Written Answers of 25 July 2000

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Next Steps Agencies
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish the 1999–2000 annual reports and accounts for each of his Next Steps agencies. [133026]

  Mr. Darling
  The 1999–2000 annual reports and accounts for the Benefits Agency (HC 640), Child Support Agency (HC 658), Information Technology Services Agency (HC 680) and War Pensions Agency (HC 615) have been laid before Parliament today.

  Fraud
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the anti-fraud targets announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review are(a) in addition to or (b) instead of, the existing Benefits Agency Security Control Programme. [132400]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Benefits Agency Security Control Programme ceased in April 1999.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how he plans to measure the success of the anti-fraud measures announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review. [132398]

  Mr. Rooker
  We are now measuring the level of fraud and error by means of a monthly rolling programme of reviews in each Benefits Agency area. A regular, random sample of cases is investigated thoroughly to establish how much fraud and error they contain.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish his new public service agreements. [132395]

  Mr. Rooker
  Shortly.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many unfilled vacancies for permanent staff his Department has; what percentage of staff positions in his Department are vacant; what the monthly cost would be to his Department of employing civil servants in these positions; how many and what percentage of staff his Department employs on a temporary basis through employment agencies; how much his Department paid employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the last 12 months; and how much he expects to pay employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the next 12 months. [131427]
  492W
  Mr. Rooker
  The information is in the tables.

  Vacancies

  Number

  Number of unfilled vacancies

  1,187

  Percentage of total staff

  1.39

  Monthly cost of employing civil servants in these positions

  1,370,070.00

  The numbers of staff the Department employs on a temporary basis through Employment Agencies can vary from day to day. For example, during May 2000, the equivalent of 22 staff were employed, which represents 0.03 per cent. of the Department's staff.

  Total payments made to employment agencies for temporary staff for each of the last twelve months

  £

  Month

  Total payments to employment agencies

  July 1999

  39,481.90

  August 1999

  22,238.50

  September 1999

  15,480.35

  October 1999

  42,162.88

  November 1999

  34,874.99

  December 1999

  24,012.67

  January 2000

  14,412.46

  February 2000

  24,863.32

  March 2000

  21,950.25

  April 2000

  28,498.11

  May 2000

  26,279.97

  June 2000

  25,333.14

  It is not possible to predict with any certainty what payments will be made to Employment Agencies for each of the next twelve months. It is expected that the amounts and numbers of staff involved will be similar to those detailed above.

  Single Currency
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much his Department is planning to spend on preparing for the euro in the period to March 2004, broken down between years. [132396]

  Angela Eagle
  The Second Outline National Changeover Plan said that this Department will expect to spend up to £5 million on euro preparation in this financial year.

  Household Income Statistics
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will assess which statistics from the Households Below Average Income series could robustly be produced on a quarterly basis. [132097]

  Mr. Bayley
  The Department's statisticians have not made a detailed assessment of whether any Households Below Average Income (HBAI) statistics could be robustly produced on a quarterly basis. However, past experience raises doubts as to whether any robust results could be produced on a quarterly basis.

  Child Poverty
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many children in Shrewsbury and Atcham he estimates will be taken out of poverty by the end of the present year. [131138]

  Mr. Bayley
  It is not possible to make estimates at a local level of the numbers of children who will be taken out of poverty. However, children in Shrewsbury and Atcham will benefit from the range of measures we have announced which will lift 1.2 million children out of poverty by the end of this Parliament.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Extradition
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many court days have been occupied in hearing extradition cases in 2000. [130603]

  The Solicitor-General
  No records are kept of how many court days are occupied in hearing extradition cases, although applications for judicial review in such cases have occupied the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court for 13 whole or part days this year.

HEALTH

  Flour (Folic Acid)
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she plans to issue the consultation document on the implementation of the COMA recommendations on the addition of folic acid to flour. [132646]

  Yvette Cooper
  The United Kingdom Health Departments and the Food Standards Agency have today published a joint public consultation document on the report from the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy which concluded that all flour should be fortified with folic acid to prevent neural tube defects. The consultation period runs until 31 October 2000. The document is available in the Library and on the internet at www.doh.gov.uk/folicacid.

  Meat Hygiene Service
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what performance targets have been set for the Meat Hygiene Service in 2000–01. [133030]

  Ms Stuart
  Following consultation with interested organisations, the board of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) approved at its meeting on 20 July the following performance targets for the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) for 2000–01:

  1. Public Health Protection
  (a) Reduction of microbiological hazards in meat:

  Fully apply MHS Clean Livestock Policy.

  Not to apply the health mark stamp to any meat showing visible faecal or alimentary tract contents contamination.

  Take effective action in slaughterhouses with low Hygiene Assessment System (HAS) scores to improve hygiene standards.

  494W
  (b) Removal of Specified Risk Material (SRM) from the human and animal food chain:
  Strictly enforce SRM controls in abattoirs.

  2. Animal Welfare
  Strictly enforce Welfare at Slaughter and Killing Regulations.

  3. Staff Training
  Provide update training for all Principal Official Veterinary Surgeons and lead Official Veterinary Surgeons (OVSs) in enforcement (training course to be developed in liaison with FSA Legal Services).
  Provide update training for 33 per cent. of lead OVSs in animal welfare at slaughter (training course to be developed in liaison with Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Animal Welfare Division).
  Provide refresher training for 33 per cent. of lead OVSs in hygiene requirements (training course to be developed in liaison with FSA Veterinary Public Health Unit).
  All training to be completed by 31 March 2001 and to comply with Investors in People standards.

  4. Customer Focus

  Provision of high quality service

  Introduce an independent element to MHS Appeals System.

  Sign up to Government Enforcement Concordat.

  To meet the FSA targets for customer service.

  Maintain full compliance with Charter Mark standards.

  5. Value for Money
  Efficiency
  To implement those recommendations in the Pooley report applicable to the MHS and accepted by the FSA for implementation in 2000–01.
  To implement those recommendations in the external efficiency review accepted, and within the timetable laid down, by the FSA Board.

  6. Financial Performance
  To operate within the cash allocations as agreed with the FSA.
  To recover from government departments, agencies and the Intervention Board Executive Agency (IBEA) the full economic costs (calculated in accordance with the relevant charging legislation and accruals accounting) of providing agreed services or other work undertaken on their behalf.

  A copy of the consultation package, summary of responses and details of the assessment of these targets have been placed in the Library. They are also available on the FSA website at www.foodstandards.gov.uk.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many unfilled vacancies for permanent staff his Department has; what percentage of staff positions in his Department are vacant; what the monthly cost would be to his Department of employing civil servants in these positions; how many and what percentage of staff his Department employs on a temporary basis through employment agencies; how much his Department paid employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the last 12 months; and how much he expects to pay employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the next 12 months. [131433]
  495W
  Ms Stuart
  Responsibility for staffing and recruitment issues has been substantially delegated to individual business units. As a result, the information requested is not held centrally. To collect it would incur disproportionate costs.

  Clinical Errors
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce an early warning system for clinical errors. [131505]

  Ms Stuart
  "An Organisation with a Memory", the report of an expert group chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, was published on 13 June 2000. The group examined the extent to which the National Health Service and its constituent organisations had the capability to learn from untoward incidents and service failures so that similar occurrences are avoided in future. The report's main recommendation is the introduction of a mandatory reporting system for adverse health care events and specified near misses. We are taking steps to implement such a system and expect to have made significant progress before the end of the year.

  Hernia operations NHS hospitals England, 1998–99

  Operation

  Coventry1

  West Midlands

  England

  T19

  Simple excision of inguinal hernial sac

  44

  1,051

  10,315

  T20

  Primary repair of inguinal hernia

  619

  7,670

  66,346

  T21

  Repair of recurrent inguinal hernia

  16

  610

  5,478

  T22

  Primary repair of femoral hernia

  21

  445

  4,119

  T23

  Repair of recurrent femoral hernia

  0

  14

  177

  T24

  Repair of umbilical hernia

  75

  1,489

  12,358

  T25

  Primary repair of incisional hernia

  43

  617

  5,297

  T26

  Repair of recurrent incisional hernia

  6

  87

  689

  T27

  Repair of other hernia of abdominal wall

  38

  517

  4,885

  Total

  862

  12,500

  109,664

  1 The appropriate area of treatment for Coventry, South is Coventry Health Authority.

  Notes:

  1. The figures do not represent the number of patients, as one person may have several operations within the year.

  2. Finished Consultant Episodes (FCEs) where OPCS4R operation codes T19 to T27 appeared as the main operation.

  3. For 1998–99, no adjustments have as yet been made for shortfalls in the data.

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) hip replacement and (b) cataract operations were carried out by the NHS last year (i) in Coventry South, (ii) in the West Midlands and (c) nationally. [131538]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Hip replacements and cataract operations. NHS hospitals England, 1998–99

  Operation

  Coventry1

  West Midlands

  England

  Primary total hip replacements2

  275

  4,704

  37,189

  Hip replacement revisions3

  24

  408

  4,013

  Total hip replacement operations

  299

  5,112

  41,202

  Cataract operations4

  1,995

  20,602

  204,074

  National Plan
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress he is making on the National Plan for Health; and if he will make a statement. [131503]

  Mr. Denham
  Over 220,000 members of the public and staff and around 100 national and local organisations responded to our consultation exercise. Their comments and ideas have now been analysed, together with the detailed work of the modernisation action teams and the more in-depth public involvement strategy. All this has culminated in the National Health Service National Plan which will be presented to the House later this week.

  Operations
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hernia operations were carried out by the NHS last year(a) in Coventry, South, (b) in the West Midlands and (c) nationally. [131506]

  Mr. Denham
  The number of hernia operations carried out by the National Health Service in Coventry Health Authority, the West Midlands and England during the financial year 1998–99 are shown in the table.

  1 The appropriate area of treatment for Coventry South, is Coventry Health Authority.

  2Finished Consultant Episodes (FCEs) with a main operation OPCS4R code in the range W37-W39 or W46-W48, excluding revisions, emergency admissions and FCEs with a primary diagnosis of ICDIO S72.0, S72.I or S72.2 (fracture of neck of femur).

  3FCEs with a main operation OPCS4 code W37.3, W38.3, W39.3, W46.3, W47.3, or W48.3, excluding emergency admissions and episodes with a primary diagnosis of ICD10 S72.0, S72.1 or S72.2 (fracture of neck of femur).

  4Count of FCEs where OPCS4R codes C71, C72, C74 or C75 occurred in any of the four (main and three secondary) operation codes.

  Notes:

  1. The figures do not represent the number of patients, as one person may have several operations within the year.

  2. For 1998–99, no adjustments have as yet been made for shortfalls in the data.

  3. These figures were provided by Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health.

  Health Provision Variations
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to reduce variation in health provision between the poorest and the best-off areas across the UK. [131504]

  Yvette Cooper
  We are setting standards through the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and the national service frameworks. We are ensuring local delivery through clinical governance and monitoring delivery through the performance assessment framework and the Commission for Health Improvement. On 14 July we published a second set of performance indicators which will enable the local health service to identify where their performance falls below that of the best and we expect measures to be taken to improve poorly performing services. We are working with relevant parties, utilising the record increases in National Health Service funding to improve NHS performance and tackle health inequalities.

  GM Food
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the nature is of the feeding trials in which animals are being fed GM herbicide-tolerant forage maize treated with glufosinate ammonium. [132649]

  Ms Stuart
  The Food Standards Agency knows of no current feeding trials, but is aware that the developers of the crop variety intend to use the maize in an animal feeding study in the future. The company has undertaken to seek our agreement to the protocol for such work.

  Neonatal Hearing Screening
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much his Department has invested in neonatal hearing screening for each of the last five years; [131332]

  (2) how much his Department plans to spend on (a) the launch and (b) the national roll-out of the neonatal hearing screening pilot project in each of the next three years; [131333]

  (3) what cost to benefit analysis his Department has carried out of introducing universal neonatal hearing screening; [131334]

  (4) what studies his Department has carried out into the benefits of neonatal hearing screening; [131335]

  (5) what his Department's timetable is for the national roll-out of the neonatal hearing screening pilot project; when an announcement about a timetable will be made; and what factors will inform the timing of an announcement of the timetable; [131336]

  (6) if he will review the findings of the Colorado research project on neonatal hearing screening; [131337]

  (7) what consultations his Department has had with disability organisations of and for deaf and hard of hearing people about the launch of the neonatal hearing screening pilot project; [131338]

  (8) when his Department will establish an advisory group to advise on the launch and national roll-out of its pilot project for neonatal hearing screening; and when it will announce the composition of the group; [131339]
  498W
  (9)by what process his Department will establish (a) the criteria, (b) the selection procedure and (c) the timetable for the establishment of the 20 neonatal hearing screening pilot sites; [131340]

  (10) what discussions his Department has had with the Department for Education and Employment about developing the provision of language and education support for children from zero to two years in preparation for (a) the launch and (b) the national roll-out of its pilot project for neonatal hearing screening; [131341]

  (11) what discussions his Department (a) has had and

  (b) plans to have with (i) health authorities and NHS trusts, (ii) paediatric audiologists, (iii) ENT consultants, (iv) speech and language therapists and (v) cochlear implant centres about (A) the launch and (B) the national roll-out of the neonatal hearing screening pilot project. [131342]

  Yvette Cooper
  Investment in neonatal hearing screening over the last five years is estimated to be in the region of £18 million per annum: that is £3 million per annum on targeted neonatal hearing screening and £15 million per annum on health visitors performing the infant distraction test.

  The United Kingdom National Screening Committee (NSC) has recommended that a universal neonatal hearing screening (UNHS) programme should replace the infant distraction test to screen for hearing impairment. This was based on a report by the health technology assessment programme 'A critical review of the role of neonatal screening in the detection of congenital hearing impairment'.

  An expert group, which included representatives of professional groups, National Health Service bodies, voluntary organisations, Government Departments and other interested bodies, was convened by the NSC and undertook further detailed work on the benefits, cost-benefits and feasibility and service issues of developing a UNHS programme. The committee took existing and emerging research findings into account in making its recommendations.

  We have recently agreed to conduct a pilot programme to evaluate the optimum way in which this change in service delivery might be achieved. The pilot programme will run for 12 months at a cost of £750,000. The pilot will help us gain a better understanding of the operational implications of running a national programme, including its potential cost.

  Project and steering groups will be established shortly to oversee the development of the pilot programme. Key professional, voluntary, NHS and policy stakeholders will be appropriately involved. The Department will be writing to the NHS about participating in the pilot project and the timescales later in the autumn.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 23 May concerning lock purchasing. [132447]

  Mr. Hutton
  The letter of 23 May was a copy of a letter dated 17 April, to which I replied to my hon. Friend on 22 May.

  Back Book
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to provide the Back Book free of charge to patients; [128485]

  (2) how many copies of the Back Book have been sold in each year since its publication. [128486]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 3 July 2000]: The Back Book was published by The Stationery Office in 1996. I understand that, to date, 115,157 packs of 10 copies have been sold. We do not have information on how that figure breaks down year by year.

  We have no plans to provide the Back Book free of charge to patients.

  Departmental Inquiries
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the inquiries his Department has established in each of last two years, indicating for each the form the inquiry was to take, and an estimate of the number of patients it covered. [129022]

  Ms Stuart
  The inquiries commissioned by the Department in the last two years are as follows. It is not possible to provide a meaningful estimate of the number of patients affected by the matters under inquiry. In most cases that is for the inquiry to establish.

  The BSE Inquiry
  Established in December 1997 to review the history of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) and new variant CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) and the action taken in response to it. Independent chair. Hearings held in public.

  Review of Thoracic Surgical Services at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust
  Established in July 1998 to review the previous investigation undertaken by the trust into its thoracic surgery services. Independent chair. Hearings held in private.

  The Bristol Royal Infirmary Inquiry
  Established in October 1998 to examine issues relating to paediatric cardiac surgery. Independent chair. Hearings held in public.

  The Ritchie Inquiry
  Established in March 1999 to consider the practice of Mr. Rodney Ledward. Independent chair. Hearings held in private.

  North Lakeland Healthcare NHS Trust Inquiry
  Established in May 1999 to investigate allegations of patient abuse. Independent chair. Hearings held in private.

  Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust. Liver Surgery Unit
  Established in August 1999 to inquire into allegations relating to gene therapy for patients with liver cancer. Independent chair. Hearings held in private.

  Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust Department of Imaging Inquiry
  Established in November 1999 to investigate allegations of victimisation. Independent chair. Hearings held in private.

  The Royal Liverpool Children's Inquiry
  Established in December 1999 to examine circumstances surrounding the removal, retention and disposal of human tissue. Independent chair. Hearings held in private.
  500W
  The Laming Inquiry
  Established in March 2000 to review issues arising from the trial of Dr. Shipman. Independent chair. Form of inquiry under review.

  The King's Mill Centre for Healthcare Services NHS Trust Inquiry
  Established in June 2000 to investigate allegations of inappropriate disposal of human organs. Independent chair. Hearings held in private.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Alan Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what financial assistance he gives to NHS trusts that are undertaking reconfiguration of patient services, approved by him, towards the cost of(a) redundancy and retirement and (b) capital building costs. [130167]

  Mr. Denham
  A central special assistance fund has existed since 1996–97. It provides financial assistance to some health authorities to facilitate strategic change, such as reconfiguring patient services at NHS trusts. Special assistance helps fund some of the short-term non-recurrent costs of change, for example double running or redundancy costs. Within London, the London Fund also provides non-recurrent transitional funding to support strategic changes.

  Capital funding is approved on the basis of information contained in a business case which is considered by regional offices. Access to funding is dependent on competing investment priorities in the region.

  St. George's Hospital, Tooting
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the services provided by St. George's Hospital, Tooting, London. [130524]

  Mr. Denham
  All National Health Service trusts are subject to a formal annual assessment of their progress and future plans by the relevant regional office of the NHS Executive, and this assessment process was carried out with St. George's Healthcare NHS Trust earlier this year by London Regional Office.

  NHS Trust Directorships
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if it remains his policy to ban the spouses of hon. Members from non-executive directorships in National Health Service trusts. [130534]

  Ms Stuart
  The Department is currently considering the preparation of new guidance on conflict of interest issues for National Health Service boards and other public bodies for which we are responsible. The issue of appointing the spouses of hon. Members to National Health Service boards will be re-considered as part of this process.

  Fertility Treatment
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list, for each health authority, the number of patients on a waiting list for infertility treatment; and if he will make a statement. [130820]

  Mr. Denham
  Waiting list information is not collected centrally for specific procedures.

  Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about refurbishment of the accident and emergency unit at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. [131139]

  Ms Stuart
  Royal Shrewsbury Hospital was allocated £600,000 from the accident and emergency modernisation fund to develop a scheme to improve facilities in the casualty department. Work is due for completion by 31 March 2001 with specific aims to improve security for staff, access for the disabled, facilities for paediatric assessment and environmental conditions.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has received from the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for a new medical assessment unit to be funded from the A&E Modernisation Fund; and if he will make a statement. [131702]

  Ms Stuart
  Royal Shrewsbury Hospitals National Health Service Trust was allocated £600,000 in the first tranche of accident and emergency modernisation moneys in June 1999. The approved proposals included the development of an assessment unit, decontamination facilities and improved security. Further bids have been invited in June of this year to be funded from an additional £35 million made available nationally, and the trust have applied for funding totalling £2.2 million for an emergency assessment unit, which incorporates a medical assessment unit

  NHS Executive regional offices are in the process of assessing the applications received. As yet, no decisions have been made nationally on the allocation of this latest tranche of accident and emergency modernisation moneys.

  Fluoridation
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 7 July 2000,Official Report, columns 334–35W, regarding fluoridation, what bodies other than the National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination at the University of York were invited to apply for the commission to report into the safety and efficacy of fluoride in drinking water. [131360]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 20 July 2000]: No other bodies were invited to tender for the systematic review on fluoridation. The National Health Service Centre for

  Section 64 General Scheme applications submitted and approved in the last five years

  Financial year (1)

  Number of new applications received (2)

  Number of new applications approved (3)

  Value of new grants approved(£) (4)

  Value of continuing grants approved from previous years (£) (5)

  Annual total value of approved grants (£) (6)

  1996–97

  629

  1 Figure not available

  1 Figure not available

  1 Figure not available

  21,000,000

  1997–98

  627

  268

  9,034,144

  12,405,068

  21,439,212

  1998–99

  784

  280

  10,065,828

  10,545,871

  20,611,699

  1999–2000

  717

  284

  11,834,839

  10,536,731

  22,371,570

  2000–01

  671

  216

  8,388,848

  14,204,905

  22,593,753

  1 A new database was set up in 1996. Figures for columns (3)+(5) for that year are not available because the database was still being tested.

  The amounts approved were not necessarily the amounts paid as some grants, especially project grants,
  502W
  Reviews and Dissemination was itself established by competitive tender to provide the Department with an expert facility for systematic research reviews.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 7 July 2000,Official Report, column 335W, regarding fluoridation, what conditions apply to the moneys given by his Department to the British Fluoridation Society. [131331]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 20 July 2000]: Since 1975 successive Governments have funded the British Fluoridation Society to help promote and implement their policies on oral health by providing evidence based advice to all interested parties. The Society is required to maintain accounts which show the use to which funds have been put for inspection by the Department's auditors.

  Speech and Language Therapists
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations his Department has received regarding the pay scales of speech and language therapists relative to other professional groups in the NHS. [131738]

  Mr. Denham
  Following extensive negotiations with staff side representatives, on 19 May a revised grading structure for speech and language therapists was introduced extending the existing pay spine to match that of clinical psychologists. Since then no representations have been received.

  Grant Aid
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will(a) list the successful applicants for grant aid under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 for the last year for which figures are available, (b) the value of each grant and (c) what the grant was for. [131732]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested has been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many applications for grant aid under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 were(a) submitted and (b) approved in each of the last five years for which figures are available; what the total value of such grants was in each year; and if he will make a statement. [131733]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is contained in the table.

  may have started late and payments were therefore made pro-rata.

  Private Finance Initiatives
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 13 July 2000,Official Report, column 684W, what the values of the public sector comparator and PFI alternatives are in (a) pre-risk and (b) risk-adjusted terms at full business case and financial close stage for the (i) Rochdale, (ii) Royal Berkshire, (iii) Central Sheffield and (iv) Guys and St. Thomas's hospital projects. [131614]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 20 July 2000]: Private finance initiative was considered in all four schemes, and in each case did not produce a suitable solution. For the schemes at Rochdale and Central Sheffield PFI was identified as unsuitable early in the procurement process and not pursued further. Comparative figures are therefore unavailable. The figures for the schemes at Royal Berkshire and Guys and St. Thomas's are shown in the tables.

  £000

  Public Sector Comparator

  PFI Option

  Royal Berkshire

  Whole scheme (1994)

  No realistic PFI proposal identified

  —

  Partial PFI (1997) NPC over 60 years—(not risk adjusted)

  10,096

  13,180

  Guys and St. Thomas's

  Net present value—pre-risk adjusted

  357.8

  497.1

  Net present value—post-risk adjusted

  377.2

  497.1

  SCOPE
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will establish an inquiry into the role of SCOPE under section 81 of the Children Act 1989. [131969]

  Mr. Hutton
  I have no plans to establish an inquiry into the role of SCOPE under section 81 of the Children Act. I understand that allegations concerning a school run by SCOPE near Leeds were thoroughly investigated by the police and child protection services in 1995. They concluded that there was not sufficient evidence for criminal prosecution. The Department for Education and Employment subsequently considered the allegations and, as a result one former care worker was barred from working in relevant employment and placed on List 99.

  The school closed in 1998.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 17 July 2000 to the right hon. Member for South-West Surrey (Mrs. Bottomley),Official Report, columns 69–70W, concerning the numbers of patients waiting over 12 months for elective admission between March 1997 and March 2000, if he will provide the figures for West Sussex for each of those dates. [131829]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 21 July 2000]: We are determined to reduce waiting lists and times for all patients from the rising numbers we inherited. As waiting lists have fallen, so have waiting times. The number of over-12-month waiters is almost a third lower than the
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  peak at June 1998 and the average waiting time of patients on the list is 13 weeks—Two weeks lower than at June 1998.

  The numbers of patients waiting over 12 months for elective admission in West Sussex at March 1997, March 1998 and March 2000 are shown in the table.

  West Sussex health authority

  Number of patients waiting over 12 months at March

  1997

  902

  1998

  3,952

  2000

  1,848

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many Dorset Health Authority patients had been waiting for over 12 months for elective admission in(a) March 1997, (b) March 1998, (c) March 1999 and (d) March 2000. [132333]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The information requested is shown in the table.

  Patients waiting more than 12 months for elective admissions, Dorset health authority

  Month end

  Number of patients

  March 1997

  0

  March 1998

  0

  March 1999

  0

  March 2000

  2

  Source:

  Department of Health forms KHO7R and QF01

  In March 1997 there were 56 patients waiting over six months, in March 2000 there were no patients waiting over six months for treatment in Dorset but there were 28 Dorset patients waiting for treatment outside the county.

  MRSA
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many MRSA incidents have been voluntarily reported in each NHS region since 1996(a) in total and (b) as a ratio to the population in that region. [131648]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The Public Health Laboratory Service compiles aggregate data on numbers of incidents of MRSA which are voluntarily submitted by National Health Service trusts for specialist microbiological tests. These are given in the table. Also shown is the rate per 100,000 population.

