Written Answers of 28 January 2000

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Local Government Finance
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce the outcome of consultation on the local government finance settlement for 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [107553]

  Ms Armstrong
  I have today laid before the House the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2000–01 and the Special Grant Report (No. 52). These reports establish the amounts of revenue support grant (RSG) and non-domestic rates (NDR) to be paid to local authorities in 2000–01, and the basis of their distribution; and provide for Standing Spending Assessment (SSA) Reduction Grant and Central Support Protection Grant to be paid to certain authorities for 2000–01. Drafts of these reports were issued for consultation on 25 November 1999. The Department received written representations from the Local Government Association and the Association of London Government, as well as from 166 local authorities and local authority groups.

  Having considered the views of the local authority associations and others who have commented on my initial proposals, I have decided not to make changes to SSAs, although the SSAs for individual authorities may be slightly different from those at consultation, generally reflecting more accurate data that have become available since then.

  Since the autumn, it has become clear that £35 million less than provided will be needed to meet transitional costs of local government reorganisation. I have decided that it would be appropriate to increase grant support to local authorities by £35 million to help fund service improvements at a more modest cost in council taxes.

  This year's settlement provides an overall increase of 5.8 per cent. in Government grant on top of the substantial increase of 5.5 per cent. given to local authorities in the first year of the Comprehensive Spending Review. We have provided a 5.4 per cent. increase in Education Standard Spending Assessments. We have made it clear that education is the Government's top priority, and we expect councils to pass on this increase to schools, in the expectation that the great majority of schools should receive an increase per pupil at least in line with inflation. In the last three years this Government have increased grant to local authorities by £6 billion—a real terms increase of 7.8 per cent in contrast to the previous three years of a real cut in grant of 4.3 per cent.
  356W
  It is a settlement which has been generally welcomed by local authorities. We had already provided them with greater predictability by announcing three spending totals in the Comprehensive Spending Review, which sets out further increases in the pipeline for the 2001–02 settlement. We had also given them more responsibility for their spending decisions, by abolishing crude and universal capping.

  The settlement ensures that no authority will lose grant next year and local authorities with education and social service responsibilities will receive grant increases of at least 1.5 per cent. It will allow councils to concentrate on their priorities and make the improvements which people wish to see to education and social services. But it also allows them to improve services while continuing the momentum of lower council tax increases.

  We hope local authorities will look very carefully at the implications for council tax payers when setting budgets in the coming months.

  Local authorities will wish to know that I have received representations from local government on council tax benefit subsidy limitation. I have considered these carefully but decided to make no change to the scheme I proposed on 25 November.

  I shall be sending copies of these reports and the Plain English guide to all authorities, together with tables showing each authority's Standard Spending Assessment and its entitlement to RSG, NDR and special grant. I have placed copies of the reports in the Journal Office; and copies of the reports, tables and the guide in the Library.

  Concessionary Bus Travel
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the proportion the population in the United Kingdom which has had access to free concessionary bus transport in each year since 1990. [106820]

  Mr. Hill
  The information available to my Department indicates that almost 2.1 million pensioners in the United Kingdom benefit from local authority schemes for free concessionary bus travel—that represents 3.55 per cent. of the UK population. I regret that information is not available for other groups who receive free concessionary bus travel (such as people with disabilities).

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the local authorities which provide free transport on buses to persons of pensionable age. [106821]

  Mr. Hill
  A survey carried out by my department showed that in 1995–96 the following authorities had free travel schemes for pensioners (with age group restrictions and cost of bus pass as indicated):

  Local authority

  Age group restriction

  Cost of pass (£)

  Greater London boroughs and City of London

  —

  —

  Merseyside PTA

  —

  —

  West Midlands PTA

  —

  —

  Bassetlaw

  —

  —

  Bracknell Forest

  —

  20.00

  Brentwood

  —

  100.00

  357W

  Local authority

  Age group restriction

  Cost of pass (£)

  Cheltenham

  —

  —

  Crawley

  —

  —

  Colchester

  —

  90.00

  East Staffordshire

  —

  10.00

  Hertsmere

  —

  15.00

  Lancashire

  70+ years of age only

  —

  Nottingham

  —

  —

  Plymouth

  80+ years of age only

  —

  Reading

  —

  —

  Redditch

  —

  —

  Shropshire

  —

  42.75

  Slough

  —

  10.00

  South Buckinghamshire

  70+ years of age only

  20.00

  St. Albans

  70+ years of age only

  —

  Stevenage

  —

  25.00

  Three Rivers

  —

  18.00

  Watford

  —

  15.00

  Brownfield Sites
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the list of brownfield sites in the United Kingdom. [106778]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The first phase of the National Land Use Database collected information, for England, on previously developed sites which may be available for redevelopment. Provisional estimates of the amount of previously developed land that may be available for redevelopment for each Government office region were published last May in the Department's Information Bulletin 500. Final estimates will be published shortly.

  Publication of details for individual sites is subject to current work on licence agreements to protect the local authorities' intellectual property rights in the data.

  Airports
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many complaints have been received in respect of noise in the previous 12 months at(a) Humberside, (b) Sheffield, (c) Manchester, (d) Leeds-Bradford, (e) Birmingham International, (f) East Midlands, (g) Newcastle, (h) Liverpool Speke, (i) Luton, (j) Stansted, (k) Heathrow and (l) Gatwick airport; [107000]

  (2) what percentage of (i) passengers and (ii) employees at each of (a) Humberside, (b) Sheffield, (c) Manchester, (d) Leeds-Bradford, (e) Birmingham International, (f) East Midlands, (g) Newcastle, (h) Liverpool Speke, (i) Luton, (j) Stansted, (k) Heathrow and (l) Gatwick airport arrived by public transport in the last 12 months; [107001]

  (3) how many residential properties lay within the 63 decibel contour at the most recent date for which information is available at (a) Humberside, (b) Sheffield, (c) Manchester, (d) Leeds-Bradford, (e) Birmingham International, (f) East Midlands, (g) Newcastle, (h) Liverpool Speke, (i) Luton, (j) Stansted, (k) Heathrow and (l) Gatwick airport. [106999]
  358W
  Mr. Mullin
  Figures available from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the numbers of passengers arriving at the following airports by public transport in the last 12-month period reported were:

  Airport

  Percentage

  1994

  Humberside

  7

  1998

  Manchester

  10

  1992

  Leeds-Bradford

  2

  1996

  Birmingham

  8

  1992

  East Midlands

  3

  1994

  Newcastle

  8

  1996

  Luton

  14

  1996

  Stansted

  33

  1998

  Heathrow

  32

  1998

  Gatwick

  30

  The CAA does not hold figures for the numbers of employees arriving at airports by public transport.

  For the three airports designated under the Civil Aviation Act 1982 the numbers of complaints about aircraft noise, as recorded by BAA plc in 1999, were:

  Heathrow: 8,465

  Gatwick: 2,129

  Stansted: 6,624.

  Information is not held on the number of residential properties within the 63 dB(A) contours at these airports. However, the populations living within the 63 dB(A) contours in 1998 were:

  Heathrow: 79,900

  Gatwick: 1,500

  Stansted: 1,300.

  Figures for 1999 are not yet available.

  The Government do not hold information on noise complaints received at other airports, or on the number of residential properties within their 63 dB(A) contours. The populations living within the 63 dB(A) contours at Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds-Bradford airports are reported in "Transport Statistics of Great Britain 1999". The latest data available in each case are:

  Manchester (1997): 9,500

  Birmingham (1998): 16,500

  Leeds-Bradford (1995): less than 100.

  We are presently carrying out a series of studies looking at the role of regional airports, and in connection with these intend to carry out further work on the noise impact of a number of the larger regional airports.

  Waste Incinerators
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what estimate he has made of the number of new municipal waste incinerators that will need to be built by May 2002 to meet the Government's international commitments; [107377]

  (2) what plans he has to increase the number of waste incinerators; and if he will make a statement. [107378]

  Mr. Mullin
  There are no international obligations requiring the construction of municipal waste incinerators, although there are stringent EU standards for emissions from such incinerators. Proposals for higher standards are under consideration.
  359W
  The number of additional incinerators required in order to deal with municipal waste in the future is a matter for local authorities, who should make their decisions on the basis of the waste hierarchy and the Best Practical Environmental Option as proposed in the Government's Draft Waste Strategy. That focuses on the need to increase recycling and reuse substantially. The number of incinerators that might eventually be required will depend on the success of the Strategy in minimising the waste collected from householders.

WALES

  Underground Fuel Tanks
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what grant-in-aid has been provided to the Environment Agency in Wales in each of the last two years to fund emergency works arising from leaks from underground fuel tanks; and if he will make a statement. [106147]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Grant-in-aid to the Environment Agency in Wales is unhypothecated, and it is a matter for the Environment Agency to determine its own priorities for expenditure within the context of such high level objectives as the sponsoring body may set. Over the last two years, no grant-in-aid has been provided to the Environment Agency in Wales specifically to fund emergency works arising from leaks from underground fuel tanks. However, a small sum from general grant-in-aid has been spent on investigation and advice, and in responding to major incidents including those at Bontddu and Llanrwst.

  Prior to 1 April 1999, grant-in-aid to the Environment Agency was paid on an England and Wales basis by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. With effect from 1 April 1999, grant-in-aid has been paid separately toward the Environment Agency's activities in Wales, initially by the Secretary of State for Wales and, since the transfer of functions on 1 July 1999, by the National Assembly for Wales.

  I would also refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment on 17 January 2000, Official Report, columns 247–48W.

  NHS (Winter Pressures)
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what extra funding is planned for the NHS in Wales this year in response to the influenza outbreak. [106855]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  This is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what preparations in Wales were made in 1999 to deal with the annual rise in demand for the NHS over the Christmas period. [106857]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  It was envisaged early on that this winter would be particularly difficult, with the potential additional problems from the Millennium date change and the possible impact of Millennium celebrations on hospitals.
  360W
  This year the NHS in Wales received its largest ever increase in discretionary allocations (+10.5 per cent.). This additional money was announced at the beginning of the current financial year, allowing all parts of the NHS to draw up action plans and make contingency arrangements early in the year, building on experiences following the allocation of £22 million over the previous two years.

