Written Answers of 5 July 2000

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Waste Recycling
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for(a) Great Britain and (b) each local authority the percentage of waste recycled in (i) 1997 (ii) 1998 and (iii) 1999. [127207]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 23 June 2000]: Recycling levels in Scotland are a matter for the Secretary of State for Scotland. For England and Wales the national household recycling rates for 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99 were 7.5, 8.2 and 9.4 per cent. respectively. I have placed a list in the House of Commons Library setting out ranges of household recycling rates for local authorities in England and Wales. All figures are based on data from the annual DETR Municipal Waste Survey.

  Transport Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the outcome was of the Transport Council held in Luxembourg on 26 and 27 June; and if he will make a statement. [128333]

  Mr. Hill
  The Transport Council met in Luxembourg on 26 June. I represented the United Kingdom.

  At the opening of the Council, the Netherlands made a statement expressing regret at the recent incident at Dover and stressed the need for EU action on traffic in human beings. I welcomed and endorsed the Dutch statement.

  The Council debated a draft directive on interoperability of the conventional rail network. The only outstanding issue was the UK and Spain's request that derogations to allow the retention of existing track or loading gauges would be automatic rather than requiring Commission approval. I am pleased to say that, following the debate, a revised text was agreed which allows the automatic derogation we had been seeking and enabled the Council to agree a common position.

  The Council debated proposals arising from the loss of the oil tanker "Erika" (the 'Erika 1' package). These are revised directives on ship inspection organisations and on port state control of shipping; and a new regulation on accelerating the introduction of double hulls in oil tankers. The Council reached political agreement on the first of these, which would give the Commission responsibility for recognising member states' appointed ship inspection organisations. The Commission gave a progress report on the port state control proposal. There was a debate on double-hulled tankers, during which I noted the need for a proper economic and regulatory impact assessment. I agreed with the Commission and a number of member
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  states that IMO action at global level would be preferable, but that otherwise EU legislation would be acceptable. These issues will be debated again at the October Council. The Council agreed conclusions, stating that further progress should be made towards the "Erika 2" package, foreseen at the Feira European Council. France stated that Erika 2 would be a priority of its Presidency.

  There was a further progress report from the Commission on the Galileo satellite navigation project. The Commission said it would submit a final report on the definition phase and an economic analysis in time for the December Council, at which a final decision would have to be made on whether to go ahead with the project. At the October Council, there would be an orientation debate on structure and funding. I joined other member states in stressing the need for full cost benefit analysis and for private sector funding to make the project viable. Conclusions were agreed, urging that the Council be provided with sufficient information early in the autumn to allow it to take a decision on Galileo's future.

  The Commission gave a further presentation of its Communication on air passenger rights, underlining the need for progress with legislation or voluntary action in various areas of passenger protection, including the setting of minimum contract requirements for ticket purchase. Further work will be done to prepare for a discussion at the October Council.

  The Commission gave its view of progress on work to create common EU structures for air traffic management (ATM). This might include the establishment of bodies to regulate European ATM. The Commission noted that separation of provision and regulation of ATM services was vital, to implement the conclusions of the European Councils at Lisbon and Feira.

  The Council agreed that the Commission proposals on cabin crew qualifications in civil aviation should be re-examined in the light of the recent proposal to transpose standards drawn up by the Joint Aviation Authorities into Community law.

  The Presidency presented a paper describing recent discussions on the establishment of a European aviation safety authority (EASA). The point at issue is whether the Commission should work up detailed proposals for an EU agency, rather than an international organisation. The Presidency presented a paper which analysed whether an EU agency could effectively promote air safety across Europe. I said that the UK was open to the idea of an EU agency, but that such an agency would have to have sufficient power to take safety decisions effectively, involve member states and national safety regulators fully in its work, and involve non-EU states as fully as possible. It should not initially cover safety of airports or air traffic management. The Council invited the Commission to make a formal proposal for an EU agency.

  The Council also discussed the Transatlantic Common Aviation Area (TCAA). The Commission is seeking a mandate allowing it to negotiate a TCAA agreement with the US on behalf of the EU. The UK has on previous occasions made clear that it gives priority to its bilateral negotiations with the US, which are continuing. Technical work on the likely shape of a Commission mandate has been taking place, and the UK has been participating in that. The Presidency concluded that the Council was

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  satisfied with the technical work, and asked for further work to be done by COREPER, to allow a decision on the mandate to be taken in December.

  The Commission reported on developments in the area of aviation noise standards. They noted the good progress in defining new standards within the ICAO CAEP process.

  The Council agreed a wide-ranging Resolution on road safety, following the Commission Communication presented to the March Council. Among areas identified for legislative action are: further development of the European new vehicles crash testing programme (EuroNCAP), use of speed limiters on larger vehicles, higher levels of seatbelt and child restraint usage, safer car fronts, and targeting of accident blackspots. The Resolution also refers to the Commission's intention to bring forward a recommendation for member states to introduce a maximum blood alcohol level of 0.5 milligrams per millilitre.

  Two road transport issues were debated: a proposed Regulation on transit quotas ("ecopoints") for lorries passing through Austria; and a proposal on the allocation of Swiss transit permits for heavy lorries. The former concerns a proposal to reduce the ecopoint quotas of five member states, a legal requirement under the terms of Austria's Act of Accession. The member states affected (which do not include the UK) expressed their opposition to this measure and the Presidency instructed COREPER to re-examine the proposal. The Commission noted that unless an alternative proposal emerges, and is agreed upon, the Commission regulation will automatically come into effect on 20 September. The Commission also introduced its amended proposal for the distribution of permits for heavy goods vehicles travelling in Switzerland. The permit allocations for individual member states were in the process of being revised in the light of recently completed analyses of trade and traffic statistics in the Alpine region. The Presidency asked for further work to be done by COREPER to prepare for decision at the October Council.

  Under other business the Commission presented its new "Communication on safer and more competitive quality road transport in the Community", covering such issues as working and driving time for lorry drivers, conditions for employment of non-EU hauliers, and driver training. This will be a priority issue for debate during the French presidency.

  Vehicle Speeds
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the national transport plan and local transport plans will give priority to slower speeds for vehicular traffic on roads where the risk of injury to other road users is significant. [128547]

  Mr. Hill
  Our guidance on local transport plans makes clear that authorities should ensure that safety is a key element in all aspects of their plan. Authorities are required to prepare a road safety strategy, which must contain local casualty reduction targets for 2005 and annual milestone targets. While the precise package of measures used to achieve these targets is a matter for 182W
  individual authorities, we would expect to see many making use of traffic management measures and lower speed limits.

  PSV Provisional Licences
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the average processing time is for PSV provisional driver licences; and if he will make a statement. [128448]

  Mr. Hill
  Since April the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has processed 95 per cent. of PSV provisional driving licences within five working days of receipt. Allowing three days for delivery of the licence by Royal Mail this means the overall turnaround is eight days from the date of receipt. This is an improvement on last year's turnaround, which was nine days overall.

  Beacon Councils
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much money his Department has awarded to(a) Stockport MBC and (b) Tameside MBC to celebrate beacon status; and what guidance he has issued on how the money is to be spent. [128879]

  Ms Armstrong
  This year we are providing £700,000 for beacon councils. Subject to approval by the House of the Special Grant Report (number 64) which was laid on 27 June, this amount will be distributed as specified in the report among the 33 successful applicants for beacon status, including Stockport and Tameside, as a contribution to the costs they incur as beacons in disseminating their good practice.

  Guidance on the special grant was contained in the Beacon Council Application Brochure published in May 1999, and in the draft Special Grant Report circulated to each of the beacon councils earlier this year.

  Brownfield Development
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of planning decisions made in the last year resulted in brownfield development. [128634]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Information on the number of planning decisions resulting in development on brownfield sites is not available centrally. However, the latest estimates show that, in 1994, 48 per cent. of land changing to urban uses (as defined for DETR's Land Use Change Statistics) was previously developed.

  London Underground
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 19 June 2000,Official Report, column 6W, concerning the provisions of European Community treaties affecting the expenditure of London Underground, what communications he, or his predecessors, have received from the Commission of the European Communities, (a) based on Article 88 of the Treaty of European Union and (b) under any other title of that or any other Community or Union Treaty, relating to public

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  borrowing or revenue support, or the manner of its subsequent expenditure; and what arrangements are made for any such communications to be inspected. [128850]

  Mr. Hill
  We have received no such communications concerning London Underground.

  Transport Infrastructure (St. Albans)
  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action his Department is taking to improve the transport infrastructure in the St. Albans constituency. [128893]

  Mr. Hill
  In last December's Local Transport Plan Financial Settlement Hertfordshire County Council received a total block allocation of £9,467,000. This consisted of £5,000,000 for integrated transport, an increase of 19 per cent. from the previous year, and £4,467,000 for maintenance and bridges, an increase of 83 per cent. from the previous year reflecting the poor condition of some of the County's roads.

  It is of course for the County Council to decide how this funding should be used and which schemes to promote and we must leave these local projects to the responsible authorities to develop in conjunction with local partners and interests. The local transport plan process emphasises the need to work with the full range of transport providers, businesses, communities and interest groups.

  Hertfordshire County Council will be submitting their full Local Transport Plan in July and I understand that they will be including an Area Plan for mid Bedfordshire. Within this is a programme of improvements for St. Albans which includes, among other elements, improving bus infrastructure, cycling and pedestrian facilities.

  PFI Contracts
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what standard penalty clauses are included in private finance initiative contracts for roads; and how many of these have been invoked. [128589]

  Mr. Hill
  Penalties in contracts are not enforceable at law. My Department's privately financed contracts for roads include provisions for ensuring proper performance. In all these contracts performance defaults may lead to the accumulation of points which, through a hierarchical structure, could lead to increased monitoring at contractor expense and ultimately, to contract termination. A number of such points have been awarded on seven of the eight privately financed trunk road contracts in England.

  Council Tax (Carers)
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the cost of extending carers' council tax discounts by(a) five per cent. and (b) 10 per cent. to those caring for partners or disabled children in (i) Scotland and (ii) the UK. [128171]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 4 July 2000]: As council tax is a devolved matter, it is for the Parliament and Assembly to answer about the situation in Scotland and Wales.
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  The information for England is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Council tax does not operate in Northern Ireland.

  RDAs
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the projects successfully undertaken by each of the regional development agencies since April 1999 and make a statement on their progress to date. [129113]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 4 July 2000]: The Regional Development Agencies were responsible for approximately 5,000 projects in 1999–2000. Collating this amount of information could be completed only at disproportionate cost.

  Telecommunications Masts
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each of the last three years(a) the number of applications for mobile telecommunication masts that were the subject of appeals to the Secretary of State and (b) the number of appeal decisions where the local planning authority's decision was upheld. [128937]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Information is not held about telecommunications masts specifically. The following is information relating to appeal decisions about telecommunications development generally.

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–200

  Number of appeal decisions made in each year for telecommunications development

  122

  142

  184

  Number of appeal decisions made in each year that upheld the local planning authority's decision

  68

  67

  83

  Rents
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his latest estimate is of the comparative rent levels of council tenants and housing association tenants. [129122]

  Ms Armstrong
  The latest period for which both Local Authority and Registered Social Landlord rent figures in England are available is the financial year 1998–99. Average Local Authority rents for 1998–99 were £42.33 per week and those for Registered Social Landlord rents in England were £51.65 per week. Registered Social Landlords are former housing associations that are officially registered with the Housing Corporation.

  The average rent figures for local authorities and RSLs are not directly comparable because they do not take into account differences in the composition of stock, e.g. size and type of dwellings, their age and condition.

  Housing Green Paper
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the representations received in response to the Housing Green Paper. [129121]
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  Ms Armstrong
  The consultation on the Housing Green Paper runs until 31 July. Responses will in due course be made available for public inspection in the Department's library, unless submitted on a confidential basis.

  Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations
  Mr. Alan Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to issue guidance on the forthcoming Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations. [129582]

  Mr. Hill
  Advance copies of "Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control: A Practical Guide" have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The guidance describes the main provisions of the new Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control regime to be set up under the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations, a draft of which was laid before Parliament on 15 June. The guidance will set out how the Secretary of State expects to see the regulatory regime applied, and how certain terms are to be interpreted. It will complement the Environment Agency's package of technical guidance.

  The guidance will be made more widely available once the regulations have been made.

  Road Safety
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Government plan to launch the Road Safety Advisory Panel, announced in the road safety strategy "Tomorrow's Roads—Safer For Everyone". [129583]

  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Government plan to launch the Road Safety Advisory Panel, as announced in the road safety strategy "Tomorrow's Roads—Safer For Everyone". [129603]

  Mr. Hill
  The new Road Safety Advisory Panel was launched today, and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Lord Whitty) chaired the first meeting. The Panel includes representatives of the main stakeholders in road safety, including the police, local authorities, road safety organisations, road user groups and other Government Departments. Its remit is to provide advice to Ministers on road safety policies and to advise on the planned three yearly reviews of progress towards the casualty reduction targets set in the road safety strategy.

HEALTH

  Vaccination
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 24 May 2000,Official Report, column 506W, (1) what are the benefits and risks that are considered and constantly reviewed for each individual vaccination; [124762]

  (2) what are the serious adverse reactions to vaccination; and how rare they are. [124761]
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  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 7 June 2000]: The benefits of vaccination are the prevention of illness and death from infectious diseases. These benefits are assessed from clinical trials and epidemiological studies, prior to authorisation for clinical use. Following the introduction of a vaccine, there is ongoing monitoring of disease incidence rates and, where appropriate, outcomes.

  The risks of immunisation to the individual are those of adverse reactions from the vaccine. These risks are evaluated both before and after authorisation using a range of data sources including clinical trials, spontaneous adverse reaction reports from health professionals, epidemiological studies and the published scientific literature.

  The Department publishes full information on the benefits and serious adverse reactions to vaccination in the book 'Immunisation against infectious disease', copies of which are available in the Library. Vaccine-associated paralytic polio is the only serious reaction where evidence supports the suggestion of a causal association and there are demonstrated long-term consequences; this occurs in one out of approximately every million immunisations.

  The authorised Summary of Product Characteristics for each product contains important prescribing information on individual vaccines and possible undesirable effects. These are available in the Compendium of Data Sheets and Summaries of Product Characteristics published by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. The Summary is updated throughout the lifetime of the product, as new information becomes available.