  Incidents of MRSA and rates per 100,000 population 1996–2000

  Incidents of MRSA

  Population

  Rate per 100,000

  1996

  Anglia and Oxford

  237

  5,360,925

  4

  North Thames

  539

  6,933,690

  8

  North West

  176

  6,605,118

  3

  Northern and Yorkshire

  150

  6,338,285

  2

  South and West

  206

  6,594,376

  3

  South Thames

  421

  6,819,118

  6

  Trent

  99

  5,120,988

  2

  West Midlands

  121

  5,316,585

  2

  Wales

  158

  2,921,075

  5

  Total

  2,107

  52,010,160

  4

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  Incidents of MRSA and rates per 100,000 population 1996–2000

  Incidents of MRSA

  Population

  Rate per 100,000

  1997

  Anglia and Oxford

  297

  5,410,284

  5

  North Thames

  544

  6,987,622

  8

  North West

  259

  6,597,722

  4

  Northern and Yorkshire

  224

  6,335,813

  4

  South and West

  254

  6,638,509

  4

  South Thames

  385

  6,865,023

  6

  Trent

  123

  5,128,485

  2

  West Midlands

  102

  5,320,784

  2

  Wales

  176

  2,926,933

  6

  Total

  2,364

  52,211,175

  5

  1998

  Anglia and Oxford

  223

  5,452,321

  4

  North Thames

  289

  7,051,978

  4

  North West

  215

  6,603,991

  3

  Northern and Yorkshire

  202

  6,339,044

  3

  South and West

  101

  6,672,263

  2

  South Thames

  220

  6,908,662

  3

  Trent

  109

  5,133,802

  2

  West Midlands

  69

  5,332,521

  1

  Wales

  169

  2,933,324

  6

  Total

  1,597

  52,427,906

  3

  1999

  Eastern

  80

  5,416,242

  1

  London

  290

  7,267,458

  4

  Northern and Yorkshire

  170

  6.348,589

  3

  North West

  180

  6,604,031

  3

  South East

  170

  8,687,156

  2

  South West

  40

  4,934,125

  1

  Trent

  100

  5,149,937

  2

  West Midlands

  30

  5,342,340

  1

  Wales

  130

  2,940,324

  4

  Total

  1,190

  52,690,202

  2

  2000

  Eastern

  30

  —

  —

  London

  100

  —

  —

  Northern and Yorkshire

  40

  —

  —

  North West

  50

  —

  —

  South East

  60

  —

  —

  South West

  10

  —

  —

  Trent

  30

  —

  —

  West Midlands

  30

  —

  —

  Wales

  30

  —

  —

  Total

  380

  —

  —

  Notes:

  1. Population estimates are mid-year estimates based on 1991 census data

  2. For 1996 and the first half of 1997 data have been amalgamated to the approximate boundaries of the new Regional Office areas. This allows for comparison with subsequent years

  3. Data for 2000 are incomplete, therefore the rate per 100,000 cannot be calculated

  4. An incident is three or more patients infected or colonised by the same strain of MRSA in the same month from the same hospital

  5. The criteria for submission of isolates of MRSA (and other isolates of staphylococcus aureus) to the PHLS for specialist tests have been revised twice since 1996 (in January 1998 and in January 2000).

  Shipman Inquiry
  Mr. Darvill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the judgment on the Shipman Inquiry. [132643]

  Mr. Denham
  Families who have been victims of Dr. Shipman have suffered enormously and we have great sympathy for them.
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  From the outset, we have wanted to make sure we learn the lessons from the Shipman case as quickly and effectively as possible so that we can take all the necessary measures to protect patients. We are considering the judgment in full.

  Hepatitis C
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has plans to carry out routine screening for hepatitis C. [132429]

  Ms Stuart
  There are currently no plans to carry out routine screening for hepatitis C.

PRIME MINISTER

  Appointments (Historians)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 10 July 2000,Official Report, column 425W, on appointments, if he will list the official historians he has appointed since 1 May 1997; and if he will make a statement on each. [132329]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: Since 1 May 1997 I have appointed two official historians: Professor Lawrence Freedman and Professor Alexander Kemp.

  G8 Summit
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the matters discussed at and the outcome of the G8 Summit in Okinawa. [132025]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the Statement I gave to the House on 24 July 2000,Official Report, columns 763–65.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the situation in Kosovo. [132514]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) on 18 July 2000,Official Report, columns 140–41W, to our hon. Friend the Member for Gedling (Mr. Coaker).

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Veterinary Medicines Directorate
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish the 1999–2000 annual report for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. [132879]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  The 1999–2000 annual report and accounts for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate have been laid before Parliament. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish the 1999–2000 annual report for the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science. [132880]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  The 1999–2000 annual report and accounts for the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science were laid before Parliament today. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  Veterinary Laboratory Agency
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish the 1999–2000 annual report for the Veterinary Laboratory Agency. [132881]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  The 1999–2000 annual report and accounts for the Veterinary Laboratory Agency were laid before Parliament today. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  Solway Fishery
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he has received from the Environment Agency on the possible earlier opening of the Haf net fishing season on the Solway in 2001. [131405]

  Mr. Morley
  We have not received any advice from the Environment Agency on the possible earlier opening of the Haf net fishing season on the Solway in 2001.

  Fertilisers
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what regulations deal with fertilisers and soil improvers; and what plans he has to decrease regulation in this area. [131809]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 21 July 2000]: Fertilisers and soil improvers are regulated in Great Britain by the Fertilisers Regulations 1991, SI 1991/2197 (as amended by SI 1995/16, SI 1997/1543 and SI 1998/2024). The regulations implement EU Directives 76/116/EEC, 80/876/EEC, 88/183/EEC, 89/284/EEC, 89/530 and 93/69/EEC. A Commission-led working group is examining consolidation of the existing Directives into a single Directive, but it is unlikely to propose any decrease in regulation in this area.

  Farm Diversification
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the publicly-funded organisations which provide advice to farmers about diversification; and if he will make a statement. [131803]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 21 July 2000]: MAFF will be publishing a free advisory booklet on farm diversification in the autumn as part of the Prime Minister's Action Plan for Farming. The booklet will
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  contain a comprehensive list of organisations which can provide advice to farmers on diversification. The action plan also included a new programme of business advice for farmers through the Small Business Service.

  Pollution Controls
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with his European counterparts about ensuring(a) uniform implementation of integrated pollution prevention and controls and (b) that disproportionate burdens are not placed on British farmers as a result of these controls; and if he will make a statement. [131899]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 21 July 2000]: Discussions about the Directive on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) have taken place between EU Environment Ministers. Measures to comply with the requirements of the IPPC Directive will be based on Best Available Techniques reference (BREF) documents, which will be agreed at Community level. These documents aim to ensure all member states adopt measures that offer equivalent environmental protection.

  Under the Action Plan for Farming, announced by the Prime Minister following the Agriculture Summit on 30 March, the Government are committed to implementing environmental legislation that impacts on the farming industry in the least bureaucratic and burdensome way. Farmers with existing installations in England and Wales will not be required to implement these measures until 2007. Some other member states already apply environmental controls similar to those required to be implemented under IPPC.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the changes to be applied to the poultry industry under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control regulations for(a) England and Wales and (b) each EU country; and if he will make a statement. [131710]

  Mr. Morley
  The measures that we expect will apply to most of the poultry industry in England under the IPPC Directive will be set out in general binding rules. These are currently under discussion between the Environment Agency, the Government and representatives of the poultry sector and will be put out for public consultation shortly. Poultry farmers with existing installations will not be required to implement these measures until 2007.

  Some member states already impose environmental controls similar to those required to be put in place under IPPC. Others plan to implement IPPC for the poultry sector before 2007. The EU-wide Best Available Techniques reference (BREF) document for the intensive livestock sector is expected to be in place in 2001 and will set out measures to control emissions which all EU member states will be expected to apply.

  Rural Enterprise Schemes
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the costs of administering rural enterprise schemes through(a) his Department and (b) regional development agencies. [131816]
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  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 21 July 2000]: My Department will be running the new Rural Enterprise Scheme as part of the England Rural Development Programme.

  The cost of its administration will depend in part upon the level of demand, but in 2001–02, its first full year of operation, we estimate the cost to be £1.375 million; this includes £0.628 million for technical support by the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency. This is additional to the programme cost for the scheme.

  The cost of schemes run by the Regional Development Agencies is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  Countryside Stewardship Scheme
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the costs of increasing the proportion of less favoured areas covered by the Countryside Stewardship Scheme from 3 per cent. to 10 per cent. [131814]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 21 July 2000]: It is estimated that the cost of increasing the proportion of less favoured areas covered by the Countryside Stewardship Scheme from 3 per cent. to 10 per cent. would be approximately £5 million per annum.

  FSS Agency Targets:

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Financial indicators:

  Return on Capital Employed

  Minimum 3 per cent.

  10 per cent.

  Efficiency Gain (three year rolling)

  Minimum 10 per cent.

  Minimum 10 per cent.

  Quality of service indicators:

  Turnaround time

  24 days

  24 days

  Exceed 99 per cent. of urgent and critical classified cases

  N/A

  Pilot

  Achieve 90 per cent. agreed delivery dates

  Yes

  Yes

  Put in place service level agreements with police forces (BVAs)

  Yes

  Yes

  Put in place routine and robust customer satisfaction measurement processes

  Yes

  n/a

  (milestone 1999–2000 only)

  Demonstrate year on year improvements in police (customer) satisfaction

  —

  Yes

  Quality indicators:

  Achieve external quality accreditation to ISO9000 and NAMAS standards

  Yes

  Yes

  Police Complaints Authority
  Mr. Ivan Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has made further appointments to the Police Complaints Authority. [133024]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I have invited Mr. Duncan Gear, Mrs. Anne Boustred and Mrs. Alison McDougall to serve as Members of the Police Complaints Authority. Mr. Gear took up his appointment on 1 June and Mrs. Boustred on 5 June. Mrs. McDougall will take up her appointment on 18 September. All appointments are for a three year period initially.

  Mr. Gear was previously a Senior Inspector with the Magistrates Courts Service Inspectorate. Mrs. Boustred joins the Authority after serving as Principal Advocate in the Legal Services Directorate of Essex County Council and Mrs. McDougall was previously the Deputy Head of Equity Research, Europe for Lehman Brothers.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Science Service
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will lay before Parliament the annual report for the Forensic Science Service. [132883]

  Mr. Straw
  Copies of the Forensic Science Service's annual report and accounts for 1999–2000 have today been laid before Parliament.

  The Forensic Science Service (FSS) met and exceeded its financial target to achieve a three per cent. return on capital employed and maintained accreditation through external bodies. However, it did fail to achieve the stretching efficiency gain target and service delivery targets. This was a challenging year for the FSS—further expanding its work force, absorbing the associated recruitment and training costs and devoting large human resources to the DNA expansion project. It was also the organisation's first year as a Trading Fund. The targets and plans agreed for 1999–2000 were ambitious, and while the FSS failed to achieve targets in two key areas, it demonstrated a significant improvement in both turnaround times and delivery dates met.

  The targets for 2000–01 are set out in the table, alongside those for 1999–2000.

  Entrepreneurs
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to attract to the United Kingdom entrepreneurs offering exceptional economic benefit but who do not meet the current criteria under the immigration rules. [133025]

  Mrs. Roche
  There are already specific categories in the Immigration Rules designed specially for entrepreneurs. These ensure that those who wish to make significant personal investments in creating employment can enter to engage in business. There are also clear routes for corporations wishing to establish branches and subsidiaries here. But the Government's Competitiveness White Paper signalled the economic importance of a dynamic approach to building a knowledge driven economy and the need to attract people with scarce skills and those willing to set up businesses which create jobs. That paper included a specific commitment to examine the scope for further encouraging certain entrepreneurs to consider migrating to the United Kingdom.
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  In the light of that commitment, we have assessed the current Immigration Rules for business and entrepreneurs and have concluded they may not always fit well with a knowledge driven economy since they require minimum levels of investment and do not focus on innovation. Moreover, the current routes for entrepreneurs do not enable us to focus on those applications with the greatest potential of economic benefit.

  We have, therefore, decided to introduce a scheme, which will be piloted as a concessionary arrangement outside the Immigration Rules in the first instance, aimed at attracting entrepreneurial innovators to the United Kingdom.

  This pilot scheme will come into force on 4 September this year.

  The key features of the innovators entry route are
  it is intended to attract and select outstanding entrepreneurs whose business proposals will result in exceptional economic benefits for the United Kingdom; selection will take place on a rigorous and demanding basis but one that is designed to be flexible to accommodate a wide variety of applications with different strengths and weaknesses; no minimum investment is required; and there is no requirement for personal funds to be invested, but third party funding will be permitted.

  Applicants will need to submit a business plan and a curriculum vitae with supporting documents.

  Initial information about the scheme will be made available on the Immigration and Nationality Directorate website. I will place copies of guidance for applicants and information leaflets in the Library as soon as they are available.

  Entry Clearance
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when a decision will be made in the case of Ms A. (Reference 1013112) whose appeal was allowed by the adjudicator on 22 February. [131571]

  Mrs. Roche
  Authorisation to issue an entry clearance was sent to the entry clearance officer on 19 July.

  Non-conviction Information
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he plans to remove non-conviction information from the requirements in the checks on volunteers and staff dealing with young people. [132245]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We attach particular importance to protecting young persons from those who would do them harm. This underpins the arrangements which we are putting in place to implement Part V of the Police Act 1997, under which information about criminal convictions will be more readily available to employers and voluntary organisations. The highest level of certificate that will be available under these arrangements will relate principally to those regularly caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of persons under the age of 18. In such cases, in addition to information about criminal convictions, police forces will be required to disclose any other information which, in the chief officer's opinion, might be relevant, and, under a "one-stop shop" arrangement, checks will also be made of a Department for Education and Employment list of persons who are 512W
  barred from employment in the education service, and a Department of Health list of persons who are considered unsuitable to work with children.

  Curfews (Cumbria)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners have been released to date under the home detention curfew scheme in Cumbria; and how many have re-offended. [132254]

  Mr. Boateng
  This information is not available centrally. Data on releases under the Home Detention Curfew scheme are broken down by contract region but not by country.

  However, I will make further inquiries of the electronic monitoring contractor for the Northern region and write to the right hon. Gentleman with this information as soon as it is available. A copy of my letter will be placed in the Library.

  Xenotransplantation
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the(a) date, (b) nature and (c) action he has taken as a result, of each infringement of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 since 1 January 1995 relating to xenotransplantation research; and if he will make a statement; [130708]

  (2) what (a) benefits and (b) objectives were outlined in the first applications for clinical trials of xenotransplantation procedures; and how many of the pig-primate procedures failed to achieve such objectives and benefits. [130709]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Xenotransplanatation includes the transplantation of organs, such as hearts and kidneys, between different animal species and from animals into humans. Organ transplantation is a hugely successful medical procedure—one that has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of people across the world. The critical shortage of human donor organs has led scientists to investigate xenotransplantation as an alternative potential source of organs. This is a policy on which the Department of Health leads.

  It is not Home Office policy to provide detailed information in respect of infringements relating to specific establishments or programmes of work. Summary information on the total numbers of infringements reported in all establishments for the years 1995 to 1998, inclusive, is provided in the relevant Animal Procedures Committee report. Similar summary information for 1999 will be reported in the Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain 1999, which will be published in August 2000.

  As to applications for authorities for xenotransplantation research granted under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, Section 24 of the 1986 Act prevents disclosure of detailed information about specific programmes of work where this has been given in confidence.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what research his Department has
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  undertaken concerning the fate of the wild-caught baboons imported from Kenya to the UK in May 1999; and if he will make a statement; [130710]

  (2) what measures his Department has taken to ensure that imported primates for use in xenotransplantation procedures are used for the purposes stated in applications for such procedures; and if he will make a statement; [130711]

  (3) what his Department's policy is regarding the killing of imported primates not subjected to xenotransplantation procedures; and if he will make a statement. [130712]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  All but a small number of primates used in scientific procedures in the United Kingdom are captive-bred and not taken from the wild. Under measures introduced in 1996, authority to use wild-caught primates will be given only if the applicant can establish exceptional and specific justification. Such cases are rare.

  The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate has maintained a close interest in the condition of the wild-caught baboons imported into the United Kingdom from Kenya in May 1999 and has been kept informed by the relevant designated establishment of its plans for their use and disposal.

  Inspectors appointed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 regularly visit all designated establishments to monitor standards and compliance with licence and certificate authorities.

  If primates imported for use in xenotransplantation procedures are killed, but have never been used in the programme of work, it must be by a method listed in Schedule 1 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 or as defined in a condition attached to the relevant Certificate of Designation.

  Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what factors are taken into consideration when making the cost benefit analysis under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and to what extent these include(a) healthcare costs, (b) corporate profitability and (c) status of the individuals carrying out the procedures; [132576]

  (2) what plans he has to revise the operation of the cost/benefit test contained in section 5(4) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement. [132577]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To meet section 5(4) of the 1986 Act, any application to use protected animals in research must be subjected to a detailed cost/benefit assessment by Home Office Inspectors. The likely adverse effects on the animal concerned must be weighed against the benefits likely to accrue as a result of the proposed programme of work. In making this assessment, the general categories of potential benefits that are currently considered are: human, animal and ecological benefits: improved health or welfare, plant protection, food hygiene, safeguarding of the environment; scientific benefits: resolution of controversies, increasing scientific knowledge; educational benefits: meeting educational objectives which cannot be satisfied using non-animal methods; and other benefits: including forensic inquiries.
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  Cheaper health care for everyone can be considered a benefit, but not the profitability of a company which sets out to provide cheaper health care nor the implications for employment arising from the programme of work in the project licence application. The technical expertise of the project licence holder and the personal licence holders may affect the outcome of the cost/benefit assessment. This can be relevant either to the cost (in terms of the standard to which work can be done) or the benefit, when the likelihood of success may be affected. But the involvement of individuals is regulated by the controls applying to personal licences.

  Following its review of the operation of the 1986 Act, the Animal Procedures Committee concluded that the cost/benefit assessment provided a workable and flexible framework in which to decide whether the use of animals is justified (Chapter 2 of Appendix F of the Committee's Annual Report for 1997). However, the Committee felt that there were some areas where further discussion and consideration were needed and it has set up a working group to take this forward. The group plans to issue a public consultation paper later this year and to produce an authoritative statement on how the present cost/benefit system can be improved. The Government will consider what changes are necessary to the operation of the arrangements in the light of the Committee's report.

  Magistrates Courts (Staffordshire)
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement regarding the rate of successful convictions obtained in magistrates courts in Staffordshire in the last 12 months. [130597]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The number of defendants convicted in magistrates courts in Staffordshire was 31,891 in 1998 and 22,372 in 1999 (provisional figure for January-September only). In both periods, convictions represented 76 per cent. of the total number of defendants prosecuted for all offences.

  European Convention on Human Rights
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on measures to bring existing statute law into compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights. [130604]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer to the reply I gave to the right hon. Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Miss Widdecombe) on 19 July 2000,Official Report, column 180W.

  Personal Privacy
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the safeguards his Department plans to introduce to protect personal privacy following the enactment of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill. [132525]

  Mr. Straw
  Privacy and personal information is now well protected by the provision of the Data Protection Act 1998; more generally, the right to a private life is a convention right contained within the Human Rights Act 1998. The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill contains within it all the protections necessary in the event of the use of these vital powers.

  Truck Searches
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional funds have been made available to his Department in the past month to develop systems for the detection of people and animals in freight vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [131778]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: No funds have been received, or set aside by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate, for research and development of systems for purposes mentioned by the hon. Member in this financial year. However, one Chief Immigration Officer is tasked with the evaluation of such technology, including conducting trials of equipment which is commercially available.

  PFI Contracts
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the estimated rate of return on capital is to the contractors under the PFI contracts in his Department. [131349]

  Mr. Straw
  I am unable to give precise detail of rates of return on capital due to the commercial sensitivity of the information required. However, I can tell the hon. Member that for the following contracts the rate of return varies between 12 per cent. and 20 per cent.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate Caseworking

  Medway Secure Training Centre (STC)

  Rainsbrook Secure Training Centre (STC)

  Hassockfield Secure Training Centre (STC)

  Park Prison

  Fazakerley Prison

  Ashfield Prison

  Forest Bank Prison

  Ryehill Prison

  Dovegate Prison

  Lowdham Grange Prison

  Energy Tranche I Boilerhouses

  Quantum

  Police Service Radio Communications Project.

  Police National Computer
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers are available to him to allow the police on-line access, via the Police National Computer, to databases held by private sector insurance companies; and what plans he has to introduce legislation on this issue. [129139]

  Mr. Hill
  I have been asked to reply.

  Provisions in Regulations made under the Road Traffic Act 1988 require insurers to keep records of their policyholders and the policies they have issued. Information from those records must be provided without charge on request to the police. Legal advice is that these
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  powers are sufficient to allow the information to be collected on a database and to allow the police access, subject to safeguards, on a case-by-case basis. The insurance industry are setting up an electronic database in order to help the police enforcement effort.

  I have accepted, however, the Data Protection Commissioner's advice that Parliament should have the opportunity to consider the matter and we will be laying an Order later this year to allow the keeping of information electronically and to provide access to the insurance information for the police on a case-by case-basis. Safeguards to prevent misuse of the information, agreed with the Data Protection Commissioner, will be included.

  Bus Lanes
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department(a) how many bus lane cameras were established in the last year and (b) how many there are in total in (i) the Metropolitan police area and (ii) in England and Wales; and how many (A) successful and (B) unsuccessful prosecutions there were in (1) the last 12 months and (2) since the introduction of bus lanes. [132285]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: I have been asked to reply.

  The London Bus Lane Enforcement Camera Project (introduced by the Traffic Director for London and now transferred to Transport for London in partnership with the Metropolitan police) uses video cameras, mounted either on buses or at the roadside, to enforce bus lane regulations in the Metropolitan police area. The project has reached the halfway stage with some 300 bus lanes being enforced by camera. 90 bus mounted and 19 fixed cameras had been installed by 1999, rising to 151 and 29 respectively by 31 March 2000. There are no bus lane enforcement cameras outside the Metropolitan police area.

  Six thousand one hundred and seventy-five notices of intended prosecution were issued in the year to 30 June 2000, and 9,543 have been issued since this project started in December 1998. To date only one prosecution has been successfully challenged in a Magistrates court.

  In addition, five London boroughs have been piloting a scheme using CCTV cameras, to enforce bus lane contraventions. In the financial year 1999–2000, the authorities issued approximately 57,000 penalty charge notices and warning letters. Of these, there were 314 appeals for adjudication, all of which were upheld.

  Figures are not available for the number of prosecutions or fixed penalty notice offences issued by the police for bus lane offences outside London, nor for the 30 years that bus lanes have been operating.

  Cyclists
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the number of accidents caused by cyclists bumping into pedestrians on(a) pavements and (b) public carriageways in the last year for which figures are available. [132096]

  Mr. Hill
  I have been asked to reply.
  517W
  Information on the causes of accidents is not available. The table gives the number of single vehicle accidents which involved a pedal cyclist and an injury to a pedestrian, by vehicle location.

  Accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians on footways and verges1 and carriageways2: Great Britain 1999

  Vehicle location

  Accidents

  Footways and verges1

  79

  On main carriageway 2

  217

  1 Footway or verge comprises footways for use by pedestrians only, which form part of the highway but are separated from the main carriageway, including grass verges

  2 Main carriageway includes bus/cycle lane and other restricted lanes within the carriageway itself

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Newspapers and Magazines (Distribution)
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the market share of retail magazines carried by WH Smith, Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda and Safeway. [132486]

  Dr. Howells
  None. Under UK competition legislation, responsibility for monitoring markets and investigating complaints of anti-competitive behaviour lies with the Office of Fair Trading. The Office of Fair Trading would look at market share figures if they were relevant in any particular case.

  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer the proposed agreement between W. H. Smith News and Tesco over the supply of magazines to the Office of Fair Trading. [132483]

  Dr. Howells
  The Office of Fair Trading is aware of the proposed supply arrangements between Tescos and W. H. Smith News. The Director General considers it premature to speculate on the outcome of these or other proposals. However, he will continue to monitor developments in the industry.

  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Competition Commission inquiry into supermarkets will look at the distribution and supply arrangements of newspapers and magazines to Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda and Safeway. [132482]

  Dr. Howells
  The Scope of the inquiry into supermarkets is a matter for the Competition Commission. The Commission is due to deliver its report to the Secretary of State on 31 July.

  Holocaust Payments
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action the Government are taking to extend the scheme he announced on 20 June 2000,Official Report, column 137W, for banks to waive charges relating to holocaust payments from Germany to Austria. [132152]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: I am pursuing this matter with the banking industry and will make an announcement about the outcome.

  BNFL
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what performance targets he has agreed with BNFL in the last three months; and when he expects the company to publish its new corporate plan. [130873]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: No new targets have been agreed for BNFL within the last three months. The company's corporate plan is a management tool which contains commercially confidential information, and is not published.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the cost and effectiveness of(a) retrofitting dry store facilities to magnox reactors and (b) using dry store canisters in his consideration of the closure process of the magnox reprocessing line at Sellafield. [130872]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: None. These are commercial matters for BNFL.

  Export Licences
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 18 July 2000,Official Report, column 106–07W, on export licences, how many of the standard individual export licence applications and open individual export licence applications outstanding for over a year were made by small firms. [132359]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The Export Control Organisation of the Department of Trade and Industry does not request details of the size of a company when it makes an application for an individual export licence.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 18 July 2000,Official Report, column 106–07W, on export licences, what the approximate value is of the potential exports subject to decisions on standard and open individual export licences which have been awaiting a decision for more than a year. [132358]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: Applicants for Standard Individual Export Licences are required to record on the application form the value of the goods for which a licence is sought. The approximate total value of the goods as stated on the applications for a Standard Individual Export Licence which have been awaiting a decision since before 7 July 1999 is £10,700,000. The actual value of exports made under a licence is often less than the value stated on the corresponding application.

  Open Individual Export Licences allow the exporters concerned to make multiple shipments of the specified goods to the specified destinations in accordance with the licence conditions. Such licences do not normally impose any limit on the volume of exports that may be made under the licence.