  Plans drawn up by the NHS included the provision of increased numbers of staff and beds in hospitals, extra local rapid-response home care services and more beds in the nursing home sector. In addition, in August last year the Chief Medical Officer for Wales issued guidance on the immunisation of vulnerable people.

  Since 1 July 1999, responsibility for the NHS in Wales has been for the National Assembly for Wales.

  Welsh Assembly Strategic Plan
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the need for additional resources for the Welsh Assembly to implement the first part of their recent strategic plan, with particular reference to the 30 target objectives; and what representations he has received on this matter. [107226]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have made no such assessment as the detailed actions and targets of the recent strategic plan for the period up to the end of the current Assembly (May 2003) are consistent with existing spending plans, and this is a matter for the National Assembly.

  EU Structural Funds
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the impact on the National Assembly for Wales during the financial year 2000–01 arising from the designation of West Wales and the Valleys as an Objective 1 area. [107225]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  It is too early to know the impact of Objective 1 on the National Assembly for Wales for the forthcoming financial years 2000–01. The figures set out by the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Partnership on the Objective 1 financial tables relate to expected commitments of funding over the full life of projects. The actual rate of expenditure will depend on the spending profiles of projects submitted and approved, which are not yet known.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the European Commission over the eligibility of private or voluntary sector finance to contribute to the member state's match-funding for European Objective 1 projects; and if he will make a statement. [107228]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have had no such discussions. The European Structural Funds Regulations, which apply to all EU member states, set no requirements for sources of match funding, which is the responsibility of the grant applicant. It is the eligibility of the activities of each specific project which needs to be assessed against the priorities in the Objective 1 programming document. Match funding from the private and voluntary sectors has been used in previous Structural Funds programmes across the UK and there is no reason why this should not continue for the new Objective 1 programme.

TREASURY

  VAT (House Repair and Refurbishment)
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 17 January 2000,Official Report, column 356W, what assumptions he made about the level of VAT evasion which would occur with a 5 per cent. rate on house repair and refurbishment relative to the current rate. [107110]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The effect on the level of VAT evasion of levying a 5 per cent. rate of VAT both on house refurbishment and repair and on construction on previously undeveloped land is uncertain. My answer of 17 January therefore made no allowance for any such effect.

  Disabled Persons Tax Credit
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many disabled people in(a) Shrewsbury and Atcham and (b) Shropshire have benefited from the disabled persons tax credit since its introduction; and if he will make a statement. [107252]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Reliable estimates for the numbers of families in receipt of the disabled persons tax credit are not yet available on a constituency or county basis, but will be available shortly.

  International European Movement
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the UK share of Community resources provided to the Federal Council of the International European Movement on 6 November; what was the nature of that support; and what was the nature of UK participation. [105539]

  Mr. Vaz
  I have been asked to reply.

  The International Secretariat of the European Movement received a subsidy of euro 300,000 from the European Community budget in 1999.

  In 1999, the UK's gross contribution to the EC budget (i.e. before abatement) was approximately 15 per cent.

  The relevant budget lines are administered by the Commission headquarters in Brussels.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Racism (Football Matches)
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the progress made by football clubs in tackling racist behaviour among football spectators; [106286]

  (2) what measures his Department is taking to tackle racist behaviour among football spectators. [106287]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Under Section 3 of The Football (Offences) Act 1991, as amended by Section 9 of the Football (Offences and Disorder) Act 1999, it is an offence for a person to engage or take part in chanting of a racist nature at football matches. The 1999 Act came 362W
  into effect in September 1999 and the police and courts have been urged to use the extended powers at their disposal.

  The Football Association, the League Managers Association, the Professional Footballers Association, the Football Association Premier League, football clubs and supporter groups are all working hard to eliminate racism from football. The Government will continue to play their part by providing the necessary legislative framework; monitoring implementation of the various measures recommended by the Football Task Force; and supporting initiatives like Show Racism the Red Card.

  Criminal Records Bureau
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress being made on the establishment of the Criminal Records Bureau. [106528]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd, West (Mr. Thomas) on 16 December 1999,Official Report, columns 271–72W. Since that time, following evaluation of the bids received from potential private sector partners, we have shortlisted three bidders who have been invited to take part in a technical design study in the spring.

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of violent crimes, in the most recently published figures, were crimes of domestic violence. [106779]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is not available. Recorded crime figures are based on the legal definition of offences. The relationship of the victim and any alleged offender is not recorded.

  In the 1998 British Crime Survey, it was estimated that 25 per cent. of the violent offences it addressed were domestic in nature. The most detailed information on domestic violence, collected in the 1996 British Crime Survey, is given in the Home Office Research Study No. 191 called "Domestic Violence: Findings from a new British Crime Survey self-completion questionnaire", which was published in 1999.

  Police Force (Wales)
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the increase was in the number of police officers in Wales from 1998 to 1999. [106854]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The number of police officers in the police service in Wales increased between March 1998 and March 1999 by 29 to 6,646.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase(a) funding for the Police Service and (b) the number of police officers in Wales in the next 12 months. [106870]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Under the spending plans of the Government and the National Assembly for Wales, funding of the police service in Wales is set to increase
  363W
  by 2.6 per cent., or £9.3 million in 2000–01. It is for the individual chief constables and their police authorities to determine staffing levels within the resources available.

  Police forces in Wales are eligible to bid for a share of the crime fighting fund to recruit 5,000 police officers over and above the number they would otherwise have recruited over the next three years. All four forces have submitted applications. They will be informed of our decision in the next few weeks.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many contracts for the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers after 1 April have been entered into by his Department; how many units of accommodation each will contract provide; and what are the estimated costs of each unit of accommodation so provided. [106687]

  Mrs. Roche
  No contracts have yet been signed for the provision of accommodation. Contract negotiations are currently being conducted and should be concluded shortly.

  Entry Clearance Refusals
  Mr. Mudie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the visitor's right of appeal on the refusal of entry will be reinstated. [106781]

  Mrs. Roche
  We are committed to restoring a right of appeal to family visitors who have been refused entry clearance. Part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 enables us to do this. We will be bringing Part IV into effect on 2 October 2000, the day on which the Human Rights Act 1998 comes into force.

  Footpaths
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions there were in(a) 1998, (b) 1993 and (c) 1988 under Regulation 103 of the Motor Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 relating to obstruction of a footpath by a motor vehicle; and what the breakdown was in each year by police authority in England. [106570]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  This offence cannot be distinguished from other offences of obstruction, waiting and parking in the statistics collected centrally.

  Enderby Leisure Centre (CCTV)
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further information he requires concerning the Enderby Leisure Centre CCTV proposal before he makes a final decision on the bid, and when he will make a final decision. [106478]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Home Office has asked the crime and disorder partnership responsible for the Enderby Leisure Centre Closed Circuit Television bid to provide further information relating to the proposed operational and technical requirements for the system and the need for an adequate code of practice to govern its use. We will work closely with the partnership to resolve these issues as quickly as possible once the required information has been provided.

  Au Pairs (Lithuania)
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to allow the employment of au pairs from Lithuania; and if he will make a statement. [106475]

  Mrs. Roche
  No. There are no plans at present to extend the au pair scheme under the Immigration Rules to Lithuania, or to any other country.

  Police (Essex)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers there were in the Colchester Police Division in September each year from 1995 to 1999; and if he will make a statement. [106557]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information available, which is set out in the table, has been provided by the Chief Constable of Essex. The force is not able to provide figures for 1995 and 1996.

  I understand that the reduction between 1997 and 1998 was partly due to the transfer of some posts from Divisional strength to Headquarters strength, although the officers concerned remained based in Colchester.

  Essex Police—E Division, Colchester

  Year (as at 1 September)

  Number of police officers

  1995

  n/a

  1996

  n/a

  1997

  190

  1998

  180

  1999

  180

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers there were in the Essex police force in each year from 1985 to 1999, giving figures on a quarterly basis from 1995 onwards; and if he will make a statement. [106548]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information available is set out in the table. Since 1995, police numbers have been collected only twice a year—in March and September— so as to reduce administrative burdens on the police.

  Essex police numbers: 1985–99

  Number of officers

  Year

  As at 31 March

  As at 30 September

  1985

  2,650

  —

  1986

  2,666

  —

  1987

  2,723

  —

  1988

  2,728

  —

  1989

  2,754

  —

  1990

  2,822

  —

  1991

  2,889

  —

  1992

  2,898

  —

  1993

  2,936

  —

  1994

  2,937

  —

  1995

  2,921

  2,897

  1996

  2,884

  2,927

  1997

  2,961

  2,944

  1998

  2,929

  2,903

  1999

  2,891

  1—

  1 Not yet available

  365W
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many additional police officers he will agree can be added to his Department's authorised number employed by the Essex Police Authority as a result of the transfer on 1 April to the Essex Police Authority of that part of Essex currently policed by the Metropolitan Police. [106550]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Each police force in England and Wales has a "notional establishment" of police officers for the purposes of allocating 10 per cent. of the police grant (most of the grant is allocated according to a needs-based funding formula). For the purposes of allocating the police grant in 2000–01, the notional establishment of Essex police was increased by 137 to take account of the enlargement of the Essex police area as a result of the change to the boundary of the Metropolitan police district on April 2000. This followed consultation with Essex police, Essex Police Authority and the Metropolitan police.