  Compulsory Treatment Orders
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received from mental health users regarding the proposed introduction of compulsory treatment orders in the community. [125938]

  Mr. Hutton
  Our proposals to extend compulsory powers under the Mental Health Act beyond hospital settings formed part of our Green Paper "Reform of the Mental Health Act 1983". Consultation on this Green Paper ended on 31 March. We have received over 1,000 responses to this consultation from a wide range of people, including mental health users. Among these was a representation from the Mental Health Alliance, an umbrella group for a variety of organisations, which I received at their recent lobby of Parliament. We are now considering them carefully. I will make an announcement on how we will take this forward in the near future.

  Medicine Prices
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what powers he has to control the prices of(a) parallel-traded branded medicines, (b) branded medicines dispensed against generic prescriptions and (c) branded generic medicines. [126666]

  Ms Stuart
  The prices of branded medicines derived from parallel trade follow those not so derived. The price of a branded medicine is unaffected if it dispensed against a generic prescription.

  The prices of branded medicines, whether generic or not, are controlled indirectly though the operation of the 1999 Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS), a

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  voluntary arrangement which aims to secure the provision of safe and effective medicines for the National Health Service at reasonable prices. Whether the prices are reasonable is determined by the level of profits which manufacturers make from sales to the NHS. The operation of the PPRS is described in detail in the "Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme: Third Report to Parliament December 1999", copies of which are available in Library.

  Section 34 of the Health Act 1999 allows my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to limit the prices of branded medicines supplied to the NHS by companies which are not members of the 1999 PPRS. This power has not been exercised because all major manufacturers of branded medicines are members of the 1999 PPRS.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were waiting for admission to hospitals, including suspended patients but not including self-deferred cases,(a) in (i) Great Britain and (ii) each health authority, in (1) 1987 and (2) 1992 and (b) in (A) Great Britain and (B) each NHS trust in each year since 1995. [127209]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 23 June 2000]: The information requested for England has been placed in the Library. Matters for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are for their respective Administrations.

  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what percentage of in-patients are treated at the Diana Princess of Wales hospital in Grimsby in(a) one

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): Number of administrative staff; managerial staff; nurses; junior doctors and other medical staff employed in the NHS region as at 30 September each year

  Whole-time equivalent

  England

  Northern and Yorkshire

  Trent

  West Midlands

  North West

  Eastern

  London

  South East

  South West

  Other

  1999

  Administrative and estates staff

  149,230

  18,880

  14,900

  15,460

  20,700

  11,910

  25,960

  21,290

  13,020

  7,110

  Administrative managerial staff

  23,380

  2,660

  2,250

  2,400

  2,500

  2,020

  4,290

  3,840

  1,820

  1,590

  Nurses

  338,580

  45,910

  35,640

  35,640

  51,150

  30,920

  51,540

  51,050

  32,660

  4,060

  Of which:

  Qualified

  250,650

  34,540

  25,950

  26,340

  37,420

  21,260

  42,810

  36,620

  24,040

  1,670

  Unqualified

  87,440

  11,380

  9,540

  9,300

  13,720

  9,570

  8,700

  14,320

  8,550

  2,380

  Junior doctors1

  29,470

  3,520

  3,060

  2,940

  4,160

  2,520

  6,930

  4,000

  2,340

  3—

  Other Medical staff2

  26,500

  3,500

  2,620

  2,750

  3,790

  2,540

  4,630

  4,210

  2,460

  3—

  1998

  Administrative and estates staff

  145,670

  18,380

  14,460

  12,910

  20,840

  18,970

  16,700

  15,550

  20,410

  7,440

  Administrative managerial staff

  21,850

  2,510

  2,110

  2,230

  3,410

  3,070

  2,430

  2,160

  2,330

  1,600

  Nurses

  332,200

  44,870

  34,930

  32,310

  46,710

  42,250

  42,100

  35,400

  49,740

  3,880

  Of which:

  Qualified

  247,240

  33,750

  25,390

  23,650

  36,570

  31,930

  31,100

  26,350

  36,820

  1,680

  Unqualified

  84,520

  11,120

  9,540

  8,660

  10,080

  10,000

  11,000

  9,010

  12,910

  2,200

  Junior doctors1

  29,100

  3,590

  2,970

  2,860

  4,180

  2,680

  5,310

  4,190

  3,320

  3—

  Other Medical staff2

  25,160

  3,370

  2,410

  2,620

  3,580

  2,540

  3,920

  3,540

  3,180

  3—

  1997

  Administrative and estates staff

  145,150

  18,420

  14,390

  12,820

  21,060

  18,650

  16,480

  15,290

  20,240

  7,800

  Administrative managerial staff

  21,430

  2,460

  1,980

  2,270

  3,330

  3,130

  2,410

  2,190

  2,190

  1,460

  Nurses

  330,620

  45,030

  34,760

  32,040

  46,920

  42,680

  41,850

  34,200

  49,300

  3,840

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  month or less, (b) three months, (c) six months and (d) over six months; [128500]

  (2) what percentage of in-patients are treated at Scunthorpe hospital in (a) one month or less, (b) three months, (c) six months and (d) over six months. [128501]

  Mr. Hutton
  The latest available information is given in the table.

  In patients treated

  Diana Princess of Wales Hospital

  Scunthorpe and Goole Hospital

  Elective waiting list admissions

  9,683

  18,740

  Elective waiting list admissions:

  Within 1 month

  1,924

  8,118

  Percentage seen within 1 month

  20

  43

  Within 3 months

  1,895

  3,956

  Percentage seen within 3 months

  20

  21

  Within 6 months

  1,448

  1,989

  Percentage seen within 6 months

  15

  11

  Over 6 months

  4,416

  4,677

  Percentage seen over 6 months

  46

  25

  Note:

  Percentages do not always add to 100 due to rounding.

  NHS Staff
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) administrative staff, (b) managerial staff, (c) nurses, (d) junior doctors and (e) other medical staff were employed in each region in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [127691]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 27 June 2000]: The information requested is shown in the table.
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  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): Number of administrative staff; managerial staff; nurses; junior doctors and other medical staff employed in the NHS region as at 30 September each year

  Whole-time equivalent

  England

  Northern and Yorkshire

  Trent

  West Midlands

  North West

  Eastern

  London

  South East

  South West

  Other

  Of which:

  Qualified

  246,010

  33,600

  25,150

  23,310

  36,810

  32,460

  30,670

  25,620

  36,770

  1,620

  Unqualified

  84,020

  11,390

  9,610

  8,720

  10,080

  9,790

  11,120

  8,570

  12,520

  2,220

  Junior doctors1

  28,540

  3,640

  2,900

  2,650

  3,910

  2,640

  5,490

  4,130

  3,180

  3—

  Other Medical staff2

  23,840

  3,210

  2,370

  2,490

  3,400

  2,420

  3,710

  3,210

  3,030

  3—

  1Includes Hospital medical staff in grades Registrar group, Senor House Officer and House Officer

  2Includes Hospital medical staff in grades Consultant, Associate Specialist, Staff Grade, Hospital Practitioner, Clinical Assistant and other un-graded staff

  3Not applicable

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten

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

  3. Figures exclude learners and agency staff

  4. New regional office boundaries were introduced on 1 April 1999

  Sources:

  Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census

  Department of Health Medical and Dental Workforce Census

  Dental Services (Prisons)
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision of NHS dentists in prisons. [128159]

  Mr. Hutton
  In most cases dental services to prisoners are provided by visiting general dental practitioners working under NHS general dental services arrangements. Some individual prisons contract for dental services with another provider, usually the Community Dental Service, but sometimes with an individual dentist.

  As part of the prison health care reforms now under way, all prisons and the health authorities in which they are situated are assessing prisoners' health needs and drawing up health improvement plans, which include dentistry. These assessments will help inform how dental services can best be delivered in the future.

  Carers
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what evaluation he has made of the on-line information service for carers, Starthere, referred to in the National Strategy for Carers; [128263]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the availability of on-line information for carers; [128264]

  (3) what assessment he has made of South Staffordshire's on-line information service for carers. [128265]

  (4) what action he plans to take to co-ordinate on-line information services for carers. [128266]

  Mr. Hutton
  Many carers will not have access to the Internet and will therefore be more likely to use other sources of information (such as: telephone helplines, carers' centres, leaflets in general practitioners' surgeries etc.). However, on-line services are an increasingly important element of information and support to carers as "Caring About Carers", the report of the National Carers Strategy, makes clear.
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  The Department launched the Government's carers' website (www.carers.gov.uk) in February 2000 to allow the increasing numbers of carers who are on the Internet (or those supporting them such as carers' workers) easy access to a range of relevant Government information. There are links to National Health Service, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Social Security, Department for Education and Employment and Employment Service sites as well as those of carers' organisations. The Department of Health controls and updates the website to co-ordinate the links to make them easy for carers to use. The process of assessing the availability of on-line information is therefore an on-going one. The website has been very well received by carers and professionals.

  The Department does not conduct detailed evaluations of all available on-line information services for carers. Starthere receives funding under s64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 and is being monitored and evaluated accordingly. Recent research undertaken in pilot sites in The Whittington Hospital and GPs' surgeries in North London revealed a very high level of satisfaction.

  I am aware of the very helpful Staffordshire Carers' Information website (Resources Bank to Support the Caring Role at Staffordshire University Lichfield Centre) and my officials are making arrangements for a hyperlink from our website to be made to it.

  Maternity Leave (GPs)
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the arrangements are for maternity leave for GPs; and if he will make a statement. [128283]

  Mr. Denham
  The payments due to a GP on maternity leave are available for a maximum period of 14 weeks. The period for which a GP may need to be absent from her practice prior to, and after, the birth, is a matter for individual assessment. A GP who is absent for a period longer than this, before or after the confinement, will be eligible for payments under the sickness payments scheme
  191W
  provided that these further absences are due to illness, whether or not this is caused by or attributable to her pregnancy or the birth of the child.

  Certain additional payments may be made to a woman GP during absences due to her pregnancy and her childbirth. Payments will be intended to reimburse her in part for the cost of a locum necessarily engaged to look after her patients.

  Salaried GPs are treated as employees and therefore receive statutory maternity pay.

  Disability
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are currently registered as wholly or partially disabled(a) nationally, (b) in Teesside and (c) in the constituency of Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East; and if he will make a statement. [128513]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information is not available in the requested format. The table shows the number of people on registers of blind and partially sighted persons, deaf or hard of hearing persons or on registers for people with physical disabilities (general classes). Registration is voluntary and is not a pre-requisite to the provision of services. Figures should not, therefore, be taken as an indicator of prevalence nor of the number of people who are in contact with social services.

  Persons on disability registers as at 31 March 1993, 1997 and 1998

  Rounded numbers

  1993 Register of people with general disabilities

  1997 Registered as blind or partially sighted

  1998 Registered as deaf or hard of hearing

  England

  1,336,900

  296,800

  189,600

  Middlesbrough

  126,000

  740

  1,550

  Redcar and Cleveland

  700

  2—

  Stockton on Tees

  700

  2,240

  Hartlepool

  370

  1,220

  1The figures for 1993 refer to the former county of Cleveland

  2Not available

  Sources:

  DH returns SSDA 911, SSDA 902, SSDA 910

  Corporal Punishment
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact on religious liberties of the proposal to ban the use of implements in the physical punishment of children by parents included in the document "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents". [129076]

  Mr. Hutton
  The consultation document "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents" was informed primarily by our recognition of the importance of the family and the need to strengthen it, through support to families with children.

  Over 800 replies were received in response to the consultation, a number of which were from faith-based organisations and from individuals who cited the importance of their faith in informing their response. These responses will be considered carefully alongside all of the other responses.
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  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what circumstances the use of an implement in the exercise of physical punishment of children by their parents would be considered unreasonable, as proposed in the consultation document "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents". [129082]

  Mr. Hutton
  In the consultation document "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents", published in January 2000, six questions were raised for consultation within the context of three possible future options for change. These are all based on the proposal that the defence of reasonable chastisement be set out on a statutory basis. The questions are then raised as to whether the following circumstances can be made reasonable:physical punishment which causes, or is likely to cause, injury to the head (including injuries to the brain, eyes and ears)
  physical punishment using implements (e.g. canes, slippers, belts).

  Those of the over 800 responses received which address these questions will be considered as part of the process of analysing the contributions of respondents.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Joannou and Paraskevaides Group
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what construction contracts his Department has awarded to the Joannou and Paraskevaides Group in the last three years. [123144]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The Department for Education and Employment has awarded no construction contracts to the Joannou and Paraskevaides Group in the last three years.

  Examination Results
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list in respect of each of the last three years(a) the percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more A*-C grades at GCSE and (b) the average points score at A level for pupils attending (i) specialist schools and (ii) comprehensive schools (excluding specialist schools) in England. [127867]

  Mr. Wicks
  The information requested on GCSEs and GCE A level is shown in the following table. However, it is not possible to make year-on-year comparisons, as the number of specialist schools has increased each year; therefore, the schools in each of the categories have changed.

  Percentage

  1997

  1998

  1999

  (a) Percentage of 15-year-old pupils achieving 5 Or more GCSE grades A*-C

  (i) in specialist schools

  50.8

  52.2

  53.3

  (ii) in comprehensive schools excluding specialist schools

  41.6

  42.3

  44

  More detailed analysis is available for specialist school performance from the year each school became specialist up to 1998. The annual average improvement in the proportion of pupils achieving at least 5 or more GCSEs

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  A*-C for specialist schools between 1994 and 1998 was 1.11 percentage points; for non-specialist schools it was 0.75.

  1997

  1998

  1999

  (b) Average GCE A/AS point score of candidates aged 16–18 entered for 2 or more GCE A/AS

  (i) in specialist schools

  17.4

  18.2

  18.3

  (ii) in comprehensive schools excluding specialist schools

  16.3

  16.6

  16.8

  Social Exclusion
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his Department's assessment of the measures required to tackle labour market access for the most disadvantaged groups; and what policies are in place to apply such measures. [127965]

  Ms Jowell
  The Government's key economic aim is high and stable levels of employment so everyone can share in growing living standards and greater job opportunities. The ambition is that, by the end of the decade, there will be a higher percentage of people in employment than ever before.

  An important element of the Government's approach is to address labour market disadvantage to achieve employment opportunities for all. Policies encourage employers to consider the widest range of people for their vacancies—including the long-term unemployed, the economically inactive, people with disabilities, people from ethnic minorities and older people.

