Written Answers of 28 July 2000

CABINET OFFICE

  Regulations
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the regulations(a) introduced, (b) amended and (c) repealed since May 1997. [132770]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The information requested is not held centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Government's Annual Report
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Ministerfor the Cabinet Office when she expects the information, provided by postcode, on the Government's Annual report website to be available for information that pertains to(a) developed and (b) reserved matters to be available for (i) Scotland, (ii) Wales and (iii) Northern Ireland. [133062]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The database of regional information available by postcode is being developed at present, in the first instance, for information on reserved matters. This work is well advanced. Discussions on the presentation of information on devolved matters are proceeding with the devolved administrations.

  Departmental Initiatives
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to her answer of 18 July 2000,Official Report, column 155W, if she will list all departmental initiatives between May 1997 and 18 July 2000 requiring bids from voluntary organisations and local authorities for funding, together with the total resources allocated to these initiatives, the number of successful bids and the proportion this represents of total bids received; and what data she collects on the average cost of preparing the bids for funding through each initiative. [132669]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The detailed distribution of the resources the Cabinet Office was allocated in the Spending Review 2000 is still being decided.

  Anti-drugs Strategy
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proportion of Government spending on combating illicit drug misuse has been spent on(a) law enforcement, (b) treatment, (c) harm reduction measures, (d) prevention and (e) research during each of the last 10 years for which figures are available. [132916]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The first UK drugs strategy "Tackling Drugs Together" was launched in May 1995 and allocated £8.8 million over three years to Drug Action Teams, £5.9 million on schools drug education for 1995–96, and £1 million in the same year for services for young people at an early stage of drug misuse.
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  The Government's Comprehensive Spending Review 1998 estimated drug related spending across the UK to be in the region of £1.4 billion per annum, over £1 billion of which was spent on law enforcement measures.

  Under the present strategy, "Tackling Drugs To Build A Better Britain", the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review settlement provided an additional £217 million of resources over three years, as follows:
  £133 million towards anti-drug measures in the criminal justice system, (of which £60 million covers treatment services in prisons, £12 million for voluntary drug testing in prisons and £61 million towards the piloting and implementation of the Drug Treatment and Testing Orders).
  £70.5 million towards the funding of new treatment services and improved community care services, (of which health authorities received £50 million for treatment services for young people and local authorities received £20.5 million to improve access to services and increase the numbers in treatment programmes).
  £3 million allocated to support cross-departmental development of more effective drugs education work.
  £6 million provided for new research programmes.
  £4.5 million provided to Drug Action Teams to pursue anti-drugs measures at local level.
  No extra resources were allocated for enforcement.
  We will be making further announcements on funding to: encourage young people to resist drugs; help communities to protect themselves; provide treatment to help people overcome addiction; and to help stifle the availability of drugs in Britain.

  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what is the effect of the outcome of Spending Review 2000 on funding for the United Kingdom Anti-drugs Strategy; and if she will make a statement. [133800]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Chancellor last week announced, as a result of Spending Review 2000, increased funding over the next three years to support the delivery of the Government's challenging targets for tackling drug misuse. This means that expenditure targeted at the causes of drug misuse will increase from some £700 million in 2000–01 to £870 million in 2001–02, £931 million in 2002–03 and £996 million in 2003–04. This funding will enable the Government to secure implementation of the plans and targets developed from the recommendations of the cross-departmental review of action against illegal drugs, led by myself and the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator.

  This increased investment will be centred around treatment and prevention and will allow us to underpin the initiatives outlined in the Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator's second Annual Plan, which is published today. These include measures such as funding increased provision of drug treatment to underpin the work of the new National Treatment Agency and increasing provision of treatment for drug misusing offenders. We will also continue to support work with our international partners to reduce the availability of drugs, as outlined by the Prime Minister at the recent G8 conference. The UK law enforcement and intelligence agencies will work closely with their counterparts in the key drug producing and transit countries, seeking to tackle drugs trafficking as close to source as possible and disrupt the international flows of money which support the drugs trade.

  These plans will make a major contribution to addressing the Government's wider agenda of tackling crime, social exclusion and ill health and will help drive down the huge costs to society caused by drugs.
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  The National Plan preserves the balance of objectives across all the four aims of our Strategy; helping young people to avoid drug misuse through education, protecting communities from drug-related anti-social and criminal behaviour, enabling people to receive treatment for drugs problems as well as reducing the availability of illegal drugs.

  Reports
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the reports submitted to her Department, by bodies that were created after May 1997 and that include significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, stating in each case the body writing the report, the date the report was submitted, how many recommendations were made, the number of those recommendations that have been implemented to date and the number of recommendations that have been rejected; and if she will make a statement. [133570]

  Mr. Stringer
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Murphy) on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799W.

  Legislative Programme
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many meetings she has attended in the last three months to consider the Government's future legislative programme. [133693]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Information concerning internal discussions is not normally made public.

  Electronic Communications Act 2000
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what orders she(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if she will make a statement. [133376]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  No orders have yet been made by any Department using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000, which came into force on 25 May. For the Government's intentions I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster, Central (Ms Winterton) on 24 May 2000,Official Report, columns 531–34W.

  Government Agency Contracts
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many Government agency contracts were awarded to small and medium-sized enterprises in each of the last three years. [133386]

  Mr. Stringer
  This information is not held centrally and is available only at disproportionate cost. With regard to contracts awarded by the Cabinet Office, I will write to the hon. Member with as much information as possible in the summer recess.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many press releases were issued by her Department in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) this year to date; and what the total cost of the production and issuing of these press releases was in each year. [132745]
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  Mr. Stringer
  The total number of press releases issued each calendar year by my Department is as follows:(a) 189 in 1997; (b) 277 in 1998; (c) 343 in 1999; and (d) 204 in the year to date (until the end of May).

  The figures for 1999 and 2000 include press releases issued by the Year 2000 Media Co-ordination Unit which also operated from the Cabinet Office.

  The total net cost of issuing these press notices is as follows: (a) £11,758.25 in 1997; (b) £25,136.97 in 1998; (c) £44,854.37 in 1999; and (d) £29,037.09 in the year to date (until the end of May).

  From 1 April 1998 the Department started to use the Central Office of Information's News Distribution Service to issue press releases directly and quickly to fax machines. While the system is considerably faster and more efficient it is also more expensive. Prior to this system press releases were issued by post and the costs were met centrally within the Department.

  The costs of producing a press notice are not recorded separately and are part of the routine duties of departmental press officers.

  Sustainable Development Commission
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the appointments to the Sustainable Development Commission; and when it first met. [133778]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Sustainable Development Commission is expected to hold its first meeting in the autumn when the appointments process is completed. It will be for the Commission to decide the frequency and timing of its meetings along with other working arrangements.

  Civil Service Fast Stream
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) how many graduates are in the fast stream of the Civil Service; [132927]

  (2) how many graduates of Oxford and Cambridge universities are in the fast stream of the Civil Service; and what percentage of the total this represents; [132928]

  (3) how many non-graduates there are in the fast stream of the Civil Service; and what percentage of the total this represents. [132926]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  On 1 April 1999, there were 476 civil servants on the General Fast Stream Development Programme. Information is not held centrally on how many of this total number are graduates, nor which university they graduated from.

  Information held on last year's open Fast Stream competitions, including specialists, showed that, on recruitment, of 306 successful candidates 92 (30 per cent.) were graduates of Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

  The open General Fast Stream is at present a graduate recruitment scheme. However a separate competition is held for in-service applicants who are nominated by their departments, and these candidates are not required to have a degree. Our records show that last year, from this source, one successful candidate was a non-graduate.

  European Secretariat
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the(a) budget, (b) remit and (c) staffing provision is for the unit in the Cabinet Office co-ordinating the work of Government Departments on Europe. [132980]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The European Secretariat is responsible for this work. Its remit is to support the Prime Minister with the provision of policy advice on EU issues, to support collective decision-making in Government, and to co-ordinate policy on EU issues across Departments. The operating budget for the unit in this financial year is £868,000 and it currently has a staff of 21.

  Government Car and Despatch Agency
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) of 13 June 2000,Official Report, column 614W, regarding the Government Car and Despatch Agency, (1) how many of the 126 cars purchased by the Agency since May 1997 were purchased to (i) replace existing cars and (ii) increase the size of the Agency's fleet; [133741]

  (2) if she will list the number of (a) cars and (b) other vehicles in the Agency's fleet on (i) 1 May 1997, (ii) 1 May 1998, (iii) 1 May 1999 and (iv) 1 May 2000; [133740]

  Make

  Model

  Number

  Purchase date

  Cost per vehicle (£)

  Total cost (£)

  Ford

  Transit SWB

  18

  January 1998

  10,736.25

  193,252.50

  Ford

  Transit LWB

  1

  April 1998

  14,733.75

  14,733.75

  Ford

  Transit SWB

  4

  September 1998

  11,036.25

  44,145.00

  Ford

  Transit LWB

  1

  December 1998

  14,516.25

  14,516.25

  Ford

  Transit SWB

  2

  December 1998

  11,306.25

  22,612.50

  Ford

  Transit LWB

  1

  January 1999

  14,730.00

  14,730.00

  Vauxhall

  Astravan

  2

  January 1999

  7,827.84

  15,655.68

  Ford

  Transit SWB

  5

  July 1999

  9,810.50

  49,052.50

  Ford

  Transit SWB

  5

  September 1999

  9,810.50

  49,052.50

  Ford

  Transit SWB (LPG)

  5

  January 2000

  10,710.00

  53,550.00

  Ford

  Transit SWB

  1

  January 2000

  9,660.00

  9,660.00

  Mr. Alastair Campbell
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many times she has(a) received advice from and (b) had meetings with Mr. Alastair Campbell in the last month. [133473]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I take advice from Alastair Campbell and other civil servants as appropriate.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people have been employed in the Civil Service under the New Deal for the young and unemployed. [129914]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  [pursuant to her reply, 6 July 2000, c. 286W]: As at 1 April 2000, the information on Civil Service Departments (including their agencies) participating as employers in the New Deal is as follows.
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  (3) how many vehicles, other than cars, were purchased by the Agency in each month since May 1997, indicating in each case the (a) make, (b) model and (c) purchase price of each vehicle. [133742]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Responsibility for these matter has been delegated under the terms of the Framework Document to the Government Car and Despatch Agency. I have asked its Chief Executive, Mr. Nick Matheson, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Nick Matheson to Mr. Norman Baker, dated 27 July 2000:
  The Minister of State, Cabinet Office, has asked me in my capacity as the Chief Executive responsible for the Government Car and Despatch Agency to reply to your three Parliamentary Questions about vehicles purchased and operated by this Agency since May 1997.
  All the vehicles quoted in the Minister's reply of 13 June were purchased to replace existing cars as part of the Agency's vehicle replacement programme.
  The number of cars and other vehicles int eh Agency's fleet on the dates requested were:

  1 May 1997: 201 cars and 53 other vehicles;

  1 May 1998: 188 cars and 39 other vehicles;

  1 May 1999: 188 cars and 59 other vehicles; and

  1 May 2000: 190 cars and 56 other vehicles.

  From May 1997 the Agency has purchased the following vehicles other than cars, primarily for use by its InterDespatch Service:

  New Deal starts since programme began as at 1 April 2000

  Main department (including agencies)

  Number

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  38

  Intervention Board

  3

  Cabinet Office

  9

  Charity Commission

  18

  Culture, Media and Sport

  4

  Ministry of Defence

  95

  Education and Employment

  1,736

  Office for Standards in Education

  1

  Environment, Transport and the Regions

  18

  Export Credits Guarantee Department

  4

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  4

  Government Offices for the Regions

  4

  Health

  27

  Home Office

  73

  International Development

  1

  Law Officers' Departments

  10

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  22

  Lord Advocate's Department

  3

  National Assembly for Wales

  33

  Northern Ireland Office

  11

  Scottish Executive

  29

  Social Security

  467

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  New Deal starts since programme began as at 1 April 2000

  Main department (including agencies)

  Number

  Trade and Industry

  43

  HM Treasury

  2

  HM Customs and Excise

  35

  Office of Government Commerce

  1

  Inland Revenue

  256

  Office for National Statistics

  10

  Royal Mint

  3

  Total

  2,960

DEFENCE

  Army Personnel Centre
  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Army Personnel Centre for the financial year 2000–01. [133605]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Chief Executive of the Army Personnel Centre has been set the following Key Targets for 2000–01.

  1. The percentage of manned posts (excluding posts gapped for less than 28 days and all posts for private soldiers and subaltern officers) to be 92 per cent. or greater.

  2. The proportion of personnel posted in-year by the APC whose rank and Service qualifications meet the specifications of the post of be 93 per cent. or greater.

  3. The percentage of in-year postings authorised by the APC where personnel are given at least four months notification (See Note) to be 54 per cent or greater.

  4. The percentage of change requests received by the APC which are authorised and/or accurately processed within five working days of receipt at the Document Handling Centre to be 94 per cent. or greater.

  5. The percentage of due terminal benefits made by the 5th working day after discharge/retirement or following receipt of the correct authorisation paperwork by Pensions Division, whichever is later, to be 98 per cent. or greater.

  6. Achieve an in year reduction of 1 per cent. in operating costs and identify measurable indicators of efficiency within key business processes for implementation from April 2001.

  Note:

  Short-notice operational requirements and postings following initial training and long career courses are excluded.

  Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency. [133927]

  Mr. Spellar
  The introduction of the SMART Procurement Initiative (SPI) and the formation of Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) across the Ministry of Defence has changed the strategic conduct of the Ministry of Defence's procurement business. We have decided that the Agency in its current form is not consistent with the far-reaching changes demanded by SPI. Accordingly DCTA is to be reorganised along IPT lines and will cease to be a Defence Agency on 1 October 2000. The Planned collocation of staff at the Caversfield site will continue and should be completed in March 2001.

  The organisation is to become part of the Director General Equipment Support (Land) Business Unit within the Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO). A Transition
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  Team Leader has been appointed to direct the transition to the new structure with implementation to be completed by 31 March 2001.

  In place of Key Targets, IPTs are expected to deliver a high level of performance against hard and stretch targets. The planned adoption of a balanced set of performance measures and targets (known as the Balanced Scorecard) across the organisation will ensure that a challenging performance regime remains in place.

  Clothing products are of fundamental importance to our Armed Forces and this reorganisation in line with SPI principles will ensure that Service personnel continue to receive products of the highest standards.

  Ships Support Agency
  Ms Dari Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Ships Support Agency for the financial year 2000–01. [133929]

  Mr. Spellar
  Key Targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the SSA for financial year 2000–01. The targets build on the progress already made by the Agency since it formed in December 1996 and are as follows:

  Key Target 1—Upkeep Timeliness
  To keep variation of actual to planned Upkeep time to within 7 per cent.

  Key Target 2—Upkeep Cost
  To keep variation of actual to approved Upkeep cost to within 3 per cent.

  Key Target 3—Unplanned Unavailability (Quantity)
  To keep Unplanned Vessel Unavailability to less than 5 per cent. of Fleet Time.

  Key Target 4—Operational Defects (Quality)
  To limit to less than three the average number of operational defects outstanding per vessel in Fleet Time.

  Key Target 5—Available Force Element Days (Quantity)
  To provide more than 95 per cent. of Available Force Element Days.

  Key Target 7—Efficiency
  Pounds per Available Force Element Days to be less than £28,800.

  Key Target 8—Stockholding (Efficiency)
  To reduce the ratio of value of stocks held to stocks issued to less than 2.9:1.

  Cannabis
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if(a) GW Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and (b) the Medicinal Cannabis Research Foundation have cannabis growing facilities at the Porton Down establishment; and if he will make a statement. [132806]

  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 my hon. Friend.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 28 July 2000:
  I am replying to your parliamentary question about tenancies on the Porton Down Science Park since the Porton Down site is part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA).
  The Medicinal Cannabis Research Foundation is not a tenant at Porton Down. GW Pharmaceuticals Ltd does, however, maintain an office on the Porton Down Science Park. The relationship between

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  the company and DERA is a commercial one, that of tenant and landlord. If DERA is to continue to attract tenants to its Science Parks, then companies must be able to feel confident that information about their business will be treated as confidential. I am, therefore, obliged to refuse your request under exemption 7, effective management and operations of the public service, of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
  I can, however, assure you that significant checks are carried out on both staff and companies applying to occupy space on our Science Parks. DERA would not consider any potential tenant whose business was likely, in any way, to infringe the law.
  I am sorry that I cannot be more helpful on this occasion.

  Service Personnel (Medical Treatment)
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel are unavailable for full duties for medical reasons in the(a) Royal Navy, (b) Royal Marines, (c) Army and (d) Royal Air Force; how many of these have postings which would require them to be operational or on rapid reaction duties if fit; and how many of these in each category are (i) awaiting an initial medical consultation, (ii) awaiting treatment following an initial medical consultation and (iii) receiving treatment. [132553]

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

  MOD Police
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many MOD police officers normally based at(a) AWE Aldermaston and (b) AWE Burghfield are working at other sites; [133444]

  (2) what was the average number of sickness hours, per officer, per month, among MOD police (a) in total, (b) at AWE Aldermaston and (c) at AWE Burghfield in each month since November 1999; [133442]

  (3) what was the average amount of overtime worked by MOD police officers at (a) AWE Aldermaston and (b) AWE Burghfield each month from November 1999 to the latest month for which figures are available; [133445]

  (4) if he will make a statement on the extent to which MOD police officers based at AWE Aldermaston and AWE Burghfield are covered by the European Working Time Regulations; [133443]

  (5) what was the longest amount of overtime worked by any MOD police officer at (a) AWE Aldermaston and (b) AWE Burghfield in any period of (i) one month and (ii) six months since June 1999. [133446]

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

  Medical Services
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many doctors and nurses in each specialty are serving in the armed forces; how many were serving in(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999; and how many of those now serving have given notice of their intention to retire from the armed forces; [132552]
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  (2) how many (a) doctors and (b) nurses have joined the armed forces since the announcement of a recruiting drive in early 1999. [133390]

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

  Disposal Sales Agency
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Disposal Sales Agency for the Financial Year 2000–01. [133928]

  Dr. Moonie
  Since its launch in October 1994 the Agency has positioned itself as the market leader in the disposal sales of surplus equipment and goods in the public sector. The Key Targets which have been set for the Chief Executive of the Disposal Sales Agency for this financial year are aimed at securing disposal receipts from the sale of surplus capital assets and inventory items from both the Ministry of Defence and a range of public sector organisations. The Chief Executive of the Agency has been set the following key targets for the financial year 2000–01.

  Key Target 1:
  To achieve disposal sales gross income from sales of surplus Government owned equipment and stores of £40 million.

  Key Target 2:
  To achieve a unit cost of generating £1 million of sales of £87.5K.

  Key Target 3:
  To agree Customer Supplier Agreements (CSAs) based on the transfer to DSA of ownership of assets declared for disposal.

  Key Target 4:
  To establish performance measures for DSA based on added value and to set targets for 2001–02.

  Key Target 5:
  To refine Agency's website and establish the feasibility of e-commerce for disposal business.

  Military Bases (Foreign Personnel)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 6 June 2000,Official Report, column 172W, regarding foreign nationals stationed at UK military bases, if he will make a statement on the stationing at UK military bases of nationals of countries which are not members of NATO. [133727]

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

  Military Bases
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the military bases outside the United Kingdom where UK nationals are based, indicating in each case the number of UK nationals based there. [133550]

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

  Electronic Communications Act 2000
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what orders he(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [133370]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him today by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office.

  Retired Ex-servicemen
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many retired ex-servicemen have their level of pension affected by pay restraint policies in force in 1976 and 1977; [133162]

  (2) what would be the annual cost of raising with effect from 1 April 2001 the pension payable to members of the Armed Services who retired between 1 April 1977 and 31 March 1978 so that it is the same as the pension of those who retired immediately prior to 1 April 1977. [133161]

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

  TRIGAT
  Barbara Follett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on the MR TRIGAT Anti-Tank Guided Weapon programme; and if he will make a statement. [133931]

  Mr. Hoon
  The UK signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the Industrialisation and Production phase of MR TRIGAT in June 1999 in the expectation that we would shortly proceed to contract and maintain the programme to deliver a modern Anti-tank Guided Weapon capability by 2005 (when stocks of the existing MILAN system start to run down).

  Regrettably, MOU signature by all five participating nations has still not been achieved. Some 12 months after our MOU commitment we are no nearer to contract placement than we were then. This additional delay, to a programme that is already 10 years behind its original schedule, and the additional risk and uncertainty it creates is unacceptable. The UK's priority has to be to deliver the capability and equipment needed by our armed forces in an acceptable timescale.

  I have therefore decided that the UK should withdraw from the MR TRIGAT Industrialisation and Production programme and will pursue an alternative national procurement of an Anti-tank Guided Weapon system. We plan to use an Invitation to Tender in the next few weeks for the supply of commercially available systems to meet the requirements of our Infantry Light Forces by 2005. In parallel, we are reviewing our requirements for an Anti-tank capability for mechanised and armoured Infantry units prior to determining whether these too could be met by similar commercially available systems. Our initial assessment is that the alternative systems now available will be in many ways more capable than MR TRIGAT and offer significant financial savings.

  I recognise that this decision will be a disappointment to our partners and to those areas of UK Industry that had
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  expected to benefit from MR TRIGAT. The UK remains committed to the principles of European collaboration provided it is in the UK's best interests. Regrettably it was not possible to proceed on this basis with MR TRIGAT, but there are a range of other programmes on which we remain engaged to good effect with our European partners.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on troop levels in Kosovo. [133604]

  Mr. Hoon
  The UK currently contributes some 3,300 personnel to KFOR. We have maintained that flexibility and capability are the keys to successful operations in the Balkans. In this spirit, I have agreed to a NATO request to supply additional troops to cover the municipal election period in Kosovo, to ensure that the region's first steps towards democratisation are sure ones.

  Subject to confirmation of the election date, the 2nd Battalion the Light Infantry will deploy to Kosovo in mid-September for a period of two months. They will be at the disposal of Command KFOR, Lt. General Juan Ortuno. I have no doubt that they will maintain the excellent tradition of UK forces in the region who, with their outstanding professionalism, dedication and skill, continue to make an outstanding contribution to the regeneration of Kosovo.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British service personnel were deployed in Kosovo on 1 July. [132816]

  Mr. Spellar
  On 1 July, there were some 3,400 British personnel serving with KFOR, of whom some 3,300 were based in Kosovo.

  Scottish Service Personnel
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people of Scottish birth are currently serving in the(a) Royal Navy, (b) Royal Marines, (c) Army and (d) RAF. [131595]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: Examination of available personal records of currently serving personnel has revealed the following information as at 1 June 2000:

  (a) and (b) The Naval Service does not hold information centrally on place of birth and the information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  (c) Army—12,961

  (d) RAD—5,7I3

  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people from(a) Paisley South, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK are serving in Her Majesty's armed forces. [113553]

  Mr. Spellar
  [pursuant to his reply, 15 March 2000, c.202W]: I regret that, owing to a clerical error, the figure provided for Army personnel of Scottish nationality was

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  incorrect. The correct figure for Army personnel of Scottish nationality should have been 13,121. This does not affect the answers to the other part of the question.

  Nolan Rules
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list each group that is responsible to his Department, with significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, and to which the Nolan rules on non-departmental public bodies do not apply; and for each such group, if it(a) is a private company, (b) is a charity, (c) has no formal legal basis and (d) has some other legal basis, giving details. [131172]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: Details of Ministry of Defence task forces, ad hoc advisory groups and reviews are held on a central Cabinet Office database. I refer the hon. Member to the answer he received yesterday from my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, Official Report, columns 799–800W.

  The bodies listed for the Ministry of Defence are the Independent Panel on Vaccines Interactions and the Service Families Task Force. Both of these bodies have no formal legal basis.

  In addition to the above, which have temporary remits, the Ministry of Defence is responsible for a number of standing bodies with significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, and to which the Nolan rules on non-departmental public bodies do not apply. These include bodies which provide independent advice on aspects of the defence scientific and research programme, details of which were recently passed to the House of Commons Select Committee on Defence. Information on other bodies is not held centrally and I will write to the hon. Member in due course when the relevant data are available, and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  The Ministry of Defence seeks to apply the Nolan principles for non-departmental public bodies as best practice throughout the Department.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [131437]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  US Memorandums of Understanding
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a list of memorandums of understanding which have been agreed between his Department and the United States Government 916W
  since 1 May 1997, indicating the title and date of each memorandum of understanding and the name of the United States department or agency with whom the memorandum of understanding was signed in each case. [132784]

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

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates Ministers in his Department have visited(a) RAF Menwith Hill, (b) RAF Lakenheath and (c) RAF Fairford, since 1 May 1997; and which Ministers visited on each occasion. [133270]

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

  Letters of Intent
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a list of Letters of Intent which have been agreed between his Department and the United States Government since 1 May 1997, indicating the title and date of each Letter of Intent; and if he will state the difference between a letter of intent and a memorandum of understanding. [133269]

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

  Air Accidents
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Air Accidents Investigation Branch is accorded the same level of independence in the investigation of military accidents as in the investigation of civilian accidents. [133433]

  Mr. Spellar
  Yes, in relation to the technical advice that they offer RAF Boards of Inquiry.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library the guidelines that advise accident investigators and other military personnel how to work with third party manufacturers in accident investigations. [133434]

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

  Chinook
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Air Accidents Investigation Branch inspector investigating the fatal crash of RAF Chinook ZD576 was informed of an incident on 21 April 1994 that led to the removal of an engine on the same aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [133435]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Air Accidents Investigation Branch Inspector and the Engineering member of the RAF Board of Inquiry together went through all the maintenance records for ZD576 for the year prior to the accident. This included the incident on 21 April 1994.

  European Defence Industry
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's policy is on the development of a European defence industry. [133223]

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

  Defence Sales
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the value of the current orders placed in the United Kingdom under Government to Government defence sales agreements with Saudi Arabia. [133368]

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

  A1-Yamamah
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Mr. Cohen) of 11 July 2000,Official Report, columns 471–72W, on the oil trade component in the A1-Yamamah deal, how many adjustments have been made; and when. [133418]

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

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 21 July 2000,Official Report, column 337W, on the average period of time between the completion of a full business case and signing of the final contracts, if he will list (a) the date of the completion of a full business case and (b) the date of the signing of the final contracts for each private finance initiative contract in his Department; and if he will make a statement. [133277]

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

  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in how many of his Department's PFI contracts KPMG has been an adviser. [132869]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: KPMG has advised six Ministry of Defence PFI projects which have reached contract signature.

  Tomahawk Missiles
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when his Department concluded discussions with the United States Department of Defense about obtaining replacement of stocks of Tomahawk missiles used in the Kosovo theatre; [133267]

  (2) on what date his Department signed the contract with the United States Department of Defense to obtain replacement of stocks of Tomahawk missiles used in the Kosovo theatre. [133268]

  Mr. Hoon
  The United States Department of Defense contract with the supplier, Raytheon, covering both US and UK missiles, was signed on 1 August 1999. Associated discussions between the UK Ministry of 918W
  Defence and the US Department of Defense concluded later that month culminating in an agreement signed on 26 August 1999.

  Advisory Bodies
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [131457]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799W.

  Eskmeals Range
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of(a) land contamination and (b) risk from unexploded or degraded ordnance (i) on land, (ii) on beaches and (iii) offshore at the DERA Eskmeals Range. [132161]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: 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 John Chisholm to Mr. Robert Key, dated 28 July 2000:
  I am replying to your parliamentary question about land contamination assessments and risk assessments from unexploded or degraded ordnance at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) range at Eskmeals.
  The most recent land quality assessment was carried out in 1999 and considered Depleted Uranium (DU) contamination at the VJ Battery and surrounding area, unexploded ordnance, explosive residues and trace metals and landfill sites containing asbestos, inert shells and other trials residues.
  The risk from unexploded ordnance or degraded ordnance is continually monitored. Procedures are in place to ensure the safety of staff employed at the range. The range, including the foreshore, is fenced and patrolled to deter members of the public from straying into the area. On the beach there are warning signs at public access points. Local fishermen have also been briefed on what action to take should they catch such items.
  I hope the above is helpful.

  Merchant Navy Day
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that the Red Ensign is flown from departmental buildings on Merchant Navy Day, 3 September. [132955]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department on 27 July 2000, Official Report, column 895W.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many press officers were employed in his Department in(a) May 1997, (b) January 1998, (c) January 1999 and (d) January 2000; and what the total expenditure on press officers by his Department was in each of the years concerned. [132762]
  919W
  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many press releases have been issued so far this year; and what the total cost of the production and issuing of press releases was in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000 to date. [132776]

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

  Married Quarters
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what new married service quarters have been built since May 1997(a) in the UK and (b) overseas. [133219]

  Dr. Moonie
  Since May 1997 the Ministry of Defence has funded 637 new build service married quarters in the UK. Of these, 394 were built from new, the remaining 243 were demolition rebuilds. Since May 1997, DHE have also placed four contracts in Great Britain under the Government's Private Finance Initiative (PFI), for a total of 615 properties.

  For properties overseas, 120 are under construction in Cyprus and 13 have been built in the Falkland Islands.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to increase funding for the improvement of married quarters. [133416]

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

  Reports
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the reports submitted to his Department, by bodies that were created after May 1997 and that include significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, stating in each case the body writing the report, the date the report was submitted, how many recommendations were made, the number of those recommendations that have been implemented to date and the number of recommendations that have been rejected; and if he will make a statement. [133568]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friends the Members for Cannock Chase (Tony Wright) and for Eastwood (Mr. Murphy) by the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799W. Copies of the first central list of information that was published on 11 January 2000 are available in the Libraries of the House.

  Information about the number of recommendations made and the number rejected is not held centrally by the Ministry of Defence.

  Compensation
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has paid in compensation to its contractors in each of the last five years; which companies received payment and what were the reasons for payment; and if he will make a statement. [127174]

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

  Written Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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 and (c) not available. [128014]

  Dr. Moonie
  The information requested cannot be provided without disproportionate cost as it is not held by the Ministry of Defence in the form requested.

  Defence Attaches
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries where there is a UK defence attaché stationed. [133221]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the HM Diplomatic Overseas Reference List, copies of which are in the Library of the House.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries in the world that have nuclear weapons. [133220]

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

  Queen Mother's Birthday
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Islington, North (Mr. Corbyn) of 10 July 2000,Official Report, column 376W, on the Queen Mother's birthday, how much public money was spent on the event. [133492]

  Dr. Moonie
  Cost to the public purse of the commemorations will not be calculated until the final event on 4 August has taken place. I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Kenneth Noye
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the granting of legal aid to Kenneth Noye. [132583]
  921W
  Jane Kennedy
  Following the granting of legal aid to Kenneth Noye at the central criminal court, a team of qualified auditors from the Lord Chancellor's Department's Internal Assurance Division have undertaken an investigation. They checked criminal legal aid applications made in respect of defendants, including Kenneth Noye, at the central criminal court over the past year. They have reported to the Permanent Secretary at the Lord Chancellor's Department, in his capacity as Accounting Officer. The auditors found that the proper procedures for granting legal aid were not followed in this case. As a result, additional training, checking and controls are being introduced across the court Service to ensure that the correct procedures for the granting of legal aid by the Crown court are followed.

  Disciplinary proceedings are under way affecting the officers concerned with handling the application in the Noye case.

  Queen's Counsel (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what changes have been made to the procedure for barristers being called to serve as Queen's Counsel in Northern Ireland; and what related correspondence he has had with Seamus Tracey and Barry Macdonald. [133092]

  Mr. Lock
  The declaration made by barristers being called to serve as Queen's counsel in Northern Ireland has been changed and is now in the following form:I [name] do sincerely promise and declare that I will well and truly serve all whom I may lawfully be called upon to serve in the office of one of Her Majesty's counsel learned in law according to the best of my skill and understanding.

  Neither my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor nor I have had any related correspondence with Seamus Tracey and Barry Macdonald.

  Microfiche Census Returns
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what factors underlie the recent changes in the policy of the Public Record Office in respect of the retail of microfiche census returns to the general public; and if he will make statement. [133585]

  Mr. Lock
  There has been no change in the practice of the Public Record Office in respect of the retail of microfiche or microfilm copies of the census returns up to and including that for 1891.

  The census of 1901 is due for release in January 2002. It will be released in digital format over the internet.

  It is recognised that not all potential users will have or wish to have access to the internet. For this reason, a complete set of 1901 Census documents will also be available for consultation on microfiche at the Public Record Office at Kew. The PRO will also offer to other record offices and local studies libraries copies on microfiche of the 1901 Census returns for their area.

  No final decision has been taken on whether microfiche will be made available for sale beyond libraries and
  922W
  archives, as was the practice in respect of earlier census releases. The situation will be reviewed in 2002 in the light of experience after the launch of the internet service.

  Sentencing
  Dr. Naysmith
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidance the Lord Chancellor gives on sentencing in cases involving harassment of those suffering from mental health problems; and if he will make a statement. [133265]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Government do not issue guidance on the way judicial discretion should be exercised. Within the statutory limits laid down by Parliament, the nature and severity of penalties are matters for the court 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 for magistrates on sentencing in harassment cases.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Hydrofluorocarbons
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what estimate he has made of the proportion of the UK consumption of hydrofluorocarbons used as refrigerants that are used(a) to replenish existing systems and (b) as original charges in refrigeration systems; [133577]

  (2) what estimates he has made of the leakage rates of hydrofluorocarbons refrigerants. [133578]

  Mr. Meacher
  The report prepared for DETR and the DTI by EnvirosMarch, "UK Emissions of HFCs, PFCs and SF6 and Potential Emission Reduction Options", was published in January 1999 and provide estimates of UK emissions of hydrofluorocarbons from refrigeration and air conditioning. These estimates are based in part on assumptions about charges and leakage rates of hydrofluorocarbons from refrigeration systems in nine different refrigeration and air conditioning sectors.

  Leakage rates were subsequently updated for the hydrofluorocarbon emissions estimates published in the draft Climate Change Programme, March 2000. The table is based on Table A3, page A.4 of the EnvirosMarch report. It provides emissions and consumption parameters for refrigeration and air conditioning equipment used to estimate total emissions in 1995 and 2010. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library. However the proportion of hydrofluorocarbons used to (a) replenish existing systems and (b) as original charges is not explicitly provided in the report and could not be collated without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Estimated leakage rates of hydrocarbon refrigeration are currently being reviewed in the light of latest information and I plan to publish updated hydrofluorocarbon emissions estimates alongside the final Climate Change Programme document this autumn.
  923W

  Assumed refrigeration and air conditioning emission and consumption parameters used in the hydrofluorocarbon emission estimates published in the draft Climate Change Programme, March 2000

  Product manufacturing (%)

  Product life (%)

  Product disposal (%)

  Typical plant life (years)

  Market sub-segment

  1995

  2010

  1995

  12010

  1995

  2010

  (years)

  Domestic refrigeration

  1

  1

  1

  1 to 2

  50

  20

  13

  Other small hermetic

  1

  1

  1

  1 to 2

  50

  20

  9

  Small commercial

  3

  2

  20

  8 to 15

  10

  5

  13

  Supermarket refrigeration

  3

  2

  25

  8 to 15

  10

  5

  13

  Industrial refrigeration

  3

  2

  20

  4 to 12

  10

  5

  25

  Air conditioning, distributed

  3

  2

  20

  8 to 15

  10

  5

  12

  Air conditioning, chillers

  1

  1

  10

  3 to 5

  5

  3

  25

  Transport refrigeration

  1

  1

  15

  8 to 10

  15

  5

  8

  Mobile air conditioning

  1

  1

  15

  6 to 10

  50

  25

  12

  1 Range of leakage rates used for updated emissions projections published in the draft Climate Change Programme, March 2000

  Notes:

  1. Product Manufacturing factor, percentage emission of fluid used to manufacture new equipment

  2. Product Life factor, percentage of refrigerant bank emitted annually

  3. Product Disposal factor, percentage emission of fluid in old plant being decommissioned

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to reduce the quantities of hydrofluorocarbons released to the environment. [133576]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government's policy for reducing emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) is set out in the draft climate change programme. We recognise that HFCs are necessary replacements for ozone-depleting substances in some applications. However, we are concerned that emissions from these sources are forecast to grow strongly in the near future as ozone-depleting substances are phased out. This trend is unsustainable in the longer-term and action needs to be taken to limit the projected growth in emissions. We are sending a clear signal to industry and users to look closely at all alternatives and to select those that are more environmentally acceptable where they do exist. Safety, technical feasibility and cost effectiveness should be taken into account before investment decisions are taken.

  We are exploring with industry how the voluntary agreements on HFCs might be strengthened to reduce the projected growth in emissions. Emissions from industrial processes have already been substantially reduced and will continue to be regulated under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control regime.

  Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) prosecutions and (b) successful prosecutions there were under the (i) Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976 and (ii) Control on Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations (COTES) 1997 in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [131987]

  Mr. Mullin
  The 1976 Act originally implemented the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in the UK. In 1984, however, it was largely superseded by EC legislation, which implemented CITES throughout the European Union. The 1984 legislation was then itself replaced by revised EC Regulations which came into force on 1 June 1997.
  924W
  There is no central record of prosecutions or convictions of offences under the COTES regulations. However, we are aware that since 1 June 1997 at least 27 cases have been brought under the COTES regulations, 10 of which resulted in convictions. Of the remaining 17 cases, seven have led to a formal caution and 10 are awaiting trial.

  Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) prosecutions and (b) successful prosecutions there were under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [131980]

  Mr. Mullin
  Responsibility for licensing under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 rests with local authorities, and information on prosecutions is not held centrally. My Department will shortly be commissioning research into the effectiveness of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

  Tingewick Bypass
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of heavy goods vehicles driven through Gawcott(a) in each of the five years before the opening of the Tingewick Bypass and (b) since its opening. [133225]

  Mr. Hill
  Buckinghamshire county council have undertaken the following daytime counts of heavy goods vehicles, in both directions, on the C29 minor road from Gawcott to Tingewick, both before and after the A421 Tingewick Bypass opened to traffic on 16 October 1998:

  Date of count1

  Number of heavy goods vehicles

  18 May 1994

  82

  17 May 1995

  37

  15 May 1996

  70

  14 May 1997

  2139

  13 May 1998

  273

  12 May 1999

  368

  10 May 2000

  32

  1 7 am to 7 pm

  2 Bypass work in progress

  3 Bypass open

  Transport Projects
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what grants for transport projects have been allocated to(a) Telford and The Wrekin and (b) Shropshire county councils since May 1997. [133203]

  Mr. Hill
  Shropshire county council has been allocated the following amounts for transport projects, through the Local Transport Settlement, since May 1997:

  £ million

  1997–98

  4.207

  1998–99

  3.364

  1999–2000

  4.348

  2000–01

  6.093

  Since its establishment as a unitary authority in 1998, Telford and Wrekin council has been allocated the following in Local Transport Settlement:

  £ million

  1998–99

  0 955

  1999–2000

  1.696

  2000–01

  2.103

  In addition, Shropshire county council has been allocated £630,354 in Rural Bus Subsidy Grant for each of the years 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01, and £43,500 through the Rural Bus Challenge in 1999. Telford and Wrekin council has been allocated £76,048 each year for Rural Bus Subsidy Grant, and £174,000 through the Rural Bus Challenge in 1999.

  Accident Investigations
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library the guidelines that advise accident investigators how to work with third party manufacturers in the event of an accident investigation. [133389]

  Mr. Mullin
  The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) lays down the International Standards and Recommended Practices for the participation of aircraft manufacturers in aircraft accident investigations. These are detailed in Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention), a copy of which can be found in the Library.

  Car Registrations
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 18 July 2000,Official Report, column 137W, on car registrations, if he will publish the number of new registration using form V55/5 at the DVLA for each month from January 1999 to June 2000 for (a) new cars and (b) cars first registered and used outside the UK. [133498]

  Mr. Hill
  Figures for new and used cars registered on form V55/5 from January 1999 cannot be produced because of the disproportionate cost of extracting the 926W
  information. However, DVLA have recently undertaken an exercise on a sample of V55/5 forms. This exercise in February and March 2000 covered only imported cars. The exercise showed 45 per cent. of imported cars were new and 55 per cent. were first registered and used outside Great Britain.

  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the average time taken to inform(a) the police and (b) local authorities regarding ownership of vehicles for which only the registration mark was traced, in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [133235]

  Mr. Hill
  The statistics requested are not available.

  However, I can confirm that the police have immediate access to information on vehicle keepers through the Police National Computer. Local authorities make application for this information direct to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

  The Agency aims to deal with manual inquiries from local authorities within eight to 10 working days and the majority are dealt with within this timescale. A small percentage of requests take slightly longer to answer because detailed investigation involving the retrieval of microfilmed documents is necessary. In addition to the manual inquiry service, DVLA has long-standing magnetic tape interchange arrangements with some local authorities that enable them to receive information within three working days. Since 1997, the Agency has encouraged customers to exchange data electronically, making them available overnight. Currently, 134 local authorities use the electronic service.

  Electronic Communications Act 2000
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what orders he(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [133383]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office today.

  Housing (Greater London)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his Department's policy is on the selling of local authority housing in the Greater London area. [133548]

  Mr. Mullin
  Local authorities can sell houses voluntarily to tenants and in some cases tenants have the right to buy. The Government do not intend to make any significant changes to the current right to buy scheme.

  House Prices (Yorkshire and the Humber)
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what were the average house prices in Yorkshire and the Humber in(a) 1995, (b) 1996, (c) 1997, (d) 1998 and (e) 1999. [133746]
  927W
  Mr. Mullin
  Average house prices for the Yorkshire and Humberside region are as follows:

  £

  1995

  54,356

  1996

  55,867

  1997

  60,019

  1998

  62,214

  1999

  67,416

  Source:

  GOYH Local Government and Housing team/DETR Central

  Bridge Tolls
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact which VAT on bridge tolls will have in respect of new and current businesses which use the Tamar Bridge and the development of integrated transport facilities between Cornwall and Plymouth. [133095]

  Mr. Hill
  A judgment of the European Court, on whether or not toll charges should attract VAT, is expected in September. The impact of a judgment that required VAT to be charged would, in the first instance, be for the local authorities of Cornwall and Plymouth to assess, since they own and operate the Tamar Bridge and are responsible for the development of the local transport and commercial infrastructures.

  A34
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the A34 north of Oxford will be resurfaced under the initiative announced recently in respect of concrete roads; and what difference the new resources announced in the 10-year plan have made to the forecast timescale. [133579]

  Mr. Hill
  Our 10-year strategy for transport, "Transport 2010—The Ten Year Plan", has been published and sets out proposals for dealing with road noise, including the provision of quieter surfaces on over 60 per cent. of the network, including all concrete surfaces.

  I have asked the Highways Agency to draw up a programme for all such trunk roads for agreement. The A34 north of Oxford will be included in this programme.

  A30 (Exeter)
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how the costs of the resurfacing of the A30 near Exeter recently announced by the Prime Minister will be split between the Highways Agency and the private sector. [133580]

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

  Letter from Richard Thorndike to Dr. Evan Harris, dated 28 July 2000 The Transport Minister, Keith Hill, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the cost of resurfacing the A30 near Exeter.
  Although the Government is firmly committed to resurfacing this road, the road is privately financed and we have yet to discuss the matter with the operating company.

  M3
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the M3 will(a) be resurfaced and (b) have noise reduction measures provided beside it, between junctions 2 and 4a. [133226]

  Mr. Hill
  Our 10-year strategy for transport, "Transport 2010—The 10 Year Plan," has been published and sets out proposals for dealing with road noise, including the provision of quieter surfaces on over 60 per cent. of the network, including all concrete surfaces.

  I have asked the Highways Agency to draw up a programme for all such trunk roads for agreement. Junctions 2 to 4a will be included in the programme.

  Great Western Main Line
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the start date is for construction works on the upgrade of the Great Western Main Line cited on page 47 of his Department's Ten-Year Plan. [133503]

  Mr. Hill
  The upgrade options which Railtrack has set out in its Network Management Statement, and the timetable for taking them forward, will be developed in discussions between Railtrack, the shadow Strategic Rail Authority, and the train operators, in the light of consultation with appropriate industry stakeholders.