  The actual numbers of police officers in the Essex police area following the boundary change will be a matter for the Chief Constable on the basis of the resources made available to him.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much the Metropolitan Police budget will be reduced from 1 April when that part of the County of Essex currently policed by the Metropolitan Police is transferred to the Essex Police Authority. [106547]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Funding for the Metropolitan Police in 2000–01 will reduce by around £5.9 million over 1999–2000 levels to reflect the boundary change with Essex Police Authorities.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Metropolitan Police officers will transfer to the Essex Police Authority from 1 April when that part of the County of Essex currently policed by the Metropolitan Police is transferred to the Essex Police Authority; how many will stay with the Metropolitan Police; and how many will retire. [106549]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Metropolitan Police Commissioner tells me that there is no fixed allocation of Metropolitan Police Officers to the area that is to be transferred from the Metropolitan Police District to Essex Police Authority from 1 April. As a result of the boundary change, 10 Metropolitan Police Officers will transfer to the Essex Police before 1 April and four afterwards.

  In addition, 32 Metropolitan Police Officers are expected to be seconded to Essex Police on 1 April for up to 18 months, after which they will return to duties in the Metropolitan Police District. No Metropolitan Police officer is expected to retire as a consequence of the boundary change.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional funding he will give to Essex Police Authority in 2000–01 to police that part of the county which from 1 April is transferred from the Metropolitan police; and if this figure, indexed accordingly, will be built into the authority's base figure in future years. [106546]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The proposed funding allocation for the Essex Police Authority in 2000–01 will increase by 7.2 per cent., or £11.8 million, over 1999–2000 levels 366W
  to £174.8 million. This increase is significantly above the national average increase of 2.8 per cent. as it takes into account the enlargement of the Essex police area as a result of the boundary changes with the Metropolitan police from 1 April 2000.

  Funding allocations for the police service in England and Wales are made by means of a needs-based formula. Allocations for future years will reflect the Essex Police Authority's new boundaries from 1 April 2000.

  Prisoners (Right of Confidentiality)
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what rights prisoners have to confidentiality in interviews conducted with journalists. [106446]

  Mr. Boateng
  Interviews with journalists are conducted in the same way as other visits, and thus are governed by policy set out in Prison Service Standing Order 5A, a copy of which is in the Library. Under this Order, for reasons of security and control, prisoners do not have the right to confidentiality, except in the case of visits from their legal advisers.

  Visits are conducted within the sight of a prison officer, and are liable to be within the officer's hearing, particularly where security considerations require close supervision of the visit.

  The provisions for legal visits are different, in order to ensure that a prisoner's access to the legal system is not in any way compromised. Such visits take place within the sight, but not within the hearing, of prison officers.

  Immigration
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people seeking entry to the UK in each of the last five years have been refused under the provision of Immigration Rule 320(18). [106985]

  Mrs. Roche
  The available information relates only to persons refused leave to enter and removed where the principal reason for the decision was taken under paragraph 320(18) and is given in the table.

  Year of decision

  Passengers refused Leave to enter because of a criminal conviction and removed

  1995

  8

  1996

  13

  1997

  16

  1998

  15

  19991

  214

  1 1st half

  2 provisional

  Police Complaints Authority
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further appointments he has made to the Police Complaints Authority. [107855]

  Mr. Straw
  I am pleased to announce that Her Majesty the Queen has approved the appointment of Sir Alistair Graham as Chair of the Police Complaints Authority and that I have appointed Mrs. Wendy Towers as a member of the Authority.
  367W
  Sir Alistair previously served as Chairman of the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland since 1997. He will take up his post on 1 April 2000 and the appointment is for three years initially.

  Mrs. Towers was previously a full-time member of the Parole Board and had earlier followed a career in personnel management. She will take up her post on 7 February and her appointment is also for an initial three year period.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Year References (AD Suffix)
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to change the AD suffix in official year references. [107179]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  None.

  Post Offices (Derbyshire)
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices there were in(a) Derbyshire and (b) the West Derbyshire constituency in each year from 1980 to 1999; and if he will make a statement. [107127]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  I understand from the Post Office that they do not hold historic information on the numbers of post offices in each parliamentary constituency or local administrative area and that such information cannot readily be compiled.

  The Post Office advise that in October 1999 the number of post offices in the county of Derbyshire was 337 and in the West Derbyshire constituency was 64.

  Marks and Spencer
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last met the senior management of Marks and Spencer to discuss the impact on employment levels of their decision to terminate supply contracts with W. S. Baird Ltd. [107022]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  I am due to meet senior managers of Marks and Spencer in the coming few weeks for a routine briefing. No doubt product sourcing will be one of many issues discussed.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has held with Department for Education and Employment ministers on the impact on employment of Marks and Spencer's decision to discontinue sourcing from W. S. Baird Ltd. [107021]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  I have not discussed the decision of Marks and Spencer to discontinue sourcing from W. S. Baird Ltd. with Ministers from the Department for Education and Employment. However, Government Departments, including the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department for Education and Employment are in regular contact and work together to provide a range of support to the textile and clothing industry.

  Innovation
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of worker participation on innovation; and if he will make a statement. [106522]

  Ms Hewitt
  The impact of employment practices on all aspects of a firm's performance is of key interest to my Department. The Workplace Employee Relations Survey, published last September1, clearly shows that workplace outcomes and performance appear to be influenced by the way employees are managed. Workplaces with modern employment practices (which included problem-solving groups) were associated with improved performance, less resignations, less dismissals and better management-employee relations.

  DTI analysis of data from the Community Innovation Survey and some results form survey work on SME innovation by the Centre for Business Research in Cambridge2 has provided evidence on the connections between labour market practices, business human resource management and innovation. Innovative companies use flexible labour market practices but are relatively more intensively engaged in staff development and active human resource management. Training linked to technological change goes with higher levels of innovativeness, reinforcing the message that developing staff capabilities tends to be conducive to innovation.

  The positive impact of involving people throughout an organisation was also highlighted in Partnerships with People, a study conducted in 1997 and co-sponsored by the DTI. It concluded that an organisation's creative and innovative potential can be released when its employees are fully involved in all areas of the organisation.

  My Department will be commissioning further research to examine the effects of partnership and workplace performance using WERS 98. We can only improve competitiveness if we work together to improve every aspect of our performance, including making the most of our innovative potential. I believe that partnership is at the heart of what constitutes a responsible and successful organisation.

  1 "Britain at Work", by Mark Cully, Stephen Woodland, Andrew O'Reilly and Gill Dix, (1999) is the first of two volumes of findings which reports the findings from WERS 98.

  2 "Enterprise Britain", edited by Andy Cosh and Alan Hughes, ESRC Centre for Business Research, 1998.

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reports he has received from the Low Pay Commission on the impact on unemployment of the national minimum wage; and if he will make a statement. [106524]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Government asked the Low Pay Commission to examine the effect of the introduction of the national minimum wage, in particular its impact on employment. I received the Commission's report in December and am consulting other Government Departments about the report's findings. Once this consultation is completed, I will publish the report and the Government's response.
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  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received to increase the level of the national minimum wage; and if he will make a statement. [106523]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  My Department has received a number of representations on the level of the national minimum wage in recent weeks. As with its introduction, any future changes to the national minimum wage rates will take account of the economic circumstances prevailing at the time.

  Bradwell Power Station
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the economic impact of the closure of Bradwell Power Station. [106179]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 24 January 2000]: An assessment was prepared in 1998 by PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) who were commissioned by Essex Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) and key partner organisations to undertake a review on the impact of Bradwell Power Station upon the local economy, and of the mechanisms which might be put in place to counter any effects of the closure of the plant. No further assessment has been made by the Government.

  Arrangements are being made with Essex TEC for a copy of the PWC report to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assistance from public funds will be available to mitigate the economic effects of the closure of Bradwell Power Station; and if he will make a statement. [106180]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 24 January 2000]: Maldon has been designated by the Government as an Enterprise Grants Area. Under the Enterprise Grant Scheme grants up to £75,000 may be paid in support of new investment by business employing up to 250 people. Investment by SMEs in the vicinity of Bradwell may therefore be eligible for financial assistance.

  The Small Business Service franchisee for Essex and the Learning and Skills Council for Essex will need to consider whether to make available special assistance for business start-up and for retraining to help people made redundant when Bradwell closes in 2002.

  Garment Imports
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the(a) volume and (b) value of imported garments for retail sale in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [106923]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  In the 12 months to October 1999, the UK imported apparel and clothing accessories worth £7,611 million. Within this total, it is not possible separately to identify imports for retail sale. Information, in volume terms, is available only for clothing and footwear. In the 12 months ended October 1999, imports of clothing and footwear, in 1995 prices, were 44 per cent. higher than in 1995.

  MOX Fuel
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer of 17 January 2000,Official Report, column 261W, on MOX fuel, what issues he plans to explore in respect of the proposals to return unused MOX fuel from Japan; what meetings have been held, or are planned between representatives of the United Kingdom and Japanese Governments and the respective nuclear authorities; and if he will make a statement. [106730]

  Mrs. Liddell
  This issue will be discussed between the UK and Japanese Governments.

  I have met with the Japanese Ambassador, and officials are to visit Japan in the near future.

  Photovoltaics
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the(a) short and (b) long-term contributions that photovoltaics could make in reducing carbon emissions in the UK. [106792]

  Mrs. Liddell
  For the short term, photovoltaics (PV) is a relatively expensive technology, and the cost is unlikely to decrease sufficiently for it to make more than a small contribution to carbon emission reductions in the UK over the next decade. In the longer term, however, PV has the potential to make a significant contribution to carbon savings. The DTI has been supporting a programme of research, development and demonstration of the technology in the UK for several years and, together with support from the European Union, a number of major examples of building integrated PV are now operating, such as Northumbria University, Ford Engine Factory, and Doxford Solar Offices.

  The annual generating capacity of PV installed in the UK at the moment is around 0.5 gigawatt hours (GWh). A study conducted for my Department in 1998 suggested that, for five key applications, new and refurbished offices, superstores, new housing and prestige public buildings, the maximum potential, disregarding cost, would be around 7 terrawatt hours (TWh) a year in 2010, around 2 per cent. of current electricity consumption. Investment costs were estimated at around £30 billion. The likely market potential for these applications without substantial levels of subsidy, but assuming significant cost and performance improvements and significant levels of carbon and pollution taxes, was estimated at less than 0.2 TWh/yr by 2010. Clearly, all such estimates can only give a broad indication of potential and the figures quoted are not comprehensive, excluding retrofit installation of PV on domestic roofs for example, where costs are currently high but the theoretical potential is large. Nevertheless, I believe that they give a reasonable indication of the possible scale of contribution in the short to medium term.