  To achieve these aims, the Government have put in place a national framework, supplemented by locally targeted policies:
  a stable macroeconomic platform to promote steady, sustained growth in output and jobs
  policies to promote competition, innovation and enterprise
  investing in education and training so people have the skills they need to take up work
  a labour market policy with a strong work focus linking active and continuous jobsearch with payment of benefit. Through this, and the network of local Employment Service Jobcentres, all unemployed people have regular access to vacancies, advice and help with jobsearch throughout their period of unemployment
  a range of New Deal programmes to help those without a job—especially the long-term unemployed and those on inactive benefits—back into the labour market and from there into work
  policies such as the National Minimum Wage and Working Families Tax Credit designed to make work pay
  the national childcare strategy to increase the range of jobs that are open to people
  Employment Zones, regional policies such as Regional Selective Assistance, the Single Regeneration Budget and the New Deal for Communities, designed to boost the infrastructure and human capital of particularly disadvantaged localities

  Since spring 1997, the Labour Force Survey shows that the number of people in jobs has risen by 978,000. Three fifths of this increase (570,000) has come from people who were previously economically inactive and two fifths
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  (407,000) from a fall in unemployment. 85 per cent. of the fall in unemployment (353,000) has come from people who had been out of work for one year or more.

  These figures are encouraging but there is still more to do.

  Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Mr. Willis), of 21 December 1999,Official Report, column 554W, on secondments, if he will give the names, grades and job titles of the staff seconded into his Department from each organisation mentioned, stating in each case the name of the section they were seconded to and a summary of the work that they were involved with. [128239]

  Mr. Wills
  The table lists the names of the companies as referred to in my answer of 21 December 1999 and indicates where the secondee worked within DfEE.

  Company

  Glaxo Wellcome

  Higher Education Funding Division

  Aquemen

  Private Finance Division

  BBC

  University for Industry—(UFI)

  Team Broadcasting Adviser

  BBC

  University for Industry—(UFI)

  Team Broadcasting Adviser

  Pannell Kerr Foster Associates

  Private Finance Division

  LINK Group

  Individual Learning Accounts

  ICL

  UFI Transition Team

  In each case the secondees worked on developing and delivering Government policy in the areas described above.

  Southwark LEA
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he intends to take in response to the most recent Ofsted report on Southwark local education authority. [128489]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Consultants were employed, jointly by the DfEE and Southwark Council following December's Ofsted report, to advise on ways to improve the LEA's performance and to raise standards in Southwark schools. As a result of their recommendations, Southwark advertised for a strategic partner in March. Two bids have been shortlisted, and there is currently a rigorous process of clarification and evaluation involving both bidders, DfEE and Southwark, aided by consultants. We will select an appropriate model of partnership and a partner with whom the Council will enter into a formal agreement. The partner will, as a minimum, take over the running of the School Improvement Service and play a major role in strategic policy formation. A wider element of service delivery may be included.

  Rural Schools
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures he has taken to enhance the role of rural schools within their local communities. [127919]
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  Ms Estelle Morris
  Our guidance on the reorganisation of schools makes it clear that there should be a presumption against the closure of rural schools, and we are encouraging community use of school facilities. Our recent booklet "Raising Standards: Opening Doors" encourages imaginative approaches to community use of schools, and a manual is being developed to support schools in their work with the community. We recently introduced a new Standards Fund grant for small schools to help reduce the administrative burden on heads and teachers, and from September an additional Small School Support Fund will encourage small schools to consider and pilot new ways of working with others.

  Standard Spending Assessment (Kent)
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how much of its standard spending assessment Kent Education Authority allocated to post-16 education between 1997–98 and 2000–01(a) in absolute terms and (b) per pupil; [128743]

  (2) how much of their standard spending assessment the statistical neighbours of Kent Education Authority have allocated to post-16 education between 1997–98 and 2000–01 (a) in absolute terms and (b) per pupil. [128744]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  This information is not available. Local education authorities allocate funding to schools using various factors and there is no separate post-16 component to mirror that used in the standard spending assessment process. Furthermore, central spending by the LEA on secondary education is not separately analysed into pre-16 and post-16 components.

  New University (Shropshire)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will examine the feasibility of establishing a university in Shropshire; and if he will make a statement. [128761]

  Mr. Wicks
  It is for the higher education funding councils to offer advice to the Government on such matters in the light of representations made locally. We are not aware of any representations about the feasibility of establishing a university in Shropshire.

  Business Start-ups
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what resources and money are being made available to help people who are aged 50 years and over, who are not working, to set up their own businesses; and if he will make a statement. [128804]

  Ms Jowell
  People aged over 50 who are looking for work and are considering self-employment may be eligible for Work Based Learning for Adults. This programme provides: initial support and advice; awareness of the implications of self-employment; help to develop business plans; appropriate skills training; and ongoing mentoring while in training. The budget for Work Based Learning for Adults for this year is £316 million for England.

  New Deal 50 plus provides practical advice and financial support for people moving back to work and this support extends to those who become self-employed or set up in business. The Employment Credit of £60 a week for up to a year for those working full-time and the
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  in-work Training Grant of up to £750 provide vital financial support for the individual in their first year back in work. The budget for New Deal 50 plus this year is £120 million for Great Britain.

  In addition, from April next year, New Deal 25 plus will be offering a dedicated route into self-employment.

  The Department for Education and Employment is also helping to fund PRIME, an initiative modelled on the Prince's Trust. PRIME intends to offer advice and financial support for people over 50 wishing to set up their own business.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is providing information about help provided by DTI programmes.

  Swimming Lessons
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what support and assistance he will provide to schools in order to ensure that children are provided with adequate swimming lessons. [128822]

  Jacqui Smith
  The National Curriculum has always entitled all children to learn to swim unaided for a distance of 25 metres by the time they leave primary school. We have asked Ofsted to report on swimming at Key Stages 1 and 2, using enhanced inspection evidence gathered during November 1999 and information from their existing inspection database. We anticipate receiving their report within the next few months and will then consider their findings.

  Training of Scientists
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what consultations he has had with Ministers and officials in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions in respect of the training of scientists with the appropriate expertise to manage radioactive waste. [128862]

  Mr. Wicks
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has had no consultation with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on this subject.

  Performance-related Pay
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many teachers employed in schools in the London Borough of Wandsworth have applied for the performance-related pay scheme; and if he will make a statement. [128892]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  At this stage, information relating to applications for threshold assessment has not been analysed in sufficient detail to identify the numbers applying from Wandsworth. We will be making this information available in due course.

  Chief Inspector of Schools
  Mr. Mudie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on what date the contract of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools expires. [129020]
  197W
  Ms Estelle Morris
  Chris Woodhead's current term of employment as HM Chief Inspector of Schools ends on 31 August 2003.

  Equal Treatment Directive
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the implications of the proposed EU Council directive, establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation for religious liberties. [129086]

  Ms Jowell
  The Employment Directive is still being negotiated and we will work with our partners in other member states to ensure that its provisions relating to religious liberties are clear, workable and consistent with the existing position in the UK.

DEFENCE

  Dockyards
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent meetings he has held with trade unions to discuss dockyard work loads. [128769]

  Mr. Spellar
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and the rest of his ministerial team met senior trade unions national officers on 12 June 2000 to discuss, among other matters, the management of overall capacity for warship support and maintenance.

  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans for efficiency savings he has made with regard to Royal Navy dockyards; and if he will make a statement. [128768]

  Mr. Spellar
  As part of the Defence Logistic Organisation's drive to reduce costs while increasing the quality of logistic support to the Front Line, discussions have commenced with the privatised dockyard companies and senior trades union national officers looking for innovative ways to reduce the current excess capacity for warship support and maintenance. It is too early to say what this will mean in terms of efficiency savings.

  Precision Bombing
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will acquire GPS tail kits for all RAF iron bombs. [129080]

  Mr. Spellar
  On current plans, we aim to introduce an all-weather precision bombing capability in 2006. The Kosovo campaign confirmed the need to improve our capability in this area and we are examining the scope for advancing this date alongside other high priorities.

  Various technological solutions are available that could provide autonomous guidance for a weapon which meets this requirement, including the use of Global Positional System (GPS) technology.

  There is not considered to be a requirement to acquire all-weather guidance for all our bombs. Laser guided bombs such as Paveway 2 and 3 remain highly cost effective weapons in the majority of weather conditions.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will acquire the Maverick missile system. [129081]
  198W
  Mr. Hoon
  The Kosovo campaign identified the need to enhance our precision attack capability. In March, I announced the start of work to trial the integration of Maverick anti-armour missiles onto RAF Harrier GR7. Trials are proceeding and further decisions will be taken when they are complete.

TREASURY

  European Investment Bank
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those UK companies which receive financial support from the European Investment Bank; for what reason such assistance is provided; and if he will make a statement. [123623]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information is given in the 1999 EIB Annual Report, which is available in the Library.

  European Integration
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which areas have been identified by(a) member states and (b) European Community institutions as requiring additional pooling of sovereignty for the better functioning of the single currency zone. [123613]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 5 June 2000,Official Report, column 71W.

  Euro
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will publish an independent assessment of the extent to which the five economic tests for entry into the single currency have been met at the time when the Government make their recommendations on entry; [128627]

  (2) what plans he has to publish the Treasury's assessment of whether the five economic tests for membership of the single currency have been met. [128628]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Treasury published the paper "UK Membership of the Single Currency: An Assessment of the Five Economic Tests" in October 1997. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has said we will make another assessment of the five economic tests early in the nextParliament.

  Road Fuel
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received from fuel retailers about rates of duty on diesel and petrol in Northern Ireland and their impact on cross-border smuggling of fuel; and if he will make a statement. [129063]

  Mr. Timms
  I met with the Northern Ireland Committee of the Petrol Retailers Association in October 1999 to discuss the cross-border smuggling of road fuels in Northern Ireland and its impact on the petrol retail industry.

  Treasury Ministers continue to receive representations about the rates of duty on diesel and petrol in Northern Ireland. In addition to representations directly from the

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  Petrol Retailers Association, some individual retailers have contacted their Members of Parliament who have then written to Treasury Ministers on their behalf.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the quantity of smuggled road fuel of each type seized by the customs officers in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years and the current year; and how much revenue these seizures represented. [128611]

  Mr. Timms
  The seizures for financial years 1995–96 to 1998–99 are in the Northern Ireland Select Committee Third Report (July 1999). The seizures for the financial year 1999–2000 are as follows:

  Volume seized (litres)

  Revenue (£)

  1,037,0011

  528,870

  1a breakdown by type is not available

  The seizures for the current year are not yet available.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he (1) takes to ensure that answers to parliamentary questions are dealt with in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information; [129068]

  (2) has undertaken to ensure that answers to parliamentary questions are dealt with in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Government information. [129217]

  Mr. Timms
  Treasury Ministers seek to answer parliamentary questions fully, providing Members with the information they are seeking. In those cases where it is not possible to do so—for example, if the information requested is not available, if it would be disproportionately costly to obtain it, or if it is appropriate under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information not to disclose the information—it is our practice to explain the reason in the answer.

  Tax Law Rewrite
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the future work programme of the Tax Law Rewrite project; and if it includes the rewriting of the Pay As You Earn Regulations. [129448]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I am pleased to say that the Tax Law Rewrite project is making very good progress and continues to enjoy wide support. A rewritten draft Capital Allowances Bill will be published at the end of July, for final consultations. It is planned to be ready for introduction in Parliament towards the end of this year.

  Work also continues on the much larger task of rewriting the Income Tax legislation. For practical reasons, this will be enacted in stages. The first Income Tax Bill—covering employment income and possibly social security and pensions income—is planned to be ready in November 2002. The aim is to have a second Income Tax Bill—covering trading income, property income and savings and investment income—ready for November 2003.
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  Although the project's remit does not extend to secondary legislation, I am pleased to announce that—as an exception—the rewriting of the PAYE Regulations will be included in the work programme for the first Income Tax Bill. This should be warmly welcomed by employers. The aim is for the rewritten Regulations to come into force at the same time as the first Income Tax Bill, in April 2003.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to allow members of occupational schemes to make contributions to stakeholder pensions. [129604]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  We will shortly table an amendment to the Finance Bill to allow members of an occupational pension scheme, who earn under £30,000 per year and who are not controlling directors, to contribute up to £3,600 a year to a personal or stakeholder pension scheme. This will extend the opportunity of new low cost, good value, portable stakeholder pensions to about 8 million more people. It will allow nearly 90 per cent. of employees who have an occupational pension to also pay into a stakeholder pension.

  A copy of the joint Inland Revenue/Department of Social Security press notice, giving further details of the arrangements, will be placed in the Library of the House.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Animal Exports
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to seek a change in EU law to limit the number of cycles of travel and rest for animals while being exported to other European countries; and if he will make a statement. [126903]

  Mr. Morley
  We shall be seeking substantial improvements to the EU requirements on the welfare of animals in transit when the Commission brings forward the updating proposals that it has promised for later this year. We shall wish the improvements to include strict and enforceable provisions on the permissible length of journeys.

  Milk Quotas
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on milk quotas; and if he will make a statement. [126959]

  Ms Quin
  During the Agenda 2000 negotiations, regular meetings were held with agriculture ministers from other EU member states regarding milk quotas. Further discussions will be held in the run up to the review of the milk quota system in 2003.

  Organic Farming
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received from commercial organisations about the percentage of food consumed in the UK which is(a) organically produced and (b) produced by (i) genetic
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  modification and (ii) biotechnology; and what estimates commercial organisations have given him of the amount that will be so produced in 2010. [127015]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 20 June 2000]: I have received no recent representations from commercial organisations about the percentage of food, provided by any of the above methods, that is currently consumed in the United Kingdom, or estimated for production in the year 2010.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 10 April 2000,Official Report, column 57W, on organic farming, what have been the major conclusions of the organic research programme on (a) constraints on production, (b) costs of the conversion period and (c) the environmental impact. [126475]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 27 June 2000]: The majority of the projects funded under the Ministry's organic R&D programme address issues relating to constraints on production and the cost of conversion. These projects have considered a considerable number of issues both specifically and in the context of ongoing studies of agricultural systems. Research on the environmental impact of organic farming has concluded that organic regimes can benefit biodiversity at the farm-level although, the impact is farm-specific and dependent on the management of the farm both before and after conversion to the organic system. Lists of projects funded from 1997–98 are posted on the Ministry's website. Reports containing the conclusions of completed projects are available from the Ministry on request.

  Common Fisheries Policy
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will identify those elements of the Common Fisheries Policy which operate in(a) Baltic and (b) Mediterranean waters; and if he will account for the differences in applicability of the policy to Atlantic waters. [127191]

  Mr. Morley
  Baltic Sea fisheries are managed by the International Baltic Sea Fisheries Commission (IBSFC), of which the EU is a member. EU regulations are made under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to implement management measures adopted by the IBSFC. General CFP conservation measures are also applicable in the Baltic Sea to the extent specified in individual regulations.