  Industrial Diseases
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many ex-employees of British Coal have(a) made claims and (b) been paid under the Government's scheme for respiratory disease litigation. [131745]
  519W
  Mrs. Liddell
  The Department's claims handlers have registered over 110,000 claims for chronic bronchitis and emphysema from former miners and their families. To date, we have made nearly 23,000 payments in full and final, and part settlements, totalling £65 million.

  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many compensation claims to date there have been by former miners for(a) chronic bronchitis and emphysema and (b) vibration white finger in the North Staffordshire Area; and how many have been settled since 1995. [131800]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Department's claims handlers have registered 2,679 claims for chronic bronchitis and emphysema and 1,007 claims for Vibration White Finger (VWF) from former miners and their families in the North Staffordshire area. To date, in the North Staffordshire Area, we have made 916 payments in full and final, and part settlements to respiratory disease claimants, and 277 payments to VWF claimants, totalling £3.7 million.

  Dounreay
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he received the report of the Euratom Safety Assessment and Radiological Protection Mission team visit to Dounreay; and what actions he plans to take arising from the report's conclusions. [131996]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Scottish Executive has devolved responsibility for environmental issues relating to licensed nuclear sites in Scotland. I understand that the final text of the Main Findings and Technical Report documents was submitted by the European Commission to the Scottish Executive on 31 May 2000. The publication of these documents, together with the schedule of follow-up action taken or ongoing in response to the Commission's conclusions, was announced by Written Answer in the Scottish Parliament on 6 July.

  Copies of these documents, incorporated into an overall report, have been placed in the Libraries of the House and in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. The report can also be accessed through the Scottish Executive web-site at:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/ library3/environment/art35. asp

  ECGD
  Mrs. McKenna
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the outcome of the review of the ECGD's risk management systems, the Terms of Reference for which he announced on 26 May. [133099]

  Mr. Byers
  Following a competitive tendering process, KPMG Management Consultants were appointed to carry out the review.

  KPMG's main findings were as follows:

  "For risk management to be effective there are four primary and critical requirements

  Risk identification

  Risk measurement

  Risk reporting, and

  Pro-active risk management.

  ECGD generally achieves good results in identifying and measuring risks accurately. Reporting of risks has been flagged as an area which needs attention.
  520W
  KPMG's report presents recommendations which will enhance the identification, measurement and reporting of risk.
  If the recommendations are successfully implemented, HM Treasury will be able to return to a more strategic role and provide added value oversight of ECGD.
  At present ECGD is constrained from truly managing risk by its competitive position and operating framework. In particular it is set up to price long-term transactions upfront in highly volatile markets with very limited opportunities to influence their risk/return balance once risk positions are accepted. Making the step forward necessary to accommodate the final element of pro-active risk management requires fundamental change to the business strategy and operating framework. ECGD and HM Treasury have been jointly considering a capital based approach through the development of PMS III; continuation of this initiative should be a priority."

  My hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and I welcome the conclusions made by KPMG. We have drawn up an Action Plan to address all the recommendations made in their report. A copy of KPMG's report and the Action Plan Summary (Cm 4792) have today been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made on various reviews of the ECGD; and if he will make a statement. [133100]

  Mr. Byers
  I am pleased to announce the Review of ECGD's Mission and Status, which I announced to the House on 27 July 1999,Official Report, columns 305–06, is now complete and the Government have accepted its conclusions.

  When I announced this Review, I referred to a number of other concurrent reviews of ECGD's activities. These are also complete and I refer my hon. Friend in particular to a separate announcement on the outcome of the Risk Management Review, in answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth (Mrs. McKenna) today, Official Report, columns 519–20W. The Report of ECGD's Mission and Status (Cm 4790), and all other Reports connected with this fundamental scrutiny of ECGD's role, have today been placed in the Library of the House, including the Report of a study by National Economic Research Associates (NERA) on the Economic Rationale for the Public Provision of Export Credit Insurance by ECGD (Cm 4791) and a Report on the provision of ECGD's Reinsurance for Exports Sold on Short Terms of payment (Cm 4793). This now means that all the Government's current reviews of ECGD's activities are at an end.

  The Mission and Status Review was informed by a wide-ranging public consultation exercise and Reports by the Trade and Industry Committee, in its Third Report on ECGD: "The Future of the Export Credits Guarantee Department" published by the Committee on 20 January this year (Third Report, HC 52) and the International Development Committee's Report: "ECGD—Development Issues" published 20 December 1999 (First Report, HC73).

  While strongly reaffirming ECGD's role in bringing economic benefit to the UK, and maintaining jobs, by supporting UK exporters and investors in overseas markets—and proposing greater freedom to provide this

  521W
  support in the future—the conclusions of the Review published this afternoon set out a new direction for ECGD. It says ECGD should:
  Introduce greater openness and transparency to its operations. This includes greater consultation with customers and interested parties together with the appointment of outside Directors to ECGD's Management Board. The Export Guarantees Advisory Council's remit and membership should also be changed to advise on policy and principles, not individual risk decisions.
  Seek to attract more medium-sized exporters and investors as direct customers; offering a package of products geared to light capital goods and services and smaller projects. ECGD should work with the Small Business Service, Regional Development Agencies and British Trade International to increase understanding of ECGD services amongst smaller exporters.
  Support the Government's objectives of promoting sustainable development, human rights, good governance and trade throughout the world, by ensuring its activities are consistent with these wider international policies. ECGD will publish further details of how it plans to assess project impacts by the end of 2000.

  We need to ensure that UK firms remain able to compete effectively against exporters and investors supported by Government-backed Export Credit Agencies in other countries. The changes will ensure speedier decision making, giving greater certainty to firms and new efforts to attract smaller exporters who may be looking to export to unfamiliar areas of the world.

  The Report recommends that ECGD should be reformed and strengthened to ensure it is able to meet the challenges of the years ahead. From today ECGD will be working to a new Mission Statement.

  ECGD's financial targets will be maintained, as will its overall risk appetite. It will be strengthening its risk management systems and establishing a capitalised framework and a Trading Fund, this should lead to ECGD having complete operational autonomy.

  Further development of its systems for assessing sensitive projects and publication of more information on these, together with a statement of Business Principles to guide and inform its business policies and practice will help increase transparency and understanding.

  The Reinsurance Review, which is also published today, concludes that, without withdrawing its present reinsurance arrangements, ECGD should work to transfer 100 per cent. of its short-term credit insurance risk to the private sector.

  The Report sets out an ambitious reform agenda for ECGD which it needs to take forward in consultation with its customers and other interested parties. I am confident that ECGD will be able to continue to give first-class support to UK firms to compete for business opportunities abroad—thereby bringing economic benefit to the UK and countries in which it is supporting projects.

  Company Auditors
  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has received the 1999 annual reports of the recognised supervisory bodies for company auditors under Part II of the Companies Act 1989; and if he will make a statement. [133101]

  Dr. Howells
  I have received the 1999 annual reports of the five recognised supervisory bodies for company auditors: a combined report from the Institutes of 522W
  Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and one each from the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants and the Association of Authorised Public Accountants. Copies of the reports have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many unfilled vacancies for permanent staff his Department has; what percentage of staff positions in his Department are vacant; what the monthly cost would be to his Department of employing civil servants in these positions; how many and what percentage of staff his Department employs on a temporary basis through employment agencies; how much his Department paid employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the last 12 months; and how much he expects to pay employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the next 12 months. [131441]

  Dr. Howells
  On 1 June 2000, some 240 temporary workers were engaged within DTI headquarters. This is equivalent to 5.7 per cent. of the number of staff in post. Information on vacant posts is not collected centrally.

  In 1999–2000, around £6 million was spent on the hiring of temporary workers. It is not possible to estimate the difference in cost between permanent and temporary staff, given the wide variation in the cost of the latter. The cost of temporary workers is carried on salary cost budgets: it is not, therefore, possible to anticipate the likely expenditure on the hiring of temporary workers during the current financial year.

  Post Office Network
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the size is of the major package for the Post Office network provided for in the 2000 Spending Review, paragraph 15.12. [132456]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The 2000 Spending Review includes a provision for ring-fenced funding of £270 million as the first stage of the investment in a range of measures to modernise the post office network. The Government have also made clear that they are prepared to add significantly to this investment over the next few years. The amount of further financial support will be determined once viable proposals have been drawn up and approved.

  Motor Industry
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals in the report of the UK Competition Commission on car pricing in the UK published on 10 April(a) have been and (b) will be implemented. [132515]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry made clear in his announcements of 10 April 2000,Official Report, columns 39–41W, and 12 June what action he was taking in response to the Competition Commission report on the supply of new cars. The order under the Fair Trading Act 1973 implementing the remedies will be made when the responses to the public consultation, which closed on 14 July, have been considered.

  Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what share of the Government's programme of capital investment for science will be allocated to the National Environment Research Council to fund programmes which were developed by the Scottish Association for Marine Science at the Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory. [132362]

  Ms Hewitt
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry expects to announce the allocations of the Science Budget to individual Research Councils, including the Natural Environment Research Council, in the autumn, after taking advice from the Director General of Research Councils. It will then be for NERC to determine the balance of its priorities for funding including the funding of programmes at the Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory.

  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the implications for marine science in Scotland of the closure of the Centre for Coastal and Marine Sciences at Dunstaffnage. [132361]

  Ms Hewitt
  NERC has decided to disband the overarching Centre for Coastal and Marine Science (CCMS), not to close the CCMS laboratories themselves. The crucial role of the Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, in delivering core strategic and applied marine science for NERC and other customers, will continue in different ways involving local and regional collaboration.

  Public Holidays
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 20 June 2000,Official Report, column 145W, on public holidays, when he will announce the date of the bank holiday in 2002 to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. [132314]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  Appropriate consultation is being undertaken with regard to the proposed bank holiday to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. As soon as the consultation is complete and a final decision has been taken, I shall make a formal announcement to the House.

  US-EU Dispute (Farmers)
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to give assistance to those industries affected by the US-EU dispute over farmers; and if he will make a statement. [132372]

  Mr. Caborn
  There are currently two high profile disputes between the EU and US involving agricultural products—bananas and hormone-treated beef. A number of sectors are currently affected by US retaliation over the banana dispute, with further sectors threatened by the US move to carousel retaliation. The only way to alleviate the burden being borne by the companies facing US sanctions is to find a solution to the banana dispute that is satisfactory to all parties. UK companies are not affected by the hormone-treated beef dispute. I have no plans to make a statement on this issue.

  Miners Pension Scheme
  Mr. Trickett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the current status is of the Miners 524W
  Pension Scheme Actuarial Review; for what reason it has been delayed; and when he expects it to be completed. [132437]

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

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Westminster Hall
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the President of the Council when she plans to review the Westminster Hall experiment. [130612]

  Mr. Tipping
  The Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons is currently reviewing the experiment and hopes to report before the end of the Session.

  House of Lords
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Council if it will be a condition of appointment to the House of Lords by the Appointments Commission to attend the House on at least a specified number of sitting days per year. [130615]

  Mr. Tipping
  The Appointments Commission is an independent body. I have no doubt that attendance is one of the criteria they will take into account.

  Modernisation Committee
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the President of the Council what proposals she has made to the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons regarding the use of computers by hon. Members during Committee proceedings. [130621]

  Mr. Tipping
  The Chairmen's Panel is currently being consulted about this matter.

  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons since 1997. [130622]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Details of implementation up to April this year will be found in the First Special Report from the Committee of this session "Work of the Committee: Second Progress Report" (HC865). Since then the Committee has successfully worked with the Administration Committee to ease restrictions on the work of journalists and has reported on programming legislation and the timing of votes. The House will have an opportunity to debate this report in the normal way.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on the recent proposals by the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons concerning programming of business. [130624]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The House will have the opportunity to debate the proposals of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons in due course.

  Scottish Members (Voting Rights)
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on Government policy relating to amending the law on the rights of Scottish hon. Members to vote on legislation affecting England. [130625]

  Mr. Tipping
  Government policy on the matter is well known. No legislation has ever been identified which affects only England.

  Parliamentary Scrutiny
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the President of the Council what proposals she has to increase parliamentary scrutiny of legislation. [130619]

  Mrs. Beckett
  We have already implemented the proposals of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons for better explanatory material to be published with Bills, increased pre-legislative scrutiny and more freedom for standing committees. The House will have the opportunity to debate the Modernisation Committee's proposals for programming legislation in due course.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  West Bank
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the visit to the United Kingdom of Professor Moshe Arens to raise funds for a college in the West Bank settlement of Ariel. [130947]

  Mr. Hain
  Settlement activity in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. We have repeatedly raised our concerns and objections with the Israeli Government.

  We were not associated with Mr. Arens's visit in any way.

  Cyprus
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the setting up of a checkpoint by Turkish troops at Strovilia in the Republic of Cyprus; and what discussions he has had about this with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. [131955]

  Mr. Vaz
  The UK regrets the setting up of a checkpoint in Strovilia and has made this clear to the Turkish Cypriots. This action is one of the measures taken by the Turkish Cypriots against UNFICYP, which we consider to be unjustified. But the matter is fundamentally for the UN to resolve, and we have given them our full support in their efforts to do so. We understand that despite the restrictions UNFICYP are still able to carry out their mandate and the people of Strovilia are able to travel freely.

  Belize and Guatemala
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's position regarding the dispute between Belize and Guatemala. [132266]
  526W
  Mr. Battle
  The UK fully supports Belize's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We welcome the talks currently taking place between Belize and Guatemala under the auspices of the Organisation of American States. We welcome the agreement at their most recent meeting on 17–20 July to hold further talks on the dispute, to implement confidence building measures and to establish military to military contacts.

  Western Sahara
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the UN Settlement Plan for Western Sahara and the proposed referendum. [132050]

  Mr. Hain
  We support fully the efforts of the United Nations to bring about a just, durable and agreed resolution to the Western Sahara dispute. The UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, James Baker, have reported fundamental differences between the two parties to the dispute—Morocco and the Polisario Front—on the provisions of the UN Settlement Plan and referendum. They are working to resolve these differences including the possibility of the parties agreeing a mutually acceptable political solution.

  Ambassadors and Commissioners
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 13 July 2000,Official Report, column 652W, on diplomatic representation, in which countries (a) female ambassadors and high commissioners and (b) the female heads of subordinate posts represent the United Kingdom. [132499]

  Mr. Hain
  The answer is as follows:(a) The United Kingdom is represented by women ambassadors and high commissioners in the following places:

  The Hague

  Luanda

  Ulaanbaatar

  Cape Town

  Helsinki

  Colombo

  Maseru

  (b) The United Kingdom is also represented, by women in the following subordinate posts:

  Lille

  Nagoya

  Chongqing

  St. Petersburg

  New York (Joint Management Office)

  St. Johns

  Hong Kong (Joint Liaison Group).

  Sino-British Joint Declaration
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will publish the next report to Parliament on Hong Kong and the Sino-British Joint Declaration. [132834]

  Mr. Battle
  The seventh report in this series, covering the period January-June 2000, was published today and copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House. A copy of the report is also available on the Foreign and
  527W
  Commonwealth Office website (www.fco.gov.uk). The report includes a foreword by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary. I commend the report to the House.

  International Organisations (Non-Domestic Rates)
  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the names of the diplomatic missions and international organisations in the United Kingdom which have outstanding balances of over £10,000 as at 4 April, in respect of National Non-Domestic Rates. [133028]

  Mr. Battle
  Most diplomatic missions and International Organisations in the United Kingdom meet their obligations and pay the National Non-Domestic Rates requested from them. However, at 4 April 2000 the following missions owed over £10,000 in respect of National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR):

  £

  Country

  Amount

  Algeria

  37,025.01

  Angola

  19,855.30

  Cameroon

  23,849.51

  Iran

  84,348.90

  Jordan

  30,674.95

  Senegal

  10,927.33

  Yemen

  29,903.16

  Total

  236,584.16

  Seven additional Diplomatic Missions who owe £10,000 or more in respect of National Non-Domestic Rates have made arrangements with the Valuation Office Agency to clear the outstanding debts or who are awaiting instructions from their Governments have not been included in this list. The total amount outstanding from all Missions, including these exceptions, is £1,074,469.

  OSCE
  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the OSCE has taken to ensure that it is able to respond rapidly in the event of a crisis. [133027]

  Mr. Vaz
  On 30 June, the OSCE adopted measures to improve its capability to respond more quickly and effectively to crises through the despatch of Rapid Expert Assistance and Co-operation Teams (REACT). The aim is for the OSCE to be able to deploy civilian personnel, with a range of conflict prevention and resolution skills tailored to the requirements of a particular crisis, anywhere in the OSCE area, when required. As part of this, the OSCE is to create an Operations Centre to plan and co-ordinate the rapid, as well as regular, deployment of international staff to OSCE missions. The success of this initiative, agreed at the Istanbul Summit, will depend on the commitment and will of OSCE participating states to provide the necessary personnel within the requisite timescale. In line with our current policy, the UK aims to provide about 10 per cent. of the OSCE's overall deployment of personnel in the field.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many unfilled vacancies for permanent staff his Department has; what percentage of staff positions in his Department are vacant; what the monthly cost would be to his Department of employing civil servants in these positions; how many and what percentage of staff his Department employs on a temporary basis through employment agencies; how much his Department paid employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the last 12 months; and how much he expects to pay employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the next 12 months. [131434]

  Mr. Hain
  There are currently around 150 unfilled vacancies within the Department. This is 2.7 per cent. of the total number of staff positions in the Department. The monthly cost of filling these positions by civil servants would be £241,000. There are currently around 20 temporary staff employed throughout the Department, less than 0.5 per cent. of the total number of staff. The Department paid £971,657 to employment agencies in the year 1999–2000. In the financial year to date the Department has spent £221,146 out of a total allocation for the financial year of £838,096. Monthly figures for expenditure on temporary staff could be provided only at disproportionate costs.

  Police (Northern Ireland) Bill
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss with the Papal Nuncio the inclusion of the Pope's Personal Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei in Clause 49 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill. [132391]

  Mr. Hain
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is in regular contact with the Papal Nuncio on a range of issues. Any points he wished to raise concerning the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill, or any other matter, would be carefully noted, and, where appropriate, passed on to the relevant authorities.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Child Care Facilities
  Mr. Casale
  To ask the President of the Council to ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what plans the Commission has to improve child care facilities in the House. [130623]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  None at present, but we will continue to keep the facilities provided for Members and staff under constant review.

CABINET OFFICE

  Staff Secondments
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many staff have been seconded from British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. to work within the civil service(a) during 1999–2000 and (b) currently; and to which Departments they were seconded. [131914]
  529W
  Mr. Stringer
  Due to the amount of interchange activity undertaken, details on organisations are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Red Boxes
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to her answer of 11 July 2000,Official Report, column 485W, on ministerial red boxes, if she left her ministerial red box unattended on the GWR express from Bristol to Paddington. [131120]

  Mr. Stringer
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 11 July 2000,Official Report, column 485W.

  Northern Ireland Executive Committee
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if the Northern Ireland Executive Committee intends to become a party to the Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Government and the devolved executives. [132833]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Northern Ireland Executive Committee has recently decided to become a party to the Memorandum of Understanding originally agreed by the UK Government, Scottish Ministers and the Cabinet of the National Assembly of Wales last year. My right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor is, therefore, publishing today (as CM4806) the text of the Memorandum of Understanding and the supplementary agreements as agreed by all four administrations. The paper will also be made available on the Cabinet Office internet site shortly.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Colombian Earthquake
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance is being provided from(a) the United Kingdom, (b) the EU and (c) UN sources, to assist with rehousing victims of the earthquake in the Quindio region of Colombia on 25 January 1999. [131919]

  Clare Short
  My Department contributed over £850,000 for immediate emergency relief and rehabilitation assistance—including shelter. But like the United Nations, we have looked to the International Financial Institutions to support longer term reconstruction and rehousing efforts. For example, the World bank provided a loan of nearly £150 million for reconstruction. This is administered by the Colombian authorities and is targeted at supporting the poorest people.

  The European Commission also provided over £2 million for emergency relief and longer term rehabilitation assistance—of which the UK share was approximately £300,000.

  HIV/AIDS
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action she is taking to tackle the HIV/AIDS crisis in Zimbabwe. [133097]
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  Clare Short
  The scale of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Zimbabwe is enormously serious. Twenty five per cent. of adults are HIV positive. Fifteen-year-olds have a one in two risk of dying from HIV/AIDS in their lifetimes. It is sinking countless families further into poverty.

  We have worked with others to tackle HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe for a number of years. I have recently agreed to continue and expand this work with a new commitment of over £20 million over five years. This will maintain condom supplies to the poor, provide drugs for sexually transmitted infections, and promote behaviour change, particularly among young people.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with members of the(a) Foreign and Commonwealth Office (b) Ministry of Defence and (c) Department of Trade and Industry concerning the AIDS epidemic in Africa; and how often she had discussed AIDS with them. [132287]

  Clare Short
  The HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa is a major development policy priority for the UK Government. I myself hold regular discussions with other Whitehall Departments on a wide range of development issues, including HIV/AIDS. My Department has an on-going dialogue with FCO and other Whitehall Departments concerning HIV/AIDS policy both at the international level and within the African region. Recent examples include co-ordination with FCO for the UN Security Council Resolution on HIV/AIDS, the EU-Africa summit in April and on preparation of briefing for last week's G8 summit. My Department, with DTI and FCO, is also involved in developing UK policy on the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, this has been raised as one issue in the debate surrounding access to essential drugs for HIV/AIDS.

  At a regional and country level in Africa, DFID and the FCO work closely on the implementation of our country strategies, each of which have HIV/AIDS prevention and care as a major priority. HIV/AIDS is increasingly recognised as a potential threat to security in Africa. The new cross-Whitehall forum and shared budget for conflict in Africa (MOD, FCO, DFID, CO, Treasury) will provide an important means for developing a shared policy and priorities on HIV/AIDS and conflict.

  Debt
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of her Department's increased expenditure for 2000–2003 is earmarked for(a) unilateral debt cancellation and (b) the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Trust Fund. [132288]

  Clare Short
  This information is as follows:

  (a) For 2000–01 and 2001–02 the extra costs incurred for unilateral debt cancellation will be met by access to the Reserve in 2001–02. For 2002–03 and 2003–04 an amount of £6.5 million per year has been included in the addition to the DFID baseline announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer last week. This is additional to other payments in respect of debt relief for HIPC countries on a multilateral basis.
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  (b) During the spending period, DFID will continue to contribute to the international costs of HIPC by making payments to the HIPC Trust Fund. We expect to contribute £35 million in each of 2001–02 and 2002–03.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many unfilled vacancies for permanent staff her Department has; what percentage of staff positions in her Department are vacant; what the monthly cost would be to her Department of employing civil servants in these positions; how many and what percentage of staff her Department employs on a temporary basis through employment agencies; how much her Department paid employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the last 12 months; and how much she expects to pay employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the next 12 months. [131431]

  Clare Short
  The figures requested are as follows:

  Unfilled vacancies for permanent staff—13

  Percentage of staff positions currently vacant—0.95 per cent.

  Monthly cost of employing civil servants in these positions—£22,000

  Number of staff employed on a temporary basis through

  employment agencies, on average, in the last 12 months—23,

  and

  Percentage of total staff so employed—1.6 per cent.

  Amount paid to employment agencies in the last 12 months to 30 June 2000—£328,710.

  As far as the next 12 months are concerned it is not possible to anticipate precise needs but we shall be undertaking a number of external recruitment exercises and would expect to see a reduction in the need to use employment agencies.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many written parliamentary questions tabled to her Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000, have not received substantive answers, citing as the reason commercial or other confidentiality. [132126]

  Clare Short
  Of the 574 written parliamentary questions tabled to my Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000, three did not receive substantive answers due to reasons of confidentiality.

  St. Helena
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what financial support for St. Helena has been provided by the British Government in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement. [131757]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 21 July 2000]: Expenditure figures for UK assistance are published in Statistics on International Development which is in the Library of the House.

  In January of this year, my Department agreed a new £29 million programme of assistance to the St. Helena Government (SHG) for the three year period 2000–01 to 2002–03. A DFID team is currently en route to the island
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  to discuss the public sector investment programme in more detail. DFID has recently recommended to SHG consultants to carry out the comparative costs study of air and sea access to the island. We expect the consultants to start work within the next month.

SCOTLAND

  Ports
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the use of reception facilities for ship-generated waste and cargo residues in all Scottish ports; and if he will make a statement. [130570]

  Mr. Wilson
  Since January 1998, the Merchant Shipping (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulations 1997 have required all UK ports to report to the Government on how they plan their waste reception facilities. Through consultation with their regular users, ports are seeking to provide tailor-made reception facilities in a manner which should encourage greater use.

  Parliamentary Representation
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Government's plans for the level of parliamentary representation at Westminster from Scotland. [130571]

  Dr. Reid
  Section 86 of the Scotland Act removed the statutory minimum of 71 Scottish MPs. It is now a matter for the Boundary Commission for Scotland to propose the future number of constituencies in Scotland.

  Paper Industry
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland pursuant to his oral answer of 27 June 2000,Official Report, column 703, what assessment he has made of the impact of the climate change levy on the paper industry in Scotland. [130572]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Government recognise the need for special consideration to be given to the position of energy-intensive industries, of which the paper industry is one. Consequently, the Government intend to provide an 80 per cent. discount from the levy for those sectors that can agree challenging targets for improving their energy efficiency or reducing carbon emissions.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding regulations to implement the climate change levy. [130574]

  Dr. Reid
  The Government are committed to getting the design of the climate change levy right and have been following Lord Marshall's recommendation that industry must have full involvement in the development of the levy through extensive consultation exercises. Hence HM Customs consultation exercises, pan-industry meetings with Ministers, full consideration of representations from companies and trade associations, and input from relevant Government Departments have helped to refine the design of the levy.