  Road Improvements
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what the expected start date is for(a) the A27 Southerham-Beddington improvement, (b) the M23 junctions 8 to 9 widening, (c) the M25 junctions 15 to 16 widening, (d) the M25 junctions 16 to 19 widening, (e) the M4 junction 4B to 8/9 widening, (f) the A2 Lydden-Dover improvement, (g) the A3 Hindhead improvement, (h) the A21 Tonbridge-Pembury dualling, (i) the A27 Wilmington bypass and (j) the A27 Selmeston bypass; [133495]

  (2) what the expected start date is for (a) the M5 junctions 17 to 21 widening, (b) the A31 Poole link road, (c) the A36 Codford-Heytesbury improvement, (d) the A30/A303 Marsh Honiton and A35 Honiton Eastern bypass, (e) the A38 Saltash-Stoketon Cross improvement, (f) the A38 Dobwalls bypass, (g) the A303 Ilminster to Marsh improvement, (h) the A303 Sparkford to Ilchester improvement, (i) the A303 Wylye-Stockton Wood improvement and (j) the A303 Chicklade Bottom-Mere improvement; [133496]

  (3) what the expected start date is for (a) the A27 Arundel bypass, (b) the A259 Pevensey to Bexhill improvement, (c) the A259 Bexhill and Hastings western bypass, (d) the A205 Catford Town Centre improvement, (e) the A4 Henlys/Waggoners' Corner improvement, (f) the A406 Bounds Green-Green Lanes improvement, (g) the A406/ A1/A598 Regents Park Road junction improvement and (h) the A406 Golders Green Road junction improvement; [133542]

  (4) what the expected start date is for (a) the M1 Junctions 31–32 widening, (b) the M62 East-M606 link roads, (c) the A 1(M) Redhouse Ferrybridge

  929W
  improvements, (d) the A63 Castle Street (Hull) improvement, (e) the A49 Hereford bypass, (f) the M6 junctions 11A-16 widening, (g) the M42 junctions 3A-7 widening, (h) the A43 Geddington bypass, (i) the A43 Moulton-Broughton improvement, (j) the A43/A16 Stamford Relief Road and (k) the A45 Weedon Flore/Upper Heyford bypass; [133501]

  (5) what the expected start date is for (a) the Al Gateshead Western Bypass improvement, (b) the M60 junctions 12 to 18 improvements, (c) the M62 junction 6 improvements, (d) the A6(M) Stockport North/South bypass, (e) the A555 Poynton bypass, (f) the A523 Poynton bypass, (g) the A555 Manchester Airport Link west road scheme, (h) the A570 Ormskirk bypass, (i) the A595 Parton-Lillyhill improvement, (j) the A65 Gargrave bypass, (k) the A65 Hellifield and Long Preston improvement and (l) the A650 Hard lngs improvement; [133499]

  (6) what the expected start date is for (a) the A46 Newark-Widmerpool improvement, (b) the M1 junctions 25 to 28 junction improvements, (c) the M1 junctions 23A to 25 widening (including A6 to M1 link), (d) the Ml junctions 21A to 23A widening, (e) the A38 Derby Ring Road, (f) the A61 grade-separated junction, (g) the A52/A5111 grade-separated junction, (h) the A453

  Trunks roads in England

  PQ/133495

  (a)

  A27 Southerham-Beddington Improvement

  Withdrawn—Southampton to Folkestone Study

  (b)

  M23 Junctions 8 to 9 Widening

  Gatwick Area Study

  (c)

  M25 Junctions 15 to 16 Widening

  London Orbital Study

  (d)

  M25 Junctions 16 to 19 Widening

  London Orbital Study

  (e)

  M4 Junction 4B to 8/9 Widening

  London and Reading Study

  (f)

  A2 Lydden-Dover Improvement

  Next round of RPG

  (g)

  A3 Hindhead Improvement

  A3 Hindhead Study

  (h)

  A21 Tonbridge-Pembury Duallng

  Access to Hastings Study

  (i)

  A27 Wilmington Bypass

  Southampton to Folkestone Study

  (j)

  A27 Selmeston Bypass

  Southampton to Folkestone Study

  PQ/133496

  (a)

  M5 Junctions 17 to 21 Widening

  Withdrawn—London to South West Study and South Wales Study

  (b)

  A31 Poole Link Road

  Withdrawn, to be detrunked

  (c)

  A36 Codford-Heystesbury Improvement

  Withdrawn, to be detrunked

  (d)

  A3O/A3O3 Marsh Honiton and A35 Honiton Eastern Bypass

  London to South West Study

  (e)

  A38 Saltash-Stoketon Cross Improvement

  London to South West Study

  (f)

  A38 Dobwalls Bypass

  London to South West Study

  (g)

  A3O3 Illminster to Marsh Improvement

  London to South West Study

  (h)

  A3O3 Sparkford to Ilchester Improvement

  London to South West Study

  (i)

  A303 Wylye-Stockton Wood Improvement

  London to South West Study

  (j)

  A303 Chicklade Bottom-Mere Improvement

  London to South West Study

  PQ/133497

  (a)

  M11 Junction 5 North-facing Slip Road Improvement

  Withdrawn—problem for RPC

  (b)

  Ml Junctions 10 to 14 Widening

  Withdrawn—London to South Midlands Study

  (c)

  Ml1 Junctions 8 to 9 Widening

  Withdrawn—London to South Midlands Study

  (d)

  All Fiveways to Thetford Improvement

  In TPI—Subject to Statutory Procedures (Public Consultation)

  (e)

  All Attleborough Bypass

  In TPI—Subject to Statutory Procedures (Public Consultation)

  (f)

  Ml Junctions 6A to 10 Widening

  London to South Midlands Study

  (g)

  M1 1 Junction 14 Improvement

  Cambridge-Huntingdon Study—considered by RPC

  (h)

  A1(M) Junctions 6 to 8 Widening

  London to South Midlands Study—considered by RPC

  (i)

  A5 Dunstable Eastern Bypass

  London to South Midlands Study—considered by RPC

  (j)

  A14/M11 Junction 14 to Ml/A1 Link Improvement

  Cambridge to Huntingdon Study—considered by RPC

  PQ/133499

  (a)

  Al Gateshead Western Bypass Improvement

  Tynesdie Area Study

  (b)

  M60 Junctions 12 to 18 Improvements

  M60 12–18 Study

  (c)

  M62 Junction 6 Improvements

  Withdrawn—RPC to consider

  (d)

  A6(M) Stockport North/South Bypass

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

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  Clifton-M1 improvement, (i) the A453 Clifton Lane improvement, (j) the A47 Hardwick roundabout flyover and (k) the A428 Norse Road link; [133506]

  (7) what the expected start date is for (a) the M11 junction 5 north-facing slip-road improvement, (b) the M1 junctions 10 to 14 widening, (c) the M11 junctions 8 to 9 widening, (d) the All Fiveways to Thetford improvement, (e) the A 11 Attleborough bypass, (f) the M1 junctions 6A to 10 widening, (g) the M11 junction 14 improvement, (h) the A1(M) junctions 6 to 8 widening, (i) the A5 Dunstable eastern bypass and (j) the A14/M11 junction 14 to M1/A1 link improvement. [133497]

  Mr. Hill
  I have asked the Chief Executive for the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Nutt to Mr. Bernard Jenkin, dated 28 July 2000 I have been asked by the Transport Minister, Keith Hill, to reply to your recent parliamentary Questions about the start dates for various road schemes.
  The start dates for most of the schemes are subject either to the outcome of statutory procedures or to decisions following studies announced in the Government's White Paper, "A New Deal for Trunk Roads in England". The White Paper also withdrew some schemes because they were on roads which were to be detrunked, or because they were to be replaced by smaller scale schemes.
  Details for each scheme are given in the enclosed table, and are arranged according to the order in which you requested them.
  931W

  Trunks roads in England

  (e)-(f)

  A555 Poynton Bypass/A523 Poynton Bypass

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

  (g)

  A555 Manchester Airport Link West Road Scheme

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

  (h)

  A570 Ormskirk Bypass

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

  (i)

  A595 Parton-Lillyhill Improvement

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

  (j)

  A65 Gargrave Bypass

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

  (k)

  A65 Hellifield and Long Preston Improvement

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

  (l)

  A650 Hard Ings Improvement

  Withdrawn—Smaller scale solution

  PQ/133501

  (a)

  Ml Junctions 31–32 Widening

  HA to consider smaller scale option

  (b)

  M62 East-M606 Link Roads

  To be considered by RPC

  (c)

  A1(M) Redhouse Ferrybridge Improvements

  South and West Yorkshire Motorway Box Study

  (d)

  A63 Castle Street (Hull) Improvement

  Hull Study

  (e)

  A49 Hereford Bypass

  Withdrawn—RPC to consider

  (f)

  M6 Junctions 11A-16 Widening

  West Midlands to North West Conurbation Study

  (g)

  M42 Junctions 3A-7 Widening

  West Midlands Area Study

  (h)

  A43 Geddington Bypass

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

  (i)

  A43 Moulton-Broughton Improvement

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

  (j)

  A46/A16 Stamford Relief Road

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

  (k)

  A45 Weedon Flore/Upper Heyford Bypass

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

  PQ/133506

  (a)

  A46 Newark-Widmerpool Improvement

  Withdrawn—RPC to consider

  (b)

  M1 Junctions 25 to 28 Junction Improvements

  North South East Midlands Study

  (c)

  M1 Junctions 23A to 25 Widening (including A6 to M1 Link)

  North South East Midlands Study

  (d)

  M1 Junctions 21A to 23A Widening

  North South East Midlands Study

  (e)

  A38 Derby Ring Road

  A38 Derby Junction Study

  (g)

  A52/A5111 Grade-Separated Junction

  A38 Derby Junction Study

  (h)

  A453 Clifton-M1 Improvement

  A453 Ml Nottingham Study

  (i)

  A453 Clifton Lane Improvement

  A453 M1 Nottingham Study

  (j)

  A47 Hardwick Roundabout Flyover

  Withdrawn—Smaller scale solution

  (k)

  A428 Norse Road Link

  Withdrawn—Problem for RPC

  PQ/133542

  (a)

  A27 Arundel Bypass

  Southampton to Folkestone Study

  (b)

  A259 Pevensey to Bexhill Improvement

  Access to Hastings Study

  (c)

  A259 Bexhill and Hastings Western Bypass

  Access to Hastings Study

  (d)

  A205 Catford Town Centre Improvement

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

  (e)

  A4 Henlys/Waggoners' Corner Improvement

  Withdrawn—small scale solution

  (f)

  A406 Bounds Green-Green Lanes Improvement

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

  (g)

  A406/A1/A578 Regents Park Road Junction Improvement

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

  (h)

  A406 Golders Green Road Junction Improvement

  Withdrawn—to be detrunked

  Train Protection and Warning System
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to page 49 of his Department's Ten-Year Plan, what the completion date is for the installation of TPWS across the rail network. [133494]

  Mr. Hill
  The Railway Safety Regulations 1999 require that train protection be operational on all trains and across the network by the end of 2003 at the latest.

  Railtrack announced at the second Rail Safety Summit on 30 November 1999 that it will aim to complete fitting the train protection and warning system (TPWS) on its infrastructure by the end of 2002, a year earlier than required. The train operators have committed to fit 33 per cent. of trains with TPWS by the end of 2001, 75 per cent. of trains by the end of 2002 and all trains by the end of 2003.

  Thameslink 2000 Scheme
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the completion date is for construction works on the Thameslink 2000 scheme cited on page 47 of his Department's Ten-Year Plan. [133493]
  932W
  Mr. Hill
  Subject to the outcome of the Transport and Works Act 1992 public inquiry, and co-ordination of construction work with CTRL Stage 2, Thameslink 2000 construction would could be completed in 2006.

  Transport Funding
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what the total contribution from public funds is for transport in each year of the] 0-year transport plan, and what the equivalent amounts were in each of the preceding 10 years, broken down into(a) roads, (b) rail, (c) light rail and (d) other; [133462]

  (2) what the annual amount is of capital investment in transport infrastructure assumed in the ten-year transport plan; and what the equivalent amounts were in each of the preceding 10 years, broken down into (a) road, (b) rail, (c) light rail and (d) other; and what is the amount of expenditure in each year of the 10-year transport plan. [133461]

  Mr. Hill
  Table A3 in Annex 1 of "Transport 2010—The 10 Year Plan" gives a breakdown of the historic and planned public expenditure and private investment for rail over the period 199–92 to 2010–11. I will write to the
  933W
  hon. Member with a breakdown of the available roads and light rail figures in due course, and will place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Light Rail Lines
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the start-date for construction work of each of the new light rail lines referred to in his Department's 10-Year Plan. [133502]

  Mr. Hill
  Of those new light rail lines listed in "Transport 2010—The 10-Year Plan" as having been approved for funding, construction start dates are:Tyne and Wear Metro extension to Sunderland—February 2000;
  Nottingham Express Transit—June 2000;
  Docklands Light Railway extension to London City Airport—late 2001 or early 2002 subject to the outcome of an application for Transport and Works Act 1992 powers; Manchester Metrolink extensions—early 2002 subject to the outcome of applications for Transport and Works Act powers.

  Other proposed new light rail lines mentioned in the Plan are subject to satisfactory completion of economic appraisals and Transport and Works Act 1992 procedures.

  Channel Tunnel Rail Link
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the start date is for construction works on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Part 2 cited on pages 44 and 47 of his Department's Ten-Year Plan announced on 27 July 2000. [133505]

  Mr. Hill
  Some construction work on Phase 2 has already started and the Government has already approved £300 million for preliminary Phase 2 work. London and Continental Railways (LCR)'s current expectation is that the main construction will commence in July 2001 and Phase 2 will be opened in 2007.

  East Coast Main Line
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the completion date is for construction works on the upgrade of the East Coast Main Line cited on page 47 of his Department's 10-Year Plan. [133504]

  Mr. Hill
  On current proposals, the expected completion date for the East Coast Main Line upgrade works is 2009–10.

  Learner Motorcyclists
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have to amend the rule providing for a one-year ban on learner motorcyclists if the motorcycle test is not passed within two years of commencement of learner-driving; and if he will make a statement. [133463]

  Mr. Hill
  As announced in March in our road safety strategy "Tomorrow's roads—Safer for Everyone", we propose to abolish that rule in the context of improved training arrangements. Learner riders will have to hold a training certificate, and these certificates will have a two year validity period after issue.
  934W
  Most learner riders pass their test within six months, and we want to encourage learner riders to reach test standard within a reasonable period. But we think a further training requirement for anybody who has not passed a test within two years is preferable to a one year disqualification, during which riding skills are likely to decline rather than improve. We hope to bring these new arrangements into force around the end of the year.

  Green Belt (Stevenage)
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions whether Government Office for the East has sought legal advice about the impact of PPG3 on the plans to build houses in the Green Belt west of Stevenage. [133295]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has various powers of intervention in the planning process and for this reason it would be inappropriate to comment on the specifics of any particular case.

  Planning Policy Guidance Note 3
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions whether Ministers took legal advice on the impact of PPG3 on local development plans before writing to the right hon. Member for Hitchen and Harpenden on 16 May. [133294]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Prior to publication of PPG3 in March, full consideration, including taking legal advice, was given to the implications for development plans of the new approach to planning for housing it sets out.

  Government Loans (House Purchase)
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those key workers in the private and public sectors who will qualify for interest-free Government loans to help them buy houses; and on what terms the loans will be provided. [133572]

  Mr. Mullin
  The hon. Gentleman is referring to the Starter Home Initiative set out in the Government's Housing Green Paper—"Quality and Choice: A Decent Home for All".

  The Green Paper seeks proposals on how the initiative could be operated most successfully and cost effectively. During the autumn the Government will announce details of the initiative, including the points raised by the hon. Gentleman, in the light of responses to the Green Paper. The consultation period closes at the end of July.

  Housing Developments
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the average density of new housing developments, in units per hectare, was on(a) greenfield sites and (b) brownfield sites in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000. [133460]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The information is available only so far for the period 1994 to 1998 as the data are not robust enough to be presented on an annual basis. In England, over this period the average density of new
  935W
  dwellings built on previously developed land was 28 dwellings per hectare and on land that had not been previously developed was 22 dwellings per hectare.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many homeless applicants were(a) rehoused by the local authority directly without spending time in temporary accommodation and (b) placed in temporary accommodation under section 193 of the Housing Act 1996 in each of the last three years; [133484]

  (2) how many homeless applicants were considered to have a priority need under section 189 (1) (c) of the Housing Act 1996 due to (a) domestic violence and (b) racial harassment and violence in each of the last three years; [133485]

  (3) how many applicants were accepted as homeless by local authorities under section 175 (3) of the Housing Act 1996 due to racial harassment or violence, in each of the last three years. [133486]

  Mr. Mullin
  Data are not collected centrally in the precise form requested. Available information on households accommodated under statutory homelessness provisions in England is published in a quarterly Information Bulletin, "Statistics of local authority activities under the homelessness legislation: England". Table 3 of the Bulletin presents a summary of those households accepted as unintentionally homeless and in priority need under the homelessness provisions of the 1985 and 1996 Housing Acts, identifying which category was most crucial in determining priority need. Cases where domestic violence was the exclusive reason are identified separately, but further cases may also exist where, for example, the presence of dependent children was the crucial determining factor. Table 4 further summarises acceptances by reason for loss of the household's last settled home and the category "Violent breakdown of relationship" will include all instances where domestic violence was the cause of homelessness. In both tables, cases involving racial harassment or violence are not separately distinguished, but would be reported under "Other".

  Tables 5 and 6 show the number of accepted households in accommodation arranged by the local authority, as at the end of each quarter. Information on the number of households directly rehoused by authorities, without first going into accommodation secured for the minimum two-year period, is not collected.

  Copies of the Bulletin are held in the Library and the latest edition, published on 16 June, presents statistics up to and including the first quarter of 2000.

  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 7 July 2000,Official Report, columns 312–13W, (1) what plans he has to introduce arrangements to monitor reviews of homelessness decisions made by local authorities under sections 202 and 203 of the Housing Act 1996; and if he will make a statement; [133464]
  936W
  (2) what proposals he has to require local authorities to make available written information on procedures for reviewing homelessness decisions under sections 202 and 203 of the Housing Act 1996; and if he will make a statement. [133487]

  Mr. Mullin
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 7 July 2000,Official Report, columns 312–13W. The Housing Green Paper, "Quality and Choice; A decent home for all", sets out the Government's proposals for reform of homelessness legislation. As part of these proposals we will consider the introduction of arrangements to monitor reviews of homelessness decisions made by local authorities, and will consider responses to the Green Paper before deciding whether to develop this further. We would wish to discuss any such proposals with representatives of local government, Shelter and others before taking them forward.

  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the extent to which local authorities have had regard to the provisions of the code of guidance on parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 in relation to finding the following groups to be vulnerable and in priority need under section 189 (1)(c) of the Housing Act 1996 (a) victims of violence and abuse and racial harassment and violence, (b) people with mental health problems, (c) 16 and 17-year-olds and (d) people leaving care; [133481]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the extent to which local authorities have had regard to the provisions of the Code of Guidance on Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 in relation to whether it is reasonable for victims of violence and racial abuse and racial harassment to continue to occupy accommodation under sections 175 and 177 of the Housing Act 1996. [133483]

  Mr. Mullin
  In exercising their functions under Parts VI and Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, local authorities must have regard to the guidance issued by the Secretary of State under sections 169 and 182 of the 1996 Act.

  The Department has commissioned research on local authority policy and practice on allocations, transfers and homelessness. The research will provide information on how local authorities apply the homelessness legislation, and look at definitions of the vulnerability dimension of priority need. This will include victims of violence and abuse; racial harassment; people with mental health problems; 16 and 17-year-olds and people leaving care. The research will also look at outcomes of allocation schemes for different groups such as homeless acceptances.

  Allotments
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his policy is on the use of allotment land for open space; and if he will make a statement. [133236]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Government believe that informal recreation spaces, such as allotments and community gardens, are important for maintaining the quality of people's lives and contribute to healthy and sustainable neighbourhoods. We consider it important that
  937W
  people should have access to such spaces and lands close to where they live, and attach high importance to retaining such spaces particularly in urban areas.

  Local Authorities, other than inner London Boroughs, are under a duty to provide and let allotments where they are of the opinion that there is a demand for them. Inner London Boroughs have a discretionary power to provide allotments. Section 8 of the Allotments Act 1925 requires local authorities to obtain the Secretary of State's consent for the sale or appropriation of statutory allotments. Consent can be granted only where adequate alternative provision is made for any affected plot holders, and the number of people on any waiting list is taken into account when making this decision.

  Housing
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what pilot schemes for introducing choice into letting of social housing he is evaluating in addition to the Harborough Home Search Scheme identified in the Housing Green Paper; [133507]

  (2) how he intends to evaluate the impact on homeless households of pilot schemes for introducing choice into letting of social housing; [133509]

  (3) how he intends to evaluate the pilot schemes for introducing choice into letting of social housing; and if he will make the evaluations public. [133508]

  Mr. Mullin
  We will shortly be inviting expressions of interest from local authorities. Bids will be invited from authorities who wish to develop schemes that achieve our aims on a choice based lettings system, including schemes that make innovative use of information technology to help tenants to choose their homes. In inviting expressions of interest we will make it clear to authorities the level of monitoring and evaluation they will be expected to undertake. Any pilot scheme will need to be evaluated fully, including the impact on homeless households.

  We will announce the successful bids publicly, and the evaluation will lead to good practice guidance available for all social housing landlords.

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that(a) victims of violence and harassment and (b) people with mental health problems are given priority in the letting of social housing in areas of high housing demand under the proposals set out in the Housing Green Paper to use waiting time as the criterion to determine priority for households in the same needs band. [133511]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Housing Green Paper, "Quality and Choice; A decent home for all", sets out the Government's proposals for increasing choice in social lettings, and gives banding of applicants in similar housing need as an example of how authorities can move away from points based systems. It will remain the responsibility of each local authority to develop housing policies which are pertinent to their local housing markets, whether in high or low demand areas, taking into account the need to ensure equality of access for their most vulnerable 938W
  residents. The Housing Green Paper also proposes making the victims of harassment a separate priority need category under homelessness legislation.

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that the proposals set out in the Housing Green Paper to advertise vacancies in social housing do not disadvantage householders(a) with mental health problems, (b) without English as a first language and (c) who are hospitalised; and if he will make a statement. [133510]

  Mr. Mullin
  I refer to my earlier answer,Official Report, column 937W, given today. Advertising is an option within developing effective choice based systems. We will shortly be inviting expressions of interest from local authorities in bidding to develop schemes which achieve our aims of choice. These pilots will look at how extra support can be given to those who may need it, such as those whose first language is not English, those with mental health problems, and those who are hospitalised.

  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the average density of social housing, in units per hectare, was in areas covered by regeneration schemes(a) prior to regeneration, (b) after regeneration, in England in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000. [133459]

  Mr. Mullin
  We are not able to provide this information. No details are collected centrally about the average density of social housing and regeneration partnerships are not required to collect such information.

  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will(a) list the regeneration schemes in England which have resulted in a net reduction in available units of affordable rented housing and (b) estimate the total net loss of available units for each of the last five years. [133482]

  Mr. Mullin
  We are not able to provide this information. Regeneration partnerships are not required to collect details about the number of units of affordable housing affected by regeneration schemes. We therefore do not have the details from which such information would be collated.

  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce a 10-year performance target for his Department to meet housing need; and if he will make a statement. [133458]

  Mr. Mullin
  There are no plans to introduce a performance target on meeting housing need—which I understand to mean here the need for affordable housing. While the Government have from time to time commissioned studies of the extent and nature of housing need to inform their views on the need for affordable housing in England, they believe that neither national or regional estimates can adequately reflect the diversity of needs and priorities which exist at the local level. For these reasons the Government believe that local authorities are best placed to carry out robust assessment of housing need in their areas.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of households accommodated
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  through (a) the HOMES scheme and (b) other mobility schemes, by local authority area for each of the last three years. [133254]

  Mr. Mullin
  According to Local Authority Housing Investment Programme returns the number of local authority dwellings let through mobility arrangements over the last three years were:

  Year

  Number

  1998–99

  5,729

  1997–98

  6,303

  1996–97

  6,803

  Source:

  Housing Investment Programme (Operational information Section 1)

  A table of mobility scheme lettings by local authority area has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 18 July 2000,Official Report, column 131W, if he will list the occasions where registered social landlords have failed to comply with statutory guidance to make at least 50 per cent. of lettings available to local authority nominees from the housing register. [133257]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Housing Corporation monitors the proportion of new lettings going to local authority nominations and may make inquiries of those RSLs with nomination levels below 50 per cent. However, nomination levels below 50 per cent. do not necessarily indicate a failure to make lettings available to local authority nominees.

  It is important to bear in mind factors which may influence the level of local authority nominations, for instance the effect of depressed nomination levels in areas where there is low demand and where the overall number of lettings is small.

  I have placed in the Library a list of registered social landlords whose lettings to local authority nominees fell below 50 per cent. in 1998–99, the most recent year for which data are available. The list is ranked in order of the number of units and/or bedspaces owned or managed and excludes those registered social landlords with fewer than 250 units of accommodation or 250 bed spaces.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place the responses to the consultation Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation—England in the Library. [133253]

  Mr. Mullin
  A list of responses has been placed in the Library, and in accordance with normal practice individual responses will be available at my Department's library.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many local authorities have(a) contracted out their homelessness services and (b) subsequently brought these services back in-house in the last five years. [133258]

  Mr. Mullin
  This information is not available in a form which can be broken down in this way. Local authorities provide the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions with limited information about the extent to which services are provided centrally or externally, but these do not distinguish in any detail between functions 940W
  under Part VI of the Housing Act 1996, relating to the allocation of social housing, and those relating to homelessness under Part VII of the Act.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of the capital expenditure in the Housing Corporation's Annual Development Programme from 2001–02 to 2003–04 will be for low-cost home ownership schemes. [133261]

  Mr. Mullin
  Following our recent Spending Review, we are providing nearly £1 billion extra for investment in affordable housing through the Approved Development Programme over the four years 2000–01 to 2003–04. By 2003–04, the programme will be £1.2 billion a year, nearly double the planned level of investment following the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review.

  The proportion of the Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme which will be directed towards low cost home ownership from 2001–02 to 2003–04 will depend on local and regional assessments of housing need. This reflects the more strategic approach being adopted by the Housing Corporation to ensure that resources are targeted effectively and meet local priorities.

  In addition to the Approved Development Programme funding, our spending plans for the same period include an additional £250 million in further support of low cost home ownership. The additional resources will fund the new Starter Homes Initiative, which was proposed in the Housing Green Paper, to help key workers to achieve home ownership in high price, high demand areas.

  Local authorities can also support low cost home ownership through the Cash Incentive and the Do-It-Yourself Shared Ownership schemes.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to require registered social landlords to have regard to the provisions of the Code of Guidance on Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 where stock transfer has taken place. [133256]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Code of Guidance on Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 applies only to local authorities. Following the transfer of their housing stock. local authorities must continue to keep a register of applicants seeking social housing in their area and continue to have obligations towards homeless households under Part VI and Part VII of the Housing Act 1996. To ensure that they have access to accommodation to enable them to discharge their housing functions, they generally negotiate nomination rights of between 50 per cent. and 75 per cent. of the transferred stock with the transfer landlord. RSLs are regulated by the Housing Corporation which has the power, under s.36 of the Housing Act 1996, to issue guidance with respect to the management of housing, including the allocation of housing.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for monitoring and regulating the performance of agencies who are contracted by local authorities to carry out their duties under Parts VI & VII of the Housing Act 1996. [133259]
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  Mr. Mullin
  Under Best Value local authorities are required to review all their services, including housing, over a five year cycle. The Housing Inspectorate will inspect all housing authorities over the same period and as part of that aims to inspect particular housing services, such as homelessness and the allocation of tenancies, when those services have been subject to a completed Best Value Review.

  The Housing Inspectorate will, where services have been legitimately contracted out to agencies, inspect the contractual performance of the Local authority as the client, and the other party as their agents/contractors, and make the results publicly available.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of households accommodated through the HOMESWAP scheme in each of the last three years; and what assessment he has made of the reasons for which households have used the scheme. [133255]

  Mr. Mullin
  The HOMESWAP Scheme is managed by an independent organisation called HOMES. The total number of exchanges is collected from local authority Housing Investment Programme returns. It is estimated that a quarter to a third of those occur through HOMESWAP. This proportion is based on what was happening when HIP stopped collecting separate statistics for HOMESWAP as opposed to all exchanges (in 1994–95) and is supported by the limited information that HOMES are able to collect from landlords.

  The total number of households accommodated through the HOMESWAP in England over the last three years are estimated as:

  1998–99

  1988–97

  1997–96

  Total exchanges

  29,900

  35,200

  41,200

  Estimate HOMESWAP based on 1/4

  7,475

  8,800

  10,300

  Estimate HOMESWAP based on 1/3

  9,966

  11,733

  13,733

  HOMES does not record the reason for exchanging when people register on HOMESWAP, although this information is gathered from time to time by research organisations. The most recent published research, which gives reasons for using the scheme is "An Evaluation of HOMES" (MORI for DoE 1995). Research into mutual exchanges is currently being undertaken by University of Cambridge on behalf of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, to be published later this year, which will include an analysis of reasons for exchanging.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the housing stock transfers where new social housing has been built using the resources released by the transfer in each of the last three years. [133260]

  Mr. Mullin
  This information is not held centrally and could be produced only at disproportionate cost.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the remit of the new Community Housing Taskforce will include the impact of stock transfer on homelessness and housing need; and if these concerns will be reflected in its membership. [133252]
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  Mr. Mullin
  The remit and structure of the Community Housing Taskforce is currently being considered by the Department. Local housing authorities retain their obligations towards homeless households under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and are expected to assess housing need as part of their housing strategy after the transfer of their stock. It is proposed that the Taskforce will work together with the Government Offices for the Regions to ensure that local housing authorities take account of their statutory obligations when developing their housing transfer proposals.

  House Sales (Information Pack)
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the pilot scheme to test the components of the seller's information pack to assist the sale of houses will be completed; and if he will make a statement. [133240]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Bristol Seller's Information Pack Pilot Scheme will be completed over the summer and my Department is due to receive a draft final report in September. We expect to make the results public in November.

  A summary of interim findings1 was published on 27 June. The key findings from this were:
  Six in 10 sellers believe that the pack is easy to understand and contains the right amount of information needed. A similar proportion of buyers also agree that the pack contains the right amount of detail on which to make decisions.
  Two thirds of seller's information packs are completed within the 10-day target for pack assembly. However, recently the assembly of the legal part of the pack has slipped beyond this target.

  Note:

  Housing Research Summary No 124: Bristol Seller's Information Pack Pilot Summary of interim findings, DETR, June 2000

  Rail Franchise (Greater London)
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out the timetable for awarding the rail franchise for each of the communities services into Greater London; what length of franchise is being envisaged in each case and maximum franchise requirements; and if he will make a statement. [133237]

  Mr. Hill
  There are no specific target dates for the replacement of franchises, or any specified length for new franchise agreements that are to be negotiated. While the shadow Strategic Rail Authority will be offering longer term franchises, the length will be entirely dependent on the amount of investment that is proposed by the bidder. The Franchising Director is aiming to replace all the current shorter franchises including, Connex South Central, Chiltern, South West Trains, Thameslink, West Anglia Great Northern, Thames and Great Eastern within two years.

  Wind Turbines
  Mr. Prior
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has published guidelines regarding the siting of wind turbines. [133625]
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  Ms Beverley Hughes
  "Planning Policy Guidance note 22: Renewable Energy" sets out guidance regarding the siting of wind farms and other sources of renewable energy.

  A316
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason the two lanes on the eastbound carriageway of the A316 west of the junction with the B358 are being narrowed. [133472]

  Mr. Hill
  This is a matter for the Mayor of London and Transport for London.

  Air Quality
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his Department's budget is for 2000 to 2004 for(a) improvements in air quality and (b) reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. [133478]

  Mr. Hill
  This year's budget for climate change research (as shown in DETR' s Annual report 2000, Cm 4604) is £11.6 million; for air and environmental quality research the budget is £8.5 million; for specific support to local authorities' air quality expenditure the budget is £2.6 million. Additional relevant DETR expenditure is accounted for under Departmental Running Costs, International Subscriptions, and other spending lines. Figures from Spending Review 2000 have not yet been disaggregated sufficiently to identify comparable sums for subsequent years.

  However, the DETR PSA target for achieving the Government's climate change objectives will be met by implementing a range of policies and measures covering many sectors of the economy. Some European measures are included in our draft Climate Change Programme, and action by local authorities will also be crucial. Funds spent in other areas of DETR, for example, programmes to promote better energy efficiency, CHP and integrated transport will also help to deliver reductions in greenhouse gases.

  The DETR PSA target for improving air quality will be met largely through a range of European and national policy measures which are being taken to reduce pollution from industry and vehicles. For local pollution hot-spots, local authorities will be drawing up action plans to reduce local pollution levels through the local air quality management arrangements.

  Energy Efficiency
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his plans and budget are for improving energy efficiency for vulnerable households between April 2001 and 31 March 2004. [133476]

  Mr. Meacher
  The principal programme for improving the energy efficiency of vulnerable householders in private sector housing in England is the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES). Following the Comprehensive Spending Review, the budgets for HEES have been set as follows.
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  Year

  £ millions

  2001–02

  153

  2002–03

  167

  2003–04

  171

  By 2004, the scheme is expected to have helped 800,000 households.

  Improvements in the energy efficiency of social sector housing are delivered through local authorities' and registered social landlords' renovation and improvement programmes. The resources made available for housing investment in the 2000 Spending Review will allow half a million social sector houses (over a third of the total in poor condition) to be brought up to a decent standard by 2004.

  Recycling and Composting
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his Department's budget is for 2000 to 2004 for recycling and composting. [133477]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Spending Review 2000 provided £140 million specifically for local authority waste and recycling, and substantial resources towards the Waste and Resources Action Plan, which will tackle barriers to increased recycling and promote new markets for recycled materials. Substantial extra resources—an increase of £1,127 million by 2003–04—will help fund environmental, protective and cultural services, including waste management. Local authorities will set their own priorities for the use of these resources. The Department also supports local authority sustainable waste management projects through the Private Finance Initiative (PFI). An announcement on PFI funding for the Spending Review period will be made shortly.

  Aldermaston
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 11 July 2000,Official Report, column 497W, on Aldermaston, if he will list those bodies which were sent a copy of the draft authorisation arising from the public consultation process; and if he will place copies of their responses in the Library. [133725]

  Mr. Meacher
  Copies of the draft authorisation were sent to the Health and Safety Executive and to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Copies of their responses are being placed in the Library.

  Brownfield Land
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many acres of vacant, dormant, derelict, unused or underutilised land there are in England and Wales; and what percentage of this he estimates will have to be built on to achieve the Government's house-building targets by 2011; [133425]

  (2) how many hectares of brownfield land in England and Wales are in (a) public ownership and (b) private ownership. [133426]
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  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Estimates from the National Land Use Database show that in 1998 there were an estimated 57,710 hectares of previously developed land for England that were unused or potentially available for redevelopment.

  There are no Government targets for house-building.

  There is a national target that by 2008, 60 per cent. of additional housing should be provided on previously developed land and through the conversions of existing buildings. Planning Policy Guidance Note 3: Housing, published in March 2000, seeks to maximise the re-use of previously developed land and buildings.

  It is not possible to estimate what proportion of previously developed land available in 1998 will be used for house-building as further amounts of land will become available for recycling.

  Phase 1 of the National Land Use Database collected information on public and private ownership of brownfield land in England, for which no results have yet been published. My Department will undertake this analysis and I will write to the hon. Member when it becomes available.

  Reports
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the reports submitted to his Department, by bodies that were created after May 1997 and that include significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, stating in each case the body writing the report, the date the report was submitted, how many recommendations were made, the number of those recommendations that have been implemented to date and the number of recommendations that have been rejected; and if he will make a statement. [133560]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I refer to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office on 27 July 2000,Official Report, columns 799–800W.

  Pesticides
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people have been poisoned by pesticides in each year since 1995, indicating the pesticide concerned in each case. [133298]

  Mr. Meacher
  Comprehensive information on the number of people who are poisoned by pesticides each year is not available. Some information is available from the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Pesticide Incidents Appraisal Panel, which considers all incidents investigated by HSE or local authorities where the use of a pesticide is alleged to have caused ill health. Summary statistics of such incidents are published annually in HSE's Pesticide Incidents Report. I have asked officials to compile a table listing, for each year since 1995–96, the pesticide active ingredients involved in such incidents, the number of people concerned, and whether or not the Panel assessed the case as having a confirmed or likely link with pesticide exposure. I will arrange for a copy of this table to be placed in the Libraries as soon as possible.

  Low-cost Housing
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure increased access to high-quality low-cost housing. [133393]

  Mr. Mullin
  The recently announced spending plans for 2001–02 to 2003–04 provide extra investment of £1.6 billion for housing and will increase both the quality and supply of low cost housing. This extra investment includes an additional £872 million over the next three years for new social rented housing provided through the Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme. It also includes an additional £250 million between 2001–02 and 2003–04 to expand our support for low cost home ownership through the new Starter Home Initiative.

  Local authorities are also able to use their additional resources towards the provision of affordable housing, where this best meets local needs. We have recently reinforced the powers available to local authorities to seek the provision of affordable housing as a proportion of new private developments. We will be issuing best practice guidance to help authorities to make more effective use of these powers.

  Our spending plans will also ensure that we tackle the backlog of repairs and modernisation in local authority housing in line with our target to bring all social housing up to a decent standard within a decade.

  For full details of our planned investment in the quality and provision of low cost housing, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Thomas) on 24 July 2000, Official Report, columns 398–404W.

  Concorde
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure that the BA Concorde fleet is airworthy; and if he will make a statement. [133714]

  Mr. Mullin
  British Airways carry out regular inspections and maintenance on its Concorde aircraft in accordance with a programme which was determined at the time Concorde received its initial certification. The Civil Aviation Authority is therefore satisfied that the BA fleet of Concorde aircraft is airworthy. However, in the light of the recent accident, BA, in consultation with the CAA, carried out exhaustive tests on its Concordes overnight 25–26 July. These involved a range of engineering and systems checks, including the running of all engines; boroscope inspections of the engines; and visual inspections. These tests did not reveal any airworthiness problems.

  Inspectors from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch are participating in the technical investigation of the accident being carried out by the French Bureau Enquetes Accidents. If the investigation identifies any additional action which is necessary to maintain the airworthiness of the Concorde fleet the CAA will take appropriate action.

  Timber Procurement
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on timber procurement following the commitment made by G8 heads of Government. [133792]

  Mr. Meacher
  The UK has worked hard in recent years to promote sustainable forest management and help reduce illegal logging world wide. Illegal logging damages both the environment and society. It reduces government revenues, destroys the basis of poor people's livelihoods and in some cases even fuels armed conflict.

  Working directly with affected countries to combat illegal logging will continue to be the mainstay of our efforts in this area. Among other initiatives we will sponsor later this year, along with the US and World bank, is a high-level meeting in south-east Asia to examine what can be done to strengthen enforcement of forestry laws in the region, and how donors can assist in this. However, we must also deal with parts of the problem nearer to home. It is counterproductive to help enforce laws abroad without striving to ensure that illegally produced timber is not consumed at home.

  The Government are a major purchaser of both timber and timber products, and have a responsibility to ensure their own house is in order. Guidelines already exist to encourage Government Departments to purchase from legal and sustainable sources, but we can do more. To show a lead in addressing the G8 communiqué's call to
  examine how best we can combat illegal logging, including export and procurement practices,
  we will implement a progressive programme of work to improve current purchasing practice for timber and timber products. This initiative will have three components:
  Current voluntary guidance on environmental issues in timber procurement will become a binding commitment on all central Government Departments and agencies actively to seek to buy timber and timber products from sustainable and legal sources, for example those identified under independent certification schemes such as that operated by the Forestry Stewardship Council.
  Each central Government Department will report annually on its timber purchases. It will be required to explain what steps it is taking to pursue this objective; the quantity and types of its purchases; and what assurances it has received that the source of timber is sustainable and legal.
  This process will he monitored by an inter-departmental group reporting to the committee of "Green Ministers". The group will: assist Departments and agencies in working with timber suppliers and producers; give guidance on best purchasing practice; set progressive overall targets for government timber purchases from assured sustainable and legal sources; agree appropriate targets for individual Departments and agencies.

  This programme does not involve banning the purchase of timber or timber products which cannot be shown to be sustainably and legally produced. That would be both unfair and impractical. There is currently not enough timber that can be independently guaranteed to have come from sustainable and legal sources to meet all needs; albeit that different assurance schemes are growing quickly. We would also not want to penalise poorer countries and producers which have not been able to put in place such schemes. We will continue to work with such producers to ensure they have fair market access, and that any action is fully consistent with our international obligations. Our aim is to give confidence to those obeying their country's laws and managing their forest
  948W
  sresponsibly that they will find a welcome market in the UK, and will not be undercut by unscrupulous and illegal competitors.

  Government Panel on Sustainable Development
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the response to the sixth annual report of the Government Panel on Sustainable Development will be published. [133793]

  Mr. Meacher
  I am pleased to announce that the Government's Response to the sixth and final annual report of the Government Panel on Sustainable Development will be published on 8 August. We agree with many of the Panel's recommendations; notably Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is a priority and that sequestration has a role to play. We are funding research into mitigation measures.
  The World Trade Organisation needs to reform and modernise; we are committed to playing a leading role within the EU to ensure this happens.
  Noise can have a detrimental effect on people's quality of life. The forthcoming review of the current Noise Act and the EU directive on Noise will provide opportunities to consider effective remedies to noise disturbance.
  The need for continued open and cautious exploration of the potential of biotechnology, both possible benefits and downsides.
  Better integration of environmental concerns with fisheries management and management of the oceans is required.

  The Panel has been an extremely valuable source of advice for Government in the achievement of sustainable development and I am grateful to the Convenor of the Panel, Sir Crispin Tickell, and his colleagues for all their work over recent years.

  Copies of the Response will be placed in the Library, and it will also be available in electronic form on the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions website www.detr.gov.uk.

  Planning Guidance (South West)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Panel report will be published on draft regional planning guidance for the south west of England. [133802]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Government Office for the South West intend to publish the Panel report on Thursday 3 August.

  Ethical Conduct
  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made in drawing up principles governing the ethical conduct of local authority members; and if he will make a statement. [133803]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  My right hon. Friend, the Minister for Local Government and the Regions will publish a consultation paper today setting out nine principles which we propose should govern the conduct of elected and co-opted members of local government. This will be based on the work of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, chaired by Lord Nolan. The consultation period runs until 31 October.
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  We will also write today to the Local Government Association asking them to help draw up a new model code of conduct for councillors. The new Code will need to provide members with a clear set of rules in order that they can know what standards of conduct are expected of them.

  We will ask the LGA to take account of the views of bodies representing parish and town councils, police authorities and the Greater London Authority among others. They will be asked to submit their proposals by the end of October.

  Reserve Capping Powers
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he proposes to use his reserve capping powers for 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [133934]

  Ms Armstrong
  Ministers have not yet taken a final decision on whether to use the reserve capping powers for 2000–01 in respect of any individual authorities.

  GM Crop Trials
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when ACRE will publish the criteria against which changes in biodiversity will be measured in the GM crop trials. [120715]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 3 May 2000]: The farm scale evaluations have been designed to test the hypothesis that there are no significant differences between the biodiversity associated with the management of certain GM herbicide tolerant crops and comparable non-GM crops at the farm scale. When the results are available they will be reviewed by the Scientific Steering Committee and published.

  The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment will be asked to consider the results and advise ministers. The ACRE sub-group set up to consider the assessment of these issues intends to publish draft assessment criteria for discussion shortly.

  GM Farm Trials
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what variables are to be measured in the assessment of GM farms trials; and how the criteria for judging success in relation to a particular GM crop will be measured against those variables. [126632]

  Mr. Meacher
  The objective of the evaluations is to test the null hypothesis that there are no significant differences between the biodiversity associated with the management of genetically modified herbicide tolerant crops and comparable non-GM crops at the farm scale. In practice, the variation in biodiversity can not be recorded for all species. The approach is to compare key indicators of biodiversity between the GM HT and non-GM HT cropping systems. In reporting these effects, they will be placed into the context of national recording schemes that can help to show the relationships between the biodiversity associated with the study sites and arable areas in general.
  950W
  The indicators being measured are:
  soil seed bank;
  arable plant diversity, biomass and estimated seed return;
  field margin and boundary vegetation, noting species in flower and signs of spray drift;
  Gastropods (slugs and snails) abundance, activity and diversity measures;
  Arthropods on vegetation, concentrating on plant bugs (Heteroptera), spring tails (Collembola), and the caterpillars of butterflies, moths, (Lepidoptera) and sawflies; diversity and biomass measures;
  Carabid beetles and other ground dwellings arthropods; abundance and diversity measures;
  bees and butterflies; observational studies;
  birds and small mammals, observational studies.

  The study is limiting the number of confounding factors by using a split-field design and controlling for all the variables except the herbicide treatment. After the first year the studies will continue in the subsequent follow-on conventional crops. Further details of the study and monitoring protocols have been published by the research consortium in two interim reports. These are available on the DETR website and copies have been placed in the Library.

  When sufficient data sets are available the null hypothesis will be tested separately for each indicator. The data will then reveal whether or not there are any statistically significant differences in biodiversity arising from the two cropping regimes. The independent Scientific Steering Committee is over-seeing the evaluations to ensure appropriate scientific rigor of the evaluations. The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment will consider the outcome of the evaluations, assess the implications for the environment and advise Ministers. A sub-group of ACRE is currently considering the criteria which are appropriate for such assessments.

  In addition, there are studies to monitor geneflow. These are monitoring the extent of cross pollination with neighbouring sexually compatible crops for the oil seed rape and maize, both of which will flower and produce pollen, and, in the case of rape, the formation of hybrids with wild relatives.

  Crop Contamination
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the oral statement of 18 May,Official Report, column 474, on the introduction of a seed purity inspection system, when the process of planning this system began; when he will publish details of how the system will work; if the introduction of the system is conditional upon EU or other international agreements; how much the system will cost; and how the system's costs will be funded. [124151]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 5 June 2000]: The process of planning seed purity inspections began in February this year when the new arrangements for the inspection of GM release and marketing consents were being developed with the Central Science Laboratory (CSL), who were formerly appointed to undertake this task on 1 June. CSL's responsibility is to ensure that every GMO release site in England and, where appropriate, Wales is visited and expected once a year, and that

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  consent holder's arrangements to ensure compliance with consents are audited. Consent holders are charged an annual subsistence fee to pay for these inspections.

  In the light of the recent Advanta oilseed rape case, interim arrangements have been made to audit imports of seed, and sample seed for testing where necessary. These inspections are being carried out under provisions in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and are not conditional on EU or other international agreements. My main concern is that unauthorised GM seed is not imported and released into the environment. Importers of seed have been contacted and reminded of their duties. Industry will be carrying out their own tests to ensure imported seeds and grain does not contain unauthorised GMOs. The costs of this testing will fall to the industry. CSL will audit their arrangements to ensure that this has been carried out effectively.

  Costs of the audits have not yet been finalised. For the time being the Government is funding CSL to do his work. The Government will consider how to charge for these inspections when implementing forthcoming EU legislation on GMOs and seed purity.

  Dioxin
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham of 24 May 2000,Official Report, column 539W, on dioxin, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness and accuracy of the programmes which monitor dioxin levels; and if he will make a statement. [126260]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 19 June 2000]: There are 210 dioxin and furan compounds, of which 17 are thought to have toxicological consequences. Each of these 17 compounds is measured, weighted according to its relative toxicity and aggregated to give a single result in terms of the toxic equivalence of the total mix. These measurements are made over each quarter of the year, and the uncertainty of an individual quarterly dioxin measurement in air has been assessed as 19 per cent., expressed in terms of the overall toxic equivalent. The corresponding annual mean value has an uncertainty of 9 per cent.

  Nolan Rules
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list each group that is responsible to his Department, with significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, and to which the Nolan rules on non-departmental public bodies do not apply; and for each such group, if it(a) is a company limited by guarantee, (b) is a charity, (c) has no formal legal basis and (d) has some other legal basis, giving details. [131178]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office on 27 July 2000, Official Report, columns 799–800W. I can confirm that apart from the Review of the Index of Local Deprivation none of my Department's groups listed
  952W
  have a legal basis. The legal basis for the Review of the Index of Local Deprivation is the contract with the University of Oxford for this research project.

  Advisory Bodies
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions 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. [131455]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I refer to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799W.

  Incinerators
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many incinerators have started operation in each of the last eight years in each region; and if he will make a statement. [132570]

  Mr. Mullin
  Only two new municipal waste incinerators have opened in the past eight years: SELCHP (Thames Region, 1994) and Stockton (North East Region, 1997).

  Many other plant were closed down because they did not comply with stringent emissions standards introduced in 1996. Of these, several were refurbished, and re-opened on the following dates:

  Region

  Operator

  Re-start

  Midlands

  Coventry and Solihull Waste Disposal Co. Ltd, Coventry

  1996

  Midlands

  WasteNotts (Reclamation) Ltd., Nottingham

  1995

  Midlands

  MES Environmental Ltd., Stoke

  1995

  Midlands

  MES Environmental Ltd., Wolverhampton

  1998

  Midlands

  MES Environmental Ltd., Dudley

  1998

  Midlands

  Tyseley Waste Disposal Ltd.

