  National Athletics Stadium
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what assessment he has made of the offer to adapt the City of Manchester Stadium to accommodate the British National Athletics Stadium; and if he will make a statement; [105550]

  (2) when he intends to announce his decision on the location for a British National Athletics Stadium; and if he will make a statement; [105501]

  (3) if he will make a statement on his plans for a British national athletics stadium. [105502]

  Kate Hoey
  Following the announcement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 20 December 1999, Sport England has, together with UK Sport, UK Athletics, the British Olympic Association (BOA) and my Department undertaken further work on the non-Wembley options for staging international athletics events. Sport England is taking forward further work to establish the viability of possible alternative venues although the final decision on timing and location of bids for the 2005 World Athletics Championship and a UK Olympic bid, rests with UK Athletics and the BOA respectively, Although a final decision has yet to be made and no options have been ruled out, both UK Athletics and the BOA consider that the strongest option for a successful bid would be to base it in London. The BOA is therefore conducting a feasibility study of a possible future London-based Olympic bid, which they will submit to Government in the next few months.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action his Department has taken to identify potential sites for a national athletics stadium. [105346]

  Kate Hoey
  Following the announcement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, Sport England has, together with UK Sport, UK Athletics, the BOA
  385W
  and my Department undertaken further work on the non-Wembley options for staging international athletics events.

  Sport England is taking forward further work to establish the viability of possible venues for the World Athletics Championships in 2005 and further details will be announced once this work has been completed. Sport England will also be assessing, with the BOA, the extent to which possible venues can be readily upgraded to accommodate Olympic requirements.

  Tourism Industry
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assistance his Department gives local authorities for employing tourism officers. [105049]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: This Department gives no direct assistance to local authorities for employing tourism officers. However, our guidance pack, "Measuring the Local Impact of Tourism", offers useful advice to tourism officers and others in measuring the value and volume of tourism in local authority areas. The results of any such work may help local authorities determine the number and nature of tourism officers they wish to employ.

  Relevant and reliable statistics will also form a useful base for the Cultural Strategies my Department is encouraging local authorities to produces. These will express the local cultural vision and priorities in response to the needs and aspirations of local communities, as well as recognising the role of cultural services—including tourism—in tackling the wider objectives of social inclusion, regeneration, lifelong learning, and healthier and safer communities.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of tourists to the UK in the last year for which figures are available visited(a) the North West and (b) London. [105048]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: An estimated 23.4 million visits were made to the UK from overseas in 1998, excluding visits from the Republic of Ireland. Overseas visitors spent at least one night in (a) the North West Tourist board regions (encompassing Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire) on 5 per cent. (1.2 million) and (b) London on 52 per cent. (12.3 million) of these trips. Visits on which both the North West and London were visited will be included in the figures for both the respective regions.

  Historic Buildings (Chorley)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assistance his Department is giving to(a) Astley Hall and (b) other historic buildings in Chorley. [105036]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: My Department does not directly fund historic buildings.
  386W
  However, Astley Hall and other historic buildings in Chorley have received assistance from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund as follows:

  English Heritage
  Astley Hall:

  £9,000 (1983)

  £7,100 (1985)

  £5,000(1987)

  a further £4,750 was also made available in 1987
  St. Georges Conservation Area Partnership Scheme (includes works to historic buildings)—£50,000 (1996–99)
  Bank Hall—£25,478 offered to date

  Heritage Lottery Fund

  Astley Hall: No awards made

  Lower Kem Mill: £68,530

  Heapey and Wheelton War Memorial: £12,000

  St. Paul's Church, Adlington: £64,200.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Family Law Act 1996
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to bring forward proposals to reform the law relating to divorce. [104881]

  Jane Kennedy
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written parliamentary answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Dartford (Dr. Stoate) on 17 June 1999,Official Report, column 213W. The position remains unchanged.

  Persistent Young Offenders
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the average period between arrest and sentencing for persistent young offenders in each of the last 10 years. [105702]

  Jane Kennedy
  The average time from arrest to sentence for persistent young offenders in England and Wales was 142 days in 1996, 141 days in 1997, 125 days in 1998, and an estimated 110 days in the first six months of 1999. Figures for earlier years are not available.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  "Raising Aspirations in the 21st Century"
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the cost of printing Raising Aspirations in the 21st Century; how many copies have been printed; to whom they have been distributed; and at what cost. [105361]

  Mr. Wills
  The cost of producing this document was £12,000. 5,000 copies have been printed. Copies were distributed at the North of England Education Conference in Wigan on 6 January 2000. Other copies have been distributed to interested parties on demand. Copies are available to others on request and are free of charge.

  Summer Camps
  Mr. Bos well
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has for introduction of informal summer camp activities for young people; what will be the initial cost, and funded by whom; who will be able to run such camps under official auspices; by whom they will be vetted and inspected; if a structure of certification and qualifications is envisaged; who will carry the liability for participants and third parties; and if he will make a statement. [105560]

  Jacqui Smith
  We envisage that a range of opportunities, including but not confined to adventure activities, will be made available to those 16-year-olds wishing to take part during the summer after their GCSEs, to help their transition between school and advanced study or work or training. The Department is working with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and with others, on how to take this initiative forward, including the matters mentioned by the hon. Member. We expect to make further announcements in due course.

  Curriculum 2000
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the minimum number of sixth form students necessary for an 11 to 18 school effectively to implement Curriculum 2000. [104850]

  Mr. Wicks
  No assessment of the minimum number of sixth form students necessary for an 11 to 18 school effectively to implement the forthcoming reforms to post-16 qualifications has been made by my Department. A range of circumstances, of which student numbers is only one, will affect the ways in which schools and colleges implement the reforms. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has published detailed curriculum guidance on the reforms covering a range of relevant factors, including the size of the institution.

  Youth Support Service
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what criteria will be used to assess which careers guidance services are appropriate for transfer to the combined Youth Support Service; who will undertake this assessment; and what role interested partners will play in this process. [104695]

  Mr. Wicks
  We are creating a new service with a new vision to ensure that all young people have access to the support and guidance services they need, when and where they need it, co-ordinating the services currently provided by an array of different agencies concerned with different aspects of young people's lives. We expect that the best careers service companies, together with a range of other local partners, will play a major role in the new arrangements. At this stage no decision has been made regarding any assessment criteria. We shall be announcing shortly the key functions that we expect the new support service to perform and how we will involve major partners in developing and implementing the new service.

  Teachers' Pensions
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will set out the rescheduled increase in employers' contributions for teachers' pensions in the next and future financial years, the actuarial basis of the calculation and the impact on the budget of each local education authority. [105100]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: The employer contribution rate for members of the teachers' pension scheme is currently 7.2 per cent. The rate from 1 April 2000 will be 7.4 per cent; from 1 April 2002 the rate will be 8.35 per cent.

  The increase from 1 April 2000 is to fund improvements to scheme benefits which will be introduced from that date. The increase from 1 April 2002 is to eliminate the balance of liabilities identified by the Government Actuary's valuation of the scheme as at 31 March 1996. I shall shortly be laying before the House the Government Actuary's report on the valuation of the scheme.

  Rescheduling the planned increase will reduce pressures on Local Education Authority budgets by £90 million in 2000–01 and 2001–02. The reduced pressure for each Local Education Authority is as follows:

  Local education authority

  £000

  City of London

  4

  Camden

  386

  Greenwich

  554

  Hackney

  455

  Hammersmith

  283

  Islington

  407

  Kensington and Chelsea

  182

  Lambeth

  490

  Lewisham

  565

  Southwark

  546

  Tower Hamlets

  631

  Wandsworth

  427

  Westminster

  297

  Barking

  375

  Barnet

  599

  Bexley

  471

  Brent

  542

  Bromley

  560

  Croydon

  628

  Ealing

  573

  Enfield

  616

  Haringey

  494

  Harrow

  361

  Havering

  437

  Hillingdon

  484

  Hounslow

  473

  Kingston upon Thames

  235

  Merton

  287

  Newham

  702

  Redbridge

  528

  Richmond upon Thames

  228

  Sutton

  352

  Waltham Forest

  488

  Birmingham

  2,213

  Coventry

  595

  Dudley

  526

  Sandwell

  590

  Solihull

  387

  Walsall

  546

  Wolverhampton

  490

  Knowsley

  373

  Liverpool

  1,041

  389W

  Local education authority

  £000

  St. Helens

  337

  Sefton

  537

  Wirral

  652

  Bolton

  516

  Bury

  316

  Manchester

  906

  Oldham

  473

  Rochdale

  429

  Salford

  414

  Stockport

  461

  Tameside

  421

  Trafford

  401

  Wigan

  547

  Barnsley

  383

  Doncaster

  594

  Rotherham

  507

  Sheffield

  859

  Bradford

  1,023

  Calderdale

  390

  Kirklees

  723

  Leeds

  1,285

  Wakefield

  568

  Gateshead

  345

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  480

  North Tyneside

  341

  South Tyneside

  301

  Sunderland

  558

  Isles of Scilly

  5

  Bath and North East Somerset

  274

  City of Bristol

  589

  North Somerset

  297

  South Gloucestershire

  414

  Hartlepool

  189

  Middlesbrough

  297

  Redcar and Cleveland

  287

  Stockton-on-Tees

  360

  Kingston-upon-Hull

  506

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  540

  North East Lincolnshire

  324

  North Lincolnshire

  284

  North Yorkshire

  973

  York

  266

  Bedfordshire

  712

  Luton

  385

  Buckinghamshire

  855

  Milton Keynes

  407

  Derbyshire

  1,207

  Derby

  428

  Dorset

  603

  Poole

  217

  Bournemouth

  245

  Durham

  889

  Darlington

  176

  East Sussex

  776

  Brighton and Hove

  370

  Hampshire

  1,973

  Portsmouth

  325

  Southampton

  383

  Leicestershire

  1,010

  Leicester

  584

  Rutland

  51

  Staffordshire

  1,411

  Stoke-on-Trent

  440

  Wiltshire

  705

  Swindon

  324

  Bracknell Forest

  181

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  226

  West Berkshire

  271

  Reading

  211

  Slough

  261

  Wokingham

  257

  Cambridgeshire

  843

  390W

  Local education authority

  £000

  Peterborough

  348

  Cheshire

  1,156

  Halton

  258

  Warrington

  345

  Devon

  1,077

  Plymouth

  476

  Torbay

  220

  Essex

  2,326

  Southend-on-Sea

  307

  Thurrock

  268

  Herefordshire

  271

  Worcestershire

  874

  Kent

  2,465

  Medway Towns

  527

  Lancashire

  2,064

  Blackburn with Darwen

  309

  Blackpool

  239

  Nottinghamshire

  1,305

  Nottingham City

  506

  Shropshire

  441

  The Wrekin

  293

  Cornwall

  836

  Cumbria

  862

  Gloucestershire

  947

  Hertfordshire

  1,975

  Isle of Wight

  240

  Lincolnshire

  1,113

  Norfolk

  1,273

  Northamptonshire

  1,135

  Northumberland

  565

  Oxfordshire

  962

  Somerset

  780

  Suffolk

  1,109

  Surrey

  1,589

  Warwickshire

  824

  West Sussex

  1,195

TREASURY

  Golden Jubilee (Commemorative Coin)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans Her Majesty's Government have to issue a coin to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's accession to the throne. [104810]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  Her Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve my recommendation that in 2002 a crown piece should be issued to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the throne. Further details will be announced in due course.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the objectives and purpose of each working group participating in the Outline National Changeover Plan. [105658]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Details of the working groups are outlined in pages 8 and 9 of HM Treasury's "Third Report on euro preparations" which was published in November 1999. Copies of the report were placed in the Library of the House.