  New Deal
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for improving the employment opportunities of the disabled in Scotland through(a) the New Deal and (b) other means. [130575]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Chancellor announced in the Budget the first stage in developing nationwide services to help disabled people find work, building on the experience of the pilots and innovative schemes in the New Deal for Disabled People. Other recent measures to improve employment opportunities for disabled people include: the establishment of the Disability Rights Commission, the Disabled Person's Tax Credit and the modernisations of Remploy and of the Supported Employment Programme.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the First Minister on the implementation of the New Deal in Scotland. [130577]

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the First Minister about the operation of the New Deal in Scotland. [130583]

  Mr. Wilson
  My right hon. Friend has frequent discussions with Scottish Ministers on a wide range of issues, including the implementation of the New Deal. The New Deal has been an outstanding success. It has placed 25,000 young people into jobs in Scotland since it began two years ago. In April, 1,000 young people found work through the New Deal. And 3,600 people in Scotland have found work under the New Deal 25+.

  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced last week that because of the success of the New Deal there is an underspend which will enable us to fund it well into the next Parliament.

  Work-life Balance Challenge Fund
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications from Scotland have been made to the work-life balance challenge fund. [130576]

  Mr. Wilson
  To date, there have been five applications from Scotland. There have been a further 45 applications from England.

  Poverty
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on poverty in Scotland. [130578]

  Dr. Reid
  The Government welcome the recent report by the Scottish Affairs Committee, chaired by my hon. Friend, on Poverty in Scotland, and will publish a full response. We are working in partnership with the Scottish Executive to combat poverty through, for example, the work carried out by the Joint Ministerial Committee.

  The Government have taken major steps to eradicate poverty. Measures taken include: the Minimum Income Guarantee, which benefits poorer pensioners; the Working Families Tax Credit, which could benefit around 130,000 families in Scotland; the 36 per cent. increase in Child Benefit for the first child when comparing April 2000 with the amounts in 1997; the National Minimum Wage,
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  which benefits around 100,000 employees in Scotland; and the New Deal, through which 25,000 young people in Scotland have found employment.

  Ferry Services (Northern Ireland)
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has held with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Scottish Executive concerning ferry services between Scotland and Northern Ireland. [130579]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Scotland Office is in contact with all relevant parties, including devolved Administrations and other Government Departments, concerning ferry services between Scotland and Northern Ireland. I chaired a meeting in Glasgow on 10 July on a strategy for the resumption of ferry services between Campbeltown and Ballycastle. Attendees included the local Member of the Scottish Parliament and representatives of both Scottish and Northern Irish local authorities, the local enterprise company and the Scottish Executive.

  Since then I have had informal discussions with Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, who reiterated the support of the Northern Ireland Executive for the Campbeltown-Ballycastle service.

  Manufacturing Jobs
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of manufacturing jobs transferred to countries of central and eastern Europe from Scotland in each of the last two years. [130580]

  Dr. Reid
  No information is held centrally to allow such an estimate to be made. Clearly it is regrettable when companies take decisions to relocate manufacturing operations from Scotland, as in the recent case of Philips Lighting Hamilton. The Government are committed to continuing the work of providing a sound and stable economic environment for business and making a long-term investment in skills. As a result, Scotland remains attractive for inward investment. Indeed the latest figures released by Locate In Scotland show that in the year to March 2000 Scotland successfully attracted a total of 91 projects involving planned investment of £650 million and planned creation or safeguarding of over 19,000 jobs.

  Textiles Industry
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps the Government have taken to avoid the Scottish textiles industry being adversely affected by the trade dispute between the USA and the European Union. [130582]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Government have been lobbying the United States hard to push the message that the retaliation faced by the United Kingdom should be reduced in view of our constructive approach to trying to find a solution to the banana dispute. The Government are also playing a major role within the European Community to reach a World Trade Organisation-compatible resolution to this dispute.
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  I shall continue to have discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Scottish Executive on how we can best help the cashmere industry should it remain in the retaliation list.

  Tourist Industry
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the impact of the current level of fuel prices on the Scottish tourist industry. [130584]

  Mr. Wilson
  The level of fuel prices is one of many factors which is relevant to the performance of the Scottish tourist industry.

  European Union
  Mrs. McKenna
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the benefits to Scotland of the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union. [130585]

  Dr. Reid
  The United Kingdom's membership of the European Union has delivered to Scotland tangible economic benefits through such measures as the Common Agricultural Policy, delivering direct funding in 1999 of £475.9 million, and structural funds worth £1 billion in 1994–96 and £1.1 billion for 2000–06. Membership of the European Union also delivers to Scotland access to the biggest market in the world with some 375 million consumers—63 per cent. of Scottish manufacturing exports in 1998 went to Europe. These tangible benefits are in addition to the benefits Scotland enjoys from the peace and security brought about through the collaboration of member states in the Union. UK membership of the Union also affords Scotland a role and position of influence on the European and global stages that could not be achieved by Scotland acting on its own.

  Rail Services
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent measures the Government have taken to improve rail services in Scotland. [130586]

  Dr. Reid
  The Government plan to improve rail services through their 10-year transport plan. This is based on a long-term investment by Government and business to modernise the country's transport system and includes £60 billion to improve the national rail network with new track, signalling, stations and rolling stock. This is the biggest investment in railways for generations which will undoubtedly benefit Scotland by delivering better quality for the travelling public as well as lower regulated fares.

  Quarrying Industry
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the consequences of the aggregates levy for the Scottish quarrying industry. [130587]

  Mr. Wilson
  My right hon. Friend has regular contact with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss a wide range of matters. The aggregates levy will bring about environmental benefits by making the price of aggregates 536W
  better reflect their true environmental costs. This will provide an incentive for all business to use more recycled aggregates and to use all aggregates more efficiently.

  Single Currency
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the impact of a single European currency on the Scottish economy. [130588]

  Dr. Reid
  I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a wide range of issues, including the healthy state of the Scottish economy. The Government's policy on membership of the single currency remains as set out by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in October 1997, and restated by the Prime Minister in February 1999. The determining factor underpinning any Government decision is whether the economic benefits from the UK joining are clear and unambiguous.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Chancellor regarding the future of Scottish bank notes if the UK joins the euro zone. [130581]

  Dr. Reid
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Epping Forest (Mrs. Laing) today,Official Report, column 881.

  Rural Post Offices
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry regarding the future of rural post offices. [130589]

  Mr. Wilson
  I have discussions with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry over a range of issues.

  We are in full agreement that post offices in rural areas make a vital contribution to the local community. That is why the package of post office reforms announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 28 June included a commitment to ensuring that the Post Office prevents all avoidable closures of rural post offices, with Government support being provided where needed.

  Regional Selective Assistance
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to stimulate economic activity in those areas in Scotland ineligible for regional selective assistance; and if he will make a statement. [130590]

  Dr. Reid
  Proposals for the assisted areas map, which defines areas of the UK eligible for regional selective assistance, balance needs and opportunities and represent a very fair deal for Scotland. All areas of Scotland will benefit from the strong performance of the economy and its prospects for future growth. Responsibility for particular measures to stimulate economic activity is a matter for the Scottish Executive.

  Oil and Gas Industry
  Miss Begg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the measures being taken by the Government to promote the export opportunities of Scotland's oil and gas industry businesses. [130591]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Government continue to work hard to identify and promote export opportunities for the oil and gas industry through such initiatives as Pilot, the Government/industry forum. Export promotion is particularly important, and I was happy to address the Caspian Oil and Gas Conference in Baku last month. Earlier this year I was able to promote our expertise in the oil and gas sector during a visit to the Far East.

ADVOCATE-GENERAL

  Human Rights Convention
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Advocate-General what assessment she has made of the number of additional cases expected to be brought under the European convention on human rights when it comes into force; and if she will make a statement. [130595]

  The Advocate-General for Scotland
  The Government anticipate that the vast majority of convention points will be raised in existing cases rather than new cases. This is certainly the experience in Scotland over the last year. It is expected that a significant number of convention points will be raised following implementation of the Human Rights Act in October, but it is anticipated that the number of challenges will be reduced when the higher courts determine the basis on which the Act and convention are to be applied.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Magistrates Courts (Essex)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will review the courts closure programme for magistrates courts in Essex. [130602]

  Jane Kennedy
  No. The Government's policy is that magistrates courts are best managed locally. Decisions concerning the future of magistrates courts in Essex are for the Essex Magistrates Courts Committee to determine, in consultation with its local paying authority.

  Legal Aid Solicitors
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the impact of the recent week of action by legal aid solicitors. [130605]

  Mr. Lock
  The Department has made no formal assessment of the impact of the recent week of action called by the Legal Aid Practitioners Group (LAPG).

  The LAPG invited 5,000 firms to take part in the week of action by suggesting that they write to the Lord Chancellor's Department. To date, my Department has received letters from about one in 100 firms invited to
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  take part in the action. The Lord Chancellor is confident that solicitors will agree that, in future, constructive consultation on remuneration will be more productive than proposals of non-co-operation with the Legal Services Commission.

  Community Legal Service
  Mr. Darvill
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement about funding the Community Legal Service. [R] [130606]

  Mr. Lock
  The Community Legal Service is funded by local authorities, the Legal Services Commission, the National Lottery Charities Board and a host of other organisations. The different funders are now coming together in Community Legal Service Partnerships to plan and co-ordinate the local provision of services, based on meeting local needs and priorities.

  Magistrates Courts
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what criteria he applies when determining appeals against closure of magistrates courts. [130608]

  Jane Kennedy
  When determining appeals, the Lord Chancellor looks for evidence that the MCC has followed the Central Council of Magistrates Courts Committees good practice guide. Issues to be considered: accessibility for court users, the facilities available, costs of necessary renovations to bring the court up to standard, the provision of courtrooms and workload, extra travelling distances, additional costs and overall efficiency.

  Judges (Training)
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how often judges are expected to attend training sessions regarding changes in legislation. [130609]

  Mr. Lock
  Judicial training is the responsibility of the Judicial Studies Board. All judges receive induction training on appointment and continuation training at three yearly intervals thereafter in each of the jurisdictions that they exercise. The JSB advises on, and provides training on specific changes in law and procedure where directly affect the conduct and management of cases.

  Drug Dealers (Sentencing Policy)
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what recent guidance he has given to magistrates regarding sentencing policy for drug dealing with intent to supply. [130610]

  Jane Kennedy
  None. Within the statutory limits laid down by Parliament, the nature and severity of penalties imposed by the court are matters of judicial discretion subject to any guidelines laid down by the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division).

  The Magistrates Association has recently published the Magistrates' Courts Sentencing Guidelines which has been sent to all magistrates. This contains guidance on sentencing in all types of case, including cases of supplying drugs.

  Road Traffic Cases
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the number of road traffic cases which will be brought under the European Convention on Human Rights; and if he will make a statement. [131487]

  Jane Kennedy
  No assessment has been made of the number of cases likely to be affected as the Government anticipate that the vast majority of human rights points will be raised in existing cases, rather than new cases. We expect a significant number of human rights points to be raised in all areas of the law in the months following implementation, but it is anticipated that the level of challenges will reduce subsequently as the higher courts determine the basis on which the Human Rights Act 1998 and Convention are to be applied. The Government have

  Public trust office executive agency key performance targets 2000–01

  Indicator

  Target

  1. To carry out accounting transactions within target times.

  To bring to account at least 99 per cent. of receipts and payment transactions within turnaround targets.

  2. To achieve investment performance targets.

  (a) On an annual basis to ensure that 85 per cent. of all measured funds perform in line or better than their model based on stock market indices.

  (b) On a three year rolling basis to ensure that 80 per cent. of all measured funds perform in line or better than their model based on stock market indices.

  The benchmark to be the Association of Private Client Investment Managers and Stockbrokers (APCIMS) indices. The Office will aim to introduce an income element from 2001–02.

  3. To achieve service standards.

  To achieve 95 per cent. of the Public Trust Office Service Standards.

  4. To achieve targets for collection of private receivers' annual accounts (Protection Division) and for review of annual accounts field by both private receivers and in Public Trustee receiverships (Protection and Receivership Divisions).

  (a) To review 95 per cent. of accounts received within eight weeks of receipt (to apply to both Protection and Receivership Divisions).

  (b) To collect 90 per cent. of accounts within six months of the due date; 95 per cent. within nine months of the due date; and 100 per cent. within 12 months of the due date (to apply to Protection Division only).

  5. To achieve targets for the visiting of Public Trust Office clients.

  (a) To visit all existing Receivership Division clients in the course of the year.

  (b) To visit all new clients within one year of the Public Trustee being appointed receiver.

  (c) To double the number of visits undertaken to Protection Division clients in 2000–01 from 2,000 to 4,000.

  (d) 100 per cent. of urgent visits at the direction of the Court of Protection to take place within four weeks of the direction being given.

  6. To achieve financial performance and targets.

  (a) To come within the Change Programme budget for 2000–01.

  (b) To lay the PTO's Annual Report and Accounts 1999–2000 before Parliament before the summer recess.

  (c) To reduce debtor days in the Office's Protection Division from 94 to 85 days and in the Receivership Division from 96 to 85 days.

  Note:

  Fuller details of the Office's plans and targets are given in its Business Plan, which is available from the Public Trust Office.

  Stipendiary Bench
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, when section 78 of the Access to Justice Act 1999, concerning the unification of the stipendiary bench in England and Wales, will come into force. [133033]
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  made annual provision for the overall costs of implementing the Human Rights Act in the courts—£60 million, including £39 million for legal aid. In addition, £4.5 million has been set aside to ensure that all full and part-time judges, lay magistrates and their legal advisers, are trained to deal with Convention points effectively, which should reduce the impact on court time.

  Public Trust Office Executive Agency
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the key performance targets are for the Public Trust Office Executive Agency for 2000–01. [133032]

  Jane Kennedy
  The following table sets out the key performance targets that the Lord Chancellor has set for the Public Trust Office for 2000–01.

  Jane Kennedy
  The Lord Chancellor has decided that section 78 of the Access to Justice Act 1999 will come into force on 31 August 2000. Section 78 of the Access to Justice Act 1999 contains certain provisions relating to the Stipendiary Magistrates Bench; namely the amalgamation of the Metropolitan and Provincial Benches to form one national jurisdiction throughout England and
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  Wales, and a change of title from Stipendiary Magistrate to District Judge (Magistrates Courts).

  The Unification of the bench will mean that it will have a single, judicial head, the Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate), who will be responsible for the administration of the bench. The Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) will be supported by a Deputy Senior District Judge (Magistrates Courts). Acting Stipendiary Magistrates will be known as Deputy District Judge (Magistrates Courts).

  These changes are part of the Access to Justice Act reforms to improve the efficiency of Magistrates Courts. The newly unified bench will allow greater flexibility in the allocation of judges to hear cases and respond to fluctuations in workloads.

  District Judges (Magistrates Courts) will continue to complement and work alongside the 30,000 lay magistrates, providing an efficient partnership in delivering the criminal justice process.

  The Lord Chancellor is very pleased to announce these measures. They will recognise the professional standing of the Stipendiary Magistracy and the importance of the work undertaken by the Magistrates Courts as a whole.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, how many unfilled vacancies for permanent staff his Department has; what percentage of staff positions in his Department are vacant; what the monthly cost would be to his Department of employing civil servants in these positions; how many and what percentage of staff his Department employs on a temporary basis through employment agencies; how much his Department paid employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the last 12 months; and how much he expects to pay employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the next 12 months. [131430]

  Mr. Lock
  The Lord Chancellor's Department Headquarters currently has 80 unfilled permanent vacancies (a percentage of 12.9). If the positions were filled permanently by civil servants it would be a monthly cost of £148,000. Headquarters currently employs 44 temporary staff from employment agencies—a percentage of 7.1 of total staff. The total spent on staff from employment agencies for the period April 1999 to March 2000 was £553,452 (VAT included). We are unable to quote the expected cost for the present year as demand constantly fluctuates.

  Access to Justice (Cheshire)
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on access to justice in Cheshire. [130600]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Lord Chancellor's aim is to provide a fair, swift and effective system of justice.

  There are nine county courts which are situated in or cover parishes within Cheshire, nine magistrates courts and three Crown Court centres.

  In Cheshire, as elsewhere, courts are being modernised, fit for the 21st Century. For example, one of the aims of the Crown Court Programme is to improve efficiency and
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  enhance the facilities at all Crown Court centres, irrespective of size, location or current accommodation limitations.

  The Community Legal Service (CLS) will improve access to good quality legal advice, through creating local networks of legal services based on local needs, so that people can resolve potential or actual legal disputes and enforce their rights effectively. A local CLS network is being set up in Cheshire, consisting of local solicitors and advice agencies, and it will be supported by the work of the Cheshire CLS Partnership. The CLS Partnership will co-ordinate funding and provision of services, based on meeting local needs and priorities. I had the pleasure of launching the Cheshire CLS Partnership on 19 May.

DEFENCE

  Co-operative Capability Programme
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the costs and benefits of United Kingdom participation in the United States Navy's Co-operative Capability Program. [130379]

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

  Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 25 July 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the costs and benefits of United Kingdom participation in the United States Navy's Co-operative Capability Program. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  I am pleased to say that the MoU for the UK's participation in the United States Co-operative Engagement Capability (CEC) programme was signed on 18th July 2000. The application of CEC technology will improve the RN's ability to detect, monitor and counter current and future air threats, reducing the risk of losing high value warships, as well as reducing the risk of casualties and fratricide. UK participation in CEC will also increase considerably the interoperability of UK and US Naval Forces. Royal Navy Type 23 Frigates are planned to be the first RN warships equipped with CEC. Other major surface warships will also be fitted with CEC in due course.
  The estimated total procurement cost of integrating CEC into Type 23 and Type 45 is £174M and the whole life costs are estimated at around £250M. Both these figures are at 1999 prices.
  The programme is still at an early stage; costs, performance and timing will be explored and refined before a Main Gate submission in 2004.

  Royal Navy Vessels
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Royal Naval vessels under construction. [131471]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.
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  Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 25 July 2000:
  I am replying to your questions to the Secretary of State for Defence about the number of Royal Navy vessels under construction. this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  There are currently ten major Royal Navy vessels under construction. Three ASTUTE class submarines and two Landing Platform Docking (Replacement) vessels are being assembled at BAE SYSTEMS Marine yard at Barrow. The last two vessels of the Type 23 Class of Frigates are being fitted out at BAE SYSTEMS Marine yard at Scotstoun on the Clyde. Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd (VT) is finishing construction of one and fitting out a further two Single Role Minehunters at its yard in Southampton.
  As well as these Royal Navy vessels BAE SYSTEMS Marine at Barrow are also constructing the first Auxiliary Oiler for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary whilst the second of class is being built at BAE SYSTEMS Marine leased yard at Govan. The Allsa Troon yard in Ayrshire is currently involved in the build of the second prototype Landing Craft Utility as part of an order for ten such vessels to be carried on the Landing Platform Docking Replacement.
  There is also a variety of small boats such as rigid inflatables being constructed/procured for the Royal Navy and the other services.
  As well as the above, the Government has been able to announce recently details of orders for several new Royal Navy vessels. Appledore Shipbuilders in North Devon will be constructing two new Survey Vessels under sub-contract from VT with fabrication starting later this year. On 11 July the Secretary of State for Defence announced that orders for three new Type 45 Destroyers would be placed later this year, the first and third being assembled by BAE SYSTEMS Marine and the second by VT. Further orders are expected later this year for two Alternative Landing Ship Logistics, to be manned by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

  Missiles
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many AIM-120 B/C AMRAAMS missiles his Department plans to procure from Raytheon; and if he will make a statement. [131490]

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

  Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 25 July 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the number of Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missiles (AMRAAM) 120B/C MoD intends to procure from Raytheon Systems Company (RSC) in the USA. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  Disclosure of the information you request would harm UK defence and, accordingly, I am withholding it under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason his Department is reducing its order for AMS Brimstone missiles; and if he will make a statement. [131498]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence keeps the mix of weapons we require under review to ensure that our forward equipment programme reflects the circumstances of the world today and those we expect in the future. Brimstone will be one of a number of anti-armour weapon systems that we will be able to deploy. While there is still a firm requirement for the Brimstone missile, we have 544W
  concluded that we will require fewer missiles than envisaged when the Brimstone contract was placed in 1996.

  Frigates
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the cost to his Department of replacing 20 Type 22/23 frigates in the Royal Navy after 2010; and if he will make a statement. [131494]

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

  Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 25 July 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the cost of replacing 20 Type 22123 frigates in the Royal Navy after 2010. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  Current plans envisage a new class of surface combatant which will enter service from around 2013 when the later Type 22 and Type 23 frigates pay off.
  We expect a contract for the Future Surface Combatant to be placed with a prime contractor in 2007 following competition. The FSC should benefit from the innovative ideas arising from the Type 45 and CVF procurements and it will also exploit emergent technical innovations and concurrent engineering practice to achieve SMART procurement objectives.
  It would, however, be premature to release details of the budgetary costs of these ships as this could prejudice the negotiations which are expected to take place with industry post initial Gate in mid 2002.

  Defence Procurement Agency
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military personnel by rank are currently working for the Defence Procurement Agency. [131632]

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

  Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mrs. Margaret Ewing, dated 25 July 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking how many military personnel by rank are currently working for the Defence Procurement Agency. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  There are a total of 606 military personnel working for the Defence Procurement Agency. The breakdown by rank is shown in the table attached.

  Staff

  Navy rank:

  Rear Admiral

  1

  Commodore

  4

  Captain

  14

  Commander

  42

  Chief Officer (Royal Fleet Auxiliary)

  1

  Surgeon Commander

  1

  Lieutenant Commander

  72

  Lieutenant

  22

  Chief Petty Officer

  8

  Warrant Officer

  7

  Total

  172

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  Staff

  Army rank:

  Major General

  2

  Brigadier

  2

  Colonel

  9

  Lieutenant Colonel

  31

  Major

  89

  Warrant Officer Class

  15

  Warrant Officer Class 2

  13

  Staff Sergeant

  5

  Sergeant

  2

  Lance Corporal

  1

  Total

  169

  RAF rank:

  Air Marshal

  1

  Air Commodore

  3

  Group Captain

  5

  Wing Commander

  24

  Squadron Leader

  77

  Flight Lieutenant

  29

  Flying Officer

  1

  Warrant Officer

  5

  Flight Sergeant

  19

  Chief Technician

  58

  Sergeant

  40

  Corporal

  2

  Aircrewman

  1

  Total

  285

  Nimrod
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are being taken to eliminate the slippage in defence contracts with particular reference to slippage in Nimrod; when it is estimated that all Nimrod 4 aircraft will be operational; and how many are currently available for operation. [131591]

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

  Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Alex Salmond, dated 25 July 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about slippage in the Nimrod MRA4 programme. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  You asked what steps are being taken to eliminate the slippage in the Nimrod MRA4 programme. The Nimrod MRA4 contract was let with BAE SYSTEMS in December 1996 with an In-Service Date (ISD) of April 2003. Following technical and resource problems, BAE SYSTEMS advised the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) in late 1998 that they could not meet this date. In May 1999, following extensive negotiations the contract was re-baselined with an ISD of March 2005, a delay of 23 months and with the MoD securing various benefits in compensation.
  The DPA are working very closely with BAE SYSTEMS to ensure that all possible measures are taken to support delivery of the full operational capability in the required timescales, consistent with a March 2005 ISD.
  You also asked how many Nimrod MRA4 aircraft are currently in service. Nimrod MRA4 is due to enter operational service in August 2004. The In Service Date (ISD) of March 2005 marks the delivery of the 7th aircraft, with the 21st and final aircraft due for delivery in December 2008.

  BOWMAN
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the procurement strategy is for BOWMAN. [132877]

  Mr. Hoon
  BOWMAN aims to provide a tactical combat radio communications system to replace Clansman, which as been in service since the mid-70s.

  To deliver this project, we have been working with Archer Communication Systems Ltd. (ACSL), as our preferred supplier. ACSL has improved in recent months, but we have concluded that their proposal (submitted to us on 23 June) would not represent best value for money. We have, therefore, decided to hold a competition to meet the BOWMAN requirement. Through competition, we shall seek to achieve the best combination of performance, cost and timely delivery into service. The competition will offer substantial opportunities for participation for UK industry.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to improve the armed forces' equipment capability as a result of lessons learned from Kosovo. [132675]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer my hon. Friend to the oral statement I made on 24 July 2000,Official Report, columns 777–89.

  DERA
  Mr. McCabe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency; and if he will make a statement. [132682]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer my hon. Friend to the oral statement I made on 24 July 2000,Official Report, columns 777–89.

  Thomson CSF
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost was of work placed to Thomson CSF by his Department in each of the last three years; what the projected value is of the contracts to them for the next five years; and if he will make a statement. [130378]

  Dr. Moonie
  The value of contracts placed by the Ministry of Defence with Thomson CSF in each of the last three years was:

  Financial year

  £ million

  1997–98

  44.5

  1998–99

  32.2

  1999–2000

  30.6

  These figures are for prime contracts only, they do not include the value of any sub-contract received by Thomson CSF from MOD prime contractors.

  It would not be appropriate to prejudge the results of any future competition for MOD contracts. It is therefore not possible to speculate on the projected value of the contracts which may be awarded to Thomson CSF in the

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  next five years. Thomson CSF are at liberty to tender for MOD contracts and such tenders will be considered on a competitive basis with tenders received from other companies.