  1996

  North East

  Sheffield city council

  1997

  North West

  GM Waste Ltd., Bolton

  2000

  The London Waste incinerator at Edmonton (Thames Region) was refurbished without a break in operation in 1996.

  This information relates to conventional solid municipal waste incinerators within the Integrated Pollution Control regime. I shall respond separately on other incinerators, including plant burning processed wastes.

  Transport (London)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what were the total amounts provided for transport in London in each year since 1990–91, including a breakdown showing the amounts for(a) London Transport, (b) local authority net expenditure, current and capital, (c) Highways Agency expenditure and (d) other. [131999]

  Mr. Hill
  I will write to the hon. Member, and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Sellafield
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will advise the Environment Agency during its review of Sellafield discharge authorisations, that it should consider dry storage technologies in addition to the use of magnox fuel and the addition of a head-end plant to THORP. [130874]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: I expect to discuss this with the Environment Agency and the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate at my next meeting with them.

  Radiological Protection
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will issue advice on the observance of the justification principle including the needs(a) to carry out full cost-benefit analyses of practices giving rise to radiation exposures, (b) to discuss available alternatives to such practices and (c) to estimate global untruncated population doses from such practices. [132292]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: I expect to issue a statement in the autumn on the way justification issues will be handled, that will take account of the considerations to which my hon. Friend refers.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many press releases have been issued so far this year; and what the total cost of the production and issuing of press releases was in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000 to date. [132783]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions have issued 455 press releases until the end of June this year. This is a 28 per cent. drop from the same time last year.

  The total cost of the production and issuing of press releases in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000 to date is as follows:

  Year

  Number of press releases

  Total costs(£000)

  DoT/DoE/DETR

  1997

  853

  81,101.78

  DETR

  1998

  1,121

  56,948.92

  DETR

  1999

  1,248

  62,380.38

  DETR

  2000

  1455

  33,839.60

  1 Figure at end of June

  Deprivation Index
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will place in the Library the ward level data on ranks and scores for the Index of Deprivation 1999, already given to individual authorities, in(a) hard copy and (b) electronic format; [132892]

  (2) when a full underlying data set for the Index of Deprivation 1999 will be made available. [132893]
  954W
  Ms Armstrong
  For the last 18 months, my Department has undertaken a review of the 1998 Index of Local Deprivation. The technical side of the review has been carried out by a team from the University of Oxford led by Dr. Mike Noble and has included four public consultations. I am very grateful to Dr. Noble and his colleagues for their hard and excellent work.

  There has been considerable interest in the review and quite rightly so, because the Index is one of the main instruments used to allocate resources to the most disadvantaged communities. The review process has taken a long time. This has been necessary if only because the numerous detailed responses received during the consultations have meant that the Oxford team needed to examine and test what were very technical suggestions. I will shortly be issuing a paper that responds to all of the technical points that were raised.

  I shall also be publishing the indices, that is the scores and ranks at the ward level which is available for each domain of deprivation and the district level measures.

  Hard copies of the technical paper and the summary which will include the scores and rankings on the district level measures will be placed in the Library of the House along with a CD-ROM containing all of the ward and district scores and rankings. The summary report will provide details of where to obtain, subject to any confidentiality constraints, the underlying raw data.

  However, the indices are not a definitive instrument and will need to be revised when further substantial small area data streams become available and could be incorporated into the indices. For example, while the review of the Index has been going on, the Social Exclusion Unit's Policy Action Team (PAT) 18 on Better Information has reported. This report of PAT 18 recognised that its recommendations for increasing the availability and coverage of small area data would be useful for the Indices in the longer term. One of its key outputs would be a national ward-level data set which would include as much as possible of the data on which the Indices scores and rankings are based. In the longer term the 2001 Census data will also be relevant. We will also be looking at the way social housing conditions could be incorporated into the indices.

  In the meantime, the Government have decided to use the new indices rather than the old Index of Deprivation as the primary but not the sole basis for the allocation of resources for deprived areas. This will not rule out the possibility of other areas being offered regeneration assistance. However, I fully realise that whenever a change of this kind is made, there is the risk that authorities that would have benefited on the old basis for allocations might not do so under the new one. We therefore intend to set up transitional arrangements that make allowances for authorities that had been among the most deprived areas on the old Index and are not among the most deprived areas on the new indices. We will also be considering how areas that have pockets of deprivation can be eligible for help. We will be detailing these transitional arrangements when we publish any proposals for allocating resources that make use of the new indices.

  Road Safety
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the
  955W
  proposals for improving road safety contained in "Tomorrow's Roads—Safer for Everyone", according to whether (a) implementation (i) commenced before the strategy was published, (ii) will commence in 2000 and (iii) will commence in 2001 and (b) they will require parliamentary time. [132850]

  Mr. Hill
  Each chapter of "Tomorrow's Roads—Safer for Everyone", copies of which are in the Library, includes an "implementation timetable" which tabulates all the proposed actions and shows which ones will require primary legislation. The timetable also indicates whether each action will be implemented "now" or "in the next 2–3 years" or whether it is a "longer term intention". We are still developing a more detailed implementation plan.

  Bridges
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many bridges there are in England on recognised public highways; how many of these were strengthened to current standards by 31 December 1999; and what is the estimated cost of strengthening the remainder of these bridges to the new standard of weight which will come into force next year. [133122]

  Mr. Hill
  There are some 60,900 bridges in England on roads maintainable at the public expense. 8,500 are on trunk roads and 52,400 on local roads.

  EC Directive 85/3/EC requires the United Kingdom to allow the use on principal routes of vehicles of 40 tonnes weight with 11.5 tonne axle loads from 1 January 1999. Of those bridges requiring to be strengthened to take these vehicles, some 4,450 were strengthened by the end of March this year. We estimate that about 3,400 remain to be strengthened, at a cost of some £800 million.

  Consultation will take place soon on whether to allow 44 tonne vehicles, subject to certain technical constraints. Any decision would depend upon the results of that consultation. These 44 tonne vehicles would not require extra bridge strengthening above that necessary for the 40 tonne vehicles already permitted.

  Vehicle Clamping
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what regulations govern the clamping of vehicles; and who monitors local practice by those agents responsible for this. [133224]

  Mr. Hill
  Under the Vehicle Excise Duty (Immobilisation, Removal and Disposal of Vehicles) Regulations 1997, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has powers to clamp road-going vehicles that are unlicensed and on a public road to enforce the payment of vehicle excise duty. Under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Road Traffic Act 1991, local authorities have powers to remove unlicensed vehicles abandoned on a public road or to clamp licensed vehicles which are unlawfully parked on a public road. In all these circumstances the operation of clamping is closely regulated, with a right of appeal and a maximum release fee specified by the Secretary of State.
  956W
  There are no statutory regulations governing the clamping of vehicles left on private land but my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has announced an intention to include such a provision in the proposed legislation on the private security industry, when parliamentary time allows.

  London Underground Escalators
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many London Underground station escalators have been out of service for(a) up to three months, (b) up to six months and (c) longer than six months. [133213]

  Mr. Hill
  This is an operational matter for London Underground, which informs me that out of 34 escalators out of service in July, 13 have been out of service for no more than three months, 12 for no more than six months and nine longer than six months.

  Planning
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many appeals to the Planning Inspectorate against local authority planning decisions were(a) allowed and (b) rejected; how many such appeal decisions were taken to judicial review and what was the (i) outcome of such proceedings and (ii) cost of the Planning Inspectorate in the last convenient period for which figures are available. [133361]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate, Chris Shepley, to write to the hon. Gentleman, because the question relates to decisions made by planning inspectors.

  Letter from Chris Shepley to Mr. Don Foster, dated 28 July 2000 The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Question about planning appeal decisions and the number that are the subject of judicial review.
  For the year 1999–2000 planning inspectors decided 12,411 planning appeals in England. Of these 4,485 were allowed and 7,926 dismissed. To date, 84 decisions have been the subject of a legal challenge and of these 17 have been withdrawn. In a further 11 cases we have accepted that the decision contained an error in law and the appeals are being reconsidered. 11 case have been heard in court and we wee successful in resisting all but one challenge. The remaining 45 cases have yet to be settled.
  Turning to your final question, I am unsure what costs you are interested in. The costs associated with High Court challenges may accrue over several years so it is not possible to give you a precise figure as to how much the challenges made last year will cost. However, on average we estimate that a challenge costs us about £5,300. The total cost of running the Inspectorate in 1999/2000 was £33m.

  BNFL
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation he had with(a) Ministers and (b) officials from the Department of Trade and Industry prior to the announcement of 11 July in respect of the payments to be made as a result of the agreement to return MOX fuel from Japan to Sellafield. [133453]
  957W
  Mr. Meacher
  There was no consultation between Ministers or officials from my Department and the Department of Trade and Industry over the payments to be made as a result of the agreement to return to Sellafield the MOX fuel currently stored at Takahama.

  Rents
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what was the percentage of rent determinations made by the Rent Service where the appropriate rent was in excess of the local reference rent in(a) England and Wales and (b) Scotland, in each of the last three years; [133263]

  1996

  1997

  1998

  11999

  Rent officer determinations where property specific rent (PSR) was greater than the local reference rent (LRR)2

  40.0

  43.5

  43.3

  43.1

  Rent officer determinations where appropriate rent (AR) was greater than the local reference rent (LRR)2

  35.9

  38.9

  38.2

  37.9

  Average rent restriction where appropriate rent (AR) was greater than the local reference rent (LRR)3

  7.58

  7.16

  6.91

  6.71

  1 First quarter of 1999.

  2 Percentage of.

  3 £ per week.

  Source:

  Rent Officer Statistics,Publised quarterly by DETR

  The Property Specific Rent (PSR) is the Rent Officer's initial determination before taking into account other circumstances which culminate in the determination of an appropriate rent for the property: whether the landlord's referred rent is exceptionally high or whether the property is too large compared with the number of occupants.

  Rent determinations for different local authorities are not published. A breakdown by rent officer area can be produced, but not within the time available. I will write separately with these figures as soon as possible.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 5 July 2000,Official Report, column 185W, what standard liquidated damages clauses are included in private finance initiative contracts for (a) roads and (b) other transport infrastructure for which his Department has responsibility; how these are specified; and if he will make a statement. [133367]

  Mr. Hill
  This information will take a little time to collect for the range of PFI transport projects. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is available.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 21 July 2000,Official Report, column 351W, on PFI, if he will list the rate of return for each of the eight trunk road DBFO projects; and if he will make a statement. [133276]

  Mr. Hill
  No. This information is commercially confidential.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 5 July 2000,Official Report, column 185W, on PFI contracts, if he will list the number
  958W
  (2) what was the average level of rent restriction following a local reference rent determination in (a) England and Wales and (b) each local authority area, in each of the last three years; [133264]

  (3) what percentage of rent officer determinations exceeded the local reference rent in (a) England and Wales and (b) Scotland, in each of the last three years. [133262]

  Mr. Mullin
  Information on rent determinations is not available for Scotland. The figures in the following table are for rent determinations for private lettings in England and Wales for 1996, 1997, 1998 and for the first quarter of 1999.

  of points accumulated for each road scheme; for which reason each of these points was awarded; what penalties were invoked; and if he will make a statement. [133251]

  Mr. Hill
  The overall performance of our PFI contracts is good. I am content with the point system in PFI contracts for roads and it is subject to confidentiality agreements within its contracts. Most points have been awarded during the construction phase of the contracts. During operations it has been necessary to award fewer points.

  Clean Energy
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what funding will be allocated to the development of clean energy sources in the forthcoming spending review; if the Government will end the exemption of incineration from the Climate Change Levy; and if he will make a statement. [126276]

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

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Overseas Pensioners
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many colonial and overseas pensioner schemes are still in existence; how many British residents are(a) current or (b) potential beneficiaries of such schemes; and what steps she is taking to align benefits with comparable domestic public sector schemes. [133293]

  Mr. Foulkes
  There are 104 colonial pension schemes still in existence. Some 26,700 pensioners currently receive benefits under the differing provisions of those
  959W
  schemes, of whom 17,214 reside in the UK. There is no record of how many British residents are potential beneficiaries.

  The colonial pension arrangements are unique, and cannot be compared with those of domestic public sector schemes. The Government therefore have no plans to bring them into line.

  Pakistan
  Mr. Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support she is able to give General Musharraf in order that he is able to carry out legislative reforms in Pakistan. [133211]

  Mr. Foulkes
  As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State informed the House on 6 June 2000,Official Report, columns 173–74W, we have agreed to provide technical assistance to assist the Administration to prepare some key reforms. We have not received any specific requests to help with legislative aspects; but we would be ready to consider these, should they be made.

  Mr. Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support she intends to offer Pakistan during the forthcoming elections there. [133209]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The Pakistan Government has embarked upon a very ambitious timetable for local elections and has requested Britain's assistance in this process. A DFID Senior Governance Adviser is visiting Pakistan at present to formulate detailed proposals for possible support by this Department for preparations for these elections and electoral reform more generally.

  AIDS
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of her Department's total budget is for AIDS-related projects; and what proportion of the projects supported by her Department are AIDS-related. [132857]

  Mr. Foulkes
  In 1998–99, the latest year for which complete figures are available, DFID's total bilateral expenditure on projects and programmes was £1,176 million

  Official visits made outside Britain by DFID's Permanent Secretary since 1 January 1999

  Date

  Venue

  Purpose

  1999

  17–19 February

  New York

  Discussion with Heads of UN Funds and programmes

  2–9 March

  Sydney

  International meeting on SE Asia Economic Crisis

  Thailand

  Discussion with DFID's Regional Office

  24–28 April

  Washington

  IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings

  3–4 May

  Macedonia

  Romania

  Accompanying the Prime Minister

  14 May

  Helsinki

  Discussion of EU business with Finish Presidency

  17–18 May

  Bulgaria

  Albania

  Accompanying the Prime Minister

  18–22 May

  Zimbabwe

  Kenya

  Discussion with Ministers and with DFID Regional Office

  960W
  and total bilateral expenditure on HIV/AIDS was £43 million. This sum excludes multilateral contributions to organisations such as Joint United Nations Programme in HIV/AIDS(UNAIDS) and United Nations Population Find (UNFPA), support to vaccine research and development initiatives, and funding of projects costing less than £100,000. Thus some 4 per cent. of total bilateral expenditure was spent on HIV/AIDS related projects. We will forward the 1999–2000 figures to the Library of the House as soon as they have been prepared.

  The total number of active bilateral projects for 1999–2000 was 1,832 of which 194 were related to HIV/AIDS projects. Thus some 10 per cent. of projects supported by the Department are related to HIV/AIDS. These figures do not include projects containing elements of HIV/AIDS work which are deemed too small to be reported or activities costing less than £100,000.

  Arms Exports
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with her ministerial colleagues on introducing legislation to limit the impact of small arms in developing countries. [132509]

  Mr. Foulkes
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had recent discussions with Ministerial colleagues about the Government's proposed legislation on arms export controls which will address,inter alia, the control of small arms in developing countries. She has also had discussions with colleagues regarding the Government's cross-cutting review on conflict prevention and resolution in Africa and the UN Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, both of which will also address the control of small arms.

  Official Visits
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the visits outside Britain made by her Department's Permanent Secretary on official business since 1 January 1999, indicating the date and purpose of the visit in each case. [132753]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The Permanent Secretary of the DFID made the following visits outside Britain on official business since 1 January 1999:
  961W

  Official visits made outside Britain by DFID's Permanent Secretary since 1 January 1999

  Date

  Venue

  Purpose

  28 May-1 June

  Rome

  Discussion with heads of FAO, WFP and IFAD

  8–10 June

  New York and Washington

  Discussion with UN and World Bank on Kosovo

  15–29 September

  Barbados

  Discussion with DFID Regional Office

  St. Lucia

  Discussion with the Prime Minister and others

  Cayman Islands

  Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting

  Washington

  IMF/World Bank Autumn Meeting

  24–26 October

  Russia

  Discussion with Ministers

  28–31 October

  Senegal

  Global Coalition for Africa Meeting

  31 October-1 November

  Sierra Leone

  Discussion with the President and others

  14–18 November

  Tokyo

  Discussion with Japanese colleagues

  6–11 December

  China

  Discussion with Minsters and Provincial Governors

  2000

  6–11 February

  Kenya

  Discussion with Ministers and DFID Regional Office

  Uganda

  Discussion with the President and others

  19–29 February

  South Africa

  Discussion with Ministers and DFID Regional Office

  Botswana

  Discussion with the President and others

  20–22 March

  New York

  Discussion with Heads of UN Funds and Programmes

  15–22 April

  Washington

  IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings

  11 May

  Paris

  High Level Meeting of OECD's Development Assistance Committee

  19 May

  Brussels

  Discussion with EU Commissioners and Commission Officials

  5–14 June

  Manila

  Discussion with President of Asian Development Bank and others

  Indonesia

  Discussion with Ministers and others

  Bangkok

  Discussion with DFID Regional Office

  7–11 July

  Bonn

  Annual Meeting of Heads of International Development Agencies

  Advisory Bodies
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she 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 her Department; and on what date each body (i) was set up and (ii) is expected to terminate. [131451]

  Mr. Foulkes
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given yesterday by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 800W.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many press releases have been issued so far this year; and what the total cost of the production and issuing of press releases was in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000 to date. [132778]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Rules governing the work of the GICS are laid down in the Guidance on the work of the Government Information Service published by the Cabinet Office in July 1997. More specific guidance on the writing and issuing of press releases is given in the Working Guide for Government Information Officers. Copies of both documents are in the Libraries of the
  962W
  House. Twenty-three Press Releases have been issued by the Department so far this year. Press Releases are issued via post, and through the COI's News Distribution Service. The total cost of production and issuing of releases for the years 1997–2000 inclusive is outlined as follows:

  (a) 1997–8,180

  (b) 1998–10,090

  (c) 1999–10,710

  (d) 2000–5,420.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many press officers were employed in her Department in(a) May 1997, (b) January 1998, (c) January 1999 and (d) January 2000; and what the total expenditure on press officers by his Department was in each of the years concerned. [132760]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Detailed information on the number of press officers employed by the Department during the financial years 1997–98 and 1998–99 was provided in Appendix II of the report "The Government Information and Communications Service" (HC 770) published by the Select Committee on Public Administration (29 July 1998). Copies are available in the Library.
  963W
  As at January 2000, the Department employed three press officers. The cost of these press officers in the financial year 1999–2000 is estimated to have been £84,000.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she has taken to implement the issues paper on disability, poverty and development; and if she will require a disability equality checklist to be available before proposals are funded by her Department. [133107]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We have been supporting work on disability for a long time. The issues paper "Disability, Poverty and Development", has put this work on a more strategic footing. Published earlier this year (February 2000), it has been circulated to all our offices and will be an influence in the future development of country programmes. It recognises the importance of ensuring the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the fight against poverty. To achieve such an aim, we do not view disability equality checklists as the most appropriate tools, and will not be requiring their use.

  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many projects in support of disabled people and their organisations have been supported by her Department in 1999–2000; and at what cost. [133106]

  Mr. Foulkes
  It is not possible to provide the precise number or cost of all my Department's activities in support of disabled people and their organisations. We support disabled people in a number of ways. In 1999–2000, almost £800,000 was spent on 26 projects thorough a joint funding scheme with non-governmental organisations. Additionally there are many initiatives at country level which either specifically target the needs of disabled people or incorporate their concern in wider development projects.

  Reports
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the reports submitted to her Department, by bodies that were created after May 1997 and that include significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, stating in each case the body writing the report, the date the report was submitted, how many recommendations were made, the number of those recommendations that have been implemented to date and the number of recommendations that have been rejected; and if she will make a statement. [133563]

  Mr. Foulkes
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Murphy) by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799–800W.

  I also refer the hon. Member to the first central list of information that was published on 11 January 2000. Copies of the list are available in the Libraries of the House.
  964W
  The detailed information requested about the numbers of recommendations made and the number rejected is not held centrally and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

  Unilateral Debt Cancellation
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much additional funding she estimates will be provided for the United Kingdom's unilateral debt cancellation initiative between 2000 and 2003. [133429]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I have been asked to reply.

  Under the UK's policy of 100 per cent. debt forgiveness once countries have reached decision point under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, they can immediately stop making payments on all their debts outstanding to the UK Government.

  So far nine countries have reached their decision point, of which eight owed money to the UK. For these countries all payments to the UK Government have already ceased. In total the debt relief to these countries afforded by the HIPC initiative and the Government's 100 per cent. debt relief policy will add up to £241 million.

  A further 11 countries are expected to reach decision point by the end of 2000. If they did the total amount that the UK Government would be writing off for these 20 countries would be £659 million. The total due for payment between 2000 and 2003 depends entirely on how quickly countries reach decision point, and hence how many benefit from the UK's policy of 100 per cent. debt relief.

WALES

  Departmental Travelling Costs
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his Department's budget for the current financial year for Ministers' chauffeurs and travelling costs. [132790]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  There is no specific budget for Ministerial travel costs as such, because this expenditure is demand led, but a sum of £150,000 has been set aside to cover all Ministerial travelling costs in 2000–01.

  Electronic Communications Act 2000
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what orders he(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [133372]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given earlier today by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office.

  Reports
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the reports submitted to his Department, by bodies that were created after May 1997 and that include significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, stating in each case the body writing the report, the date the report was submitted, how many recommendations were made, the number of those
  965W
  recommendations that have been implemented to date and the number of recommendations that have been rejected; and if he will make a statement. [133556]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 27 July 2000 by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office,Official Report, column 799–800W, advising that an updated list of information on such bodies is being placed in the Libraries of the House. The original list of information was published on 11 January 2000, and copies are available in the Libraries of the House.

  Information about the number of recommendations made, the number implemented. and the number rejected, could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

PRIME MINISTER

  Government Buildings
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) what was the total recorded expenditure by the Cabinet Office for 1999–2000; and what is the anticipated expenditure for 2000–01 on(a) maintaining, (b) decorating and (c) otherwise improving 10 Downing Street; [125886]

  (2) what the total cost of works was for each year since 1 May 1997 carried out to (a) 10 Downing Street, (b) 11 Downing Street, (c) Admiralty House flats, (d) Carlton Gardens and (e) Government House in Pimlico, broken down in respect of (i) kitchens, (ii) bathrooms, (iii) carpets, (iv) wallpaper, (v) other furnishings, (vi) other decoration, (vii) repairs and renewals and (viii) other expenditure. [133437]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 13 June 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave him on 11 November 1999, Official Report, column 783W where I provided information on expenditure in the 1999–2000 financial year up to end October 1999. For the period November 1999 to end March 2000 expenditure was £227,000. Expenditure to date in the current financial year is £33,000.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to the answer of 17 May 2000 from the hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Miss Johnson),Official Report, column 185W, if the decision to implement a national changeover plan was taken in Cabinet. [129755]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 7 July 2000]: It is established practice under section 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information not to disclose information relating to proceedings of Cabinet.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Prime Minister how many and what percentage of the(a) paid and (b) unpaid appointments which he has made to non-departmental public bodies since 1 May 1997 were women. [129838]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 11 July 2000]: Since 1997 I have made 149 appointments to non-departmental bodies of whom 58 were women. Of these 10 (14.9 per cent.) women were paid and 48 (31 per cent.) women unpaid.

  Pesticides Tax
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the(a) representations he has received and (b) meetings he has held on the proposed Pesticides Tax with (i) UKASTA, (ii) NOAH, (iii) the National Farmers Union, (iv) the Country Landowners Association, and (v) named agrochemical companies, giving the date and durations of the meetings. [131104]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on 21 June 2000,Official Report, columns 215–16W.

  Government's Annual Report
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Prime Minister how many orders the Government have received for the Government's Annual report through the No. 10 Website. [131443]

  The Prime Minister
  Copies of the Government Annual Report can be ordered over the Internet from The Stationery Office (TSO), either by accessing the TSO site directly, or via the No. 10 Website. Out of a total of 1,353 copies sold by TSO to date, 34 orders have been taken on the Internet. It is not possible to distinguish how many of these were via the TSO web-site directly and how many were via the No. 10 Website.

  Philip Gould
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister how many people were on the list of recipients of the leaked memos from Philip Gould; and if he will make a statement. [132317]

  The Prime Minister
  It is not my practice to comment on matters connected with a leak investigation.

  Appointments
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister what the role is of the Secretary of Appointments; what(a) salary and (b) selection procedure applies to this position; and what his responsibilities are. [132348]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for South-West Surrey (Mrs. Bottomley) on 1 November 1999, Official Report, column SW., In line with established practice the salaries of individual civil servants are not disclosed as this would breach the privacy of the individuals concerned.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 10 July 2000,Official Report, column 425W, regarding appointments, (1) if he will list the positions for which his official advice is routinely sought during selection processes; [132327]

  (2) if he will list the level of remuneration attached to the appointments he makes as Prime Minister. [132328]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answers 24 July 2000]: I will write to the hon. Member.

  Lords Lieutenant
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2000,Official Report, column 663W, on Lords Lieutenant, if he will make a statement on the consultation process which is carried out prior to the appointment of a Lord Lieutenant. [132326]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: I have nothing to add to the answer given by my hon. Friend.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2000,Official Report, column 663W, on Lords Lieutenant, if it is his policy to advertise vacancies for Lord Lieutenancies. [132332]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: No. It is usually well known in a county when a Lord Lieutenant is due to retire.

  Duty Roster
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister how information is made available on each Department's daily duty ministerial duty roster for the summer adjournment. [132975]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: This is a matter for Departments.

  Research and Information Office
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Prime Minister what is the cost in the current financial year of the(a) salary bill and (b) general running costs of the Research and Information Office in 10 Downing Street. [132692]

  The Prime Minister
  The actual costs to date for the current financial year of the Research and Information Office are £104,761 for the salary bill and £18,169 for running costs.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Prime Minister how many press releases were issued by his Office in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) this year to date; and what the total cost of the production and issuing of these press releases was in each year. [132755]

  The Prime Minister
  As was the case under the previous Administration, the majority of press releases issued by my office relate either to appointments or speeches.

  Information on the number of press releases issued by my Office is as follows:

  Year

  Number of press notices

  19971

  119

  1998

  204

  1999

  138

  20002

  106

  1 From 1 May

  2 To date

  Information on staff time spent on the preparation of press releases or costs incurred in their distribution is not separately recorded.

  British-Irish Council
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Prime Minister when the British-Irish Council will next meet. [133855]

  The Prime Minister
  The Irish Government will host the next Summit meeting of the British-Irish Council in Dublin on Tuesday 31 October 2000.

  Chief Commissioner (Police)
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Prime Minister when the annual report of the Chief Commissioner appointed under section 91(1)(a) of the Police Act 1997 will be laid before the House; and if he will make a statement. [133856]

  The Prime Minister
  A copy of Sir Andrew Leggatt's annual report for 1999 is being laid before the House today in accordance with section 107(3) of the Police Act 1997. After consultation with the Chief Commissioner material in an annex to a report has been excluded from that copy under section 107(4) of the Act because its publication would be prejudicial to the prevention or detection of serious crime.

  This is Sir Andrew's first annual report. I am most grateful to him and his colleagues for the work which has gone into preparing it.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Prime Minister when he will answer question 129755, tabled by the hon. Member for Ludlow on 4 July. [133936]

  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Prime Minister when he will answer the question tabled by the hon. Member for Teignbridge for answer on 17 July (reference 131363). [133939]

  The Prime Minister
  I have done so today.

  Electronic Communications Act 2000
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Prime Minister what orders he(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [133384]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him today by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office.

  Alastair Campbell
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Prime Minister what restrictions are placed on his Press Secretary in relation to actions and statements of a party political nature. [133474]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr. Lansley) on 23 June 2000,Official Report, column 328W.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Prime Minister to whom Mr. Alastair Campbell reports. [133475]

  The Prime Minister
  Me.

  Reports
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the reports submitted to his Department, by bodies that were created after May 1997 and that include significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, stating in each case the body writing the report, the date the report was submitted, how many recommendations were made, the number of those recommendations that have been implemented to date and the number of recommendations that have been rejected; and if he will make a statement. [133561]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer to the answer given to the hon. Member today by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list(a) Government expenditure on ministerial overseas visits for the financial years 1995–96 to 1999–2000 and (b) all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing in excess of £500 between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2000, including the cost, destination and purpose of the visit. [133854]

  The Prime Minister
  Expenditure on Ministerial overseas visits for the periods requested is estimated as follows:

  Year

  £ million

  1995–96

  7.3

  1996–97

  7.9

  2 May 1997–31 March 1998

  6.4

  1998–99

  4.9

  1999–2000

  4.6

  The figure for 1995–97 does not include some expenditure falling to the Scottish Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Welsh Office because the information was not recorded centrally or is incomplete. Full costs are available from 1996–97 onwards. All figures are in 1999–2000 prices1. The figure for 1999–2000 reflects payments made so far for travel undertaken in this period; a few bills have yet to be submitted to Departments for payment.

  A list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 has been placed in the Libraries of the House. The list provides details of the date, destination and purpose of all such visits and the cost of Ministers' travel and accommodation where appropriate.
  1 Using GDP deflators dated 29 June 2000

  Ministerial Residences
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 5 June 2000,Official Report, column 50W, on ministerial residences, how much has been spent on each property and the residences within them for each year since 1 May 1997, and how much in each case for each year of the sums spent was spent on (a) kitchens, (b) bathrooms, (c) vehicle-related facilities and (d) leisure facilities. [125903]
  970W
  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 13 June 2000]: The cost of routine maintenance and repairs in 1997–98 and 1998–99 respectively were: 10 Downing Street flat (£3,994 and £5,824), 11 Downing Street flat (£16,471 and £48,336), Government House, Pimlico (£2,604 and £14,848), and the Carlton Gardens flat (£19,093 and £3,510). For Admiralty House for 1997–98 the Cabinet Office spent £65,452 and the other Departments £63,901, £78,759 and £17,000 respectively. For the following year costs only fell to the Cabinet Office which were £63,650.

  In 1997–98 and 1998–99 respectively, £1,896 and £1,336 was spent on maintenance and minor works on the accommodation in Hillsborough Castle used by Northern Ireland Office Ministers while on duty in Northern Ireland.

  For details in respect of expenditure in 1999–2000 I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 5 June 2000, Official Report, columns 50–51W.

  It is not possible to disaggregate expenditure on maintenance and repair in the manner requested.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister what has been the total cost to public funds for each year since 1 May 1997 in respect of(a) entertainment and (b) staff costs for (i) Chequers and (ii) Chevening. [129227]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 5 July 2000]: Expenditure on entertainment was as follows:

  £

  Chequers

  Chevening

  1 May 1997 to 31 March 1998

  11,279

  19,800

  1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

  10,462

  5,658

  1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000

  7,867

  13,024

  Staff costs figures for Chequers by amounts charged for these periods were as follows:

  £

  1 May 1997 to 31 March 1998

  264,950

  1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

  315,292

  1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000

  364,319

  Figures relating to Established Staff at Chevening are unavailable since costs are borne by the Chevening Trust and fall outside the jurisdiction of and budgets of the FCO. Charges for ad hoc staff employment are included in the figures for entertainment.

  This expenditure is comparable with that of the previous Administration.

  Lord Levy
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Prime Minister when Lord Levy will next be meeting the Israeli Prime Minister. [130460]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 13 July 2000]: This is a matter for Lord Levy.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the overseas trips which have been planned for Lord Levy acting as his personal envoy. [130459]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 13 July 2000]: There are no firm plans at present.
  971W
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Prime Minister what the cost to public funds was of Lord Levy's last visit to Syria. [130458]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 13 July 2000]: Lord Levy's last visit to Syria was, like some members of the Opposition, as a member of the official party to the condolence ceremony to mark the death of President Hafez al Asad. The costs of assistance provided were not separately itemised.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Prime Minister whom Lord Levy briefed following his visit to Syria. [130457]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 13 July 2000]: Following his visit to Syria in May, Lord Levy briefed me, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office in person. The visit was also reported by telegram by the Ambassador in Damascus, who attended all Lord Levy's meetings.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Prime Minister in which regions of the world Lord Levy acts as a Prime Ministerial envoy. [130469]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 13 July 2000]: The Middle East and North Africa.

  Ministerial Code
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Prime Minister who the final arbiter is on questions involving the Ministerial Code of Conduct when the Minister involved is the Prime Minister. [131363]

  The Prime Minister
  It is for individual Ministers—including the Prime Minister—to account to Parliament for their actions and decisions.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Prime Minister how many press officers were employed in his Department in

  Minister

  Special Adviser

  The Prime Minister

  Jonathan Powell

  Alastair Campbell

  Kate Garvey

  Anji Hunter

  David Miliband

  Hilary Coffman

  Roger Liddle

  James Purnell

  Derek Scott

  Robert Hill

  Geoff Mulgan

  Geoffrey Norris

  Peter Hyman

  Liz Lloyd

  Phil Bassett

  David Bradshaw

  Andrew Adonis

  Ed Richards

  Bill Bush

  Phil Murphy

  Catherine Rimmer

  Bob Bartram

  Carey Oppenheim

  Carl Sobhan

  Chris McShane

  Fiona Millar

  972W
  (a) May 1997, (b) January 1998, (c) January 1999 and (d) January 2000; and what the total expenditure on press officers by his Department was in each of the years concerned. [132765]

  The Prime Minister
  The number of Press Officers employed and expenditure incurred by the Press Office at No. 10 is as listed. The expenditure is the total pay bill for all the staff in the Press Office, which includes the Press Officers as well as the support staff.

  The details are listed per financial year.

  £

  Financial year

  Number of press officers

  Cost per financial year

  1 April 1997–31 March 1998

  Chief Press Secretary

  1556,798

  5 Press Officers

  2 Special Advisers

  1 April 1998–31 March1999

  Chief Press Secretary

  1584,746

  5 Press Officers

  2 Special Advisers

  1 April 1999–31 March2000

  Chief Press Secretary

  1618,174

  6 Press Officers

  2 Special Advisers

  1 Actual pay

  Ministerial Advisers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the(a) paid and (b) unpaid Special Advisers to Ministers indicating when each adviser was appointed. [132794]

  The Prime Minister
  Listed are the paid and unpaid Special Advisers in post on 24 July 2000. All appointments require my prior approval. Information on the actual date of appointment of Special Advisers is not held centrally as Ministers are not required to inform me of the date individual Advisers start work.
  973W

  Minister

  Special Adviser

  Chief Whip (Commons)

  Ian McKenzie

  Sue Jackson

  Chief Whip (Lords)

  Margaret Ounsley

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Kieran Simpson

  Jack Thurston

  Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

  Andy Burnham

  Ruth Mackenzie

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Alasdair McGowan

  Andrew Hood

  Secretary of State for Education and Employment1

  Conor Ryan

  Leala Padmanabhan2,3

  Tom Engel

  Nick Pearce

  Deputy Prime Minister

  Joe Irvin

  Paul Hackett3

  Joan Hammell

  Adrian Long

  David Wilson3

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  David Clark

  Michael Williams

  Secretary of State for Health

  Simon Stevens

  Darren Murphy

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  Ed Owen

  Justin Russell

  Lord Chancellor

  Garry Hart

  Secretary of State for International Development

  David Mepham

  Dee Sullivan

  Leader of the House of Lords and Minister for Women

  Clare Cozens

  Jo Gibbons

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  —

  Minister for the Cabinet Office4

  Nigel Warner

  Andrew Lappin

  President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons

  Sheila Watson

  Nicci Collins

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Richard Olszewski

  Michael Elrick

  Professor Mike Donnelly3, 5

  Secretary of State for Social Security

  Andrew Maugham

  Elsbeth Johnson

  Secretary of State for Trade and Industry

  Dan Corry

  Jo Moore3

  Chancellor of the Exchequer6

  Ed Balls (Chief Economic Adviser)

  Ian Austin

  Chief Secretary

  Paul Andrew

  Ed Miliband

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Andrew Bold

  Adrian McMenaman

  1 In addition, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has appointed Professor Michael Barber as Standards and Effectiveness Adviser.

  2 Leala Padmanabhan appointed as a temporary Special Adviser to provide cover for Sophie Linden who is on maternity leave.

  3 Part-time

  4 In addition, the Minister for the Cabinet Office has appointed Keith Hellawell as the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator and Michael Trace as the Deputy UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator on Special Adviser terms.

  5 Unpaid

  6 In addition, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has appointed Chris Wales, Paul Gregg, Shriti Vadera and Maeve Sherlock as Members of the Council of Economic Advisers.

  974W

  G8 Summit
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Prime Minister how many people accompanied the Prime Minister to the G8 Summit; and how many officials represented the UK at the Summit. [132874]

  The Prime Minister
  I represented the United Kingdom at the Summit.

  I was accompanied by five key No. 10 officials, five senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials, two senior officials from HM Treasury and an interpreter. In addition, 18 journalists accompanied me at their own expense.
  976W
  In line with the practice of previous Administrations, I was supported by the usual number of security and secure telecommunications staff that accompany a Prime Minister on an overseas visit.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will estimate the cost of(a) travel, (b) accommodation and (c) other expenses associated with United Kingdom attendance at the G8 Summit. [132876]

  The Prime Minister
  No. Details of costs are not yet available.

HEALTH

  Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) during which month the Minister for Health will respond to the 1998 Review by Professor Sheila McLean of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990; [126779]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the issue of retrospectivity of child birth registration raised in the 1998 review of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 by Professor Sheila McLean; [127431]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the issue of inheritance as raised in the review of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 by Professor Sheila McLean. [128774]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answers 19 June and 23 June 2000]: Professor Sheila McLean made a number of recommendations about consent issues under the common law for the removal of human gametes (sperm and eggs) and the consent provisions in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 for their storage and use. The McLean report did not recommend making child birth registering retrospective. The report recommended that the law of succession should not be amended to secure succession rights for children born

  Agenda item

  Issue

  UK position

  Outcome

  1. Approval of provisional agenda

  —

  —

  —

  2. Approval of "A" points

  —

  —

  —

  3. Proposal for a Directive on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the member states concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products (recast)

  To agree a revised text on a proposal for a Directive regarding the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products. The Directive consolidates and strengthens three previous directives. It would reduce tar and nicotine yields and introduce a new maximum carbon monoxide yield for all cigarettes manufactured in the EU; increase the size of health warnings and toughen them; ban misleading descriptions such as "light" and "mild"; and require and publicise information on additives

  The UK supports the revised text

  Commissioner Byrne outlined the proposal and a compromise text, containing the European Parliament's amendments, was tabled. Common position was reached despite Germany voting against and Austria, Spain and Luxembourg abstaining

  4. Communication from the Commission on the health strategy of the European Community and Proposal for a Decision adopting a programme of community action in the field of public health (2001–06)

  To receive a Communication on the health strategy. This includes a proposal for a public health action programme which will be subject to the co-decision procedure and will be negotiated by the Council and the Parliament in the autumn

  The UK broadly welcomes the proposals but with the caveat that they should enhance our national efforts and focus on areas where Community action can bring genuine added value, without straying into areas where the Community has no competence

  Commissioner Byrne presented the Communication and there was an initial exchange of views between member states, with general approval of the overall direction

  5. Follow up to the Evora Conference on health determinants

  To adopt a Resolution on action on health determinants

  The UK supports the Resolution

  The Resolution was adopted

  6. Follow up to the Lisbon Conference on medicinal products and public health

  To adopt Conclusions on medicinal products and public health

  The UK supports the Conclusions

  The Conclusions were adopted

  978W
  after the death of the sperm provider. We will make an announcement on the Government's response to the McLean report in August.

  Hospital Consultants' Contracts
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to change hospital consultants' contracts to increase the proportion of them who work exclusively for the NHS. [128700]

  Mr. Denham
  Our proposals on the reform of hospital consultants' contracts are set out in "The NHS Plan: A Plan for Investment, A Plan for Reform", copies of which are available in the Library.

  Health Council
  Mr. Jim Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the outcome was of the Health Council held in Brussels on 29 June; and if he will make a statement. [129300]

  Ms Stuart
  I attended the Health Council on 29 June in Luxembourg on behalf of the United Kingdom.

  The items in the table were discussed.
  979W

  Agenda item

  Issue

  UK position

  Outcome

  7. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

  Update on developments on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

  UK supports the objective of the Convention in securing global action to support national initiatives

  Oral report from Commissioner Byrne, underlining the need for co-ordinated action in line with the Commission's negotiating mandate. There was no discussion on this item

  8. Follow up to the Feira European Council

  To take forward the public health aspects of the Feira Council Conclusions including the integration of health into other Community policies, Food Safety White Paper and the Precautionary Principle

  The UK welcomes the recognition of health as both a vertical and a horizontal issue. The UK's response to the proposals for a European Food Agency has been submitted to the Commission. The UK broadly welcomes the Commission's Communication on the Precautionary Principle but it is still subject to inter-departmental discussion

  Health Ministers noted the outcome of the Feira summit and the Commissioner's remit to look at ways in which the horizontal aspects of the health agenda could be addressed

  9. Any other business

  a. Conference of experts on quality and safety in the transplantation of tissue and organs of human origin

  —

  —

  The Presidency gave an oral report on the outcome of the conference

  b. Medical Devices for self-diagnosis of HIV

  Note from the Danish delegation concerning proposals to prohibit the marketing and use of medical devices for self-testing of HIV in Denmark

  The UK has no legislation in place. It does not see the need for separate regulation in this area as the Medical Devices Directive allows member states to introduce national provisions

  Commissioner Byrne agreed to bring this issue to the attention of Commissioner Liikanen, Commissioner for Enterprise

  c. Follow up of the CIDEX case

  A note from the Belgian delegation raising concerns about the recall of CIDEX, a medical device disinfectant produced in the UK, and proposed revisions to the Medical Devices Directive

  The UK acknowledges the concerns raised by Belgium and is co-operating fully with the Belgian authorities. It agrees that there are some areas where the Directive needs strengthening

  Following a statement from the UK, Commissioner Byrne agreed to bring this issue to the attention of Commissioner Liikanen

  d. Errors when administering intravenous medication in emergencies

  Note from the Belgian delegation proposing that minimal standards or norms be defined at European level for emergency injectable drugs

  The UK would resist any proposal to introduce more legislation on this issue as it is already adequately covered

  Commissioner Byrne agreed to bring this issue to the attention of Commissioner Liikanen

  TB
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the incidence of tuberculosis among homeless and poorly housed people. [130728]

  Yvette Cooper
  Certain parts of the community—certain ethnic minority populations including immigrants from areas with a high prevalence for tuberculosis, older white people who were exposed to TB when they were younger, homeless people and HIV infected individuals—are at an increased risk from TB.

  Information on tuberculosis rates in homeless people, along with recommendations for prevention and control, is contained in the June 1996 report of the Interdepartmental Working Group on Tuberculosis entitled "Tuberculosis and Homeless People, A review arid recommendations for health professionals, local authorities and voluntary and support groups". Copies are available in the Library.

  The Department has also funded The Passage Day and Nightshelter for the homeless to write a project on TB control and prevention, which we hope will be available soon. The aims of the report are to improve identification and cure rates for TB in homeless people and to develop
  980W
  a proactive education and awareness programme of TB aimed at homeless individuals and voluntary sector workers and volunteers.

  Information on the incidence of tuberculosis among poorly housed people is not collected.

  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has plans to restore TB vaccination. [132428]

  Yvette Cooper
  Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) the vaccine used to protect against tuberculosis has been and is still used to protect those most at risk from TB such as health service and veterinary staff, contacts of people known to be suffering from active pulmonary TB, immigrants from countries with a high prevalence of TB and their children and infants wherever born, including this country. However, due to severe manufacturing problems encountered by the sole United Kingdom licensed source, Celltech Medeva, routine immunisation of 10 to 14-year-olds was suspended nationally in September 1999.

  The Department did try to obtain UK licensed and batch released BCG vaccine from elsewhere before suspending the schools BCG immunisation programme. However, only Celltech Medeva vaccine meets these requirements at present. The Department has identified

  981W
  other manufacturers of BCG vaccine worldwide and is investigating these possible sources together with experts from the National Institutes for Biological Standards and Control, the Medicines Control Agency and NHS Purchasing Supply Agency. Products from different manufacturers vary in their composition and side effect profile, and we will need to be assured of the safety and efficacy of these products and that they satisfy current UK requirements.

  Suspending the schools programme has allowed us to maintain supplies of the vaccine for all those at a higher risk of TB mentioned above. However we have remained committed to restarting the schools programme as soon as sufficient supplies of the vaccine were available. On 19 July 2000, the Department announced that there is now sufficient supply of vaccine to restart the routine schools programme initially in the London area, where the highest rate of TB in the country currently occurs. We hope to announce, by the end of the summer, when we will have enough vaccine to start the schools programme again in the rest of the country. Copies of the Department's press release of 19 July are available in the Library.

  Fertility Treatments
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which health authorities limit free IVF treatment to patients who have become infertile due to errors by the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [130478]

  Yvette Cooper
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Free Prescriptions
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total cost of free prescriptions in(a) 1970, (b) 1980, (c) 1990 and (d) 1999. [131109]

  Ms Stuart
  Information for 1970 is not available. The net ingredient cost of prescriptions dispensed in the community in England by community pharmacists and

  1997–98

  Total budget expenditure 1997–98

  Proportion handled via a bidding process

  Bids received

  Bids agreed

  Budget title

  £000

  Number

  £000

  Number

  £000

  Special Assistance to HAs

  48,920

  19

  78,660

  14

  48,420

  NHS Training for Doctors

  1,537

  1

  65

  1

  65

  Ethnic Health Unit Development Work

  500

  244

  1—

  8

  500

  Ethnic Minority Health

  407

  27

  1—

  13

  407

  Breast Cancer Services

  1,377

  1—

  1—

  12

  1,377

  Research and Development

  Northern and Yorkshire Region

  6,138

  323

  21,243

  93

  2,368

  Trent Region

  4,359

  125

  4,375

  23

  817

  Anglia and Oxford Region

  10,040

  92

  3,099

  42

  1,175

  North Thames Region

  6,956

  118

  8,847

  16

  1,974

  South Thames Region

  6,078

  154

  8,415

  27

  1,280

  South West Region

  7,408

  277

  14,931

  75

  2,214

  West Midlands Region

  4,717

  115

  3,391

  39

  1,055

  North West Region

  6,993

  232

  17,114

  65

  4,315

  Drug and Alcohol Specific Grant

  2,300

  158

  4,780

  81

  2,300

  Medical and Dental Education Levy-West Midlands Region

  54,453

  50

  1,439

  34

  699

  1 Information not available

  982W
  appliance contractors for 1977 (the earliest year for which information is available), 1980, 1990 and 1999 is shown in the table. Prescriptions dispensed by dispensing doctors cannot be analysed in this way.