  Beer Duty
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will reduce the duty on beer. [105357]

  Mr. Timms
  I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement.

  Exports
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the effect of the strength of the pound on UK exports in the last 12 months. [105413]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Export volumes have grown strongly since early 1999, with the third quarter level up 6 per cent. on a year earlier, and CBI surveys show that exporters' optimism improved steadily throughout the year.

  Smuggling
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of the smuggling of petrol and diesel into the UK in each of the last three years. [105359]

  Mr. Timms
  HM Customs and Excise does not have sufficient reliable information on which to base published estimates of the revenue lost through road fuel smuggling into the UK.

  Cumulative savings in debt interest

  £ billion

  Percentage point change in interest rates

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  2004–05

  -0.5

  -0.3

  -0.6

  -1.0

  -1.4

  -1.8

  -2.3

  -0.75

  -0.5

  -1.0

  -1.5

  -2.1

  -2.7

  -3.4

  -1.0

  -0.6

  -1.3

  -2.0

  -2.8

  -3.6

  -4.5

  -2.0

  -1.3

  -2.6

  -4.0

  -5.5

  -7.1

  -8.9

  -3.0

  -1.9

  -3.8

  -5.9

  -8.1

  -10.5

  -13.2

  Note:

  Figures shown are cumulative from the current year to date, i.e. the figures for 2004–05 represent the savings in debt interest over the whole five year period.

  Benefit Claimants (Tamworth)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in Tamworth were unemployed and claiming benefit in(a) 1997 and (b) 1999. [105152]

  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. Brian Jenkins, dated 18 January 2000:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on how many people in Tamworth were unemployed and claiming benefit in (a) 1997 and (b) 1999.
  The ONS publish a monthly count of claimants of unemployment-related benefits. The claimant count consists of all people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance or National Insurance credits at Employment Service local offices. They must declare that they are out of work, capable of, available for and actively seeking work during the week in which the claim is made.
  The average unadjusted claimant count level in the Tamworth constituency was 1,775 or 4.5% of the workforce in 1997 and 1,633 or 4.1% of the workforce in 1999*.
  * Average of 11 months: January to November 1999.

  Information Technology Services Agency
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the outsourcing of the Information Technology Services Agency will be subject to precontract review by the Treasury PFI Taskforce. [105195]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Yes. The outsourcing of the Information Technology Services Agency is a part of the ACCORD PFI project with which the Treasury Taskforce is closely involved, and it will be subject to a pre-contract review which will be carried out by the Taskforce in association with the McCartney Committee which has been set up to examine the lessons that can be learnt from past Government IT projects and to give guidance on the conduct of future projects.

  Interest Rates
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the annual cumulative savings to the Exchequer which would result from lower debt interest costs if United Kingdom interest rates were(a) 0.5 per cent., (b) 0.75 per cent., (c) 1 per cent., (d) 2 per cent. and (e) 3 per cent. lower across the yield curve for (i) 1999–2000, (ii) 2000–01, (iii) 2001–02, (iv) 2002–03, (v) 2003–04 and (vi) 2004–05. [105428]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The information is in the table.

CABINET OFFICE

  Civil Service
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what criteria are used to determine the civil service grades classified as politically free groups. [105615]

  Mr. Stringer
  Operating within the scope of the Servants of the Crown (Parliamentary, European Parliamentary and Northern Ireland Assembly Candidature) Order 1987, departments and agencies must allow civil servants in industrial and non-office grades the freedom to take part in all political activities.

DEFENCE

  RAF Future Procurement
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons his Department ordered a review of the proposals for the RAF's airlifts requirement; and how long he expects this review to take. [104403]
  393W
  Mr. Spellar
  We are continuing to assess the proposals for both our short term and longer term airlift requirements. We are seeking the best value for money solution to our airlift requirements and hope to be in a position to make a decision early this year.

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps, and at what cost, he is taking(a) to increase recruitment into the Territorial Army and (b) to increase the retention of personnel. [103929]

  Date/event

  Cost

  1998–99

  Normal trickle recruit marketing culminating in a major Spring Awareness National and Regional Campaign and TA Open Day (13 March 1999). This included the making of a new TV commercial.

  £5.94 million

  1998–99

  Corporate Communication strategy developed and delivered in conjunction with Consolidated Communications PR. This included News sheets, Bulletins, leaflet, wide-ranging PR and Video.

  £280k

  1999–2000

  By Spring 2000 the year's recruit marketing will have cost £5.3 million. Specific marketing includes a focused Army Medical Service TA Recruit Marketing Campaign (£500,000), an Autumn campaign mainly in cinemas, and a Spring campaign culminating in TA Day on 25 March 2000. The Campaign will include TV at National level, with support from radio and press at Regional level.

  £5.3 million

  It is not possible to identify separately the money spent by individual units on direct recruiting because these costs are inextricably linked to payments to individual soldiers.

  As far as retention is concerned, the assurance given under the Strategic Defence Review that the TA would be fully resourced and that the TA is to be more usable, relevant and integrated, combined with realistic and exciting training on current equipment, will encourage volunteers to serve on. Over the last 18 months, a TA Retention Working Group has been producing a report which includes a Three Year Retention Action Plan. This contains a number of new ideas and initiatives. In advance of finalisation of the report, three relatively inexpensive but important measures have been achieved:
  Introduction of a Retention Brochure—£25,000.
  Introduction of TA Record of Service and Achievement (TARSA) with a TA soldier can use to record both his military and civilian skills, thus allowing a direct read across from one to the other—£50,000. It is planned that this work on TARSA should migrate into the pan-Army development of Personal Development Records (PDR), which is part of the Adjutant Generals Human Resources Strategy and links with "Learning Force Measures".
  Setting of in-year targets for all units with a view to reducing the level of avoidable wastage from the TA. Overall wastage is currently about 30 per cent. and the target for 2000–01 will be set at 27 per cent.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice he has issued to the Territorial Army on compliance with the working time directive. [105624]

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

  Raytheon Systems
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the contract with Raytheon
  394W
  Mr. Spellar
  Activity to attract recruits to the Territorial Army (TA) falls into two categories:recruit marketing which is managed centrally by Headquarters Land Command and Recruiting Group and at local and regional level by Territorial, Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserve Associations (TAVRAs), and
  direct recruiting which is the responsibility of Unit Commanding Officers.

  Over the last 12–18 months, recruit marketing work to maintain awareness of the TA and to engender a good recruiting environment for the future has comprised:

  Systems for 5 Air Bourne stand-off radar will be spent with (a) UK-based companies, (b) other Europe-based companies and (c) US-based companies. [104833]

  Mr. Spellar
  About 75 per cent. of the contract will be spent with UK-based companies. The remainder will mainly be spent with US/Canadian based companies. Raytheon have undertaken to provide additional work to UK companies to bring the total to 100 per cent. of the contract value.

  Medical Reserves
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he has taken to implement the proposal outlined in paragraph 106 of the Strategic Defence Review to call out medical reserves at lower scales of effort; and what assessment he has made of the level of success in establishing this proposal without disruption to the National Health Service. [104807]

  Mr. Spellar
  My Department and the Department of Health are currently progressing work to assess the implications for the National Health Service of deploying substantial numbers of Territorial Army and other medical Reservists on military operations, should that prove necessary. The initial stages of this work are expected to be completed by this summer.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the adequacy of accommodation for British forces in Kosovo in the absence of the planned temporary field accommodation; and if he will make a statement. [104798]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: In order to bridge the gap between the current in-service tentage and the more robust Temporary Field

  395W
  Accommodation, an interim solution, known as Improved Tented Camps, has been put in place. This has been a great success which has provided warm, dry and comfortable accommodation and met with the approval of the British forces who use it.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Salisbury of 10 January 2000,Official Report, column 92W, for what reasons the temporary field accommodation project in Kosovo was not fully deployed by December 1999; and under contract penalty clauses how much of the cost he will claw back from the contractor. [104797]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: The original requirement and camp build sequence were drawn up before UK forces had entered Kosovo. Delays have been caused partly by the need to change the requirement and Temporary Field Accommodation (TFA) camp build sequence to reflect the circumstances actually encountered on entry into Kosovo and partly by supply, communications, transport and technical problems experienced by the contractor. Improved tented camps have been made available which provide a good enhancement to accommodation standards. Under the TFA contract we are withholding a significant element of the payment for each camp pending completion and will seek liquidated damages where delay can be shown to be the fault of the contractor.

  Royal Marines Rifle Range, Deal
  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the report on the long-term management of the redundant Royal Marines rifle range at Kingsdown in Deal, commissioned by his Department in 1988 and conducted by the consultants Mouchel, will be made available to Dover District Council.[105210]

  Mr. Spellar
  Mouchels sent their report to W. S. Atkins, as Dover District Council's technical consultants, on 7 January 2000.

  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received in connection with coastal protection work at the redundant Royal Marines rifle range at Kingsdown in Deal. [105209]

  Mr. Spellar
  My Department has received representations from, and been in dialogue over a number of years with, various individuals and bodies about aspects of the future of Kingsdown Range, including coastal protection issues. These include the present hon. Member for Dover and his predecessor as MP, Dover District Council, Kent County Council, Ringwould with Kingsdown Parish Council and a number of members of the public.

  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he intends taking in the immediate term to prevent the potential collapse of Undercliff Road at the redundant Royal Marines rifle range at Kingsdown in Deal into the sea. [105211]

  Mr. Spellar
  Undercliffe Road is a public road and neither the property nor responsibility of my Department, but of Dover District Council, who are statutorily empowered to take what action it considers appropriate to protect its road from the sea.
  396W
  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects works to commence to secure the long-term future of Undercliff Road at the redundant Royal Marines rifle range at Kingsdown in Deal in line with proposals made by his Department in May 1996. [105212]

  Mr. Spellar
  My Department did not in May 1996, nor has at any other time, make proposals to carry out work intended to secure the long-term future of Undercliffe Road. As a public road, it is neither the property nor the responsibility of my Department, but of Dover District Council.

  Far East Prisoners of War
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of ex-servicemen and women who are former Far East prisoners of war. [105239]

  Mr. Spellar
  50,016 Service personnel from the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom were captured by Japanese forces during the Second World War. No centrally collated figures exist of the number of former FEPOWS still living since, once their military liability had ended, any subsequent deaths of ex-Service personnel were not centrally recorded.