  Staff Secondments
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the name, position, and time of placement of senior staff in his Department who have been seconded to the defence industry in the last five

  Company

  Position

  Time of placement

  April 1995-March 1996

  Raytheon

  Director International Requirements

  1 year 10 months (January 1995-October 1997)

  April 1996-March 1997

  Avery Berkel

  Business Development Director

  1 year (October 1996-September 1997)

  BAe

  Project Director, European Consolidation

  2 years 6 months (October 1996-March 1999)

  April 1997-March 1998

  GEC Marconi

  Commercial Director

  1 year (June 1997-June 1998)

  Thomson Marconi Sonar Ltd

  In-Service Support Project

  10 months (November 1997-September 1998)

  April 1998-March 1999

  Marconi Electronic Systems

  Customer Service Project

  1 year 6 months (March 1999-September 2000)

  April 1999-March 2000

  Northrop Grumman (USA)

  UK Fellow for Defense Industry Strategy and Technology

  1 year 6 months (October 1999-April 2001)

  Raytheon (USA)

  Manager of International Business

  2 years (October 1999-October 2001)

  Thomson CSF

  Technical/Security Director

  2 years (April 1999-April 2001)

  April 2000

  Thomson CSF

  Director

  2 years (May 2000-May 2002)

  Plutonium
  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to recycle plutonium from dismantled redundant nuclear warheads as civilian MOX fuel. [130678]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith) on 14 March 2000,Official Report, columns 1040–5W and 17 July 2000, Official Report, columns 11–12W. The Ministry of Defence's remit is to examine all options for disposing of this material including its conversion into civilian MOX fuel. However, as the quantity of weapons grade plutonium which is surplus to Defence requirements is a very small percentage of the overall UK plutonium stocks, we shall be taking account of civil industry's plans for disposal of their much larger amounts. Disposal of such materials is, of course, a very complex matter and final decisions are unlikely for quite some time.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 27 June 2000,Official Report, column 434W, on Porton Down, if it is the assessment of the Chemical Defence Establishment that the nerve agent GF is more toxic to humans than sarin (GB). [130528]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
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  years; to which companies; how many of those employees are still employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [130380]

  Dr. Moonie
  Details of Senior Civil Servants in my Department who have undertaken secondments to companies in the defence sector over the last five years are contained in the table. Of the ten individuals, three are no longer employed by the MOD and one is currently on loan to another Government Department. Encouraging interchange with the private sector has been the policy of successive governments.

  Letter from Sir John Chisholm to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 25 July 2000:
  I am replying to your parliamentary question about the relative toxicity of nerve agents since the laboratories at Porton Down are part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.
  The relative potency of the nerve agents GB and GF depends on the route of entry of nerve agent into the body, the conditions in which the exposure occurs and the toxicological end point chosen. It is not our policy, or that of the Ministry of Defence, to publish our assessment of the human toxicology of potential chemical warfare agents because to do so could aid proliferation. I am, therefore, withholding this information under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
  I am sorry that I cannot be more helpful on this occasion.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer on 27 June 2000,Official Report, column 435W, on Porton Down, for what reasons the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment has compiled since 1970 an alphabetical list of individuals who took part in the service volunteer programme; and when this list was compiled. [130529]

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

  Letter from Sir John Chisholm to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 25 July 2000:
  I am replying to your parliamentary question about information relating to the service volunteer programme at Porton Down since the Porton Down laboratories are part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA).

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  Alphabetical lists of those attending DERA's Chemical and Biological Defence Sector and its predecessor organisations at Porton Down as volunteers have been maintained since about 1940 in order to provide a record of participants in the service volunteer programme. The lists contain the name and service number of the volunteers and their dates of attendance at Porton Down.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer on 27 June 2000,Official Report, column 435W, on Porton Down, if he will list the dates on which the Health and Safety Executive visited the Porton Down site between 1996 and 2000 in order to discuss specific issues. [130530]

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

  Letter from Sir John Chisholm to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 25 July 2000:
  I am replying to your parliamentary question about visits made by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to Porton Down since the laboratories at Porton Down are part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA).
  As I explained previously, there have been two formal inspections since January 1996 during February 1996 and May 2000. HSE staff also visit the site either to seek our advice because of our expertise in specific areas or to discuss various aspects of our own operations at Porton Down. These visits occur relatively frequently and are arranged at all levels in the organisation. It is therefore not possible to provide dates as records of these visits are not kept centrally.
  I am sorry that I cannot be more helpful on this occasion.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people in the UK served at(a) Porton Down and (b) other chemical and biological warfare establishments; how many of these are suffering illnesses that they claim are attributable to exposure to chemical and biological warfare experiments; how many are in receipt of pensions for these illnesses; how many of these are in Scotland; and what the total expenditure is on these in Scotland. [131590]

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

  Letter from Sir John Chisholm to Mr. Alex Salmond, dated 25 July 2000:
  I am replying to your question about CBW experiments as the Chemical and Biological Defence sector at Porton Down is now part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.
  Since 1916, establishments based at Porton Down have been involved in the research and development that has underpinned the UK's chemical and biological defence capability. Throughout Porton Down's history, volunteers from the services have been a vital part of the research programme. Over 20,000 individuals have participated in projects aimed at developing protection against and treatment for the effect of chemical and biological agents. The majority have had no complaint about their attendance at Porton Down. We are, however, aware that there are some former volunteers who believe that they have suffered ill-health as a result of the trials in which they took part. I am afraid we are unable to provide the exact number of complainants as they have made their representations through a number of different channels.
  Since 1 March 1998, we have responded to 42 enquiries from the War Pensions Agency concerning claims arising from taking part in the service volunteer programme at Porton Down. In each case, we have provided information about the particular trials in which an individual participated but we have not been informed whether these
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  claims have been successful. We are, therefore, unable to answer your specific questions about the number of pensions and expenditure on them in Scotland.
  We are not aware of any other establishments in the UK that have carried out chemical and biological defence research involving service volunteers.
  I hope this explains the position.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out the quantities of(a) precursors for chemical weapons and (b) chemical weapon agents held at Porton Down research establishment, used for prophylactic research; on what dates the United Kingdom disposed of its chemical weapons; and what amount was disposed of on each occasion, in the last 10 years. [130852]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) permits the retention of toxic chemicals and their precursors, where they are intended for purposes not prohibited under the Convention. Such permitted purposes include research, medical, pharmaceutical and protective purposes. Toxic chemicals and precursors are classified according to three Schedules, primarily on the basis of their usability as chemical weapons, the risk they pose to the Convention, and their commercial utility.

  The UK, as a State Party to the CWC, is permitted to hold up to an aggregate of 1 tonne of Schedule 1 chemicals. The Chemical and Biological Defence Sector of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency at Porton Down is licensed by the CWC National Authority to hold Schedule 1 chemicals for permitted purposes and is required to make an annual declaration of holdings and usage.

  The declaration is not made public for reasons of national security and so I am withholding information about specific quantities under Exemption 1 of the Code Of Practice on Access to Government Information. However, total holdings are substantially less than the permitted maximum of 1 tonne.

  In addition to Schedule 1 chemicals, Porton Down holds smaller quantities of Schedule 2 and 3 chemicals.

  The UK abandoned its offensive chemical weapons capability in the 1950s. The bulk of residual stocks of munitions and agents were disposed of at that time. Approximately 4,500kg of bulk chemical agent dating from before 1946 was destroyed between 1993 and entry into force of the CWC in 1997. In addition, from time to time, munitions suspected of containing chemical agent dating from before 1946 are found in the UK, for example, during land remediation, and brought to Porton Down. Disposal takes place throughout the year as operational constraints permit. Over the last 10 years, 3,418 items of this type have been disposed of.

  Chinook
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if Sir William Wratten and Sir John Day knew the extent of his Department's legal claim against the FADEC manufacturer, Textron Lycoming, at the time of their investigation into the fatal crash of RAF Chinook ZD576; [131259]
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  (2) if the engineering member of the RAF board of inquiry into RAF Chinook ZD576 informed the other members of that board as to the precise nature of the Wilmington incident, in which an RAF Chinook was severely damaged in 1989 as a result of an FADEC fault. [131258]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: In the short time available it has not been possible to establish whether, at the time of their investigation into the crash of RAF Chinook ZD576, Sir William Wratten and Sir John Day knew the extent of the Department's claim against Textron Lycoming. This litigation sought redress for faulty test procedures that caused a Chinook helicopter undergoing tests on the ground at Wilmington, USA to be severely damaged. We know that in their report to the RAF Board of Inquiry, the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) states:
  In view of reports of a number of ongoing service difficulties experienced with the operation of FADEC, the Engine Change Units and FADEC were examined in some detail.

  The report goes on to say that:
  Strip examination of the engines indicated that both were running at high speed with turbines hot at the time of impact, and revealed no signs of pre-impact failure or malfunction that could have affected the operation of either engine.

  Thus, as the evidence available indicated that the engines were working normally up to the point of impact, it was reasonable to conclude that FADEC could not have been a factor in the accident. The action taken by MOD arising out of faulty test procedures in the early days of the system's development programme had no relevance to the accident under investigation. It is therefore irrelevant whether Sir William and Sir John were aware of the litigation against Textron Lycoming. Similarly it is irrelevant whether the engineering member of the RAF Board of Inquiry into the Chinook ZD576 accident advised the other members of the Board about the test at Wilmington.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if Textron Lycoming was required to demonstrate it had validated the design of FADEC software for the Chinook Mk2 prior to its release into operational service; and if he will make a statement; [132454]

  (2) if Boscombe Down was satisfied that the FADEC software for the Chinook Mk2 (a) met aviation software standard RTCA Do. 178A or JSP 188 in June 1994 and (b) was verifiable and suitable for its intended purpose in June 1994. [132455]

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

  RAF Carlisle
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department received for the sale of the RAF Carlisle site; what the estimated value of the site was at the time the decision was taken to close the base; and what the cost to his Department was of the clean-up of the site. [131407]

  Dr. Moonie
  The core sites at RAF Carlisle were sold to Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council in March 1999. The outlying sites, with the exception of site 552W
  four which remains on the market, were sold to Alard Properties in March 2000. The prices paid by the purchasers remain commercially confidential and I am therefore withholding the information under exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Archive research is needed to address the other points raised and I will write to my hon. Friend when this exercise has been completed. A copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Departmental Computer System
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he takes to ensure the security of information held on, or transmitted via, his Department's computer system. [132145]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The Defence Manual of Security mandates the baseline security requirements, which must be met before Communications and Information Systems are allowed to handle official information. Before any IT system is allowed to operate it must obtain a security approval known as accreditation from the security authorities. Electronic protective measures that are employed include the use of firewalls to protect systems, the identification and authentication of users and audit of user activities. All Ministry of Defence staff are required to read and agree to comply with the Security Operating System for the system that they will use.

  The Ministry of Defence is continuously reviewing and seeking ways to improve, both the procedural and electronic security of its systems.

  Service Personnel Children
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military personnel by rank are currently working for the(a) British Army Education Service and (b) Army Training Service in the education of service personnel children. [131633]

  Mr. Spellar
  There are no military personnel employed to educate children of Service personnel attending Service children's school overseas. There are, however, two Warrant Officers Class 1 employed in Headquarters Service Children's Education in support functions.

  Welbeck College, the Army's sixth form college, employs one Captain to teach core skills and one Warrant Officer Class 1 to teach physical education.

  Service Pensions
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the total cost to public funds of service pensions(a) nationally and (b) by region for the most recent financial year, indicating the number of ex-service personnel to which these are paid. [131593]

  Mr. Spellar
  The total expenditure on Service pensions for financial year 1999–2000 was £2.205 billion and is paid to around 335,000 pensioners. Analysis of this expenditure by region is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Gulf War Syndrome
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give a breakdown of the cost of potential claims
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  resulting from Gulf War related illnesses for (a) the UK and (b) Scotland, indicating for each the estimated numbers of claimants. [131596]

  Mr. Spellar
  As at 4 July 2000 the Ministry of Defence had received 1,841 notices of intention to claim from veterans and members of their families in respect of illness allegedly arising from the Gulf conflict, although no writs or properly formulated claims have so far been received. It will not be possible to estimate the overall cost of these claims until such time as specific allegations of negligence have been submitted together with an indication of an individual's symptoms, degree of disability and personal circumstances, which would determine the level of any award.

  The Ministry of Defence does not record the number of intentions to claim by region.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people claiming to be suffering from Gulf War related illnesses there are in Scotland; and how many of these are in receipt of(a) pensions and (b) benefits as a result of these illnesses. [131637]

  Mr. Spellar
  The information required is either not available at all or is not held in the required form. I will write to the hon. Member setting out such information as is available and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Service Personnel
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out by service, rank, length of service and education and professional qualifications the total number of service personnel nationally and by region of the UK for the most recent year for which figures are available. [131636]

  Mr. Spellar
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Land Decontamination
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all(a) current and (b) recently disposed of MoD lands that require environmental decontamination (i) nationally and (ii) by region of the UK. [131594]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence has a policy of carrying out Land Quality Assessments in order to assess the Department's potential environmental liabilities. Individual budget holders within the Department are responsible for carrying out their own Land Quality Assessments, and such detailed information on contamination, is not held centrally. I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Veterans
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) Korean War veterans and (b) former Japanese prisoners of war there are in Scotland; how many are in receipt of forces pensions; and what the total expenditure is on these in Scotland. [131589]

  Dr. Moonie
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Food Sourcing
  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's policy is on sourcing food supplies for the armed forces; and if he will make a statement. [132878]

  Dr. Moonie
  The supply of food for our armed forces is contracted to "3663". A key requirement of the contract, as with other procurement programmes, is that it should deliver value for money. 3663 are required to seek the best prices in the open market for the products we need. I am as keen, however, on seeing our Servicemen and women eating British products as I am for our contractor to secure the best value for money, and 3663 are required specifically to give full consideration to British products which we look to them to buy wherever they are competitive. 3663 are currently supplying a range of over 1,300 different products for our armed forces, including fresh, chilled and frozen commodities, a number of which are not made or grown in this country. The company advise that almost 1,000 of these are presently British.

  We have given particular attention to meat procurement. We are currently sourcing 100 per cent. of our pork and 50 per cent. of our gammon and bacon from the UK, and I am pleased to announce that with effect from July our supplies of bacon and gammon have been 100 per cent. British sourced. Since the autumn of 1998 we have been supplying 100 per cent. British beef to our Service personnel based in the UK, following agreement by the EC to release British intervention beef, at competitive prices, for our use. Our supplies of British intervention beef will, however, start to run out progressively later this year and current market prices are likely to lead to a mix of British and imported beef for future supplies. We will, however, be working closely with farmers' representatives to ensure that we maximise the amount of British beef that can be supplied competitively. In the case of lamb, our efforts to source British products at competitive prices have so far been unsuccessful. The market has been unable to take up our offer of a substantial forward buy which we hoped might attract competitive prices. The main difficulties have included capacity issues (in particular butchery and blast freezing) and the narrow range of cuts we require, as well as price. Our efforts to source more British lamb are, however, continuing.

  Condoms
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many condoms have been purchased, and at what cost, over the past two years for supply to UK Service personnel; and what is the average supply per individual(a) in the UK, and (b) for each operation abroad. [131686]

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

  Service Personnel Housing
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much Service personnel housing is owned by his Department(a) in the UK and (b) overseas. [132072]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence owns 13,508 properties in the United Kingdom and 3,215 overseas.
  555W
  The majority of Service Families Accommodation in England and Wales were sold on a 999 year lease to Annington Homes Ltd. in November 1996. The Ministry of Defence leases back those properties it needs to house Service personnel and their families.

  Defence Medical Services
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the(a) inflow and (b) outflow of fully-trained qualified medical personnel in the Defence Medical Services in (i) 1993–94, (ii) 1994–95, (iii) 1996–97, (iv) 1998–99 and (v) 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [131022]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The total number of personnel entering and leaving the Defence Medical Services between the years 1993–94 and 1999–2000 are listed in the table. It is not possible, without disproportionate effort, to identify separately those personnel who are professionally qualified on entering or leaving the Defence Medical Services.

  Inflow

  Outflow

  1993–94

  604

  986

  1994–95

  611

  1,056

  1995–96

  335

  1,283

  1996–97

  598

  1,359

  1997–98

  742

  730

  1998–99

  830

  773

  1999–2000

  941

  742

  Notes:

  1. Intake figures comprise medical and dental students entering as cadets, qualified doctors, dentist and nurses, nurse trainees, and other personnel who may or may not be professionally qualified on entering the Defence Medical Services.

  Number of pages

  Documents sent to all Primary schools from January 2000

  Consultation

  Teachers and staffing

  Professional Development Pack

  41

  Guidance—including information on statutory requirements

  Exclusions From School

  2

  Performance Management—Guidance for governors

  20

  Performance Management In Schools: includes Performance Management Framework Model Performance Management Policy

  46

  Pupil Records and Reports—guidance

  8

  School Teachers Pay and Conditions document 2000

  92

  School Teachers Pay and Conditions—guidance 2000

  59

  Capability Procedures for Teachers

  8

  Schools, "Parents" and "Parental Responsibility"

  6

  Summary Guidance on Disapplying the National Curriculum

  3

  Guidance—non statutory

  Curriculum guidance for the Foundation stage

  128

  Literacy and Numeracy

  Literacy and Numeracy Posters—Every Lesson Counts

  5

  National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies: Guidance on Teaching Able Children

  11

  The National Literacy Strategy, Phonics (with CD ROM)—Progression in phonics: materials for whole class teaching

  36

  The National Numeracy Strategy—Framework for teaching mathematics: Year 7

  91

  School Curriculum

  Art and Design. Schemes of Work for Key Stage 1 and 2

  108

  Guidance on Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship at Key Stage 1 and 2

  21

  Music. Schemes of Work for Key Stage 1 and 2

  107

  556W
  2. Outflow figures comprise all personnel leaving the Defence Medical Services, whether professionally qualified or not.

  3. The figures comprise mainly medical personnel, but include some medical administrative personnel.

  4. Outflow figures include personnel leaving on premature voluntary retirement, completion of engagement or commission, redundancy, medical discharge, death or dismissal.

  Lock Purchasing
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 23 May concerning lock purchasing. [132445]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence can find no trace of having received the letter in question. If my hon. Friend cares to forward a second copy, I will ensure that he receives a reply as quickly as possible.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Circulars
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the circular documents which have been sent by his Department to(a) primary and (b) secondary schools since (i) 1 May 1997 and (ii) 1 January; and how many pages each document contained. [129784]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 12 July 2000]: The documents sent automatically by this Department to all primary schools and all secondary schools since 1 January 2000 are listed in the table. I will write to the hon. Member with the information from 1 May 1997, including page numbers, as soon as it can be compiled, and place copies in the Libraries.
  557W

  Number of pages

  Physical Education, Schemes of Work for Key Stage 1 and 2

  168

  Religious Education. Schemes of Work for Key Stage 1 and 2

  154

  School Management

  Index for Inclusion: Developing a Learning and Participation in schools

  109

  Managing staff sickness absence and checklist for managing sickness absence

  4

  Teaching Profession

  Employing Disabled Teachers—A good practice guide for schools

  40

  Information

  Literacy and Numeracy

  Numeracy Campaign Poster

  1

  National Numeracy Strategy (NNS) "BEAM" leaflets

  15

  School Management

  Data Collection Timetable: September 2000 to December 2001

  2

  Education Funding in England for 2000–01. A Guide for Heads and Governors

  2

  Extra Education Funding announced in the budget

  3

  Spectrum 28

  7

  Spectrum 29

  11

  Spectrum 30

  9

  Spectrum 31

  14

  Spectrum 32

  15

  Spectrum 33

  8

  Spectrum 34

  8

  Special Education

  SEN update 4

  6

  School Standards

  Beacon schools

  1

  Letter about school competitions—Write Here, Write Now

  4

  Removing the Barriers: Raising Achievement Levels for Minority Ethnic Pupils—Key Points for Schools

  1

  SEN update 4

  10

  The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message and Commonwealth Day Poster 2000—The Communications Challenge

  4

  Transforming Key Stage 3

  2

  We want to show the Educational benefits of the internet to all parents

  1

  Teaching Profession

  Are you aiming for headship—NPQH

  1

  Fast Track—Frequently Asked Questions

  4

  General Performance Management Arrangements—Video

  1

  General Teaching Council for England (poster)

  1

  GTC—Election Results—Staff Room Poster 5

  2

  GTC—listening to teachers

  1

  Induction Period for Newly Qualified Teachers

  1

  Leadership Programme for Serving Headteachers (LPSH)

  1

  Occupational Health Guidance: Summary

  3

  Pay and conditions for Teachers in England and Wales, 2000–01

  4

  Pay: The Future—New pay plans for teachers

  2

  Performance Threshold Standards Guidance on completing the application form

  9

  Performance management interviews—video

  1

  STRB—Teachers Pay 2000–2001

  14

  Teaching Reforms Brief No. 3

  2

  Teaching Reforms Brief No. 4—Teacher Reform Planner

  1

  Teaching Reforms Brief No. 5—Performance Threshold: How you can apply for the £2,000 pay rise

  2

  Teaching Reforms Brief No. 6—Career options for teachers

  4

  Teaching Reforms Brief No. 7—Standards Fund

  4

  Teaching Reforms Brief No. 8—Performance Management

  1

  Teaching Reforms Brief No. 9—The Leadership Group

  4

  Threshold Assessment Process—prompts for headteachers and cover note

  14

  Threshold Assessment Training

  1

  Your GTC, Your Vote

  1

  Documents sent to all Secondary schools from January 2000

  Consultation

  Teachers and Staffing

  Professional Development Pack

  41

  Guidance—including information on statutory requirements

  Exclusions From School

  2

  Performance Management—Guidance for governors

  20

  558W 559W

  Number of pages

  Performance Management in Schools: includes Performance Management Framework Model Performance Management Policy

  46

  Pupil Records and Reports—guidance

  8

  School Teachers Pay and Conditions document 2000

  92

  Schools Teachers Pay and Conditions—guidance 2000

  59

  Capability Procedures for Teachers

  8

  Schools, "Parents" and "Parental Responsibility"

  6

  Summary Guidance on Disapplying the National Curriculum

  3

  Guidance—non statutory

  Literacy and Numeracy

  The National Numeracy Strategy—Framework for teaching mathematics: Year 7

  91

  School Curriculum

  Guidance on citizenship at Key Stage 4

  36

  Guidance on Personal, Social and Health Education at Key Stage 3 and 4

  20

  Key Stage 3 Schemes of Work—Physical Education

  32

  Key Stage 3 Schemes of Work—Art and Design

  79

  Key Stage 3 Schemes of Work—Geography

  164

  Key Stage 3 Schemes of Work—Modern foreign languages

  108

  Key Stage 3 Schemes of Work—Music

  95

  Key Stage 3 Schemes of Work—Religious Education

  104

  Key Stage 3 Schemes of Work—Science

  287

  Key Stage 3 Schemes of Work—History

  167

  Key Stage 3 Schemes of Work—Information and Communications Technology

  79

  Special Education

  Index for Inclusion: Developing a Learning and Participation in schools

  109

  Teaching Profession

  Employing Disabled Teachers—A good practice guide for schools

  40

  Managing staff sickness absence and checklist for managing sickness absence

  4

  Information

  Literacy and Numeracy

  Count on Me Song competition

  9

  School Curriculum

  Careers Education in the New Curriculum: Its relationship to PSHE and citizenship at key stages 3 and 4

  19

  House of Lords reform

  14

  Letter about DfEE Careers Publications Which Way Now, Job File and It's Your Choice 2001

  2

  Your Creative Future—by Creative Industries Task Force

  25

  School Management

  Data Collection Timetable: September 2000 to December 2001

  2

  Extra Education Funding announced in the budget

  3

  Spectrum 28

  7

  Spectrum 29

  11

  Spectrum 30

  9

  Spectrum 31

  14

  Spectrum 33

  8

  Spectrum 34

  8

  School Standards

  Beacon schools

  1

  Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award Nomination Pack: covering letter, newsletter, guidance notes and two posters

  12

  Letter about school competitions—Write Here, Write Now

  4

  Removing the Barriers:Raising Achievement Levels for Minority Ethnic Pupils—Key Points for Schools

  1

  The Connexions Service and Schools

  4

  The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message and Commonwealth Day Poster 2000—The Communications Challenge

  4

  Tomorrow's World Live 'How to claim over £1,250 worth of free tickets1

  4

  Transforming Key Stage 3

  2

  We want to show the Educational benefits of the internet to all parents

  1

  Special Education

  SEN update 4

  6

  Teaching Profession

  Are you aiming for headship—NPQH

  1

  Education Funding in England for 2000–01. A Guide for Heads and Governors

  2

  Fast Track—Frequently Asked Questions

  4

  General Performance Management Arrangements—Video

  1

  General Teaching Council for England (poster)

  1

  GTC—Election Results—Staff Room Poster 5

  1

  560W 561W

  Number of pages

  GTC—Listening to teachers

  1

  Induction Period for Newly Qualified Teachers

  1

  Leadership Programme for Serving Headteachers (LPSH)

  1

  Maths and Science Placement Scheme: Regional Listing of Trainees

  3

  National Numeracy Strategy (NNS) "BEAM" leaflets

  15

  Occupational Health Guidance: Summary

  3

  Pay and conditions for Teachers in England and Wales, 2000–01

  4

  Pay:The Future—New pay plans for teachers

  2

  Performance management interviews—video

  1

  Performance Threshold Standards Guidance on completing the application form

  9

  Professional Development Pack

  41

  STRB—Teachers Pay 2000–2001

  14

  Teaching Reforms Brief No 4—Teacher reform planner

  4

  Teaching Reforms Brief No 5—Performance Threshold: How you can apply for the £2000 pay rise

  2

  Teaching Reforms Brief No 6—Career options for teachers

  4

  Teaching Reforms Brief No 7—Standards Fund

  4

  Teaching Reforms Brief No 9—The Leadership Group

  4

  Teaching Reforms Brief No. 3

  2

  Threshold Assessment Process—prompts for headteachers and cover note

  14

  Threshold Assessment Training

  1

  Your GTC, Your Vote

  1

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of pupils at(a) Key Stage 1, (b) Key Stage 2, (c) Key Stage 3, (d) Key Stage 4 and (e) in school sixth forms were in classes of 31 or more in (i) January 1997 and (ii) January 2000; and what estimate he has made of the percentage in each case who will be in classes of 31 or more in September 2000. [131678]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information is not available in the form requested. The available information is shown in the tables.