  Net ingredient cost of prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors, 1977, 1980, 1990 and 1999 England

  £ million

  Year

  Charged1

  Exempt and NHS LIS2

  No charge contraceptives

  Grant total

  1977

  175.7

  250.5

  8.2

  434.4

  1980

  262.7

  444.1

  9.2

  716.0

  1990

  543.1

  1,508.2

  27.9

  2,079.2

  1999

  946.9

  3,848.3

  40.5

  4,835.7

  1 Includes prescriptions dispensed to pre-payment certificate holders

  2 NHS LIS: NHS Low Income Scheme

  Notes:

  1. The analysis is based on a 1 in 20 sample of all prescriptions submitted to the Prescription Pricing Authority by community pharmacists and appliance contractors. Items dispensed by dispensing doctors and personal administration prescriptions are excluded. Dispensing doctor prescriptions are not analysed into exempt, non exempt, or other categories; personally administered items are free of charge. The analysis of exempt and chargeable prescriptions is available only from 1977.

  2. 1997, 1980 and 1990 data are based on fees. 1999 data are based on items.

  3. The net ingredient cost (NIC) is the basic cost of a drug and does not take account of discounts, dispensing costs, fees or prescription charges income.

  Departmental Initiatives
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list each departmental initiative since May 1997 requiring bids for funding together with the total resources available, the number of successful bids and the proportion this represents of total bids received; and what data he collects on the average expenditure of organisations bidding for funding through each initiative. [131079]

  Mr. Denham
  The available information is contained in the tables. Information is not routinely collected on organisations' expenditure as part of bidding exercises.
  983W

  1998–99

  Total budget expenditure 1998–99

  Proportion handled via a bidding process

  Bids received

  Bids agreed

  Budget title

  £000

  Number

  £000

  Number

  £000

  PDS Pilots

  3,679

  22

  5,500

  16

  3,679

  Special Assistance Fund

  47,600

  21

  83,169

  16

  24,600

  Medical Curriculum Development Scheme

  221

  31

  1,849

  5

  195

  Ethnic Minority Health

  407

  24

  1—

  18

  407

  Ethnic Health Unit Development Work

  500

  1—

  1—

  9

  500

  NHS Training for Doctors

  1,784

  8

  109

  8

  109

  Research and Development

  Central

  349,974

  388

  424,000

  291

  348,000

  Northern and Yorkshire Region

  5,595

  398

  26,903

  80

  2,996

  Trent Region

  4,556

  147

  5,105

  27

  1,030

  Anglia and Oxford Region

  10,121

  63

  2,314

  28

  802

  North Thames Region

  6,426

  110

  9,704

  19

  1,426

  South Thames Region

  5,434

  192

  1,131

  31

  1,377

  South West Region

  6,524

  270

  13,928

  87

  2,723

  West Midlands Region

  4,679

  125

  155

  39

  698

  North West Region

  7,107

  80

  7,324

  22

  2,071

  Mental Health Grant

  72,200

  1—

  1—

  98

  3,500

  Training Support Grant

  35,500

  125

  2,130

  125

  537

  Drug and Alcohol Specific Grant

  2,400

  224

  4,050

  118

  2,400

  Medical and Dental Education Levy-West Midlands Region

  58,923

  53

  3,650

  37

  936

  1Information not available

  1999–2000

  Total budget expenditure 1999–2000

  Proportion handled via a bidding process

  Bids received

  Bids agreed

  Budget title

  £000

  Number

  £000

  Number

  £000

  NHS Roles, Functions and Costs Project

  154

  23

  1—

  10

  151

  Personal Dental Service Pilots

  12,274

  40

  7,000

  25

  4,000

  Special Assistance Fund

  41,670

  16

  49,090

  15

  41,670

  Ethnic Health Unit Development Work

  500

  1—

  1—

  9

  500

  Ethnic Minority Health

  407

  8

  1—

  8

  407

  Purchase of Vaccines

  213,929

  182

  10,000

  12

  5,000

  Medical Curriculum Development Scheme

  255

  2

  204

  1

  219

  NHS Training for Doctors

  1,807

  9

  146

  7

  110

  Out of hours

  2,035

  700

  5,633

  77

  2,035

  Walk-in Centres

  2,222

  101

  414,413

  36

  2,252

  NHS Walk-in Centres (Capital)

  1,884

  101

  57,124

  36

  6,271

  Health Action Zones

  46,196

  261

  14,454

  89

  2,307

  Breakfast Clubs

  100

  10

  204

  6

  100

  Public Health Development Fund

  501

  35

  1,665

  9

  284

  Research and Development

  Central

  360,134

  43

  6,600

  39

  5,000

  Northern and Yorkshire Region

  5,407

  321

  15,733

  2,479

  2

  Trent Region

  4,421

  100

  3,500

  13

  495

  Eastern Region

  2,969

  80

  4,596

  34

  1,611

  London Region

  7,494

  121

  1—

  12

  1,568

  South East Region

  7,327

  136

  9,343

  19

  1,257

  South West Region

  4,574

  187

  9,596

  45

  1,327

  West Midlands Region

  4,801

  82

  193

  31

  87

  North West Region

  6,827

  174

  12,288

  42

  2,815

  Medical and Dental Education Levy

  Northern and Yorkshire Region

  4,579

  16

  204

  13

  184

  Trent Region

  17,051

  4

  85

  4

  85

  London Region

  14,030

  12

  305

  8

  150

  West Midlands Region

  62,044

  33

  1,542

  21

  867

  Training Support Grant

  39,000

  351

  6,005

  343

  5,353

  Mental Health Grant

  115,000

  1—

  1—

  1—

  7,200

  Drug and Alcohol Specific Grant

  4,600

  132

  3,741

  62

  2,007

  Medical and Dental Education Levy-North West Region

  50,184

  44

  1,354

  9

  310

  1 Information not available

  984W 985W

  2000–01

  Total spend to the end of June 2000

  Proportion handled via a bidding process

  Bids received

  Bids agreed

  Budget title

  £000

  Number

  £000

  Number

  £000

  PDS Pilots (Revenue)

  0

  64

  17,000

  39

  8,000

  Special Assistance Fund

  0

  19

  66,020

  15

  36,750

  Medical Curriculum Development Scheme

  0

  0

  0

  0

  75

  Pathology Services

  0

  186

  83,000

  41

  15,000

  Audiology Services

  0

  97

  1—

  15

  4

  Ethnic Health Unit Development Work

  0

  1—

  1—

  1

  500

  Research and Development

  Central Budget

  93,861

  109

  18,000

  97

  10,000

  Northern and Yorkshire Region

  738

  178

  8,296

  52

  1,019

  Eastern Region

  610

  37

  2,422

  18

  1,181

  London Region

  1,212

  15

  1—

  2

  941

  South East Region

  874

  26

  1,720

  7

  105

  South West Region

  992

  47

  506

  8

  94

  Medical and Dental Education Levy

  London Region

  4,192

  30

  450

  24

  300

  West Midlands Region

  14,139

  30

  403

  19

  246

  North West Region

  12,130

  60

  1,140

  22

  149

  1 Information not available

  Note

  The table excludes allocations or awards that were based on pre-determined tests, formula or criteria or where the sums issued were as a result of competitive tendering arrangements.

  Meat Inspection
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will respond to the report of the task force on meat inspection charges. [R] [131098]

  Ms Stuart
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 3 July 2000,Official Report, column 29W.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the French Presidency regarding the future of meat inspection charges. [R] [131099]

  Ms Stuart
  None, because there is currently no proposal before the European Union Council of Ministers to alter the EU legislation on meat inspection charges. However, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has had discussions with the European Commission about the application of that legislation in other member states.

  AIDS
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors underlie NHS guidance recommending that men be given priority over women in the allocation of AIDS treatment. [131483]

  Yvette Cooper
  I am not aware of such a recommendation.

  CJD
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment the Food Standards Agency has made of the evidence concerning a cluster of new variant CJD cases in Leicestershire. [131484]

  Yvette Cooper
  I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that it is aware of the recent cases of variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (vCJD) in Leicestershire, and welcomes the investigation which is currently underway 986W
  to look into the circumstances of the apparent cluster. This may provide a useful opportunity to learn more about the possible causes of vCJD. The agency has asked to be kept in close touch with developments and has offered any assistance that may be required. The results of the investigation will be carefully considered once they are available.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 9 March 2000,Official Report, column 786W, regarding BSE, if his Department's investigation into the cluster of new variant CJD cases in Leicestershire will use as the basis of its investigation his Department's own assessment of the hierarchy, by method of transmission, of the likelihood of risk of transmission of BSE. [133500]

  Yvette Cooper
  The investigation of the apparent cluster of variant Creutzfeldt Jakob disease currently under way will look for any common links of exposure. This will include examination of the medical records of patients and their dietary and occupational histories.

  Medicinal Product Licences
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason a medicinal product licence is required for a product that is a mixture of two or more ingredients that would, if sold separately, need no such licence; what plans he has to review the law on this matter; and if he will make a statement. [131489]

  Ms Stuart
  A product licence is required for any substance or substances which come within the legal definition of a medicinal product and which are not exempt from licensing. A medicinal product may contain some ingredients which would not, if sold separately without making medicinal claims, be classified as medicinal products. It may also contain ingredients which are herbal remedies and would, if sold separately and subject to certain conditions, be classified as medicinal
  987W
  products exempt from licensing. That exemption is not available to a product in which the two types of ingredient are combined. We have no plans to review the law on combination products.

  Mental Health
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 17 July 2000,Official Report, column 73W, on the reform of the Mental Health Act 1983, if his Department has produced a summary of responses to the Green Paper on reform of the Mental Health Act 1983. [131720]

  Mr. Hutton
  No, the analysis of responses to the Green Paper on reform of the Mental Health Act 1983 is not yet complete.

  NHS Trust

  Status and Approval Date

  Purpose

  Northampton Community Healthcare NHS Trust

  Outline Business Case April 1999

  Reprovision of mental health facilities

  Northampton Community Healthcare NHS Trust

  Outline Business Case August 1999

  Reprovision of mental health facilities

  Rockingham Forest NHS Trust

  Outline Business Case November 1999

  Reprovision of mental health inpatient ward

  Northampton Community Healthcare NHS Trust

  Full Business Case February 1999

  Development of Mental Health Intensive Care Unit

  Northampton Community Healthcare NHS Trust

  Full Business Case August 1999

  Reprovision of Learning Disability services

  Breast Cancer
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the possibility of the two-view mammographic screening programme for breast cancer being made available to all women. [131894]

  Yvette Cooper
  We announced yesterday in the National Plan for the National Health Service that, in addition to extending routine invitations to women aged 65 to 70 within the NHS breast screening programme, the current service will also be upgraded by offering two view mammography at all screening rounds leading to an estimated improvement of some 40 per cent. in detection rates. We will roll out the programme to older women and introduce two-view mammography on a phased basis as sufficient staff become available to guarantee that the high quality of the current programme can be maintained.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if it is his policy to instruct health authorities which offer screening for breast cancer at intervals of less than three years to move to offering screening once every three years. [133394]

  Yvette Cooper
  The current national policy is that the National Health Service breast screening programme offers screening once every three years to women aged 50 to 64. This frequency was recommended by the Forrest report, on which the programme was based. The Forrest report also recommended that this frequency must be kept under review, and results are awaited from the United Kingdom Co-ordinating Committee on Cancer Research's Frequency Trial.

  There is no national policy to instruct health authorities which offer screening for breast cancer at intervals of less than three years to move to offering screening once every three years.
  988W
  The Government intend to publish a summary of the analysis of responses to the consultation exercise to Parliament in the autumn, and will set out the detail of its proposals in a White Paper to be published before Christmas.

  Health Care Capital Projects
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many capital projects in health care have been approved in Northampton since May 1997. [131943]

  Mr. Denham
  The table sets out details of health care capital projects in Northamptonshire which have been approved by the South East Regional Office of the National Health Service Executive since May 1997.

  Details of capital schemes not requiring approval at regional level can be obtained direct from the relevant National Health Service trust.

  Therapists
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of vacancies have remained unfilled for three months or more for(a) speech and language therapists, (b) all therapists and (c) the NHS overall in (i) Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, (ii) the North West and (iii) England and Wales. [131736]

  Mr. Denham
  The available information is contained in the table.

  Department of Health Recruitment, Retention and Vacancies Survey—vacancies in NHS Trusts by region and health authority, therapists and all NHS staff three month vacancy rates1

  Percentages

  England

  North West

  North West Lancashire HA2

  Speech and language therapists staff

  1.2

  1.2

  0.0

  All therapists staff3

  2.5

  2.5

  1.3

  All NHS staff

  1.7

  1.1

  0.5

  1 Posts that had been vacant for three months or more at 31 March 1999

  2 North West Lancashire Health Authority include the following NHS Trusts; Blackpool, Wyre, Fylde and Preston

  3 All therapists staff include; physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists

  Notes

  1. Percentages are rounded to one decimal place

  2. All NHS staff include non-medical and medical and dental staff

  Source

  Department of Health Recruitment, Retention and Vacancies Survey 1999

  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the change in referral rates to physiotherapists over the last five years for which figures are available. [131740]
  989W
  Mr. Denham
  Information about referral rates to physiotherapists is not collected centrally. Information about patient contacts with the physiotherapy service is available and show that in 1998–99 there were 4.2 million initial contacts, a measure of the number of new episodes of care commenced in the year, about one per cent. more than 1997–98.

  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of student speech and language therapists who graduated in the last year for which figures are available did not go on to work as speech and language therapists. [131734]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Shrewsbury Hospitals
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations he has received against moving hospital services from Copthorne South to Copthorne North in Shrewsbury; and if he will make a statement [131703]

  Yvette Cooper
  To date, the Secretary of State for Health has received no representations against moving hospital services from Copthorne South to Copthorne North in Shrewsbury.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the Copthorne South hospital buildings in Shrewsbury to be demolished; and if he will make a statement. [131705]

  Yvette Cooper
  The demolition of buildings on Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) South will occur after the site is subsequently sold, and will be undertaken by the new owners. The timing of this will depend on when a suitable scheme is agreed for moving the services from RSH South currently being developed as part of the business case.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what health and safety category has been given to Copthorne South hospital buildings; and if he will make a statement. [131701]

  Yvette Cooper
  The trust has assessed the buildings on Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) Copthorne South as being predominantly either Health and Safety Category C or Category DX.

  In order to mitigate the risks which arise from this, the trust is expected to have in place a formal Risk Management Plan which enables a safe environment to be maintained for patients, staff and visitors until the accommodation can be reprovided elsewhere. Such a plan may involve, for example, additional training for staff, the production of safe working procedures for all staff and the employment of additional staff where required for safety. The trust is of course required under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations to carry out general risk assessments and the development of the Risk Management Plan should be informed by these.

  The trust in conjunction with its local colleagues is submitting a business case to the NHS Executive Regional Office for the movement of services from RSH Copthorne South by the end of this financial year.

  Hospital Staff (Shropshire)
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many additional(a) doctors and (b) nurses have been recruited by Shropshire's hospitals since May 1997. [133202]

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

  NHS hospital and community health services (HCHS) Nursing, Midwifery and Health visiting staff/hospital medical staff employed within Shropshire health authority area, as at 30 September each year

  1997

  1998

  1999

  Nursing, Midwifery and Health visiting staff:

  Whole time equivalents

  2,100

  2,180

  2,240

  Numbers (headcounts)

  2,620

  2,770

  2,970

  Hospital Medical staff:

  Whole time equivalents

  370

  380

  420

  Numbers (headcount)

  440

  460

  520

  Notes

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten.

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

  3. Figures exclude learners and agency staff.

  Source

  Department of Health non-Medical Workforce Census.

  Department of Health Medical and Dental Workforce Census.

  Dentistry (Shropshire)
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what new dentistry schemes have been funded in Shropshire since May 1997; and how many patients have benefited. [133201]

  Ms Stuart
  The Investing in Dentistry scheme has seen £409,000 in grants approved in return for promises of 23,900 new National Health Service patient registrations in Shropshire.

  The health authority is also piloting a dental access centre, which has been operational since February 1999. The access centre, funded centrally, will see up to 10,000 patients a year.

  Health Funding (Shropshire)
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what have been the increases in funding for Shropshire Health Authority in cash and percentage terms for each year since May 1997. [133199]

  Mr. Denham
  The Information is shown in the table.

  Health authority allocations—Shropshire Health Authority

  £ million

  Increase, real percentage

  Increase, cash percentage

  1997–98

  169.6

  2.0

  4.1

  1998–99

  178.3

  2.1

  4.9

  1999–20001

  247.6

  3.9

  6.5

  2000–02

  265.7

  4.3

  6.9

  2001–023

  271.0

  6.44.3

  9.0

  1 Not directly comparable from 1999–2000 onwards due to introduction of unified budgets for HA and primary care services

  2 Original.

  3 Including budget announcement.

  Source

  Department of Health

  Waiting Lists (Shropshire)
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what reductions in hospital waiting lists have been achieved in Shropshire since May 1997. [133200]

  Mr. Denham
  The information for Shropshire Health Authority area is provided in the table.

  Number of people waiting for inpatient treatment1

  Total

  Ql (June) 1997

  7,221

  GQ4 (March) 2000

  6,831

  1 Including day cases

  In-patient Waiting Lists
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of patients on the in-patient waiting list in each NHS trust has been suspended from the list in each year since May 1997. [130513]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 20 July 2000]: Patients are suspended from the waiting list because they are medically unfit for the operation, or for social reasons (where a patient is unavailable for admission because of family commitments, holidays or other reasons). The information has been placed in the Library.

  Pathologists
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospital pathology laboratories there are in England; how many have unfilled vacancies; and if he will make a statement. [132318]

  Mr. Denham
  Statistics for England are collected centrally from 221 National Health Service trusts which have pathology laboratories and from four other statutory organisations.

  The available information on their vacancies is contained in the table:

  Department of Health recruitment, retention and vacancies survey vacancies in England; pathology staff at 31 March 1999

  Whole time equivalents

  Total employed

  Total vacancies1

  Three month vacancies2

  Pathology staff

  20,580

  470

  150

  1 Posts that Trusts were actively trying to fill at 31 March 1999

  2 Posts that had been vacant for three months or more at 31 March 1999

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vacancies exist within the National Health Service for persons qualified to carry out medical testing on(a) analytical investigation of blood, (b) tissue sampling, (c) virology, (d) microbiology and (e) immunology histopathology. [132813]

  Mr. Denham
  The detailed information requested is not available centrally. General information about vacancies in the National Health Service for medical, scientific, therapeutic and technical staff working in the Pathology Group is contained in the Department of Health 992W
  Recruitment, Retention and Vacancies Survey, March 1999. Data are only available for that year. Copies of the survey are available in the Library.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect of the present salary structure for graduates who will carry out medical tests on behalf of the NHS on recruitment and retention; and if he will make a statement. [132815]

  Mr. Denham
  Medical tests are carried out by a wide range of non-medical graduates employed by the National Health Service in a range of staff groups that include clinical scientists, clinical perfusionists, radiographers, biomedical scientists among others. Many of these staff groups are not separately identified in the 1999 Recruitment and Retention and Vacancies Survey, a copy of which is in the Library.

  The National Health Service pay system is in need of modernisation. We are working in partnership with the trades unions and professional organisations to negotiate a new pay system which will offer NHS staff a more attractive career structure and which will enhance recruitment and retention.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many trained staff capable of carrying out medical testing within the National Health Service left in each of the last three years. [132814]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available centrally. Information about the number of National Health Service trusts reporting retention difficulties for medical, scientific, therapeutic and technical staff working in the Pathology Group, is contained in the Department of Health Recruitment, Retention and Vacancies Survey, March 1999. Data are only available for that year. Copies of the survey are available in the Library.

  Communication (Deaf People)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many officials in his Department are able to communicate using British Sign Language. [132101]

  Ms Stuart
  We do not collect information regarding British Sign Language centrally.

  Salt
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he intends to accept the offer by the Salt Manufacturers Association to part-fund a review of the scientific evidence on dietary sodium intake; [132010]

  (2) if he will list the evidence on which he based his policy that there is a causal link between salt and hypertension. [132009]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The evidence on the relationship between sodium consumption and blood pressure was considered by the Government's advisory committee, the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy in its 1994 report entitled "Nutritional Aspects of Cardiovascular Disease." COMA concluded that sodium intake appears to be an important determinant of blood pressure in the population as a whole at least partly by influencing the rise of blood pressure with age. A diet lower in common salt, which is a major source of sodium, and higher in potassium would be

  993W
  expected to result in lower blood pressure and a smaller rise in blood pressure with age. COMA recommended a reduction in the average intake of common salt by the adult population from the current level of about nine grams per day to six grams per day.

  Recognising that there are differences of opinion in this area, a workshop was organised at the Department's request by the Faculty of Public Health Medicine (FPHM) in collaboration with the British Heart Foundation in December 1997 to consider the issues surrounding salt consumption and its effect on blood pressure and subsequent cardiovascular disease. The workshop endorsed COMA's advice, concluding that salt intake was one of a number of dietary and other lifestyle factors influencing blood pressure and that reducing salt intake would be an appropriate public health measure. We do not intend to review the evidence at this stage and therefore will not be accepting the offer of the Salt Manufactures Association.

  Osteoporosis
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action is being taken to co-ordinate the various specialties which are relevant to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis; and what action is being taken to improve access to densitrometry and appropriate follow-on treatment. [132908]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The launch of the Department's Osteoporosis Strategy in June 1998 provided evidence-based clinical guidelines for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. These should provide the basis for health authorities wishing to develop their own strategies. It is for local health authorities to decide what services to provide taking into account resources available and the needs of the local population.

  Merchant Navy Day
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that the Red Ensign is flown from departmental buildings on Merchant Navy Day, 3 September. [132958]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department on 27 July 2000, Official Report, column 895W.

  NHS Management Training
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money will be allocated to the NHS Management Training Scheme(a) in the next year and (b) for each successive year for the spending review period. [132922]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The indicative funding allocations for the Management Training Scheme in the current year and the next two years are as shown.

  £000

  Year

  Allocation

  2000–01

  5,235

  2001–02

  5,306

  2002–03

  5,306

  994W
  The increase in cost between 1999–2000 and 2000–01 reflects the introduction of a new contract for management education and a re-focusing of the Scheme to better address current service modernisation issues.

  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many entrants were recruited on to the NHS Management Training Scheme and within these totals, broken down by(a) the number and percentage of university graduates, (b) the number and percentage who are graduates of Oxford and Cambridge universities and (c) the number and percentage with HND and equivalent qualifications in each of the last 10 years. [132925]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The figures for the last three years are representative of typical National Health Service Management Training Scheme intakes:
  2000—59 out of 62 (95 per cent.) are university graduates, and 8 (13 per cent. ) are from Oxbridge.
  1999—61 out of 62 (98 per cent.) are university graduates, and 5 (8 per cent.) are from Oxbridge.
  1998—53 out of 55 (96 per cent.) are university graduates, and 6 (11 per cent.) are from Oxbridge.

  Some 30 per cent. of each annual intake is made up of in-service professionals from nursing and other clinical or health-related backgrounds. These entrants are a mixture of graduates and non-graduates holding a degree-level professional or managerial qualification—in the last three years one in-service applicant had graduated from Oxbridge. In the last round of recruitment, 18 per cent. of the applicants were in-service: 30 per cent. of those awarded places on the Scheme were in-service. There would therefore appear to be some advantage in having service experience, regardless of graduate background. Although applications are accepted from holders of an appropriate HND qualification, no such applicants have been successful in the last three years.

  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the intake has been on the NHS Management Training Scheme was in each of the last 10 years. [132923]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: For the years since 1990, the number of trainees taken onto the National Health Service Management Training Scheme are shown in the table:

  Intake year

  Trainees

  1990

  51

  1991

  58

  1992

  71

  1993

  74

  1994

  73

  1995

  60

  1996

  47

  1997

  48

  1998

  55

  1999

  62

  2000

  62

  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people took management positions in the NHS following completion of the NHS Management Training Scheme in each of the last three years. [132924]
  995W
  Mr. Denham
  Posts taken by ex-trainees on leaving the Scheme could be considered as training positions in which they further develop their management skills, but most ex-trainees take on real management roles within the National Health Service on leaving the Scheme. Of the 1997 intake who completed the Scheme last year, all bar one hold posts in the NHS. Of the 1995 intake 77 per cent. are still working in the NHS as are 83 per cent. of the 1996 intake. The majority of trainees take on posts reporting to chief executives or executive directors in NHS trusts or health authorities.

  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many trainees are involved in the NHS Management Training Scheme; and how they are dispersed by region. [132920]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The information requested is in the table:

  Regional allocation of trainees

  1998

  1999

  2000

  West Midlands

  6

  10

  8

  London

  7

  9

  9

  Trent

  6

  7

  7

  Eastern

  7

  6

  6

  South East

  6

  9

  9

  North West

  9

  9

  8

  Northern and Yorkshire

  7

  5

  8

  South West

  7

  7

  7

  Total

  55

  62

  62

  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the overall costs were for the NHS Management Training Scheme in each of the last three years. [132921]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The cost of the Management Training Scheme in the year 1999–2000 was £4,723,000. Central figures are not immediately available, but this figure is indicative of the cost of the Scheme in each of the previous three years.

  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health where graduates of the NHS Management Training Scheme went on completion of the scheme, broken down by region, in each of the last two years. [132930]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: A survey of ex-trainees who graduated from the scheme over the 10 year period 1986–96 showed:

  67 per cent. employed by National Health Service trusts

  22 per cent. employed by health authorities

  2 per cent. employed in primary care

  9 per cent. other organisations.

  The data from more recent ex-trainees reflect this general pattern, with an increase in the proportion of ex-trainees working in primary care as a result of the recent establishment of primary care groups and trusts.

  These proportions do not vary noticeably between regions.

  Female Genital Mutilation
  Ms McCafferty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has undertaken with the organisation Foundation for Women's Health 996W
  Research and Development concerning female genital mutilation in the UK; and if the findings will be published. [132942]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The Department has undertaken no research on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with the Foundation for Women's Health Research and Development. The Department does however provide funding through the Section 64 scheme to help them with their work in educating and informing the communities practising FGM about the brutality of the practice and the clear health risks associated with it.

  This support includes core grant funding of £25,000 for 1999–2000 to 2001–02, to help meet the organisation's running costs. Over the last few years the Department of Health has provided funds totalling nearly £280,000 for projects developed by FORWARD in the United Kingdom.

  Cochlear Implants
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many and what proportion of cochlear implants were undertaken in each of the last three years on the basis of(a) extra contractual referral, (b) long term service agreements and (c) out-of-area treatments; [133079]

  (2) what guidance his Department has given to health authorities and NHS trusts on monitoring the number and proportion of cochlear implants undertaken in each of the last three years on the basis of (a) extra contractual referral, (b) long term service agreements and (c) out-of-area treatment; [133080]

  (3) what mechanisms his Department uses to monitor the number and proportion of cochlear implants undertaken in each of the last three years on the basis of (a) extra contractual referral, (b) long term service agreements and (c) out-of-area treatment. [133081]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The Department collects information on cochlear implant operations by the hospital episode statistics (HES) system. HES contains details of patients admitted to, and treated in NHS hospitals in England. More detailed information about extra-contractual referrals, long term service agreements and out of area treatments is collected locally. Guidance in Health Service Circular 1998/198 and Health Service Circular 1999/244 set out arrangements for commissioning specialised services through service agreements. These new arrangements for specialised services require National Health Service trusts and commissioners to draw up service agreements with agreed levels of activity and funding. By March 2001, there should be no cochlear implant operations funded as out of area treatments (OATs) because OATs are primarily intended to cover situations where a patient requires emergency treatment away from home.

  PFI Contracts
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health in how many of his Department's PFI contracts KPMG has been an adviser. [132864]
  997W
  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: Of the 19 major private finance initiative projects that have so far reached financial close, KPMG were lead financial advisers on the following:

  Hereford

  Greenwich

  Dartford and Gravesham

  South Durham (Bishop Auckland)

  King's.

  Of the 15 major PFI schemes announced, but yet to reach financial close, KPMG have been appointed as lead financial advisers on the following:

  Oxford

  Walsgrave

  Fair Mile

  West Middlesex.

  Bladder Problems (Women)
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer given by the Minister for Women on 11 July 2000,Official Report, column 458W, what types of operation were provided by the NHS for bladder weakness in (a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99; what the average cost of each type of operation was; and how many women underwent each operation in the same periods. [133410]

  Yvette Cooper
  I shall write to my hon. Friend.

  Dentists (North Yorkshire)
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists were registered with the National Health Service in each of the last 10 years in the area covered by North Yorkshire Health Authority. [133423]

  Ms Stuart
  The number of dentists in the General Dental Service (GDS) in the North Yorkshire Health Authority area at 30 September in each of the years 1990 to 1999 is shown in the table.

  General Dental Service: Number of dentists in North Yorkshire HA area

  Year

  Number of dentists1

  1990

  241

  1991

  243

  1992

  235

  1993

  247

  1994

  248

  1995

  244

  1996

  264

  1997

  267

  1998

  278

  1999

  287

  1 Dentists include principals on the HA or FHSA list, their assistants and vocational dental practitioners. Number at 30 September each year.

  Note:

  Before April 1996, the area was covered by North Yorkshire Family Health Services Authority (FHSA).

  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were registered with National Health Service dentists in each of the last 10 years in the area covered by the North Yorkshire Health Authority. [133422]
  998W
  Ms Stuart
  The number of recorded child and adult registrations in the General Dental Service (GDS) in the North Yorkshire Health Authority area is shown in the table at 31 March in each of the years 1993 to 2000. Data for March 1991 and 1992 are not comparable because registration numbers were building up following the introduction of the new dental contract in October 1990.

  Changes in administration procedures by the Dental Practice Board throughout the period, in particular improvements in the removal of duplicate registrations, have acted to reduce recorded registration numbers.

  Registration numbers from December 1997 are affected by the shortening of the registration period to 15 months. Previously the period was 24 months for adults while children's registrations expired at the end of the following calendar year if the patient had not visited their dentist in the meantime.

  General Dental Service: Number of recorded adult and child registrations in North Yorkshire1 HA area at 31 March each year

  Year

  Number of child registrations

  Number of adult registrations

  Total number of registrations

  1993

  103,593

  342,713

  446,306

  1994

  106,177

  340,913

  447,090

  1995

  105,595

  328,538

  434,133

  1996

  105,965

  318,092

  424,057

  1997

  106,307

  312,061

  418,368

  1998

  108,708

  303,545

  412,253

  1999

  110,282

  288,037

  398,319

  2000

  110,609

  286,020

  396,629

  1 Area covered by North Yorkshire Family Health Services Authority (FHSA) before April 1996.

  Source Informatics
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department's appeal with regard to Source Informatics is to proceed; and if he will make a statement. [132805]

  Ms Stuart
  The petition for leave to appeal to the House of Lords has been withdrawn because I concluded that it would not be in the public interest to pursue this litigation further.

  NHS Dental Services
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the planned increase is in total spending on NHS dental services between 2000–01 and 2003–04. [133391]

  Ms Stuart
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  Expenditure on the General Dental Services is non-cash limited and is mainly determined by the level of demand for NHS care and the volume and type of treatments provided by dentists. Funding for the community and hospital dental services is not determined centrally, but by individual health authorities in the light of their local priorities and circumstances.

  Our plans for the improvement and future direction of primary dental services, including personal dental services, will be set out in its Dental Strategy to be published shortly.

  Hospital Beds (Road Accidents)
  Mr. Horam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of NHS hospital beds were occupied by patients who have had road accidents, in the latest year for which statistics are available. [132982]

  Ms Stuart
  The proportion of bed days attributable to patients in National Health Service hospitals in England in the year 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999, who were injured in collision with a pedal cycle or motor vehicle was 0.35 per cent.

  Health Authorities
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the dates of(a) compilation and (b) publication were of the population data which he used to make his allocations to health authorities for 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [133392]

  Mr. Denham
  The starting point for populations used in the 2000–01 weighted capitation formula are the 1996 based sub-national population projections for residents in mid year 2000 produced by the Office for National Statistics.

  The final populations used in the 2000–01 weighted capitation formula were produced by adjusting the population projections for mid year 2000 by:
  adding patients identified as registered with general practitioners who form part of primary care groups for which the health authority are responsible but who are resident elsewhere;
  deducting residents identified as registered with GPs belonging to another health authority's primary care group.

  The 1996 based population projections were published by the Office for National Statistics in Monitor PP3 98–1 issued on 3 December 1998.

  The data used to adjust these populations to take account of GP patient registrations were validated with health authorities during June and July 1999. Adjusted populations were shared with health authorities in September 1999.

  The final adjusted population figures used in the health authority weighted capitation formula were published in the 2000–01 Health Authority Revenue Cash Limits Exposition Book on 19 January 2000, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Reports
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the reports submitted to his Department, by bodies that were created after May 1997 and that include significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, stating in each case the body writing the report, the date the report was submitted, how many recommendations were made, the number of those recommendations that have been implemented to date and the number of recommendations that have been rejected; and if he will make a statement. [133565]

  Ms Stuart
  An updated central list was published on 27 July covering a certain amount of this information.
  1000W
  In addition, a first central list of information was published on 11 January 2000. Copies of the lists are available in the Library. Information about the numbers of recommendations made and the number rejected could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  National Poisons Information Service
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 28 June 2000,Official Report, columns 511–12W, what (a) staff, (b) staff-time, (c) services and (d) in-laid support are provided to the Medical Toxicology Unit at Guy's and St. Thomas's by the agrochemical industry; and on what basis information relating to pesticides is provided from the Medical Toxicology Unit to agrochemical companies. [133290]

  Yvette Cooper
  I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, (1) pursuant to his answer of 28 June 2000,Official Report, column 511–12W, if he will place in the Library a copy of the outstanding National Poisons Information Service Centre reports for the year 1999–2000 that were scheduled to be completed by the end of June; [133299]

  (2) pursuant to the answer of 28 June 2000, Official Report, columns 511–12W, if he will make it his policy to allow a lay representative on the National Poisons Information Service; [133288]

  (3) pursuant to his answer of 28 June 2000, Official Report, column 511–12W, if he will place in the Library the reports made by the National Poisons Information Service Centre to comply with the provisions of European Commission Resolution 90/C 329/03. [133300]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Management Board of the National Poisons Information Service is not a statutory body. It exists to support the internal funding and management arrangements between the NPIS centres and the United Kingdom Health Departments. Membership is drawn from the UK Health Departments and from specialists in the field representing users of the service, for example: accident and emergency consultants; general practitioners; purchasers; paediatricians; general physicians and nursing. We believe that lay membership is not appropriate to the work of this Board.

  I am happy to place copies of the National Poisons Information Service Centre Reports for the year 1999–2000 in the Library. The hon. Member may wish to know that plans are in hand to make the reports routinely available on a wider basis in the future.

  I am also happy to provide a copy of the last report (1998) required under the provisions of the European Commission Resolution 90/C 329–03 which comprises contributions from each of the NPIS centres.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 28 June 2000.Official Report, columns 511–12W, on the National Poisons Information Service, if he will list the other associated activities that take place at the Medical Toxicology Unit. [133297]
  1001W
  Yvette Cooper
  The other associated activity that take place at the Medical Toxicology Unit are:

  Chemical Incident Response Service:
  Medical Toxicology Laboratory providing a wide range of services to the National Health Service and the coroners. The laboratory undertakes funded contract work but not for the agrochemical industry.
  Medical Toxicology Clinical Service—funded by referring health authorities and the trust;

  Veterinary Poisons Information Research within the Department of Health contracts and as funded by outside bodies such as South East Asia Regional Office, World Health Organisation;
  Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 28 June 2000,Official Report, columns 511–12W, on the National Poisons Information Service Board, from what sources the establishment of the equipment and testing procedures at the Medical Toxicology Unit at Guys' and St. Thomas' has been funded. [133289]

  Yvette Cooper
  The establishment of the equipment and testing procedures at the Medical Toxicology Unit at Guy's and St. Thomas's has been funded from trust contracts with health authorities and the Charitable Foundation at Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospital.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Water Metering
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee if the Committee will review water metering arrangements in non-metered buildings and set a maximum level of water consumption in them. [131933]

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  [holding answer 26 July 2000]: All parliamentary buildings, except residential accommodation, are fitted with water meters already. Measures to reduce water consumption include reduced cistern capacity, economies on urinals and the re-use of grey water.

  Asbestos
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee if the Committee will ensure(a) that the House uses appropriate risk management techniques when undertaking work in buildings where asbestos could be present, (b) that asbestos materials are removed and disposed of safely and (c) asbestos-free materials are used for new work and for replacing existing asbestos materials. [131926]

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  [holding answer 26 July 2000]: I am pleased to advise the hon. Member that the Parliamentary Works Directorate operates in these ways already.

  Water Consumption
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will establish a target for 1002W
  the House to achieve a maximum level of water consumption equivalent to an average of 7.7 cubic metres per person by April 2002. [131932]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 26 July 2000]: No. It is not realistic to measure the water consumption per head on the Parliamentary Estate. However, water economy measures are being taken. For example, recycled water is used in Portcullis House and it is planned for the Norman Shaw (South) building after its refurbishment.

  Recycling
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will establish a target for the House to(a) recover a minimum of 40 per cent. of total office waste, with at least 25 per cent. coming from recycling or composting, in 2000–01, (b) to increase the amount recovered and recycled by 10 per cent. each year to achieve 70 per cent. recovery or recycling in 2003–04 and (c) to reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated. [131931]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 26 July 2000]: No. We exceed the target of 25 per cent. recycling and 40 per cent. recovery already. Increased recycling is to be considered when our waste disposal contract next comes for renewal.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will establish targets for the House to(a) reduce paper use, (b) buy 100 per cent. recycled paper comprising at least 80 per cent. genuine post-consumer waste and to use this for all work not requiring specialist papers, (c) ensure that any virgin pulp used in paper purchased comes from sustainably-managed woodlands and that both the pulp and the recycling process is chlorine free and (d) ensure that only water-based varnish is used. [131924]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 26 July 2000]: This is a matter for the Serjeant at Arms; I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend.

  Environmental Performance
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will establish a target for the House(a) not to buy products which contain ozone-depleting substances, where there are suitable alternatives, (b) to control leaks through regular servicing of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment containing ozone-depleting substances and (c) to reduce emissions which occur through regular servicing of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment. [131930]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 26 July 2000]: Refrigeration and air conditioning is regularly serviced to control leaks and reduce emissions. Contractors supplying materials to Parliament are not permitted to include products which contain ozone-depleting substances where there are suitable alternatives.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will establish a target for the House(a) to reduce the use of hazardous substances

  1003W
  and techniques, (b) for the use of building materials and furnishings which are low emitters of formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds and other potentially-hazardous substances, (c) for the use of recycled batteries, (d) for limiting the use of products containing potentially-harmful solvents, (e) to the increase in use of biodegradable substances, (f) to comply with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and (g) for noise reduction. [131925]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 26 July 2000]: In all these areas, apart from recycled batteries, which are considered separately, the Parliamentary Works Directorate maintains a safety and environmental check list which sets out a code of practice and measures performance based on COSHH risk assessment.

  Energy Use
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will improve the House's environmental performance in relation to energy use by measuring and reporting on emission levels from buildings and transport. [131929]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 26 July 2000]: Energy consumption from buildings on the parliamentary estate is measured and reported with corresponding savings in emission levels.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will improve energy efficiency by(a) promoting best practice, (b) buying energy-efficient equipment, (c) introducing more energy-efficient techniques and technologies and (d) increasing the amount of the House's electricity that comes from internal combined heat and power. [131928]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 26 July 2000]: Our energy conservation policies have achieved significant savings in all these areas already and we plan to continue to make savings year by year.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will establish targets(a) to reduce energy use by 20 per cent. from 1990–1991 levels by 2010 and (b) to buy a minimum of 10 per cent. of electricity from renewable sources by March 2002. [131927]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 26 July 2000]: A target to reduce energy usage by 20 per cent. from 1990–91 levels by 2010 is in place already. Our purchasing policy is to seek best overall value for money, not simply environmental sustainability.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Opus Dei
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many members of Opus Dei have been convicted for scheduled offences in Northern Ireland in the last three years. [130500]

  Mr. Ingram
  This information is not available.
  1004W
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he met representatives of Opus Dei before the decision to include that organisation in section 49(1) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill; [133488]

  (2) on how many occasions his Department contacted the Opus Dei information offices in London or Dublin during the period 29 June to 11 July; [133490]

  (3) what correspondence he has received from the Holy See concerning his decision to include Opus Dei in section 49(i) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill. [133489]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Government did not meet any of the bodies listed in clause 49 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill about their inclusion in the list. The reason for any groups being included is set out in my reply of 24 July 2000,Official Report, column 443W. The Department has not contacted Opus Dei's information offices nor received any correspondence from the Holy See, though as I said in my most recent reply officials recently met representatives of Opus Dei to listen to their concerns and the Government are considering the points made.

  Advisory Bodies
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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. [131449]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799W.

  Departmental Groups
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list each group that is responsible to his Department, with significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, and to which the Nolan rules on non-departmental public bodies do not apply and for each such group, if it(a) is a company limited by guarantee, (b) is a charity, (c) has no formal legal basis, and (d) has some other legal basis giving details. [131240]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799W.

  None of the bodies responsible to the Northern Ireland Office has a separate legal identity in their own right and therefore come within (c).

  State of Emergency
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has made to make a formal declaration ending the state of emergency relating to the affairs of Northern Ireland following passage of the Terrorism Bill; and when he plans to communicate this to(a) the United Nations Secretary General and (b) the Council of Europe Secretary General. [133061]

  Mr. Ingram
  A major policy aim has been achieved with the passage of the Terrorism Act, in that when the Act comes into force early in 2001 we will introduce a new system of judicial authorisation of extended detention
  1005W
  between 48 hours and seven days for all types of terrorism. This will enable the UK's derogation from the European Convention on Human Rights to be withdrawn. The new regime will be taken forward as a project under the Terrorism Act implementation plan. As Royal Assent was received only on 20 July, implementation work is at a very early stage, therefore I am unable to advise my hon. Friend at this stage of our communication plans.

  Prison Service
  Mr. Patrick Hall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what further progress has been made with the Quinquennial Review of the Northern Ireland Prison Service. [133789]

  Mr. Ingram
  I have recently received the Review Team's report on the second and final stage of the Quinquennial Review. The report—a copy of which I am placing in the Library of each House—examines how the effectiveness and efficiency with which the Prison Service delivers its services and functions can be further improved in the future.

  It makes a number of very valuable recommendations that will assist the Prison Service to focus more clearly on the outcomes it will need to achieve. These include Key Performance Indicators that for the first time explicitly address the need to reduce the differential in cost per prisoner place between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and to secure a more balanced workforce. There are also important recommendations covering closer co-operation with the probation service and with neighbouring prison services.

  I have accepted the recommendations of the report and have asked the Prison Service to reflect them in the new Framework Document that will be published in the autumn.

  Appointments
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make an announcement about the post of Independent Commissioner for Holding Centres. [133790]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I am happy to announce that Dr. William Norris has accepted appointment to the post of Independent Commissioner for the Holding Centres and will take up the position on 1 October 2000.

  I am grateful to him for accepting the appointment and am confident that he will provide a valuable contribution in monitoring the care and treatment of detainees held in Holding Centres for as long as the Centres remain open and will produce well informed annual reports.

  I wish to express my appreciation and thanks to his predecessor, Sir Louis Blom-Cooper, for the very valuable work he has done over the past eight years and the invaluable reassurances he has provided to the Government and to the public that detainees have been treated fairly and properly.

  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to fill the post of Independent Assessor of Military Complaints Procedures when the present incumbent's term of office ends on 24 August. [133791]
  1006W
  Mr. Mandelson
  The Government continue to value highly the work of the Independent Assessor of Military Complaints Procedures. I have today re-appointed Mr. Jim McDonald as Independent Assessor of Military Complaints Procedures in Northern Ireland. Mr. McDonald's appointment will continue until 24 August 2003.

  Electronic Communications Act 2000
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what orders he(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [133373]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, earlier today.

  Paramilitary Roadblocks
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures he will take to apologise to tourists from overseas who were refused assistance from the police, or treated rudely by the police, after they had been stopped at illegal paramilitary roadblocks on 12 July; and what communication has been sent to(a) Mr. Ole Jorgensen and Mr. Lars Holleufer of the City Museum in Aarhus and (b) Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Carla Steiner of Morrisville, Pennsylvania. [133090]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Royal Ulster Constabulary has no central record of any complaints having been made against police by visitors to Northern Ireland on 12 July. Neither is there any record of any correspondence having been received from or sent to those individuals named in the question. If my hon. Friend could provide me with specific details of any such incidents, I will arrange for them to be investigated.

  Parades
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the circumstances were that determined the police decision to allow members of the Castlederg Young Defenders to parade through the nationalist area surrounding Ferguson Crescent, Strabane, on 11 July; and what correspondence he has had with representatives of the local community. [133091]

  Mr. Ingram
  I have assumed my hon. Friend is referring to a parade by the Castlederg Young Loyalists Flute Band which took place in Castlederg on 11 July 2000.

  The Parades Commission issued a determination on 5 July, namely that the parade is prohibited from entering that part of the notified route which includes Ferguson Crescent and Killeter Road. Following the Commission's decision an application for a review was made. On 7 July the Commission met to hear oral representations and to review its decision in light of these representations. After hearing all the available information against the factors contained in the Commission's guidelines document, the Commission upheld its original decision.

  Diplock Review Group
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will commission an independent
  1007W
  study to complete the work undertaken by the Diplock Review Group in drawing up arrangements for a return to jury trial. [133088]

  Mr. Ingram
  There are no plans for an independent review of the provisions. However, under section 126 of the Terrorism Act the Government are required to lay a report on the working of the Act before both Houses of Parliament at least every 12 months. The report will be completed by an independent reviewer. Part VII of the Terrorism Act contains temporary measures for Northern Ireland only including the Diplock court system provisions. All these powers are subject to annual review and renewal by affirmative order taking account of the Government's overall objective, under the Belfast Agreement, to remove the powers as soon as it is safe to do so. The Reviewer's report would obviously inform any debates on the renewal of Northern Ireland powers.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place the external submissions to the Diplock Review Group in the Library. [133089]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Review Group received a total of eight written submissions from external organisations and the full list of those who responded is set out at Annexe B of the report. A number of the organisations requested that their submissions should remain confidential therefore I would suggest my hon. Friend approach the organisations directly if he wishes to obtain a copy of their written submission.

  Reports
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the reports submitted to his Department by bodies that were created after May 1997 and that include significant and plural membership from outside the civil service, stating in each case the body writing the report, the date the report was submitted, how many recommendations were made, the number of those recommendations that have been implemented to date and the number of recommendations that have been rejected; and if he will make a statement. [133562]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799W.