  Sandhurst
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 January 2000,Official Report, columns 89–90W, on Sandhurst, how many of the British officer cadets who were medically discharged from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in each of the years 1995 to 1999 received their secondary education at (a) Welbeck College, (b) state schools, (c) independent schools and (d) overseas schools. [105241]

  Mr. Spellar
  From the records available, the information requested is as follows:

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  Welbeck College

  2

  2

  3

  2

  —

  State Schools

  19

  13

  10

  11

  3

  Independent Schools

  18

  11

  7

  3

  3

  Overseas Schools

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Number Recorded

  —

  —

  2

  3

  —

  Total

  40

  26

  22

  19

  6

  Nuclear Deterrent
  Ms Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in implementing the aspects of the Strategic Defence Review relating to the nuclear deterrent; and if he will make a statement. [105643]

  Mr. Hoon
  The SDR conducted a rigorous re-examination of our deterrence requirements. The Government have made it clear that we shall maintain the minimum credible nuclear deterrent while working towards the global elimination of nuclear weapons. The longer-term goals of arms control, non-proliferation and multilateral disarmament were advanced considerably by a range of SDR measures. In addition to announcing Trident as the UK's only nuclear weapon system, these included: a reduction in the number of warheads
  397W
  deployed in each submarine; a significant reduction in the size of the UK's total nuclear weapon stockpile; the de-targeting of Trident missiles; having only one submarine on deterrent patrol, and the placing of the submarine on deterrent patrol at several days' notice to fire. These measures have all been introduced.

  Following a trial period of moving towards single crewing of SSBNs, we have however decided to retain double crews. This decision reflects our determination, as part of our policy for people, to minimise the pressure on our service personnel and give them greater stability and time with their families.

  Married Quarters
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the locations where there are more than 100 married quarters. [105562]

  Mr. Spellar
  A list of locations where there are more than 100 married quarters is as follows:

  Chivenor

  Culdrose

  Lympstone

  Plymouth

  St. Eval

  St. Mawgan

  Torpoint

  Colerne

  Corsham

  Rudloe Manor

  Devizes

  Hullavington

  Locking

  Lyneham

  South Cerney

  Taunton

  Warminster

  Wroughton

  Yeovil

  Brecon

  Chepstow

  Haverfordwest

  Hereford

  Innsworth

  St. Athan

  Cosford

  Donnington

  Kineton

  Lichfield

  Nuneaton

  Shawbury

  Stafford

  Ternhill

  Blanford

  Bovington

  Poole

  Portland

  Weymouth

  Andover

  Larkhill

  Middle Wallop

  398W

  RAF Boscombe Down

  Upavon

  Wilton

  Drayton

  Eastney

  Fareham

  Hilsea

  Marchwood

  Old Rowner

  Paulsgrove

  Stamshaw

  Thorney Island

  Winchester

  Worthy Down

  Bulford

  Tidworth

  Aborfield

  Bracknell

  Hermitage, Thatcham

  Sandhurst

  Shrivenham

  Aldershot

  Waddington

  Wittering

  Dishforth

  Fulford

  Gatenby

  Harrogate

  Hemswell Cliff

  Kirton in Linsey

  Leconfield

  Linton on Ouse

  Ripon

  Strensall

  Topcliffe

  Catterick (N)

  Catterick (S)

  Longhoughton

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  Benbecula

  Lossiemouth

  Aldershot North Camp

  Bordon

  Burghfield

  Church Crookham

  Cove

  Deepcut

  Farnborough

  Odiham

  Pirbright

  Heston

  Salamanca Park

  Bushey

  Mill Hill

  Northolt

  Northwood

  Stanmore Park

  399W

  Uxbridge

  Whetstone

  Chelsea

  Hounslow

  Kingston

  Knightsbridge

  Putney

  Victoria

  Windsor

  Woolwich

  Canterbury

  Chatham

  Dover

  Maidstone

  Shorncliffe

  Abingdon

  Benson

  Bicester

  Brize Norton

  High Wycombe

  Basic

  Bassingbourne

  Brampton

  Chicksand

  Halton

  Henlow

  Oakington

  Waterbeach

  Wyton

  Coltishall

  Honington

  Marham

  Swanton Morley

  Colchester

  Wattisham

  Wimbish

  Woodbridge

  Chester

  Preston

  Sealand

  Valley

  Chilwell

  Coningsby

  Cranwell

  Digby

  Leicester (Wigston)

  North Luffenham

  RAF Cottesmore

  Scampton

  Churchill

  Colgrain

  Machrihanish

  Rhu

  Arbroath

  Dreghorn

  Leuchars

  Longstone

  400W

  Polton

  Redford

  Rosyth

  Buchan

  Elgin

  Forres

  Inverness

  Kinloss.

  Bullying
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what recent measures he has taken to stop bullying in the armed forces; [105223]

  (2) what percentage of armed forces personnel who have gone absent without leave gave bullying as the main reason for absconding in each of the last three years; [105217]

  (3) what is the recorded incidence of bullying in each branch of the armed forces for each of the past 10 years; [105218]

  (4) if he will publish a breakdown by regiment of incidents of bullying in each of the past 10 years; [105219]

  (5) if he will make it his policy to collate information on incidents of (a) racial, (b) sexual, (c) verbal and (d) physical bullying; [105220]

  (6) what help is offered to victims of bullying in the armed services; [105221]

  (7) how many armed forces personnel have been disciplined for bullying in each branch of the armed services for each of the last 10 years. [105222]

  Mr. Spellar
  There is not a specific military offence of bullying in the Services.

  Any information provided on reported incidents or complaints of bullying, or what is perceived as bullying by the victim, leading to personnel being subsequently charged with a disciplinary offence, is complicated by the number of different specific charge which could be more generally interpreted as bullying. Furthermore, not all disciplinary cases are processed through the Court-Martial system; some cases of a less serious nature might well be dealt with by a Commanding Officer summarily, and are only recorded on local personnel files. Each individual file would therefore need to be searched manually to provide appropriate data. This could be completed only at a disproportionate cost.

  Similar difficulties apply in determining whether Service personnel go Absent Without Leave (AWOL) because of bullying. The only way to determine a cause for AWOL would be to examine every Service interview record following the return of an absentee. This could be completed only at a disproportionate cost.

  The Services policy, which is promulgated to all personnel, is that bullying, or sexual and racial harassment, will not be tolerated. Furthermore, before enlistment procedures are carried out, recruits are made aware of the Services' policies on bullying and harassment. It is the responsibility of officers and senior ranks/rates to preserve good order and discipline at all times, and this is reinforced on the appropriate training

  401W
  courses. All allegations of bullying or ill-treatment are investigated, and depending on the strength of the evidence, appropriate disciplinary action is taken against the perpetrators. The policy of zero tolerance towards bullying was re-emphasised when the new code of social conduct was issued to all personnel on 12 January 2000. All these measures are kept under review and re-focused as necessary.

  Additionally, the Services have produced Equal Opportunities Directives and pamphlets, which emphasise that bullying, and racial or sexual harassment are unacceptable, and give guidance on making complaints.

  Within the last 18 months, the Services have also set up confidential telephone helplines. The contact numbers are well publicised throughout the Services and are accessible to all personnel. While there is some difference in the methods of operation, the Services hope that personnel will use the helplines should they be subjected to harassment or bullying, or would welcome advice if they wish to discuss issues in complete confidence. All those in positions of authority have a responsibility for personnel under their command. Individuals can make

  Warships in Portsmouth Naval base at 0900

  Ship

  Type

  2 January 2000

  9 January 2000

  16 January 2000

  Anglesey

  Patrol vessel

  Yes

  No

  No

  Atherstone

  MCMV1

  Yes

  No

  No

  Bangor

  Mine hunter

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Berkeley

  MCMV

  Yes

  No

  No

  Bicester

  MCMV

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Birmingham

  T42

  Yes

  No

  No

  Blazer

  Fast training boat

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Brocklesby

  MCMV

  Yes

  No

  No

  Cardiff

  T42

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Cattistock

  MCMV

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Chiddingfold

  MCMV

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Dasher

  Fast training boat

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Edinburgh

  T42

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Endurance

  Ice patrol ship

  Yes

  No

  No

  Fearless

  Landing platform dock

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Glasgow

  T42

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Gloucester

  T42

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Grafton

  T23

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Grimsby

  Mine hunter

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Guernsey

  Patrol vessel

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Hurworth

  MCMV

  Yes

  No

  No

  Illustrious

  Aircraft carrier

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Intrepid

  Landing platform dock

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Invincible

  Aircraft carrier

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Iron Duke

  T23

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Leeds Castle

  Patrol vessel

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Lindisfarne

  Patrol vessel

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Liverpool

  T42

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Manchester

  T42

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Marlborough

  T23

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Middleton

  MCMV

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Newcastle

  T42

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Pembroke

  MCMV

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Puncher

  Fast training boat

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Pursuer

  Fast training boat

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Quorn

  MCMV

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Raider

  Fast training boat

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Richmond

  T23

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Shetland

  Patrol vessel

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Southampton

  T42

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Tracker

  Fast training boat

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Westminster

  T23

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  York

  T42

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  1 MCMV mine counter measures vessel

  402W
  their case known through the chain of command, direct, to their commanding officer, medical officer or padre if they do not feel that the initial support offered is adequate.

  All three Services have been required, since December 1997, to record and submit quarterly returns to the Ministry of Defence detailing all formal complaints to the chain of command of sexual and racial discrimination and bullying. The details of each complaint record whether the specific complaint is physical or verbal in nature. There are some differences between the Services in the way that information is recorded, and some of the information requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The information that is available is being collated. I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the House.

  Warships (Portsmouth)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Royal Navy warships in Portsmouth Harbour at 0900 hours on(a) 2 January, (b) 9 January and (c) 16 January. [104925]

  Mr. Spellar
  The following Royal Navy warships were scheduled to be in Portsmouth harbour on the specified dates:

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Defence Evaluation Research Agency. [105623]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Dunfermline, West

  Requirement1,2

  Trained strength3

  +/-

  All ranks—Fast Jet

  882

  857

  -25

  All ranks—Multi Engine/Rotary Wing

  1,315

  1,360

  +45

  Total

  2,197

  2,217

  +20

  Junior Officer Pilot4—Fast Jet

  554

  459

  -95

  1 Includes non-flying posts for which aircrew experience and knowledge are required. The majority of these non-flying posts require senior officers.

  2 1 April 2000.

  3 1 December 1999.

  4 Flight lieutenant (and squadron leader specialist aircrew) and below included in all ranks total. This is the RAF's most critical manning category.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many qualified(a) fast jet and (b) support aircraft RAF pilots are currently undertaking non-flying duties. [105619]

  Mr. Spellar
  The number of qualified pilots who, on 1 December 1999, were not filling specific flying appointments, was as follows:

  Number

  All ranks—Fast Jet

  298

  All ranks—Multi Engine and Rotary Wing

  428

  Total

  726

  These pilots were either filling ground appointments or were on approved Manning and Training Margin activity, which included those undertaking further flying training.

  Cancelled Military Activities
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the eight(a) NATO and (b) UN exercises that went ahead without the planned UK participation; [105617]

  (2) if he will list the deployments and exercises cancelled in the 1999–2000 financial year to help (a) alleviate overstretch and (b) achieve financial savings. [105616]

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

  Greater London Defence Estates Study
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Greater London Defence Estates Study will be completed. [105621]

  Mr. Spellar
  The initial phase of the strategic review of MOD's estate in the London area identified several proposals which could lead to further estate being vacated. Since then, in a still ongoing second phase of work, the
  404W
  (Ms Squire) on 26 October 1999, Official Report, column 768W.