  Estimates of class sizes in September for older children are not available.

  Percentage of pupils in classes of 31 or more taught by one teacher in maintained primary schools in England 1997 and 2000 (provisional)

  Position as at January

  Key stage

  Year

  1

  2

  3

  Mixed

  Total primary

  2000

  11.0

  38.2

  21.2

  26.0

  26.5

  1997

  29.0

  37.9

  27.4

  29.8

  33.4

  Percentage of pupils in classes of 31 or more taught by one teacher in maintained secondary schools in England 1997 and 2000 (provisional)

  Position as at January

  Year

  Mainly under 14

  Mainly 14 and 15

  16 or older

  Overall

  2000

  14.9

  7.1

  0.9

  11.3

  1997

  11.2

  5.7

  1.0

  8.7

  Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level Qualifications
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the finalised specifications for the new Advanced Subsidiary and 562W
  Advanced level qualifications to be introduced for teaching from September 2000 were made available to teachers. [131691]

  Mr. Wicks
  The finalised specifications for the new GCE Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced level qualifications to be introduced for teaching from September 2000 have been available to schools and colleges since January 2000. Copies of these documents have been placed on the awarding bodies' websites. In addition, the awarding bodies produced and issued hard copies of the specifications to all schools and colleges offering these qualifications.

  Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the number of children with emotional and behavioural difficulties in(a) special and (b) mainstream schools; and what guidance he is giving to teachers in mainstream schools regarding the handling of challenging behaviour by children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. [131717]

  Jacqui Smith
  My Department does not collect statistics identifying children with special educational needs by specific categories. The total special needs population was shown as 1,700,000 on the last full return in 1999—just over 20 per cent. of the total school population.

  This Government have demonstrated their commitment to improving education for all children with special needs. Schools are educating children with a wide range of needs, and so need a range of programmes and advice. We are supporting schools with a broad package of measures, including the SEN Programme of Action, the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies and our Excellence in Cities programme.
  563W
  To improve the education for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties in particular, this year we have:
  provided £140 million through the Social Inclusion Pupil Support programme—guidance to support this programme, on pupil attendance, behaviour, exclusion and re-integration, was issued in July 1999;
  developed On-Site Learning Support Units. We will increase the number of these units to over 1,000 in mainstream schools in England within two years. To help meet this target we announced earlier this year that £28 million is being provided to create a further 360 units in secondary schools and £8 million to pilot 60 units in primary schools. These units are school-based centres for pupils at risk of exclusion owing to behavioural problems; they provide tailored teaching and support programmes.
  produced a revised SEN Code of Practice and guidance on thresholds to simplify, and to support better, teachers' assessment of a child's needs and their planning of appropriate strategies to address these. Both documents are currently out for consultation;
  issued to all schools the Index for Inclusion produced by the Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education. This practical, self review tool will help all schools develop their policies for addressing barriers to participation pupils face, including those with emotional and behavioural difficulties;
  consulted on additional guidance on promoting positive handling strategies for pupils with severe behavioural difficulties. This guidance will be issued in the autumn, to supplement existing guidance on Section 550A of the Education Act 1996.

  In addition, we are planning further practical guidance on best practice in the education of children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, and on effective teaching for children with mental health problems.

  We have also provided guidance on the wider issue of dealing with violent or very disruptive pupils. We do not expect teachers to keep troublemakers in the classroom at any cost, and have written to all headteachers so that they know they have our full support if they have to exclude such pupils permanently. The Secretary of State also announced at the National Association of Headteachers' conference on 1 June that he would be changing the guidance to exclusion appeal panels to indicate that where there has been violence or severe threat of violence it is inappropriate for a permanently excluded child to be re-instated to the same school.

  Criminal Offences (School Premises)
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) pupils, (b) teachers and (c) members of non-teaching staff have been the victims of (i) assaults and (ii) other criminal offences on school premises in each of the last 10 years. [131718]

  Jacqui Smith
  This information is not collected centrally. We have taken a range of measures to create safe and secure environments for pupils and staff. Since 1997–98, we have made specific grants to local education authorities in England to support expenditure of £22 million annually on school security measures. We have also published guidance, such as "School Security: Dealing with Troublemakers", produced with the Home Office.

  Hawksworth Hall
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what investigations his 564W
  Department has conducted into allegations of child abuse at Hawksworth Hall; what the results of the investigations were; and what actions he proposes to take. [131968]

  Jacqui Smith
  The allegations of abuse at Hawksworth Hall were thoroughly investigated by the police and by child protection services in 1995. They concluded that there was not sufficient evidence for criminal prosecution. My Department subsequently considered the allegations, and as a result one former care worker was barred from working in relevant employment and placed on the Department's List 99.

  We feel there are no grounds for any further action in the case of Hawksworth Hall, which closed in 1998. We are however fully committed to measures to safeguard children's welfare and protect them from unsuitable people. The Government recently published "Learning the Lessons," its response to "Lost in Care:" the Report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into the Abuse of Children in the former county council areas of Gwynedd and Clwyd since 1974. This sets out many of the measures being taken to protect the welfare of children in residential schools, or in the care of local authorities.

  The Protection of Children Act 1999 makes provision for a new list of people who are unsuitable to work with children to be kept by the Secretary of State for Health, and further measures to protect children from unsuitable people are proposed in the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill.

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much section 11 funding has been allocated to each of the London borough councils in the current financial year. [132074]

  Jacqui Smith
  The education element of the Home Office's Section 11 Grant scheme ceased on 31 March 1999. It was replaced by a new grant, the Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant, administered by my Department. For 2000–01 £162.5 million will be available nationally to improve the attainment of ethnic minority, Traveller and refugee pupils. This represents an increase of 7 per cent. on the amount available for the same purposes in 1999–2000. The details requested are set out in the table. They include, separately, allocations under the Adult Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant which was also previously funded under Section 11.

  £

  LEA

  Ethnic minority and traveller achievement grant

  Adult ethnic minority achievement grant

  Total

  City of London

  107,415

  1,085

  108,500

  Camden

  3,102,868

  0

  3,102,868

  Greenwich

  1,866,510

  10,500

  1,877,010

  Hackney

  4,442,766

  0

  4,442,766

  Hammersmith

  1,189,642

  88,354

  1,277,996

  Islington

  2,529,175

  0

  2,529,175

  Kensington and Chelsea

  1,219,975

  13,000

  1,232,975

  Lambeth

  3,603,405

  34,000

  3,637,405

  Lewisham

  2,543,947

  0

  2,543,947

  Southwark

  1,910,192

  0

  1,910,192

  Tower Hamlets

  8,095,454

  81,254

  8,176,708

  Wandsworth

  2,163,323

  0

  2,163,323

  Westminster

  2,136,538

  15,000

  2,151,538

  565W

  £

  LEA

  Ethnic minority and traveller achievement grant

  Adult ethnic minority achievement grant

  Total

  Barking

  672,625

  27,605

  700,230

  Barnet

  1,190,476

  0

  1,190,476

  Bexley

  313,705

  0

  313,705

  Brent

  2,804,240

  165,000

  2,969,240

  Bromley

  166,547

  25,822

  192,369

  Croydon

  2,163,023

  150,000

  2,313,023

  Ealing

  3,556,921

  0

  3,556,921

  Enfield

  2,357,497

  0

  2,357,497

  Haringey

  3,526,622

  0

  3,526,622

  Harrow

  1,214,881

  0

  1,214,881

  Havering

  131,090

  0

  131,090

  Hillingdon

  872,091

  80,624

  952,715

  Hounslow

  2,279,528

  0

  2,279,528

  Kingston upon Thames

  309,329

  0

  309,329

  Merton

  913,930

  0

  913,930

  Newham

  1,038,976

  0

  1,038,976

  Redbridge

  2,228,929

  106,900

  2,335,829

  Richmond upon Thames

  164,041

  0

  164,041

  Sutton

  301,005

  0

  301,005

  Waltham Forest

  2,426,419

  0

  2,426,419

  Total

  63,543,085

  799,144

  64,342,229

  Children with Learning Disabilities
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what standard assessments are used in schools to assist children with learning disabilities to progress with their education. [132091]

  Jacqui Smith
  The introduction of Baseline Assessment from 1998 in all primary schools helps teachers plan to meet the learning needs of all pupils, including those with learning difficulties. The National Curriculum also provides a framework within which teachers have the flexibility to deliver programmes of study appropriate to the needs and abilities of the children they are teaching, and the assessment arrangements associated with it provide schools with a reliable and consistent analysis of pupil performance, enabling teachers to assess pupils' progress and develop their teaching strategies accordingly. More generally, the "Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Education Needs" contains practical guidance for schools, local education authorities and others on how to identify, make provision for, and to monitor the progress of children with special educational needs, including those with learning disabilities. A variety of assessment procedures and ways of tracking pupils' progress are used, depending on the type and extent of a child's special educational needs.

  Mersey Partnership
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the contribution made by Merseyside Training and Enterprise Council to the Mersey Partnership in each of the last five years. [132093]

  Mr. Wicks
  Merseyside TEC has been an active supporter of the Mersey Partnership since its inception both in cash terms and in Board representation. The TEC has made a financial contribution of £176,000 in each of the last five years.
  566W
  The TEC Chief Executive has been a Board Member since the Mersey Partnership was established in 1993 and the TEC is also represented at senior manager level on the Mersey Partnership steering group, a membership forum that meets regularly to review progress.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the likely contribution of the Merseyside Learning and Skills Council to the Mersey Partnership. [132094]

  Mr. Wicks
  Learning and skills are an integral part of wider economic development and regeneration activities. We will therefore expect the Merseyside Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to work closely with the Mersey Partnership. It will be for the LSC to decide how its resources might support the work of the Partnership.

  British Sign Language
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many employees in his Department are able to communicate in British Sign Language. [132103]

  Mr. Wills
  At the current time, the Department does not keep centralised records of those employees that are able to communicate in British Sign Language.

  Mr. Trickett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidelines are provided to educational institutions by his Department in relation to British Sign Language; and if he will make a statement. [132438]

  Jacqui Smith
  It is for Local Education Authorities and schools to determine how to provide best for deaf children in the light of local circumstances. The Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs includes guidance on the steps to be taken to identify and meet the needs of children with sensory impairments, including hearing difficulties.

  The Department does not provide guidelines specifically on the use of British Sign Language. The Teacher Training Agency has set standards towards which teachers involved in the teaching of deaf children are encouraged to aim. These include standards on the use of British Sign Language as a means of teaching deaf children. In addition, teachers of whole classes of deaf children are required to gain a mandatory qualification, approved by the Secretary of State. Providers of courses leading to such a mandatory qualification are now required to bid against a national specification in order to run courses beginning in September 2001. The national specification requires that all participants completing the mandatory qualification for teaching deaf children should have a minimum competence in signing, equivalent to the Stage 1 qualification from the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People.

  We have also supported the National Deaf Children's Society's quality standards in the education of deaf children, which do not favour any single approach to deaf education, but which do provide practical guidance to LEAs and schools on ways of educating deaf children, including the use of British Sign Language.

  Deaf People
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many deaf people he has appointed to educational bodies in the last three years. [132104]

  Mr. Wills
  As part of our commitment to the achievement of equal opportunity targets, and for monitoring purposes only, appointees to DfEE Non-Departmental Public Bodies voluntarily disclose whether they have a disability. However, information as to the nature of the disability is not requested so data on deaf appointees are unavailable. Of the 410 DfEE NDPB appointments and re-appointments since 1 May 1997, 30 applicants indicated they have a disability.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many of the written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April have not received substantive answers, citing as the reason that the information is(a) not held centrally, (b) not held in the form requested or (c) not available. [132136]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 21 July 2000, Official Report, column 331W.

  Further Education
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received about the allocation process of funding by the Further Education Funding Council to the further education colleges in Southport, as part of the national settlement. [132492]

  Mr. Wicks
  My right hon. Friend has received no representations about the allocation of funds by the Further Education Funding Council (FEFC) to further education colleges in Southport.

  Higher Education (Access)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to amend Section 68 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 in order for the Higher Education Funding Council for England to provide financial help for universities submitting plans for year-on-year improvements in the widening of access. [132529]

  Mr. Wicks
  The Government have no plans to amend Section 68 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much additional funding will be made available to higher education institutes through HEFCE to facilitate access between 2000–01 and 2003–04. [132532]

  Mr. Wicks
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment announced, on July 18, £20 million of additional funding to widen access to higher education in 2001–02. Further announcements will be made in due course.
  568W
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to consult representatives of higher education institutions on the criteria for access plans to be acceptable for additional funding. [132533]

  Mr. Wicks
  This is a matter for the Higher Education Funding Council for England which already negotiates annual operating statements that include a statement about widening access with all HE institutions. Further details will be available in due course.

  Further Education Lecturers (PRP)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how he proposes to consult the further education sector on matters connected with performance-related pay; [132534]

  (2) if the criteria for performance-related pay for further education lecturers are intended to be identical for those teaching in state schools; and what steps he will take to secure this alignment or broad equivalence; [132535]

  (3) how, in the absence of a statutory payment framework, he will secure performance-related payment to further education lecturers; [132536]

  (4) which organisation will consider the pay and remuneration of further education lecturers including any matters related to their performance. [132537]

  Mr. Wicks
  A first meeting of representative bodies of employers, unions and officials in this Department has been arranged for Friday 28 July to discuss and take forward this initiative. The Government do not have a fixed model that it is intending to impose: we are intent on building on, and working within, existing national arrangements.

  School Buildings and Facilities
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what provisions there are in PFI contracts for schools and LEAs on the control of and charging for out of school hours use of school buildings and facilities by the contractors in relation to(a) IT facilities, (b) sports facilities, (c) music facilities and (d) use of meeting rooms. [132742]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Department is not directly responsible for the procurement of schools PFI contracts, and therefore does not hold comprehensive information about the use of school facilities out of school hours. Provisions for any third party use are a matter for negotiation between the school, local education authority and the contractor and, as such, vary from contract to contract. Within schools PFI contracts, however, it is open to the local education authority and the schools concerned to permit their private sector partner to charge for the use of the facilities by others when they are not being used by the schools. There is no requirement, or expectation, that a school must make its facilities available to the wider community on a commercial basis, but allowing such use may encourage lifelong learning, help to reduce vandalism, and have the added benefit of reducing the cost of the scheme overall.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Sentences
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received in respect of the sentences imposed on Darren James Neil, Michael Magowan, Andrew Timothy Lea and Matthew Shane Butcher. [124459]

  Mr. Ingram
  None.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of the written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000 have not received substantive answers, citing as the reason that the information is(a) not held centrally, (b) not held in the form requested and (c) not available. [127435]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The information for the period requested is as follows:

  (a) 0; one partial answer

  (b) 0; 13 partial answers

  (c) 2; 11 partial answers.

  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many written parliamentary questions were tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April; and how many have not received substantive answers, with disproportionate cost cited as the reason. [131222]

  Mr. Mandelson
  Of the 564 written parliamentary questions tabled between this period, 10 did not receive a substantive answer with disproportionate costs cited as the reason, and a further 12 received only a partial reply.

  Plastic Baton Rounds
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes have been made to guidance concerning the deployment and use of plastic baton rounds since publication of the Patten report. [130995]

  Mr. Ingram
  No changes have been made since the publication of the Patten Report. New guidelines were produced by the Association of Chief Police Officers and were announced by the Home Secretary in a written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 27 July 1999,Official Report, columns 246–47W.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many plastic baton rounds have been fired since publication of the Patten report; what the circumstances were of each use; and what reports by the Chief Constable were sent to(a) the Police Ombudsman and (b) the Police Authority. [130993]

  Mr. Ingram
  During the period 9 September 1999 to 17 July 2000, 33 plastic baton rounds were fired by the Royal Ulster Constabulary and one by the army. In each instance the Royal Ulster Constabulary came under attack by crowds throwing petrol bombs and other missiles including blast bombs. One complaint was received from a member of the public and this has been forwarded to the Independent Commission for Police Complaints. No 570W
  reports have been sent to the Police Authority for Northern Ireland. On each occasion ACPO guidelines were followed.

  Water Cannon (Portadown)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what evaluation the Chief Constable has made of the use of water cannon in Portadown. [130994]

  Mr. Ingram
  Water cannon were used on three occasions in Portadown and provided an effective resource in creating distance between police and military lines and those threatening and using violence. The ability to deliver water in differing modes and at a varying pressure enabled a flexible and graduated response to the violence. While it was considered to be effective, it was one of a range of tactics and equipment used to counter serious violence.

  Human Rights Commission
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's Annual report will be published. [133031]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I am pleased to announce that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's First Annual Report, covering the period up to the end of March 2000, has been laid before Parliament today. Copies are available in the Library.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many unfilled vacancies for permanent staff his Department has; what percentage of staff positions in his Department are vacant; what the monthly cost would be to his Department of employing civil servants in these positions; how many and what percentage of staff his Department employs on a temporary basis through employment agencies; how much his Department paid employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the last 12 months; and how much he expects to pay employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the next 12 months. [131429]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The NIO currently has:

  (a) 34 unfilled vacancies for permanent staff;

  (b) 2 per cent. of staff positions are vacant;

  (c) the monthly cost of employing civil servants in these positions would be £59,000;

  (d) five staff are employed on a temporary basis through employment agencies;

  (e) 0.3 per cent. of staff are employed on a temporary basis through employment agencies;

  (f) the amount paid to employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the last 12 months was:

  £000

  July 1999

  6.3

  August 1999

  7.1

  September 1999

  2.4

  October 1999

  5.0

  November 1999

  6.9

  December 1999

  4.9

  January 2000

  5.5

  February 2000

  8.5

  March 2000

  8.1

  571W

  £000

  April 2000

  2.6

  May 2000

  8.6

  June 2000

  5.7

  (g) it is impossible to anticipate future months spend due to fluctuating requirements but is unlikely to be in excess of last year's figure.

  Robert Hamill
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to decide on holding a public inquiry under section 44 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 into the circumstances surrounding the death of Robert Hamill. [132538]

  Mr. Ingram
  I would refer my hon. Friend to the oral answer my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave him on 19 July 2000,Official Report, column 358.

  Public Processions
  Mr. Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what consultations he has had with the Parades Commission about bringing into force parts of the Human Rights Act 1998 before 2 October for the purposes of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998; and what advice he received; [132579]

  (2) what consultations he has had with the Human Rights Commission about bringing into force parts of the Human Rights Act 1998 before 2 October for the purposes of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998; and what advice he has received on this matter. [132432]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Government consulted widely with a number of individuals and organisations, including the Parades Commission and the Human Rights Commission, on this issue. It is not our practice to publish individual views unless the organisation concerned does so. In the consultation process, there was a wide range of views on the early incorporation, but a unanimous view that incorporation in October would have a positive effect.

  Mr. Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations he has had with the Royal Ulster Constabulary about bringing into force parts of the Human Rights Act 1998 before 2 October for the purposes of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998; and what advice he received. [132580]

  Mr. Ingram
  Although this issue was discussed with the police, it was determined that whatever decision was made, it would not have any implications on their current position on the policing of parades.

  Mr. Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to bring parts of the Human Rights Act 1998 into force before 2 October for the purposes of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998. [132433]

  Mr. Ingram
  During consultation, the Government received mixed views on the issue of early incorporation of the Human Rights Act. The Act will, however, come into force in October as planned.

WALES

  Advisory Bodies
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list all the(a) task forces, (b) action teams, (c) policy reviews and (d) other temporary advisory bodies with external members currently in existence within his Department; and on what date each body (i) was set up and (ii) is expected to terminate. [131444]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  None.

  Spending Review
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary concerning the extra cash totals under the Comprehensive Spending Review for the(a) NHS, (b) education and (c) transport; and if he will make a statement. [132382]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have discussed the spending review with the First Secretary on a number of occasions, and he welcomes the outcome as much as I do.

  The increase for Wales resulting from extra spending in England announced in the spending review is:

  £ million

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  Health

  163

  458

  728

  Education1

  78

  183

  290

  Transport

  40

  94

  163

  1 Excluding Welsh increases as a result of increases in education funding for local government in England

  The Assembly has the freedom to make its own spending decisions about the use of these extra resources in response to Welsh priorities, and this settlement will make a huge difference to the services it provides.

  Lords Lieutenant
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many of Wales's Lords Lieutenant are(a) women and (b) members of an ethnic minority. [132142]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: There is one female Lord Lieutenant in Wales, the Lord Lieutenant of Powys, the hon. Mrs. Elizabeth Shan Legge-Bourke. There are not currently any Welsh Lord Lieutenants who are members of an ethnic minority.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many unfilled vacancies for permanent staff his Department has; what percentage of staff positions in his Department are vacant; what the monthly cost would be to his Department of employing civil servants in these positions; how many and what percentage of staff his Department employs on a temporary basis through employment agencies; how much his Department paid employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the last 12 months; and how much he expects to pay employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the next 12 months. [131425]
  573W
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The Wales Office has seven unfilled vacancies for permanent staff, which represents 15 per cent. of staff positions. Costs for employing civil servants into these positions can only be provided yearly, the salary scales for these positions are:

  Band A—Minimum £11,096, Maximum £14,850—1 vacancy

  Band B—Minimum £12,272, Maximum £17,609—2 vacancies

  Band C—Minimum £15,237, Maximum £22,736—2 vacancies

  Band D—Minimum £19,297, Maximum £28,942—2 vacancies.

  Four staff are employed on a temporary basis through employment agencies, which is 9.4 per cent. of the current staff complement.

  The table shows the amount the Wales Office has paid to employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the last 12 months.

  The Wales Office budget for 2000–01 for casual staff is £70,000. It is not possible to predict how much expenditure will be incurred to employ temporary staff in each of the next 12 months, because this will depend on whether vacancies can be filled with permanent staff, but expenditure will be within budget.

  Payments made by the Wales Office in each of the last 12 months to employment agencies

  Month

  £

  1999

  July

  2,964.09

  August

  4,666.96

  September

  2,668.43

  October

  8,031.35

  November

  7,426.53

  December

  7,850.53

  2000

  January

  9,692.70

  February

  9,640.07

  March

  12,121.65

  April

  8,494.44

  May

  9,016.50

  June

  10,062.04

  Total

  92,635.29

  New Deal
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people who have participated in the New Deal in Wales had previously been unemployed for six months or more in(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999. [130986]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 17 July 2000]: This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Ombudsmen
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has held with the First Secretary in the National Assembly for Wales about the implications for Wales of the implementation of recommendations in the Cabinet Office report on the Review of the Organisation of Public Sector Ombudsmen in England. [123522]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Although I meet regularly with the First Secretary to discuss a range of issues affecting Wales, we have not had discussions specifically about the 574W
  implications for Wales of the Cabinet Office's report. The report proposes the creation of a single Ombudsman service for England by amalgamating the Parliamentary, Local Government and Health Service Ombudsmen. It will be for the National Assembly for Wales to consider the report's recommendations and to determine whether it would wish to follow the report's recommendations in relation to the Ombudsman service in Wales.

  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the implications for Wales of the implementation of the recommendations in the Cabinet Office report on the Review of the Organisation of Public Sector Ombudsmen in England. [123521]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  This report proposes the creation of a single Ombudsman service for England by amalgamating the Parliamentary, Local Government and Health Service Ombudsmen, and does not affect Wales directly. It is for the National Assembly for Wales to consider the report's recommendations and to determine whether it would wish to follow the report's recommendations in relation to the Ombudsman service in Wales.

TREASURY

  Non-Aggregate Minerals
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reason he is not proposing to introduce a tax on the extraction of non-aggregate minerals. [131917]

  Mr. Timms
  As aggregates are the largest tonnage of onshore minerals extracted, they generate the largest environmental impact, costed at around £380 million per annum in research conducted for DETR in 1997–99. The aggregates levy will send a permanent price signal about this damage, and provide an incentive for the construction industry to reduce waste and make more use of recycled material as substitutes. The scope of the levy was determined following extensive consultation with interested paries, which suggested that certain non-aggregate minerals should not be taxed. These minerals are not open to the same degree of substitution as aggregates. In some cases they are constituents of products subject to significant international competition, so the application of the levy to these materials would raise difficulties over the international competiveness of UK producers.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 23 May concerning lock purchasing. [132448]

  Mr. Timms
  There is no record of the correspondence being received. My hon. Friend would like to forward a copy, it will be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

  Tax Law Rewrite
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if there have been further developments on the Tax Law Rewrite project. [133029]
  575W
  Dawn Primarolo
  I am pleased to tell the House that the Tax Law Rewrite project will soon reach a major milestone. Next week, the Inland Revenue will publish the project's first draft Bill, on capital allowances, for a final round of consultation. The Bill will be ready for introduction in Parliament by the end of the year. Earlier versions of this rewritten legislation have been extensively revised in the light of comments and suggestions from tax professionals and other interested parties. This continuous dialogue between the project team and business interests, tax practitioners, the legal profession and Inland Revenue specialist is a key feature contributing to the success of the project.

  Aggregates Tax
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what factors were taken into account in considering the relative value to the environment of the introduction of the proposed aggregates tax and the rejection of the Quarry Products Association's New Deal package of voluntary measures. [132264]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government held discussions with the Quarry Products Association regarding its proposed package of voluntary measures for a number of months, but at the time of the Budget, no viable package was on offer. In particular, the QPA attached conditions relating to Government procurement which were considered to be inconsistent with EU procurement law and would have had potential negative implications for competition within the industry.

  The levy will achieve environmental benefits by making the price of aggregates reflect the environmental costs of quarrying and by encouraging the use of recycled aggregates.