SCOTLAND

  Assisted Areas
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what additional representations have been made by his Department calling for the possible inclusion of all wards within the Inverness and Nairn, and Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey Local Enterprise Company areas since the publication of the assisted area status map for Scotland on 10 April submitted to the European Commission for consideration. [130560]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 17 July 2000]: I shall write to the hon. Member and arrange for a copy of my reply to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Official Visits
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the visits outside Britain made by his Department's Permanent Secretary on official business since 1 January 1999, indicating the date and purpose of the visit in each case. [133273]

  Dr. Reid
  In the period between 1 January 1999 and 30 June 1999 the Permanent Under-Secretary of State at The Scottish Office made one overseas visit on official business, to Dublin on 10 and 11 February 1999, for discussions with senior Irish civil servants about aspects of their administration relevant to Scottish devolution. Since 1 July 1999 the Head of the Scotland Office has made no overseas visits on official business.

  Electronic Communications Act 2000
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what orders he(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [133379]

  Dr. Reid
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office.

  Saltire
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to ensure that the blue in the Saltire is a consistent shade of sky blue. [133627]

  Dr. Reid
  No. The heraldic description of the Saltire is an argent cross on an azure background. There is no officially recognised shade of blue for the Saltire, the longstanding convention being that any blue that is clearly "blue" is acceptable.

  Reports
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the reports submitted to his Department, by bodies that were created after May 1997 and that include significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, stating in each case the body writing the report, the date the report was submitted, how many recommendations were made, the number of those recommendations that have been implemented to date and the number of recommendations that have been rejected; and if he will make a statement. [133559]

  Dr. Reid
  I shall write to the hon. Member and arrange for a copy of my reply to be placed in the Library of the House.

TREASURY

  Employment (Merseyside)
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the employment rate for people of working age for each quarter since 1997 in each of the Merseyside constituencies. [119820]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
  1009W
  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Frank Field, dated 28 July 2000:
  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on employment rates in the Merseyside constituencies (119820).
  The attached table shows employment rates for people of working age in each of the Merseyside constituencies from 1996 to 1998 from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) which is the main source of labour market data on individuals. Estimates for parliamentary constituencies are compiled on an annual basis to provide more reliable estimates for these small areas. Quarterly estimates at constituency level are not available.
  People aged 16 or over are classed as in employment by the LFS if they have done at least one hour of paid work (as an employee or self-employed) in the week prior to their LFS interview or if they have a job that they are temporarily away from. People who do unpaid work in a family business and people on Government-supported training and employment programmes are also included according to the International Labour Organisation convention.

  Employment rate for those of working age1 employed in Merseyside constituencies, not seasonally adjusted

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Birkenhead

  59.4

  60.5

  54.5

  Bootle

  55.5

  53.1

  53.4

  Crosby

  70.2

  79.2

  74.9

  Knowsley, North and Sefton, East

  59.3

  56.2

  58.8

  Knowsley, South

  59.8

  60.3

  56.9

  Liverpool, Garston

  58.9

  62.3

  57.4

  Liverpool, Riverside

  42.9

  45.1

  47.4

  Liverpool, Walton

  54.5

  51.5

  55.0

  Liverpool, Wavertree

  64.6

  62.4

  65.0

  Liverpool, West Derby

  54.2

  56.6

  53.3

  Southport

  75.4

  73.8

  75.2

  St. Helens, North

  68.3

  75.2

  70.3

  St. Helens, South

  63.8

  69.2

  70.4

  Wallasey

  67.1

  71.8

  64.7

  Wirral, South

  71.5

  76.8

  73.7

  Wirral, West

  77.0

  72.0

  69.7

  1 Men aged 16–64 and women aged 16–59.

  Source:

  ONS Labour Force Survey

  Budget Expenditure
  Mr. Ashdown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the real terms increase in budgeted expenditure between 1996–97 and 2000–01 for(a) the Home Office, (b) the Chancellor of the Exchequer's departments, (c) the Foreign Office, (d) Scotland Office, (e) Wales Office, (f) the Department of Social Security, (g) the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, (h) overseas aid spending,(i) Department of Health, (j) Department of Education and Employment, (k) Lord Chancellor's Department, (l) No. 10 Downing street, (m) Cabinet Office, (n) the Ministry of Defence, (o) the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, (p) the Department of Trade and Industry,(q) the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and(r) Northern Ireland; and if he will rank these from highest to lowest increases. [122240]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [holding answer 16 May 2000]: Real terms increases in Departmental Expenditure Limit spending between outturn for 1996–97 and plans for 2000–01 for these areas are set out in the following table, ranked from the highest to lowest increases. Data are taken from "Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses", published in April.
  1010W

  £ million

  Department/Junction

  Real terms increase 1996–97 to 2000–011

  (i) Department of Health

  7,121

  (j) Department for Education and Employment

  2,402

  (a) Home Office

  886

  (o) Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

  569

  (e) Wales

  468

  (b) Chancellor's departments2

  439

  (h) Overseas aid spending3

  400

  (d) Scotland

  286

  (r) Northern Ireland

  255

  (q) Department of Culture, Media and Sport

  -46

  (p) Department of Trade and Industry

  -48

  (c) Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  -53

  (k) Lord Chancellor's Department

  -54

  (m) Cabinet Office4

  -229

  (f) Department of Social Security

  -549

  in) Ministry of Defence

  -927

  (g) Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food2

  -1,148

  1 1998–99 prices

  2 Changes and transfers of responsibility over the period mean that figures should be interpreted with care. For example, MAFF spending was exceptionally high in 1996–97 because of spending on BSE-related measures which are now unwinding; Chancellor's department figures are affected by machinery of government changes (principally the transfer of responsibility for the Contributions Agency from DSS) offset by reductions elsewhere

  31ncludes all DFID Departmental Expenditure X Limit programme spending

  4 For budgeting purposes 10 Downing street is treated as part of the Cabinet Office

  Incomes
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many(a) men and (b) women working in the Greater London area benefit from the national minimum wage; [127385]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the average salary scales of (a) men and (b) women in employment in the UK. [127387]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Part-time Workers
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what percentage of workers on adult rates of pay in part-time employment have hourly earnings, including and excluding overtime pay, that are less than(a) £4.94, (b) £6.58, (c) £7.18 and (d) £3.60 in (i) Scotland, (ii) each of the unitary local authority areas in Scotland and (iii) Great Britain, broken down by (1) male manual, (2) male non-manual, (3) all male workers, (4) female manual, (5) female non-manual, (6) all female workers, (7) all manual, (8) all non-manual and (9) all workers; [128287]

  (2) what the average weekly earnings are, including and excluding overtime, for part-time workers in (a) Scotland, (b) each of the local unitary local authority areas in Scotland and (c) Great Britain, broken down by (i) men and (ii) women in (1) manual employment, (2) non-manual employment and (3) all employment. [128288]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
  1011W
  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Michael Moore, dated 28 July 2000 As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent questions about earnings of part-time employees in Scotland, the unitary authority areas in Scotland and Great Britain (128287/8).
  The New Earnings Survey (NES) can provide earnings data for small geographical areas. However, the release of NES data is restricted to figures that are derived from a sufficiently large sample of employees, and have an acceptable level of accuracy. I have provided the available data for Scotland, the unitary authorities in Scotland and Great Britain; these are based on the 1999 NES, the latest survey for which data are available. These are large tables and copies of them are being placed in the Library of the House rather than reproduced in Hansard.
  The NES is based on a one per cent. sample of employees in PAYE system and is therefore likely to under-represent relatively low paid staff earning below the tax threshold and in particular those who work part-time.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the cost of reducing the upper rate of income tax from 40 per cent. to 30 per cent.; and if he will make a statement; [127501]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the cost of abolishing the 10p tax band and extending the personal income tax allowance over this range of income; [127621]

  (3) if he will estimate the yield from introducing a 50 per cent. rate of income tax on taxable income of over £100,000 per annum, for each of the next five years; [127604]

  (4) if he will estimate the resulting level of the personal income tax allowance if the lop tax band were abolished on a revenue-neutral basis. [127622]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 27 June 2000]: The full year revenue effects for making changes to income tax rates or allowances in 2000–01 are given in the table:

  £ billion

  Revenue effect

  Reducing the top rates of income tax by 10 percentage points1

  -7.5

  Introducing a 50 per cent. rate of income tax on taxable income of over £100,0001, 2, 3

  +2.9

  Abolishing the l0p tax band and extending the personalincome tax allowances over this range of income4, 5

  -4.6

  1 Including tax on dividends

  2 Taxable income has been defined as income after deducting the personal allowance

  3 For later years this figure will increase by on average £200 million per year

  4 The revenue effect provided has not taken account of any consequential effects on the level of National Insurance contributions

  5 This option would benefit most higher rate taxpayers by £456, most basic rate taxpayers by £182 and starting rate taxpayers by up to £152

  If the starting rate band of income tax was abolished and all income tax personal allowances were increased by £740, the changes would be revenue neutral.

  All the figures shown are the estimated direct effects of tax changes on tax revenues. In practice, tax changes will themselves effect economic variables, which in turn will have further effects on tax revenues.
  1012W
  These estimates are based on the Survey of Personal Incomes and are consistent with the March 2000 Budget.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the extra revenue for the next five financial years that would be raised by restricting the rate of tax relief on(a) employee pension contributions and (b) employer pension contributions to the standard rate of income tax; and if he will make a statement. [129827]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 10 July 2000]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the library of the House.

  Rural Public Services
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the differences between the methods of funding the provision of public services in rural areas. [124933]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Opinion Research
  Mr. Portillo
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how much his Department spent on opinion research in the financial year 1999–2000; and if he will list the opinion research projects undertaken on behalf of his Department in the financial year 1999–2000, broken down by(a) focus group research, (b) quantitative surveys and (c) other market research surveys, listing in each case when and in what form the results were published. [128074]

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, (2) pursuant to his answer of 20 June,Official Report, column 168W, on opinion research, if he will list all the market and opinion research carried out by his Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997, stating in each case if the results will be placed in the Library or the reason for not doing so. [132024]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 21 July 2000]: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Earnings Statistics
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of those in employment currently earn less than(a) £4.20, and (b) 4.50; and how many of those aged 18 to 21 years currently earn less than (i) £4.20, (ii) £4.50 and (iii) £3.70 in (1) Scotland and (2) the UK. [128172]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 4 July 2000]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Andrew Welsh, dated 28 July 2000 As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question about earnings of employees in Scotland and the United Kingdom. (128172)
  The New Earnings Survey (NES) can provide earnings data for geographical areas. These are released for all areas where there is a sufficiently large sample of employees and the statistics have an acceptable level of accuracy. I have provided the available data for

  1013W
  Scotland and the United Kingdom in the attached table. These are based on the 1999 NES, the latest survey for which data are available.
  From the NES I am only able to give percentages earning below specified thresholds, rather than numbers because appropriate grossing factors for the survey sample are not readily available.
  The NES is based on a one per cent sample of employees in the PAYE system and is therefore likely to under-represent relatively low paid staff earning below the tax threshold and in particular those who work part-time.

  New Earnings Survey, April 1999 (UK)

  Gross hourly earnings excluding overtime (£)

  All ages

  Age 18 to 21 years

  Percentage earning less than

  Percentage earning less than

  £4.20

  £4.50

  £3.70

  £4.20

  £4.50

  Scotland

  Full-time

  6.7

  9.5

  13.4

  29.0

  38.6

  Part-time

  28.8

  37.1

  25.4

  47.8

  55.7

  All

  11.8

  15.9

  17.5

  35.4

  44.4

  United Kingdom

  Full-time

  6.0

  8.6

  15.1

  29.7

  38.8

  Part-time

  27.3

  36.2

  24.1

  46.2

  59.4

  All

  10.8

  14.8

  17.9

  34.7

  45.1

  Note:

  Employees on all rates of pay, whose pay for the survey period was unaffected by absence.

  Job Creation
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many new jobs have been created in(a) metropolitan boroughs and (b) the rest of the UK since May 1997. [129111]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 4 July 2000]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Tim Loughton, dated 28 July 2000 As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question about jobs created in metropolitan boroughs and the rest of the UK since May 1997.
  Information is not available for job gains or losses. However, the Annual Employment Survey (AES) can provide the net change in the number of employee jobs between 1997 and 1998. The data collected from this survey is for Employee Jobs only. This means that other employment components are excluded (i.e. jobs in Self-employment, Government-supported trainees, and HM Forces). This information is shown in the attached table for metropolitan boroughs and the remainder of Great Britain. The AES does not collect Northern Ireland data.
  The AES sample is drawn from the Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR). The 1998 survey comprised 65,000 enterprises, covering nearly half a million workplaces.

  Net change in employee jobs, September 1997-September 1998

  Thousand

  City of London

  +14.8

  Inner London boroughs

  Camden

  +19.9

  Hackney

  +3.3

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  +11.9

  Haringey

  -0.9

  Islington

  +5.4

  Kensington and Chelsea

  +2.6

  1014W

  Net change in employee jobs, September 1997-September 1998

  Thousand

  Lambeth

  +6.7

  Lewisham

  -2.4

  Newham

  +1.5

  Southwark

  +4.7

  Tower Hamlets

  +9.9

  Wandsworth

  -1.4

  City of Westminster

  +20.5

  Outer London boroughs

  Barking and Dagenham

  -5.9

  Barnet

  +16.5

  Bexley

  +4.2

  Brent

  +5.7

  Bromley

  +2.4

  Croydon

  +7.0

  Ealing

  +5.1

  Enfield

  +1.2

  Greenwich

  +1.8

  Harrow

  +1.0

  Havering

  -1.0

  Hillingdon

  +8.6

  Hounslow

  +7.9

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  -5.0

  Merton

  +1.0

  Redbridge

  +2.9

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  +2.9

  Sutton

  +2.9

  Waltham Forest

  +1.7

  West Midlands boroughs

  Birmingham

  +5.8

  Coventry

  -1.0

  Dudley

  -4.2

  Sandwell

  +2.9

  Solihull

  +2.5

  Walsall

  +6.0

  Wolverhampton

  -1.1

  South Yorkshire boroughs

  Barnsley

  -1.4

  Doncaster

  -1.8

  Rotherham

  +4.4

  Sheffield

  +2.6

  West Yorkshire boroughs

  Bradford

  +1.6

  Calderdale

  -0.9

  Kirklees

  +4.0

  Leeds

  +4.7

  Wakefield

  -0.7

  Greater Manchester boroughs

  Bolton

  0

  Bury

  +2.5

  Manchester

  +9.4

  Oldham

  -1.0

  Rochdale

  +1.5

  Salford

  +2.5

  Stockport

  -2.5

  Tameside

  -2.0

  Trafford

  +5.2

  Wigan

  +0.5

  Merseyside boroughs

  Knowsley

  -0.4

  Liverpool

  +6.8

  St. Helens

  +7.1

  Sefton

  -1.5

  Wirral

  -1.7

  Tyne and Wear boroughs

  Gateshead

  +2.7

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  -4.5

  1015W

  Net change in employee jobs, September 1997-September 1998

  Thousand

  North Tyneside

  +4.8

  South Tyneside

  +0.8

  Sunderland

  +5.0

  Net change in Metropolitan boroughs:

  +216.0

  Net change in rest of Great Britain:

  +289.0

  Source:

  Annual Employment Survey (AES), ONS

  Electronic Data Systems
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 28 June 2000,Official Report, column 541W, on Electronic Data Systems, if he will list for each Department the (a) contracts and (b) framework agreements held with EDS. [128919]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 4 July 2000]: The Treasury, including its agencies, have the following contracts with Electronic Data Systems (EDS):

  Treasury (Office of Government Commerce)
  "Framework contract": EDS is responsible for managing the Government Catalogue procurement scheme (GCat) for the supply of IT commodity products to public sector organisations.
  "Framework contract": Government Telecommunications Contracts service. EDS offers services covering all categories including mobile communications and electronic commerce.

  Inland Revenue
  IT Services Agreement. EDS is responsible for the provision of the full range of IT services across the Department except the procurement of desktop hardware and other office IT equipment. In addition, EDS provide Inland Revenue with Voice Telecommunications advice and EDS personnel use Inland Revenue contracts to purchase Voice Telecommunications equipment and services for the Department.

  The contracts and framework arrangements held by other Government Departments with EDS are a matter for each individual Department.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list(a) the functions carried out by Electronic Data Systems for his Department and its agencies and (b) the total amount of annual taxation revenue to which contracts and framework agreements with Electronic Data Systems are relevant. [129250]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 6 July 2000]: The functions carried out by Electronic Data Systems (EDS) for HM Treasury and its agencies are as follows:

  Treasury (Office of Govermneta Commerce)
  EDS is responsible for managing the Government Catalogue procurement scheme (GCat) for the supply of IT commodity products to public sector organisations. EDS also offers services under the Government Telecommunications Contracts (GTC) service.

  Inland Revenue
  EDS is responsible for the provision of the full range of IT services across the Department except the procurement of desktop hardware and other office IT equipment. In addition, EDS provide Inland Revenue with Voice Telecommunications advice and EDS personnel use Inland Revenue contracts to purchase Voice Telecommunications equipment and services for the Department.
  EDS supplies the IT infrastructure that is used for processing the Inland Revenue's collection of taxation revenue. Inland Revenue's net taxation receipts are published in "Financial Statistics" Table 2.1C, a publication of the Government Statistical Service.
  1016W
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list all the benchmarking exercises on Government contracts with Electronic Data Systems; and if he will place copies of the results in the Library. [131906]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 21 July 2000]: Information in the form requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The Treasury's new Office of Government Commerce, which commenced operations on 1 April 2000, is giving a high priority to examining ways in which value for money from Government IT projects can be improved.

  Pensions Provision
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the Treasury of higher rate tax relief on contributions to personal pension plans and retirement annuity plans for the self-employed in each of the next five financial years; and if he will make a statement. [129825]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 10 July 2000]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Euro
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been spent to date by HM Government on the publication and distribution of information relating to the introduction of the euro; and what further spending is planned. [129449]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 10 July 2000]: Since 1998 the Treasury has spent £8.8 million on information to help UK firms understand the impact that the euro may have on their business and to provide them with practical advice.

  The Treasury will continue to provide support to firms.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the progress of the UK retail financial sector in preparedness for membership of the euro; and if he will make a statement. [131587]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 20 July 2000]: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave him on 24 July 2000, Official Report, column 420W.

  Capital Gains Indexation
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the net revenue yield over the next five financial years of reintroducing a system of indexation of capital gains from 6 April 2001 and simultaneously abolishing taper relief from the same date; and if he will make a statement. [130274]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 13 July 2000]: The net revenue yield from reintroducing indexation and abolishing taper is estimated to be £400 million for the first year, most of which would be received in the following year. Estimates thereafter are highly dependent on assumed growth in asset values.

  Green Purchasing
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has held with DETR Ministers regarding
  1017W
  the green purchasing commitment set out in the document entitled, "Building a better quality of life-a strategy for more sustainable construction". [131091]

  Mr. Timms
  "Building a better quality of life—a strategy for more sustainable construction" recognised the Government's responsibilities to set an example in the sustainable procurement, maintenance and operation of their built assets.

  The Office of Government Commerce published a sustainability action plan, "Achieving sustainability in construction procurement", which commits Departments, agencies and NDPBs to assess their current sustainable construction procurement practices and to develop action plans. This was produced in close consultation with the DETR and was launched by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Housing Planning and Construction on 10 July.

  Strikes
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what the total number of days lost through strikes in the(a) ferry, (b) railway, (c) aviation, (d) motor manufacturing, (e) docks, (f) construction, (g) coal and (h) road haulage industries was in each year since 1992; [130541]

  (2) how many unofficial strikes took place in the (a) ferry, (b) aviation, (c) railway, (d) road haulage, (e) construction, (f) coal, (g) docks and (h) motor manufacturing industries in each year since 1992; [130543]

  (3) how many ballots for strike action there have been in the (a) construction, (b) road haulage, (c) coal, (d) docks, (e) motor manufacturing, (f) aviation, (g) railway and (h) ferry industries in each year since 1992. [130542]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 17 July 2000]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mrs. Angela Browning, dated 28 July 2000 As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your three recent questions about strikes. (130541/2/3)
  The table below shows the number of working days lost to labour disputes for the broad industry groups containing those industries in your questions. These statistics are not compiled at the level of industrial detail in your original request.

  Number of working days lost due to labour disputes in the UK

  Thousand

  Industry group

  Year

  Transport,storage and communication

  Manufactureof transport equipment

  Construction

  Mining and quarrying

  1992

  13

  16

  10

  8

  1993

  160

  55

  1

  27

  1994

  110

  24

  5

  1

  1995

  120

  27

  10

  —

  1996

  884

  43

  8

  2

  1997

  36

  51

  17

  2

  1998

  139

  26

  13

  —

  1999

  50

  55

  49

  —

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics

  The figures cover both official and unofficial disputes, although no distinction is made between the two.

  Data are not collected about the number of ballots for strike action that have taken place.

  Insurance Policies
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how much he estimates the loss to each consumer to be when motor insurance policies are cancelled; [130553]

  (2) if he will estimate the increase in the number of uninsured drivers resulting from each 10,000 cancelled policy notices; [130556]

  (3) how many policy cancellation notices were issued in the last two years; and what forecast he has made for such notices issued in the next two years; [130551]

  (4) what proportion of policy cancellation notices were returned unopened to the Policy Protection Board in each of the last five years. [130552]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 17 July 2000]: No information is available on these matters.

  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what action he is taking to ensure that the reserves available to the Policyholders' Protection Board are used appropriately to protect the policyholders of Drake Insurance plc; [130554]

  (2) what financial reserves are available to the Policyholders' Protection Board to assist consumers; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of these reserves; [130555]

  (3) what action he has taken to ensure that the Policyholders' Protection Board warns motor policy holders with Drake Insurance plc that they have no motor insurance; [130558]

  (4) if he will use his powers under the Policyholders' Protection Act 1997 to intervene to protect the policyholders of Drake Insurance plc. [130550]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 17 July 2000]: It is for the Policyholders Protection board (PPB) as an independent statutory body to decide how best to use its statutory powers to protect policyholders. The PPB raises funds through a levy on authorised insurers and its accounts are published annually. I have arranged for a copy of the most recent Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 1999 to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Policyholders whose policies are to be cancelled are given formal notice by their insurers (in this case the provisional liquidator), not the PPB.

  Annual Reports and Job Plans
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library the annual reports and workplans for the forthcoming year of the Financial Action Task Force and the Financial Stability Forum in(a) 1998, (b) 1999 and (c) 2000; and if he will list the key decisions taken by those bodies in each of those years. [130826]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 17 July 2000]: Copies of the annual reports containing all key decisions have today been placed in the Library.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many families the Working Families Tax Credit is paid to(a) a woman and (b) a man. [128934]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 5 July 2000]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families are eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit. [130408]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 17 July 2000]: The number of families in receipt of Working Families Tax Credit at the end of May 2000 is provisionally estimated at 1,056,000.

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families received the Working Families Tax Credit(a) at the last date for which figures are available and (b) at the time of its introduction; what the reasons are for the difference between (a) and (b); and what steps he is taking to ensure that all eligible families claim the credit. [132831]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) replaced Family Credit (FC) on 5 October 1999. The number of families in receipt of FC at the end of September 1999 was 788,000. The number of families in receipt of the WFTC at the end of May 2000 is provisionally estimated at 1,056,000. The increase is due to the successful introduction of WFTC and the transition from FC.

  For the last part of the question, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Edmonton (Mr. Love) on 27 July 2000, Official Report, column 877W.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Working Families Tax Credit claimants are being paid at(a) the pre-4 April rate of benefit and (b) the rate introduced on 11 April. [130707]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: The number of families in receipt of Working Families Tax Credit at the end of May 2000 is provisionally estimated at 1,056,000. Of these, it is estimated that 672,000 had start dates before 4 April 2000 and 384,000 had start dates on or after 11 April.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many recipients of working families tax credit had the option of choosing payment(a) via the payroll and (b) not via the payroll; and of those how many have chosen not to be paid through the payroll; [130764]

  (2) how many recipients of working families tax credit are receiving it via the payroll. [130765]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his reply of 4 July 2000,Official Report, column 176W, how many families have been in receipt of the Working Families Tax Credit in each month since April this year. [132401]
  1020W
  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: Provisional estimates of the number of families in receipt of Working Families Tax Credit at each end-month are as follows:

  Thousand

  April 2000

  1,053

  May 2000

  1,056

  Estimated figures for Family Credit in the corresponding months last year are as follows:

  Thousand

  April 1999

  823

  May 1999

  821

  Bridge Tolls
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations the Treasury has made to the European Court of Justice in respect of VAT on bridge tolls and the impact that will have on the case of the Tamar Bridge. [133093]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the additional revenue from applying value added tax at 17.5 per cent. on existing toll charges. [130546]

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the opinion of the Advocate-General of the European Court of Justice, dated 27 January, concerning Case C-359/97 (Commission v. European Communities), if he will estimate the proceeds that will accrue to the Exchequer per year from the application of the standard rate of VAT to roads, tunnels and bridges. [129782]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The United Kingdom's relief from VAT for all toll charges has been vigorously defended throughout the proceedings before the European Court of Justice.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Tamar Bridge Joint Committee was consulted during preparation for the ECJ court case concerning value added tax on toll charges. [130545]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 17 July 2000]: The Tamar Bridge Joint Committee was invited to a meeting hosted by HM Customs and Excise on 19 May 1998, at which the case was fully discussed. Thereafter, the Tamar Bridge Joint Committee was on the mailing list for Customs' written updates on the case.

  Employment Rates
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many parliamentary constituencies(a) the employment rate has gone down and (b) both the employment rate and unemployment rate have gone down, in the past (i) six months, (ii) one year and (iii) two years and (iv) three years; and if he will give the source for each statistic. [131182]
  1021W
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to write to my right hon. Friend.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Field dated 28 July 2000 As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question about employment and unemployment rates in parliamentary constituencies. (131182).
  Information on economic activity at parliamentary constituency level can be derived on an annual basis from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), which is National Statistics' main source of labour market data on individuals. The latest estimates cover the year from March 1998 to February 1999. These show that the employment rate in 274 our of 659 constituencies was lower than in the year from March 1997 in February 1998. In 238 constituencies the rate was lower than in the year from March 1996 to February 1997, the earliest period for which estimates are available.
  National Statistics' preferred measure of unemployment is the International Labour Organisation (ILO) unemployment rate, derived from the LFS. As with any sample survey LFS estimates are subject to sampling variability. The smaller the estimate, the larger the variability relative to the size of the estimate. Unfortunately analyses of unemployment at parliamentary constituency level only provide reliable estimates for a small proportion of constituencies. So it is not possible from the LFS to provide a total of those constituencies where both employment and unemployment have fallen.
  People aged 16 or over are classed as in employment by the LFS if they have done at least one hour of paid work (as an employee or self-employed) in the week prior to their LFS interview or if they have a job that they are temporarily away from. People who do unpaid work in a family business and people on Government-supported training and employment programmes are also included according to the International Labour Organisation convention.

  Advisory Bodies
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [131445]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799W.

  Absenteeism
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the level of absenteeism was in(a) his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) its related public bodies in the last year for which figures are available; what his estimate is of the total cost of this level of absenteeism to public funds in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [131322]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 11 May 2000, Official Report, column 434W. The latest published departmental statistics on sickness absence were given in the report "Analysis of Sickness Absence in the Civil Service 1998" prepared by BMI Health Service Ltd.

  Information on costs for the last five years is not available on a departmental basis and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
  1022W
  In line with the work on reducing absence following the July 1998 report "Managing Attendance in the Public Sector", the civil service has a whole as a target to reduce absence by 20 per cent. by 2001 and 30 per cent. by 2003.

  Census
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what powers researchers may be informed of personal details from closed decennial Census forms; and what limits are placed on the use of information from the 1971 to 1991 Census forms. [131722]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. John Taylor, dated 28 July 2000 As National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking under what powers researchers may be informed of personal details from closed decennial Census forms; and what limits are placed on the use of information from the 1971 to 1991 Census forms (131722).
  Under the provisions of Section 8(2) the Census Act 1920 as amended by the Census (Confidentiality) Act 1991, it is an offence for the Registrar General or any person who is either under the control of, or a supplier of any services to, the Registrar General to disclose any personal census information without lawful authority. Strict safeguards are maintained to protect the confidentiality of personal census information handled by persons either working for the Registrar General or providing services on his behalf. All such persons are required to make signed undertakings to fulfil the obligations required under the provisions of the Act and any Regulations made under the Act.
  Information under the 1971 to 1991 Census returns may be published as reports to Parliament or abstracts under the provisions of Section 4 of the Census Act. Confidentiality thresholds are applied to the population of small areas below which no census information other than simple headcounts is made available. Other measures are taken to minimise the risk of inadvertent disclosure of information about identifiable individuals or households.
  Pursuant to Section 5 of the Census Act, a number of researchers are permitted to come to ONS to undertake statistical analyses of census information regarding the number and condition of the population from the Longitudinal Study. They may only work on projects that have previously been approved by the Longitudinal Study Research Board and may only access Study data under supervised conditions on the ONS site. Such data do not contain details of names and addresses. The only outputs allowed are tables of aggregated data and statistics at a level that precludes identification of individuals or households. Hence no information which identifies individuals or households may be released from ONS premises at any time.
  The Office for National Statistics maintains a confidentiality policy of only providing access to data from those records for which it is responsible that conforms to the provisions of both data protection and freedom on information legislation.

  Tax Returns
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what data he compiles concerning monthly backlogs of tax returns; and if he will make a statement. [131939]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Management Information Systems of the Inland Revenue provide information of the number of Self Assessment Tax Returns issued; received; sent back; waiting to be processed; and processed.

  Household Incomes
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many households with children who had below half average income would have had incomes above that threshold in(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999 if the April 1998 rates of child benefit had been raised for all children in the family by 50 per cent. and linked with earnings; and what the net extra cost would have been for (i) 1998–99 and (ii) 1999–2000 after allowing for (A) the increases made by the Government in (1) child benefit and (2) WFTC and (B) changes in benefits for lone parents. [131953]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The simulation model used in the Treasury cannot easily be used to look back historically at what would have happened in specific years under different policies.

  Computer Disasters
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the time it would take to get new computers running in the wake of a major computer disaster in his Department. [130967]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 19 July 2000]: In the event of a major computer disaster the Treasury's aim would be to restore basic IT facilities (desktop or laptop stand-alone equipment) to key staff as soon as possible but at the latest within two days.

  The timescale for the restoration of full IT services to the whole department would depend on the scale of the disaster.

  Random Assignment Elements
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which pilot projects undertaken by his Department since 1997 have involved random assignment elements; and what assessment he has made of their effectiveness in promoting more effective policy making. [131584]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 20 July 2000]: While no consolidated record of such schemes is kept, I am not aware of any pilot projects undertaken by the Treasury since 1997 with random assignment elements.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the monthly outturns on

  Departmental Expenditure Limits—Resource and Capital Budgets in real terms

  £ billion, 1999–2000 prices

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  Resource Budget:

  Education and Employment

  14.2

  16.3

  17.9

  19.0

  19.8

  Health

  40.0

  42.6

  44.7

  47.7

  50.6

  of which:NHS

  39.4

  41.9

  43.6

  45.7

  48.6

  Environment, Transport and Regions

  3.9

  4.2

  4.9

  5.2

  5.1

  Local Government

  33.9

  34.5

  35.0

  36.3

  37.7

  Home Office

  7.0

  7.4

  8.3

  8.7

  8.9

  Legal Departments

  2.7

  2.8

  2.9

  2.9

  2.9

  1024W
  sickness absence as listed in reports from directors in his Department for each month for the last two years; and if he will make a statement. [130724]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 20 July 2000]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 11 May 2000, Official Report, column 434W. The latest published statistics on sickness absence were given in the report "Analysis of Sickness Absence in the Civil Service 1998" prepared by BMI Health Service Ltd. These show that HM Treasury has the lowest absence rate of Departments and Agencies of a similar size.

  Worn-out Bank Notes
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the face value of paper notes was, broken down by denomination, which were destroyed in the last 12 months because they were worn out. [132315]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The face value of Bank of England notes destroyed in the 12-month period ending 30 June 2000 was:

  £ million

  £5

  1,369

  £10

  3,177

  £20

  5,022

  £50

  440

  Total

  10,008

  Note:

  All figures rounded

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer where worn-out bank-notes are incinerated. [132316]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  No notes are incinerated.

  Spending Review
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his statement of 18 July 2000,Official Report, column 219–44, on the Spending Review, if he will publish Table A4 of "Prudent for a Purpose", Cm 4807, in a form which is comparable to Table C19 of the document entitled Budget 2000, HC 346. [132247]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  A table in a comparable format to Table C19 of Budget 2000, showing the new plans for Departmental Expenditure Limits broken down into resource and capital budgets, can be found in "Prudent for A Purpose: Building Opportunity and Security for All", Cm 4807, at A3. This table is set out in real terms. An explanation of how departmental plans have changed for the new planning period on the move to resource budgeting is contained in Table A8.
  1025W

  Departmental Expenditure Limits—Resource and Capital Budgets in real terms

  £ billion, 1999–2000 prices

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  Defence

  16.9

  17.4

  17.2

  17.2

  17.0

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  International Development

  2.2

  2.4

  2.6

  2.7

  2.9

  Trade and Industry

  2.8

  3.2

  3.7

  3.3

  2.9

  Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  1.0

  0.9

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  Culture, Media and Sport

  0.9

  0.9

  1.0

  1.0

  1.1

  Social Security (administration)

  3.2

  3.1

  3.6

  3.9

  3.8

  Scotland

  12.0

  12.4

  12.9

  13.4

  13.8

  Wales

  6.3

  6.8

  7.1

  7.4

  7.7

  Northern Ireland Executive

  4.2

  4.4

  4.6

  4.7

  4.8

  Northern Ireland Office

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  0.9

  Chancellor's Departments

  3.4

  3.7

  3.7

  3.8

  3.7

  Cabinet Office

  1.1

  1.1

  1.2

  1.2

  1.2

  Employment Opportunities Fund1

  0.5

  0.9

  0.8

  0.8

  1.2

  Invest to Save Budget

  —

  0.0

  0.1

  0.1

  0.0

  Capital Modernisation Fund

  —

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Policy Innovation Fund

  —

  —

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Reserve

  —

  1.9

  1.1

  1.5

  1.8

  Total Resource Budget DEL

  158.5

  169.0

  176.5

  183.7

  189.9

  Capital Budget

  Education and Employment

  1.2

  2.2

  2.4

  2.8

  3.5

  Health

  0.9

  1.7

  2.5

  3.0

  3.0

  of which: NHS

  0.9

  1.6

  2.4

  2.9

  2.9

  Environment, Transport and Regions

  5.8

  6.3

  7.7

  9.3

  11.1

  Local Government

  0.3

  0.0

  0.1

  0.3

  0.3

  Home Office

  0.5

  0.6

  0.8

  0.9

  0.8

  Legal Departments

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  Defence

  5.0

  5.1

  5.2

  5.3

  5.7

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  0.2

  0.2

  International Development

  0.3

  0.3

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Trade and Industry

  0.2

  0.5

  0.7

  0.7

  0.9

  Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  0.1

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  Culture, Media and Sport

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  Department of Social Security

  0.0

  0.0

  0.1

  0.1

  0.0

  Scotland

  1.8

  2.3

  2.6

  2.8

  2.9

  Wales

  0.9

  0.8

  l.0

  1.1

  1.2

  Northern Ireland Executive

  0.7

  0.8

  0.8

  0.9

  1.0

  Northern Ireland Office

  0.0

  0.0

  0.1

  0.1

  0.0

  Chancellor's Departments

  0.1

  -0.1

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  Cabinet Office

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.1

  0.2

  Employment Opportunities Fund 1

  0.0

  0.0

  0.6

  0.0

  0.0

  Invest to Save Budget

  —

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Capital Modernisation Fund

  —

  0.1

  0.4

  0.8

  1.1

  Policy Innovation Fund

  —

  —

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Reserve

  —

  0.7

  0.3

  0.4

  0.5

  Total Capital Budget DEL

  18.3

  22.0

  25.8

  29.7

  33.2

  Total Departmental Expenditure Limits

  176.8

  190.9

  202.4

  213.4

  223.1

  1 Formerly Welfare to Work

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in which year he expects to be able to judge that the trend rate of growth had increased from 2.5 per cent by 2004; how the Inland Revenue will judge total compliance costs to business; how compliance costs are defined in his document entitled "Prudent for a Purpose", Cm 4807; and if he will make a statement. [132267]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Government's estimate of the UK's 2½ per cent. trend growth rate was set out in "Trend Growth: Prospects and implications for policy" which was published in November 1999. The Government continually monitors all relevant evidence and data on the UK's trend rate of growth.
  1026W
  Inland Revenue will judge total compliance costs to business as those costs incurred by all businesses or third parties in meeting the requirements laid upon them by those parts of the tax system which are administered by Inland Revenue.

  Prudent for a Purpose commits the Inland Revenue to reductions in costs which act as a barrier to the establishment and growth of small businesses.

  Tobacco Industry
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what the value of United Kingdom exports of tobacco products was to countries outside the European Union in(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999; [132336]
  1027W
  (2) what the contribution of the UK tobacco industry was to the balance of payments in (a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999. [132335]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. Andrew Hunter, dated 28 July 2000 As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent questions on the United Kingdom's trade in tobacco. (132336/7).
  The following table shows the latest estimates for UK trade in tobacco products. Figures are shown in £billion on a Balance of Payments basis and cover Division 16 of the 1992 Standard Industrial Classification—SIC(92). The balance of trade in goods is the value of goods exported less the value of goods imported.

  Contribution to balance of trade

  Exports to non-EU

  in goods

  countries

  1997

  +1.0

  0.7

  1998

  +0.9

  0.6

  1999

  +0.9

  0.6

  Estimates for the tobacco industry in respect of the other components of the current account of the Balance of Payments are not available.

  Interest Rates
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 10 May 2000,Official Report, columns 417–19W, what the average bank interest rate for mortgages has been since October 1995. [131780]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. David Willetts, dated 28 July 2000 I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking about average bank interest rates for mortgages (131780). I am replying in the National Statistician's absence.
  The average rate on standard variable mortgage rate loans by a cross-section of banks between October 1995 and May 2000 was 7.73%. End-month observations of this rate from January 1996 to date are published by National Statistics in table 71.J of Financial Statistics (series AJVR) or may be viewed on the National Statistics central database, to which the House of Commons Library has access.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of exempting(a) hydro power and (b) non-nuclear and non-fossil fuel generated electricity from the climate change levy in (a) Scotland and (b) the UK. [131588]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The initial cost of exempting small scale hydro electric power and non-nuclear/non-fossil fuel generated electricity from the Climate Change Levy is estimated to be around £20 million in a full year. The exact cost of the exemption in future years will depend on the speed of progress made towards the Government's target of generating 5 per cent. of electricity from renewable sources by 2003. Separate estimates for Scotland are not available.

  Debt Repayment (HIPCs)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the size of Government debt repayment from the HIPC countries in 1996–97; what he estimates the debt repayment will be in 2000–01; and to what extent such repayments will be recycled into(a) primary healthcare and (b) AIDS care and prevention in these countries. [131626]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The total amount received from HIPCs in 1996–97 was £29.4 million. Under the UK's policy of 100 per cent. debt forgiveness once countries have reached decision point under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, they can immediately stop making payments on all their debts outstanding to the UK Government.

  So far nine countries have reached their decision point, of which eight owed money to the UK. For these countries all payments to the UK Government have already ceased. In total the debt relief to these countries afforded by the HIPC initiative and the Government's 100 per cent. debt relief policy will add up to £241 million.

  A further 11 countries are expected to reach decision point by the end of 2000. If they did the total amount that the UK Government would be writing off for these 20 countries would be £659 million. The total payments due for payment in 2000–01 depends entirely on how quickly countries reach decision point, and hence how many benefit from the UK's policy of 100 per cent. debt relief.

  Under the enhanced HIPC initiative, debt relief is tied much more closely to poverty reduction. Countries are developing national poverty reduction strategies as part of their qualification for debt relief. Countries will examine causes of poverty and opportunities for tackling it. The Poverty Reduction Strategy of an individual country will often identify primary healthcare and HIV/AIDS as priority areas for government action and increased resources. But many competing claims for additional resources, and it is up to the governments of the HIPC countries themselves to decide how to balance these, in discussion with key stakeholders.

  Departmental Groups
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list each group that is responsible to his Department, with significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, and to which the Nolan rules on non-departmental public bodies do not apply and for each such group, if it(a) is a company limited by guarantee, (b) is a charity, (c) has no formal legal basis, and (d) has some other legal basis giving details. [131237]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The bodies falling within the scope of the question are as follows. Although they are not formally within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments, Treasury Minsters observe the spirit of the rules and Nolan principles in making appointments to them:

  (a) Companies limited by guarantee

  Financial Services Authority.

  (b) Charities

  None

  (c) No legal basis

  None

  1029W

  (d) Other legal basis

  (i) executive bodies

  National Savings Agency Management Board

  Public Works Loan Board

  Building Societies Commission

  Friendly Societies Commission

  (ii) advisory Bodies

  Retail Price Index Advisory Committee

  Office for National Statistics Management board

  Financial Reporting Advisory Board

  Treasury Academic Advisory Panel

  Royal Mint Management Board

  Standing Committee on Preparations for EMU

  Business Advisory Group on EMU

  Property Advisers to the Civil Estate (PACE) Ministerial Advisory Board

  PACE Central Advice Unit

  (iii) Tribunals

  Financial Services Tribunal

  Inland Revenue Section 706 Tribunal

  (iv) Non ministerial Crown Office

  Crown Estates Commission

  (v) Taskforces, reviews, working groups

  Myners review of institutional investment

  Review of central government audit steering group

  Inland Revenue Finance Leasing Association Working Group

  Review of Inland Revenue Officer's Powers

  Inland Revenue Construction Industry Scheme User Panel

  (vi) Public limited company

  Partnerships UK, incorporating the Treasury taskforce.

  Tobacco Industry
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the current price is of a packet of 20 cigarettes in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) Belgium, (c) France and (d) Germany. [132337]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The price of a packet of 20 cigarettes will vary according to the brand and these prices are not available for other EU countries. The most popular price category (MPPC) for cigarettes in each of the EU member states is contained in the Excise Duty Tables published by the European Commission.

  Share and Security Dealing
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposal was put forward by the Government of France at the meeting of ECOFIN in July concerning the operation of the single market in share and security dealing within the Community; if he will place a copy of that proposal in the Library; on what Treaty and Article it is based; what voting took place at ECOFIN on the proposal; what voting arrangements will govern any subsequent consideration by ECOFIN; and what action will follow in the European Parliament. [132574]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I will right to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Green Cars
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his taxation policy in respect of the development of non-polluting methods of powering motor cars. [132791]

  Mr. Timms
  Duty on road fuel gases was cut by 29 per cent. in 1999 and was frozen in the March Budget.

  The duty differential between ultra low sulphur diesel and conventional diesel had succeeded in turning the UK market over to the more environmentally friendly low sulphur fuel. Furthermore, as announced in March 2000 a 1p/litre inventive will be introduced for ultra low sulphur petrol.

  The graduated system of Vehicle Excise Duty for new cars, being introduced in March 2001, will offer discounted rates for cars using more environmentally friendly fuels.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many press releases have been issued so far this year; and what the total cost of the production and issuing of press releases was in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000 to date. [132780]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  In 2000, 125 press notices have been released to 30 June. The cost to date to the Treasury for the services of the Central Office of Information (COI), which distribute press releases, has been £14,709.60. The number of press notices released and the amounts billed to Treasury by COI in previous years are as follows:

  Number of press notices

  COI distribution costs (£)

  1997

  184

  18,682.00

  1998

  239

  25,186.62

  1999

  283

  23,899.50

  Press Officers
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many press officers were employed in his Department in(a) May 1997, (b) January 1998, (c) January 1999 and (d) January 2000; and what the total expenditure on press officers by his Department was in each of the years concerned. [132766]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  For the number of press officers employed by the Treasury, I refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply of 17 May 2000,Official Report, column 183W, to the right hon. Member for Kensington and Chelsea (Mr. Portillo). As to expenditure, due to staff changes it is not possible to provide accurate figures for May 1997 on a consistent basis. However, basic salary costs for Treasury press officers for the years 1998, 1999 and 2000 to date are as follows:

  £

  Press officer basic salary costs

  1998

  246,103

  1999

  192,541

  2000(to date)

  53,470

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [131426]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: On 1 April 2000 the gap between staff in post and planned demand in the Treasury was 72 around 8 per cent. of posts. The monthly cost of employing civil servants in those posts is estimated at £155k. In the week beginning 3 April 2000 there were 27 temporary agency staff in the Treasury, around 3 per cent. of the total, filling vacant posts or covering for staff in posts that were temporary vacant through maternity leave, annual leave or sickness absence. The amounts that were paid by the Treasury to supply temporary staff for each month in the Financial Year 1999–2000 are provided in the following table. The budget for payments to supply temporary staff in 2000–01 is £461,829k.

  Payments by HM Treasury to employment agencies for temporary staff 1999–2000

  £

  April 1999

  48,097.49

  May 1999

  50,012.29

  June 1999

  35,705.49

  July 1999

  56,455.82

  August 1999

  53,718.22

  September 1999

  30,724.74

  October 1999

  38,390.13

  November 1999

  65,374.01

  December 1999

  43,657.45

  January 2000

  62,621.93

  February 2000

  65,252.66

  March 2000

  95,497.48

  Total

  645,507.71

  ENTRUST
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money was available to ENTRUST for distribution in the last year for which figures are available; how much was actually distributed; and how much was spent on overheads. [131664]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 26 July 2000]: In the financial year 1998–99, the last year for which figures are available, landfill site operators made contributions totalling £76 million directly to environmental bodies approved under the landfill tax environmental bodies credit scheme. ENTRUST charge a 2 per cent. administration fee on contributions received by the bodies to cover its expenses in regulating the scheme, but ENTRUST does not itself receive or distribute site operators' funds.

  Endowment Mortgages
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take action to help householders experiencing shortfalls on endowment mortgages due to bad advice; and if he will make a statement. [133365]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Monmouth (Mr. Edwards) on 23 May 2000,Official Report, columns 415–16W.

  Office for National Statistics
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the Office for National Statistics performed against its key targets in 1999–2000. [133415]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Office for National Statistics; performance is described in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts which is being laid before the House today.

  Currency Transaction Tax
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to contribute to the study into the concept of a currency transaction tax, as agreed at the recent special session of the United Nations General Assembly on Social Development; and if he will make a statement. [132297]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The Special Session agreed to undertake an analysis of proposals for developing new and innovative sources of funding for social development. One of these proposals is likely to be a tax on international currency transactions. The Government will keep in touch with the UN study as it progresses. We expect that UK Government and non-government organisations will be able to contribute to the UN analysis.