  RAF Pilots
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how under strength the RAF is with regard to qualified(a) fast jet and (b) support aircraft pilots. [105620]

  Mr. Spellar
  The position is as follows:

  current users of the estate have been undertaking detailed studies to verify the validity of these proposals and we expect to be able to announce some of the results arising from this work later this year.

  Our review of the Estate in London, as elsewhere, is constantly evolving and in the case of the London Study there will be a further phase of work (Phase III) to take forward the implementation of the current work as well as to review the potential for further rationalisation of the London Estate.

  War Stocks
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the inquiry into war stocks will be completed. [105622]

  Mr. Spellar
  Cm 3999 (The Strategic Defence Review) indicated that we would be looking at the longer-term scope for reducing the war reserves of ammunition and guided weapons as a result of longer post-Cold War readiness preparation times. A review of war reserves of key munitions and guided weapons is expected to be completed this year. Stockpiles of munitions will then be reviewed on a regular basis as part of the normal departmental planning process.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  EU Enlargement
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made on the enlargement of the EU following the Helsinki Council meeting. [104204]

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent developments in the European Union enlargement process. [104205]
  405W
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made on the enlargement of the EU following the Helsinki Council meeting. [104217]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Helsinki European Council agreed to invite six more countries to open negotiations in February and decided that Turkey is a candidate for membership. The European Council agreed that the EU should have institutional reforms in place and be in a position to welcome new Member States from the end of 2002. The UK fully supports these developments.

  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects Poland and Hungary to become full members of the European Union; and what assessment he has made of the implications for the Common Agricultural Policy. [104202]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Helsinki European Council in December agreed that the EU will make every effort to be able to receive new members from 2002. Poland and Hungary, like other applicant countries, have been making good progress in their preparations for enlargement. We want these countries to join the European Union as soon as they are able to meet the obligations of membership. It is too early to say when this will be.

  Poland and Hungary both have significant agricultural sectors. Their membership will strengthen the case for further reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, which the UK supports.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, when he last met his colleagues from other member states of the European Union, they discussed matters relating to the enlargement of the EU and the timetable for the acceptance of the applicant states. [104207]

  Mr. Vaz
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State discussed enlargement of the EU with his colleagues at the Helsinki European Council in December. The European Council agreed that the EU will make every effort to be able to receive new members from 2002. Applicant states have been making good progress in their preparations for enlargement. We want these countries to join the European Union as soon as they are able to meet the obligations of membership. It is too early to say when this will be.

  Africa
  Liz Blackman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the United States over recent developments in Africa. [104209]

  Mr. Peter Hain
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier in the House today to my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, North (Ms Ryan), column 678.

  Cyprus
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the efforts to find a settlement for the situation in Cyprus. [104210]
  406W
  Mr. Vaz
  We warmly welcomed the launch of UN proximity talks in New York in December preparing for the negotiations of a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus.

  We strongly endorse the UN Secretary-General's intention to continue these talks early this year and will give him every support in his efforts.

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future status of the Falkland Islands. [104211]

  Mr. Battle
  We have good relations with the Government of Argentina. Former President Menem's visit to Britain assisted in the process of reconciliation and paved the way for the agreement of last July resolving communications with the Falkland Islands and co-operation on fish stocks in the South Atlantic. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary invited the Foreign Minister of the new Government to visit Britain and hopes to meet him next week in the margins of an international conference.

  Indonesia
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made over the future territorial integrity of Indonesia. [104212]

  Mr. Battle
  The statement by the EU Presidency on the situation in Aceh on 26 November 1999 makes it clear that we wish to see a peaceful resolution of separatist tensions in Indonesia. The EU supports in particular an inclusive dialogue between all concerned.

  Drugs Trade
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action his Department has taken to combat the drugs trade, with particular reference to Latin America. [104213]

  Mr. Battle
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given earlier today in the House to my hon. Friend the Member for Motherwell and Wishaw (Mr. Roy), columns 474–75.

  Chechnya
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent meetings he has held with elected representatives of the people of Chechnya. [104214]

  Mr. Vaz
  I have not met Chechen representatives. FCO officials had a private meeting with two Chechen parliamentarians, Mr. Idigov and Mr. Magomedov, on 15 December to hear their views on the situation in Chechnya.

  EU (Trade and Finance)
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in co-operation with EU partners over matters of trade and finance in the past 12 months. [104215]
  407W
  Mr. Vaz
  We have been working closely with our EU partners to improve the functioning of the EU economy—work that will help to increase employment and prosperity throughout the 15 member states. That policy approach is outlined in the Presidency Conclusions from the Cologne and Helsinki European Councils.

  Palestinian Refugees
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation of Palestinian refugees in(a) Gaza, (b) the West Bank and (c) elsewhere in the Middle East, indicating the assistance Her Majesty's Government have given since 1969. [104216]

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Palestinian refugees. [104218]

  Mr. Hain
  At the end of 1998 the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) were caring for 790,000 refugees registered in the Gaza Strip, 560,000 in the West Bank and 2,220,000 elsewhere in the Middle East.

  Through our bilateral contribution to UNRWA and our share of EU funding, we are the largest EU contributor to UNRWA, and the second largest contributor globally (second only to the US), so we make a very significant contribution to alleviating the condition of Palestinian refugees.

  The status of Palestinian refugees is also of great importance, and among the main issues to be resolved in negotiations between the countries of the region. The Government have repeatedly made clear their concern for the Palestinian refugees. The Foreign Secretary visited Deir al-Balah refugee camp in the Gaza Strip on 25 October, and will tomorrow visit the Beqaa refugee camp in Jordan.

  Russia
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next intends to discuss with his Russian counterpart attacks on Jewish people and their property in Russia. [104219]

  Mr. Keith Vaz
  Anti-semitism and other human rights issues are regular subjects of discussion in my meetings with my Russian counterpart. My officials also raised our concerns on anti-semitism in the recent annual UK/Russia human rights talks in London.

  We will continue to be active on this issue.

  Iran
  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last made representations to the Government of Iran on the 13 Jews arrested on charges of espionage. [104220]

  Mr. Hain
  My right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary raised the cases of those detained on espionage charges, including 13 members of the Iranian Jewish community, with Foreign Minister Kharrazi during his visit from 10–12 January. Dr. Kharrazi assured them both that those detained would receive a fair trial including access to families and legal representation.
  408W
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of the Russian Federation relating to the supply of missile-related goods and technology to Iran. [104771]

  Mr. Hain
  We are concerned that a number of Russian companies and institutions may have exported missile-related goods and technology to Iran. This would not be consistent with Russia's commitments under the terms of the conventions and export control regimes of which she is a member.

  We regularly discuss these concerns with the Government of the Russian Federation, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora, such as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

  During the visit of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to Russia from 3–5 March 1999, he discussed the dangers of exporting weapons and related technology to the Middle East.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on Iran's ability to produce missiles with a range of more than 500 miles. [104768]

  Mr. Hain
  In conjunction with other government departments we regularly assess Iran's ability to produce long range ballistic missiles, drawing on numerous sources.

  We and our EU partners remain concerned by Iran's development of the Shahab-3 ballistic missile, with a range of 1300kms. We regularly engage the Iranian authorities on proliferation issues and have urged Iran to refrain from the further development of such missiles, while understanding Iran's legitimate security concerns.

  We are aware that Iran has ambitions to develop a satellite launch vehicle capability.

  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Iran since the testing of the Shahab-3 missile in July 1999. [104855]

  Mr. Hain
  We have established regular dialogue with the Government of Iran on non-proliferation issues. During our contacts, while mindful of legitimate Iranian security concerns, we have repeatedly stressed the importance we attach to global efforts to limit the development of long range ballistic missiles, and shall continue to do so.

  During the official visit to the UK of the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Kamal Kharrazi from 10–12 January, Dr. Kharrazi and the Secretary of State agreed to continue dialogue on bilateral, regional and international political issues.

  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what intelligence reports he has received regarding the range, payload capacity and purpose of the Shahab-4 missile currently under development in Iran. [104857]

  Mr. Hain
  My hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, North-East will understand the security constraints that prevent us from discussing intelligence reporting.
  409W
  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his assessment of Iran's capability to produce nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their delivery systems without outside help. [104854]

  Mr. Hain
  In conjunction with other Government Departments, we regularly assess the status of efforts by a number of countries to develop or acquire weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver them. Such assessments draw heavily on intelligence sources and we are therefore unable to comment further.

  Iran is a Non-Nuclear-Weapon State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and a State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. We continue to encourage Iran to respect these treaties and to comply fully with its obligations under them.

  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of(a) the evidence of the involvement of Hamas in terrorism and (b) the threat from Hamas to UK interests. [104859]

  Mr. Battle
  Any such assessment of Hamas's involvement could only be made from intelligence sources and would, therefore, be exempted from disclosure under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on access to Government Information.

  Hamas leaders have repeatedly stated publicly that their area of activity is Israel and that they have no policy of attacking external interests. UK interests are therefore not directly targeted, although we condemn terrorism in all its forms and at whomever it is directed.

  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the evidence concerning financial links between Iran and Hamas; and if he will make a statement. [104858]

  Mr. Battle
  This Government and our EU colleagues have frequently raised with the Iranians our concerns about their support for groups who use violent methods to oppose the Middle East Peace Process and will continue to do so. Any assessment by HMG of the extent of the financial links could only come from intelligence and is, therefore, exempted from disclosure under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on access to Government Information.

  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the range of the Shahab-3 missile tested by Iran in July 1999 and of the countries that fall within its range. [104856]

  Mr. Hain
  We regularly discuss proliferation issues with Iran and have frequently expressed our concern about Iranian attempts to develop ballistic missile systems. We remain particularly concerned by Iran's development of the Shahab-3 ballistic missile, with a range of 1,300kms and therefore capable of reaching any of the neighbouring countries within this range. Such a system could pose a threat to stability in the region.
  410W
  Iran is not the only country in the region to possess such technology, and we understand Iran's legitimate security concerns. However we continue to urge Iran to refrain from the development of ballistic missiles.

  Iraq
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the UK's relationship with Iraq. [104221]

  Mr. Hain
  As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, our relationship with Iraq is governed by the need to ensure Iraqi compliance with its obligations under Security Council resolutions. The most recent of these is SCR 1284, adopted on 17 December, after months of negotiations led by the UK. SCR 1284 establishes a new platform for the UN's dealings with Iraq, with provisions covering disarmament, humanitarian and Kuwaiti issues. Our priority now is its implementation.

  Middle East Peace Process
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the middle east peace process. [104222]

  Mr. Hain
  We welcome the recent progress in the resumption of talks on the Syrian track. Progress will undoubtedly be hard work, but both sides have already shown a high degree of commitment to intensive talks and we hope a just and lasting agreement will follow.

  Implementation of the Sharm el-Sheikh Memorandum by the Israelis and Palestinians is proceeding again, after a short hiatus. We wish both parties every success in their negotiations towards a Framework Agreement for Permanent Status, due in February. The United Kingdom will support them in any way it can in their search for an agreement.