  This compares with a theoretical estimate of around 270 TWh/yr available in 2025 from installing PV on all available walls and roofs for the entire building stock. More realistically, if PV were to be installed on all south-facing roofs and facades this would yield an annual output of around 70 TWh, or a little over 22 per cent. of current electricity consumption, which stands at around 324 TWh/yr. Alternatively, if 50 square miles (about 0.1 per cent. of the UK's total land area) were covered

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  with PV panels, this would have the technical potential to generate about 15 TWh of electricity (about 5 per cent. of current consumption). The extent and rate at which this longer term potential is exploited will depend on a number of factors, principally on the rate at which costs are reduced, itself the subject of much debate.

  Clean Coal Technology
  Mr. Denis Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what initiatives his Department is taking to promote clean coal technology. [106935]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government's policy on cleaner coal technologies is set out in Energy Paper 67: "Cleaner Coal Technologies—Future plans for research, development and export promotion", which was published in April 1999. The promotional activities that my Department has initiated as part of the policy set out in Energy Paper 67 includes:initiating a portfolio of research and development projects in collaboration with UK industry and universities (R&D projects are being supported following an annual call for proposals. Details of the call process are available on the DTI website);
  undertaking a DTI led mission to China with UK industry in September 1999 to promote UK expertise (A further DTI led mission to India will take place in September this year);
  publishing an export directory and a series of capability brochures on UK expertise in cleaner coal technologies; and
  publishing a number of reports on the technology status of cleaner coal technology and the financing the development of the technologies.

  Copies of Energy Paper 67 are available in the Libraries of the House and on the DTI website (www.dti.gov.uk/ent/coal), together with other publications arising from the programme. The DTI website is being used to help promote UK capability in cleaner coal technologies and provide up to date information on developments in the DTI programme.

  Defence-related Exports (Nigeria)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of the Export Credits Guarantee Department's 1998–99 exposure in unrecovered claims for exports to Nigeria is for defence-related exports. [105932]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 24 January 2000]: Nine per cent. of the unrecovered claims relating to Nigeria are defence-related. These claims were all authorised prior to 1996 and are currently recorded on ECGD's Balance Sheet as assets.

  Roads and Bridges (Philippines)
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has had concerning British involvement in the National Roads and Bridges Project in the Philippines; and if he will make a statement. [107375]

  Mr. Caborn
  We have discussed the National Roads and Bridges Project in the Philippines with interested companies. Several consortia are involved and the question as to whether this should be a competitive tender or a negotiated contract has arisen. However, this Project is being funded by the Department for International Development and the companies should keep in close contact with them.

  Benefit Payment Methods
  Mr. Ashdown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many representations he has received about the proposed payment of benefits directly into bank accounts rather than at post offices; and how many of these representations are(a) in favour and (b) against. [104723]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have been asked to reply.

  Letters often cover a number of subjects but we have received around 500 dealing with ACT in some way.

  Starting in 2003, we will be moving to a more modern, secure and efficient method of paying benefits through automated credit transfer (ACT). Payment by ACT will become the norm for paying benefits.

  However, we have given an assurance that those benefit recipients, whether paid by ACT or otherwise, will continue to have a choice of where they access their cash, with those who wish to collect at post offices still being able to do so.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 13 January 2000,Official Report, column 231W, on stakeholder pensions, what have been the findings of recent departmental surveys on (a) the number of people with non-mortgage debt and (b) the distribution of non-mortgage debts among persons with annual earnings in the range £9,000 to £21,500 who are not members of an occupational or personal pension scheme. [106805]

  Mr. Rooker
  The necessary combined information on non-mortgage debt, earnings and pension provision is not available from departmental surveys. Some data are available from one wave of the British Household Panel Survey, which showed the following distribution of reported non-mortgage debt among survey respondents with earnings between £9,000 and £21,500 and who were not current members of an occupational or a personal pension scheme. Reliable estimates of the numbers of such persons with non-mortgage debt cannot, however, be derived from this source.

  Level of non-mortgage debt

  Percentage of respondents

  Nil

  55

  Less than £500

  12

  £500 to £1,500

  11

  £1,500 to £4,000

  13

  Over £4,000

  10

  Notes:

  1. Sample base—respondents with earnings between £9,000 and £21,500 (in current earnings terms) who reported no current membership of an occupational or personal pension scheme.

  2. The size of debt is self-assessed debt.

  3. Figures do not sum to 100 per cent. because of rounding.

  Source:

  British Household Panel Survey, wave of interviews conducted between September 1995 and June 1996.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Free TV Licences
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he expects the computer system necessary for the pensioners' free TV licence scheme to be in place; upon what date he expects that the scheme will commence; when he expects to publish details of the scheme, with particular reference to terms for refunds for those reaching the age of 75 years within the duration of a licence; and if he will make a statement. [107181]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 27 January 2000]: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his pre-Budget statement on 9 November 1999, Official Report, columns 883–91, that people aged 75 or over will receive their television licence free of charge from this autumn. The Government intend to announce shortly the precise starting date and details of how the scheme will operate.

  Farmers (Tourism)
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions his Department has had with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food concerning farmers diversifying into tourism. [104919]

  Janet Anderson
  We were, of course, consulted when the UK's Rural Development proposals were being prepared. We fully support the proposals of my right hon. Friend the Agriculture Minister to introduce a radical redirection of support for agriculture. This initiative will give new help to farmers wishing to diversify into other activity, including tourism, through a significant increase in expenditure on rural development measures, including the environment and diversification. We are now involved in discussing how this programme of measures, when approved by the Commission, can best contribute to sustainable tourism in rural areas—to the long-term benefit of farmers and visitors alike.

HEALTH

  Dyspraxia
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children who have been diagnosed dyspraxic have been refused treatment by the Thames Gateway NHS Trust in North Kent since May 1997. [104862]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is not available. However, no children with verbal dyspraxia have been refused speech and language therapy services. For motor dyspraxia all urgent referrals are seen. These children are assessed and given an activity programme to do at home and their progress is reviewed every three months.

  Long-term Care
  Sir Geoffrey JohnsonSmith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the impact of his proposed regulations on the number of businesses in the long-term care industry; and what percentage of the available long-term beds these businesses account for; [106378]
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  (2) what plans he has to establish a system to monitor the quality of care in addition to the physical elements described in his Department's document "Fit for the Future?"; [106380]

  (3) what research his Department has undertaken into the impact on the NHS of increased private sector demand for the skilled staff required by "Fit for the Future?"; [106383]

  (4) what research his Department has carried out on the cost implications of the level access requirement of his "Fit for the Future?" document; [106381]

  (5) what assessment he has made of the cost implications of the "Fit for the Future?" requirement that doorways should be at least 900mm. wide; [106382]

  (6) what assessment he has made of the geographical distribution of non-compliant long-term care accommodation in relation to demographic trends and likely local shortfalls in service availability. [106379]

  Mr. Hutton
  The new National Care Standards Commission will regulate care services and private healthcare. The Commission will ensure that services meet the finalised minimum standards. The proposals in "Fit for the Future?" are aimed at promoting better quality care and helping to prevent abuse by grounding practice on the principles of dignity, choice, privacy and respect.

  The Department did not carry out research into the impact of each of the standards proposed. However, Laing and Buisson were commissioned to work on a cost-benefit analysis of the standards to ascertain the likely burden on providers nationally. Additional information was gathered from Heads of Inspection regarding the current standard of provision. Information from these studies was published in "Fit for the Future?" along with a regulatory impact appraisal.

  We will be issuing a revised regulatory impact appraisal with the published standards later this year.

  The Department has not conducted any specific research into the impact on the National Health Service of the proposals concerning ratios of qualified nurses to other staff in nursing homes. However, we are funding a major study by Kings College, University of London, tracking the careers of 3,000 new entrants to nursing. Although not the focus of the research, this will help assess the demand for nurses, including from the private sector. We are also actively considering models for assessment of nursing needs which would allow levels of qualified nurses to relate more flexibility to assessed needs.

  Christie Hospital, Manchester
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when a Minister in his Department will next visit the Christie Hospital in Manchester. [106692]

  Mr. Hutton
  I visited the Christie Hospital on Friday 21 January.

  Nursing Homes
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a) guidelines and (b) regulations are in force concerning the rights of elderly residents in nursing

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  homes who may be forced to leave those homes as a result of a change in registration by the owners of such homes. [106924]

  Mr. Hutton
  Residential care homes are currently required to give reasonable notice to residents of any intention to terminate arrangements for accommodating them. Nursing homes are not currently under the same statutory obligation. This will be remedied in the new arrangements for regulating care, through the regulations and national standards we are introducing.

  None the less we regard it as good practice that any decision to close a home or part of a home is handled as sensitively and appropriately as possible. When a home does have to close or beds are redesignated, the essential thing is that there should be proper arrangements made for the safe and satisfactory transfer of all residents to other suitable homes. Adequate time should be allowed for this to be done and in a way that allows both residents and their relatives a choice in where they are to move to, and which creates the minimum possible discomfort to all concerned.

  Audiology Services
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what recent representations he has received on age discrimination in applying the 'needs test' system with respect to the provision of digital hearing aids; [107058]

  (2) what proposals he has to increase the funding of audiology services within the NHS; [107057]

  (3) if he will make a statement on availability of digital hearing aids in the NHS. [107056]

  Mr. Hutton
  We have not received any representations about age discrimination for the supply of digital hearing aids. A project will start in England later this year to trial digital hearing aids for National Health Service patients. This project will help inform our plans to modernise hearing aid services. Detailed proposals for the scheme are being developed, but we anticipate that the project will cover 20 hearing aid departments and that an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 patients will benefit from the scheme. The project is intended to lead to improvements for all NHS patients.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Correspondence
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place copies of the correspondence between his Department and Mr. Radonur Putnikovich in the Library. [106872]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 25 January 2000]: I would be happy to place copies of this correspondence in the Library.