  Coastal states in the Mediterranean Sea have not generally extended their exclusive fisheries limits beyond 12 miles, reflecting the narrowness of the continental shelf in the area. This has restricted the extent to which general CFP provisions have been applied. The EU has, however, implemented various conservation measures under the CFP covering Mediterranean fisheries, including tuna management measures adopted by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) and a limited number of technical conservation measures.

  The Government consider that the application of the CFP in Atlantic waters can be improved and will continue to pursue opportunities for achieving this.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average length of time which it took for press releases to appear on his Ministry's website in the past 12 months. [128059]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 28 June 2000]: The Department publishes its press releases on the MAFF website within 24 hours of the time they are issued. Many are published on the day of release, and we are investigating ways of upgrading existing updating methods to ensure that all do so.

  Ragwort
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has assessed on the efficacy of biological control of ragwort. [128339]

  Mr. Morley
  My Department is not currently involved in any research and development on the biological control of ragwort. Depending on its location and degree of infestation, ragwort can be controlled effectively by a number of means.

  Farrowing Crates
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the extent to which expectant and nursing sows suffer from being kept in farrowing crates; and if he will make a statement. [129032]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 4 July 2000]: This Ministry has funded a considerable amount of research on the behaviour and physiology of sows kept in farrowing crates. Part of this research has been directed towards determining which aspects of confinement in farrowing crates could, potentially, cause frustration in pregnant and lactating sows. We are also funding research to develop and test commercially viable farrowing systems, which encourage freedom of movement for the sow, and provide adequate protection to piglets from crushing by their mother.

  Shellfish Stocks
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the state of shellfish stocks around the United Kingdom coast. [128540]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 4 July 2000]: Monitoring of the state of shellfish stocks by marine fisheries scientists at the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) suggests that the current rate of fishing on crab, crawfish and lobster could jeopardise stock sustainability. Work is now proceeding on the introduction of a restrictive Shellfish Licensing Scheme to aid stock conservation.

  Fishing Industry
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what plans he has for the remainder of the year 2000 and for 2001 for(a) netters, (b) beamers, (c) the pelagic sector and (d) all

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  other fishing sectors to financially assist those fishermen who wish to decommission their boat and leave the industry; [128842]

  (2) what current financial support is available to those fishermen who wish to leave the industry and decommission their boats; [128843]

  (3) what plans he has for the remainder of 2000 and for 2001 to assist financially those fishermen operating a line cash system who wish to decommission their boat. [129025]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 4 July 2000]: There is currently no financial scheme to encourage fishermen to decommission their vessels.

  We are currently considering whether there is a need for a further limited decommissioning scheme, and will make an announcement as soon as possible.

  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to(a) review the operational effectiveness of sea fisheries committees, (b) manage shellfish stocks and (c) regulate use of high-powered under 10m fishing vessels. [128546]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 4 July 2000]: I keep the operational effectiveness of the sea fisheries committees under regular view. The introduction of a restrictive shellfish licensing scheme, which is now in preparation, should usefully add to existing action at EU, national and Sea Fishery Committee level on the management of shellfish stocks. A cap of 100 VCUs (vessel capacity units) has applied to the aggregation of under 10m fishing vessel licences since February 1996 and earlier this year arrangements were made to link the registration and licensing of all fishing vessels to the declaration of maximum continuous or permanently derated engine power. From 1 January 2001 it will no longer be possible to aggregate licences from vessels under 8m onto vessels between 8 and 10m and a cap of 70 VCUs will apply to the aggregation of fishing vessel licences onto vessels below 8m.

  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the operation of the legislative framework under which sea fisheries committees operate, with particular reference to(a) consistency of approach to minimum landing sizes, (b) the evidence required to achieve a prosecution, (c) the management of charter fishing vessels and (d) the impact of high-powered under 10m vessels. [128574]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 4 July 2000]: Under the Sea Fisheries Regulation Act 1966, Sea Fisheries Committees (SFCs) have powers within their districts to control the size and power of vessels fishing and to set minimum landing sizes for fish and shellfish, provided these do not fall below those set by EU regulations. The Government are aware of SFC concerns about the inland extent of enforcement powers and is considering appropriate action. SFC bylaws apply as appropriate to the activities of under 10m fishing vessels and charter fishing boats. Responsibility for the registration of fishing and other vessels rests with the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen and vessels fishing for profit must hold a valid licence issued by one of the four Fisheries Departments in the UK.
  204W
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of the trade in fishing licences and quota in the last three years; [128838]

  (2) what plans he has to ensure that the trade in fishing entitlements (a) does not undermine the prospects of poor fishing regions, (b) does not worsen the prospects for new entrants to the industry, (c) is not sold to foreign or flag of convenience vessels and (d) does not result in a concentration of quota in the hands of fewer owners. [128839]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 4 July 2000]: Trade in fishing vessel licences and the fishing opportunities associated with them have been initiated by fishermen themselves. The trade enables new entrants to join the industry and gives fishermen the opportunity to restructure their operations to meet their own business needs. All licensing transactions and exchanges of quota between groups with quota management responsibilities must be conducted in accordance with the rules on licensing and quota management drawn up by the Fisheries Departments in the UK.

  These arrangements are the subject of regular consultation with the fishing industry and are currently under review by two working groups comprising representatives of industry and the Fisheries Departments. A report on possible modifications to the quota management rules, including arrangements for adjusting the fixed quota allocation units attached to fishing vessel licences to take account of transfers between fishermen, is expected shortly and a further report on licensing is expected towards the end of the year.

  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the advantages and disadvantages of a renewable 10-year derogation for national fishing rights within 12 miles of the United Kingdom shore, with particular reference to(a) the length of the derogation, (b) its operation by his Department, (c) its operation by the sea fisheries committees, (d) the exercising of historic rights of other EU member states, and (e) the ability to conserve stock for the future benefit of the fishing industry. [128575]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 4 July 2000]: As I have already made clear, the Government wish to maintain national 6/12 mile limits when the current EU derogation (under which they operate) expires at the end of 1992, together with current access arrangements based on historic rights under the Common Fisheries Policy. Restrictions on access to waters between six and 12 miles, together with the setting in the EU of Total Allowable Catches and quotas for commercial stocks and EU national, and local technical conservation rules assist, in conserving fish stocks for the future benefit of the fishing industry and of consumers. I shall shortly be discussing with the Association of Sea Fisheries Committees a paper they are preparing entitled "2002 and Beyond" which will, I understand, argue for change in the extent of Sea Fisheries Committee jurisdictions from their present limit of six miles.
  205W
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of the efficiency and probity of giving producer organisations in the fishing industry opportunities to manage the distribution of some quota allocations to their members; [128840]

  (2) what (a) amounts and (b) proportions of the United Kingdom's fishing quota are not directly allocated to licensed vessels for each year since 1995 and for the current year. [128841]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 4 July 2000]: In the UK, annual quotas are allocated to groups of fishermen rather than individual vessel owners. The groups are producer organisations (POs), the non-sector (all vessels over 10 metres not in membership of a PO) and the under 10 metre fleet. The quota allocations for the non-sector and the under 10 metre fleet are managed directly by the Fisheries Departments in the UK in consultation with the fishing industry.

  Producer organisations have played an active part in managing quota for more than 10 years. It is for each PO to decide how to manage its allocations in the interests of its members. Before a PO is recognised for the purposes of quota management it must satisfy the appropriate Fisheries Department that it has the necessary systems in place to manage its quota allocations, to monitor landings by its members and to penalise any members who exceed their quota allocations. PO's management of quota is subject to the overall supervision of Fisheries Departments who prohibit further landings of fish by a PO's members once its quota allocations have been taken in full.

  Fisheries Research Vessel
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to commission the construction of a fisheries research vessel; and if he will make a statement. [128488]

  Mr. Morley
  A decision was taken in October 1997 to replace MAFF's oldest fisheries research vessel, RV Cirolana, which is used to collect essential data on the state of fish stocks and the marine environment. A comprehensive business case explored all options, including the Private Finance Initiative and the consequences of not replacing the ship. Investment in a new vessel was agreed as a priority in the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review, and the procurement process is under way.

  In accordance with EU procurement rules, expressions of interest in the contract to construct the new vessel have been invited, and the responses will be evaluated in order to identify a short list of bidders who will be given the opportunity to tender for the contract. The planned schedule allows for negotiation and award of a construction contract by the end of December 2000. The vessel is expected to be ready for service in March 2003.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on attracting inward investment into the United Kingdom. [129298]

  Mr. Byers
  With my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, I can announce that the Invest in Britain Bureau (IBB) has in its Annual Review, published today, reported that 1999–2000 was a record year for attracting inward investment projects to the UK, and the creation of new jobs.

  Between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2000, 757 direct investment projects by foreign owned companies into the UK were reported to the IBB by its partner agencies in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the English Regional Development Agencies. Based on information provided by the companies at the time of the announcement, it is estimated that these projects will create over 52,700 new jobs.

  More overseas companies choose to invest here than anywhere in Europe. They do so because the UK is the best place to do business.

  In addition, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has announced today that the Invest In Britain Bureau, the Government's national inward investment marketing organisation, which is a part of British Trade International, will be rebranded 'Invest.UK'.

  I am arranging for a copy of Invest.UK's Annual Review to be placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Balfour Beatty
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what grants, loans and other payments were made by Her Majesty's Government, and what loans were underwritten by the ECGD, to Balfour Beatty in each of the last five years. [128570]

  Mr. Caborn
  From records readily available the following Balfour Beatty business has been the subject of guarantees underwritten by ECGD in each of the last five years:

  Year

  Number of Balfour Beatty contracts supported by ECGD

  Value of ECGD cover £ Million

  1995–96

  6

  62.3

  1996–97

  8

  75.5

  1997–98

  2

  33.7

  1998–99

  3

  15.2

  1999–2000

  0

  0

  Most cover ECGD has underwritten will have been given to UK banks who extended loans to overseas borrowers to enable them to pay for capital goods and services over an extended payment period. However, some insurance cover has been issued directly to Balfour Beatty.
  207W
  DFID advises that payments under the Aid and Trade Provision on development projects for which Balfour Beatty was the main contractor, amounted in each of the last five years to the following:

  £ million

  Project

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  China

  Guangzhou Metro Catenary

  —

  1.419

  1.259

  —

  0.299

  Peru

  Mini Hydros

  0.044

  0.002

  —

  —

  —

  Thailand

  Mini Hydro

  0.218

  0.957

  1.098

  0.304

  0.150

  Payments to Balfour Beatty under the DTI's Overseas Project Fund (now managed by Trade Partners UK), amounted to £459,875 in the last five years.

  Project

  £ million

  Vietnam

  Ton Son Nhat Airport

  0.2

  Taiwan

  High Speed Rail Link

  0.259

  Jaguar Cars
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what funds have been promised to Jaguar Cars for(a) the X200 project and (b) the X400 project; what payments have been made to date; and when full payment will be made on each of the projects. [129225]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  In 1995 Jaguar received an offer of £48 million Regional Selective Assistance (RSA), plus a £32 million package of local support measures to attract the X200 (S-Type) project to Castle Bromwich. Following discussions with the European Commission, the RSA element of the £80 million package was subsequently revised to £40 million. However, the Commission subsequently agreed in principle that additional aid up to the original £80 million total might be provided.

  Jaguar also received in 1998 an aid support offer of £40 million RSA and up to £3 million in local support measures to secure the X400 project for Halewood—the X400 package has been fully approved by the European Commission.

  The detail of the payments made and their timing is a commercial matter between Jaguar and the aid providers concerned. However in major aid cases such as this, RSA support is normally phased over a number of years.

  Karl Kolb
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will list(a) contracts awarded to the German company Karl Kolb by the British Government and (b) the amount of ECGD support provided on contracts in which Karl Kolb was a participating party between 1985 and 1999; and if he will make a statement; [128177]
  208W
  (2) what meetings were held between (a) his Department and (b) British companies with the German company Karl Kolb between January 1985 and June 2000, stating in each case the reason for the meeting, the attendees and any subsequent agreements reached; and if he will make a statement. [128178]

  Mr. Caborn
  There is no record of ECGD having provided support for any contract in which Karl Kolb was a participating party.

  Equally there is no record of this Department ever having awarded a contract to Karl Kolb or held a meeting with Karl Kolb.

  As this Department does not monitor meetings between British companies and overseas firms I am unable to answer the right hon. and learned Member's final point.

  Post Offices
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) rural and (b) urban sub-post offices operated unprofitably in the last financial year in each constituency in (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland; and how many of these in each constituency will benefit from the new fund to improve the quality of post offices. [128749]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  In its report on the Post Office network, the Performance and Innovation Unit has estimated that around 90 per cent. of urban sub-post offices operate profitably and that around 60 per cent. of rural sub-post offices operate unprofitably. I understand from the Post Office that they do not hold data by constituency for the numbers of urban or rural sub-post offices operating unprofitably.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many urban and rural sub-post offices closed for avoidable reasons in the years(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999. [128751]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  I understand that the Post Office does not hold the specific data requested for causes of closure of sub-post offices. The Post Office seeks as far as possible not to close post offices when it can be avoided. As the Performance and Innovation Unit's report recognises, sub-post office closures occur typically in small rural communities where a sub-postmaster resigns or dies and, despite best efforts, the Post Office can find no suitable replacement to take over the running of the office.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his oral statement of 28 June 2000,Official Report, columns 907–20, how many (a) urban and (b) rural sub-post offices were unavoidably closed because (i) no one was prepared to take over from the departing sub-postmaster and (ii) an associated retail business was no longer commercially viable, in (1) 1997, (2) 1998 and (3) 1999. [128750]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  I understand that the Post Office does not hold the specific data requested for causes of closure of sub-post offices. The Post Office seeks as far
  209W
  as possible not to close post offices when it can be avoided. The total numbers of sub-post offices which have closed in the last three financial years are:

  Year

  Sub-post offices

  1997–98

  238

  1998–99

  232

  1999–2000

  380

  Electricity Order 1997
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has reached conclusions following his consultation on proposals to amend the Electricity (Class Exemptions from the Requirement for a Licence) Order 1997. [129580]

  Mrs. Liddell
  In order to reduce the regulatory burden on generators which are not subject to central despatch at present I am proposing to make changes to the de-minimis level above which a generation licence is required. Subject to final comments, I propose to lay an order to exempt for a period of one year all generators which are not capable of exporting more than 100 MW to the total system and which have energised connections on the date of the order coming into force. Additionally a small number of stations which exceed this limit but are not presently subject to central despatch will be included within this exempt class.