  Montenegro
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Government policy towards Montenegro. [104223]

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current situation in Montenegro. [104225]

  Mr. Vaz
  The UK Government are keeping a close eye on the situation in Montenegro. We continue to support the reformist and democratic Government of President Djukanovic and will work with our EU partners to encourage the extension of the culture of democracy in Montenegro to the whole of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

  Intergovernmental Conference
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals for treaty changes he plans to place on the agenda at the forthcoming Inter-Governmental Conference. [104224]

  Mr. Keith Vaz
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary earlier in the House today to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Mr. Waterson), columns 668–69.

  EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
  Mrs. Roe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the expected contents of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. [104226]

  Mr. Keith Vaz
  The Charter drafting body has only just started its work. The first meeting on 17 December 1999 was largely procedural. The next meeting on 1–2 February will be the first opportunity to discuss substance, though exchanges at this stage are likely to be fairly general. But the conclusions of the Cologne European council in June 1999 provide an indication of the ground that might be covered.

  Nuclear Proliferation
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department has received a copy of the report of the US Director of Central Intelligence made to the US Congress on 2 February 1999 on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions; and if he will make a statement on its contents. [104782]

  Mr. Hain
  The Department of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs is aware of the report referred to by my hon. Friend, but did not receive a copy.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last made representations to the Russian Government about the role Russian companies are playing in the construction of the nuclear power plant in Bushehr, Iran; and what assurances he has sought to ensure that the plant is purely for civilian use. [104785]

  Mr. Vaz
  In March 1999 my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed with Foreign Minister Ivanov the dangers of arms exports and technology assistance to countries of concern. Officials also raise these concerns, including the specific case of Bushehr, during regular meetings with the Russians on export control and strategic stability issues. The Russians assure us that their assistance for Bushehr is limited to civil nuclear applications and subject to IAEA safeguards. We are watching the situation closely.

  State-sponsored Terrorism
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what data his Department compiles on countries which sponsor terrorist organisations; and if he will publish it. [104770]

  Mr. Battle
  This Government condemn state sponsorship of terrorism and monitor closely any evidence of such activities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office makes the responsible Governments aware of our concerns when they arise. The information the hon. Member asks to be published is, however, exempted from disclosure under Exemption 1 (Defence, Security and International Relations) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Ethiopia
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the 412W
  Government are taking to encourage the Ethiopian administration to accept the technical arrangements for the implementation of the framework agreement to resolve the conflict with Eritrea. [104804]

  Mr. Hain
  We have made it clear to Ethiopia and Eritrea that we and the international community want an early and negotiated settlement to this conflict. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development and I underlined this message in meetings with the Ethiopian Foreign Minister on 9 December.

  Since then, the Ethiopian Government has received from the Organisation of African Unity clarification of several queries about the Technical Arrangements. We now await a response from the Government.

  France
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to meet representatives of the Government of France; and if he will make a statement. [105010]

  Mr. Vaz
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary next plans to meet Foreign Minister M. Hubert Vedrine at the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 24 January. I met members of the French Government at the Franco—British colloque on 14 January.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the role of the British Embassy in Paris in easing the plight of British hauliers in France. [105011]

  Mr. Vaz
  During the recent road haulier's dispute in France, the British Embassy in Paris was in regular contact with the French authorities at both the national and local levels. Their aim was to encourage an early end to the dispute and to ensure the safety and well-being of British drivers. The Embassy also provided regular updates and advice on the situation in France to the Road Hauliers Association and the Freight Transport Association in the UK, to British drivers stranded in France, and to Government Ministries in Whitehall. The Freight Transport Association has thanked the Embassy for their advice and assistance.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last spoke to a representative of the Government of France; and if he will make a statement. [105009]

  Mr. Vaz
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with Foreign Minister M. Hubert Vedrine and maintains a dialogue with him on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. I also meet my counterpart, M. Pierre Moscovici, regularly.

  Libyan Scud Missiles
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date he was first informed of the discovery at Gatwick Airport of scud missile parts en route to Libya; and what considerations underlay the timing of the release of information on the matter to the media. [105080]
  413W
  Mr. Robin Cook
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Mr. Maples) on 17 January 2000,Official Report, column 326W.

  "Your Britain, Your Europe" Roadshow
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the constituencies visited by the "Your Britain, Your Europe" Roadshow; and how the destinations were chosen. [105693]

  Mr. Vaz
  I visited Newcastle, Hull, Rotherham, Manchester, Bristol, Bath, Nuneaton, Birmingham and Leicester, each of which is a regional centre of population. This covered the constituencies of: Sedgefield; Tyne Bridge; Gateshead and Washington, East; Houghton and Washington, East; Hull, North; Rotherham; Manchester, Central; Wythenshawe and Sale, East; Bristol, South; Bath; Nuneaton; Birmingham Ladywood and Leicester, South. In each town or city we visited a variety of venues to meet a broad spectrum of society. This included calls on EU funded projects and visits to companies, schools and universities. All local Members of Parliament and Members of the European Parliament were informed of my visit and given the opportunity to participate.

  European Court of Justice
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the European Court of Justice has completed the review of its operations and procedures; and if he will place a copy of the review in the Library. [105720]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Court of Justice submitted a paper to the Council of Ministers on 10 May putting forward ideas on the future of the European Union's judicial system. A copy of the paper has been placed in the Library.

  The proposed reforms are designed to improve the workings of the Court, including greater flexibility in the application of the Court's Rules of procedure to facilitate the handling of complex or urgent cases. The proposals should therefore allow the Court to cope more quickly and efficiently with its ever increasing workload.

  Some of the proposed reforms would require Treaty change. These might be considered by member states either as part of the IGC or in parallel process.

  International Criminal Court
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made on establishing an International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement. [104198]

  Mr. Hain
  The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court was adopted on 17 July 1998. Since then 92 States, including the UK, have signed the Statute and six have ratified. The Court will be established once 60 States have ratified. A Preparatory Commission is making good progress on drafting important subsidiary documents to the Statute.

  India (UK Citizens)
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received 414W
  about United Kingdom citizens experiencing difficulties in arranging for funds to be remitted from bank accounts in India to the UK; and if he will make a statement. [104901]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: We are aware of the difficulties faced by UK citizens in remitting funds from India. High Commission staff in India are active in assisting UK citizens in this process. We recognise, however, that this can often be a lengthy process which is bound by the relevant Indian exchange regulations.

  Sri Lanka
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the(a) Government of Sri Lanka and (b) Tamil forces on the resolution of the conflict in Sri Lanka. [104908]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: We remain deeply concerned about the tragic conflict in Sri Lanka and believe that a lasting solution can be reached only through a political settlement. We continue to explore with a wide range of contacts ways of achieving this.

  Pursuant to my previous answer to my hon. Friend on 6 December 1999, Official Report, column 401W, we have made clear to both sides our readiness to help if asked.

PRIME MINISTER

  Qualified Majority Voting
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those areas identified by EU member states for discussion of extension of qualified majority voting at the next InterGovernmental Conference. [105541]

  The Prime Minister
  The Helsinki European Council confirmed that the possible extension of qualified majority voting will be on the agenda for the next IGC. Formal proposals for individual articles will only be made during the IGC, which will begin next month.

  Iranian Foreign Minister
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister. [105340]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: I welcomed Dr. Kharrazi as the first Iranian Minister to visit the United Kingdom since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. I stressed the importance we attach to continuing the development of the relationship between the UK and Iran, as a major country in an area of strategic importance to the UK.

  Dr. Kharrazi and I agreed that relations between the UK and Iran should be based on co-operation and mutual trust.

  There of course remain areas of concern for both sides. I raised with Dr. Kharrazi the continued detention of 13 members of the Jewish community in Iran. Dr. Kharrazi assured me that those detained would receive a fair and open trial, including access to visitors and legal

  415W
  representation. I also mentioned our concern that Iranian commitments on Salman Rushdie's safety should be upheld.

  Mike Tyson
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations he and his Office received, and from whom, about the case of Mr. Mike Tyson. [105715]

  The Prime Minister
  My hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Baillieston (Mr. Wray), asked me a Question on the floor of the House on 12 January 2000,Official Report, column 271. Neither I nor my Office have received any other representations on this matter.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  House of Lords
  Angela Smith
  To ask the President of the Council when the report of the Royal Commission on Reform of the House of Lords will be published. [105603]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I understand that the Royal Commission proposes to publish its Report on Thursday 20 January. Copies of the Report will be placed in the Library of the House after publication.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Staff Bonuses
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much his Department, its agencies and associated public bodies spent in total on extra bonuses above usual payments for staff working over the New Year period; what were the(a) maximum and (b) minimum bonuses paid; how many people received the (i) maximum and (ii) minimum payments; and if he will make a statement. [104480]

  Mr. Morley
  No extra bonuses were paid to core-MAFF, Pesticides Safety Directorate, Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Farming and Rural Conservation Agency, Central Science Laboratory, Meat Hygiene Service, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and Intervention Board Executive Agency staff working over the New Year period. Staff working, or on-call, during this period received enhanced rates of overtime, travel time and on-call allowances. Claims are still being received and it is therefore not possible at this stage to say how many staff in total benefited from these arrangements.

  The Veterinary Laboratory Agency also adopted the same arrangements but, in addition, paid a £100 bonus to staff working between 11.00 pm on 31 December 1999 to 4.00 am on 1 January 2000. Again, claims are still being received and it is not possible at this stage to say how many staff in total benefited from the bonus payment.

  Biocides
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of the health implications of the cocktail effect of exposure to several different types of biocides; [104526]
  416W
  (2) what steps he takes to protect citizens from the cocktail effect of exposure to several different types of biocides. [104525]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 13 January 2000]: The possibility of interactions with other pesticides is considered before approval is given to a particular pesticide. Possible synergistic effects of the joint toxicity of pesticide active ingredients are addressed by requesting data on the toxicity of new pesticide products that contain more than one active ingredient.

  The pesticide regulatory authorities have also examined more broadly the possibility of synergistic effects of pesticides several times. The Advisory Committee on Pesticides considered the matter in the early 1990s and advised that possible interactions of pesticides were at worst additive rather than synergistic. In 1994 MAFF commissioned a literature review of the possible synergistic effects of mixes of active ingredients. The results of this review supported the Advisory Committee's earlier conclusion.

  More recently, the interaction between the effects of chemicals was also considered by the Department of Health's Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment as part of their review of organophosphates. The Committee advised that interactions resulting from altered metabolism are, in general, only important at relatively high exposure levels, since at low levels there is usually sufficient metabolic capacity to cope with the multiple exposures with efficient detoxification and elimination of all compounds.

  Beta Carotene
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the safety of the additive beta carotene, with particular reference to the concentrations available in soft drink products. [104529]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 13 January 2000]: Beta carotene is naturally present in a wide variety of foods. It is also added to foods as a means of providing additional Vitamin A to consumers (it is converted to Vitamin A in the body). In addition, it may be used as a food colour.

  There is no evidence that the amounts consumed by adults and children from food are harmful. However, the UK Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals will be reviewing the safety of this substance later this year as part of a wide ranging study of the safety of vitamins and minerals generally. In addition, the EU Scientific Committee for Food is currently considering the safety aspects of its use as a colour. Intakes from this latter source are however low compared to its use as a source of Vitamin A and its natural occurrence.