  Spending Review
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his statement of 18 July 2000,Official Report, columns 219–44, on the Spending Review, and the document entitled "Prudent for a Purpose", Cm 4807, page 32, how he defines productivity for the purpose of his target of raising productivity; if his measure of gross domestic product per capita will incorporate regional price information; and if he will make a statement. [132248]

  Mr. Timms
  There are two measures of productivity for the purposes of the target concerned. One is output per worker, the other is output per hours worked. The source for both of these is the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

  Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita for the UK expressed in real terms is estimated using price information which is collected from a wide range of consumer outlets and businesses, chosen to ensure that prices from all parts of the UK are represented.

  Monetary Policy Committee
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 17 July 2000,Official Report, columns 98–99W, what representations he has received this year concerning new appointments to the Monetary Policy Committee; if he will publish the
  576W
  terms of reference that are used to draw up shortlists for appointments to the Monetary Policy Committee; and if he will make a statement. [131951]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The criteria for the appointment of external members of the MPC are set out in section 13(4) of the Bank of England Act 1998.

  Stock Exchanges (Stamp Duty)
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the level of stamp duty payable on transactions at the stock exchanges in(a) London, (b) New York, (c) Frankfurt, (d) Amsterdam, (e) Zurich, (f) Milan, (g) Madrid and (h) Paris. [131918]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Transfers of shares in UK-registered companies are subject to UK stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax (SDRT) wherever they are traded. Shares in non-UK companies may be traded in the UK without incurring UK stamp duties. The rate of stamp duty/SDRT on transfers of UK shares is 0.5 per cent.

  The information on the taxes imposed by other jurisdictions is available from:

  The Inventory of EU Taxes (16th Edition)

  Taxation of Individuals in Europe (International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation)

  The United States State Tax Handbook.

  HIPC
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the UK's unilateral debt cancellation initiative has been paid by(a) the Treasury and (b) Department for International Development. [132289]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  As the Department responsible for public spending in support of development, of which HIPC debt relief is a major element, the funding for debt relief is provided by the Department for International Development. Additional resources have been included in the Department for International Development's budget for the costs of debt relief.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the UK's contribution to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Trust Fund is(a) from the Treasury budget and (b) from the Department for International Development budget. [132290]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The UK has pledged over $350 million to the HIPC Trust Fund. As the Department responsible for public spending in support of development, of which HIPC debt relief is a major element, the funding for debt relief is provided by the Department for International Development.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Roads
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much was allocated for road infrastructure in England and Wales in
  577W
  (a) each year from 1993–94 to 2000–01 and (b) such future years for which information is available; and what proportion of that spending will be for funding PFI in each year. [130980]

  Spending on road infrastructure in England from 1993–94 to 2003–0

  £ million

  National roads

  PFI content

  Local roads

  PFI content

  London roads

  Total

  PFI content

  Percentage PFI

  1993–94

  2,062

  —

  2,139

  —

  1—

  4,201

  —

  —

  1994–95

  2,038

  —

  2,485

  —

  1—

  4,523

  —

  —

  1995–96

  1,760

  —

  2,468

  —

  1—

  4,228

  —

  —

  1996–97

  1,573

  —

  2,372

  —

  1—

  3,945

  —

  —

  1997–98

  1,483

  —

  2,342

  —

  1—

  3,825

  —

  —

  1998–99

  1,355

  2,313

  1—

  3,668

  —

  —

  1999–2000

  1,396

  —

  2,206

  —

  1—

  3,602

  —

  —

  2000–01

  1,396

  —

  2,420

  —

  1—

  3,816

  —

  —

  2001–02

  1,632

  206

  2,386

  59

  495

  4,512

  265

  6

  2002–03

  1,803

  220

  2,504

  103

  633

  4,940

  323

  7

  2003–04

  1,925

  239

  2,672

  153

  707

  5,304

  392

  7

  1 n/a

  Notes:

  1. Figures include new construction, improvements and maintenance.

  2. Before 2001–02, London figures are included in national or local roads as appropriate.

  3. The London provision is notional. Actual expenditure is at the discretion of the Mayor.

  Mersey Partnership
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what studies he has(a) undertaken and (b) evaluated on the sustainability of funding to the Mersey Partnership from the public sector; [131727]

  (2) what value for money assessment he has made of the public sector contributions to the Mersey Partnership. [131729]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  There have been no individual studies undertaken to look at the value for money and sustainability of funding to the Mersey Partnership from the public sector. For each Objective 1 bid a full appraisal has been undertaken which include assessments of value for money and the level of public sector contributions. Also, the Mersey Partnership's performance has been monitored primarily on a quarterly basis as Objective 1 claims are submitted; and a separate but connected process has been established for monitoring the use of the Merseyside Development Corporation's residual funding. In addition, the Regional Director of Government Office for the North West has been a member of the Mersey Partnership Board which is provided with quarterly progress reports.

  Year

  Objective 1

  Merseyside development corporation contribution fund

  Membership contributions

  Private sector contributions

  Totals

  1995–96

  609

  —

  415

  359

  1,383

  1996–97

  543

  —

  415

  388

  1,346

  1997–98

  605

  —

  412

  472

  1,489

  1998–99

  869

  689

  406

  924

  2,888

  1999–2000

  783

  1781

  382

  778

  2,724

  Total

  3,409

  1,470

  2,030

  2,921

  9,830

  1 Residual value of fund £155,000

  Notes:

  1. Includes all private sector income.

  2. Includes other private sector income e.g. sponsorship.

  3. From 1998–99 includes all private sector income from Tourism company (including "commercial" revenues generated).

  4. 1998–2000 is 15 month year for TMP and 12 month year for Tourism.

  5. Membership contributions included local authorities, Merseyside TEC, English Partnership and represent voluntary contributions as part of the partnership agreement.
  578W
  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 17 July 2000]: The table shows the figures for England between 1993–94 and 2003–04. Funding for road infrastructure in Wales is the responsibility of the National Assembly.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effect of the expenditure of public funds by the Mersey Partnership in each of the last five years. [131726]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Government Office for the north west undertakes an assessment of progress against agreed outputs for the Mersey Partnership's Objective 1 funded activities each quarter. The latest claim was received at the beginning of June and the Mersey Partnership appear to be on course to meet all the outputs by 31 December 2000, and indeed have already surpassed some of the outputs signed up-to.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what the sources were of public sector contributions to the Mersey Partnership in each of the last five years; [131724]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the division between public and private sector in membership contributions to the Mersey Partnership in each of the last five years. [131728]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Funding for the Mersey Partnership over the past five years has been as follows:
  579W
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for future public sector funding for the Mersey Partnership. [131725]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  There are no specific plans as yet, but it is anticipated that the Mersey Partnership will be making an application to the new Objective 1 programme. However, any bid will be subject to the usual rigorous appraisal that takes account of value for money and the level of public sector support. Membership subscriptions received from public sector agencies are a

  £000

  1999–2000

  1998–99

  1997

  1996

  1995

  Administration

  377

  302

  236

  284

  208

  Corporate Communications

  613

  589

  —

  49

  367

  Investor Services

  342

  319

  495

  329

  —

  Partnership Development

  162

  25

  126

  78

  76

  Research and Intelligence

  105

  144

  —

  —

  —

  Image Promotion/Public

  —

  132

  657

  559

  948

  Added Value Programmes

  369

  129

  —

  —

  —

  Tourism

  681

  538

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  2,649

  2,178

  1,514

  1,299

  1,599

  Operational ratios (Expressed as a percentage of total expenditure)

  Administrative overhead

  15.2%

  Full unallocated establishment cost

  34.6%

  Cost per job created (excluding tourism expenditure)

  £1,172

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the resignation of the Chief Executive of the Mersey Partnership. [132088]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The resignation of the Chief Executive is a matter for him and the board of the Mersey Partnership. I understand the Chief Executive announced his intention to step down from the post at the end of July, and the board will appoint an interim manager until a new Chief Executive has been appointed.

  Aviation
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the remit and role are of the sectoral teams in the new Joint Aviation Requirement-Flight Crew Licensing Committee procedures proposed at the JAR-FCL Committee meeting of 8 to 11 May; and how the new procedures will improve the accountability of the JAR-FCL Committee and its Examination Sub-Committee to the Governments of the member states of the Joint Aviation Authorities. [132003]

  Mr. Mullin
  Under a reorganisation at the Joint Aviation Authorities its specialist committees will be replaced by sectorial teams. The exact remit and role of these teams are still being developed within the JAA. The actions of the JAA are generally accountable to the Governments of the JAA member states through the JAA board.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the provisions of Paragraph 10.2.1.1. of Section 5,
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  matter for those organisations and they have to decide whether they are receiving value for money, although I understand most subscriptions are now underpinned by service level agreements.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on spending under the principal expenditure headings using public funds by the Mersey Partnership in each of the last five years. [131730]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Expenditure by the Mersey Partnership over the past five years has been as follows:

  Chapter 10 of the document, JAA administrative and guidance material, referring to harmonised conduct of the JAA ATPL theoretical knowledge examinations throughout Joint Aviation Authorities member states, have not been enforced. [132002]

  Mr. Mullin
  Paragraph 10.2.1.1 of Section 5, Chapter 10 of the JAA administrative and guidance material states an intention to harmonise the procedures for the conduct of JAA theoretical knowledge examinations. I can assure you that the UK applies the harmonised procedures.

  The national aviation authorities in all JAA member states will be subject to a standardisation visit to ensure that the state complies with the agreed procedures. If these visits reveal that the state does not comply with the harmonised procedures, its licence holders will not benefit from the mutual recognition provisions of JAR-FCL.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is the Government's policy to ensure, through the Civil Aviation Authority, that the Joint Aviation Authorities introduce regulations that permit the harmonisation of JAA ATPL theoretical knowledge examination procedures in all member states of the JAA. [132000]

  Mr. Mullin
  Requirements for the harmonisation of theoretical knowledge examination procedures are already contained in the Joint Aviation Requirements—Flight Crew Licensing. The national aviation authorities in all JAA member states will be subject to a standardisation visit to ensure that the state complies with the agreed procedures. If these visits reveal that the state does not comply with the harmonised procedures, its licence holders will not benefit from the mutual recognition provisions of JAR-FCL.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions where responsibility lies in the Joint Aviation Authorities or Civil Aviation Authority for ensuring that the JAA ATPL
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  examination guidelines published at Attachment 2 to Paragraph 10 of Chapter 10, Section 5 of JAA Administrative and Guidance Material are followed. [132001]

  Mr. Mullin
  Attachment 2 to Paragraph 10 of Chapter 10, Section 5 of JAA Administrative and Guidance Material refers to the construction of individual theoretical knowledge examination questions. The responsibility for ensuring that these questions comply with the guidelines rests with the Joint Aviation Authorities' Flight Crew Licensing Committee through its Sub-Committee for Examinations and with the individual member states' subject expert teams.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the Joint Aviation Requirement-Flight Crew Licensing Committee is not minded to accept the proposals of the European Association of Airline Pilot Schools to review the central question bank and the learning objectives of the JAA ATPL theoretical knowledge examinations. [132004]

  Mr. Mullin
  I understand that this proposal was rejected because review by the European Association of Airline Pilot Schools would infringe the confidentiality of the central question bank. The Association has two representatives on the committee and should be fully aware of the reasons for the rejection of these proposals.

  Child Safety
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what funds have been allocated to Shrewsbury and Atcham borough council for(a) child safety and (b) safe routes to school, for each year since 1997. [131708]

  Mr. Hill
  Between 1996–97 and 1999–2000, Shropshire county council was allocated funding through the Transport Policies and Programme (TPP) system towards local safety schemes, integrated transport packages and minor works. Any funding for child safety schemes and safe routes to school would have been made from the local safety scheme element of these allocations. The table gives details of the total TPP allocations to Shropshire from 1996–97 to 1999–2000.

  £ million

  Year

  Total TPP allocation

  1996–97

  4.328

  1997–98

  4.207

  1998–99

  3.364

  1999–2000

  4.348

  From 2000–01 onwards, under the new Local Transport Plan system, authorities receive an integrated capital block allocation for all local transport and maintenance purposes—except schemes costing more than £5 million, which are funded separately. For 2000–01, Shropshire has been allocated £6.093 million for these purposes.

  Housing Renovation
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what funds have been allocated to Shrewsbury and Atcham borough council to reduce the backlog of housing renovation work for each year since 1997. [131707]
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  Mr. Mullin
  The table shows the resources allocated to Shrewsbury and Atcham by central government to help finance their overall programme for housing investment. The decision about the share of this programme to be devoted to tackling backlog repairs in the council housing stock is a matter for the local authority.

  £000

  1997–98

  1,429

  1998–99

  1,699

  1999–2000

  1,664

  2000–01

  2,581

  The figures cover the main Housing Investment Programme (HIP) allocations and the resources allocated through the Capital Receipts Initiative (1997–98 to 1999–2000 only). The 2000–01 allocation includes resources for support for private sector renewal grants which was previously provided in a separate ring-fenced allocation.

  Cyclists
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the damage to the environment caused by cyclists in(a) rural areas and (b) areas of outstanding natural beauty. [132065]

  Mr. Mullin
  My Department has made no such estimate. Together with Government agencies and nongovernmental organisations, we seek to encourage responsible behaviour in the countryside by all users to ensure that damage is kept to a minimum.

  Partnership Investment Programme
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the abolition of the Partnership Investment Programme on the Government's 60 per cent. target for development on brownfield sites. [132571]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The necessary closure of the PIP scheme, following a European Commission decision, is not helpful to us in achieving the 60 per cent. target. However, this funding mechanism was only one method of achieving a target to which a number of programmes and policies contribute. We are determined to achieve that target. As announced in the Spending Review last week, we are making additional substantial resources available to the RDA's programmes, including £60 million this year and £150 million next year for physical regeneration.

  Recycling and Composting
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the Government's recycling and composting targets for each of the next five years. [132569]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Government have set the following targets for recycling and composting of household waste:to recycle or compost 17 per cent. of household waste in the financial year 2003–04
  to recycle or compost 25 per cent. of household waste in the financial year 2005–06.
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  There are no specific targets for the recycling and composting of industrial and commercial waste. However the Government have set a target of, by 2005, reducing the amount of commercial and industrial waste landfilled to 85 per cent. of that landfilled in 1998.

  Aircraft Noise
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations his Department has received about early morning air flights over the London Borough of Wandsworth. [132630]

  Mr. Mullin
  Over past three months one letter has been received from a resident of SW11(Battersea).

  Beach Pollution (Southport)
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what(a) levels and (b) types of beach pollution were measured in Southport in each year since 1994. [132490]

  Mr. Mullin
  The bathing water at Southport passed the mandatory coliform standards of the Bathing Water Directive in 1994, 1996 and 1998 but failed in 1995, 1997 and 1999. I refer the hon. Member to my Department's annual publications "Bathing Water Directive, Detailed Summary of Survey Results, United Kingdom", available in the Library, for information on levels and types of beach pollution for each year in question. Details are also available on the Environment Agency's internet site: "www.environment-agency.gov.uk", and then follow "What's in your backyard".

  Housing Investment Programme
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which local authorities have scored better than average rating for their Housing Investment Programme assessment. [132511]

  Mr. Mullin
  Details of the performance assessment rating given to each housing authority in the 1999 Housing Investment Programme were included in the press notice (DETR 1160/99) issued on 7 December 1999, which announced housing capital allocations for 2000–01.

  Water Additives
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what chemical compounds are added to water supplies by water companies; from what sources these compounds are derived; what is the(a) largest, (b) smallest and (c) average dosage added; what powers are available to him in respect of the addition of such compounds to the water supply; and what recent research his Department has (i) undertaken and (ii) evaluated into the environmental impact of increasing the levels of fluoride in water. [132420]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989 provide for approval by the Secretary of State of products, substances and processes used in the provision of public water supplies. The Secretary of State is advised on approvals issues by the Committee on Chemicals and Materials for Use in Public Water Supply. That Committee also considers the impact on the environment of residues from approved chemicals. The 584W
  Secretary of State's list of approved products, which includes all chemicals approved for use in public water supplies, is published annually by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. The list is installed on the inspectorate's website, www.dwi.detr.gov.uk, and includes as a public health protection measure, conditions of approval that limit the maximum dosing concentrations.

  Coastal Byelaws
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to take forward the recommendations of the Review of Byelaws for the Coast published in 1998. [132645]

  Mr. Mullin
  We shall implement the review's recommendations, which require legislation when parliamentary and other pressures permit. We have already published a voluntary code of best and safe practice for leisure craft users, and we are exploring options for a voluntary boat registration and identification scheme.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many unfilled vacancies for permanent staff his Department has; what percentage of staff positions in his Department are vacant; what the monthly cost would be to his Department of employing civil servants in these positions; how many and what percentage of staff his Department employs on a temporary basis through employment agencies; how much his Department paid employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the last 12 months; and how much he expects to pay employment agencies to supply temporary staff in each of the next 12 months. [131435]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The number of permanent, casual and temporary staff employed by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Centre), and cost associated with employing temporary staff, are set out in the tables. The Department does not have a target number of posts to be filled by permanent staff. Budgets for staff fall within the Department's running cost limits. Vacant posts are filled by permanent or casual staff, or by temporary staff, depending on the nature and duration of work.

  Number of staff in DETR(C)

  Permanent

  Casual

  Temporary

  Total

  July 1999

  Number

  3,844

  50

  195

  4,089

  Percentage

  94.0

  1.2

  4.8

  August 1999

  Number

  3,730

  57

  173

  3,960

  Percentage

  94.2

  1.4

  4.4

  September 1999

  Number

  3,773

  61

  164

  3,998

  Percentage

  94.4

  1.5

  4.1

  October 1999

  Number

  3,789

  40.0

  185

  4,014

  Percentage

  94.0

  1.0

  4.6

  November 1999

  Number

  3,820

  39

  162

  4,021

  Percentage

  95.0

  1.0

  4.0

  December 1999

  Number

  3,836

  44

  130

  4,010

  Percentage

  95.7

  1.1

  3.2

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  Number of staff in DETR(C)

  Permanent

  Casual

  Temporary

  Total

  January 2000

  Number

  3,832

  43

  145

  4,020

  Percentage

  95.3

  1.1

  3.6

  February 2000

  Number

  3,872

  43

  171

  4,086

  Percentage

  94.8

  1.1

  4.2

  March 2000

  Number

  3,897

  41

  192

  4,130

  Percentage

  94.4

  1.0

  4.6

  April 2000

  Number

  3,912

  39

  148

  4,099

  Percentage

  95.4

  1.0

  3.6

  May 2000

  Number

  3,925

  41

  116

  4,082

  Percentage

  96.2

  1.0

  2.8

  June 2000

  Number

  3,946

  39

  157

  4,142

  Percentage

  95.3

  0.9

  3.8

  April 20011

  Number

  3,924

  29

  41

  3,994

  Percentage

  98

  0.7

  1.0

  1Forecast number of staff in DETR(C) including casual and temporary staff—monthly forecast data are not available

  Staff costs

  Temporary

  Permanent

  July 1999

  Number

  195

  195

  Costs (£000)

  292

  252

  August 1999

  Number

  173

  173

  Costs (£000)

  290

  224

  September 1999

  Number

  164

  164

  Costs (£000)

  276

  212

  October 1999

  Number

  185

  185

  Costs (£000)

  135

  240

  November 1999

  Number

  162

  162

  Costs (£000)

  294

  210

  December 1999

  Number

  130

  130

  Costs (£000)

  189

  168

  January 2000

  Number

  145

  145

  Costs (£000)

  212

  188

  February 2000

  Number

  171

  171

  Costs (£000)

  238

  221

  March 2000

  Number

  192

  192

  Costs (£000)

  290

  249

  April 2000

  Number

  148

  148

  Costs (£000)

  221

  192

  May 2000

  Number

  116

  116

  Costs (£000)

  172

  150

  June 2000

  Number

  157

  157

  Costs (£000)

  235

  203

  April 2001

  Number

  41

  41

  Costs (£000)

  725

  637

  Definitions:

  Permanent = established civil servants

  Definitions:

  Permanent = established civil servants
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  Casual = employed by the Department on a short-term basis, not exceeding one year

  Temporary = employed on a temporary basis through employment agencies

  Notes:

  1. All staff numbers have been calculated on a full-time equivalent basis

  2. DETR(C) staff numbers do not include Government Office, Agency and NDPB's therefore comparisons cannot be made with Cabinet/Treasury reports

  3. Figures for temporary staff have been based on the total number of hours invoiced (based on 36 hour week)

  4. Average cost for permanent staff to replace temporary staff are compared with Pay £15,538 per annum

  5. Statistics for temporary staff may not be complete—local arrangements are in place—clarification of details could be obtained only at disproportionate cost

  6. Monetary values are in £000.

  Connex South Central
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 17 July 2000,Official Report, column 54W, on Connex South Central, what plans he has to introduce requirements for train operators to provide for a well planned and smooth changeover period between franchises in future franchise contracts. [132291]

  Mr. Hill
  The Franchising Director has produced a revised template franchise agreement for replacement franchises. This contains improved provisions for smooth transfer at the end of the franchises.

  Radiological Protection
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Government plan to implement the justification requirements of Euratom Directive 96/29 on radiological protection; and if he will make a statement. [130875]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government are still considering the best means of implementing these requirements in the light of advice received from the Health and Safety Commission.

  A63
  Mr. David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress of and prospects for the proposed new junction on the A63 at Melton. [132652]

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

  Letter from Peter Nutt to Mr. David Davis, dated 25 July 2000:
  The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question in which you asked if he "will make a statement on the progress of and prospects for the proposed new junction on the A63 at Melton".
  In A New Deal for Trunk Roads in England, the Government confirmed its commitment to the scheme by stating that preparatory works would continue, so that it could be taken forward without delay, subject to full appraisal and the views of the Regional Planning Bodies. We are currently waiting for the formal views of the Regional Planning Body on this scheme. It has responsibility for

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  preparing draft regional planning guidance, encompassing a long-term regional transport strategy, and consulting on it, before its submission to Ministers for approval.
  We are continuing preparation so as to be able to discuss very quickly with local people draft highway and compulsory purchase orders. If made, these orders would give the legal authority to build the scheme. Further progress would be dependent on any objections and associated statutory procedures.
  If you wish to discuss any aspect of the above further, please contact Alan Burgess, the Highways Agency's Project Manager for the scheme, on 0113 283 5417.

  Building Regulations
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish proposals for amendments to Part H of the Building Regulations which deals with drainage and solid waste; and if he will make a statement. [132575]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  A consultation paper was issued today setting out proposals for the revision of the Approved Document to Part H of the Building Regulations.

  The new document provides guidance on sustainable urban drainage systems in order to satisfy requests for information on sustainable water use, and guidance on solid waste storage to encourage recycling.

  As well as addressing a wide range of technical issues, the review of Part H has included the examination of the enabling legislation which sets out how the Building Regulations related to drainage and solid waste should be applied. This should enable all those involved with the provision of drainage for buildings to make better informed decisions on the system of drainage to be used.

  Rural and Urban White Papers
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to publish the Rural White Paper. [132157]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Rural White Paper is being prepared in tandem with a White Paper on urban policy and we intend that both White Papers will be published when the House returns in the autumn.

  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish the Urban White Paper. [132156]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Urban White Paper is being prepared in tandem with a White Paper on rural policy and we intend that both White Papers will be published when the House returns in the autumn.

  Fishing Vessels
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish(a) a consultation draft and (b) a final draft of the proposed safety code for fishing vessels under 12 metres in length. [132155]

  Mr. Hill
  I will consider shortly the current proposals and the views of the Fishing Industry Safety Group on a new safety regime for under 12 metres fishing vessels. Thereafter we will commence formal consultation in August on proposals to change the existing statutory 588W
  safety regime, including a draft Code of Practice. Subject to the results of consultation we hope to publish the code by the end of the year.

  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the need for new safety measures for under 12 metre fishing vessels. [132154]

  Mr. Hill
  Earlier this year, I reviewed the work undertaken by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the fishing industry to develop a new statutory safety regime for under 12 metre fishing vessels based on a code of safe practice. I also reviewed accident and search and rescue information for this sector. I will shortly consider current proposals, together with the views of the Fishing Industry Safety Group.

  Aggregates and Other Minerals
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the environmental impact of the extraction of minerals other than aggregates. [131923]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Part 1 of the London Economics study "The Environmental Costs and Benefits of the Supply of Aggregates", published in 1998, examined how far the estimates of the value of environmental impacts of aggregates could be transferred to the surface extraction of other minerals. It was found that extraction of other surface minerals does not create any specific or additional environmental impacts that were not identified in the case of aggregates. However, the estimates of the value of the costs cannot generally be transferred directly, because the size of the environmental impacts of different types of extractive operations vary, and there may also be specific local factors.

  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the constituent elements are of the average environmental cost of £1.80 per tonne associated with the extraction and transport of aggregates quoted in HM Customs & Excise press release Number 5 of 21 March. [131915]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Total environmental cost was estimated as at least £380 million tonnes per annum for 208 million tonnes of land-won primary aggregate. Just over half of the total estimated costs relate to local impacts of quarrying. The remainder relates to the non-local impacts of quarrying in National Parks and AONBs, generated by the application of the national survey results to such areas. It was assumed that quarries outside these areas have an impact only on those who live locally.

  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research he has commissioned to identify the environmental cost and benefits of the supply of minerals other than aggregates. [131921]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  No research has been commissioned to identify the environmental cost and benefits of the supply of minerals other than aggregates.

  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the environmental costs per tonne are for each of the
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  16 crushed rock and sand and gravel quarries surveyed in the London Economics report into the supply of aggregates. [131916]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The quarries were selected in order to provide a coverage that was representative of all aggregate quarries in Great Britain in terms of source type, scale of output and population density. The methodology used could not generate robust estimates of environmental costs at the level of the individual quarry.