  The change will allow generators which are currently connected to the public network and do not presently have to submit to central despatch the freedom to aggregate their output with suppliers when the new electricity trading arrangements come into effect. This will be of particular help to those plants which do not have predictable or flexible output, including renewables and CHP operators.

  The Government propose to lay the order in August. It will come into force before the commencement of NETA trading in the autumn.

  This order will be an interim arrangement pending the coming into force of new legislation and will apply in England and Wales. During this interim period, generators who wish to connect new plant capable of exporting between 50–100 MW or who plan to increase the size of their plant so that it comes within this category may apply to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for an individual exemption. In deciding whether or not to grant and in determining the date of the granting of such exemptions, the Department will take into account the views of interested parties—including those of Ofgem and the relevant transmission and distribution network operators.

  It is my intention within the coming year to lay a further, final order replacing this interim order. Further orders will cover the de-minimis rules to govern exemptions from the need for licences to generate, supply and distribute electricity.

  The generation exemptions covering plant of this size will be subject to periodic review. It is the Government's present intention that they will be reviewed approximately every three years.
  210W
  I intend to consult further on possible changes to the rules governing supply exemptions. These changes, which I would propose to bring into effect within the coming year, would help small and industrial on-site generators, including renewable and CHP operators to serve their customers more effectively.

  I am therefore seeking views on a proposal to allow suppliers who generate electricity themselves to supply an aggregate of up to 5 MW of power, of which 2.5 MW may be supplied to domestic customers. The class would be required to supply at prices not exceeding those set out in the order, and would be required to alert customers being recruited as to their status as exempt suppliers.

  I also wish to hear views on a proposal to allow generators which supply a qualifying group of customers on the same site as the generator, to supply the same group of customers at remote sites. This latter class would be required to demonstrate that at least one third of the electricity supplied to the qualifying group went to on-site premises.

  Telecommunications Report
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has received a report by the Director General of Telecommunications for 1999, as required under section 55 of the Telecommunications Act 1984. [129579]

  Mr. Byers
  Yes. The sixteenth Report by the Director General of Telecommunications is being published today. It covers the period 1 January to 31 December 1999. This includes initiatives to encourage the widespread take-up of Information Age services such as innovative pricing packages for internet access and opening up competition in BT's local loop to deliver new high-speed services to homes and small businesses. Copies of the report have been laid before each House of Parliament.

  Ilisu Dam
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of people who will be displaced if the Ilisu Dam project goes ahead; and what plans he has for aid to deal with the consequences of this displacement. [127758]

  Mr. Caborn
  There have been various estimates made about the number of people who will be displaced by the Ilisu Dam project. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) on 17 January 2000,Official Report, column 268W. In addition, a number of people will be partially affected by the project. Accurate assessment of the numbers who would be affected is now being made as a result of a detailed survey. This work is being carried out by SEMOR, a firm that has experience of carrying out social assessment projects for the World bank. Dr. Ayse Kudat, an eminent environmental sociologist, who was until recently a senior staff member at the World bank, has been appointed by the Swiss Export Credit Agency to assist in this work; the expertise of Dr. Kudat will help ensure that the resettlement programme will reflect internationally accepted practice.

  The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) which is being drawn up for the Turkish authorities will publish these accurate numbers. The RAP will set out what is to be

  211W
  done to deal with the consequences of those who are displaced or whose lands will be partially affected. It is ultimately for the Turkish authorities to ensure that resettlement is properly carried out. The RAP will of course be discussed among the Export Credit Agencies who are considering offering support for the project. The RAP is currently not expected to be ready until the end of August at the earliest.

  Hydrofluorocarbons
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment has been made by(a) his Department and (b) consultants to his Department of the potential toxic effects of release of hydrofluorocarbons into the environment. [128454]

  Ms Hewitt
  My Department has not itself carried out or commissioned any such assessments. The Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) is responsible for Government policy on climate change and protection of the stratospheric ozone layer. My Department works closely with DETR in the development of Government policy in these areas.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations he has had with the refrigeration industry trade associations in respect of replacement options for hydrofluorocarbons. [128451]

  Ms Hewitt
  My Department holds regular Refrigeration Sector Group meetings, which involve representatives of the refrigerant industry trade associations, industry and other Government Departments to discuss current and future issues of interest such as the use of alternative refrigerants.

  Packaging
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to distinguish between producer responsibility obligations for packaging that has a high energy contribution to its life cycle, and that which does not. [128889]

  Ms Hewitt
  A producer responsibility regime exists for packaging in the form of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997. These regulations place an obligation on businesses throughout the packaging chain which meet certain threshold requirements, to recover and recycle packaging waste. The regulations do not distinguish between different kinds of packaging or packaging materials on the basis of either their energy content or the energy consumed in their manufacture and use.

  PFI Contracts
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the PFI contracts entered into by his Department, indicating(a) their dates of commencement, (b) their value, (c) if they have been subject to refinancing and (d) if his Department has a claw-back entitlement to share in savings arising from refinancing. [129058]

  Mr. Byers
  The Department and its agencies have signed three PFI contracts—the Radiocommunications Agency's joint venture for the provision of IT services and international consultancy, signed on 8 June 1998,212W
  with an estimated capital value of £15 million; the contract for the redevelopment of the National Physical Laboratory at Teddington, signed on 31 July 1998, with a capital value of £88.6 million; the Elgar contract for the provision of the Department's IT services, signed on 18 November 1998 with a currently estimated capital value of £60 million. The only contract that included external financing by a bank or financial institution was the redevelopment of the National Physical Laboratory. This contract has not been subject to refinancing. DTI agreement would be required in the event that refinancing led to an increase in potential DTI termination liabilities, although there is no pre-determined formal claw-back provision in the contract.

  Small Businesses
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to help people aged 50 years and over who are not working to set up their own businesses; and if he will make a statement. [128739]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Small Business Service, launched in April this year, will provide information, advice, and access to experts on all aspects of running a business, including planning, finance, management, exporting, quality, employment issues, training and development, innovation, design, regulation, information and communication technology and e-commerce.

  The SBS will also run national services to help small firms, including:

  grants for innovation technology transfer;

  management best practice schemes;

  small firms finance, including Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme.

  All these services will be available via the "SBS Gateway", a comprehensive network of business support organisations, initiatives and information from the public, private and voluntary sectors. The Gateway will make extensive use of internet and call-centre technology.

  These services are available to anyone wishing to setup or run their own business, irrespective of age.

  The SBS is also working with PRIME (The Prince's Initiative for Mature Entrepreneurs) with a view to supporting that organisation's plans to enhance access to finance for the over-50s in deprived areas seeking to start in business.

  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans his Department has to implement the recommendations made in the Better Regulation Task Force's recent report on helping small businesses cope with regulation, in particular the simplification of rules; and if he will make a statement. [129019]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government response to the Better Regulation Task Force's report was published on 26 June 2000; copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidance his Department gives to entrepreneurs in socially excluded areas who wish to start up and develop small businesses as to how they can access the new Phoenix Fund. [129018]
  213W
  Ms Hewitt
  The Phoenix Fund does not support individual enterprises directly, but instead promotes the development of business support among disadvantaged groups or neighbourhoods. A mentoring scheme is already being piloted through some 45 local enterprise agencies and other local partnerships. The Small Business Service is seeking bids for support from community finance initiatives, and I shall shortly be issuing bidding guidance for assistance for novel forms of business support, including incubators.

  Exports
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will investigate the best practical means available for determining the nature and value of goods exported from the United Kingdom to member states of the(a) European Union and (b) European Economic Area, which are re-exported to third nations; and if he will make a statement concerning the available information and the means used to collect it, concerning such exports. [128852]

  Mr. Caborn
  The collection and provision of statistical information is kept under regular review. However, there are no immediate plans to collect information on goods exported from the United Kingdom to the European Union or Economic Area and subsequently re-exported to third countries.

  HM Customs and Excise are the Department responsible for collecting and recording statistics on the movement of goods with other countries. Information on trade in goods with the other member states of the European Union is collected through the Intrastat system. Information on trade with third countries is collated from customs declarations submitted by importers and exporters of goods. UK export statistics are produced by Customs on the basis of declared final country of destination. Goods whose destinations are declared as non-European but which transit other member states after clearing UK customs are recorded as third country exports. Some trade in goods recorded as exports to EC destinations may subsequently be shipped to other countries including non-EC destinations—for instance, as part of further commercial transactions. The Intrastat system does not allow the identification of these movements.

  Shipbuilding Forum
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the date, venue and agenda of the next meeting of the Shipbuilding Forum. [128717]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The next Shipbuilding Forum meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 20 September at 3 pm, at the DTI Conference Centre, 1 Victoria Street, London SW1. The agenda has not yet been agreed.

  Coalfield Regeneration
  Ms Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will break down the £1 billion provided to assist regeneration in former and existing coalfield communities by principal heads of expenditure. [123127]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: I have been asked to reply.
  214W
  A break down of this investment is set out in "Making the Difference—a New Start for England's Coalfield Communities; The Government's Response to the Coalfield Task Force Report". Copies of this document have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much was paid from the Legal Aid Fund to(a) David Cocks and (b) Johnathan Goldberg in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98, (iii) 1998–99 and (iv) 1999–2000. [129119]

  Mr. Lock
  I am not able to provide the details requested within the time available, I will therefore write to my hon. Friend shortly. A copy of my reply will be placed in the Library of the House.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions have taken place with parties other than Dome Europe and Legacy plc and their affiliates concerning the future use of the Dome since the final shortlist was announced. [127821]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 26 June 2000]: Since the final shortlist announcement the competition team has not had any discussions about the future use of the Dome site with any parties interested in purchasing it other than the two shortlisted bidders. While the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the competition team have received a small number of new expressions of interest, it has been made clear that no new bids can be accepted in the competition process at this advanced stage.

  TV (Deaf and Hard of Hearing People)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action he is taking to promote equal access to(a) digital and (b) cable and satellite TV for deaf and hard of hearing people. [128271]

  Janet Anderson
  We are about to undertake a review of the targets set out in the Broadcasting Act 1996 and the Broadcasting (Sign Language) Order 1996 of 50 per cent. for subtitling and 5 per cent. for the signing of digital terrestrial programme services by the 10th anniversary of the start of the service. We are continuing to encourage cable and satellite broadcasters to increase the provision of subtitling and signing on their services. We will be considering the needs of viewers with sensory impairments as part of our consideration of the future regulation of broadcasting in the forthcoming White Paper on communications.

  PFI Contracts
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the PFI contracts entered into by his Department, indicating(a) their dates of commencement, (b) their value, (c) if they have been

  215W
  subject to refinancing and (d) if his Department has a claw-back entitlement to share in savings arising from refinancing. [129045]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  My Department has itself not entered into any PFI contracts. The Royal Parks Agency, which is an Executive Agency, has entered into PFI contracts. I will write to my right hon. Friend with details, as soon as they are available, placing copies of my letter in the Library of the House.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Mr. Roger Sylvester
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Solicitor-General what decisions have been taken by the Crown Prosecution Service in the case of Mr. Roger Sylvester; and if he will make a statement. [128629]

  The Solicitor-General
  The circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Sylvester have been investigated by the Essex police and reports submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service. The evidence is being carefully considered by the Crown Prosecution Service in accordance with the tests set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors. A decision on whether or not any criminal charges should be brought in connection with the death of Mr. Sylvester will be taken as soon as possible after the evidence has been fully reviewed. It is hoped that a decision can be reached soon.

PRIME MINISTER

  Sellafield
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will meet(a) Save Our Sellafield Campaign, (b) Friends of the Earth Cumbria and (c) the Socialist Environment and Resources Association to discuss the future of Sellafield. [127569]

  The Prime Minister
  My right hon. Friend the Minister for Energy and Competitiveness in Europe and I will be meeting representatives of the Save Our Sellafield Campaign with my right hon. Friend the Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) later this month to discuss matters relating to Sellafield. I currently have no plans to see representatives of the other two organisations.

  Lord Levy
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Prime Minister if Lord Levy has served as a personal envoy for other(a) heads of Government and (b) heads of state. [128261]

  The Prime Minister
  No.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Prime Minister on which occasions since May 1997 Lord Levy has issued (i) public statements and (ii) talked to foreign media, as a representative of the(a) Prime Minister and (b) United Kingdom. [128260]
  216W
  The Prime Minister
  When travelling abroad as personal representative of the Prime Minister, Lord Levy has spoken briefly to the press in Lebanon, Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Prime Minister if Lord Levy has passed messages between Middle Eastern leaders in his role as the Prime Minister's personal envoy. [128519]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 3 July 2000]: When travelling between capitals, it is normal to relay impressions of meetings, and to pass messages between interlocutors. Lord Levy has accordingly passed some such messages. Details of these are confidential. Lord Levy reports to me and to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on all his diplomatic activity.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the accountability to Parliament of Lord Levy. [129224]

  The Prime Minister
  Accountability to Parliament for Lord Levy's work on my behalf is through me and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister what further trips he has asked Lord Levy to undertake in his capacity as the Prime Minister's personal envoy. [129226]

  The Prime Minister
  None at present.

  Queen Mother's Birthday
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 12 June 2000,Official Report, columns 443–44W, what form the consultations with the Royal Household took; and if he will place minutes of the meeting in the Library. [128734]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 3 July 2000]: Officials in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport contacted the Royal Household, who agreed it would be inappropriate to designate the Queen Mother's birthday as a public holiday.

  Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 5 July. [128621]

  The Prime Minister
  This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. I will have further such meetings later today.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  National Insurance
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, in cases where the right to pay reduced rate of national insurance contributions has been lost after two complete tax years out of the labour market or without paying national insurance, if home responsibilities protection, where appropriate, is awarded for retirement purposes. [128597]
  217W
  Mr. Rooker
  Married women and widows cannot get home responsibilities protection (HRP) for any tax year in which they have reduced contribution liability. if they lose their right to reduced liability they can get HRP provided they meet the qualifying conditions.

  Fraud
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the anti-fraud measures introduced by the National Intelligence Unit. [128933]

  Mr. Rooker
  The new national benefits intelligence unit will co-ordinate and extend intelligence on Social Security fraud, aiding both prevention and detection. This builds on intelligence work already being carried out. It will crack down on benefit fraud and draw on the expertise of fraud investigators in the Department, as well as intelligence from local authorities and other agencies.

  This will contribute to a significant strengthening of our defences against benefit fraud and our ability to tackle it where it occurs.

  We have just appointed Mr. John Alpass as head of fraud intelligence, and he is expected to take up post from early September.