  General Affairs Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 24 to 25 January; and if he will make a statement. [107150]
  376W
  Mr. Vaz
  The General Affairs Council in Brussels on 24 January adopted the A points listed in document no. 5443/00 and noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its sessions of 1–2 December in Brussels, listed in document no. 12794/99, and 13–17 December in Strasbourg, listed in document no. 13877/99. Copies of the documents listing the A points and the resolutions will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available.

  Open Debate: European Security and Defence Policy

  The Portuguese Presidency put forward their programme of work. Discussion focused on how to take forward the remits from the Helsinki European Council on European security and defence policy, in particular progress on improving military capabilities, and relations between the EU and NATO, including the role of non-EU Allies and others in any new arrangements in the EU.

  Follow up to Helsinki European Council

  (A) IGC. The Presidency described its plans for organising the first stage of negotiations in the IGC.

  (B) Enlargement. The Presidency and Commission set out the work programme for the next six months and confirmed their commitment to continued progress in negotiations for all countries and to differentiation (each country proceeding on merit at its own speed), including the possibility that countries starting negotiations this year might catch up with those already in negotiations.

  Lisbon European Council Preparation

  The Presidency presented a framework document on preparatory work towards the Lisbon Special Council on employment, economic reform and social cohesion. It set out the key objective of making the EU over the next 10 years the world's most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy, able to boost economic growth levels with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion.

  Middle East Peace Process

  The Council received a report of the Presidency and High Representative's visit to the region and discussed prospects for the Peace Process.

  President Arafat attended lunch and briefed Ministers on developments on the Palestinian track. The Council welcomed recent reforms to the Palestinian Authority's procedures for financial management and called for further reforms in support of good governance and respect for human rights.

  Russia

  The Council welcomed the democratic conduct of the Duma elections and the smooth transition of power after President Yeltsin's resignation. It emphasised its wish to develop the long-term strategic partnership between the EU and Russia.

  The Council reiterated the EU's deep concern about continuing violence in Chechnya and condemned the indiscriminate use of force by the Russian authorities. While it did not question Russia's right to preserve its territorial integrity, the Council emphasised Russia's great responsibility to respect its obligations under international humanitarian law. The EU would continue to press for de-escalation of the violence, a rapid ceasefire and a political solution to the crisis.
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  The Council welcomed the action taken to follow up the Declaration of the Helsinki European Council, including the revision of the Presidency's work plan for the EU Common Strategy on Russia. The Council invited the Commission to refocus the TACIS 2000 programme on core areas directly promoting democratic values, and agreed that the EU should respond firmly to any infringements of Russia's trade obligations under the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement.

  EU/Turkey

  The Presidency and Commission outlined plans for implementing the Helsinki European Council conclusions on Turkey.

  Western Balkans

  The Council welcomed the agreement of the Serbian democratic opposition of 10 January and their call for early elections in Serbia. The Council made it clear the EU was willing to offer substantial political and economic support to a democratic Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY). It invited the Commission to prepare a proposal to extend the Energy for Democracy programme.

  The Council stressed its continuing support for the democratically elected government of Montenegro, and invited the Commission to submit further concrete proposals to address Montenegro's most urgent needs.

  On Kosovo, the Council agreed that urgent action was needed to address the continued violence against minorities and the growing threat of organised crime in Kosovo. It recognised the urgent need to reinforce the international police presence, particularly through specialists in organised crime and drug trafficking. It took note of UNMIK's worrying financial situation and agreed to address the problem without delay.

  The Council welcomed the democratic outcome of the recent parliamentary elections in Croatia, and looked forward to the presidential elections and the formation of the new government. The Council emphasised the need to meet the conditions necessary for a closer relationship with the EU and looked forward to helping the new government achieve early progress. The Council agreed to establish rapidly the Joint EU-Croatia Consultative Task Force and invite Croatian Prime Minister designate to the General Affairs Council on 14 February.

  The Council called for early and comprehensive implementation by Bosnia and Herzegovina's Joint Presidency of the New York Declaration. It urged the Bosnian parties to pass the Permanent Election Law and legislation on the Statute of the Council of Ministers incompliance with the constitution.

  The Council adopted the negotiating directives for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Macedonia, and invited the Commission to make preparations to open negotiations in March 2000.

  The Council examined the Commission's feasibility study for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Albania. It invited the Albanian government to present a plan of action for addressing the weaknesses identified in the study. The Council reaffirmed the EU's readiness to support the reform process in Albania.

  Aid to Venezuela

  The Council approved a Commission document on EU aid efforts in Venezuela following last month's flooding.
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  EU Africa Summit

  The Presidency described its plans for a possible EU/Africa Summit in April.

  EU/South Africa

  The Presidency briefed the Council on contacts between the Commission and South Africa on the implementation of the EU/South Africa Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement.

  Oil Tanker Safety

  The Council agreed that the safety of oil tankers was a matter of great concern to the EU. The Commission will produce a Communication in time for the next Transport Council on oil tanker safety, concentrating on oil tankers most at risk, re-examining the system of classifying tankers, phasing out single-hull tankers, reviewing liability and compensation and promoting transparency in the maritime world.

  Association Council with Tunisia

  The Association Council with Tunisia covered a range of political and economic issues. The Presidency raised Tunisia's human rights record and stressed the importance of the political dialogue between the EU and Tunisia. EU support for economic reform in Tunisia was discussed, with Tunisia looking forward to continued co-operation in support of progress towards the free trade area foreseen under the Barcelona Process.

  Co-operation Council with Moldova

  The second EU-Moldova Co-operation Council took place on 25 January. Discussion focused on the positive progress made under the EU-Moldova Partnership and Co-operation Agreement over the past year, and on Moldova's desire to further strengthen its relationship with the EU. There were also discussions on the internal political situation in Moldova (including Transdniestria), Moldova/Russia relations, and Moldovan participation in regional co-operation.

DEFENCE

  Battle Management Systems
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for instituting battle management systems and digitisation testbed configurations within the Royal forces. [99416]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Battle management systems are being introduced to optimise decision support in areas from crisis management to operations in theatre. The Joint Operational Command System (JOCS) provides this capability to the Permanent Joint Headquarters and its deployed headquarters and has been used on recent operations. All three services have programmes to deliver battle management systems which will integrate with JOCS. They include:The Command Support System for the Royal Navy. Currently being introduced into service, it provides for enhanced information systems and management functions between ships, submarines and shore headquarters.
  The Army's Formation Battle Management System will provide a fully integrated and deployable command and control system from a Corps headquarters down to units. It will be linked with the Battle Group Battle Management System.

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  The RAF Command and Control Information System is currently being implemented. It will provide for the command and control of air assets from operational stations to headquarters. It is envisaged that it will develop towards the Joint Command System (Air) and integrate with other command systems.

  Joint Battlespace Digitization, which is in the early stages of development, aims to integrate operational information systems across the land, sea and air environments to enhance military capability in joint operations.

  A study is currently being conducted to explore the feasibility for a joint service test and reference facility to incorporate the current single Service reference centres in providing a joint digitization testbed. The programme is in the very early stages.

  Jaguar Aircraft
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total cost to his Department of the Jaguars that were sent to India in the last three years. [104109]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 20 December 1999,Official Report, column 364W.

  Helios 2 Project
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons his Department decided not to contribute to France's Helios 2 project. [104320]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The MOD has neither sought nor received any proposals for direct UK participation in, or contribution to, France's Helios 2 programme. The UK, as a member of the Western European Union, is considering the potential of a number of satellite observation programmes to meet WEU requirements. The Helios 2 programme may be offered to meet these requirements.

  Defence Research
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much of the Government's budget has been allocated for defence research in the current financial year and in each of the past six years. [104361]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Expenditure under "major customers' research budgets" in the Appropriation Accounts for the years in question is as follows:

  Financial year

  Expenditure (£ million)

  1993–94

  452.735

  1994–95

  534.754

  1995–96

  484.015

  1996–97

  533.421

  1997–98

  455.868

  1998–991

  460

  1999–20001

  457

  1 Forecast

  These are net figures and at outturn prices (i.e. with no allowance for inflation). These figures differ from those published in the annual "Forward Look" publication on Government-funded science, engineering and technology because the latter are based on statistical categorisation of
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  expenditure rather than resource allocations and include, for example, technology demonstrator programmes and loans and grants to DERA.

  C17 Transports
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence from whom his Department has received representations supporting the leasing of C17 transports from the USA. [104404]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Representations by several companies having a potential commercial interest in the Royal Air Force's acquisition of C17 transports have been forwarded by hon. Members. I am withholding details under Exemption 13 (third party's commercial confidences) of the Code of Practice on access to Government Information, on the grounds that a particular company's support for one option in a current competition is a matter potentially within that company's commercial interest.

  Cadets
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what requirement there will be for volunteers working within the cadet forces to be subject to checking with the Criminal Records Bureau. [106134]

  Mr. Spellar
  Adults currently working within the cadet forces will not be subject to check with the Criminal Records Bureau, as their suitability has already been assessed by my Department. The Criminal Records Bureau will carry out checks on new adult volunteers who wish to work within the cadet forces when this service is provided to the public and voluntary sector.

  Zimbabwe (Arms Sales)
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the(a) people and (b) organisations representing defence manufacturers who have made representations to his Department about arms sales to Zimbabwe over the last 17 months; and when such representations were made; [106951]

  (2) how many representatives of arms manufacturers have made representations to (a) him, (b) his advisers and (c) officials about arms sales to Zimbabwe over the last 17 months; and if he will list the individuals and companies concerned, indicating the dates on which representations were made. [106940]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The Department receives numerous inquiries, through face to face contacts, correspondence and over the telephone from people and organisations representing defence manufacturers inquiring about defence equipment sales opportunities worldwide. It is not practical to maintain detailed records of all such inquiries and the information requested is not available.