  Food Labelling
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps his Department is taking to ensure that products that do not meet United Kingdom quality and animal welfare standards are labelled accordingly. [105111]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: Consumers who wish to support British quality and animal welfare standards tell us they actively choose foods which

  417W
  are marked as British. Following concerns that such labelling can sometimes mislead, we have consulted a wide range of interested parties on strengthened guidance aimed at ensuring that country of origin markings on food labels do not mislead consumers about the true origin of the ingredients that have been used. Officials will be discussing the responses with some of those consulted on 19 January and an announcement will be made shortly thereafter.

  Organic Farming (Lancashire)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many hectares of land in Lancashire are used for organic farming. [105034]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 17 January 2000]: From the information available to us, some 2,500 hectares in Lancashire are fully organic or are in conversion to organic farming.

  Abattoirs and Meat Processing Plants
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many abattoirs and meat processing plants have closed in the last year for which figures are available. [103355]

  Ms Quin
  The Meat Hygiene and Inspection Regulations provide for licences to be revoked for a number of different reasons. These include where premises either fail to comply with hygiene requirements or cease operating for commercial reasons; and where the nature of the business has changed. In Great Britain, 39 abattoirs and 58 cutting premises producing fresh meat or poultry meat had their licences revoked between 1 November 1998 and 30 October 1999. Details of licence revocations are published in the Meat Hygiene Enforcement Report, a copy of which is placed in the Library of the House each month.

  GM Crops
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, (1) pursuant to the answer of 8 December 1999,Official Report, column 541W, on GM crops, if he will identify the evidence with which he has been provided concerning the quantities of GM pollen found in honey, indicating that on which he bases his assessment that such quantities are very small; [102841]

  (2) pursuant to the answer of 8 December 1999, Official Report, column 541W, on GM crops, what consultations he has held with consumers on the acceptability of traces of GM pollen in honey, indicating the (a) dates and (b) manner of the consultation, and the advice he received; [102829]

  (3) pursuant to the answer of 8 December 1999, Official Report, column 541W, on GM crops, if he has carried out an economic analysis of the impact of United Kingdom honey containing GM pollen on the British beekeeping and honey industry; [102830]

  (4) pursuant to the answer of 8 December 1999, Official Report, column 541W, on GM crops, if he will list the research on which both ACRE and ACNFP based their advice to him that they do not consider the presence in honey of pollen from GM crops to pose a risk to health; [102831]
  418W
  (5) pursuant to the answer of 8 December 1999, Official Report, column 541W, on GM crops, what consultations he has held with beekeepers on the acceptability of traces of GM pollen in honey, indicating (a) the organisations and individuals he consulted, (b) the dates of meetings and (c) the advice given to him. [102832]

  Ms Quin
  All GM crops intended for deliberate release in this country, and indeed in the rest of the European Community, are thoroughly assessed for human and environmental safety in accordance with the requirements of EC Directive 90/220 before they are allowed to be planted. This assessment, which is carried out in the UK by ACRE, includes the safety implications of any exposure to pollen through ingestion or inhalation.

  The ACNFP considered the issue of GM pollen in honey at a workshop held in 1991 and concluded that the safeguards provided by ACRE and other Government advisory committees were adequate. The Committee also concluded that the ingestion of protein from pollen in honey was likely to be very small, typically around 0.00007 g to 0.003 g per day, and did not give rise to any health concerns. A copy of the 1991 and 1992 ACNFP Annual Reports which contain the conclusions of this workshop are available in the Library of the House.

  Since then, the Laboratory of the Government Chemist has undertaken research on the pollen content of honey, at MAFF's request, and has confirmed that levels of GM protein are likely to be several orders of magnitude lower than previously thought. It estimated that consumers would ingest at most no more than 30 picogrammes (0.00000000003 g) to 5 nanogrammes (0.000000005 g) of transgenic protein in every 500 g of honey. The report of this research has been available in the MAFF Library since its completion but I am now arranging for it to be deposited in the Library of the House. In addition to this work, the British Honey Importers and Packers Association report on their website that they have found no traces of GM material in any of the honey they have tested to date. As a result of all these findings we see no reason to undertake an economic analysis of the impact of United Kingdom honey containing GM pollen on the British beekeeping and honey industry.

  My noble Friend the Minister of State (Baroness Hayman) has not held consultations with consumers or beekeepers on the acceptability of traces of GM pollen in honey, however, officials hold regular meetings with representatives from the beekeeping industry and honey producers and importers to discuss issues of mutual concern including the development of GM crops. The last such meeting took place on 10 November.

  The ACNFP has an independent member, representing consumer interests, who would be consulted on any changes to the Committee's view on the acceptability of traces of GM pollen in honey. Consumers' organisations, along with other interested parties, were consulted on the recent EC proposals to introduce a threshold of 1 per cent. for the adventitious contamination of non GM soya and maize, in respect of the labelling of food and food ingredients.

HEALTH

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information is routinely available to him on NHS waiting lists for(a) all services that are not normally consultant-led and (b) audiology. [104310]

  Mr. Denham
  Information is available on National Health Service waiting lists only for services which are consultant led. In audiological medicine, 61 per cent. of patients were seen within 13 weeks and 80 per cent. within 26 weeks of being referred by their general practitioner.

  Monthly inpatient waiting list data by Regional Office area (NHS Trust based)

  Month

  Northern and Yorkshire

  Trent

  West Midlands

  North West

  Eastern

  London

  South East

  South West

  England

  October 1998

  142,168

  115,061

  106,860

  185,121

  134,756

  195,053

  203,211

  111,253

  1,193,483

  November 1998

  138,213

  112,850

  103,339

  180,827

  131,285

  187,694

  198,384

  109,470

  1,162,062

  December 1998

  141,051

  114,165

  104,034

  183,880

  132,574

  187,032

  199,645

  111,217

  1,173,598

  January 1999

  139,347

  113,825

  104,406

  183,452

  130,769

  183,990

  194,341

  109,238

  1,159,368

  February 1999

  134,787

  110,522

  99,226

  177,445

  126,057

  176,238

  188,695

  106,700

  1,119,670

  March 1999

  128,527

  106,552

  93,581

  171,694

  119,889

  167,783

  181,122

  103,712

  1,072,860

  April 1999

  133,013

  106,546

  95,448

  173,838

  121,915

  169,967

  185,479

  106,388

  1,092,594

  May 1999

  133,017

  107,342

  95,830

  174,515

  122,842

  170,096

  186,181

  106,274

  1,096,097

  June 1999

  134,650

  106,851

  96,056

  174,323

  121,546

  169,894

  184,120

  106,811

  1,094,251

  July 1999

  133,766

  105,446

  96,109

  173,900

  120,784

  168,529

  185,715

  107,286

  1,091,535

  August 1999

  134,255

  104,082

  96,053

  174,517

  118,860

  167,887

  185,271

  107,944

  1,088,869

  September 1999

  133,343

  103,763

  97,204

  173,255

  118,517

  167,338

  184,587

  106,522

  1,084,529

  October 1999

  133,301

  102,720

  96,141

  171,980

  118,269

  167,078

  184,378

  105,581

  1,079,448

  Respiratory Illnesses
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans are in place to cope with a possible increase in respiratory-associated illnesses in elderly people this winter. [104165]

  Mr. Hutton
  Local Winter Planning Groups (LWPG) were established in April 1999 to co-ordinate the planning and provision of health and social care services over the winter and the millennium. Each LWPG includes health authorities, social services, National Health Service trusts, primary care groups, out-of-hours and deputising services, NHS Direct, police and fire services, the voluntary and private sector, community health councils and other local authority departments.

  As part of the planning process LWPG's were required to submit robust plans at the end of September 1999 setting out how services would respond to increased winter demand including that linked to respiratory-associated illnesses. The plans, which were assessed by the NHS regional offices, together with visits to a number of health authorities, showed a high state of readiness for the winter.

  Many viruses contribute to respiratory-associated illness in older people in the winter and influenza is the only one we have an effective vaccine against. In 1998, we extended the annual immunisation programme for influenza to offer free flu vaccine to everyone aged 75 and over. Flu immunisation was well publicised. The Chief Medical Officer launched "Flu Awareness Week" at a press conference in October which resulted in widespread media coverage and provided a useful opportunity to get
  420W
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health in the last year for which figures are available, how many people in each NHS region on NHS waiting lists are aged(a) under 29, (b) 30 to 49, (c) 50 to 64, (d) 65 to 74, (e) 75 to 84 and (f) 85 years and over. [103955]

  Mr. Denham
  Data are not collected by age group on the number of patients in each National Health Service region currently on National Health Service waiting lists. The total number of patients on NHS waiting lists is, however, collected by each region and is shown in the table.

  key messages across. Many health authorities also took an active role in promoting flu immunisation locally last year.

  Also, as part of planning for this winter, NHS Trust have arrangements in place to provide more intensive care and high dependency beds than ever before.

  Informing the public of the range of healthcare options available and encouraging them to use the appropriate service has also been a key component of planning for the winter. General campaigns of particular relevance to older people have been: "Keep Warm, Keep Well" which provides advice to older and other vulnerable people on how to keep themselves and their homes warm in winter and "Choose the Right Remedy this Winter" which encourages the public to consider all the options open to them when they are unwell such as self care, pharmacy, and NHS Direct.

  The NHS and local authorities have planned well for this winter and the current peaks in demand are being managed.

  Transplants
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) in the last year for which figures are available, how many people in each NHS region who have received heart transplants are aged(a) under 29, (b) 30 to 49, (c) 50 to 59, (d) 60 to 74 and (e) 75 years and over; [103953]

  (2) how many people in each NHS region who have received renal transplants in the last year for which figures are available are aged (a) under 29, (b) 30 to 49, (c) 50 to 64, (d) 65 to 74, (e) 75 to 84 and (f) 85 years and over; [103949]
  421W
  (3) in the last year for which figures are available, how many people in each NHS region who are waiting for renal transplants are aged (a) under 29, (b) 30 to 49, (c) 50 to 64, (d) 65 to 74, (e) 75 to 84 and (f) 85 years and over; [103954]

  (4) in the last year for which figures are available, how many people in each NHS region who are waiting for heart transplants are aged (a) under 29, (b) 30 to 49, (c) 50 to 59, (d) 60 to 74 and (e) 75 years and over. [103952]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested on the questions has been placed in the Library.

  Neurology Treatment
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to provide additional funding to treat people with neurological conditions; and if he will make a statement. [104581]

  Mr. Hutton
  There are no plans to provide additional funding over and above the extra resources currently being provided to the National Health Service to treat people with neurological conditions.

  Under the present system it is, of course, for health authorities and primary care groups to plan and arrange the services to people in their care. They are closest to the patients and best placed to respond sensitively to their needs.

  National Beds Inquiry
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish the findings of the National Beds Inquiry; and if he will make a statement. [105064]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Beds Inquiry is nearing completion. Its findings will be published shortly.