CABINET OFFICE

  Policy Action Teams
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make it her policy to appoint persons with earnings below half average earnings as members of the policy action teams. [128051]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  As I said in my previous answer to my right hon. Friend, on 27 June 2000,Official Report, column 468W, policy action team members were chosen to reflect a wide range of backgrounds, knowledge and experience of issues affecting deprived areas. Information is not held about members' earnings.

  Disaster Contingency Measures
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what representations she has received from(a) consumer and (b) pensioner groups about disaster contingency measures in central Government. [128870]

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

  Assuming the question relates to Home Office responsibilities for emergency planning, I am not aware of any such representations.

  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what guidance she has issued to Departments about disaster contingency measures. [128872]

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

  I assume the question refers to other Government Departments. "Dealing with Disaster", third edition, 1997 is a comprehensive statement of best practice used by Government Departments, the emergency services, local authorities, and other agencies. Other more specific guidance is issued from time to time; some of this can be found on the Home Office website: www.ho.gov.uk/epd

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Sierra Leone
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the establishment of an international tribunal to investigate human rights abuses in Sierra Leone. [128821]

  Mr. Hain
  Perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law should be brought to justice. We condemn the flagrant violations in Sierra Leone. We are in discussions with the Government of Sierra Leone and in the United Nations on how best to support President Kabbah's wish to bring those responsible to justice.

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list for his Department and its agencies the approved list of manufacturers of(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles; and if he will make a statement on his Department's leasing and purchasing policy. [128988]

  Mr. Battle
  Foreign and Commonwealth Office purchasing and leasing policy is based on value for money. We are also required to meet our legal obligations under the EU Public Procurement Directives.

  At present we have contracts with Rover, Land Rover, Jaguar and Rolls-Royce for the supply of cars, and LDV for commercial vehicles.

  At Posts overseas, vehicles are purchased from other manufacturers when this is value for money or when servicing facilities for UK manufactured vehicles are not available.

  International Criminal Court
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to support the establishment of an International Criminal Court to try the most serious violations of international criminal law. [128586]

  Mr. Hain
  It has always been the policy of this Government strongly to support the establishment of an International Criminal Court (ICC) to try the most serious violations of international criminal law. The UK played a leading role in the successful negotiations which produced the Rome Statute of the ICC. The Government are committed to ratifying the Rome Statute as soon as the necessary legislation can be passed.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library the conclusions reached by the Preparatory Commission on the International Criminal Court at its meeting in New York in June. [129209]

  Mr. Hain
  We will be happy to place in the Library the official report of the Preparatory Commission for the International Criminal Court on its 12–30 June session once it has been issued. I will inform my hon. Friend when this occurs.

  Jordan
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's relations with Jordan. [128585]

  Mr. Hain
  The United Kingdom enjoys a long-standing and close friendship with Jordan. We conduct a substantive bilateral dialogue at all levels, including regular high-level contact. Both my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I have visited Jordan this year, and HM King Abdullah of Jordan will pay a state visit to the United Kingdom in November 2000. We look forward to this with enthusiasm.

  Rome Treaty
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's timetable for ratification of the Rome Treaty of July 1998. [128587]

  Mr. Hain
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Clydebank and Milngavie (Mr. Worthington) on 3 May 2000,Official Report, column 122W.

  Pakistan
  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's export licensing policy is towards Pakistan. [129447]

  Mr. Hain
  We continue to assess export licence applications for Pakistan on a case-by-case basis against the national criteria and those in the EU Code of Conduct, taking into account the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd) on 10 July 1998,Official Report, columns 687–88W. The Government have taken time to consider the situation in Pakistan and the wider region following the coup in October 1999 before deciding on a number of licence applications.

  The Government have now refused 26 standard individual export licence applications for Pakistan. We have also refused Pakistan as a permitted destination on one open individual export licence and approved its inclusion on one other such licence. We have reached these decisions following careful consideration of each licence application against the stated criteria.

  We remain concerned about defence exports to Pakistan, in the light of last year's incursion at the Kargil sector of the Line of Control in Kashmir, the military coup, the possibility of diversion to undesirable end-users and continued regional tensions. We have refused licences for certain military equipment to Pakistan because we do not judge that they meet our criteria.

  The Government have issued 20 standard individual export licences for a narrow and well defined range of equipment, eg naval spares, bomb disposal equipment, goods for civilian end-users. We have assessed that issuing licences for this equipment would not contravene our national criteria, nor those in the EU Code of Conduct. Details of all licences issued will appear in the 2000 Annual Report.
  220W
  We will continue to assess licence applications on a case-by-case basis and keep the situation in Pakistan under close scrutiny.

  Sanctions
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on that part of the Government's response to the International Development Committee on the Future of Sanctions (HC 473) concerning the imposition by the United Kingdom of unilateral financial sanctions. [129581]

  Mr. Hain
  I regret that the statement is incorrect. The UK has imposed unilateral financial sanctions on several occasions. I am grateful to the hon. Member for Hertford and Stortford (Mr. Wells) for drawing my attention to this oversight in a recent adjournment debate in Westminster Hall, on 29 June 2000,Official Report, column 260WH.

  Iraq
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what amounts of Iraq's supplies of(a) botulinum, (b) anthrax, (c) aflatoxin, (d) gas gangrene and (e) ricin remain unaccounted for; and if he will make a statement. [128179]

  Mr. Hain
  Iraq took four years to admit it had a biological weapons (BW) programme. Even after a further three and a half years work, the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) could not compile a comprehensive technical, industrial and scientific assessment of Iraq's BW programme. This was because of Iraq's failure to provide a credible full, final and complete disclosure of its programme, as required by the United Nations, or to co-operate with UNSCOM in clarifying its declarations. There have been no UN weapons inspections in Iraq since December 1998, hence the importance we attach to the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) gaining access at the earliest opportunity.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what amount of Iraq's supplies of(a) tabun, (b) sarin, (c) mustard gas and (d) VX gas remain unaccounted for; and if he will make a statement. [128180]

  Mr. Hain
  Although the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) was able to destroy, remove or render harmless large quantities of chemical weapons (CW), their components, precursors and major production equipment, there remain significant gaps in their understanding of Iraq's CW programme. Even accepting the figures for CW agents and precursors unilaterally destroyed by Iraq in contravention of United Nations Security Council resolution 687, there are discrepancies in Iraq's declarations on the number of weapons filled with chemical agents and the number used during the Iran/Iraq war or lost after the Gulf War. Questions remain on the production and weaponisation of VX, CW production equipment and CW precursors. There have been no UN weapons inspections in Iraq since December 1998, hence the importance we attach to the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) gaining access at the earliest opportunity.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Kosovo
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with her EU counterparts to discuss aid for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes in Kosovo; and if she will make a statement. [127744]

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on aid to Kosovo. [127765]

  Clare Short
  We made a major contribution costing £119 million to the emergency effort in Kosovo.

  The EC is now taking the lead, and has agreed programmes in health, energy, water supply, housing transport and economic reconstruction costing 360 million euros, of which the UK contribution is £50 million.

  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the humanitarian situation in Kosovo, with particular regard to children. [127766]

  Clare Short
  We keep the humanitarian situation in Kosovo constantly under review, including through our close contacts with the multilateral humanitarian agencies. We have contributed £2.5 million in this financial year to UNICEF's operations in the Balkans.

  Civil Conflict
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the Government's criteria are for giving aid to countries experiencing civil conflict. [127746]

  Clare Short
  We support the provision of humanitarian relief to all who are in need. Conflict is a major threat to development. We are strengthening our effort to resolve and prevent conflict.

  China Western Poverty Reduction Project
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement regarding her Department's policy on the Qinghai component of the China Western Poverty Reduction Project, to be considered by the World bank on 6 July. [127747]

  Clare Short
  Britain supported this project in the bank board meeting in June 1999 because it would bring significant benefits to 1.7 million of the poorest people in China. They represent four different ethnic minorities, they live in very remote and inaccessible villages and many of them are barely scratching a living. It will give poor people from a range of ethnic groups the opportunity to meet their basic needs. It will deliver a wide range of benefits such as increasing food production, providing safe water and improving access to basic social services. We also supported the Board conclusion that no funds would be disbursed on the Qinghai component of the project until an independent inspection panel had conducted an investigation, and pending further environmental and social assessments.
  222W
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's policy on the Qinghai component of the China Western poverty reduction project. [127757]

  Clare Short
  The report by the independent inspection panel, and bank management's response to it, will be discussed at a World bank board meeting in early July 2000. We will be looking very carefully at the conclusions of the inspection panel report, and the bank management's response to it, in advance of the bank board meeting.

  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the independent Inspection Panel's findings about the World Bank's practice in identifying and comparing alternatives to the Qinghai project. [128731]

  Clare Short
  In response to the claim in the inspection panel report that they have not considered alternatives to the Qinghai project, the World bank state that they have explored a range of developmental options in some detail, covering both whether resettlement is the most appropriate response, and whether the area chosen for that resettlement is appropriate.

  We have asked, and will ask again at the board meeting on 6 July, that this analysis be documented more thoroughly prior to project appraisal.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the independent inspection panel's findings that the World bank's relating to(a) its indigenous peoples policy and (b) its operational directive on involuntary resettlement in respect of the Qinghai project. [129028]

  Clare Short
  We have looked very carefully at the conclusions of the independent inspection panel, which raises a number of important issues regarding social safeguards and resettlement policy. The Report and the response to it from bank management will be discussed at a board meeting on 6 July 2000. At that meeting we will be seeking to satisfy ourselves that the World bank has in place the necessary social safeguards before this project begins.

  Britain supported this project in June 1999 because it would bring significant benefits to 1.7 million of the poorest people in China. We also supported the board conclusion that no funds would be disbursed on the Qinghai component of the project until an independent inspection panel had conducted an investigation.

  Conservation (Africa)
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the impact on indigenous and nomadic people in Africa of Government-supported conservation projects. [127748]

  Clare Short
  I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave on 29 March 2000,Official Report, column 175W and on 7 June 2000, Official Report, column 260W.

  India
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's aid programmes in India. [127749]
  223W
  Clare Short
  Britain has a large and growing programme of development assistance to India: we expect to spend about £125 million this year, rising to £140 million in 2001–02. This reflects the fact that about a third of the world's poorest people live in India, and we see good opportunities to work with reforming states to tackle poverty more effectively. We are supporting programmes of fiscal and public sector reform, to help improve accountability and access by the poorest to basic education, health, water and sanitation, and to promote better management of the natural and physical environment. Our programme is currently focused on Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal, and we are collaborating closely with the World bank, the Asian Development bank, UNICEF and other major development agencies. In all our programmes we take particular care to ensure the inclusion of poor women and girls and members of scheduled castes and tribes.

  I am placing a copy of our India Country Strategy Paper in the Library of the House.

  Poverty Alleviation (Russia)
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what help her Department is giving to the Russian Government to alleviate poverty. [127750]

  Clare Short
  We expect to spend around £28 million on bilateral assistance to Russia in the current financial year. This is additional to the UK share of the European Commission's Tacis programme (our contribution to which is on average £12 million per annum) and as a shareholder of the World bank and EBRD. Our aim is to support the process of transition to a democracy and a market economy in a way which protects the people—particularly the poorest—during the transition and brings real benefits to the society.

  The transition is far from complete and the level of poverty is very great. We are currently reviewing our programmes.

  World Education Forum
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking following the agreement reached at the world education forum in Dakar. [127751]

  Clare Short
  In preparation for the Forum, my Department produced a consultation document, "Education for All: The Challenge of Universal Primary Education". Copies are available in the House of Commons Library. This document is being refined following the Forum but its threefold strategy for achieving the International Development targets for education will remain unchanged:strategic contributions to the development of international commitment, and well co-ordinated policies and programmes designed to achieve Education for All (EFA). This will include involvement with the "high-level small and flexible group" to be established by UNESCO's Director General to coordinate EFA partners and maintain the momentum of Dakar.
  strong bilateral programmes, with priority to Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, that will provide strategic assistance to Governments and civil societies committed to achieving universal primary education and gender equality. We will allocate
  224W
  significant additional resources to support basic education, where Governments are committed to this objective and have put in place appropriate policies to deliver on it.
  knowledge and research strategies that will contribute to the ability of the international community to learn lessons, share experience and monitor progress.

  West Bank
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's efforts to promote economic development in the West Bank. [127752]

  Clare Short
  Our development strategy for the West Bank and Gaza Strip concentrates on nation building with a view to promoting peace, stability and economic development. To promote economic development we are intensifying our policy dialogue with the Palestinian Authority, and with the European Community, the International Monetary Fund, the World bank and others and funding a programme which supports this. We are providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Economy and Trade, to strengthen its capacity to develop and apply economic policy, particularly with regard to trade with the EC and the region. Our programme also emphasises the importance of an accountable and transparent government framework in which private investors can operate. Our bilateral programme expenditure for 1999–2000 was approximately £8 million. Our contribution to the United Nations Relief Works Agency for Palestinian refugees and our share of European Community and other multilateral programmes for the Palestinians takes our average annual contribution to over £25 million in recent years.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her plans for aid to Zimbabwe. [127753]

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her policy is on future bilateral development assistance to Zimbabwe. [127764]

  Clare Short
  A copy of our country strategy for Zimbabwe is in the Library, and we are keeping the situation under continuous review.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department is providing to the people of Sierra Leone. [127754]

  Clare Short
  We are supporting a wide range of programmes to improve the effectiveness of Government systems including policing the media and the accountability of the security sector. We have also contributed to disarmament and demobilisation programmes, humanitarian relief and reconstruction. We expect to remain engaged in Sierra Leone for the long term to support peace, disarmament and development for some of the poorest people in the world.

  St. Helena
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will visit St. Helena to mark the 500th anniversary of its discovery. [127755]
  225W
  Clare Short
  I have no current plans to visit St. Helena.

  HIPC
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the progress of the revised Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative. [127756]

  Clare Short
  So far, only six countries have qualified for debt relief under the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. A further three are expected to do so later this month. But it is disappointing that so few have reached their decision points. Some countries who could benefit from HIPC debt relief are involved in war and civil strife, or have failed to demonstrate their commitment to tackling poverty. At the spring meetings of the World bank and the IMF in April, the Government's proposal to establish a joint World bank/IMF committee to oversee the implementation process was agreed. The committee has begun its work and should provide a focus for efforts to meet the target that three quarters of eligible countries start to receive debt relief before the end of 2000.