  RAF Finningley
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if each expression of interest in the purchase of RAF Finningley was followed up. [106946]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Yes. Of the 11 expressions of interest following the 1996 marketing exercise, 10 of the parties were interviewed by our agents and the other decided to
  381W
  withdraw. Of the 15 new expressions of interest following the 1997 exercise, five of these withdrew, and our agents conducted interviews with all the others.

  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what methods expressions of interest in the purchase of RAF Finningley were sought. [106944]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Our selling agents, Drivers Jonas of London, conducted an advertising campaign in 1996 and 1997 seeking expressions of interest through advertisements in the "Estates Gazette", a sale board at the site and contacting potential developers and other interested parties listed on their commercial database. A four-page colour brochure was also produced and sent to all inquirers. A detailed package of information was sent to those who requested it.

  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many expressions of interest have been received in connection with the purchase of RAF Finningley. [106943]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Following the initial advertising campaign in 1996, 11 firm expressions of interest were received. The sale process was delayed to allow the Home Office to consider whether the site would be suitable for use as a prison. A subsequent advertising campaign in 1997 produced 23 firm expressions of interest (including eight reaffirmations from the 1996 campaign).

  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what process was used to determine the final purchaser of RAF Finningley. [106950]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  After receipt of detailed proposals, discussions and negotiations were conducted with the two highest bidders. Their bids were broadly similar, and substantially in excess of the other bids, but further inquiries were needed to determine the timing, certainty and full value of their proposals. Given the potential use of the site for a major civil airport, advice was also sought from DETR and from the Government Office for Yorkshire and Humberside. As a result of this process and a final best bid stage, Peel Holdings plc was selected as the preferred purchaser. The site was sold to them in June 1999.

  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what method was used to evaluate expressions of interest in the purchase of RAF Finningley. [106945]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  At interview all parties were evaluated on the basis of experience of developing similar sites, realism of development proposals including time scale, method of funding and a general assessment of their experience and ability. This resulted in a shortlist of six parties who were invited to provide detailed bids.

  Kirkcudbright Test Range
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 17 January 2000,Official Report, column 282W, on the meeting between the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, if he will place in the Library a copy of the working notes taken at the meeting. [106726]
  382W
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The working notes of the meeting between the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency are a record of internal discussions and I am therefore withholding them under Exception 2 (Internal discussion and advice) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Ammunition
  Mr. DuncanSmith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many rounds of ammunition by type were expended in the Royal Navy other than in operations in each of the last five years; [107246]

  (2) how many rounds of ammunition by type were expended in the Army by the (a) infantry, (b) armoured corps, (c) artillery and (d) other support elements, in each of the last five years, other than in operations. [107244]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 27 January 2000]: I am withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which relates to Defence, Security and International Relations.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the cost to his budget, by category, of provisioning Russian forces at Pristina airport; and if he will make a statement. [107089]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 27 January 2000]: Following receipt of a request from the commander of the Russian forces in Kosovo, the then Commander of KFOR, Lieutenant General Sir Mike Jackson took the decision to supply the Russians with 15,000 litres of bottled water, along with a small number of maps on 16 June. The costs to my Department were £2,356 and £3 respectively.

  Casualty Ship
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to order the 200-bed primary casualty receiving ship announced in the Strategic Defence Review. [107249]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  [holding answer 27 January 2000]: A range of procurement options for the Primary Casualty Receiving Ship is being considered, including a full PFI service. Current indications are that we should be in a position to place a contract during 2002. The programme to achieve this date is being developed.

  RAF Neatishead
  Mr. Prior
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of RAF Neatishead. [107395]

  Mr. Spellar
  The issues raised during consultation on the future of RAF Neatishead and RAF Buchan are currently being investigated. An announcement will be made once this work is complete.

  Old Range, Shoeburyness
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he sold the Old Range at Shoeburyness; to whom; and at what price. [107027]
  383W
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  [holding answer 27 January 2000]: The whole of the Old Ranges and Horseshoe Barracks, Shoeburyness, was sold, subject to contract, on 20 January 2000 with completion expected towards the end of March 2000. Until then, details of the purchaser and purchase price remain commercially confidential and I am therefore withholding this information under Exemption 7 of the Code of Access to Government Information.

  Solway Harvester
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received concerning the presence of Royal Navy vessels in the vicinity of the Harvester at the time of its sinking; and if he will make a statement. [107061]

  Mr. Spellar
  At the time of the tragic loss of the Solway Harvester the nearest vessel was the RFA Bayleaf, a tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. She was some 30 miles west of the Solway Harvester when the mayday was raised and took part in the rescue operation. There were no other Royal Navy vessels in the vicinity of the Isle of Man. There were no submarines in the area.

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) men and (b) women from ethnic minority backgrounds are serving in each of the British armed services. [107121]

  Mr. Spellar
  As at 1 December 1999, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 2,113 men and 210 women from ethnic backgrounds serving in the UK regular Armed Forces. The individual figures for each Service are:

  Men

  Women

  Naval Service

  350

  25

  Army

  1,219

  136

  RAF

  544

  49

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the effects of the restructuring of the Territorial Army on the availability of the premises of the Territorial Army for use by other community activities, with particular reference to TA centres in rural Wales. [107130]

  Mr. Spellar
  The main purpose of Territorial Army Centres (TACs) is to train members of the TA, but links with local communities are greatly valued by the Army and, wherever practicable, local groups will continue to be allowed use of TACs.

  Meat
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent measures his Department has taken to maximise the procurement of domestically produced meat for the armed forces. [107129]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The supply of food to our Armed Forces is contracted out to "3663" (formerly trading as Booker Foodservice). They are required to seek best market prices 384W
  and, in doing so, to give full consideration to British products. As a result our contractor is currently sourcing all beef for consumption by our UK-based service personnel from British intervention stocks. In addition, 100 per cent. of our pork and some 50 per cent. of our bacon and gammon is being sourced in the UK. Our contractor has so far been unable to identify competitively priced sources of British lamb but continues to keep this under active review.

  Cluster Munitions
  Mr. Martin Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of each type of cluster munitions are held by(a) the Royal Air Force, (b) the Royal Navy and (c) the Army. [107273]

  Mr. Spellar
  I am withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which relates to Defence, Security and International Relations.

  Chinook Crash
  Mr. Martin Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Air Accident Investigation Branch(a) considered and (b) ruled out the possibility of an uncommanded flying control movement, that left no trace as having occurred prior to the fatal crash of RAF Chinook 2D576 on the Mull of Kintyre in 1994. [107274]

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

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  BSE
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many bovine samples were sent from each country outside the United Kingdom to Weybridge Veterinary Laboratory since 1980; and what was the number of the samples from each country that were diagnosed with BSE in that period. [106323]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 24 January 2000]: The subject of the question relates to matters undertaken by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency. I have asked its Chief Executive, Mr. T. Little, to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from T. W. A. Little to Mr. Tim Yeo, dated 28 January 2000:
  The Minister has asked me to respond to your question about bovine samples sent to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Weybridge since 1980 and the number of these samples diagnosed with BSE.
  The VLA has, over a considerable period of time, provided Reference Laboratory facilities for the diagnosis of certain animal diseases and in this general context will have received bovine brain samples from countries outside the UK for a wide range of diagnostic purposes. In the more specific context of the diagnosis of BSE, no bovine samples would have been received from other countries for this purpose before the recognition of the disease in Britain in 1986. Since 1986 such bovine samples, in the form of brain tissue for either histopathological or electron microscopic examination, have been received from a number of countries.

  385W
  The quantitative information requested could only be provided at disproportionate cost, as it is contained only in paper case records in different sections of the Pathology Department of the VLA.
  Such submissions have almost invariably been framed as requests from other countries for the diagnostic examination of material from their initial suspect cases of BSE. Because the VLA has provided training in the diagnosis of BSE for veterinary pathologists in many countries, requests for the examination of bovine samples of BSE have been confirmed at most to the initial few cases experienced in the country, with subsequent diagnosis being conducted by the countries own veterinary pathologists. Also, consultations on such material from other countries will not have been restricted to bovine samples sent to the VLA since opinions will have been sought from VLA veterinary pathologists and scientists whilst visiting other countries.

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 30 September 1999 on behalf of his constituent Mr. Chambers. [105920]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 20 January 2000]: A reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire was sent on 25 November 1999.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Departmental Website
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to publish full text versions of new departmental documents on her Department's website. [106433]

  Clare Short
  Plans are under way to have the majority of DFID publications produced since May 1997 available in full text format on DFID's website.

  All new DFID publications, as well as much of our research material, is already available through DFID's website in full text format.

  Afghanistan
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received concerning the situation of women's human rights in Afghanistan; and if she will make a statement. [107008]

  Clare Short
  Human rights issues are frequently covered in discussions on Afghanistan between my Department and other interested parties. We have had no specific representations on women's human rights recently.

  We remain extremely concerned about abuses of human rights in Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan, in particular women and children, have suffered immeasurably as a result of two decades of conflict, destruction and displacement. In pursuing its programme of humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, DFID actively participates in the principled common programming approach under the United Nations-led Strategic Framework for Afghanistan. This approach is
  386W
  designed to ensure that assistance works towards the eradication of any form of discrimination, including, of course, gender discrimination.

  Departmental Press Releases
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many Press releases her Department issued in each year from 1995 to 1999. [106119]

  Clare Short
  Number of press releases issued from 1995–99 are outlined as follows:

  Press releases

  Issued by ODA

  1995

  71

  1996

  50

  To May 1997

  16

  Issued by DFID

  From May 1997

  42

  1998

  74

  1999

  82

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Sure Start
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the geographical statistical unit being used to judge the outcome of the Sure Start areas. [103003]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 16 December 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  Sure Start will be judged on its outcomes for children, families and areas. The geographical statistical unit for which area outcomes will be judged will be the local Sure Start programme area.