  Demographic Statistics
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate how many men will turn 65 years in each of the next 10 years; [132973]

  (2) if he will estimate how many women will turn 60 years in each of the next 10 years. [132971]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answers 27 July 2000]: The information requested is available from the House of Commons Library's Statistics Resource Unit on a copy of a CD-ROM, named '1998-based national population projections'.

  VAT (Charities)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on relieving charities of some or all of the costs of VAT on transactions directly related to their charitable objectives. [132911]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: Charities already benefit from a range of special VAT reliefs. Systems for relieving charities' irrecoverable VAT were given very careful consideration during the recent Review of Charity Taxation. In the Review's consultation

  1033W
  document, published in March 1999, the Government made it clear that for reasons of principle and cost these were not ideas that it wished to pursue.

  Permanent Secretary (Official Business)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the visits outside Britain made by his Department's Permanent Secretary on official business since 1 January 1999, indicating the date and purpose of the visit in each case. [133275]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The information is as follows:

  Destination

  Date

  Purpose

  Paris

  February 1999

  Meeting Finance Ministry officials

  Frankfurt

  March 1999

  Visit to ECB

  Bonn

  June 1999

  Meeting Finance Ministry officials

  Rome

  November 1999

  Meeting Finance Ministry officials

  Dublin

  February 2000

  Economic conference

  Paris

  June 2000

  OECD Working Party 3

  Family Incomes
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many employees resident in the Wrekin have benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage. [133193]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Peter Bradley, dated 28 July 2000 As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question on the number of employees resident in the Wrekin who have benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage. (133193).
  Definitive estimates on the number of people that have been affected by the national minimum wage are not yet available. Currently available estimates for assessing the effect draw on data from both the New Earnings Survey and the Labour Force Survey, and recognise the particular value that each survey adds to the quality and analytical details that can be provided. However, the latest adjusted estimates are mainly based on data for the Spring (March - May) 1999 Labour Force Survey. Because the reference period spans the implementation date for the National Minimum Wage Act on I April 1999, these adjusted estimates are unlikely to accurately measure the effect of this Legislation since there are employees who could have been earning below the minimum wage rates in March 1999, before the law took effect.
  The currently available estimates for March - May 1999 were published in an Office for National Statistics (ONS) First Release on 14 October 1999 and show that the number of people earning below the minimum wage rates set in April 1999 had fallen significantly between 1998 and 1999. A copy of this first release is available in the House of Commons Library.

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many employees resident in(a) Worcester and (b) mid Worcestershire have benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage. [133764]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
  1034W
  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Michael Foster, dated 28 July 2000 As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question on the number of employees resident in Worcester and Mid Worcester who have benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage (133764)
  Definitive estimates on the number of people that have been affected by the national minimum wage are not yet available. Currently available estimates for assessing the effect draw on data from both the New Earnings Survey and the Labour Force Survey, and recognise the particular value that each survey adds to the quality and analytical details that can be provided. However, the latest adjusted estimates are mainly based on data for the Spring (March-May) 1999 Labour Force Survey. Because the reference period spans the implementation date for the National Minimum Wage Act on 1 April 1999, these adjusted estimates are unlikely to accurately measure the effect of this Legislation since there are employees who could have been earning below the minimum wage rates in March 1999, before the law took effect.
  The currently available estimates for March-May 1999 were published in an Office for National Statistics (ONS) First Release on 14 October 1999 and show that the number of people earning below the minimum wage rates set in April 1999 had fallen significantly between 1998 and 1999. A copy of this first release is available in the House of Commons Library.

  Television Advertisements
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many television advertisements his Department has commissioned since 1 May 1997; and, of these, how many have been provided with closed caption subtitling. [133436]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Treasury has commissioned 16 commercials for one main campaign since 1 May 1997. Of the 16 commercials, eight of them were provided with closed caption subtitling.

  The Inland Revenue has commissioned 62 commercials for four main campaigns since 1 May 1997. Of the 62 commercials, 51 of them were provided with closed caption subtitling.

  Customs and Excise have commissioned no television advertising since 1 May 1997.

  Tax Returns (Internet)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 18 July 2000,Official Report, column 110W, on tax returns, what estimate he has made of (a) the fixed cost and (b) the marginal cost of providing self-assessment tax returns on the internet; and if he will make a statement. [133633]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is not possible to give an answer to this question at this time.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the public service agreements for 2001 to 2004 will be published. [133949]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I am presenting a White Paper (Cm 4808) to Parliament today.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will answer question 131091, tabled by the hon. Member for Ludlow on 12 July. [133937]
  1035W
  Mr. Timms
  I did so on 20 July.

  Tax Benefit Reference Manual
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the next edition of the Tax Benefit Reference Manual will be published. [133867]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Copies of the 2000–01 Edition of the Tax Benefit Reference Manual are today being deposited in the Library of the House.

  Electronic Communications Act 2000
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what orders he(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [133382]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by the Minister of State, Cabinet Office.

  ISAs
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the consultancy used to analyse the success of ISAs has reported their results; and if he will publish their findings. [133385]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The research to inform Government policy making on ISAs is continuing.

  Insurance Companies
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will make a statement on how(a) his Department and (b) the FSA, propose that the orphan assets of demutualised insurance companies should be appointed as between shareholders and policyholders; [133409]

  (2) what decisions (a) his Department and (b) the FSA have taken on the appointment of orphan assets between shareholders and policyholders, for each insurance company for which a regulatory determination has been made; [133408]

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to regulate the proposed distribution of orphan assets; and if he will make a statement. [133278]

  Mr. Love
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what powers are available to decide the proportion of surplus assets held in the life fund of insurance companies to be distributed to(a) policyholders and (b) shareholders; what authority is available to use these assets to compensate for pension mis-selling; and if he will make a statement; [133233]

  (2) what guidance is given to the Financial Services Authority regarding the split in surplus assets between policyholders and shareholders; and if he will make a statement; [133239]

  (3) what authority is given to the Financial Services Authority to vary the proportional split in surplus assets between policyholders and shareholders; and if he will make a statement. [133238]
  1036W
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I will write to the hon. Member and my hon. Friends and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Monetary Policy Committee
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answers of 25 July 2000,Official Report, columns 575–76W, and 17 July 2000, Official Report, column 99W, on the Monetary Policy Committee, what criteria he uses to judge whether his appointees to the Monetary Policy Committee have distinguished professional track records in fields relevant to monetary policy; and if he will make a statement. [133634]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answers given to his earlier questions on this subject on 17 July 2000,Official Report, column 99W, and 25 July 2000, Official Report, column 576W. The second of these answers stated that
  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.

  The criteria set out in the Act are that appointees have
  knowledge or experience which is likely to be relevant to the Committee's functions.

  Student Loans
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated annual cost is to the revenue of collection of a student loan through the tax system; and what arrangements have been made to recoup this cost. [133624]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There is no annual cost to the Inland Revenue.

  Omnibus Survey
  Mr. Horam
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy of all the questions asked in the current Omnibus survey being conducted by the Office of National Statistics. [133412]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. John Horam, dated 28 July 2000:
  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question on Omnibus Survey (133412).
  The Omnibus Survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is a multi-purpose survey which runs eight times a year and is carried out on behalf of government departments, public bodies, charities and academics. The Omnibus interview is in two parts. The first part consists of a set of core classificatory questions about respondents that remains unchanged from survey to survey; the second, larger, part consists of a series of unrelated modules on varying topics that are included in the survey at the request of customers. The modules are generally different for each round of the survey, although some customers may ask us to include the same modules in several rounds or at regular intervals.
  There are many questions on the current. July, Omnibus survey therefore rather than printing in Hansard I have arranged for copies to be placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Tax Credits
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 21 July 2000,Official Report, column 346W, on employment tax credit, what estimate he has made of total expenditure on the (a) adult component and (b) other components of the Working Families Tax Credit in each month since it has been introduced; and if he will make a statement. [133037]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Havant (Mr. Willetts) on 27 March 2000,Official Report, column 48W.

  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects of widening the criteria for child tax credit to include NNEB-qualified nannies working in the parents' home. [131528]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 20 July 2000]: The rules in the Working Families Tax Credit and the Disabled Persons Tax Credit about eligible child care ensure that the help provided goes to safe, good quality, child care. Help through the Childcare Tax Credit is mainly available for child care that is inspected, registered and supported by local authorities. There is no comparable system of inspection, registration or support for child care providers—whether qualified or not—who are paid to look after children in their own home. We are continuing to monitor and evaluate all aspects of the tax credits, including the criteria underlying eligible child care.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the distribution of changes in net incomes due to child tax credit by(a) gross income bands, (b) equivalised gross income bands and (c) equivalised net income bans of recipient families using (i) each band of £5,000 up to £40,000 and (ii) over £40,000; and if he will make a statement. [128098]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families in(a) Worcester and (b) Mid Worcester have benefited from the Working Families Tax Credit. [133765]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The number of families in receipt of the Working Families Tax Credit at the end of May 2000 is provisionally estimated at 1,056,000. For the numbers in the Worcester and Mid Worcestershire constituencies, I refer my hon. Friend to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton, North (Ms Keeble) on 24 July 2000,Official Report, column 487W.

  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families in Barnsley, East and Mexborough have received the Childcare Tax Credit. [133743]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Nationally, it is estimated that about 10 per cent. of awards of the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) include the Childcare Tax Credit. There are too few awards falling into the 5 per cent. sample used for these analyses to provide a reliable estimate for the Barnsley, East and Mexborough constituency. For an estimate of the number of families in receipt of WFTC in the constituency, I refer my hon. Friend to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton, North (Ms Keeble) on 24 July 2000,Official Report, column 487W.
  1038W
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of families in The Wrekin likely to benefit from the introduction of the children's tax credit. [133194]

  Dawn Primarolo
  An estimate of the number of families in The Wrekin who could benefit from the children's tax credit is not available, but an estimated 450,000 families in the West Midlands Government Office region could do so.

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families in The Wrekin have benefited from the working families tax credit. [133195]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The number of families in receipt of the Working Families Tax Credit at the end of May 2000 is provisionally estimated at 1,056,000. For the number in The Wrekin constituency, I refer my hon. Friend to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton, North (Ms Keeble) on 24 July 2000,Official Report, column 487W.

  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of families in(a) Worcester and (b) Mid Worcestershire, who will benefit from the introduction of the children's tax credit. [133770]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I regret that estimates of the number of families in Worcester and Mid Worcestershire who could benefit from the children's tax credit are not available, but an estimated 450,000 families in the West Midlands Government Office region could do so.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Press Releases
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many press releases were issued in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) this year to date; and what the total cost of the production and issuing of these press releases was in each year. [132757]

  The Solicitor-General
  In 1997 the Law Officers Department issued 15 press releases. In 1998 the Law Officers Department issued 21 press releases. In 1999 the Law Officers Department issued 13 press releases. This year to date the Law Officers Department has issued seven press releases. The Law Officers Department press office is small (15 per cent. of one person's total workload) and due to the low number of press notices and the limited circulation, the total cost of production and issuing of these press releases is negligible.

  Glenn Howard
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Solicitor-General what conclusions the Crown Prosecution Service has reached concerning the case of Glenn Howard following its receipt of a transcript of the inquest. [133447]

  The Solicitor-General
  Following its receipt of a transcript of the inquest, the Crown Prosecution Service is reviewing the case again in the light of the evidence given at the inquest. Once this further review has been completed, the Crown Prosecution Service will inform the
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  victim's brother and the Metropolitan police of the outcome. The CPS hopes to complete this review by the middle of August.

  Drink Driving
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the law relating to the compulsory supply of a sample of(a) breath, (b) urine and (c) blood by a person suspected of driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle while above the statutory alcohol limit following (i) the ruling of Judge Peter Crawford at Birmingham crown court in the case of R. v. Amesh Chauhan and Dean Hollingsworth and (ii) the Scottish case of Brown v. the Procurator Fiscal. [132633]

  Mr. Hill
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government's Road Safety Strategy "Tomorrow's Roads—Safer for Everyone" stated that it is our intention to examine police powers with respect to testing drivers for alcohol, with a view to taking new legislation as necessary.

  The cases of Brown v. PF Dunfermline and R. v. Amesh Chauhan and Dean Hollingsworth relate to the determination of the identity of the driver. They raised issues about specific points in those cases and are not considered to have a bearing on the requirement to give samples of breath, blood or urine.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Performance Tables
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Blyth Valley (Mr. Campbell) of 20 July 2000,Official Report, column 306W, if pupils from overseas also will not be counted in relation to any information collected and published about Key Stage 3 SATs. [133465]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government do not publish school level information about Key Stage 3 test results and teacher assessments. Schools and governing bodies are required to publish such information on a basis which includes pupils from overseas—in Governors' annual reports, school prospectuses and individual pupil reports. They may, if they wish, publish additional information, including information about test results and teacher assessments which excludes pupils from overseas.

  National level information about test and examination results and teacher assessments at all Key Stages will continue to be calculated on the same basis as in previous years, with overseas pupils included.

  Teacher Dismissals
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many teachers have been dismissed from their employment at schools in the Greater London area for poor teaching ability during the last 12 months. [133546]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information is not collected centrally.

  School Funding
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 21 July 2000,Official Report, column 332W, if he will (a) list the 120 schools which benefited from projects supported by the Private Finance Initiative in 1998–99 and (b) the 230 schools that are benefiting from projects supported by the Private Finance Initiative in 1999–2000. [133411]

  Jacqui Smith
  The following schools are benefiting from projects allocated credits through the Private Finance Initiative in each of the last two years:

  1998–99

  Barnhill School, Hillingdon

  Birches Green Infant School, Birmingham

  Calshot Junior/Infant School, Birmingham

  Clifton Junior School, Birmingham

  Cockshut Hill Technology College, Birmingham

  Cooper Perry Primary School, Staffordshire

  Highlands School, Enfield

  Marsh Hill Junior/Infant School, Birmingham

  Miltoncross School, Portsmouth

  Perry Beeches Infant School, Birmingham

  Perry Beeches Nursery School, Birmingham

  Perry Beeches Junior School, Birmingham

  Perry Beeches Secondary School, Birmingham

  Sir Graham Balfour Secondary School, Stafford

  Temple School, Manchester

  Yardleys Secondary School, Birmingham.

  In addition to the above, 104 schools in Dudley are benefiting from a grouped information communication technology programme.

  1999–2000

  Alexandra Park Secondary School, Haringey

  Alperton School, Brent

  Barlby County Primary School, North Yorkshire

  Bridlington School

  Brotherton County Primary School, North Yorkshire

  Cardinal Heenan High School, Leeds

  Chalkhill Primary School, Brent

  Donnington School, Brent

  Earl Marshal Secondary School, Sheffield

  Ecclesfield Secondary School, Sheffield

  Fleetword High School

  Fortismere Secondary School, Haringey

  Fryent Junior and Infant School, Brent

  Furness School. Brent

  Gladesmore Secondary School, Haringey

  Harlesden School, Brent

  Headlands School, Bridlington

  Highgate Wood Secondary School, Haringey

  Hoddern Junior School, Peacehaven

  Homelands primary School, Torquay

  Hornsey Girls Secondary School, Haringey

  Kensal Rise School, Brent

  King Edward VII Secondary School, Sheffield

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  Kingsbury Green School, Brent

  Kirby Hill CE Primary School, North Yorkshire

  Lilian Baylis School, Lambeth

  Lyon Park Infant School, Brent

  Lyon Park Junior School, Brent

  Martongate Primary School, Bridlington

  Meridian County Primary School, Peacehaven

  Mitchell Brook School, Brent

  Moorfield Infant School, Bridlington

  Moorfield Junior School, Bridlington

  Mora Infant and Junior School, Brent

  Mosborough Primary School, Sheffield

  Mount Stewart Junior School, Brent

  Mulberry school, Tower Hamlets

  New Pasture Lane Primary School, Bridlington

  Northumberland Park Secondary School, Haringey

  Northview School, Brent

  Owler Brook Primary School, Sheffield

  Park Lane Primary School, Brent

  Park View Secondary School, Haringey

  Peacehaven Infant School

  Peacehaven Secondary School

  Preston Park School, Brent

  Ripon Cathedral CE Primary School

  St. David's and St. Katharine's Secondary School, Haringey

  St. Thomas More Catholic Comprehensive School, Willenhall

  Sudbury Infant and Junior School, Brent

  Tapton Secondary School, Sheffield

  Telscombe Cliffs County Primary School, East Sussex

  Waltham Forest, new secondary school—not yet named

  Wembley High School, Brent

  Westlands Bilateral School, Torquay

  White Hart Lane Secondary School, Haringey

  Willesden High School, Brent.

  In addition, large grouped repair and refurbishment projects are benefiting 126 schools in Stoke-on-Trent and 47 schools in Tower Hamlets.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many applications from schools for(a) assistance through the Private Finance Initiative and (b) funding from the New Deal for Schools were refused by his Department in each of the last two years. [133387]

  Jacqui Smith
  Since May 1997, the Government have made available over £1.3 billion of PH credits to school projects and over £1.2 billion of New Deal for Schools funding.

  In 1998–99, the Department received 37 applications for Private Finance Initiative credits on behalf of school projects expected to sign contracts during 1999–2001, of which six were not supported. In 1999–2000, 66 applications were received, of which 45 were not supported.

  In 1998–99, 7,059 applications were made for assistance through the New Deal for Schools, of which 5,717 could not be supported; and in 1999–2000, 4963 applications were received of which 3,008 could not be supported.
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  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the criteria by which his Department determines application for funding and the New Deal for Schools. [133388]

  Jacqui Smith
  The criteria, notified to local education authorities, to enable the Department to support applications for funding in the last round the New Deal for Schools programme were:proposals which addressed the most serious condition defects identified by surveys of the buildings used by schools which Authorities maintain, in line with Part 3 of the Department's guidance on Asset Management Plans;
  proposals which addressed the most serious deficiencies in suitability of those premises which Authorities have identified, in line with Part 4 of the Department's guidance on Asset Management Plans; and
  proposals which identified other building work which could make an exceptional contribution to raising educational standards locally and nationally.

  A full copy of the guidance issued to Local Education Authorities is available from the Library.

  Education (The Wrekin)
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) in how many schools in The Wrekin infant class sizes have been reduced to 30 or less; [133191]

  (2) how many five, six and seven year-olds in The Wrekin have benefited from a reduction in class sizes to 30 or less. [133190]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The latest available data show that infant classes had been reduced to 30 or below in 24 of the 27 relevant schools in the constituency. Since 1997, 840 five, six and seven-year-olds have benefited from the Government's infant class size initiative. In January 2000, as few as 3.4 per cent. of the relevant age group remained in an infant class of 31 or over. The Government is well on target to deliver its infant class size pledge. Some £620 million is available to support the pledge, and allocations so far to Telford and Wrekin LEA amount to some £1.8 million. This has helped to reduce the size of the average infant class in The Wrekin to 24.7. The figure in January 1997 was 27.2

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pre-school places have been provided in The Wrekin since May 1997 and are planned in subsequent years for(a) four-year-olds and (b) three-year-olds. [133187]

  Ms Hodge
  Since this Government came to office, 120,000 new, free, early education places have been created for three and four-year-olds nationally. This Government have provided funding to create an additional 602 free early education places for three and four-year-olds in the Telford and Wrekin local education authority area, from 2,501 places in 1997 to 3,103 in 2000.

  Now, all four-year-olds and over two thirds of the three-year-olds in the Telford and Wrekin local education authority area have access to a free, part-time, early education place. Future allocations will be decided later this year.
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  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what funding, over and above Rate Support Grant, has been provided to education services in The Wrekin since May 1997. [133188]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Funding for education services in Telford and Wrekin over and above Revenue Support Grant since May 1997 is shown in the following table. The revenue funding for 2000–01 does not include Nursery Grant, for which data are not yet available. Telford and Wrekin was part of Shropshire county council up to 31 March 1998. Since 1997–98 spending per pupil in England has increased by £300 in real terms.

  Telford and Wrekin education funding over and above Revenue Support Grant

  £

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Revenue funding

  1,389,027

  2,964,079

  4,840,484

  Capital funding

  2,205,875

  5,431,251

  8,527,827

  Total

  3,594,902

  8,395,330

  13,368,311

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many additional teachers and classroom assistants have been employed in primary and secondary schools in The Wrekin since May 1997. [133189]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The full-time equivalent of additional qualified teachers and educational support staff employed in primary and secondary schools in The Wrekin parliamentary constituency area between the third Thursday in January 1997 and 2000 (provisional) are shown.

  Number

  Qualified teachers

  Primary

  19.9

  Secondary

  27.0

  Educational support staff1

  Primary

  23.6

  Secondary

  12.9

  1 Includes nursery assistants, special needs support staff, librarians and technicians

  There has been a growth of 6,900 full-time equivalent regular teachers in the maintained school sector in England between January 1998 and January 2000.

  The Government will also increase by 20,000 the numbers of full-time equivalent support staff working in primary and secondary schools in England by 2002.

  Credit-based Qualifications
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions his Department has had with the Open College Network about the future role and funding of locally-devised credit-based qualifications; and if he will make a statement. [133086]

  Mr. Wicks
  The National Open College Network responded to our recent consultation on the funding of post-16 provision. We are now considering their, and others', comments on how best the Learning and Skills 1044W
  Council can recognise the achievement of learners through its funding system. We will be publishing the outcome of the consultation in the autumn.

  Youthtrain
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to provide future funding for the Youthtrain project. [133082]

  Ms Jowell
  The Youthtrain project has been supported by the European Social Fund EMPLOYMENT programme. The programme was to test ideas, pilot innovative approaches, and then seek support through other means if the idea worked. The EMPLOYMENT programme closed at the end of June 2000 and projects such as Youthtrain which produce good results should now seek alternative funding, such as through the mainstream ESF Objective 3 programme which was launched in June.

  Nursery Education (Greater London)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many children living in the Greater London area were receiving nursery education on 1 April. [133222]

  Ms Hodge
  The information is not available in the form requested. The Department does not aggregate data on early years education places by the children's area of residence.

  The latest provisional estimates show that there were 148,400 children aged three or four who had early years education places with providers in the Greater London Government Office area in January 2000. This figure comprises data from the Annual Schools Census on pupils in maintained schools in Greater London and figures submitted by local education authorities for Nursery Education Grant purposes relating to private, voluntary and independent sector providers in the spring term.

  Currently, all eligible four-year-old children in England are now in some form of early education, including 16 per cent. in private and voluntary places. Funding is provided through the early years partnerships for LEA, voluntary and private provision.

  Since September 1999, we have also invested substantially in the creation of new, free early education places for three-year-olds. During 1999–2000, funding was focused on 65 authorities, chosen based on social need, where over 46,000 three-year-olds were able to access free early education for the first time.

  Over 80 per cent. of new free places were concentrated in the private, voluntary and independent sectors and we expect this trend to continue over the next year. Our aim is that, by March 2002, some 66 per cent. of three-year-olds nationally should have access to a free early education place, enabling some 190,000 three-year-olds the opportunity to access a free place for the first time.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many press releases have
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  been issued so far this year; and what the total cost of the production and issuing of press releases was in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000 to date. [132777]

  Mr. Wills
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Departmental Funding Policies
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in what ways his Department and executive agencies deliver services to meet the needs of the public as consumers, with particular reference to families. [124529]

  Ms Hodge
  [holding answer 5 June 2000]: The Department for Education and Employment has taken many steps to improve the way they deliver services to meet the needs of families, an example of this is that 49 of the 127 Employment Service Districts currently hold Charter Marks, a recognition of high quality public service. More specifically:

  The Employment Service is creating greater access to employment opportunities by offering services outside of "normal office hours", some of which are available 24 hours a day. Examples include:
  Employment Service Direct—a national job inquiry line which is available to all jobseekers as a local rate telephone number, on week days and Saturday mornings;
  New Deal Information line—a national information line for New Deal inquiries from members of the public, employers and providers which gives a literature-only service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and personal advice during normal working hours;
  Internet—the Employment Service website (www.employmentservice.gov.uk) which carries a sample of ES job vacancies as well as information on other services provided by Jobcentres;
  Peterlee Call Centre—a pilot Call Centre for the Northern Region which gives advice on aspects of Jobcentre services to employers and jobseekers and is available from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.

  The Government are also committed to improving radically the ways in which employers can notify their vacancies to the Employment Service and to making it easier for jobseekers to apply for jobs using the full-range of new technologies. During 2000, we will:
  create a jobs and learning bank, which will put jobs. jobseekers' CVs and information about careers and learning opportunities on the internet;
  expand nationwide the network of touch-screen jobpoints in Jobcentres and other locations so that jobseekers can search not only all job vacancies notified to the ES but also those carried by private agencies and newspapers; and
  develop links with the BBC and other potential partners to harness the potential of interactive television to link employers and jobseekers.

  Other policies which provide services which are of direct benefit to families include:
  the National Childcare Strategy, which was delivered over 175,000 new child care places and has made available some £470 million from 1998 to 2003. It supports those who wish to take up opportunities of employment or training by providing
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  good quality child care and helps people to access the best options for child care in their area through a national information line and website, Childcarelink;
  the work-life balance campaign, launched by the Prime Minister on 9 March, which aims to encourage employers, including those in the public sector, to recognise the benefits to their organisation of flexible working arrangements. The DfEE's work-life balance Challenge Fund will show employers how they can improve their business or service delivery at the same time as improving their employees' work-life balance.

  My Department's strategy for encouraging parental involvement in their children's education includes the Parents' Website, launched in December last year, which gives information about all aspects of a child's education. In September we will be announcing the following further initiatives to help parents get involved in their children's learning:
  the Parents and Schools Magazine, for a continuing dialogue between teachers and parents, which will cover articles or topics of particular interest, like bullying and school uniform;
  QCA Topic Guides, on individual topics in the National Curriculum;
  the Parents' Guides to the National Curriculum, which will set out clearly for parents what children learn at each Key Stage.
  'Parents Week' to raise parents' awareness of the educational benefits of the internet is also being planned for the autumn;
  the Family Literacy and Family Numeracy initiatives, in which children and their parents learn together, both supports parents in helping with their children's education and provides an opportunity to improve parents' own learning and skills.

  My Department also provides a variety of other programmes designed to meet the needs of the families as consumers. They are:
  Sure Start, for which DfEE and the Department of Health have joint responsibility, is led by local partnerships with strong parental and community involvement to ensure that the needs of consumers are met;
  Early Excellence Centres which work with families to meet often complex needs through an integrated, high quality one-stop service for children and parents. There are now 29 pilot programmes offering a range of different models across England in inner city, urban and rural areas;
  the Connexions Service, which will be phased in from April 2001, will provide a radical new approach to guiding and supporting young people through their teenage years and in their transition to adulthood and working life. The Connexions Service will work with parents and carers to complement and support existing family arrangements, not replace them;
  as part of the Modernising Government agenda, my Department and its executive agency the Employment Service, have appointed a Consumer Champion at senior management level to champion the consumer cause in the development of policy and delivery of services.

  Disability Service Teams
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish the minutes and conclusions of the meeting which took place on 8 May to consider the review of the disability service teams. [129982]

  Ms Hodge
  [holding answer 10 July 2000]: The meeting on 8 May focused on the Access to Work programme, which is one of a range of services available to help Disability Service Teams achieve their aim of getting disabled people into, or to retain, jobs. This meeting was convened to obtain views from a range of Access to Work users on this programme. Sue Maynard-Campbell, who chairs the Advisory Committee

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  for Disabled People in Employment and Training (ACDET), chaired the meeting and a detailed report of the discussions held has been produced. A copy of the information requested is contained in a report which has been placed in the Libraries.

  A number of key themes emerged and they are listed here:
  Disabled people's experience and knowledge is just not taken seriously enough.
  A change of approach in delivery of the service from one which focuses on an individual's "disability" and the help they need, to one which focuses on identifying and meeting access needs.
  A "fast-track" scheme to enable people needing a significant level of impairment specific advice to enable appropriate equipment and/or support to be given to get to that advice quickly.
  "Direct payments" to enable those who are clear about their needs to meet them in the most appropriate way within an agreed budget.
  People with continuing access needs—with no significant changes—to have minor renewal application process or for them to manage their own budget.
  A more effective system of monitoring to ensure that people do not get an inferior service when they move from one part of the country to another.
  DEAs need disability equality training. They actually need to understand the culture that disabled people came from and how it may affect them, and the individuality of disabled people and the individuality of their situation as well.
  Training to raise DEAs awareness of impairment specific issues and of equipment available to meet specific access is needed. DEAs should also be kept up to date with developments in equipment solutions
  Accreditation to include an assessment of awareness of access needs and of current equipment, for external training providers.
  Better arrangements are needed to facilitate speedy repair or replacement of essential equipment.
  There needs to be ways of ensuring DEAs have a much greater understanding of the employer perspective.

  This consultation exercise is one of a number of ways the Employment Service is seeking to improve Access to Work; these include a major survey of Access to Work customers and a full process review of Access to Work which will draw on the expertise of management consultants.

  Nursery Places (Suffolk)
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time nursery places there were in the Suffolk Local Education Authority area in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98, (iii) 1998–99 and (iv) 1999–2000 for (A) three-year-olds, (B) four-year-olds and (C) all children aged under five years. [130521]

  Ms Hodge
  The available information on the numbers of under fives in Suffolk Local Education Authority area who are in some form of early years education is shown in the following tables. Table 1 gives the number of children in early years education places in Suffolk Local Education Authority area from 1997 to 2000.

  Since September 1999, we have invested substantially in the creation of new, free early education places for three-year-olds. During 1999–2000 funding, via the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships, was focused on 65 authorities based on social need. From summer 2000 this extra funding will also be available in Suffolk and the other remaining LEAs. Table 2 shows
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  current estimates of the number of new funded places of three-year-olds being created in all sectors in Suffolk for summer 2000, autumn 2000 and spring 2001.

  Currently, all eligible four-year-old children in England are now in some form of early education, including 16 per cent. in private and voluntary places. Funding is provided through the early years partnerships for LEA, voluntary and private provision. In England, there are now 120,000 more free places for three and four-year-olds compared with 1997.

  Table 1: Children aged three and four years of age in early years education places Suffolk Local Education Authority. 1997–2000 (provisional)

  Positions as at January

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  Aged three1

  2000

  679

  2—

  679

  1999

  748

  2—

  748

  1998

  593

  2—

  593

  1997

  642

  2—

  642

  Aged four3

  2000

  5,221

  2.497

  7,718

  1999

  5,441

  2,527

  7,968

  1998

  5,677

  1,959

  7,636

  1997

  2,849

  2,638

  5,487

  Total under five

  2000

  5,900

  2,497

  8,397

  1999

  6,189

  2,527

  8,716

  1998

  6,270

  1,959

  8,229

  1997

  3,491

  2,638

  6,129

  1 Includes pupil numbers collected from maintained schools in England in January each year (Annual Schools' Census).

  2 Not applicable

  3 Includes pupil numbers collected from maintained schools in England in January each year (Annual Schools' Census). From January 1998 these data are combined with estimates submitted by LEAs for Nursery Education Grant purposes relating to private, voluntary and independent providers in spring.

  Table 2: Current estimates of new funded places for three-year-olds in Suffolk Local Education Authority area: projected position as at summer 2000, autumn 2000 and spring 2000

  LEA maintained

  Private

  Voluntary

  Independent

  Summer 2000

  75

  220

  230

  0

  Autumn 2000

  75

  290

  290

  0

  Spring 2001

  75

  210

  220

  0

  Correspondence
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the Minister for Employment, Welfare to Work and Equal Opportunities, the right hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood (Ms Jowell), will answer the letter sent to her by the hon. Member for Teignbridge on 6 June. [130960]

  Ms Jowell
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 16 July 2000.

  Appointments (Religious Beliefs)
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representation is being made by the United Kingdom Government to the European Union
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  to protect the right of religious groups to appoint persons sharing the religious beliefs of the employing body; and if he will make a statement. [131160]

  Ms Jowell
  As a member of the European Union, the United Kingdom is fully involved in the negotiations on the European Commission's proposal for a Directive on Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation which are being taken forward in the Council of Ministers.

  As the proposal is still in the process of being negotiated it is not possible to assess the precise effect it will have on the employment policies of bodies such as that mentioned in the question. However, the Government is negotiating on the basis that the text finally agreed should be clear and workable in practice and should preserve, where appropriate, existing arrangements which allow religious bodies to protect their ethos.

  Nolan Rules
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list each group that(a) is responsible to his Department, with significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, and to which the Nolan rules on non-departmental public bodies do not apply; and for each such group, if it (a) is a private company, (d) is a charity, (c) has no formal legal basis and (d) has some other legal basis, giving details. [131179]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office on 27 July 2000, Official Report, columns 799–800W. I also refer the hon. Member to the first central list of information that was published on 11 January 2000. Copies of the list are available in the Libraries. The information on the status of the groups is not immediately available. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible with the details, and place copies of my letter in the Libraries.

  Advisory Bodies
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment 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. [131456]

  Mr. Wills
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799W. I also refer my hon. Friend to the first central list of information that was published on 11 January 2000. Copies of the list are available in the Libraries.

  Local Deprivation
  Paddy Ashdown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will make a statement on his assessment of local deprivation in Somerset and the allocation of free places for three-year-olds in early years education; [131500]
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  (2) if he will make a statement on the assessment of local social deprivation used by his Department for (a) Somerset, (b) Surrey, (c) Kensington and Chelsea, (d) Cornwall and (e) Hertfordshire; and if he will make a statement. [131501]

  Ms Hodge
  [holding answer 20 July 2000]: A number of indices are used by the Department to measure social deprivation in local education authorities: the proportion of children in one parent families; the proportion of children of Income Support and Job Seeker's Allowance claimants; the numbers of conceptions per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 17; and the Index of Local Deprivation. The last of these is used to distribute funding to enable the creation of new early education places for three-year-olds. As part of the Government's expansion of three-year-old provision, in 2000–01 Somerset was given an initial allocation of £130,000 to enable it to create 112 new free places. The authority has also bid for a number of further places which have been funded in full. It can now provide up to 250 new free places for each of the autumn 2000 and spring 2001 terms.

  Employment (Disabled People)
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what Employment Service guidelines exist in respect of making disabled clients aware of the Access to Work scheme; and if he will make a statement. [131566]

  Ms Hodge
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Leigh Lewis to Mr. Richard Allan, dated 28 July 2000:
  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about Access to Work. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.
  The Access to Work programme provides advice and practical support towards meeting the additional employment costs which disabled people may incur in the work place. Our publicity strategy is to raise awareness of the whole range of support available to disabled people and their employers from our disability services. Thus we generally market these services collectively to give a coherent picture of the support available. We produce, for example, leaflets, audio tapes, videos, posters, advertisements and articles for publication in a range of general and specific disability journals. All such advertising includes information on the Access to Work programme.
  The leaflets we produce are freely available from Jobcentres, our Disability Service Teams and at marketing events, and we produce them in alternative formats. There are specific leaflets for disabled people and employers promoting the Access to Work programme. Disability Employment Advisers use these leaflets on visits to employers to ensure they are aware of Access to Work. We also promote our services, including Access to Work, at many national, regional and local marketing events.
  In addition to our own promotions, the Government's See the Person campaign was designed to raise awareness of the positive contribution which disabled people are able to make. The campaign referred directly to the support which the Access to Work programme can provide to those in work. Also, some disability organisations publicise the Access to Work programme in their membership magazines and at least two have web pages on the Internet, prepared in consultation with our Disability Services, advising about the Access to Work programme.
  I hope this is helpful.
  1051W
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many disabled people have joined the New Deal for(a) young people, (b) 25 plus, (c) lone parents and (d) partners of the unemployed. [131567]

  Ms Jowell
  The information requested (for Great Britain) is as follows:

  (a) Since January 1998 to the end of April 2000, 58,400 disabled people have joined the New Deal for Young People.

  (b) Since July 1998 to the end of April 2000, 50,600 disabled people have joined the New Deal for Long-Term Unemployed People aged 25 and over national measures.

  (c) Since October 1998, the start of the national programme, to the end of April 2000, 4,500 lone parents with disabilities have joined the caseload of the New Deal for Lone Parents.

  (d) Since April 1999 to the end of June 2000, 178 disabled people have attended a NDPU initial interview with a personal adviser.

  Pupil-Teacher Ratio
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the percentage change was between January 1997 and January 2000 in the number of pupils in classes taught by one teacher with 31 or more pupils in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools. [131679]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The number of pupils in primary classes of 31 or more pupils taught by one teacher in January 2000 was 1,072,000 (26.5 per cent.) compared with 1,344,000 (33.4) in January 1997. The number of pupils in secondary classes of 31 or more pupils taught by one teacher in January 2000 was 334,200 (11 per cent.) compared with 245,400 (9 per cent.) in January 1997. This reflects a general upward trend that dates back to 1991 when the figure was 6.4 per cent. However, 90 per cent. of secondary pupils are still being taught in classes of 30 or below.

  The average size of secondary classes in January 2000 was 22.0, and the pupil-teacher ratio was 17.1. In the Budget earlier this year, secondary headteachers received between £30,000 and £50,000 each to spend as they choose. If they spent it on teachers, they could reduce the secondary pupil:teacher ration by 0.4.

  In the meantime, the number of pupils in infant classes over 30 pupils has already fallen by 300,000 and the Government are well on target to deliver their infant class size pledge. Some £620 million is available to support the pledge. In addition the average class size in maintained primary schools went down for the second year running—from 27.5 in January 1999 to 27.1 in January 2000, after rising for the previous 10 years. The average size of junior classes also fell, from 28.4 in January 1999 to 28.3 in January 2000.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the pupil-teacher ratio in(a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) all maintained schools in (i) January 1997 and (ii) according to the most recent figure available. [131690]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information requested is shown in the following table.
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  Pupil-teacher ratios (PTRs) in maintained primary and secondary schools in England: 1997 and 2000

  Position as at January

  Primary

  Secondary

  2000

  23.3

  17.1

  1997

  23.4

  16.7

  In respect of class sizes, the number of pupils in key stage 1 classes in England of over 30 pupils has already fallen by 300,000 and the Government are well on target to deliver their infant class size pledge. Some £620 million is available to support the pledge.

  Secondary PTRs nationally have been rising steadily for the last decade. In the Budget, secondary headteachers received between £30,000 and £50,000 each to spend as they choose. If they spend it on teachers, they could reduce the secondary pupil:teacher ratio by 0.4.

  In the recent Year 2000 Spending Review, we also announced that headteachers would be handed £540 million in direct grants next year to spend on boosting standards in classrooms. A typical secondary school will get £60,000 and a typical primary £20,000.Funding per pupil has already increased by over £300 per pupil in real terms since 1997. The Year 2000 Spending Review means a real term increase of £370 over the three years bringing the total to almost £700 per pupil between 1997–98 and 2003–04. Spending per pupil fell by £60 in real terms under the last three years of the previous administration.

  Performance-related Pay
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many external assessors have been recruited for the purpose of performance-related pay; and what estimate he has made of the number of assessors who will be required after year one of the scheme. [131713]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We expect that in the first year of operation of the performance threshold a full-time equivalent of around 570 assessors will be required in England and Wales during the period in which assessor visits will be taking place.

  In steady state we estimate numbers to be in the region of 275 full-time equivalents, during the period of the year in which assessments are carried out.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to the oral statement by the Minister for School Standards of 17 July 2000,Official Report, columns 21–29, what the length was of the period of consultation on line managers' responsibilities through the fast track; and what plans he has to carry out further consultation. [132005]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Child Care Places
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many child care places for under eights have been available in each of the last three years for which figures are available, broken down by places available through(a) day nurseries, (b) pre-school playgroups and (c) child minders; and what

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  estimate he has made of the number of such places which will be available over the period covered by the Comprehensive Spending Review. [132402]

  Ms Hodge
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many additional child care and nursery places were created in Northampton between 1997 and 2000. [131944]

  Ms Hodge
  Since this Government came to office, 120,000 new, free, early education places have been created for three and four-year-olds nationally. We have provided sufficient funding to ensure that all four-year-olds and over 35 per cent. of three-year-olds in the Northamptonshire area receive a free, part-time, early education place.

  With regard to out-of-school and pre-school child care places no information is available prior to 1999–2000 on a constituency basis. However, in 1999–2000, a total of 201 new child care places were created in Northampton.

  Teachers (Retention)
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) heads, (b) deputy heads and (c) teachers have (i) retired on grounds of ill health and (ii) otherwise left the profession, excluding those barred or dying in service, in each of the last 10 years, in (1) primary and (2) secondary schools. [131680]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to the Public Service Agreement targets in Prudent for a Purpose, Cm 4807, page 114, which statistical measure he will use to define employment; how he will make cyclical adjustments for unemployment and employment; which statistical measure he will use to define unemployment for the over 18s; what will be the minimum change in employment rates to qualify as a change; and if he will make a statement. [132270]

  Ms Jowell
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Pilot Projects
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which pilot projects undertaken by his Department since 1997 have involved random assignment elements; and what assessment he has made of their effectiveness in promoting more effective policy making. [131583]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 20 July 2000]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Disabled People (North-west)
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what funding for training is available for blind and disabled persons in the North West Region. [132090]

  Ms Hodge
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many disabled persons are employed through Government supported employment schemes in the North-west region. [132089]

  Ms Hodge
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Foster to Mr. Ronnie Fearn, dated 28 July 2000 As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked Leigh Lewis to reply to your question concerning the number of disabled people employed through government supported employment schemes in the North West Region. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to Mr. Lewis as Chief Executive of the Agency. I am replying in his absence.
  In answer to your specific question, I am sorry that we cannot provide the information you request as we are unable to isolate the programme figures by regions. Contracts for the Supported Employment Programme are managed nationally and include some contractors whose provision is spread across the country. Although we do collect a national figure annually for the number of individuals employed in the programme on a set date, we cannot identify people working in a specific geographical area.
  I can let you know that the average number of disabled people working in the programme for the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 was 22,908.
  If you would like to discuss whether we can help further in any way please contact Jocelyn Dann, Supported Employment Programme Manager, on telephone number 0114 259 6310.

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many applications have been received for initial teacher training in(a) primary and (b) secondary courses commencing in September 2000; and how many were received at the same stage in (i)1999 for commencement in September 1999 and (ii) 1997 for commencement in September 1997. [131711]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Summer Camps
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answers of 18 January 2000 to the hon. Member for Daventry (Mr. Boswell),Official Report, column 389W, and of 6 March 2000 to the hon. Member for Colchester, Official Report, column 477W, how many summer activity camps will be held this year; at what locations; how many people will be taking part; and what is the expected cost. [132027]

  Jacqui Smith
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Hotel Industry
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what Government training schemes are available to those working within the hotel industry in England. [132092]

  Ms Jowell
  My Department has worked with the Hospitality Training Foundation, the National Training Organisation for the hospitality sector including the hotel industry, to secure the skills for greater competitiveness and employability needed in this sector. Government support for training is currently given through the Training and Enterprise Councils for Foundation Modern Apprenticeships, Advanced Modern Apprenticeships and National Vocational Qualifications. A Vocational 'A' Level (GNVQ) and a range of further higher education courses are also available, providing students with broad knowledge and an understanding of the basic skills needed for those who are planning to enter this sector.

  Local Education Authorities
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to reform the(a) role, (b) powers and duties and (c) resourcing of local education authorities; and if he will make a statement. [132397]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: The Government will be publishing shortly a Green Paper on the future funding arrangements for local authorities.

  Global Business Dimensions Ltd.
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) when his Department was first notified of concerns over the use of European Social Fund money by Global Business Dimensions Ltd.; to whom these concerns were reported; and what action was subsequently taken; [132458]

  (2) when his Department began its investigation into Global Business Dimensions Ltd.; what the result of that investigation was; and if he will place a copy of the report in the Library. [132460]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 26 July 2000]: Information raising concerns regarding Global Business Dimensions Ltd. was received by Government Office for the West Midlands on 16 December 1999. As a result of this information an investigation was initiated by the Department's ESF Unit and carried out by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU). As the SIU investigation is still continuing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

  Pre-school Provision
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the funding from his Department has been in each of the last three years for pre-school provision within the Greater London area. [132635]

  Ms Hodge
  The following table shows the amount of funding that has been made available for pre-school provision through the Under Five's Education Standard 1056W
  Spending Assessment (SSA) sub block, the Standards Fund and Nursery Education Grant. The funding has risen by around 30 per cent. over the period.

  Funding for pre-school provision in the Greater London area

  £

  1997–98

  222,006,828

  1998–99

  250,613,813

  1999–2000

  285,094,491

  Departmental Initiatives
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 19 July 2000,Official Report, column 200W, if he will list all departmental initiatives between May 1997 and 18 July 2000 requiring bids from voluntary organisations and local authorities for funding together with the total resources allocated to these initiatives, the number of successful bids and the proportion this represents of total bids received; and what data he collects on the average cost of preparing the bids for funding through each initiative. [132670]

  Mr. Blunkett
  A detailed breakdown of the Department's activities is given in the annual Departmental Expenditure Plans Report for Education and Employment (CM4062), published by The Stationery Office Ltd.

  The Department for Education and Employment does not collate information on the types of organisation applying for funding and such information could be compiled only at disproportionate cost. Applicants for funding are not required to provide details of their application costs to the Department.

  Work-based Training
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment by what date proposals for the provision of work-based training from 1 April 2001 must be submitted to the Employment Service; and by what date existing providers will be notified of the required content for such proposals and the funding arrangements for such provision. [132829]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The formal tendering process for delivery of work-based learning for adults from April 2001 will start in all Employment Service regions by November 2000. As part of this process potential providers will be given all the necessary details about our requirements and the funding arrangements. We know from experience that this timetable will allow sufficient time for the Employment Service and providers to ensure that appropriate provision is in place at the right time.

  The arrangements we put in place will be the culmination of a great deal of work with existing providers. We have, for example, issued two technical consultation documents about the funding arrangements, which were supported by a series of conferences. This level of consultation will help ensure that the tendering process runs smoothly.

  Early Years Education
  Paddy Ashdown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 4 July 2000,Official Report, column 121W, for what reason he estimates that 10.9 per cent. of three-year-olds in Somerset will have a free early years educational place by April 2001; and if he will make a statement. [131499]

  Ms Hodge
  [holding answer 20 July 2000]: In 2000–01, Somerset local education authority was allocated funding to provide 112 free early education places for three-year-olds, in addition to around 500 places already available in their schools. In total, this would mean that 10.9 per cent. of three-year-olds in the Somerset local education authority area would have had access to a free, early education place.

  I am sure the right hon. Gentleman will be pleased to note, however, that Somerset local education authority has now been allocated further funding to provide a total of 250 new early education places in the autumn term 2000 and the spring term 2001. This means that by April 2001, around 13.5 per cent. of three-year-olds in the Somerset local education authority will have access to a free, early education place.

  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what extra expenditure announced in the comprehensive spending review is to be made available for early years provision in(a) 2001–02, (b) 2002–03 and (c) 2003–04. [133115]

  Ms Hodge
  The detail of the Comprehensive Spending Review and its effect on early years provision has yet to be finalised. An announcement will be made in due course.