  Bed Occupancy
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent guidance he has given to health authorities concerning bed occupancy rates in NHS hospitals. [104900]

  Ms Stuart
  No specific guidance has been issued. However, an analysis of the research into the relationship between bed occupancy and the management of elective and emergency pressures was set out in the first report of the Emergency Services Action Team in 1997, and referred to in subsequent ESAT reports. The report was published under cover of an Executive Letter (MISC 97/62), which followed the guidance on Access to Secondary Care Services set out in Executive Letter (EL97/42). Copies of the reports and both ELs are in the Library.

  Mental Health
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if paragraph 30 of the Local Government Ombudsman's report 98/B/0341 setting out the Department's view in March 1997 on section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 still represents the Department's view; [104988]

  (2) if he will list the local authorities that charge for residential services under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983; [104986]
  422W
  (3) from what date he determined that local authorities should not charge for residential services under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983. [104987]

  Mr. Hutton
  There are no provisions in the Mental Health Act 1983 to charge for after-care services provided under section 117. The Act does not specify which services should be provided for a patient who qualifies for after-care under section 117. In the absence of case law on this subject before the High Court's ruling on 28 July 1999, there has been variation in practice between local authorities on the issue of whether residential care provided for patients who qualify for after-care under section 117 was considered to be provided under section 117 or under other statutes.

  The Department has not issued formal guidance on this issue but advice in response to questions on this point has consistently been that, where residential care is provided as part of a package of services under section 117, then it should not be charged for. This is in line with paragraph 30 of the Local Ombudsman's report 98/B/0341 in so far as it deals with not charging for section 117 after-care services. The Department does not have information about which local authorities currently charge for such services.

  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate what savings there would be to public funds if those entitled to free residential care under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983(a) were disallowed from receiving income support residential allowance and (b) had their benefit income reduced by other means. [104985]

  Mr. Bayley
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested is not available. The Department does not collect information on the specific legislation under which placements in residential care or nursing home are made.

  Internet (Medicinal Drug Sales)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what initiatives his Department has taken(a) unilaterally and (b) in partnership with other members of the EU to prevent problems arising from the unrestricted sale of medicinal drugs on the Internet. [104825]

  Ms Stuart
  The Medicine Control Agency investigates cases referred to it of alleged breaches of medicines legislation arising from the internet. It works closely with the European Union and international regulatory and enforcement bodies and will continue to do so. The European Commission has established a group to consider the impact of e-commerce in pharmaceuticals on the existing safeguards to patients. The United Kingdom will be playing an active role in its deliberations.

  NHS Beds
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds were available for patient care in the NHS on 1 May in(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999; and how many of these were acute beds. [105636]

  Ms Stuart
  The average daily number of available beds is published annually in "Bed Availability and Occupancy, England", copies of which are in the Library. The latest information is for 1997–98.

  NHS Manpower
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff were employed directly by the NHS in(a) medical positions, (b) administrative positions and (c) in total, as at (i) 1 January 1997 and (ii) 1 January 2000. [105213]

  Mr. Denham
  Information about numbers of staff employed directly by the National Health Service is not collected in January of each year. Information about numbers of staff employed directly by the National Health Service on 30 September in the last three years for which data are available is shown in the table.

  NHS hospital and community health services: all directly employed staff in England as at 30 September for each year

  Whole-time equivalents

  1996

  1997

  1998

  All directly employed staff

  761,240

  758,060

  765,950

  Medical staff

  51,780

  54,640

  56,270

  Administration and estates staff

  167,430

  166,960

  167,700

  Other

  542,030

  536,460

  541,970

  Notes:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10

  Due to rounding totals may not equal the sum of component parts

  Sources:

  Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census

  Nursing Homes
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health under what circumstances people who, through ill health, require nursing care have to pay for accommodation in nursing homes. [105565]

  Mr. Hutton
  Guidance issued by the Department to health authorities in 1995 set out a national framework against which health authorities, in consultation with local authorities, were required to review their existing arrangements for continuing health care and to draw up local policies and eligibility criteria for individual case decisions about the need for National Health Service funded care. This includes the range, location and level of services which will be arranged and funded by the NHS to meet continuing health care needs in their area.

  We are currently reviewing continuing care policy with a view to issuing revised guidance later this year.

  Local authority social services have always had a very important role in supporting people, either in their own homes or in residential care. Where a person is provided with nursing home or residential care accommodation by a local authority under Part III of the National Assistance Act 1948, section 22 of that Act provides for them to be charged for the accommodation.

  The Royal Commission on Long-Term Care recommended changes to the charging system. Decisions on the system of funding long-term care will be taken as part of the current spending review.

  Myxoedema
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what training is given to student doctors in diagnosing myxoedema; what treatment is recommended for this disease; and if he will make a statement. [105290]
  424W
  Mr. Denham
  Responsibility for the content and standards of medical education is shared between the regulatory bodies (eg The General Medical Council and Specialist Training Authority), professional bodies (notably the medical Royal Colleges) and universities. It is neither practicable nor desirable for the Government to prescribe the exact training that any individual doctor will receive.

  The recommended maintenance treatment for myxoedema is replacement thyroid hormone. Thyroxine sodium tablets is the normal maintenance therapy but in severe cases Liothyronine sodium tablets or injection may be used for a rapid response.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  State Second Pension
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people he estimates will receive the state second pension(a) when it is introduced and (b) at each five year interval following its introduction over the next 20 years. [104092]

  Mr. Rooker
  In the first year of introduction, no one will receive payment of State Second Pension, although individuals will begin to accrue entitlement to it.

  It is not possible to provide precise estimates of the number of individuals who will receive State Second Pension for specific years following its introduction.

  The following table shows very broad brush estimates of the numbers who will benefit from State Second Pension. These are subject to uncertainty and possible subsequent revision.

  Numbers benefiting from State Second Pension at the end of the financial year

  Year

  Million

  2003–04

  0.3

  2008–09

  2.1

  2013–14

  4.0

  2018–19

  5.5

  2023–24

  7.5

  Notes:

  1. The numbers given are the estimated numbers of individuals who will benefit from State Second Pension at the end of each year. For example, with the first year of awards being 2003–04, the entry in the table headed 2003–04 shows the number of beneficiaries after the first full year of awards.

  2. Numbers for 2003–04 and 2008–09 have been rounded to the nearest 0.1 million. Numbers for later years are rounded to the nearest 0.5 million.

  3. Figures include people who would receive State Second Pension payments as well as those receiving contracted-out pensions where they have benefited from higher contracted-out rebates than would have applied under SERPS.

  4. The figures exclude those higher earning individuals who are contracted-out and whose rebates would be the same under State Second Pension as under SERPS, since such individuals would not benefit from awards of State Second Pension, nor would they gain from any increase in contracted-out rebates.

  Departmental Statistics
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the publication dates of statistics to be released by his Department and agencies in this calendar year. [104599]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information in the table relates to

  Title

  Period of issue

  Period ending

  Date of release

  Imminent publications

  Cross Benefit Analysis Quarterly Bulletin on the Population of working age on key benefits

  Quarterly

  May 1999

  13 January 2000

  Abstract of Statistics for Social Security Benefits and indices of prices and earnings

  Annual

  April 1999

  27 January 2000

  Cross Benefit Analysis for Pensioners of the Population over State Retirement Age

  Bi-annual

  May 1998

  27 January 2000

  Pensioners Income Series 1997–98

  Annual

  1997–98

  27 January 2000

  Statistical summary

  Quarterly

  December 1999

  27 January 2000

  Tax Benefit Model Tables

  Annual

  June 1999

  27 January 2000

  Provisional publication dates

  Child's Special Allowance

  Annual

  December 1999

  February 2000

  Housing Benefit Summary Statistics

  Quarterly

  May 1999

  February 2000

  Retirement Pensions Summary of Statistics

  Bi-annual

  September 1999

  February 2000

  Child Support Agency Quarterly Summary of Statistics

  Quarterly

  November 1999

  10 February 2000

  Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Invalid Care Allowance

  Quarterly

  August 1999

  17 February 2000

  Income Support Quarterly Statistical Inquiry

  Quarterly

  November 1999

  24 February 2000

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit—quarterly summary of statistics on new claims (accidents and prescribed diseases) and first diagnoses (prescribed diseases only)

  Quarterly

  September 1999

  24 February 2000

  Jobseekers allowance statistics—quarterly inquiry

  Quarterly

  November 1999

  31 March 2000

  Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance quarterly summary of statistics

  Quarterly

  November 1999

  31 March 2000

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and Reduced Earnings

  Annual

  1997–98

  31 March 2000

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit—quarterly summary of statistics on new claims (accidents and prescribed diseases) and first diagnoses (prescribed diseases only)

  Quarterly

  December 1999

  17 April 2000

  Statistical summary

  Quarterly

  —

  27 April 2000

  Child Support Agency Quarterly Summary of Statistics

  Quarterly

  May 2000

  12 May 2000

  Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Invalid Care Allowance

  Quarterly

  November 1999

  18 May 2000

  Income Support Quarterly Statistical Inquiry

  Quarterly

  February 2000

  25 May 2000

  Jobseekers Allowance statistics—quarterly inquiry

  Quarterly

  February 2000

  8 June 2000

  Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance quarterly summary of statistics

  Quarterly

  February 2000

  30 June 2000

  Family Resources Survey report

  Annual

  1998–99

  July 2000

  Industrial injuries disablement benefit—quarterly summary of statistics on new claims (accidents and prescribed diseases) and first diagnoses (prescribed diseases only)

  Quarterly

  March 2000

  17 July 2000

  Statistical summary

  Quarterly

  —

  27 July 2000

  Child Support Agency Quarterly Summary of Statistics

  Quarterly

  August 2000

  17 August 2000

  Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Invalid Care Allowance

  Quarterly

  February 2000

  17 August 2000

  Income Support Quarterly Statistical Inquiry

  Quarterly

  May 2000

  24 August 2000

  Jobseekers Allowance statistics—quarterly inquiry

  Quarterly

  May 2000

  14 September 2000

  Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance quarterly summary of statistics

  Quarterly

  May 2000

  29 September 2000

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit—quarterly summary of statistics on new claims (accidents and prescribed diseases) and first diagnoses (prescribed diseases only)

  Quarterly

  June 2000

  17 October 2000

  Child Support Agency Quarterly Summary of Statistics

  Quarterly

  August 2000

  16 November 2000

  Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Invalid Care Allowance

  Quarterly

  May 2000

  16 November 2000

  Provisional Publication Dates

  Income Support Quarterly Statistical Inquiry

  Quarterly

  August 2000

  23 November 2000

  Jobseekers Allowance statistics—quarterly inquiry

  Quarterly

  August 2000

  14 December 2000

  Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance quarterly summary of statistics

  Quarterly

  August 2000

  15 December 2000

  Fraud and error in Income Support and JSA

  Annual

  1998–99

  28 January 2000

  Release date to be determined

  Housing Benefit Summary Statistics

  Quarterly

  August 1999

  Yet to be determined

  Housing Benefit Summary Statistics

  Quarterly

  November 1999

  Yet to be determined

  Take-up of Income Related Benefits

  Annual

  1998–99

  Yet to be determined (Summer 2000)

  Appeals Service Adjudication Statistics

  Quarterly

  December 1999

  Yet to be determined

  Disability Working Allowance Quarterly Inquiry

  Quarterly

  October 1999

  Yet to be determined

  Disability Working Allowance Quarterly Inquiry

  Quarterly

  January 2000

  Yet to be determined

  Family Credit Statistics—Quarterly Inquiry

  Quarterly

  November 1999

  Yet to be determined

  Family Credit Statistics—Quarterly Inquiry

  Quarterly

  February 2000

  Yet to be determined

  Cross Benefit Analysis Quarterly Bulletin on the Population of working age on key

  Quarterly

  August 1999

  Yet to be determined

  426W
  statistics published by the Department under the Government Statistical Service banner.