  Violent Pupils
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pupil attacks on teachers were recorded in each of the years since 1992. [107478]

  Jacqui Smith
  This information is not available centrally.

  Teacher Competencies
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish the consultation document on teacher competencies that has been sent to the teacher trade unions together with a list of all those who have been consulted on the document. [107540]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  No consultation document has been published. As part of on-going discussions with teacher and headteacher unions about proposed reforms of the teaching profession, DfEE has had informal discussions about the standards which teachers would be required to meet in order to cross the proposed new performance threshold. We will write to School Teachers' Review Body statutory consultees during February 2000 to invite views on the proposed standards.
  387W
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects to receive the report by Hay McBer on teacher competencies and other aspects of performance-related pay; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [107536]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  DfEE expects to receive the final report from Hay McBer on the characteristics of effective teaching at the end of February 2000 and intends to publish it shortly thereafter, probably during March 2000. A copy will be placed in the Library.

  Ofsted Inspections (LEAs)
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list those local education authorities on which Ofsted has reported, and the outcome of each report. [107537]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  To date, 55 Ofsted inspection reports have been published on 51 LEAs. A list of the LEAs inspected, including those that were re-inspected, is as follows. The Education Act 1997 requires each LEA to submit a post-Ofsted inspection action plan setting out how it intends to tackle the recommendations in its Ofsted inspection report. In a number of cases the Secretary of State has taken additional action as follows.

  In Hackney, following reports by the consultants KPMG, the Secretary of State directed the LEA to outsource its School Improvement Service and Ethnic Minority Service to Nord Anglia.

  In Islington, the consultancy firm PWC were appointed to prepare for the outsourcing of the LEA's services to schools, pupils and parents. On 14 January, Cambridge Education Associates were appointed to run the contract from April 2000.

  In Leicester, City OPM were appointed to advise on next steps. The OPM report made several recommendations which are now being taken forward by the LEA, including the establishment of a Partnership Board to oversee Education Services.

  In Liverpool, KPMG were appointed to advise on post-Ofsted action. As a result, a contract is being put in place between the schools and the Education Service which will include setting out exactly what services and standards schools can expect from each part of the Education Service. A monitoring and review board with an independent chair has also been set up.

  Capita were appointed in Haringey and KPMG in Southwark to provide consultancy services on how best to improve both education services. Work is on-going in both LEAs. In Walsall and Bristol, we are in the process of appointing consultants to advise on the most appropriate course of action following the publication of their Ofsted reports.

  LEAS inspected and reported upon by Ofsted including pilot and re-inspections:

  Barking and Dagenham

  Barnsley

  Barnet

  Bedfordshire

  388W

  Birmingham

  Brent

  Bristol

  Bromley

  Buckinghamshire

  Bury

  Calderdale

  Calderdale (2)

  Calderdale (3)

  Cornwall

  Doncaster

  Durham

  Greenwich

  Hackney

  Hackney (2)

  Halton

  Haringey

  Hertfordshire

  Islington

  Kent

  Kingston-upon-Hull

  Kirklees

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  Knowsley

  Lambeth

  Leicester City

  Leicestershire

  Lewisham

  Liverpool

  Manchester

  Middlesbrough

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  Newham

  Nottinghamshire

  Norfolk

  Northumberland1

  North Somerset

  Oxfordshire

  Rotherham2

  Rutland

  Sandwell

  Solihull

  Southwark

  Southwark (2)

  Staffordshire

  Stoke-on-Trent

  Surrey

  Sunderland

  Tower Hamlets

  Walsall

  Warwickshire

  1 A Joint Inspection by Ofsted and the Social Services Inspectorate

  2 Mini inspection of premises only.

  Agency Teachers
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many agency teachers were employed in each London borough on the day of census in January 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000. [106690]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The table shows the number of agency teachers, on contracts of less than one month, in each London borough at January 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, who worked for the whole of the census day in the maintained nursery, primary and secondary sector. Data for January 2000 are not yet available.

  1999

  1998

  1997

  1996

  City of London

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Camden

  74

  43

  61

  52

  Greenwich

  50

  64

  40

  66

  Hackney

  64

  60

  29

  17

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  55

  61

  47

  34

  Islington

  119

  42

  77

  3

  Kensington and Chelsea

  51

  60

  55

  39

  Lambeth

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Lewisham

  88

  60

  65

  57

  Southwark

  113

  109

  89

  93

  Tower Hamlets

  71

  96

  60

  n/a

  Wandsworth

  33

  47

  17

  17

  City of Westminster

  58

  58

  44

  31

  Barking and Dagenham

  70

  69

  44

  24

  Barnet

  61

  43

  19

  10

  Bexley

  41

  20

  18

  15

  Brent

  11

  27

  15

  9

  Bromley

  13

  4

  5

  3

  Croydon

  67

  59

  65

  40

  Ealing

  19

  33

  9

  10

  Enfield

  26

  31

  15

  13

  Haringey

  88

  79

  73

  82

  Harrow

  0

  23

  10

  8

  Havering

  33

  29

  5

  9

  Hillingdon

  8

  7

  4

  5

  Hounslow

  53

  29

  48

  22

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  5

  14

  3

  2

  Merton

  42

  53

  45

  n/a

  Newham

  121

  137

  158

  121

  Redbridge

  8

  8

  0

  0

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  8

  3

  4

  8

  Sutton

  20

  22

  28

  9

  Waltham Forest

  31

  34

  n/a

  n/a

  Classroom Assistants
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many classroom assistants were employed in schools in January 1998 and 1999. [107538]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  For schools in England, in January 1998 there were 101,660 full-time equivalent teaching assistants, and in January 1999 there were 108,050. These figures do not include assistants in nursery schools and independent schools.

  Physics Teachers
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent assessment he has made of shortages of physics teachers in secondary schools. [107132]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  In January 1999, there were just 22 vacancies for physics teachers in maintained secondary schools in England and Wales. The figure for January 390W
  1998 was 24. The vacancy rate for secondary science teachers was 0.5 per cent., the same as the overall secondary vacancy rate.

  Grammar Schools (Barnet)
  Dr. Vis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make available the data given by each Barnet grammar school to Electoral Reform (Ballot Services) Ltd. in accordance with the petition and ballot on future admissions, listing each primary school from which one or more pupils originated before gaining a place at each Barnet grammar school, for the intakes of pupils in each of the last three years. [107024]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  A list of the schools from which at least one child has transferred to a Barnet grammar school during the last three academic years is listed.