  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason the report he commissioned from London Economics into the supply of aggregates does not include a valuation of benefits. [131920]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Government fully recognise the importance of aggregates to the economy. While there is a substantial body of information on the value and uses of aggregates, there had not previously been a valuation of the environmental effects of extraction.

  The first phase of the research, published in April 1998, identified that the principal potential environmental benefits of aggregates extraction lie in the restoration of former quarries. Restoration could only be considered an externality—a benefit not reflected in the price of aggregates—if the value of the site was better after restoration than before operations began. It was not possible to identify any such sites in the time available. Most quarries are restored to a level in keeping with the surrounding landscape.

  More generally, the survey method used assessed the value that respondents placed on the environmental impacts of quarries. This value therefore reflected the balance of perceived environmental benefits and costs of the quarry remaining open for its permitted lifespan.

  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the research he commissioned from London Economics into the supply of aggregates included survey questions designed to value the cost of aggregate supply from areas of outstanding natural beauty. [131922]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The research included a national survey to evaluate the costs of quarrying in areas of special environmental value. To elicit such values, respondents were asked about attitudes to quarrying in the Yorkshire Dales and Peak District National Parks. While attitudes to quarrying in other national parks or areas of outstanding natural beauty were not examined directly, the results of the national survey can be used to inform judgments about the values placed on quarrying in such areas. National planning policies for minerals are identical in the national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty, reflecting the equivalent value society places on landscape protection in the two types of area.

  Crossrail
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) who will have responsibility and over what timescale for taking forward the proposals on Crossrail contained in his Department's 10 year transport plan; and if he will make a statement; [132516]
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  (2) if it is his policy that the proposed Crossrail link should connect with the Chiltern Line; and if he will make a statement. [132517]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government's 10 Year Transport Plan announced last week by the Deputy Prime Minister envisages that an east-west rail link will go ahead. The shadow Strategic Rail Authority is currently undertaking a review of the possible east-west cross-London links and expects to report its findings to Ministers by the end of the year. Crossrail is one option for providing through services which will be considered and funding for preparatory work for an east-west rail link, such as Crossrail, was included in London's settlement under the spending review announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor last week. The Mayor will wish to consider Crossrail in the light of his priorities for an integrated transport strategy for London. A number of options exist for the westerly connections to the Crossrail option, including the Chiltern lines.

  Chiltern Line
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions who will be responsible for taking forward the capacity enhancements on the Chiltern line mentioned on page 47 of his Department's 10-year transport plan; what works will be included in these enhancements; over what timescale this will be; at what cost to public funds; and if he will make a statement. [132518]

  Mr. Hill
  The Chiltern franchise is one which the Franchising Director is currently re-negotiating and a decision surrounding a preferred bidder is expected shortly. When this decision is announced, the shadow Strategic Rail Authority will be in a position to provide capacity enhancement details on the Chiltern lines which have been developed as a part of the bidding process.

  Central Railway plc
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his policy is towards Central Railway plc in the context of his Department's 10-year transport plan. [132519]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government cannot comment on the proposals that are being developed by Central Railway plc, as I understand they may in due course be the subject of a Transport and Works Act application.

  Seat Belts
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 2 May 2000,Official Report, columns 3–4W, on seat belts, what plans he has to publish the results of the public consultation exercise, being conducted by his Department, on draft regulations to require seat belts to be fitted to minibuses, coaches and buses which do not carry standing passengers. [132393]

  Mr. Hill
  Copies of the responses to the consultation exercise have been placed in the library of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions where they can be viewed by appointment. A list of respondents has also been placed in the House Library. We plan to
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  write to all the respondents when the regulations are published, explaining changes made following the consultation.

  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received about the provision of seat belts in buses carrying more than 16 passengers seats but incapable of exceeding 60 mph when they are used for school trips. [132392]

  Mr. Hill
  We have received 13 letters since the beginning of the year expressing concern about children being carried on buses without seat belts.

  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what grants are available in the UK to enable coach operators to fit seat belts in minibuses, coaches and buses used in transporting children to and from school; and if he will make a statement. [132394]

  Mr. Hill
  We are not aware of any grants available specifically for this purpose. The majority of existing minibuses and coaches will already be equipped with seat belts, and we estimate that over 95 per cent. of new minibuses and coaches are now fitted with seat belts at the time of manufacture.

  GMOs
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what end use or uses are planned for the 250 hectares of GM herbicide-tolerant maize being produced annually in UK field trials. [132647]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government's agreement with the industry body SCIMAC, which was announced on 5 November 1999, sets out what will happen to the Farm Scale Evaluations produce.

  The GM maize does not currently have all the necessary approvals to enter the UK food or feed chain. Therefore, the GM maize (and the all of the other GM crops) being grown in this year's farm scale evaluations programme will be destroyed.

  Should the GM maize receive full clearance for food or feed safety during the farm scale evaluations period, the resulting produce will be utilised within identity-preserved channels which will ensure that consumer choice can at all times be respected.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the recent deliberations of the informal gathering of Environmental Ministers on GMOs in Paris. [132648]

  Mr. Meacher
  I represented the United Kingdom at an informal meeting of EU Environment Ministers in Paris between 14 and 16 July. On 14 July, the Presidency facilitated a discussion on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) whose purpose was to look at wider issues outside the strict framework of the current revision to Directive 90/220 on the deliberate release of GMOs to the environment.

  No decisions were taken as a result of this informal discussion. Ministers agreed, however, that it is important to finalise the conciliation procedure between the Council
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  and the European Parliament on the revised Directive 90/220 and to ensure that the Directive is implemented in a framework which takes account of wider issues such as labelling, traceability and liability.

  The Commission indicated that it would present new proposals on labelling and traceability of GMOs and GMO products in the autumn. It also undertook to work with member states to ensure that decisions under Directive 90/220 can be taken in a way which respects both legal obligations and the need to provide a high level of protection for consumers and the environment.

  Air Routes
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on varying the Cranford agreement at Heathrow to create more slots for fragile routes in the UK. [132528]

  Mr. Mullin
  My Department is currently undertaking a study into all aspects of airport capacity in South East England, having regard to future forecasts of demand. This is looking at a wide range of options: at this stage, nothing is ruled in and nothing is ruled out. However, there are currently no plans to modify the Cranford agreement.

  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's role in the creation of public service obligations on internal UK air routes between Heathrow and fragile rural locations. [132522]

  Mr. Mullin
  The use of public service obligations (PSOs) is governed by European Regulation 2408/92. This empowers member states to impose a PSO on a route serving a peripheral or development region or on a thin route to any regional airport, where such a route is considered vital for the economic development of the region in which the airport is located, and where an adequate standard of service would not be provided by air carriers having regard solely to their commercial interest. Those standards relate to the continuity, regularity, capacity and pricing of services.

  The UK Government have imposed PSOs on certain lifeline routes serving the Scottish Highlands and Islands. There are no PSOs on routes to London. A judgment in the European Court of Justice suggests that any PSO would have to be city to city, and not airport specific.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many tenants in local authority and housing association accommodation are lone parents; what proportion of the total they constitute; and what proportion of new tenancies in the past year have been given to lone parents. [132399]

  Mr. Mullin: The figures requested are as follows (for England only):
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  Registered Social Landlords (RSL)
  It is estimated that in March 1999 there were 180,000 lone-parent households living in RSL accommodation; about 17 per cent. of the total. (note 2)
  There were 204,168 new RSL lettings between April 1999 and March 2000, comprising 143,135 general needs lettings and 61,033 supported housing lettings. Lone-parent households accounted for 39,534 lettings (19 per cent. of the total). (note 3)

  Local Authorities
  At the national level, there is less information available for local authority households than for RSL households. (note 4)
  In 1998–99 there were an estimated 503,000 local authority households headed by lone parents; about 15 per cent. of the total.
  Of these, 81,000 had been resident for less than a year (21 per cent. of the local authority households that had been resident for less than a year).

  Notes:

  1. A lone parent with dependent children is defined as any person who is not married or cohabiting and who has their dependent children (aged under 16 or 16–18 and still in full-time education) living with them. Lone parents might be single (never married), widowed, divorced or separated.

  2. RSL Tenants' Survey, 1999–2000, carried out by MORI on behalf of The Housing Corporation. Estimates are subject to sampling variation.

  3. New RSL lettings data is from CORE General Needs and CORE Supported Housing, April 1999 to March 2000.

  4. Local authority figures given are estimates from a sample survey, the "DETR Survey of English Housing", and therefore are subject to sampling variation.

  Planning Appeals
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy on recovering planning appeals in England. [132884]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Most planning appeals are transferred to the Planning Inspectorate for Inspectors to decide on behalf of the Secretary of State. Typically between 100 and 150 appeals have been recovered by the Secretary of State for his own determination, out of around 13,000 planning appeals each year. My right hon. Friend's policy for recovering cases is set out in the following guidelines:

  1. Residential development of five or more hectares or of 150 or more dwellings regardless of size of site.

  2. Proposals for development of major importance having more than local significance.

  3. Proposals giving rise to significant public controversy.

  4. Proposals which raise important or novel issues of development control.

  5. Retail or leisure development over 9,000 sq m.

  6. Proposals for significant development in the Green Belt.

  7. Major proposals involving the winning and working of minerals.

  8. Proposals which raise legal difficulties.

  9. Proposals against which another Government Department has raised major objections.

  10. Cases which can only be decided in conjunction with a case over which Inspectors have no jurisdiction (so-called "linked" cases).

  11. There may on occasion be other cases which merit recovery because of the particular circumstances.

  These criteria replace the previous guidelines for recovering appeals set out in the 1986 White Paper "Planning: Appeals, Call-In and Major Public Inquiries" (Command 43).

  Packaging Regulations
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultations on the packaging regulations and related matters he plans in 2000; and if he will make a statement. [133098]

  Mr. Meacher
  A consultation on the charging mechanism for registration fees for compliance scheme members was published in May and the responses to that paper will be considered and decisions announced in due course. I will also shortly be issuing a paper with business recovery and recycling targets that the Government propose for 2001. The Government do not intend to carry out any further consultations in 2000.

  In late 1999, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions announced that it intended to carry out a consultation on the accreditation system for reprocessors under the packaging regulations, and related matters. However, earlier this year, an application for Judicial Review was made to the courts of a decision taken by the Environment Agency as to who should and who should not be accredited as a reprocessor for the purposes of the packaging regulations. As the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is a party to this litigation, the proposed consultation will now be deferred until a court ruling has been given.

  I was also minded to consult industry on proposals that have been put to me to change the operation of the Packaging Waste Recovery Note (PRN) System, but in view of the need for industry to focus fully at this stage on achieving the packaging directive recovery and recycling targets, which must be met in 2001, I have decided to defer the decision on whether to consult on this matter until after the deadline for meeting the directive targets has been met next year.

  Local Authorities (Electricity Suppliers)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those local authorities which trade in electricity; and if he will make a statement. [130628]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have been asked to reply.

  The records of the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets show no local authorities as licensed electricity suppliers. As with any other legal person, a local authority which meets the requirements of licence exemption (set out in Statutory Instrument 1997 No. 989) may supply without a licence, and is not required to register with the regulator or the Department.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) of 9 June 2000,Official Report, column 397W, on the Millennium Dome, what average gross yield entrance receipt per visitor was anticipated for the Millennium Dome prior to 1 January. [126263]
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  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 20 June 2000]: The average gross yield entrance receipt per visitor to the Millennium Dome anticipated prior to 1 January 2000, was £15.37.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of schoolchildren from Wales who have visited the Millennium Dome free of charge. [131049]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 17 July 2000]: To date 23,000 schoolchildren from Wales have been allocated free school trips to the Dome.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of people from Wales who have visited the Millennium Dome. [131050]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 17 July 2000]: There are various ways of purchasing tickets to visit the Dome, from Lottery outlets around the country, from the Dome Ticket Line, from travel and tourism companies and in person at the Dome. With so many possible purchase sources it is impossible to estimate the exact number of visitors from one particular location.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he last met Mr. Robert Bourne of Legacy plc; what representations he has received from(a) Mr. Robert Bourne and (b) Legacy plc; and what discussions he has had with Legacy plc regarding the future use of the Dome site. [131369]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport last met Robert Bourne on 30 March 2000. The future use of the Dome was not discussed. In December 1999 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State took a decision to stand apart from the decision making process in recognition of the contacts which he has had with Robert Bourne of Legacy plc. Since December 1999, he has not received any representations from Robert Bourne or any other member of Legacy plc on the future use of the Dome.

  Osborne House
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health regarding the use of surplus beds at Osborne convalescent home by recuperating NHS patients. [127312]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 22 June 2000]: Osborne House Convalescent Home remains open until the middle of October 2000 to recuperating NHS patients who are serving or retired members of the armed forces or the civil service. There has been no reason to discuss this current facility with the Secretary of State for Health, although note has been taken of the substantial alternative private sector provision available on the Isle of Wight.

  New Millennium Experience Company
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the firms of quantity surveyors employed by the New Millennium Experience Company since May 1997, the duration of their contracts and the remuneration paid to them in each case. [127309]
  596W
  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 22 June 2000]: The New Millennium Experience Company is currently employing Currie & Brown and Always Sayer and have done so since their contracts commenced in August 1997 and July 1998 respectively. As the contracts with both companies are ongoing, details of the fees paid to each are commercially confidential. Additional quantity surveying services have been provided by McAlpine Laing Joint Venture, as part of their construction management duties. The overall fee paid was calculated as a percentage of the construction cost, so it is not possible to separate the figure for the quantity surveying element of their work.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much money was committed by the New Millennium Experience Company to underwrite the costs of the firework display on the River Thames on New Year's Eve. [128506]

  Janet Anderson
  The amount spent by the New Millennium Experience Company for the display, including fireworks, was £1.447 million.

  Broadcasting and Telecommunications
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list those who have been formally invited to make submissions in respect of the forthcoming White Paper on broadcasting and telecommunications. [129686]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 7 July 2000]: My right hon. Friend has, in conjunction with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, sought views on the White Paper in a number of ways. The scope of the White Paper was announced to the House on 3 February 2000, Official Report, columns 729W and 668W. On 19 April 2000, Official Report, columns 499W and 548w, my right hon. Friends announced to the House that all views should be submitted in writing or via e-mail by 23 June and officials wrote on the same day inviting submissions from stakeholders in industry and related organisations, identified from those who had contributed to recent consultations on the topic. Details were widely publicised including on the official White Paper website (www.communicationswhitepaper.gov.uk). Further copies of the letter were sent out on request, to a total of 287 organisations and individuals. A list of their names has been placed in the Library.

  As my right hon. Friends announced on 17 May 2000, Official Report, columns 125W and 131W, they also invited a number of experts to prepare papers and these were discussed at a seminar on 3 July. The expert team consisted of Sir Quentin Thomas (chair), David Cleevely, Liz Forgan, Andrew Graham, Janice Hughes, Mark Oliver, Damian Tambini and George Yarrow. The papers, with the report of the seminar's Chair, are also posted on the website, and copies have been placed in the Library, as announced on 21 July 2000, Official Report, columns 361W and 343W.

  Millennium Festival
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on progress with the Millennium Festival in(a) Scotland and (b) the United Kingdom. [129931]
  597W
  Janet Anderson
  Through the commitment of the 11 UK National Lottery distributors, working in partnership with the New Millennium Experience Company, a £100 million Millennium Festival fund has been made available for national, regional and local Millennium celebrations in the year 2000.

  The Millennium Festival in Scotland has provided £11 million to fund over 500 events throughout Scotland from the Highlands to the Borders. Highlights have included "The Thrie Estaties", a re-creation of one of Scotland's oldest pieces of drama recently performed in Fife and the Commonwealth Youth Games which will see young people from 14 countries coming to Edinburgh to compete in eight different sports. There have also been many hundreds of community events held across the country from Stewartry in Dumfries and Galloway to Inverness and Arbroath. The feedback received by the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) from smaller and local groups has been very positive.

  A further £89 million has been made available for thousands of events, festivals, arts and sports activities which have been taking place throughout the year, across the rest of the UK. The Millennium Festival of Cycling celebrated the millennium with local family fun days, bike surgeries and a Cycle to Work day; the National Trust Coast Show has toured the UK coast with the Grand Turk, a replica 18th century frigate, providing an on-board exhibition of the maritime conservation work of the Trust and promoting public access to Britain's coastline; while the voice of young Britain has been heard on the internet radio station Youth FM, which has toured the UK with its mobile studio.

  BBC (Independent Production Quotas)
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he expects to receive the report of the Director General of Fair Trading into the BBC's compliance with the independent production quotas for the year ending 31 March 1999; how long it has taken to report in previous years; for what reasons there was a delay this year; and if he will set a deadline for receiving such reports in future. [131568]

  Janet Anderson
  The Report of the Director General of Fair Trading into the BBC's compliance with the independent production quotas for the year ending 31 March 1999 is expected to be published in September. This is later than would normally be the case. The reporting period corresponds with the BBC's financial year (1 April to 31 March) and the Director General's report is usually published towards the end of the calendar year. The delay has been caused by the need to reach agreement on some issues of legal interpretation arising from the introduction of digital channels.

  Hyde Park Cycle Way
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many accidents caused by cyclists there have been on the Hyde Park cycle way since it was opened. [131998]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Responsibility for the subject of this question has been delegated to the Royal Parks Agency under its Chief Executive, William Weston. I have asked them to arrange for a reply to be given.
  598W
  Letter from William Weston to Mr. Bernard Jenkin, dated 25 July 2000:
  I have been asked by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the number of accidents caused by cyclists on the Hyde Park cycle way since it was opened.
  I am afraid I am unable to give you the information you have asked for. We keep a record of accidents involving injury to park users that are reported to the park manager or the Royal Parks Constabulary. The police do not investigate the cause of an accident on the cycle way unless there is evidence (or an accusation) that the cyclist was riding recklessly or dangerously, in which case the police would consider reporting the cyclist for prosecution.
  The original cycle route in Hyde Park was opened in 1975 and records are no longer available for earlier years. We have no record of anyone being reported for prosecution for dangerous cycling as a result of an accident since the Royal Parks Agency came into existence in 1993.

  Free Television Licence
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people living in the London Borough of Wandsworth will benefit from the introduction of a free television licence for a person aged 75 years or over. [131952]

  Janet Anderson
  Television licences cover households rather than individuals. Figures for the number of households which will benefit from the concession are not available. However, the 1991 Census County Report Series, published by the Office for National Statistics, shows the population of the London Borough of Wandsworth as 252,425 of which 2.10 per cent. were men aged 75 and over and 4.47 per cent. were women aged 75 and over.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 2 May 2000,Official Report, column 21W, if he will provide a breakdown of the £23.4 million cost of administering the concessionary television licence scheme for people aged 75 years and over. [131655]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The estimated costs of administering free television licences for people aged 75 or over in 2000–01 are £24.3 million rather than £23.4 million as stated in my reply to the hon. Member of 2 May 2000, Official Report, column 20W, a transposition error for which I apologise. £3.3 million of these costs represent a carry over of set-up costs incurred in 1999–2000.

  These costs will be met by the Department of Social Security, via payments to the BBC. The BBC is responsible for the administration of the scheme and has advised that a detailed breakdown of these costs is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost and by diverting resources which would otherwise be devoted to the successful implementation of the scheme.

  Stonehenge
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the total amount is spent by(a) his Department and its predecessor and (b) English Heritage since its establishment on (i) design work, (ii) public consultation and inquiries and (iii) other identifiable costs in connection with Stonehenge. [131535]
  599W
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 19 October 1999, Official Report, column 427W, giving details of costs up to mid October 1999. Since that date English Heritage has spent; (i) no money on design work, (ii) £23,758 on public consultation and inquiries, and (iii) £778,570 which includes consultancy fees relating to the new visitor centre, the World Heritage Site Management Plan and contributions towards the cost of the A303 improvement scheme at Stonehenge.

  My Department and its predecessor Departments have not incurred any directly attributable costs in connection with Stonehenge. It is not possible meaningfully to apportion the cost of official time spent in respect of consultations and correspondence.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what price was paid for the site of the proposed Stonehenge visitors' centre at Countess East; and what price was paid for Countess Farm. [131534]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The site for the new visitor centre at Countess Farm East has not yet been purchased. English Heritage is currently in negotiations with the owners so it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage. Countess Farm West was purchased by the National Trust and no public money was involved.

  World Cup
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on what date the Minister for Sport wrote to the Football Association seeking information on the cost of England's World Cup 2006 bid. [132521]

  Kate Hoey
  As I advised the hon. Member in my answer to him on 24 July 2000,Official Report, column 416W, I wrote to the Chief Executive of the Football Association on 20 June 2000 to request details of his plans to publish accounts for the 2006 World Cup bid.

  British Tourist Authority
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he will review the services and functions of the British Tourist Authority. [132835]

  Janet Anderson
  I am pleased to announce that, as part of a regular programme of reviews of non-departmental public bodies, my Department is commencing a review of the British Tourist Authority.

  The terms of reference for the review, which will be conducted in two stages, are as follows:
  To review the continuing need for the services and functions carried out by the British Tourist Authority (BTA) and consider how they can be provided more effectively in the future.
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  Stage One: Getting the organisation right
  To determine whether there is a continuing need for the services provided by the BTA and to assess whether these services are best delivered by an NDPB.

  To consider specifically:
  the role and functions of the BTA, how its role has been affected by devolution and how and to what extent its functions contribute to the delivery of wider DCMS and governmental objectives;
  the links BTA has or should have with other parts of the public sector and with private and voluntary sectors;
  BTA's past performance against its aims, objectives, key targets and quality standards;
  what BTA's customers and other interested parties (including their staff and trade unions) think about its role, performance and responsiveness to their needs; and whether there are any groups whose needs should be, but are not being addressed;
  how the BTA should be organised to deliver responsive, efficient and quality services in future, and whether there is scope for other organisational options, such as abolition, market testing, merger, rationalisation, privatisation or strategic contracting out; and
  examples of good practice in how BTA has delivered its services.

  Stage Two: Improving performance
  Taking account of the Stage One report, to consider how the BTA might make improvements in efficient, effective and responsive service delivery.
  To consider specifically:

  the BTA's aims and objectives and the part they play in delivering wider DCMS and governmental objectives;

  performance targets and whether they are sufficiently comprehensive and stretching, and properly reflect the BTA's aims and objectives;

  the structure and effectiveness of BTA's organisation and how it involves staff, including those at the front line, and their trade unions in the way it works;

  partnership arrangements and opportunities for joint working with other bodies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery;

  how the BTA can make better use of new technology to improve the delivery of its services and functions;

  the BTA's relationship with its stakeholders and the stakeholders' views on how it can best meet their needs, and the way BTA could improve its responsiveness;

  whether the BTA needs different freedoms and flexibilities to improve the delivery of its services;

  the scope for increasing the current level of efficiency savings and income and to improve the utilisation of assets; and

  whether the roles and reporting arrangements of the BTA, the Department and Ministers need clearer definition and whether they provide proper support for operational and policy work.

  The aim is to complete the review in six months.

  Arts (North)
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will publish the management and administration expenses of(a) Northern Arts and (b) North West Arts in each of the last three years. [132654]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have asked the Arts Council of England, which has responsibility for the English regional arts boards, to provide this information. When it is available, I will write to the hon. Member, and place a copy in the Library of the House.

  Disease Reduction: G8 Commitment
  Disease Reduction: G8 Commitment
  Folic Acid Added to Flour
  Folic Acid Added to Flour
  Meat Hygiene Service: Performance Targets
  Meat Hygiene Service: Performance Targets
  Prime Minister's Family: Security Provision
  Prime Minister's Family: Security Provision
  Asylum Seekers: NI Numbers and Access to Benefits
  Asylum Seekers: NI Numbers and Access to Benefits
  Special Needs Children with Behavioural Disorder: Disability Living Allowance
  Special Needs Children with Behavioural Disorder: Disability Living Allowance
  Jobseekers on Benefit Disallowance: Crisis Loans
  Jobseekers on Benefit Disallowance: Crisis Loans
  School Curriculum: Global Dimension
  School Curriculum: Global Dimension
  Sex and Relationship Education Guidance: Circulation to Ethnic and Religious Groups
  Sex and Relationship Education Guidance: Circulation to Ethnic and Religious Groups
  Monetary Policy Committee: Interest Rate Determinants
  Monetary Policy Committee: Interest Rate Determinants
  Tobacco-related Tax Revenue
  Tobacco-related Tax Revenue
  Asylum Law: Solicitors' Expertise
  Asylum Law: Solicitors' Expertise
  Public Trust Office Executive Agency Key Performance Targets
  Public Trust Office Executive Agency Key Performance Targets
  Access to Justice Act 1999, s. 78: Unified Bench
  Access to Justice Act 1999, s. 78: Unified Bench
  House of Lords Reform: Compromise Negotiations
  House of Lords Reform: Compromise Negotiations
  Northern Ireland Executive Committee: Memorandum of Understanding
  Northern Ireland Executive Committee: Memorandum of Understanding
  Departmental Cars
  Departmental Cars
  Sudan Foreign Minister's Visit
  Sudan Foreign Minister's Visit
  Plan Colombia
  Plan Colombia
  Israel: Alleged Cruise Missile Capacity
  Israel: Alleged Cruise Missile Capacity
  Bahrain
  Bahrain
  Services Separation Bonuses
  Services Separation Bonuses
  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
  Armed Forces Equipment: Improvement
  Armed Forces Equipment: Improvement
  Bowman Tactical Combat Radio
  Bowman Tactical Combat Radio
  Veterinary Laboratory Agency: Annual Report and Accounts
  Veterinary Laboratory Agency: Annual Report and Accounts
  Veterinary Medicines Directorate: Annual Report and Accounts
  Veterinary Medicines Directorate: Annual Report and Accounts
  Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
  Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
  MAFF: Development of Regional Structure
  MAFF: Development of Regional Structure
  IACS Inspections, Penalties and Recoveries
  IACS Inspections, Penalties and Recoveries