  Duty Roster
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish the daily ministerial duty roster for his Department during the Summer Adjournment. [133280]

  Mr. Wills
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to his hon. Friend the Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison) on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 870W.

  Electronic Communications Act 2000
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what orders he(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [133380]

  Mr. Wills
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, today. My Department intends to remove the statutory barriers to electronic communication and storage in legislation on education through a single order. I expect to be able to lay this order before the House in the next parliamentary session.

  School Capital Grants
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the schools 1058W
  in Hendon which have received capital grants for improvements or repairs since May 1997, stating the amounts concerned in each case. [133406]

  Jacqui Smith
  The following tables show the schools in the Hendon constituency which have benefited from allocations of New Deal for Schools grant. All schools in the constituency will have benefited in 2000–01 from their share of Devolved Formula Capital totalling £1,052,000, which is allocated by the local education authority. In addition, capital allocations were made through the annual capital round to local education authorities for the benefit of schools.

  New Deal for Schools grant allocations to schools in the Hendon constituency

  £

  School

  Total grant allocation under NDS

  Copthall Secondary

  642,000

  Colindale JMI

  50,000

  Deansbrook Junior

  1,388,500

  Total

  2,080,000

  Notes:

  1. In addition to the above, Broadfields Junior and St. Joseph's RC Infant schools were included in an overall allocation of £97,000 made to six schools in phase 1 of New Deal for Schools. Deals of the funding allocated to each school are held by Barnet local education authority.

  2. In addition to the above, Broadfields Junior, St. Mary's Junior and St. John's Infants schools were included in a package of four schools totalling £197,581 in phase 2 of New Deal for Schools. Details of the funding allocated to each school are held by Barnet local education authority.

  Credit approvals issued to Barnet local education authority through the annual capital round

  £000

  Barnet

  1997–98

  948

  1998–99

  2,853

  1999–2000

  1,462

  2000–01

  1,030

  Total

  6,293

  Reports
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the reports submitted to his Department, by bodies that were created after May 1997 and that include significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, stating in each case the body writing the report, the date the report was submitted, how many recommendations were made, the number of those recommendations that have been implemented to date and the number of recommendations that have been rejected; and if he will make a statement. [133567]

  Mr. Wills
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office on 27 July 2000,Official Report, columns 799–800W. I also refer the hon. Member to the first central list of information that was published on 11 January 2000. Copies of the list are available in the Libraries. I am unable to provide the detailed information

  1059W
  requested about the numbers of recommendations made and their details as to do so would incur disproportionate costs.

  School Inspections
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many Ofsted school inspections took place in England and Wales during the last 12 months. [133726]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  School inspections in Wales are the responsibility of Estyn (Her Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales). Those in England are a matter for Ofsted and I have asked Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, Chris Woodhead, to write to my hon. Friend and to place a copy of his letter in the Library.

  Primary Education (Worcestershire)
  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many additional teachers and classroom assistants have been employed in primary schools in(a) Worcester and (b) Mid-Worcestershire since May 1997. [133772]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The full-time equivalent numbers of additional qualified teachers and educational support staff employed in maintained primary schools between January 1997 and January 2000 in the parliamentary constituency areas of Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire are shown in the following table.

  Number

  Qualified teachers

  Worcester

  1.3

  Mid-Worcestershire

  12.1

  Educational Support staff1

  Worcester

  39.8

  Mid-Worcestershire

  38.3

  1 Includes nursery assistants, special needs support staff, librarians and technicians

  There has been a growth of 6,900 full-time equivalent regular teachers in the maintained school sector in England between January 1998 and January 2000. The Government will also increase by 20,000 the numbers of full-time equivalent support staff working in primary and secondary schools in England by 2002.

  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many five, six and seven year-olds in(a) Worcester and (b) Mid-Worcestershire have benefited from a reduction in class sizes to 30 or less. [133766]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pre-school places have been provided in(a) Worcester and (b) Mid-Worcestershire since May 1997 and are planned in the next three years for (i) four year-olds and (ii) three year-olds. [133771]

  Ms Hodge
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Remploy
  Ms Dari Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what targets Remploy has been set in its 2000–01 Annual Performance Agreement. [133781]

  Ms Hodge
  I have, on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, written to the Chairman of Remploy approving the 2000–01 Annual Performance Agreement between the Department and the Company. This agreement covers the year from 1 April 2000. It has been negotiated by the Chief Executive of the Employment Service on behalf of my right hon. Friend. The targets are:the average number of disabled people employed by Remploy Ltd. will be 10,400;
  the average number of disabled people employed under the Interwork scheme will be 4,400;
  the average number of progressions will increase to 700;
  Remploy Ltd. will maintain a total unit cost target (operating deficit per disabled worker) of £9,600.

  I have today arranged for the text of the Annual Performance Agreement to be placed in the Library.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will publish findings from the first stage of the Quinquennial Review of the Special Educational Needs Tribunal. [133785]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Prior Options stage of the Quinquennial Review of the Special Educational Needs Tribunal is now complete. The review team found clear support for a formal system of resolving disputes between local education authorities and parents in relation to the special educational needs of children. The SEN Tribunal is seen as the most appropriate body to deliver that function.

  The Prior Options Review has, however, raised a number of issues in relation to the Tribunal and these will be considered in Stage 2 of the review. Stage 2 will begin shortly. Issues to be considered will include performance, quality of service and financial controls and systems.

  A full report of the Prior Options stage will be published within the next two weeks. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses and will be sent to key stakeholders and contributors to the consultation exercise. It will also be available on the DfEE website.

  Employment Service
  Mr. Anthony D. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what sustainable employment target will be set for the Employment Service in 2000–01. [133804]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I am today announcing that I have set the Employment Service a new target as part of their Annual Performance Agreement. It will measure sustainable employment in two pilot regions (ES' Northern region and Wales), and will be set at a level of 67 per cent. The Employment Service will aim to ensure that 67 per cent. of long-term JSA claimants remain off JSA 13 weeks after starting a job. In addition to the challenging goals that I have already announced, the
  1061W
  setting of a stretching but realistic pilot target on sustainable employment will help the Employment Service to maintain the very high levels of performance that I expect of it.

  The new target is contained in Objective A of the Annual Performance Agreement text which follows.

  Performance Requirements

  Vision and Purpose
  The Employment Service aims to make a major contribution to an efficient and flexible labour market and to the Government's objectives of high and stable employment growth, equality of opportunity and social inclusion. ES works closely with employers and with its private, voluntary and public sector partners to provide a quality service for all people without a job and to promote employment opportunities for all who can work. It aims to attract a diverse range of vacancies and to fill those vacancies quickly by matching the right people and skills with the right jobs. Its chief priority is to help individuals facing particular difficulty in the labour market to move from welfare and economic inactivity into sustainable employment. It does this through correct application of the Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) regime, delivery of the New Deals and the pilot ONE service, and provision of appropriate information, advice, training and support. The Agency has achieved much over the past three years. The challenge and opportunity now facing it is to sustain continuous improvement in its services to jobseekers and employers and to make those services more accessible and relevant to customer needs, through effective use of modem technology and close working with a wide range of partners.

  Aim
  To help people without jobs to find work and employers to fill their vacancies.

  Objectives and Targets

  Objectives A:
  To help all people without jobs, and particularly those on welfare and at a disadvantage in the labour market, to find and keep work by providing appropriate information, advice, training and support and by encouraging employers to open more opportunities to them.

  Targets

  A1: To help 178,000 participants in the New Deals and Employment Zones into work, directly or in partnership with others.

  A2: To help 100,000 people with disabilities into work, directly or in partnership with others.

  A3: To help 295,000 disadvantaged jobseekers into work, directly or partnership with others.

  A4: To help 735,000 people from welfare into work, directly or in partnership with others.

  A5: To help 1,325,000 jobless people into work, directly or in partnership with others.

  A6: Pilot target for Wales and Northern region: for 67 per cent. of long term JSA claimants to be off benefit 13 weeks after starting a job.

  Objective B:
  To ensure that the rights and relevant labour market responsibilities of people on JSA and other benefits are fulfilled, while helping to combat fraud and abuse of the benefit system.

  Target
  B1: To ensure that the relevant labour market responsibilities of people on JSA are fulfilled in 90 per cent. for cases checked.

  Objective C:
  To harness new technology, the pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement to deliver effective, efficient and accessible services to all people without jobs and to employers, in Jobcentres and increasingly through other locations and means of communication.
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  Targets

  C1: To achieve a 90 per cent. customer service level for jobseekers.

  C2: To achieve a 80 per cent. customer service level for employers.

  Milestone Targets

  Modernising the Employment Service
  ES will be introducing an Internet based Learning and Work Bank, a new Labour Market computer System, touch screen kiosks for jobseekers to access job vacancies and a single national telephone number for employers by March 2001.

  Work Based Learning for Adults
  The Employment Service will be working towards the successful transfer of Work Based Learning for Adults from Training and Enterprise Councils to the Employment Service in England by April 2001 to form part of a coherent package of support for unemployed adults.

  Objective D:
  To deliver services to all ES customers in a way which respects individual differences, helps to overcome disadvantages due to ethnicity, gender, age or disability and achieves the best possible outcome for each of them.

  Schools (Barnet)
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the conclusion of the discussions his Department has had with Barnet Local Education Authority on its failure to pass on the full increase of 5.4 per cent. in standard spending assessment for education to schools in this year's budget. [133296]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  New Deal
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what his Department's criteria are for judging an entrant to New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds to be functionally illiterate; [128819]

  (2) what percentage of entrants to the New Deal for Young People are functionally illiterate; and what was the percentage when the national New Deal was established. [128820]

  Ms Jowell
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many people were on the New Deal for(a) People over 50, (b) Jobseekers with Disabilities, (c) Disabled People and (d) Partners of Unemployed People in (i) Great Britain, (ii) Scotland, (iii) Edinburgh and (iv) Edinburgh East and Musselburgh at the end of March; [132730]

  (2) how many people in total had entered the New Deal for (a) People over 50, (b) Jobseekers with Disabilities, (c) Disabled People and (d) Partners of Unemployed People in (i) Great Britain, (ii) Scotland, (iii) Edinburgh and (iv) Edinburgh East and Musselburgh at the end of March; [132731]

  (3) how many people (a) had entered, (b) were on and (c) had left the New Deal for (i) People over 50, (ii) Jobseekers with Disabilities, (iii) Disabled People and (iv) Partners of Unemployed People in (1) Great Britain,

  1063W
  (2) Scotland, (3) Edinburgh and (4) Edinburgh East and Musselburgh at the end of March; and if he will break down the figure for people who have left by immediate destination. [132732]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: I will write to my right hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people(a) are on placements with the New Deal for Young People and (b) have found a permanent position through the New Deal for Young People, in each parliamentary constituency in Scotland. [133063]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list, from the beginning of August 1999 to the latest date for which figures are available, by unit of delivery, the number and percentage of those who have left the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds before taking up one of the options, from the beginning of August 1999 to the latest date for which figures are available. [132322]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The New Deal tables placed in the Library each month give quarterly figures on the number of young people who leave the New Deal before starting an option, by Unit of Delivery.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what comparison was carried out between(a) the Pathfinder areas for the New Deal for Young People from January 1998 to April 1998 and (b) areas in which the New Deal was not in operation. [131186]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: The New Deal for Young People is the subject of probably the most comprehensive programme of evaluation ever undertaken of a UK labour market initiative. The continuing qualitative and quantitative evaluation was carried out both in Pathfinder areas and nationally. The evaluation includes surveys of individuals and employers and case studies of delivery and impact, as well as a macro-evaluation of the impact of the New Deal on the wider economy and on the labour market. The evaluation studies are underpinned by monitoring information which tracks individuals through New Deal and indefinitely thereafter.

  Pathfinders started in January 1998 to test processes and procedures prior to national implementation in April 1998; there were therefore no direct comparisons made between Pathfinders and non-Pathfinder areas in that period. However lessons learnt from the Pathfinders were reflected in the operation of the New Deal when it was introduced nationally.

  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list, from the beginning of August 1999 to the latest date for which the figures are available, by unit of delivery(a) the number of those who have completed the full-time education and training option of the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds and (b) the percentage of these who have left to sustained unsubsidised jobs. [132324]
  1064W
  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: Comprehensive information on whether young people left their options having completed them or before having done so is not collected in that form. The New Deal aims to help unemployed people to move as quickly as possible from welfare into a job. Many young people will leave their New Deal options before completing them because they have found jobs in the regular labour market and are no longer unemployed. Young people do not therefore need to complete their New Deal options in order to succeed in the programme.

  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 12 January 2000,Official Report, column 168W, to the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Mr. Willis), on the New Deal, how many people joined the full-time education and training option of the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds from the beginning of August 1999 to the latest date for which figures are available, by unit of delivery; how many and what percentage of these (a) completed their courses before leaving the New Deal, (b) left their courses before completing them and (c) left at any stage for unknown destinations. [132323]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The New Deal tables placed in the Library each month give quarterly figures on the starts to the Full-Time Education and Training option by Unit of Delivery.

  Comprehensive information on whether young people left their options having completed them or before having done so is not collected in that form. The New Deal aims to help unemployed people to move as quickly as possible from welfare into a job. Many young people will leave their New Deal options before completing them because they have found jobs in the regular labour market and are no longer unemployed. Young people do not therefore need to complete their New Deal options in order to succeed in the programme.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many young unemployed people living in Greater London have benefited from the New Deal. [132636]

  Ms Jowell
  The latest figures to April 2000 show that 72,050 young unemployed people have benefited from the New Deal in Greater London.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people in(a) Edinburgh and (b) Scotland were on (i) the 18 to 24 New Deal Gateway, (ii) each of the 18 to 24 New Deal options and (iii) follow-through at the end of March. [132660]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: At the end of March 2000 the information on the status of participants on the New Deal for Young People in Scotland and Edinburgh is contained in the following table:

  Scotland

  Edinburgh

  On the 18–24 New Deal Gateway at the end of March

  6,843

  447

  Total on a New Deal option

  5,770

  264

  Employer

  1,611

  71

  Full time education/training

  1,900

  90

  Voluntary sector

  1,098

  60

  Environment Task Force

  1,161

  43

  On Follow Through

  2,502

  116

  1065W
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people on the 25 plus New Deal in(a) Scotland and (b) Great Britain (i) found unsubsidised jobs through the Advisory Interview Process and (ii) transferred to other provision in March. [132661]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: In March 2000 the number of people on the New Deal for long term unemployed people aged 25 over, who found unsubsidised jobs through the Advisory Interview Process was 180 in Scotland and 2,200 in Great Britain. The number of people who transferred to other provision (i.e. benefits, subsidised employment, education and training opportunities and Work based Learning for Adults) was 379 in Scotland and 3,700 in Great Britain.

  Free School Meals
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what research his Department has undertaken on the accuracy of the number of free school meals as a measure of social deprivation in(a) urban areas and (b) rural areas. [132672]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans(a) he and (b) other Ministers in his Department have to travel overseas on ministerial visits between 28 July and 23 October. [133051]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: I will write as soon as possible to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Student Finances
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the cost to public funds has been of student loans provision in terms of(a) interest rate subsidies and (b) administration costs; and what default rate exists on that debt. [133117]

  Mr. Wicks
  The data required to answer the question in full are not immediately available. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible after the data has been obtained.

  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the net revenue yields would be for the next 10 financial years if those students taking out student loans in the academic year beginning September were to pay a real interest rate of(a) 1 per cent., (b) 2 per cent., (c) 3 per cent. and (d) 4 per cent. on their debt. [133103]

  Mr. Wicks
  The following table provides an indication of the net revenue yields over the next ten financial years for four alternative real interest rates. Estimates relate only to the cohort of English and Welsh students expected to enter higher education in September 2000. Most typically these students will take out loans for three years, graduate in summer 2003, and begin repayments in April 2004. These are estimates based on a series of 1066W
  assumptions such as: the numbers eligible for loans; the number and size of loans taken out; and the cohort's earning profile upon leaving higher education.

  £ million

  Financial

  Net revenue yields1 assuming real interest rates of:

  year

  (a) 1 per cent.

  (b) 2 per cent.

  (c) 3 per cent.

  (d) 4 per cent.

  2001–02

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2002–03

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2003–04

  0

  1

  1

  1

  2004–05

  2

  4

  6

  8

  2005–06

  1

  2

  4

  5

  2006–07

  1

  2

  2

  3

  2007–08

  4

  8

  12

  15

  2008–09

  6

  12

  17

  22

  2009–10

  8

  19

  29

  39

  2010–11

  12

  23

  33

  43

  1 Net revenue yields have been calculated as the difference between forecast repayments under current policy (zero per cent. real interest) and forecast repayments given each of the higher rates of interest (a) to (d)

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Westminster Hall
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the President of the Council if she will make it her policy not to increase the number of debates that take place in Westminster Hall. [133407]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons is currently reviewing the Westminster Hall experiment. I do not wish to pre-empt the Committee's recommendations.

  Electronic Communications Act 2000
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the President of the Council what orders she(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if she will make a statement. [133378]

  Mrs. Beckett
  No orders have yet been made by any department using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000, which came into force on 25 May. For the Government's intentions, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office to my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster, Central (Ms Winterton) on 24 May 2000,Official Report, columns 532–33W.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 4 July 2000,Official Report, column 155W, when results for the extended measurement of Housing Benefit fraud will be available for all local authorities. [130177]

  Angela Eagle
  We plan to commence national measurement of standard Housing Benefit across all local authorities from April 2001. The first year of measurement will run to March 2002, with results expected to be available and published in the autumn of that year.
  1067W
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish for each Scottish local authority a breakdown for each of the last three years of Housing Benefit overpayments, in terms of(a) the numbers of overpayments and (b) the amounts involved for each category of claimant and fraudulent errors; and if he will express (b) as a percentage of (a). [132873]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested.

  Departmental Initiatives
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list each departmental initiative since May 1997 requiring bids for funding together with the total resources available, the number of successful bids and the proportion this represents of total bids received; and what data he collects on the average expenditure of organisations bidding for funding through each initiative. [131085]

  Angela Eagle
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Advisory Bodies
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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. [131447]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer from my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799W.

  Disregard Allowances
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the total cost was of(a) premium and (b) disregard allowances, including where appropriate their equivalents, in (i) 1970, (ii) 1980, (iii) 1990 and (iv) 1999. [131417]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 19 July 2000]: I will write to the hon. Member.

  Cold Weather Payments and Winter Fuel Allowance
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list, by constituency,(a) the number of people who received and (b) the amount of money received in (i) Cold Weather Payments for the years 1995–96 and 1996–97 and (ii) Winter Fuel Allowances in 1998–99 and 1999–2000. [132376]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of Cold Weather Payments and Winter Fuel Payments are matters for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Ms Sally Keeble, dated 28 July 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will list, by constituency, (a) the number of people who received and (b) the amount of money received in (1) cold weather payments for the years 1995–96 and 1996–97 and (2) winter fuel allowances in 1998–99 and 1999–2000.
  1068W
  The CWP information is collected on the estimated number of qualifying individuals (which includes non pensioner customers) and by weather station area rather than Benefits Agency district or constituency areas. The weather stations cover wide areas, and therefore may encroach on more than one constituency. It is not possible to provide a breakdown by constituency area.
  Winter Fuel Payments were introduced in the winder of 1997–98 and help pensioners with the cost of their winter fuel bills. They are paid in addition to any Cold Weather Payments that may be due.
  The information requested has been placed in the House of Commons library.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much was paid in Cold Weather Payments in the Basildon constituency in each year from 1990 to 1997. [132640]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of Cold Weather Payments is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Angela Smith, dated 28 July 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how much was paid in cold weather payments in the Basildon constituency in each year from 1990 to 1997.
  Cold Weather Payments (CWP) are paid to people awarded Income Support (IS) or income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA(IB)) with a pensioner or disability premium or if they have a child under 5, when the temperature criterion is met for their postcode. Payment is issued automatically without the need to claim.
  The CWP information is collected on the number of qualifying individuals (which includes non pensioners) and by weather station area rather than Benefits Agency district or constituency areas.
  During the period in question, the weather stations at Stansted and Manston were used to serve the Basildon Constituency. The figures that are available are for the whole weather station areas, which included parts of other constituencies. Therefore the payments for Basildon only cannot be provided. The information available is in the attached table.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Estimated qualifiers and total expenditure on Cold Weather Payments since the winter of 1990 to 1997 at the weather stations to which Basildon constituency has been linked

  Year

  Weather station

  Number of qualifiers

  Total expenditure (£)

  1990–91

  Stansted

  1—

  1—

  1991–92

  Stansted

  1—

  1—

  1992–93

  Stansted

  1—

  1—

  1993–94

  Stansted

  1—

  1—

  1994–95

  Stansted

  85,445

  0

  1995–96

  Stansted

  89,855

  3,055,070

  1996–97

  Stansted and Manston

  43,394 and 79,041

  2,450,244

  1997–98

  Stansted and Manston

  40,720 and 77,876

  0

  1 Not known

  Notes

  1. No payment data are held for periods prior to 1995–96

  2. Figures for number of qualifiers includes non-pensioners

  3. An estimate of the number of pensioners among the qualifiers is not available

  4. The weather station at Manston only covered postcodes in the Basildon constituency from 1996–97; from 1996–97 both weather stations were used to cover different parts of the constituency

  5. One period of cold weather was triggered at Stansted weather station in 1990–91

  6. One period of cold weather was triggered at Stansted weather station in 1991–92

  7. One period of cold weather was triggered at Stansted weather station in 1992–93
  1069W
  8. No periods of cold weather were triggered at Stansted weather station in 1993–94 and 1994–95

  9. Four periods of cold weather were triggered at Stansted weather station in 1995–96

  10. Three periods of cold weather were triggered at Stansted and two at Manston in 1996–97

  11. No periods of cold weather were triggered at Manston Stansted in 1997–98

  12. All postcode districts and the weather stations which currently serve them are detailed in Schedule 1 of the Social Fund Cold Weather Payments (General) Amendment Regulations 1999

  13. Numbers of qualifiers are per period of cold weather

  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much has been paid out in winter fuel allowances to people in Barnsley East and Mexborough from 1997–98 to 1999–2000. [133745]

  Angela Eagle
  This is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Jeff Ennis, dated 28 July 2000:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how much has been paid out in winter fuel allowances to people in Barnsley East and Mexborough from 1997–98 to 1999–2000.
  Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) were introduced in the winter of 1997/98. For the winters of 1997/98 and 98/99 eligible people receiving Income Support (IS) or income based Jobseekers' Allowance (JSA (IB)) which included a pensioner premium, who were not living in residential care or a nursing home received payments of £50. All other eligible pensioners received £20 or £10 depending on their household circumstances. Where only one eligible pensioner lived in the household they would receive £20, otherwise they would receive £10 each. Last winter, 1999/00 the amount of the payment increased to £100 for all eligible households.
  In 1997/98, WFP expenditure for Barnsley East and Mexborough constituency was £323,800; in 1998/99, it was £291,570; and in 1999/00, it was £1,164,900.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many over 60s in(a) Worcester and (b) Mid Worcester qualify for the winter fuel allowance. [133768]

  Angela Eagle
  Last winter (1999–2000) 16,715 clients in the Mid Worcestershire constituency and 15,040 in the Worcester constituency, qualified for Winter Fuel Payment of either £100 or £50, dependant on their circumstances. This figure includes those in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits as well as men from age 60 who qualified through receipt of either Income Support or income-based Jobseekers' Allowance.

  My hon. Friend will know that the Winter Fuel Payment scheme has now been extended so that men as well as women will be eligible for a payment from age 60, providing they satisfy the qualifying criteria. The changes apply from the beginning of the scheme in 1997–98 and payments will be made for past winters to customers who are entitled. The majority of the customers who are newly eligible will need to make a claim.

  This will mean the figure given above in respect of 1999–2000 could be higher for winter 2000. How much higher will depend on the number of people who decide to make a claim and how many are entitled.
  1070W
  Therefore, it is not possible to give my hon. Friend a precise number of customers who may now qualify for payment in Mid Worcestershire and Worcester until claim forms are returned and processed.

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many over 60s in The Wrekin qualify for the Winter Fuel Allowance. [133197]

  Angela Eagle
  For winter 1999–2000, 13,617 customers in The Wrekin qualified for a Winter Fuel Payment of either £100 or £50, dependant on their circumstances. This figure includes those in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits as well as men from age 60 who qualified through receipt of either Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.

  My hon. Friend will know that the Winter Fuel Payment scheme has now been extended so that men as well as women will be eligible for a payment from age 60, providing they satisfy the qualifying criteria. The changes apply from the beginning of the scheme in 1997–98 and payments will be made for past winters to customers who are entitled. The majority of the customers who are newly eligible will need to make a claim.

  This will mean the figure given in respect of 1999–2000 could be higher for winter 2000. How much higher will depend on the number of people who decide to make a claim and how many are entitled.

  Therefore, it is not possible to give my hon. Friend a precise number of who may now qualify for payment in The Wrekin until claim forms are returned and processed.

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many requests for revisions of Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance were not dealt with within the target time for clearance over the period October 1999 to June 2000; [132062]

  (2) how many renewal claims for Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance were not dealt with within the target time for clearance over the period October 1999 to June 2000. [132061]

  Mr. Bayley
  [holding answer Monday 24 July 2000]: I will write to the hon. Member in mid August.

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many benefit claimants in Derbyshire have had their benefits reduced or eliminated as a result of the advice of examining medical practitioners in each of the last five years. [133552]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of benefits is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Mark Todd, dated 28 July 2000:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many benefit claimants in Derbyshire have had their benefits reduced or eliminated as a result of the advice of examining medical practitioners in each of the last five years.

  1071W
  The information available is only statistically viable for Incapacity benefit claims because the data collected for other benefits is only based on a 5 per cent. sample of claims made. Details of the Incapacity Benefit claims are shown below.

  Incapacity Benefit claims terminated in Derbyshire

  Percentage

  1 March 1998 to 28 February 1999

  1,400

  1 March 1999 to 29 February 2000

  1,400

  Unfortunately at the time of writing, statistics showing the claims reduced or disallowed following referral to Medical Services, are only available for the last two years. I will write to you again when the remaining data are obtained from our statisticians.

  Long-term Care
  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) on what basis an elderly wife in a residential care home and suffering from Alzheimer's disease can claim Income Support; [132487]

  (2) for what reason the amount of a husband's capital is taken into account when an elderly wife in long-term care and suffering from Alzheimer's disease claims Income Support. [132488]

  Mr. Bayley
  A wife in a residential care home can claim Income Support in her own right. In these circumstances, her income and capital is treated separately from her husband's, but he may be asked to contribute to the upkeep of his wife to the extent that he can afford to do so through the payment of maintenance.

  Benefit Over Payments
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many Benefits Agency claimants were overpaid(a) benefit and (b) income support in each of the last 12 months; how many of these claimants have repaid that (i) benefit and (ii) income support in full; how much (x) benefit and (y) income support was overpaid in each of the last 12 months; how much of this (1) benefit and (2) income support was recovered from claimants; what estimate he has made of the annual administrative costs of recovering unpaid (A) benefit and (B) income support per claimant; and how much was spent by the Benefits Agency recovering overpaid (I) benefit and (II) income support in each of the last 12 months. [132286]

  Angela Eagle
  Administration of benefits and recovery of overpayments is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Alexis Cleveland. She will write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Paul Burstow, dated 27 July 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to respond to your recent questions asking how many Benefits Agency claimants were overpaid (a) benefit and (b) income support in each of the last 12 months; how many of these claimants have repaid that (i) benefit and (ii) income support in full; how much (x) benefit and (y) income support was overpaid in each of the last 12 months; and how much of this (1) benefit and (2) income support was recovered from claimants; what estimate he has made of the annual administrative costs of recovering unpaid (A) benefit and (B) income support per claimant; and how much was spent by the Benefits Agency recovering overpaid (I) and (II) income support in each of the last 12 months.
  1072W
  We do not capture specific information on the number of claimants that have been overpaid or have repaid overpayments.
  The Benefits Agency pays out around £1 billion in Income Support and almost £7 billion in all benefits each month.
  Recoverable overpayments account for about 1.5 per cent. and 0.4 per cent. of the totals respectively. Non recoverable overpayments account for around 0.55 per cent. and 0.1 per cent.
  Recoveries are currently running at around two thirds of this total for income support and a half of total overpayments.
  The Agency spent £60 million recovering overpayments in the period June 1999 to May 2000. We do not keep information breaking this down by benefit or by the number of overpayments recovered.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Benefits (Ribble Valley)
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in Ribble Valley(a) were eligible for, (b) claimed and (c) applied for social security benefits in the last year for which figures are available, broken down by type of benefit. [132726]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 26 July 2000]: The administration of Social Security benefits is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Alexis Cleveland, she will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Nigel Evans, dated 27 July 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people in Ribble Valley (a) were eligible for, (b) claimed and (c) applied for social security benefits in the last year for which figures are available, broken down by type of benefit.
  The information requested is not available for all social security benefits and where partially available it is not necessarily in the requested format. The information that is available is the number of claimants receiving specific benefits and is provided in the attached tables.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Income Support claimants in Ribble Valley Parliamentary Constituency
  From May 1999 to February 2000: 14.5 thousand customers

  Notes:

  1. Sample size 5%, therefore subject to sampling error.

  Source:

  Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiries, May 1999 to February 2000

  Jobseekers Allowance claimants in Ribble Valley Parliamentary Constituency
  From August 1999 to February 2000: 1.4 thousand customers

  Notes:

  1. Figures are subject to a high degree of sampling error and should only be used as a guide to the current situation only.

  2. Figures may include 'nil' benefit cases.

  3. Figures from May 1999 are not available.

  Source:

  Jobseekers Allowance Statistics Quarterly Enquiries, August 1999 to February 2000.

  Disability Living Allowance in Ribble Valley Parliamentary Constituency
  From February 1999 to November 1999: 9.91 thousand customers

  Note:

  1. Figures based on 5% sample sizes are subject to sampling error

  Source:

  DSS Information Centre: 5% sample & 100% data.
  1073W

  Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance in Ribble Valley parliamentary constituency

  Thousand

  Number of customers from May 1999 to February 2000

  Incapacity Benefit

  0.6

  Short Term (low)

  Incapacity Benefit

  0.7

  Short Term (high)

  Incapacity Benefit

  8.2

  Long Term

  Incapacity Benefit

  2.3

  Credits Only

  Severe Disablement Allowance

  3.2

  Notes:

  1. Figures are subject to a high degree of sampling error and should only be used as a guide to the current situation only.

  2. Figures will exclude a small number of clerically held cases.

  Source:

  Benefit Computer System

  Maternity Allowance in Ribble Valley Parliamentary Constituency
  Parliamentary Constituency figures are not available. Figures for Ribble Valley Local Authority show Nil for all four quarters.

  Source:

  Benefit Computer System

  Child Benefit in Ribble Valley Parliamentary Constituency
  As at 15 August 1999 there were 11,477 families in receipt of Child Benefit.

  Note:

  100% scan, therefore figure is unrounded.

  Source:

  Child Benefit Computer System

  Figures are not available for Retirement Pension, War Pension, Widows Benefit, and Invalid Care Allowance. Information is not collated in the format requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Attendance Allowance in Ribble Valley Parliamentary Constituency
  From February 1999 to November 1999: 8.393 thousand customers

  Note:

  Figures based on 5% sample sizes are subject to sampling error.

  Source:

  DSS Information Centre: 55% sample & 1005% data.

  Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit figures are shown at Local Authority level, as Parliamentary Constituency breakdown is not available for these benefits.

  Housing Benefit in Ribble Valley Local Authority
  From February 1999 to November 1999>: 5.81 thousand customers
  The Total and & renewal Housing Benefit claims in Ribble Valley Local Authority for April 1998 to March 1999 was 2,310

  Note:

  1. Claimant figures have been rounded to the nearest ten cases.

  Source:

  Housing Benefit Management Information System, Quarterly 1005% caseload stock count taken on the second Thursday in February, May August, & November 1999. Housing Benefit Management Information System Quarterly Administration Returns for 1998/99.

  Council Tax Benefit in Ribble Valley Local Authority

  From February 1999 to November 1999: 8.81 thousand customers

  The Total new & renewal Council Tax Benefit claims in Ribble Valley Local Authority for April 1998 to March 1999 was 3,530.

  Note:

  1. Claimant figures have been rounded to the nearest ten cases
  1074W
  Source:

  Housing Benefit Management Information System, Quarterly 1005% caseload stock count taken on the second Thursday in February, May August & November 1999. Housing Benefit Management Information System Quarterly Administration Returns for 1998/99.

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in(a) Worcester and (b) Mid Worcestershire quality for the Minimum Income Guarantee. [133767]

  Mr. Rooker
  There are around 2,200 pensioners in the parliamentary constituency of Worcester in receipt of the Minimum Income Guarantee and some 2,100 in Mid Worcestershire parliamentary constituency.

  Source:

  Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry, February 2000.

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in The Wrekin qualify for the Minimum Income Guarantee. [133196]

  Mr. Bayley
  There are 2,100 pensioners in The Wrekin receiving the Minimum Income Guarantee.

  Source:

  Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry, February 2000.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of(a) the number of pensioners who qualified for Income Support and did not take it up, in the most recent year for which figures are available and (b) the comparable figures for Minimum Income Guarantee. [133951]

  Mr. Bayley
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Administrative Costs
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the administrative costs were for(a) 1998–99. (b) 1999–2000 and (c) the current year to date as a proportion of the benefit delivered, of (i) state pensions, (ii) Income Support, (iii) Minimum Income Guarantee, (iv) the Social Fund and (v) disability benefits. [133950]

  Angela Eagle
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Electronic Communications Act 2000
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what orders he(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [133375]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer the hon. Member to the written answer from my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office today.

  Exceptional Hardship Fund
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications were made for Housing Benefit Exceptional Hardship Fund in(a) Greater London and (b) the London Borough of Enfield; what percentage were accepted and what was the expenditure in each case;

  1075W
  how much was unspent in each case, for each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [133234]

  Exceptional hardship payments

  Number of awards for exceptional hardship payments

  Total discretionary rent allowance expenditure(£)

  Unspent discretionary rent allowance expenditure(£)

  Percentage unspent

  1995–96

  Greater London Local Authorities

  20

  31,150

  652,530

  95

  London Borough of Enfield

  0

  100

  16,420

  99

  1996–97

  Greater London Local Authorities

  1,350

  692,390

  4,298,470

  86

  London Borough of Enfield

  30

  54,960

  65,640

  54

  1997–98

  Greater London Local Authorities

  2,830

  1,643,990

  3,450,520

  68

  London Borough of Enfield

  40

  80,810

  54,280

  40

  1998–99

  Greater London Local Authorities

  3,260

  1,758,180

  3,853,040

  69

  London Borough of Enfield

  60

  144,240

  14,540

  9

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest £10

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions has he had with the Government of Spain on Gibraltar; and if he will list the subjects raised. [131163]

  Mr. Vaz
  I will write to my hon. Friend shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Advisory Bodies
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [131454]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office gave on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799W.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list each group that is responsible to his Department, with significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, and to which the Nolan rules on non-departmental public bodies do not apply; and for each such group, if it(a) is a company limited by guarantee, (b) is a charity, (c) has no formal legal basis and (d) has some other legal basis, giving details. [131177]
  1076W
  Mr. Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format resqusted. Such information as is available is contained in the table.

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, to the Cabinet Office, gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Murphy) on 27 July 2000, Official Report, column 799W.

  Computer Disasters
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the time it would take to get new computers running in the wake of a major computer disaster in his Department. [130968]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 19 July 2000]: In UK, contingency plans in place would allow the replacement of FCO computer and communications systems within one day in the wake of a major computer disaster. Overseas, the time taken would be one day plus the time to transport the system to the Post for most systems: for some (which are shortly to be replaced) the lead time would be two weeks. We have a range of communications options as continuous back-up.

  European Parliament Building, Strasbourg
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the total British financial contribution to date to the building and equipping of the new European Parliament building in Strasbourg. [132108]

  Mr. Vaz
  I will write to my hon. Friend shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  British Indian Ocean Territory
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the financial arrangements are for the lease to the United States of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. [132427]
  1077W
  Mr. Battle
  No part of the British Indian Ocean Territory, including Diego Garcia, has been leased to the United States and no rent or similar payment is made in respect of their right to use the territory for defence purposes. However, in 1965 when it became clear that the costs of setting up the territory as a separate dependency would exceed original estimates, the US Government agreed to contribute £5 million towards these costs.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department is funding a study to assess the feasibility of returning the indigenous population to Diego Garcia and the other Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean. [133271]

  Mr. Battle
  An initial study to consider the possibility of settlement on the outer islands only of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) has already been undertaken. It was funded by the Government of the BIOT. The funding of future stages is yet to be decided.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the Interim report by Consultants on the feasibility of re-settling the northern atolls of the British Indian Ocean Territory. [133456]

  Mr. Battle
  I can confirm this has been done.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to monitor the environment of the British Indian Ocean Territory on a regular basis following its commitment to treat the area with no less strict regard for natural heritage considerations than for places nominated as World Heritage sites. [133457]

  Mr. Battle
  The Government of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), who made this commitment, employs a Conservation Consultant who makes annual visits to the territory to assess the state of the environment and report to the Commissioner. The last such visit was in March 2000. The BIOT Government also employs fisheries consultants who likewise assess the state of the fishery. Additionally, it sponsors ad hoc environmental research projects.

  Michael John Smith
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the solicitor acting on behalf of Michael John Smith (PR 3345) in HMP Full Sutton may have access to the full Mitrokhin Archive; and if he will make a statement. [132276]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: I am not aware of any such request from Mr. Smith's solicitor. It is, however, open to them to write to the Treasury Solicitor, who would take advice from the relevant authorities.

  European Treaties
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 11 July 2000,Official Report, column 479W, on European Treaties, if he will list the title of each European document designated as a treaty under Article 1(3) of the European Communities Act 1972 since 1 May 1997, together with (a) the title and date of (i) relevant orders in council and (ii) associated report from a Select
  1078W
  Committee of either House of Parliament (b) the date of each affirmative solution, debate and vote in Committee or in either House and (c) the purpose of the Treaty so ratified. [132584]

  Mr. Vaz
  This information will take some time to collate. I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Communications Electronic Security Group
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times officials in the Communications Electronic Security Group have held meetings with members and officials of the United States Government since 1 January; what were the dates and locations of each meeting; and which United States Government Departments took part in each meeting. [132743]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  Officials of the Communications-Electronic Security Group (CESG) are in frequent contact with a wide range of US Government officials; most dealings are with direct counterpart organisations and are conducted electronically.

  Since 1 January the Director of CESG has attended the following formal meetings: 28–31 January with the US Government's Information Systems Security Organisation (ISSO) in Maryland; 1 February with the US Government's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Maryland; 2–4 May with ISSO in Cheltenham; 17–18 May with ISSO in Maryland and 22–23 May with NIST and ISSO in Maryland.

  Bilateral Treaties
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a list of bilateral treaties and agreements which have been agreed with the Government of the United States of America since 1 January 1997, listing the title of each treaty and agreement, the date on which it was signed and the names of the British and US Departments which signed each one. [132744]

  Mr. Battle
  Details of bilateral treaties and agreements which have been agreed with the Government of the United States of America since January 1997 will be placed in the Library by the end of August, listing the title of each treaty and agreement and the date on which it was signed. To list the names of the British and US Departments which signed each one would incur disproportionate costs.

  Sanctions
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the countries in respect of which the UK Government have a policy of sanctions. [132843]

  Mr. Hain
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore) on 26 July 2000,Official Report, column 641W.

  Visitor Bonds
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the proposed pilot study for financial bonds for visitors. [133687]

  Mr. Vaz
  After consultations with the Home Office, I can announce that we are unable to proceed with the scheme for the present.

  Developmental work on detailed proposals for the pilot study has identified a number of difficult practical issues. In particular, moves toward a more flexible approach to the operation of the immigration control—including the introduction of new IT systems for issuing visas at posts overseas—have frustrated attempts to design a simple and effective scheme for providing a bond facility for visitors, and for recording their entry to and departure from the UK.

  The planned pilot study in Manila and Casablanca will therefore not proceed.

  Pakistan
  Mr. Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will encourage his colleagues in the international community to join with him in supporting General Musharraf in resisting fundamentalist groups in Pakistan. [133212]

  Mr. Hain
  We are in regular contact with our friends and allies about all aspects of Pakistan. We are aware of inter-community violence, including sectarian attacks, and regularly raise the position of religious minorities in discussions with Pakistani authorities. We hope that, within the parameters of the law, the authorities in Pakistan success in reducing the level of violence. We believe this view is widely shared by the international community.

  Mr. Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has made to develop links between Mullahs and minority groups in order to foster and encourage tolerance in Pakistan. [133208]

  Mr. Hain
  Our diplomatic missions seek to maintain links with a wide range of religious groups in Pakistan. In our discussions with them, we continue to urge all genuine efforts to foster inter-faith dialogue and tolerance.

  Mr. Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning the persecution of women during recent months in Pakistan. [133207]

  Mr. Hain
  We are deeply concerned about the position of women in Pakistan, particularly the practice of "honour killings". We have joined our EU partners in condemning the practice, and, in that context, we welcome General Musharraf s announcement condemning "honour killings" as pre-meditated murder and establishing the Commission on the Status of Women. We have urged the Pakistani authorities to implement the 1995 Beijing Platform and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). We continue to monitor the situation closely.
  1080W
  Mr. Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning the fundamentalist element within(a) the army and (b) the Cabinet in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement. [133210]

  Mr. Hain
  We receive regular reports from our diplomatic missions about all aspects of the political situation in Pakistan, including the policies of General Musharraf's Administration. We will continue to monitor these closely.

  Russia
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which departmental budget will cover the payment in respect of the programme of aid to the Russian Plutonium Disposition strategy, announced at the G8 summit in Okinawa; what is the total United Kingdom financial commitment to this programme; over what period the payments will be made; and if he will list those bodies consulted by the Government in advance of the announcement. [133363]

  Mr. Hain
  The Cross-cutting Review on Nuclear Problems in the Former Soviet Union proposed a new expenditure programme which will subsume all existing UK efforts in this field. This programme will take the form of a ring-fenced fund within the Department of Trade and Industry's Departmental Expenditure Limit. Overall priorities for the programme will be set on the advice of an interdepartmental committee. DTI will have responsibility for ensuring that this money is spent properly, and for day to day management of this new programme.

  The review identified the management and disposition of weapons-grade plutonium surplus to military requirements as a key priority for the UK. All interest Government Departments were involved in the review. At Okinawa the Prime Minister announced the provision of £70 million over the next 10 years for plutonium disposition.

  Wilton Park Executive Agency
  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the Wilton Park Executive Agency performed against the targets agreed for 1999–2000; and what the agreed targets are for the current year. [133857]

  Mr. Hain
  Wilton Park met all four of the agreed targets set for the 1999–2000 financial year, for income, cost recovery, the number of conference participants, and cost per head to the FCO overall. The 1999–2000 targets were:

  Income—£2,182,000

  Recovery of cost—82.5 per cent.

  Number of Wilton Park conference participants—2,400

  Cost to FCO per conference participant—£193.

  1081W
  The following targets have been agreed for the financial year 2000–01:

  To increase overall income to £2,500,000

  To maintain cost recovery at 82.3 per cent.

  To maintain the target for the overall number of Wilton Park conference participants at 2,400

  To achieve an average cost to the FCO of each participant of £224.

  Handcuffs
  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the export controls on pairs of handcuffs and their individual component cuffs. [133858]

  Mr. Hain
  The Government have decided to introduce a control on individual "bracelet" cuffs having an internal perimeter when fully locked in excess of 165mm and shackles (i.e. including handcuffs) made therewith. This will be made by an amendment to the Export of Goods (Control) Order. Companies wishing to export such equipment will need to apply to the Department of Trade for an export licence. Such applications will be judged on a case by case basis against the national criteria and those in the EU Code of Conduct.

  The control remains on shackles having a maximum locked dimension exceeding 240mm overall (i.e. including cuffs and connecting chain).

  Ministers' Spouses (Hospitality)
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 20 July 2000,Official Report, column 269W, if he will give the same information on stays by unaccompanied spouses of Ministers at the Lisbon Embassy as for the Residence; and if he will make a statement. [133935]

  Mr. Vaz
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 20 July 2000,Official Report, column 269W. Guests do not stay at the Embassy; they stay at the Residence.

  General Pinochet
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what monitoring of legal processes in Chile against General Pinochet is being undertaken by the British embassy; and if he will make a statement. [133955]

  Mr. Battle
  I will write to my hon. Friend shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many(a) Ministry of Defence police and (b) police from the Royal Ulster Constabulary are serving in Kosovo. [133584]

  Mr. Hain
  There are currently 56 Ministry of Defence police officers and 58 Royal Ulster Constabulary officers serving with the United Nations International Police in Kosovo.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of 1082W
  the extra costs arising from transit time across the Kosovo-Macedonia border. [133583]

  Mr. Vaz
  I will write to my hon. Friend shortly and place copies of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Moluccas
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the human rights situation in the Moluccas. [133720]

  Mr. Battle
  We receive regular reports from our embassy, NGOs and others. As the situation is fast developing, I will write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice his Department gives to United Kingdom citizens intending to visit the Moluccas. [133722]

  Mr. Hain
  The FCO Travel Advice for Indonesia contains the following advice for the Moluccas.We advise against travel to Maluku Province. The Indonesian Government has declared a state of civil emergency, including a ban on all travel to North Maluku and Maluku Provinces. Intercommunal violence between Christians and Moslems in Ambon has spread to other parts of the Moluccas. The situation is unstable and dangerous.

  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the security situation in the Moluccas. [133721]

  Mr. Battle
  We receive regular reports from our embassy, NGOs and others. As the situation is fast developing, I will write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Fiji
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to promote an early return to democratic Government in Fiji; and if he will make a statement. [133242]

  Mr. Battle
  Following the release of the hostages on 13 July and the armed overthrow of Fiji's democratically elected government we recalled our High Commissioner in Fiji for consultations. We also summoned the Fijian High Commissioner in London to make clear our disappointment that the new Fijian administration included individuals associated with Speight that the 1997 Constitution had been abrogated and to insist that Speight and his gang be brought to justice. We and EU partners made similar representations locally.

  On 21 July we announced a number of targeted measures against Fiji,

  urging EU partners to open consultations under Article 366a of the Lome Convention to establish a timetable for return to democracy; all new EU aid to Fiji is currently on hold;

  pressing our EU partners to impose restrictions on travel by Speight and his associates;

  cancelling all FCO-funded assistance to Fiji's government;

  cancelling of naval visits and joint military exercises. All defence cooperation with Fiji will remain under review.