  All schools sending at least one child to a Barnet grammar school: 1997–2000

  l. Akiva, N3 2SY

  2. All Saints, N20 9EZ

  3. Alma Primary, EN3 4UQ

  4. Alpha Preparatory, HA1

  5. Anson, NW2 4AB

  6. Ashmount, N19 3BH

  7. Aylward, HA7 4RE

  8. Barham Primary, HA0 4RG

  9. Barrow Hill, NW8 7AL

  10. Beckford, NW6 1QL

  11. Bell Lane, NW4 2AS

  12. Belmont, NW7 4ED

  13. Bounds Green, N11 2QG

  14. Broadfields, HA8 8TN

  15. Brookfield, N19 5DH

  16. Brookland, NW11 6EJ

  17. Buckingham College, HA5 5DT

  18. Bush Hill Park, EN1 1PJ

  19. Bushey Heath, WD2

  20. Bute House, W6 7EA

  21. Buxlow Preparatory, HA9

  22. Byron Court, HA0 3SF

  23. Cannon Lane Middle, HA5 1TS

  24. Canonbury School, N1 2UC

  25. Cavendish, NW1 7EY

  26. Cedars Middle School, HA3 6LS

  27. Chalgrove, N3 3PL

  28. Channing, N6 5HF

  29. Chase Side, EN2 6NS

  30. Childs Hill, NW2 1SL

  31. Christ Church, NW3

  32. Christ Church CE, EN5 4NS

  33. Christ the King, N11

  34. Christchurch, W5 2KA

  35. Church Hill, EN4 8NN

  36. Churchfield, N9 9PL

  37. City of London, EC2Y 8BB

  38. Clerkenwell, EC1R 1UN

  39. Cleveland, IG1 1EW

  40. Coldfall, N10 1HS

  391W

  41. Coleridge, N8 8AT

  42. Colindale, NW9 6HP

  43. Copenhagen Primary, N1 OWF

  44. Courtland, NW7

  45. Cranborne Primary School, EN6 2BA

  46. Cromer Road, EN5 5HT

  47. Danegrove School, EN4

  48. Deansbrook, NW7 3ED

  49. Discovery Bay, Hong Kong

  50. Dollis, NW7 2BU

  51. Downside, E5 8PH

  52. Drayton Park, N5 1PJ

  53. Drizen, HA8 7NT

  54. Edge Grove, WD2

  55. Edgeware, HA8 9AB

  56. Edward Betham, UB6 9JU

  57. Eleanor Palmer, NW5 2JA

  58. Elmgrove, HA3 8LU

  59. Elversley, N21 1PD

  60. Fairfields, EN7 6JG

  61. Fairway, NW7 3HS

  62. Firs Farm, N13 5HE

  63. Fitzjohns, NW3 6NP

  64. Flora Gardens, W6 OUD

  65. Forty Hill CE, EN2 9EY

  66. Foulds, EN5 4NR

  67. Frith Manor, N12 7BN

  68. Fryent, NW9 8JD

  69. Furzehill Middle, WD6 9EF

  70. Garden Suburb, NW11 6XU

  71. Garfield School, N11

  72. Gladstone Park, NW10 1LB

  73. Gospel Oak, NW3 2JB

  74. Gower House, NW9 8RR

  75. Gower, NW9 8SD

  76. Grange Middle, HA2 0RJ

  77. Grange Park, N21

  78. Grazebrook, N16 0QP

  79. Green CE, N17 9EJ

  80. Grimsdyke, HA5

  81. Haberdasher's Aske, WD6 3BT

  82. Hadley Wood, EN4 0HT

  83. Hampstead Parochial, NW3 6TX

  84. Hanover, N1 8BD

  85. Hartsbourne JMI, WD2

  86. Harvington, W5 2DS

  87. Hazelwood, N13 5HE

  88. Hendon, NW4 2HP

  89. Hendon Preparatory, NW4 1TD

  90. Highbury Quadrant, N5 2DP

  91. Highfield, N4 ET

  92. Highgate, N6 4ED

  93. Highgate, N6 4PH

  94. Holland House, HA8 8TP

  95. Holly Park, N11

  96. Holy Trinity, N2 8DD

  97. Holy Trinity, SW1X 9DE

  392W

  98. Holy Trinity, HA6 2RH

  99. Horsenden Primary, UB6 0PB

  100. Hyde, NW9 6LE

  101. Independent Jewish, NW4 2AH

  102. Jewish Preparatory, NW6 5ED

  103. Keble, N21 1BG

  104. Kenmore Park Middle, HA3 9JA

  105. Kerem, N2 ORE

  106. King Alfreds, NW11 7HY

  107. Kingsbury Green, NW9 9ND

  108. Ladbroke, EN6 5AB

  109. Latymer All Saints, N9

  110. Little Heath CE School, EN6 1JW

  111. Livingstone, EN4 9BU

  112. Lochlnver House, Hertfordshire

  113. Longfield, HA2 7NX

  114. Lordship Lane Primary, N22 5DD

  115. Lyonsdown, EN5 1SA

  116. Malmesbury, E3 2AB

  117. Malorees, NW6 7PD

  118. Manor Lodge, WD2 1BD

  119. Manor Lodge, WD7 9BG

  120. Marlborough Hill, HA1 1UJ

  121. Margin, N2 9BB

  122. Merryhills, EN2 7RE

  123. Michael Sobell Sinaii, HA3 9UD

  124. Monken Hadley, EN4 ONJ

  125. Monkfrith, N14 5NG

  126. Montpellier, WS 2RA

  127. Moreland, EC1V 8BB

  128. Moss Hall, N3 1NR

  129. Mount Stewart, HA3 OJX

  130. Muswell Hill, N10 3ST

  131. New End, NW3 1HU

  132. Newberries, WD7 7EL

  133. Norfolk House, N10 2EG

  134. North London College, HA8 7RJ

  135. Northaw CE Primary, EN6 4PB

  136. Northbridge House, NW1 7AB

  137. Northside, N12 8JP

  138. Northwood Preparatory, WD3 1LW

  139. NW London Jewish Day, NW6 7PP

  140. Oakthorpe, N13 6BY

  141. Oliver Goldsmith, NW9 0BD

  142. Orley Farm, HA1 3NU

  143. Osidge, N14

  144. Our Lady of Grace, NW2

  145. Our Lady of Lourdes, N12

  146. Our Lady of Lourdes, N11

  147. Our Lady of Lourdes, NW10 8PP

  148. Our Lady of Muswell Hill, N10

  149. Our Lady of Victories

  150. Park High, HA7 1PL

  151. Perivale Primary, UB6 7AF

  152. Pinner Park, HA5 5TL

  153. Pinner Wood, HA5 3RA

  154. Pope Paul (Potters Bar), EN6 2ES

  393W

  155. Preston Park, HA9 8RJ

  156. Priestmead, HA3 8SZ

  157. Princess Frederica, N10 5TP

  158. Queenswell, N20 0NQ

  159. Radlett Preparatory, WD7 7LY

  160. Raglan Junior, EN1

  161. Reddiford, HA5 5HH

  162. Rhodes Avenue, N22 4UT

  163. Ring Cross, N7 8EE

  164. Roe Green, NW9 9JL

  165. Rokesly, N8 8NH

  166. Rosary, NW3 2AE

  167. Rosh Pinah, HA8 8TE

  168. Roxbourne, HA2 9QP

  169. Roxeth, HA2 0JA

  170. Royal, NW3

  171. Sacred Heart, N20 9JU

  172. Sacred Heart (St. Albans), AL3

  173. Salcombe Preparatory, N14

  174. Salusbury, NE6 6RG

  175. Sarum Hall, NW3 3EP

  176. Shacklewell, E8 2EA

  177. Simon Marks Jewish, N16 6PD

  178. South Hampstead, NW3 5TG

  179. St. Agnes, NW2

  180. St. Aidans, N4 4RR

  181. St. St. Andrew's, N20 8NX

  182. St. Andrew's and St. Francis, NW2 5PP

  183. St. Andrew's (Southgate), N14 6JA

  184. St. Anselm's RC, HA1 3BE

  185. St. Anthony's (Hampstead), NW3 6NP

  186. St. Bernadette, HA3 9NS

  187. St. Catherine, EN5 2ED

  188. St. Charles RC, W10

  189. St. Christina's NW8 7PY

  190. St. Christopher's, NW3 5AE

  191. St. Christopher's, HA9 8HE

  192. St. Christopher's, Middlesex

  193. St. Columba's Preparatory, AL3 4AW

  194. St. Cross, EN11 8BN

  195. St. Edward's

  196. St. Eugene's de Mazenod RC, NW6

  197. St. Francis de Sales, N17

  198. St. George's EN2 0QA

  199. St. George's (Sudbury), HA1 3SB

  200. St. Giles, EN6 3PE

  201. St. Helen's, HA6 3AS

  202. St. Hilda's, WD2 3DA

  203. St. James', N10 3JA

  204. St. Joan of Arc, N5 2UX

  205. St. John the Baptist, E2 9JY

  206. St. John Vianney, N15 3HD

  207. St. John's, N20 0PL

  208. St. John's, N16

  209. St. John's (Welwyn), AL6 0BX

  210. St. John's, EN2 9BD

  211. St. John's, HA7 3AD

  212. St. John's CE, N11 3LB

  394W

  213. St. John's Preparatory, EN6 5QT

  214. St. Joseph's RC Junior, NW4 4TY

  215. St Joseph's, W9 1HR

  216. St. Joseph's, N19

  217. St. Joseph's, SE5 0TS

  218. St. Joseph's, WC2B 5NA

  219. St. Joseph's (Harrow), HA3 7LP

  220. St. Joseph's (Wembley)

  221. St. Joseph's Convent, NW4 4TY

  222. St. Martha's Convent, Hertfordshire

  223. St. Martin de Porres, N11 2AF

  224. St. Martin's, NW7 3RG

  225. St. Martin's RC, HA8 9HQ

  226. St. Mary Magdalene, NW2 5BB

  227. St. Mary Magdalene, N7 8PG

  228. St. Mary of the Angels, N2

  229. St. Mary's, N3 1RT

  230. St. Mary's, NW4 3SL

  231. St. Mary's, N6 7BU

  232. St. Mary's, NW10 9JA

  233. St. Mary's, Middlesex

  234. St. Mary's, NW3 6PG

  235. St. Mary's, AL6 9DJ

  236. St. Mary's CE, Barnet

  237. St. Mary's Priory, N15

  238. St. Michael's, N6 4BG

  239. St. Michael's, N22 4HE

  240. St. Michael's, EN2 0NB

  241. St. Michael at Bowes, N13

  242. St. Monica, N14 7HE

  243. St. Monica, N1 6NT

  244. St. Nicholas, NW9 8PN

  245. St. Nicholas, WD6 3EN

  246. St. Nicholas House, HP3 8RP

  247. St. Paul's, N22

  248. St. Paul's, NW7 1QU

  249. St. Paul's, N21 2RA

  250. St. Paul's, NW3 3DS

  251. St. Peter and St. Paul's, EC1

  252. St. Robert Southwell, NW9

  253. St. Saviours, SE24 0AY

  254. St. Teresa, HA3 6LE

  255. St. Theresa's, N3 2TD

  256. St. Vincent, NW7

  257. St. Vincent's, W1M 3HA

  258. Stag Lane Middle, HA8 5RU

  259. Stanburn, HA7 2PJ

  260. St. Margaret's, WD2

  261. Summerside, N12 0QU

  262. Sunnybank Junior, EN6 2NA

  263. Sunnyfields JMI, NW4 4JH

  264. Swaminarayan, NW10 8HE

  265. Tetherdown, N10 3BP

  266. The Mount, NW7 2RX

  267. The Village, NW3 2YN

  268. Thornhill, N1 1HX

  269. Trent, EN4 9JH

  270. Tudor, N3 2AG

  395W

  271. Underhill Junior, EN5 2LZ

  272. Vaughan First and Middle, HA1 4EL

  273. Vicars Green County, HA0 1DP

  274. Vita et Pax, N14 4AT

  275. Walker, N14 4AT

  276. Weald Middle, HA3 7DH

  277. Weldon Park, HA2 8LS

  278. Wembley Manor, HA9 7NW

  279. Wessex Gardens, NW11 9RR

  280. West Lodge, HA5 1AF

  281. Whitchurch, HA7 2EQ

  282. Whiteheath Junior, HA4 7PA

  283. Winton, N1 9AZ

  284. Wolfson Hillel, N14 4LG

  285. Woodridge, N12 7HE

  286. Woodside, EN7 5JS

  287. Woodside Park, N12 8SY

  288. Yeading, UB4 0NR

  289. Yerbury, N19 4RR.

  School Places (Independent Sector)
  Mr. St.Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many places were bought from independent schools by his Department during 1998–99 outside the assisted places scheme; and at what cost. [107023]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Under the Government's Music and Ballet Scheme and Choir School Scholarship Scheme, 693 aided places and 72 chorister places were supported at a total cost of £9.7 million in financial year 1998–99. Apart from the Assisted Places Scheme, the Department does not otherwise buy places directly from independent schools.

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the average spending on teacher training provision by London education authorities during the current year. [107124]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information requested is not collected centrally.