  Although many of the dates are provisional at this stage, final release dates will be notified in the Office National Statistics Update in the month prior to the publication. This is in line with DSS release practice.
  427W

  Title

  Period of issue

  Period ending

  Date of release

  benefits

  Cross Benefit Analysis Quarterly Bulletin on the Population of working age on key benefits

  Quarterly

  November 1999

  Yet to be determined

  Cross Benefit Analysis Quarterly Bulletin on the Population of working age on key benefits

  Quarterly

  February 2000

  Yet to be determined

  Cross Benefit Analysis for Pensioners of the Population over State Retirement Age

  Tri-annual

  May 1999

  Yet to be determined

  Cross Benefit Analysis for Pensioners of the Population over State Retirement Age

  Tri-annual

  November 1999

  Yet to be determined

  Households below average Income Statistics

  Annual

  1994–95 1998–99

  Yet to be determined (Summer 2000)

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Halesowen and Rowley Regis (Mrs. Heal) on 10 January 2000,Official Report, column 5, if he will estimate (a) how many people will benefit and (b) what the cost will be of extending eligibility to Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance to people who pay the full cost of their care in local authority care homes; and if he will provide a breakdown of people in local authority care homes by (i) age and (ii) who is paying the cost of their care. [105074]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables.

  Estimated cost of extending DLA Care/AA eligibility to self-financiers in local authority owned/managed residential care homes

  Estimated number of gainers

  Estimated additional benefit expenditure £ million

  2000–01

  2,000

  4

  2001–02

  2,000

  4

  2002–03

  2,000

  4

  Note:

  The estimated costs and numbers of gainers are approximate and subject to a large margin of error given the limitations of the available data

  Breakdown by age of local authority care home residents

  Age

  Number of residents

  Under age 65

  10,783

  65–74

  6,460

  75–84

  19,482

  85+

  27,284

  Notes:

  1. Provided by Department of Health annual return RAC5. Relates to 1996 which is the last year for which data collected. Relates to England only.

  2. 61,943 residents of local authority staffed homes were supported by a local authority, but it is not known how the remaining 2,066 residents funded their care fees1.

  Source:

  1 Information provided by Department of Health return SRI relates to 1996, this being the last year for which data was collected. Relates to England only.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost in 1999–2000 of(a) administration and (b) publicity for the winter fuel payments scheme. [104686]
  428W
  Angela Eagle
  The administration costs for making winter fuel payments this winter (1999–2000) were in the region of £14 million.

  To ensure that pensioners were not worried about turning up their heating this winter it was necessary to inform them of the increase in the amount of the payments and to remind them that they were on their way. This required a major publicity campaign—the costs of which were in the region of £620,000.

  Industrial Injuries Benefit
  Mr. White
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to change the system whereby Income Support is recovered from recipients of Industrial Injuries Benefit. [104840]

  Mr. Bayley
  There are no plans to change the system of recovering amounts of Income Support paid pending the payment of other benefits, such as Industrial Injuries Benefit.

  Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of the legal advice he received that clause 49 of the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights under the Human Rights Act 1998; [104991]

  (2) if he will set out the basis for his statement that clause 49 of the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights under the Human Rights Act 1998. [104990]

  Angela Eagle
  The proposals in clause 49 are compatible with UK obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. In arriving at this conclusion we have considered a number of issues, which are discussed below.

  The obligations under Article 6 of the Convention (the right to a fair trial) are complied with as those affected by this measure will have a right of appeal to an independent tribunal in respect of the decision to withdraw or reduce benefits and the magistrates or Crown Court will establish the facts of the alleged breach, as now.

  Article 7 (no punishment without law) does not arise as the measure (even if it was regarded as criminal in nature) will only apply to those given community sentences after this Bill has become law and been commenced. There will be no retrospection.
  429W
  Although the exchange of information between the Probation Service and the Benefits Agency may raise issues under Article 8, on privacy, the exchange proposed is the minimum necessary to achieve the legitimate aims of matching benefit rights to responsibilities.

  In considering any question in relation to Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination) these proposals are to be seen as part of the reform of the welfare state on the basis of a contract between the citizen and the state, whereby rights to benefits and responsibilities to society are more closely linked. Our concern is not only to achieve better compliance with community sentences, but to reflect the view that it is not fair that offenders who breach community sentences should have the same rights to benefits as those who comply. People who do comply would not lose financially, nor would those who claim no rights to benefits. Benefits are conditional on the fulfilment of responsibilities to society. It therefore does not breach Article 14 by any unjustified different treatment of those on benefits compared with others. Any different treatment as may arise is justified as it has an objective aim that is in the public interest, as set out above.

  Article 1 of the First Protocol (protection of property) does not apply to all Social Security benefits, although contributory Jobseeker's Allowance may be regarded as a "possession" for the purposes of this Article. This proposal to withdraw benefit in these limited and specified circumstances is justifiable as it is in the public interest, striking a fair balance between the interests of the community and those of the individual, and will be provided for by law.

  The advice tendered by our legal advisers is internal policy advice and is not normally disclosed under Exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Debt Recovery
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress he has made in developing the Debt Accounting and Management System for debt recovery; and when he expects the system to be operational. [104659]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Frank Field, dated 17 January 2000:
  I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what progress the Benefits Agency has made in developing the Debt Accounting and Management system; and when we expect it to be operational.
  The Debt Accounting and Management system was intended to provide a means of accounting for and assisting in the control and management of benefit overpayment debt.
  Development of the solution was based on a commercially available software package. Once work was underway, it became clear that because of the complex nature of BA business processes that this would not be feasible as originally envisaged. It was agreed that it would be more appropriate to incorporate this into the wider work being carried out as part of the Departmental Modernisation Programme.
  430W
  The decision not to proceed with DAMS resulted in the need for a different solution to the difficulties surrounding benefit debt accounting and management.
  The Strategic Debt Solution Project was initiated to draw on the knowledge gained from DAMS and to provide a set of solutions that would allow the BA to progress to a strategic solution that supports a wider debt management requirement.
  The aim of the Strategic Debt Solution [SDS] Project is underpinned by six high level objectives:

  1. Over the lifetime of the solution, to contribute towards meeting Resource Accounting and Budgeting [RAB] requirements by making stepped improvements

  2. To report Benefit debt balances as accurately as possible, in the absence of an integrated end to end debt management and accounting system

  3. To implement, maintain and monitor a range of internal controls within the debt management process

  4. To identify a strategic solution for debt management and accounting working in conjunction with the Departmental Modernisation Programme

  5. To raise the profile of debt management and improve debt management capability

  6. To optimise the investment to date and any future spend

  An Options Appraisal is currently being carried out in order to identify the solution that most effectively meets these aims and objectives. The Options Appraisal involves identifying and confirming:
  The weaknesses of the current debt management and accounting processes and systems
  The high level requirements for improved processes and systems
  The various options available for meeting these requirements
  The completion of the Options Appraisal is planned for April 2000. The detailed requirements for the preferred option will then be developed in a Full Study, which will be completed by August 2000.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Girocheques
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the provisions which allow a benefit recipient to sign the reverse of their giro to authorise another person to collect their benefit from a post office will continue once the transfer to benefit payment by automated credit transfer is complete. [105568]

  Mr. Rooker
  Arrangements currently exist for customers paid by girocheque and order book who are unable to attend the post office, that ensure customers can access their benefit. Similarly arrangements also exist for customers currently paid by automated credit transfer (ACT) who are unable to attend the bank or building society.

  Arrangements ensuring that all customers who are unable to attend the post office or bank can access their benefit, will continue once the transfer to payment by ACT is complete.

  Income Support
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when his campaign to encourage the take-up of income support by pensioners will begin. [104914]

  Mr. Rooker
  An announcement of our plans to encourage pensioners to take-up their entitlement to the minimum income guarantee will be made shortly.

  Fraud
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps his Department has taken in the past year to ensure that appraisal of the performance of staff working for the Department's agencies takes account of anti-fraud work. [105567]

  Mr. Rooker
  Each Agency currently has its own appraisal system to reflect differing business needs, but each has a system on which staff are assessed annually across a range of objectives and competencies, including anti-fraud activity. All staff in the Department has a role to play in the fight against fraud. The Department is currently reviewing staff performance appraisal and will be seeking to further strengthen the role between individual performance and the drive to reduce fraud.

  Benefit Rules
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on his Department's examination of benefit rules to see if they contribute to fraud and error as detailed in section 2.13 of the White Paper, Safeguarding Social Security. [105566]

  Mr. Rooker
  The examination of the rule whereby a couple who declare they are living together receive less benefit than 2 people who purport to live separately is still under way.

  The other rules are being reviewed as part of wider welfare reform work.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total public expenditure on housing benefit in each of the past 10 years in respect of(a) private and (b) public rented housing. [105231]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.
  432W

  £ million

  Rent allowances

  Rent rebates

  Total housing benefit

  1989–90

  1,359

  2,941

  4,299

  1990–91

  1,779

  3,368

  5,147

  1991–92

  2,426

  4,068

  6,494

  1992–93

  3,284

  4,593

  7,877

  1993–94

  4,195

  5,019

  9,214

  1994–95

  4,883

  5,229

  10,112

  1995–96

  5,455

  5,431

  10,886

  1996–97

  5,810

  5,569

  11,380

  1997–98

  5,682

  5,498

  11,180

  1998–99

  5,667

  5,405

  11,072

  Notes:

  1. Sum of DSS-funded and additional Local Authority expenditure.

  2. Figures for 1989–90 to 1996–97—source: table 8 of Social Security Departmental Report 1999 (Cm 4214) and earlier equivalents. Figures for 1997–98 and 1998–99 are estimated outturn.

  3. Figures may not sum due to rounding.

WALES

  Petrol Prices
  Mr. Walter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the continued rise in petrol prices in rural Wales. [105569]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I met my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss a range of issues. As part of his pre-Budget Report late last year, he announced that the fuel duty escalator would be scrapped, which means that in future there will no longer be automatic rises in fuel prices but the appropriate level of fuel duties will be set on a Budget by Budget basis. Revenues from any increases in fuel duties over and above inflation will go straight to a ring-fenced fund for improving public transport and improving the road network.

  Intelligence and Security Committee
  Intelligence and Security Committee
  Saudi Arabia: Nuclear Weapons Policy
  Saudi Arabia: Nuclear Weapons Policy
  Health Pay Review Bodies' Recommendations
  Health Pay Review Bodies' Recommendations
  Hedgerow Protection
  Hedgerow Protection
  Withholding Tax
  Withholding Tax
  Unemployment: Statistical Breakdown
  Unemployment: Statistical Breakdown