  AIDS (Sub-Saharan Africa)
  Mr. Borrow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of her Department's aid to countries in sub-Saharan Africa to combat the spread of AIDS and HIV. [127759]

  Clare Short
  Along with conflict, the HIV/AIDS epidemic poses the greatest threat to development in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV/AIDS has affected people of every class and culture in Africa. However, it is the poor who have felt the worst of the impacts because they are more vulnerable to the economic and social difficulties the epidemic brings.

  We are heavily engaged in work to combat HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, both in seeking to prevent new infections and in supporting improved care for people whose lives have been affected by the disease. We currently allocate about £25 million per year to HIV/ AIDS prevention and care activities in sub-Saharan Africa and this is set to rise.

  In the face of such a devastating epidemic, we cannot afford to be complacent and there is an urgent need to intensify action. In Uganda and Senegal we have seen how sustained political commitment by African Governments and a co-ordinated response in partnership with the international community has controlled and even reduced infection rates. This must be replicated elsewhere in Africa.

  Primary Education
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress the Government are making towards their goal of ensuring that all children benefit from primary education. [127760]

  Clare Short
  We are making good progress in helping developing countries achieve the international development target of universal primary education (UPE) by 2015. But much remains to be done; it is unacceptable 226W
  that in the year 2000 more than 113 million children, a large majority of whom are girls and those from socially vulnerable groups, have no access to primary education.

  The bulk of spending on education by most developing countries remains directed to higher education. The reason is that elites are powerful in very poor countries. It is difficult political task to get a commitment to spending on the poorest children in rural areas. We are working hard on this task through the international system, and by contributing more funds. We have committed £300 million over the past three years to UPE programmes and will do more. We are working to persuade governments and their civil societies to prioritise the education of poor children. Progress is being made and we need sustained interest through to 2015.

  Our strategy for achieving the UPE target is set out in the Department for International Development's consultation document "Education for All: The Challenge of Universal Primary Education". Copies are available in the House of Commons Library.

  International Development White Paper
  Mrs. Betty Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress is being made on the preparation of the second international development White Paper. [127761]

  Clare Short
  Work on the White Paper is proceeding well. There has been a public consultation agreement across Whitehall on the provisional outline, research has been commissioned and detailed work is being undertaken by cross-departmental groups.

  Human Rights
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how her Department is helping to promote human rights in poorer countries; and if she will make a statement. [127762]

  Clare Short
  Human rights are central to my Department's work, which is dedicated to the achievement of the human rights of the poorest people of the world. We will shortly be publishing our strategy paper on "Human Rights for Poor People".

  Zambia
  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the effectiveness of micro credit schemes in reducing poverty in Zambia. [127763]

  Clare Short
  Studies of one of our micro-credit partners, the Christian Enterprise Trust of Zambia, show that access to micro-credit helps its clients, who come from the poorest groups, to achieve higher incomes, better household nutrition, and increased access to education and health services. Our other micro-credit projects show similar results.

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list for her Department and its agencies the approved list of
  227W
  manufacturers of (a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles; and if she will make a statement on her Department's leasing and purchasing policy. [128991]

  Clare Short
  The Department for International Development makes use of three official cars, namely a Vauxhall Omega, a Vauxhall Vectra and a Ford Mondeo. All cars are used on a lease basis from the Government Car Service costing a total of £142,476.36 per annum.

  New Deal
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many employees of her Department and its agencies have been recruited from the New Deal; and what percentage this represents of total staff. [129097]

  Clare Short
  The information requested is as follows.

  Number: 5

  Percentage: 0.4.

  PFI Contracts
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the PFI contracts entered into by her Department, indicating(a) their dates of commencement, (b) their value, (c) if they have been subject to refinancing and (d) if her Department has a claw-back entitlement to share in savings arising from refinancing. [129052]

  Clare Short
  My Department has not entered into any PFI contracts.

  Third-world Debt
  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what pressures she will bring to bear on countries attending the G8 Summit in July to ensure that the debt owed by the world's poorest countries is cancelled. [129085]

  Clare Short
  When the Prime Minister met the Japanese Prime Minister last month, they agreed the importance of discussing debt issues at the G8 Summit in Okinawa.

  It was at the Cologne Summit last year that the G7 agreed a very substantial improvement to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, which was agreed by the boards of the World bank and IMF at the annual meetings in September 1999. The enhanced HIPC initiative provides faster, wider and deeper debt relief to poor countries committed to eradicating poverty.

  The emphasis now is on implementing the enhanced initiative, so that the target of three-quarters of eligible countries starting to receive debt relief before the end of the year can be achieved. At the spring meetings of the World bank and IMF in April, we persuaded the bank and the Fund to establish a joint committee to oversee the implementation process. The Government are committed to keeping up the momentum not only in the run up to the G8 Summit but also beyond it.

  Globalisation
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what consultations she is 228W
  holding with organisations in developing countries in advance of the publication of the White Paper on Globalisation. [127745]

  Clare Short
  We are consulting widely organisations and individuals here and in developing countries as part of the preparation of the White Paper on Globalisation and Development. In March, an outline of the White Paper was sent out to key institutions and a website established. We have invited submissions from individuals and organisations in the UK and from developing countries. In addition, on 11 and 12 July I am chairing a round table on globalisation and development for various academics and practitioners from developing countries.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Policing Charges
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the charges made in the last year for which figures are available for policing commercial events; and if he will make a statement. [128576]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information on charges made by police forces for policing commercial events is not held centrally.

  The decision whether to charge for costs of policing at local events is for the local police authority and the Chief Constable.

  Under Section 25(12) of the Police Act 1996,
  the Chief Officer of Police may provide, at the request of any person, special police services at any premises or in any locality in the police area for which the force is maintained, subject to the payment to the police authority of charges on such scales as may be determined by that authority.

  The rationale behind charging is that the taxpayer at large should not be asked to pay for services provided at private events or events which benefit only a relatively small section of the community. It is for the Chief Officer concerned to determine whether a given service would constitute a special police service. Special police services are not defined in the 1996 Act or elsewhere. However, I would expect them to be services that meet some or all the following criteria:

  they are not part of the general duty of the police to keep the peace and protect life and property;

  the service to be provided is on private land; and,

  the service to be provided is for a commercially organised event.

  Police (Efficiency Savings)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police forces have achieved the requirement of year-on-year efficiency savings of 2 per cent.; what monitoring is undertaken of how forces are achieving the efficiency savings and what guidance is issued by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [128536]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There are two elements to the achievement of the 2 per cent. efficiency targets set for the police each year between 1999–2002. The first is to plan and deliver savings, either cashable, non-cashable or both; the second and most important element is to deliver
  229W
  levels of performance to a required standard. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) reported in May 2000 that all 43 forces were on track to deliver the required efficiency gains subject to performance levels being assessed as satisfactory. I expect HMIC to report on police performance levels later this month.

  The efficiency process is subject to rigorous inspection by HMIC with support from the Audit Commission and external auditors. This ensures that only permissible savings are counted. The police authority and force must also ensure that a link between resources and performance outcomes is established.

  The Home Office issued guidance on efficiency planning to police forces and authorities in November 1998, when the process was launched, and again in December 2000 to support planning for the second year of efficiency gains. HMIC also issued detailed guidance in the course of its inspection process and has advised forces and authorities throughout the process.

  Public Safety Radio Communications Project
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total planned cost is of the Public Safety Radio Communications project in each

  Estimated PSRCS menu charges, based on same roll-out profile as core charges

  £000

  Force

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  2004–05

  2005–06

  2006–07

  2007–08

  2008–09

  2009–10

  2010–11

  Avon and Somerset Constabulary

  14

  84

  84

  84

  84

  84

  84

  84

  84

  84

  Bedfordshire Police

  0

  26

  105

  105

  105

  105

  105

  105

  105

  105

  Cambridgeshire Constabulary

  0

  158

  210

  210

  210

  210

  210

  210

  210

  210

  Cheshire Constabulary

  0

  0

  128

  384

  384

  384

  384

  384

  384

  384

  City of London Police

  0

  33

  132

  132

  132

  132

  132

  132

  132

  132

  Cleveland Constabulary

  0

  0

  193

  256

  257

  257

  257

  257

  257

  257

  Cumbria Constabulary

  0

  202

  242

  242

  242

  242

  242

  242

  242

  242

  Derbyshire Constabulary

  25

  297

  297

  297

  297

  297

  297

  297

  297

  297

  Devon and Cornwall Constabulary

  382

  916

  916

  916

  916

  916

  916

  916

  916

  916

  Dorset Police

  0

  173

  160

  160

  160

  160

  160

  160

  160

  160

  Durham Constabulary

  14

  168

  671

  671

  671

  671

  671

  671

  671

  671

  Dyfed-Powys Police

  0

  13

  23

  23

  23

  23

  23

  23

  23

  23

  Essex Police

  0

  0

  1,357

  1,357

  1,357

  1,357

  1,357

  1,357

  1,357

  1,357

  Gloucestershire Constabulary

  117

  233

  233

  233

  233

  233

  233

  233

  233

  233

  Greater Manchester Police (GMP)

  599

  599

  599

  599

  599

  599

  599

  599

  599

  599

  Gwent Constabulary

  0

  89

  134

  134

  134

  134

  134

  134

  134

  134

  Hampshire Constabulary

  0

  0

  721

  1,442

  1,442

  1,442

  1,442

  1,442

  1,442

  1,442

  Hertfordshire Constabulary

  0

  240

  412

  412

  412

  412

  412

  412

  412

  412

  Humberside Police

  0

  234

  216

  216

  216

  216

  216

  216

  216

  216

  Kent County Constabulary

  0

  0

  0

  1,217

  1,460

  1,460

  1,460

  1,460

  1,460

  1,460

  Lancashire Constabulary

  755

  755

  755

  755

  755

  755

  755

  755

  755

  755

  Leicestershire Constabulary

  173

  346

  346

  346

  346

  346

  346

  346

  346

  346

  Lincolnshire Police

  0

  0

  155

  206

  206

  206

  206

  206

  206

  206

  Merseyside Police

  0

  0

  192

  329

  329

  329

  329

  329

  329

  329

  Metropolitan Police Service

  0

  797

  3,188

  3,188

  3,188

  3,188

  3,188

  3,188

  3,188

  3,188

  Norfolk Constabulary

  0

  0

  0

  227

  248

  248

  248

  248

  248

  248

  North Wales Police

  0

  40

  238

  238

  238

  238

  238

  238

  238

  238

  North Yorkshire Police

  738

  886

  886

  886

  886

  886

  886

  886

  886

  886

  Northamptonshire Police

  0

  0

  214

  1,281

  1,281

  1,281

  1,281

  1,281

  1,281

  1,281

  Northumbria Police

  0

  688

  635

  635

  635

  635

  635

  635

  635

  635

  Nottinghamshire Constabulary

  0

  0

  134

  178

  178

  178

  178

  178

  178

  178

  South Wales Constabulary

  0

  342

  684

  684

  684

  684

  684

  684

  684

  684

  South Yorkshire Police

  0

  0

  128

  256

  256

  256

  256

  256

  256

  256

  Staffordshire Police

  0

  0

  0

  601

  801

  801

  801

  801

  801

  801

  Suffolk Constabulary

  725

  1,450

  1,450

  1,450

  1,450

  1,450

  1,450

  1,450

  1,450

  1,450

  Surrey Police

  0

  0

  167

  334

  334

  334

  334

  334

  334

  334

  Sussex Police

  0

  98

  1,180

  1,180

  1,180

  1,180

  1,180

  1,180

  1,180

  1,180

  Thames Valley Police

  0

  977

  1,303

  1,303

  1,303

  1,303

  1,303

  1,303

  1,303

  1,303

  Warwickshire Constabulary

  0

  0

  54

  650

  650

  650

  650

  650

  650

  650

  West Mercia Constabulary

  223

  268

  268

  268

  268

  268

  268

  268

  268

  268

  230W
  year; what his estimate is of the costs which will have to be met directly by police forces, per force and in total, in each of the next 10 years; what proportion of the total cost is to be met by additional central Government funding; and if he will make a statement. [128535]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to the hon. Member for Vale of York (Miss McIntosh) on 26 June 2000,Official Report, column 655, and to the hon. Member for Ryedale (Mr. Greenway) on 17 January 2000, Official Report, columns 301–02W.

  The tables show the Public Safety Radio Communications Service (PSRCS) core costs as contained in the PSRCS contract, and the anticipated distribution of estimated menu costs over the 10-year period. Forces will additionally need to purchase control room and radio terminal equipment. Based upon our present understanding of the police service's overall requirement, we estimate the initial purchase and subsequent replacement costs for terminals to be around £300 million in net present cost terms over the whole PSRCS contract life. We cannot at present assign these costs to individual forces.

  The future costs of the project will be taken into account during our discussions with the Treasury on spending for the next three years, the results of which are expected to be announced in the summer.
  231W

  Estimated PSRCS menu charges, based on same roll-out profile as core charges

  £000

  Force

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  2004–05

  2005–06

  2006–07

  2007–08

  2008–09

  2009–10

  2010–11

  West Midlands Police

  0

  890

  2,670

  2,670

  2,670

  2,670

  2,670

  2,670

  2,670

  2,670

  West Yorkshire Police

  0

  0

  1,914

  2,297

  2,297

  2,297

  2,297

  2,297

  2,297

  2,297

  Wiltshire Constabulary

  0

  113

  135

  135

  135

  135

  135

  135

  135

  135

  Total estimate for England and Wales

  3,765

  10,225

  21,748

  29,186

  29,652

  29,652

  29,652

  29,652

  29,652

  29,652

  PSRCS core charges as agreed in contract, signed 29 February 2000

  £000

  Force

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  2004–05

  2005–06

  2006–07

  2007–08

  2008–09

  2009–10

  2010–11

  Avon and Somerset Constabulary

  476

  2,857

  2,857

  2,857

  2,857

  2,857

  2,857

  2,857

  2,857

  2,857

  Bedfordshire Police

  0

  267

  1,063

  1,063

  1,063

  1,063

  1,063

  1,063

  1,063

  1,063

  Cambridgeshire Constabulary

  0

  945

  1,258

  1,258

  1,258

  1,258

  1,258

  1,258

  1,258

  1,258

  Cheshire Constabulary

  0

  0

  612

  1,831

  1,831

  1,831

  1,831

  1,831

  1,831

  1,831

  City of London Police

  0

  249

  1,001

  1,001

  1,001

  1,001

  1,001

  1,001

  1,001

  1,001

  Cleveland Constabulary

  0

  0

  1,053

  1,405

  1,405

  1,405

  1,405

  1,405

  1,405

  1,405

  Cumbria Constabulary

  0

  860

  1,031

  1,031

  1,031

  1,031

  1,031

  1,031

  1,031

  1,031

  Derbyshire Constabulary

  142

  1,702

  1,702

  1,702

  1,702

  1,702

  1,702

  1,702

  1,702

  1,702

  Devon and Cornwall Constabulary

  1,220

  2,927

  2,927

  2,927

  2,927

  2,927

  2,927

  2,927

  2,927

  2,927

  Dorset Police

  0

  1,279

  1,181

  1,181

  1,181

  1,181

  1,181

  1,181

  1,181

  1,181

  Durham Constabulary

  114

  1,364

  1,364

  1,364

  1,364

  1,364

  1,364

  1,364

  1,364

  1,364

  Dyfed-Powys Police

  0

  518

  886

  886

  886

  886

  886

  886

  886

  886

  Essex Police

  0

  0

  2,763

  2,763

  2,763

  2,763

  2,763

  2,763

  2,763

  2,763

  Gloucestershire Constabulary

  534

  1,073

  1,073

  1,073

  1,073

  1,073

  1,073

  1,073

  1,073

  1,073

  Greater Manchester Police (GMP)

  6,373

  6,373

  6,373

  6,373

  6,373

  6,373

  6,373

  6,373

  6,373

  6,373

  Gwent Constabulary

  0

  776

  1,167

  1,167

  1,167

  1,167

  1,167

  1,167

  1,167

  1,167

  Hampshire Constabulary

  0

  0

  1,656

  3,308

  3,308

  3,308

  3,308

  3,308

  3,308

  3,308

  Hertfordshire Constabulary

  0

  959

  1,644

  1,644

  1,644

  1,644

  1,644

  1,644

  1,644

  1,644

  Humberside Police

  0

  2,091

  1,930

  1,930

  1,930

  1,930

  1,930

  1,930

  1,930

  1,930

  Kent County Constabulary

  0

  0

  0

  2,600

  3,123

  3,123

  3,123

  3,123

  3,123

  3,123

  Lancashire Constabulary

  3,057

  3,057

  3,057

  3,057

  3,057

  3,057

  3,057

  3,057

  3,057

  3,057

  Leicestershire Constabulary

  864

  1,725

  1,725

  1,725

  1,725

  1,725

  1,725

  1,725

  1,725

  1,725

  Lincolnshire Police

  0

  0

  792

  1,058

  1,058

  1,058

  1,058

  1,058

  1,058

  1,058

  Merseyside Police

  0

  0

  2,373

  4,069

  4,069

  4,069

  4,069

  4,069

  4,069

  4,069

  Metropolitan Police Service

  0

  7,464

  29,857

  29,857

  29,857

  29,857

  29,857

  29,857

  29,857

  29,857

  Norfolk Constabulary

  0

  0

  0

  1,298

  1,412

  1,412

  1,412

  1,412

  1,412

  1,412

  North Wales Police

  0

  212

  1,274

  1,274

  1,274

  1,274

  1,274

  1,274

  1,274

  1,274

  North Yorkshire Police

  1,100

  1,318

  1,318

  1,318

  1,318

  1,318

  1,318

  1,318

  1,318

  1,318

  Northamptonshire Police

  0

  0

  182

  1,098

  1,098

  1,098

  1,098

  1,098

  1,098

  1,098

  Northumbria Police

  0

  3,866

  3,569

  3,569

  3,569

  3,569

  3,569

  3,569

  3,569

  3,569

  Nottinghamshire Constabulary

  0

  0

  1,602

  2,139

  2,139

  2,139

  2,139

  2,139

  2,139

  2,139

  South Wales Constabulary

  0

  1,392

  2,789

  2,789

  2,789

  2,789

  2,789

  2,789

  2,789

  2,789

  South Yorkshire Police

  0

  0

  1,440

  2,880

  2,880

  2,880

  2,880

  2,880

  2,880

  2,880

  Staffordshire Police

  0

  0

  0

  1,449

  1,937

  1,937

  1,937

  1,937

  1,937

  1,937

  Suffolk Constabulary

  576

  1,154

  1,154

  1,154

  1,154

  1,154

  1,154

  1,154

  1,154

  1,154

  Surrey Police

  0

  0

  732

  1,465

  1,465

  1,465

  1,465

  1,465

  1,465

  1,465

  Sussex Police

  0

  236

  2,838

  2,838

  2,838

  2,838

  2,838

  2,838

  2,838

  2,838

  Thames Valley Police

  0

  2,862

  3,820

  3,820

  3,820

  3,820

  3,820

  3,820

  3,820

  3,820

  Warwickshire Constabulary

  0

  0

  74

  891

  891

  891

  891

  891

  891

  891

  West Mercia Constabulary

  1,590

  1,911

  1,911

  1,911

  1,911

  1,911

  1,911

  1,911

  1,911

  1,911

  West Midlands Police

  0

  0

  2,164

  6,489

  6,489

  6,489

  6,489

  6,489

  6,489

  6,489

  West Yorkshire Police

  0

  0

  4,060

  4,873

  4,873

  4,873

  4,873

  4,873

  4,873

  4,873

  Wiltshire Constabulary

  0

  920

  1,105

  1,105

  1,105

  1,105

  1,105

  1,105

  1,105

  1,105

  Sub total

  16,046

  50,357

  101,377

  121,490

  122,615

  122,615

  122,615

  122,615

  122,615

  122,615

  Plus 3 per cent. adjustment for PNC gateway access, TUPE and change in apportionment of total cost between England, Wales and Scotland

  16,527

  51,868

  104,418

  125,135

  126,293

  126,293

  126,293

  126,293

  126,293

  126,293

  Plus menu charges shown in separate table

  3,765

  10,225

  21,748

  29,188

  29,652

  29,652

  29,652

  29,652

  29,652

  29,652

  Total core and menu costs

  20,292

  62,093

  126,166

  154,322

  155,945

  155,945

  155,945

  155,945

  155,945

  155,945

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many units of accommodation the National Asylum Seekers Support Service has so far secured for housing destitute asylum seekers. [128558]

  Mrs. Roche
  As of 30 June the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) had placed 3,028 destitute asylum seekers into accommodation. The process of accommodating destitute asylum seekers is of course demand led. The exact number of units available changes day by day as providers notify the service of properties. We are continuing to negotiate with both the public and private sector for further accommodation, but it was always the intention that accommodation providers would be asked to provide accommodation on a basis of need.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff are employed at the National Asylum Seekers Support Service. [128560]

  Mrs. Roche
  As of 30 June there were 433 staff employed in the National Asylum Support Service. Of these 423 are employed in Croydon. In addition there are 10 Regional Managers situated around the country who are responsible for ensuring that the support arrangements function satisfactorily in their area.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has given to the Refugee Council on the establishment of emergency reception facilities for destitute asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement. [128559]

  Mrs. Roche
  Officials in the National Asylum Support Service have provided assistance to the Refugee Council in identifying suitable property and in contract negotiation where this has proved necessary. In addition, the Refugee Council has been given advice on the standards we expect to be met for emergency accommodation that is provided for destitute asylum seekers while their claim for support by the National Asylum Support Service is considered.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases the National Asylum Seekers Support Service has so far(a) assessed and (b) referred to accommodation outside London. [128557]

  Mrs. Roche
  As of 30 June the National Asylum Support Service had received 5,327 applications for support. Not all of these would have included a request for accommodation. As of 30 June 3,212 asylum seekers including dependents had been dispersed to accommodation outside London.

  Criminal Injuries Compensation
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the last review of the Criminal Injuries Compensation scheme took place; what its conclusions were; when the next review is due; and if he will make a statement. [128537]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The scheme is under review at the present time. The review was launched by the issue last year of a consultation paper entitled "Compensation for Victims of Violent Crime: Possible Changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme". The responses to that public consultation exercise are still under consideration, and we hope to be in a position to announce our intentions shortly after the summer recess.

  Prison Service
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the results achieved by the Prison Service on each of its key performance indicators during 1999–2000. [129194]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Prison Service is currently assembling final performance data for 1999–2000. The key performance indicator (KPI) results will be reported in the Prison Service Annual Report and Accounts which is scheduled to be laid before Parliament on 20 July 2000. Copies will be placed in the Library.

  The provisional KPI results for 1999–2000 were given in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Mitcham and Morden (Siobhain McDonagh) on 18 May 2000, Official Report, columns 210–12W.

  Anti-suicide Strategy (Women Prisoners)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to produce an anti-suicide strategy relating to women in prison; and if he will make a statement. [128740]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Prison Service's current suicide awareness strategy came into effect from April 1994. Its main principles apply equally across all types of prisons and prisoners whether male/female, adult/young offender or remand/sentenced. This approach to caring for the suicidal is based upon sound research and draws upon best practice from within other organisations.

  Strategies for reducing the risk of suicide are kept under continual review. The publication of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons thematic review: "Suicide is Everyone's Concern" last year provided a key impetus for this work. Work is in progress to examine how existing strategies can be better tailored to the needs of women prisoners. Guidance and good practice will be incorporated in a Prison Service order due for issue later this year.

  Data Protection Act 1998
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many certificates he has signed with respect to section 28 of the Data Protection Act 1998 since 1 March. [129186]

  Mr. Straw
  None. However, I expect to sign a certificate in the near future.

  Death in Custody
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the investigations carried out into the death in custody of Nathan Graham by the(a) Governor of HM prison Whatton and (b) Nottinghamshire police. [128702]

  Mr. Boateng
  I am replying, as the Minister responsible for prisons.

  An internal investigation into the death of Nathan Graham at Nottingham prison on 9 November 1999 was carried out by David Walmsley, Governor of Whatton prison. This is routine practice on behalf of the Prison Service and an investigation report of the findings has been compiled. This report was disclosed to Mr. Graham's

  235W
  family before the inquest. The report concluded that there were no grounds for any disciplinary action against prison staff.

  An investigation into this death was also conducted by Nottinghamshire police on behalf of the Coroner, in view of the unusual circumstances of this case (Mr. Graham was disabled). There was no evidence of any criminal action in this matter and no charges were laid against prison staff. Mr. Graham's death was considered at a Coroner's inquest between 7–9 June, when it was adjourned. A date has yet to be set for the resumption of this inquest.

  Holloway Prison
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the windows in cells in Holloway Prison will be changed to make it impossible to attach a ligature to them; and if he will make a statement. [128741]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Prison Service is currently testing prototype improved window ventilators at Holloway prison. These will be evaluated to assess all potential benefits, including the effectiveness of their anti-ligature properties. Following the assessment, funding will be sought through the Prison Service's normal capital appraisal process for installation of the most appropriate ventilators. Assuming these funds (likely to be of the order of £8 million) are forthcoming, a rolling installation programme for all cells at Holloway will be developed. Completion of such a programme could take three to four years.

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for his Department and its agencies the approved list of manufacturers of(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles; and if he will make a statement on his Department's leasing and purchasing policy. [128990]

  Mr. Straw
  The Home Department does not maintain a list of approved vehicle manufacturers. The Home Department accesses Ministry of Defence contracts to acquire its vehicles. The following list includes all mainstream British vehicle manufacturers.

  Ministry of Defence contractors, cars and commercial vehicles, accessed by the Home Office:

  Rover

  Land Rover

  Ford Motor Company

  Vauxhall Motors

  Peugeot Motor Co.

  Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd.

  Honda (UK) Ltd.

  Volkswagen AG

  Citroen UK Ltd.

  Fiat

  Renault Cars

  Volvo Car UK Ltd.

  Diahatsu UK

  LDV Ltd.

  Leyland DAF Trucks Ltd.

  International Motors (ERF Trucks).

  236W
  Departmental policy for the selection of vehicles has three main roots:
  to select the vehicles most suited to the task bearing in mind our responsibility for the disbursement of public funds;
  to uphold the policies of the European Communities supplies directive 93/36/EC Purchase of Goods; and
  to reduce the environmental impact of the fleet by ensuring that 70 per cent. of the vehicles purchased this year will incorporate either high pressure injection diesel engines with particulate filters, or dual fuel petrol liquid petroleum gas engines.

  Football Hooligans
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what efforts are being made to inform football clubs of the identities of the football hooligans who were(a) detained and (b) deported from Euro 2000. [128156]

  Mr. Straw
  It is the intention of the Football Association, with the strong support of the Government, to seek life bans from their home grounds for any individual convicted of offences involving hooliganism at Euro 2000; this cannot, however, apply to the majority of those detained and deported, since it has been acknowledged by the Belgian authorities that many of those detained or deported were not guilty of any criminal offence.

  It is intended that the Bill on football hooliganism which I announced on 4 July 2000, Official Report, columns 170–83, should include provisions better to permit the National Criminal Intelligence Service to transfer appropriate information to the Football Association.

  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many international restriction orders against football hooligans are in force in(a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland. [128151]

  Mr. Straw
  There are currently 106 people subject to international football banning orders in England and Wales; there is no equivalent legislation in Scotland or in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many international restriction orders have been made in each of the past 10 years. [128152]

  Mr. Straw
  There were 19 restriction orders imposed in 1990, four in 1991, two in 1992, none in 1993, one in each of 1994, 1995 and 1996, 10 in 1997, and 100 in 1998. In 1999, 18 restriction orders were imposed, as well as three international football banning orders, which replaced the restriction order under the terms of the Football (Offences and Disorder) Act 1999. So far 28 international football banning orders have so far been imposed in 2000.

  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those football hooligans deported from Euro 2000. [128157]

  Mr. Straw
  No, since it has been acknowledged by the Belgian authorities that many of those deported were not guilty of any criminal offence.

  Police (Out-of-court Settlements)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the out-of-court settlements agreed to by police forces in the UK since 1 January 1998, broken down by police force, indicating in each case the recipient, the amount agreed and the reason for the settlement; what process exists for police forces to make a decision to settle out-of-court; how the public are informed of such decisions; and if he will make a statement. [128516]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information is available centrally only on the number and total amount of settlements agreed in 1998–99 before proceedings were initiated or after court proceedings were commenced but before final judgment, including payments "without accepting 238W
  liability". The available information has been placed in the Library for each force in England and Wales by type of action. 1998–99 was only the second year in which forces were requested to supply this information and the information provided is not complete.

  The process by which a force agrees to settle a case out of court is one for the force and its insurers (where it has employer and public liability cover). This will be based on an assessment of the cost and likelihood of successfully defending an action. Forces are accountable to their police authority for their handling of these cases. The Government's response to the Home Affairs Select Committee's report in 1998 on the Confidentiality of Police Settlements of Civil Claims supported the view that forces should publish information about civil actions in their annual reports.

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