  1083W

  no licenses for any arms or security equipment for export to Fiji where there is a clear risk that it will be used for internal repression.

  We are consulting Commonwealth and EU partners on the next steps and on ways to promote an early return to constitutional and democratic government in Fiji. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, of which the UK is a member, meets in New York on 14 September to review its decision on 16 June to suspend Fiji from its councils, and to monitor Fiji's progress in drawing up a roadmap back to democracy.

  War Crimes (Srebrenica)
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the International War Crimes Tribunal for Yugoslavia will publish the forensic evidence on Srebrenica. [133448]

  Mr. Hain
  The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) gathers forensic evidence for use in the prosecution of suspected war criminals. ICTY have produced significant amounts of evidence from Srebrenica in open court, for example in the ongoing trial of General Krstic. Records of trials are available to the public on ICTY' s website (www.un.org/icty).

  Western Sahara
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support Her Majesty's Government are giving to the UN Peace Plan in respect of the Saharawi people's right to self-determination. [133449]

  Mr. Hain
  We have supported the UN Settlement Plan for the western Sahara since its inception, and all UN efforts to bring about a just, durable and agreed resolution to this 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. They are working to resolve these differences, including the possibility of the parties agreeing to a mutually acceptable political solution. We support these efforts. And we continue to believe that a just solution depends on the people of the western Sahara having the right to express their will at the ballot box.

  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much money has been allocated by Her Majesty's Government towards the UN proposals for a referendum on the western Sahara. [133450]

  Mr. Hain
  In financial year 1999, the UK contributed £1.014 million in assessed contributions towards the running costs for MINURSO, the UN mission in the western Sahara.

  £ million

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  Sub-Saharan Africa

  Additional resources

  20

  20

  20

  Indicative resources for forecast peacekeeping

  65

  60

  60

  Contributions from Departments

  DFID

  23.5

  23.5

  23.5

  FCO

  5.0

  5.0

  5.0

  MOD

  1.5

  1.5

  1.5

  1084W
  Due to lack of time before the end of the parliamentary session, we have not been able to collate the figures for previous years. I will write to my hon. Friend shortly with these figures and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his EC counterparts on the reimposition of restrictive measures against Indonesia following the repetition of violence in East Timor. [133428]

  Mr. Battle
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Dr. Tonge), on 26 July 2000,Official Report, columns 641–42W. We deplore the death of Private Manning of the New Zealand Army on 24 July during an incursion by rogue militia. This is the first peacekeeper to be killed in combat in the territory since August 1999. Efforts are currently under way in the UN to put pressure on Indonesia to ensure full implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Tactical Co-ordination in the Border Area signed on 11 April this year.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has for a unilateral arms embargo on Indonesia. [133431]

  Mr. Battle
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave her on 26 July 2000,Official Report, columns 461–62W.

  Staff Secondment
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if any of his Department's staff are seconded to the Cabinet Office or the Prime Minister's Office to work on European issues. [132979]

  Mr. Hain
  One member of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is on loan to the Cabinet Office working exclusively on European issues. In addition, there are five members of Foreign and Commonwealth staff seconded to the Prime Minister's office who in part cover European issues.

  Conflict Prevention
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much of the funding for conflict prevention in each of the next three years is(a) additional money provided as a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review and (b) taken from existing budgets. [132875]

  Mr. Hain
  The Spending Review 2000 settlement for conflict prevention is:
  1085W

  £ million

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  Rest of the World

  Additional resources

  12

  20

  30

  Indicative resources for forecast peacekeeping/enforcement operations

  340

  380

  380

  Contributions from Departments

  DFID

  9

  9

  9

  FCO

  7

  7

  7

  MOD

  32

  32

  32

  Of the indicative resources for peacekeeping for both sub-Saharan Africa and the Rest of the World, in the event of underspends, up to 10 per cent. can be used for programme expenditure.

  Unforeseen peacekeeping operations or unexpected increases in assessed contributions for international peacekeeping will be met in the first instance by re-prioritising within the pool. If this proves insufficient, the pool will have access to the DEL Reserve.UN arrears of £30 million due to the UK for UNPROFOR which would be returned to the Treasury Consolidated Fund, will be retained by the conflict prevention pools. This amount is not included in the table.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how he proposes to measure his PSA target of reducing the number of people whose lives are affected by violent conflict where the United Kingdom make a significant contribution to conflict prevention and management, as set out in the Comprehensive Spending Review. [132978]

  Mr. Hain
  The Government have set themselves a target for the period beginning next financial year to improve the effectiveness of the UK contribution to conflict prevention and management, as demonstrated, inter alia, by the number of people whose lives are affected by violent conflict, where the UK can make a significant impact. We will be working with DFID, MOD and other relevant Government Departments in the autumn to identify priority activities to address this overall objective, verifiable indicators for each activity, and current baselines against which progress can be measured.

  European Issues (Funding)
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how he proposes to spend the additional resources being provided for his Department's activity on European issues, as announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review; how many new staff he proposes to employ; and what their remit will be. [132981]

  Mr. Hain
  Europe is one of the Foreign Secretary's key policy priorities, as reflected in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Public Service Agreement. The details of the allocation of extra resources to activity on Europe will be decided in the autumn within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's annual internal budgeting round.

  Reports
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the reports submitted to his Department, by bodies that were created 1086W
  after May 1997 and that include significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, stating in each case the body writing the report, the date the report was submitted, how many recommendations were made, the number of those recommendations that have been implemented to date and the number of recommendations that have been rejected; and if he will make a statement. [133566]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I refer the hon. Member to the central list of information published on 11 January 2000 and the updated list published yesterday, 27 July 2000.

  Kuwaiti Nationals
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Iraqi Government concerning the whereabouts of missing Kuwaiti nationals following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. [133430]

  Mr. Hain
  The UK has consistently called on Iraq to end the suffering of the relatives of the 605 Kuwaitis and others missing since the Gulf War. The UK plays an active role in the Tripartite Commission process, chaired by the International Committee of the Red Cross, which seeks to account for the whereabouts of the missing. The process has been hampered, however, by continued Iraqi obstruction and since early 1999 Iraq has refused to attend Commission meetings. At the latest Consultation Meeting in Geneva on 21 June 2000, the UK delegation stress the urgent need for Iraq to return to the process. The UK has also sought to give added impetus to the process through Security Council resolution 1284 which provided for a high-level UN co-ordinator on this issue. I offered our full support to Mr. Yuli Vorontsov, who has taken up this post, which he called on me on 29 June.

  Yugoslav Football Team
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under what criteria the Sanctions Committee on Yugoslavia stopped payments to the Yugoslav football team after Euro 2000. [133451]

  Mr. Hain
  The UN Sanctions Committee on Yugoslavia, established by Security Council resolution 1160 (1998), has responsibilities only in relation to the measures imposed by that resolution—an embargo on the sale or supply of arms and related material to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the arming and training for terrorist activities there. It has not considered any requests regarding payments to the Yugoslav football team.

  There is a Management Committee for EU financial sanctions in relation to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. This Management Committee has not considered any requests for payments to the Yugoslav football team.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  New Deal
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many employees of his Department and its agencies have been recruited from the New Deal; and what percentage of total staff this represents; [129140]

  (2) how many employees of his Department and its agencies have been recruited from the New Deal; and what percentage this represents of total staff. [129099]

  Dr. Howells
  I refer the hon. Member to the pursuant answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office to my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford, North (Mr. Rooney).

  The number of New Dealers within my Department and its Executive Agencies as at 1 April 2000 represents 0.3 per cent. of total staff.

  Trawlermen
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Government will make a decision on granting compensation to former distant water trawlermen; and if he will make a statement. [130549]

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will make an announcement about the compensation scheme for those distant water trawlermen who lost their jobs with the closure of Icelandic fishing. [132304]

  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Government will provide compensation for former fishermen who lost their livelihoods following the settlement of the Cod Wars with Iceland in the 1970s. [132249]

  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will publish a response to the claim for compensation from former distant water trawlermen. [132476]

  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Government will provide compensation for former distant water trawlermen who lost their livelihoods following the settlement of the cod wars with Iceland in the 1970s. [133787]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 17 July 2000]: The Government recognise that the former Icelandic distant water trawlermen suffered an injustice. Many lost their jobs through the settlement of the 'Cod Wars' by the then Government and received little or no help. Given the exceptional circumstances in which they lacked basic employment protection we intend to remedy this by establishing a new scheme of compensation to be administered by my Department's Redundancy Payment Service.

  Further details of the scheme and when and where claim forms will be available are to be announced before it is formally opened on 2 October.

  Any former Icelandic distant water trawlermen who left the industry between 1974 and 1979 and had two years' continuous service, not necessarily with the same employer, will be entitled to claim under the new scheme. Surviving dependants will also be entitled to claim in
  1088W
  cases where former fishermen who would have been eligible are now deceased. Once the scheme is opened, a period of around two years will be allowed for claims to be submitted.

  Eligible claimants will receive £1,000 per year at sea, subject to a maximum of £20,000.

  Sums received by former distant water trawlermen under ex-gratia redundancy payments arrangements operated by the Government between 1993 and 1995 will be offset against payments under the new scheme.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many trawlermen were made redundant in(a) 1974, (b) 1975 and (c) 1976 when British fishing boats stopped fishing as a result of withdrawal of British boats from Icelandic waters. [132818]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: Precise statistics are not available.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what compensation proposals for trawlermen who lost their livelihood when British boats stopped fishing in Icelandic waters were put to his Department by the British Fishermen's Association. [132821]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The British Fishermen's Association has proposed that compensation payments made to former Icelandic water trawlermen should be calculated on the basis of £1,000 for each year at sea with a maximum of 20 years' service taken into account; that any amounts paid to claimants under the ex-gratia redundancy payment arrangements operated by the Government between 1993 and 1995 should be offset; that the next of kin should be eligible to claim in any case where a former trawlerman is now deceased; and that there should be an independent review where any claims are disallowed.

  Radio Spectrum
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the police, other emergency services, and the armed forces are projected to pay annually for access to the radio spectrum following the recent sale of the spectrum; and if he will make a statement. [131889]

  Ms Hewitt
  The police and other emergency services are expected to pay £2.05 million this year and the military are expected to pay £22.7 million this year for use of the radio spectrum.

  These sums are equated to the payments made by commercial users under Section 1 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1998. They are not connected to sums paid for spectrum auctioned under Section 3 of the Act.

  University Research
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much has been awarded by the Joint Infrastructure Fund since its establishment to each university in respect of(a) medical and (b) non-medial research. [131721]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Joint Infrastructure Fund (JIF) to date has made 109 awards worth £600 million to 39 universities.
  1089W
  Estimates of the biomedical and non-medical awards for the successful universities for Round 1 are listed in the table. Rounds 2 and 3 awards are subject to negotiation with successful applicants and further details will be announced later this year.

  Universities awarded funding (Round 1)

  £ million

  Round 1

  Biomedical

  Non-medical

  Bangor (University of Wales)

  2.8

  —

  2.8

  Birmingham

  11.1

  —

  11.1

  Bristol

  2.0

  —

  2.0

  Cambridge

  30.4

  —

  30.4

  Edinburgh

  6.3

  3.3

  3.0

  Glasgow

  2.1

  —

  2.1

  Imperial College

  11.3

  3.3

  8.0

  Lancaster

  0.6

  —

  0.6

  Leeds

  2.4

  —

  2.4

  Liverpool

  6.1

  2.9

  3.2

  LSE

  6.6

  —

  6.6

  Manchester

  1.8

  —

  1.8

  Newcastle

  4.4

  4.4

  —

  Nottingham

  5.0

  0.8

  4.2

  Oxford

  17.9

  7.1

  10.8

  Queen Mary and Westfield College

  24.8

  —

  24.8

  Queen's Belfast

  0.4

  0.4

  —

  Southampton

  3.8

  3.8

  —

  Strathclyde

  1.2

  1.2

  —

  SUERC (Glasgow)

  3.9

  —

  3.9

  Surrey

  4.7

  —

  4.7

  Warwick

  1.0

  —

  1.0

  Near Earth Objects
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the report on the threat posed by near earth objects, currently being prepared by the Near Earth Object Task Force, will be published; and if he will make a statement. [132086]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Task Force has not yet formally submitted its report to my noble Friend the Minister for Science. I expect that it will do so shortly. My noble Friend will write to the hon. Member when the report is published. Parliament will be informed once he has had the opportunity to consider the recommendations.

  Regional Selective Assistance
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when, and for what purposes, Rover was recently granted regional selective assistance; and whether that was separate from the £129 million grant. [131824]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 21 July 2000]: To support the development of an all new leading-edge engine production facility to be built on a brownfield site at Harms Hall in the West Midlands.

  This was separate from the £129 million offer in 1999.

  Early Retirement
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the practice of employers in respect of compulsory early retirement. [132430]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  Retirement ages are a matter for negotiation and agreement between employers and employees (or their representatives). It is for employers to decide whether dismissal in advance of normal retirement 1090W
  age may be necessary in any particular case. Subject to the necessary qualifying service, employees who believe they have been dismissed unfairly can complain to an employment tribunal.

  Employment Contracts
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will amend the law to prevent private sector companies from cutting pay and downgrading the working conditions of staff through the termination of existing contracts of employment coupled with an offer of re-employment on less favourable terms with particular reference to employees transferred from the public to the private sector. [132849]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  It is unlawful for employers to dismiss employees in connection with a transfer within the meaning of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 (TUPE), unless the reason for doing so is an economic, technical or organisational reason entailing changes in the workforce. It is similarly unlawful for employers to change employees' terms and conditions of employment in connection with a TUPE transfer. The Government have made clear in the Cabinet Office Statement of Practice "Staff Transfers in the Public Sector" its policy that all transfers from the public sector to the private should be conducted on the basis that TUPE applies unless there are genuinely exceptional reasons for it not to do so.

  Arms Exports
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he has taken to improve the process of risk assessment for arms exports at the licensing stage; what further steps are being considered; and if he will make a statement. [133109]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government have taken a number of steps to strengthen the process of risk assessment at the licensing stage and continue to consider ways of further improving procedures in this area. We rigorously assess export licence applications to determine the risk of the proposed export being misused in contravention of our national export licensing criteria and those in the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports, including for internal repression or international aggression, or through diversion or re-export to undesirable end-users.

  The DTI's Export Control Organisation (ECO) introduced a new computerised database in 1999 which has increased consistency in the assessment of licence applications and reduces the risk of errors. Further enhancements to this system are planned over the next two years. ECO has also increased the number of senior managers with oversight of the licensing process, and applications to export goods to destinations where there may be risk of diversion are considered with particular care. Applications are refused if it is assessed that an unacceptable risk of diversion exists.

  ECO seeks advice on applications from other departments with an interest as determined by those departments in line with their policy responsibilities. DTI works in partnership with those departments to improve the overall effectiveness of the licensing process.
  1091W
  We systematically take into account reliable information from a variety of sources, including reporting from diplomatic posts, international organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations. We have taken a number of steps to increase the amount of such information available to us, for example by instructing overseas posts to report on any misuse of UK-supplied defence equipment and by promoting exchange on destinations and end-users of concern in relevant international fora.

  All applications for Standard Individual Export Licences must be accompanied by appropriate end-user undertakings or, if the consignee is a Government body, a copy of the official purchase or relevant part of the contract. As noted in the 1999 Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls, we ask overseas posts to conduct checks to confirm the veracity of end-user information. ECO is also actively considering the possibility of introducing a standard model format for the presentation of end-user undertakings, and new guidance material for completion of such assurances, which should further enhance the effectiveness of our licensing process.

  Euro
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which studies his Department has(a) commissioned, (b) reviewed and (c) undertaken that examine the cost to (i) UK businesses and (ii) euro zone business of preparing for introduction of the euro; and if he will make a statement. [132900]

  Mrs. Liddell
  HM Treasury is responsible for this subject. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Economic Secretary on 26 July 2000,Official Report, column 695W.

  Permanent Secretary (Official Visits)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the visits outside Britain made by his Department's Permanent Secretary on official business since 1 January 1999, indicating the date and purpose of the visit in each case. [133274]

  Mr. Byers
  The Permanent Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry has made one official overseas visit since 1 January 1999, to Paris. The visit took place on 21–22 October 1999, to attend the European Investment Bank Forum 1999 on "Euro Market: Changes Ahead".

  MOX Fuel (Japan)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the European Commission in respect of the compatibility of the recently announced payment to Japan arising from the problems of falsification of data sheets sent with MOX fuel, with EU rules governing state aid. [133364]

  Mrs. Liddell
  None. The costs of resolving the MOX fuel problem will be met by BNFL and are a commercial matter for them.

  Rover
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assistance is being planned for companies in the Rover supply chain which are heavily 1092W
  dependent on revenue from supplying parts for the Rover 25 and 45 where business is being affected by interruption of production associated with the transfer of the Rover 75 production line from Oxford to Longbridge. [133860]

  Mr. Byers
  I have considered the position of suppliers to the Rover 25 and 45 models, who will be faced with considerable disruption and down-time as the assembly lines at Longbridge are re-configured to allow more flexible production of these two models from a single line. I have therefore decided to extend the support already announced for suppliers to the Rover 75 model, so as to make it available also to those companies most heavily reliant on the Rover 25 and 45.

  Higher Eduction Research
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give details of the extra funding for higher education research announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review, including the split of payments between(a) the Office for Science and Technology, (b) the Funding Councils and (c) the Wellcome Foundation the broad criteria for allocation and the degree of matched funding required for institutions. [133292]

  Mr. Byers
  I will write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy of that letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Employment Agencies
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes he intends to make to the temp-to-perm fee arrangements charged by employment agencies. [133439]

  Mr. Byers
  I am considering the responses to our consultation.

  Trans Tec
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to receive the inspector's report into Trans Tec. [133440]

  Mr. Byers
  I have emphasised to the inspectors that their prime objective must be to provide me with a full report as quickly as possible consistent with the need to undertake a fair, thorough and professional investigation. I have also asked the inspectors to report in a form which will enable the report to be made public.

  The inspectors are independent of Government and it is for them to judge when they have completed sufficient inquiries to present their report.

  Horizon Project
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 24 July 2000,Official Report, column 418W, on post offices' IT, how much of the money that will be contributed to the Horizon project will be spent on (a) computer terminals for public access and (b) Internet provision. [133723]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  None. Separate financial provision is being made for the pilot trials of the Government General Practitioner and Internet Learning and Access projects.

  Universal Bank
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library a copy of the letter sent by him and the Economic Secretary to the Treasury to banks, building societies and other financial institutions about the proposed Universal Bank. [133163]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  Yes. I have arranged for this to be done.

  Rural Post Offices
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria are to be used to assess whether a rural post office closure is avoidable. [133049]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 28 June 2000,Official Report, columns 907–20.

  Postal Services Commission
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date he intends to publish revised draft guidance on the social and environmental objectives of to the Postal Services Commission; and what will be the closing date for comments. [133164]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  Formal consultation on guidance on social and environmental objectives cannot take place until the Postal Services Bill is enacted and relevant sections have been brought into force. The Act will be brought into force on dates yet to be specified by orders made by the Secretary of State. The provisions for consultation on draft guidance are set out in clause 42 of the Bill.

  Mobile Phones
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what(a) discussions he has had about and (b) plans he has for, making mobile phones more secure and less attractive to steal; and if he will make a statement. [131984]

  Ms Hewitt
  The mobile industry already undertakes a series of measures to deter the theft of mobile phones. Such measures include the optional use of PIN codes to lock handsets; the ability to disable the SIM card (the smart card in the phone which connects the phone to a network) making it impossible to send and receive messages; and the ability to disable the phone handset itself. Some operators also subscribe to a world-wide service which enables a phone number to be blocked by overseas networks as well.

  In the interest of customer loyalty and fraud management, I would expect the mobile industry to adopt all appropriate measures to minimise the possibility of theft and will continue to encourage them to do so.

  Electronic Communications Act 2000
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what orders he(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [133371]
  1094W
  Ms Hewitt
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has made no orders to date using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000. It is likely that orders will be made to enable companies to file information electronically at Companies House, and in respect of the Petroleum Act 1998, in order to allow the electronic submission of information by oil companies and consequent electronic delivery of consents and approvals by the Secretary of State.

  DTI remains committed to removing barriers to the effective use of electronic communications and will consider making such orders in appropriate cases.

  My hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office provided in a written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster, Central (Ms Winterton) on 24 May 2000, Official Report, columns 532–34W, details of known plans for all Departments.

  Nuclear Materials (Safeguards)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith), of 19 January 2000,Official Report, columns 487–88W, what progress has been made with the study of data on withdrawals of nuclear material from safeguards. [133861]

  Dr. Howells
  I am pleased to confirm that the study has now been completed and I have today placed in the Library of the House a paper containing detailed information on past withdrawals of nuclear material from safeguards. The paper includes tabulated data which show advance notifications of such withdrawals made pursuant to the UK/Euratom/IAEA safeguards agreement, broken down by year, material type and quantity, along with information on the reason for withdrawal. This information represents the outcome of the study of data on withdrawals from safeguards prior to announcement of the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). Information is also included on withdrawals which have taken place since the SDR announcement in July 1998 and shows that such withdrawals have comprised only small quantities of material for use in instrument calibration or radiation detectors or as analytical tracers or radiological shielding. Information on future withdrawals will be made available on an annual basis.

  Miners Compensation
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 13 July 2000,Official Report, column 617W, on miners' compensation, for what reasons Mr. Felix Graham, of Blackburn, West Lothian, (Healthcall Ref. 148674) has not received compensation for work-related illness. [132983]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Mr. Graham attended a spirometry testing appointment in October. Unfortunately he was unable to complete the lung tests and he had used his bronchodialtor less than four hours prior to his appointment. Under the Handling Agreement, signed by the claimants' solicitors, the Department was not, therefore, able to make Mr. Graham an expedited offer.

  Mr. Graham subsequently elected to proceed through the full Medical Assessment Process and his completed claims questionnaires and mandates, allowing access to medical records, have been forwarded to Healthcall, the

  1095W
  company contracted to carry out the medical assessments. Once Mr. Graham's medical records have been collected he will be invited to make an appointment.

  In the meantime, Mr. Graham has received an interim payment.

  National Weights and Measures Laboratory
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now make a statement about his plans for the National Weights and Measures Laboratory. [133933]

  Dr. Howells
  Further to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) on 28 June 2000,Official Report, column 518W about the review of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory, Ministers have now considered the reviewer's report. The reviewer has recommended that the policy part of NWML should be taken back into the Department organisationally and that the operational part should be contractorised by merger with the National Physical Laboratory, which is already contractorised. However, he accepted the view of the Review Steering Board that this option should not be pursued until a business plan for the merger could be prepared and until Ministers had assessed its value for money and feasibility. Ministers recognise that the recommended course of action has disadvantages as well as advantages. Nothing will be decided until further studies are complete. The reviewer's report will be published shortly. A copy will be placed in the Library of the House and on the Department's internet website.

  Bridge Tolls
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact on competitiveness for new and current businesses which may be affected by the application of VAT on bridge tolls with particular regard to the Tamar Bridge; and what representations he has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer about this matter. [133094]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Tamar Bridge is owned and operated jointly by Plymouth City Council and Cornwall County Council. It would be for them, in the first instance, to make such an assessment in setting toll charges. This Department has supported the Government's vigorous defence of its policy of not levying VAT on toll charges, in the proceedings before the European Court of Justice.

  Venture Capital Companies
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to increase the level of investment of pension funds in venture capital companies; and if he will make a statement. [133241]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government share the concern about the level of investment that pension funds are currently making in venture capital.

  In order to demonstrate to the investment community, including the pension funds, that good commercial returns can be made from investment in venture capital, the Government have established the UK High Technology Fund. The Government's commitment to invest £20 million into this fund has, to date, resulted in co-investment of £62 million from institutional co-investors, including
  1096W
  pension funds, that are currently otherwise not investing in venture capital. The UK High Technology Fund is still raising money from institutional investors.

  The Government have also demonstrated their concerns in this area by recently commissioning a review by Paul Myners, the Chairman of Gartmore Investment Managers, into any possible underlying structural factors which may deter institutional investment.

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of bills were paid on time by Government Departments and their Agencies during the financial year 1999–2000. [133786]

  Ms Hewitt
  I am pleased to announce that there has been a further improvement in the payment performance of central Government as a whole. The overall payment performance shows that 97.8 per cent. of suppliers' bills were paid on time and Departments are making good progress towards meeting the 100 per cent. target set for this financial year.

  There is no room for complacency. It is particularly important that the public sector sets an example to business and is seen to pay its bills on time. I am disappointed to see that a number of Departments and Agencies failed to meet this year's target of 100 per cent. I have taken steps to remind all Departments and Agencies of the importance of paying suppliers' bills on time and meeting the target.

  I am particularly disappointed at my own Department's failure to meet the target. It is unacceptable that the Department which has overall responsibility for the Government's policy on prompt payment should itself fail to meet the target. My officials are introducing new measures designed to ensure that the DTI meets the target as soon as possible next year.

  The Government are committed to improving the UK's payment culture. Late payment is a serious problem, particularly for small businesses. Not knowing when customers' bills will be paid means uncertain cashflow, increased borrowings, higher costs and reduced profits.

  Government Departments and their Agencies are required to monitor their payment performance and to publish the results in their departmental or annual reports. The following table lists, by Department, the proportion of bills paid within 30 days, or other agreed credit period, of receipt of a valid invoice for the financial year 1999–2000.

  Government Departments Payment Performance 1999–2000

  Main Departments

  Paid on time (Percentage)

  National Weights and Measures Laboratory1

  100.00

  National Investment and Loans Office

  100.00

  Privy Council Office

  100.00

  Radiocommunications Agency1

  99.98

  Registry of Friendly Societies

  99.90

  Ministry of Defence

  99.77

  Department for Culture. Media and Sport

  99.59

  Land Registry

  99.26

  Patent Office1

  99.13

  Office of Water Services

  99.07

  Public Records Office

  99.06

  Ordnance Survey

  98.90

  1097W

  Government Departments Payment Performance 1999–2000

  Main Departments

  Paid on time (Percentage)

  Government Actuary's Department

  98.84

  Export Credit Guarantee Department

  98.60

  Insolvency Service1

  98.56

  HM Treasury

  98.51

  Office for National Statistics

  98.51

  Office of Fair Trading

  98.49

  Office for Standards in Education

  98.40

  Office of the Rail Regulator

  98.20

  HM Customs and Excise

  98.06

  Inland Revenue

  97.98

  NI Department. Health Estates

  97.95

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  97.90

  Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce

  97.81

  Office of Telecommunications

  97.68

  Health and Safety Executive

  97.58

  Northern Ireland Office

  97.56

  Crown Prosecution Service

  97.50

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  97.42

  Charitable Commission

  97.39

  Department for Education and Employment

  97.31

  Forestry Commission

  97.30

  NI Department of Education

  97.28

  Government Communications HQ

  97.14

  PFO (GCHQ)

  97.14

  Department for National Savings

  97.10

  Department for International Development

  96.82

  Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for

  Administration and Health Service Commissioners

  96.48

  Home Office

  96.34

  NI Court Service

  96.32

  Cabinet Office (OPS)

  96.24

  Department of Health

  95.28

  Department of Social Security

  95.14

  Shadow Strategic Rail Authority

  94.78

  Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

  94.70

  Serious Fraud Office

  94.49

  Royal Parks Agency2

  94.00

  NI Department. Environment inc. agencies

  93.05

  Treasury Solicitors Department

  93.05

  Department of Trade and Industry

  93.00

  Employment Tribunal Service1

  93.00

  NI Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

  92.83

  Companies House1

  92.34

  Royal Mint

  91.00

  NI Department of Finance and Personnel

  90.22

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  89.51

  Overall total

  97.89

  1 Agencies of the Department of Trade and Industry

  2 Agency in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport

  Competitive Mail Delivery
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what financial interests the Royal Mail holds in mail or parcel services in member states of the European Union; how much was received in respect of such interests in the last financial year; and if it counted toward any payment from the Royal Mail to the Chancellor of the Exchequer; [132666]

  (2) what the status, income, and competitive position is of majority-owned subsidiaries of Royal Mail in member states of the European Union. [132667]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Royal Mail holds no subsidiaries or financial interests in mail or parcel services in member states (outside of the UK). However the Post Office interests are as follows.
  1098W

  Percentage

  Company

  Member state

  Status (share holding)

  CityMail Sweden AB

  Sweden

  167

  Citipost

  US based but with offices in Europe including France and Germany

  2100

  Crie Group

  France

  2100

  Der Kurier

  Germany

  2100

  Extand S.A.

  France

  2100

  German Parcel

  Germany

  2100

  General Parcel Austria

  Austria

  2100

  Nederlandse Paket Dienst

  The Netherlands

  2100

  Pakke-Trans

  Denmark

  2100

  Williames

  Ireland

  2100

  1 Majority ownership.

  2 Fully owned.

  The contributions of overseas interests to profits is reported in the Report and Accounts.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answers of 13 June 2000,Official Report, columns 595–96W, and 10 July 2000, Official Report, columns 372–73W, concerning successive reductions in the lower limit authorising competitive mail delivery, what treaty article was used as the basis for Directive 96/97; when he expects to receive the advice of the Postal Services Commission concerning the further reduction to the limit; if he will list its members and who appointed them; what monopoly limits were in force in the United Kingdom for such Crown monopolies prior to and immediately after accession to the European Community for letters and packets; and when they were reduced or eliminated. [132664]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  As stated in the answer of 13 June 2000,Official Report, columns 595–96W, Directive 96/97 was made under Articles 57(2), 66 and 100a of the Treaty establishing the European Community (now Articles 47(2), 55 and 95 in the consolidated version of the EU Treaty and the EC Treaty made by the Treaty of Amsterdam).

  The advice of the Postal Services Commission concerning the minimum reserved area necessary to maintain the universal service is expected to be available during the first half of 2001.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for South Ribble (Mr. Borrow) on 4 June 2000, Official Report, columns 186–87W, which gave details of the appointment of members and chairman of the advisory Postal Services Commission which took up its functions under the Postal Services Regulations (S.I.1999/2107). They were appointed by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

  The UK joined the European Communities on 1 January 1973. The postal privilege of the Post Office before and after entry to the European Community was as defined in the Post Office Act 1969 where it was limited to the conveyance of letters (regardless of weight or price). The Postal Privilege (Suspension) Order (S.I.1981/1483) suspended the postal privilege in relation to the conveyance of a letter which is conveyed in consideration of a payment of not less than £1. The Order came into operation on 7 November 1981. It followed the introduction of the British Telecommunications Act 1981. The Postal Services Regulations (S.I.1999/2107) which

  1099W
  also introduced the 350 gram element came into effect on 1 September 1999 but the pricing structure meant that this did not make any material change.

  Employment Legislation
  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what plans his Department has to allow employers more time to respond to consultations on employment legislation; [133083]

  (2) what plans his Department has to ensure that improved guidance is issued with all new employment regulations; [133084]

  (3) what plans his Department has to allow employers longer lead times to put new employment regulations into effect; [133085]

  (4) if he will meet the Employers' Forum on Statute and Practice to discuss their concerns on (a) consultation on and (b) implementation of recent employment legislation. [133087]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  We fully recognise the need to allow adequate time for responses in public consultations and for adequate periods of notice for employers and others affected by new legislation to adapt to its requirements. For consultation periods, we aim to comply with Cabinet Office guidelines, which currently prescribe eight weeks as a general minimum, and will take account of any revised guidance in this area resulting from the current consultation on a new code of practice. So far as implementation periods are concerned, we aim where possible to give at least three months' notice of entry into force, in line with the Government's response to the Better Regulation Task Force's report "Helping Small Firms Cope with Regulation—Exemptions and Other Approaches".

  We recognise the need for employers, unions and workers to have access to the information they need to understand their rights and obligations under new legislation, and the necessity of ensuring that relevant and accessible information and advice is available. It is part of the remit of the Small Business Service to work across Government to improve the quality of information and advice on regulation in order to meet better the needs of small businesses in particular.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is well aware of the Employer's Forum on Statute and Practice's concerns, having corresponded with them and having received a report of their meeting with his officials, and does not consider a further meeting would be useful at this time.

  Electricity
  Mr. Prior
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with electricity generators to monitor the need for additional generating capacity; and what licence is required by generators to site power stations. [133626]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of that letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Gas Supplies
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what compensation is available, and from 1100W
  which company, to those residents of Lambourn, Hungerford, and the surrounding areas whose gas supplies were cut off in late March and the first week of April this year. [133441]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Under the Network Code, if the major public gas transporter, Transco, is responsible for an interruption of gas supply to domestic gas consumers, it compensates domestic households at a standard rate of £20 per day if the interruption exceeds 24 hours. If, as in this case, the gas supply is interrupted because of damage to the gas main caused by a third party, Transco declares force majeure, which means it is under no obligation to pay compensation. If the third party refuses to accept liability, consumers are obliged to wait until any legal dispute between Transco and that company has been resolved. It is for the company concerned to consider whether, while liability is being established, it should itself make an ex gratia, interim payment to residents. Where residents have suffered loss or damage as a result of an interruption to supply, it is also open to them to seek payment from their own insurers.

  Oil Pollution Incidents
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the oil pollution incidents above 0.01 tonnes in the Irish Sea from 4 December 1999 to the present, stating the date, the size of the incident, the name of the company that reported the incident and the name of the company which was responsible for the spill. [133432]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The information relating to oil spill incidents in the Irish Sea Basin, reported to the Department of Trade and Industry, from 4 December 1999 to the present date is as follows:

  Date

  Reported by:

  Amount (tonnes)

  13 January 2000

  British Gas Hydrocarbon Resources Ltd.

  0.0155

  25 July 2000

  British Gas Hydrocarbon Resources Ltd.

  0.0157

  DTI only receives reports for oil spills from or attributed to offshore installations.

  Renewable Energy
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his Department's total budget is for support for renewable energy technologies and low carbon technologies for the years 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03 and 2003–04. [133480]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The budget for new and renewable energy R&D for the current financial year is £14 million. The outcome of the Government's Spending Review announced on 18 July set new spending totals for all Departments for 2001–04. The DTI settlement specifically made available nearly £40 million from the Climate Change Levy fund over the three years 2001–04 for a number of demonstration projects for technologies with potential in the longer term, such as offshore wind and energy crops. Detailed allocations of the rest of the Department's budgets for 2001–02 to 2003–04 have yet to be made.

  Separately, the Department covers within its Departmental Expenditure Limits expenditure incurred by Regional Electricity Companies (RECs) for renewable

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  electricity generated under Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) contracts, in which the Department has no locus. The RECs are compensated for this expenditure by receipts under the Fossil Fuel Levy. The Department's allocations for this expenditure are:

  £ million

  2000–01

  81

  2001–02

  92

  2002–03

  117

  2003–04

  139

  Expenditure under NFFO is demand led. If expenditure turns out to be higher than these allocations there is a ring-fence arrangement in place agreed with Treasury enabling access to the Reserve, to ensure that the actual level of expenditure will be covered.

  While the Department does not provide specific funding to low carbon technologies, it supports several programmes of research, development and demonstration and assistance to business which may have the effect of encouraging the development and uptake of such technologies. For example, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has a research programme into low carbon technologies with approximate spend plans of:

  £ million

  2000–01

  3.65

  2001–02

  4.65

  2002–03

  5.25

  2003–04

  6.26

  Nuclear Inspections
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has received from the Chief Nuclear Inspector in respect of the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate inquiry into problems of inspection channel plugs in Magnox reactors. [133551]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Unusual marks were discovered in inspection channels in the reactor core of Reactor 2 at Wylfa power station in North Wales during routine maintenance. I was informed of this in the normal way following the shutdown of Reactor 1 at Wylfa, as a precautionary measure, because it has similar features to Reactor 2. I have received no reports of similar occurrences at other Magnox reactors.

  Competition Commission
  Ms Southworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes he proposes to make to the terms of service of the members of the Competition Commission. [133940]

  Mr. Byers
  I propose to make a number of changes in the terms and period of appointment of all members of the Competition Commission, including the Chairman, Deputy Chairman and President of the Appeal Tribunal. I have reviewed the terms of service following the judgment of the Scottish Court in the Starrs case. The changes are modelled closely on the principles applied by the Lord Chancellor in his recently announced changes to 1102W
  the terms of service of part-time judicial office holders in England and Wales, and reflect the particular characteristics of the Competition Commission's work.

  Details of the changes, which emphasise the value we place on the independence of members of the Competition Commission, are set out in the relevant press notice.

  Reports
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the reports submitted to his Department, by bodies that were created after May 1997 and that include significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, stating in each case the body writing the report, the date the report was submitted, how many recommendations were made, the number of those recommendations that have been implemented to date and the number of recommendations that have been rejected; and if he will make a statement. [133558]

  Mr. Byers
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799W, and to the list of information on task forces, ad hoc advisory groups and reviews which was published by the Cabinet Office on 11 January 2000. Copies of the list are available in the Libraries of the House. The detailed information concerning the numbers of recommendations made, implemented, and the number rejected, could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Staff Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Mr. Willis) of 28 February 2000,Official Report, column 100W, concerning secondments, if he will give the names, grades and job titles of the staff seconded into his Department from each organisation mentioned, stating in each case the name of the section they were seconded to and a summary of the work that they were involved with. [128240]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 29 June 2000]: I regret that the information given in my answer to the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Mr. Willis) was slightly incomplete. I am pleased now to be able to provide a more detailed response.

  In my Department, secondments and attachments are part of the Interchange Initiative which promotes the exchange of people and good practice between the Civil Service and other organisations. Before an Interchange can occur all parties must be satisfied that no conflict of interest arises.

  All sectors of the economy are involved: Voluntary, Education, Health, Public and Private. Interchange is a key component of the reform agenda. The Modernising Government White Paper committed us to increasing interchange, in particular by bringing in more people on secondment and sending more of our people out.
  1103W
  Secondees from the following organisations have worked in my Department since May 1992:

  from Trench Farrow & Partners as Project Director to British Library from 3 July 1995 to 31 December 1998;

  From Forte plc (changed to Roy Tutty Associates in August 1997) to assist Tourism Division from February 1995 to October 1998;

  from the British Phonographic Industry to assist the Media Division from 1 April 1998 to date.

  from Gardner Merchant to assist Tourism Division from January 1999 to January 2000.

  from the Mechanical Copyright Protection Society to assist the Media Division from 1 March 1999 to date.

  from Manchester City Council to assist the Sports and Recreation Division from 11 January 2000 to date.

  from the Youth Sports Trust to assist the Sport and Recreation Division since 7 February 2000 to date.

  Pistol Shooting Competitions
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the arrangements for British competitive shooters to participate in pistol shooting competitions in the UK as part of the Commonwealth Games; and what arrangements apply to foreign shooters travelling to the UK to represent their country at such events. [128591]

  Kate Hoey
  Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games will be the largest multi-sporting event held in this country since the 1948 Olympics, and shooting is a Commonwealth Games Federation approved sport within the competition schedule. The Home Office is currently discussing the detailed arrangements for the Games with the governing bodies of shooting—the National Rifle Association and the National Small-Bore Rifle Association. I very much hope that British Shooters will take part in pistol shooting sports on the same basis as those from the other countries.

  Junior Sport
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if he will make a statement on the number of children playing(a) cricket and (b) rugby league in schools; [128831]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the number of children playing tennis in schools. [128833]

  Kate Hoey
  A survey of young people in sport, commissioned by Sport England in 1999, shows that participation in tennis and cricket in schools has increased since 1994 (from 16 to 18 per cent. and 13 to 16 per cent. of children participating 10 times or more in the last year, respectively), while participation in rugby remains unchanged (12 per cent. of children participating 10 times or more in the last year).

  My Department does not have statistics on the number of children playing tennis and rugby league in schools, but English and Wales Cricket Board figures suggest that more than 2.1 million children play cricket in schools.

  New Millennium Experience Company
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will publish the latest cash flow projections for the New Millennium Experience Company; and if he will make a statement. [129281]
  1104W
  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 6 July 2000]: We have contacted the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) to request the information, and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is available, placing copies of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what guarantees the Government have offered to financial institutions financing the New Millennium Experience Company. [133470]

  Janet Anderson
  No financial institution is financing the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC). No guarantee has therefore been made.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many visitors a month are needed to the Dome for the New Millennium Experience Company to break even for the last five months of the year. [133466]

  Janet Anderson
  The New Millennium Experience Company's (NMEC) revised budget is based on six million paying visitors. The Dome has received over 3.5 million visitors to date is now entering what is anticipated to be its busiest period of the year.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which financial institution is providing the overdraft and working capital needed by the New Millennium Experience Company. [133471]

  Janet Anderson
  No financial institution is providing an overdraft or working capital to the New Millennium Experience Company.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) who will have responsibility for paying for losses at the New Millennium Experience Company once the most recent allocation of lottery money has been spent; [133782]

  (2) what proportion of the sale proceeds of the Dome accruing to the New Millennium Experience Company will be returned to the Government as shareholder; [133783]

  (3) what arrangements have been made to pay proceeds from the sale of the Dome from the New Millennium Experience Company to the Government as shareholder; [133784]

  (4) what proportion of the sale proceeds from the Dome will be allocated to English Partnerships; [133805]

  (5) when it is planned to wind up the New Millennium Experience Company. [133859]

  Janet Anderson
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before the summer recess. I shall therefore write to the right hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the maximum additional revenues which will be required by the Millennium Commission in order to meet its liabilities in respect of the Dome. [131373]
  1105W
  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: We have contacted the Millennium Commission to request the information required, and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is available, placing copies of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the £41.8 million operations and running costs of the Dome incurred in the nine months to 31 December 1999. [133138]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: We have contacted the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) to request the information required, and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is available, placing copies of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the(a) content editors and (b) godparents of each zone of the Millennium Dome; if he will list the members of the Creative Review Group and the dates on which the group met; and for what reasons each was selected. [133438]

  Janet Anderson
  The four Content Editors employed by the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) were Martin Newman, Tania Watson, Tim Gardom and Ben Evans. In each case these were individuals who were recommended to NMEC by leading design companies, Board members and other advisers to NMEC.

  On 21 October 1998, NMEC announced the expert advisers, "Godparents" who worked with NMEC and its zone designers and sponsors on the exhibit zones at that time. All of them are experts in their fields with experience of communicating ideas in medicine and science, entertainment, the arts, and the environment to wide audiences.

  The Godparents were
  the Lord Puttnam of Queensgate (Work and Learn); Floella Benjamin (Shared Ground); Sir Neil Cossons (Journey); Professor Richard Gregory CBE (Mind); Sir Michael Peckham and Professor Catherine Peckham (Body); The Hon Sara Morrison (Living Island); Professor Christopher Frayling (Faith); John Sorrell CBE (Self Portrait); Michael Jolly (Play); Simon Jenkins (Talk).

  Each "Godparent" held regular meetings and reviews with the design teams working on the zones.

  On 16 February 1998 NMEC announced the membership of its Creative Review Group, better known as "The Litmus Group". Each member had experience and expertise in a particular field of entertainment, art and design, visitor attractions, broadcasting and education.

  Members met regularly to advise NMEC on the coherence, quality, entertainment and educational potential of design proposals.

  The members were: Michael Grade CBE (Chairman); Ruth Mackenzie OBE; Floella Benjamin; Sir Neil Cossons; Mike Davies; Professor Christopher Frayling; Simon Jenkins; Michael Jolly; Lord Puttnam; Lord Rogers; and John Sorrell.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he will announce the terms of disposal of the Dome. [133469]
  1106W
  Janet Anderson
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and the Regions gave my hon. Friends the Members for Gillingham (Mr. Clark) and for North-West Leicestershire (Mr. Taylor) on 27 July 2000,Official Report, columns 787–88W.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what liabilities have to be discharged from the proceeds of the sale of the Dome. [133468]

  Janet Anderson
  The liabilities to be discharged from the proceeds of the sale of the Dome are the costs of the Competition itself and 7.5 per cent. of the sales proceeds, which is due to British Gas.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the most recent estimate of cost of running the Dome until the end of 2000. [133467]

  Janet Anderson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) has a lifetime budget of £758 million for the Dome at Greenwich and its associated national programme of events and activities. NMEC is confident that it will remain within that budget.

  Nolan Rules
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list each group that is responsible to his Department with significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, and to which the Nolan rules on non-departmental public bodies do not apply; and for each such group, if it(a) is a private company, (b) is a charity, (c) has no formal legal basis and (d) has some other legal basis, giving details. [131180]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, to my hon. Friends the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Murphy) and the Member for Cannock Chase (Mr. Wright) on 27 July 2000, Official Report, column 799W, concerning the publication of a report on Government task forces, reviews and ad hoc advisory groups.

  None of the DCMS-related reviews or bodies included in the report has any formal legal basis.

  Advisory Bodies
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 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. [131458]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office to my hon. Friend and to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Murphy) on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799W concerning the publication of a report on Government task forces, reviews and ad hoc advisory groups.

  Sports Council Grants
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the grants made
  1107W
  by the United Kingdom Sports Council since 1997 for the purpose of attracting major events to the UK; and if he will give the amounts of grant given, the major event and the governing body in each case. [131956]

  Kate Hoey
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before the summer recess. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Tax Redistribution (Football Clubs)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will introduce a tax redistribution arrangement based on turnover for professional football clubs. [130127]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 20 July 2000]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  Football World Cup
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will publish the letter sent by the Minister for Sport to the Football Association about the cost of the World Cup bid. [132390]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: 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. He outlined the FA's plans in his reply to that letter. I have placed a copy of my letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Football Regulator
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with(a) the Football Association, (b) the Premier League and (c) the Football League about the establishment of a regulator for football. [132388]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had a number of meetings since December 1999 with the Football Association, the Premier League, the Football League, representatives of football supporters' organisations and others to discuss the Government's response to the final report of the Football Task Force, which includes proposals for a regulatory body for football.

  I have met once with the football authorities and twice with representatives of football supporters' associations.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 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. [131438]
  1108W
  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: My Department currently has a total of 30 of unfilled permanent vacancies, this equates to 7.5 per cent. of total staff. These posts have been advertised around Whitehall and to date 10 successors have been identified to fill the posts. The table shows the numbers of vacant posts by grade and monthly costs.

  £

  Grade

  Posts vacant

  Average monthly salary costs per member of staff

  A

  2

  3,846

  B

  15

  2,555

  C

  5

  1,897

  D(U)

  6

  1,565

  D

  2

  1,264

  Since July 1999 my Department has employed an average of 16 agency staff each month at administrative and secretarial level, this equates to 4 per cent. of total staff. The monthly costs are as follows:

  Date

  £

  1999:

  July

  67,573

  August

  56,171

  September

  43,712

  October

  51,143

  November

  34,128

  December

  30,514

  2000:

  January

  31,486

  February

  27,059

  March

  35,479

  April

  29,980

  May

  28,744

  June

  23,774

  The number of agency staff employed fluctuate according to demand. The hourly rate for agency staff costs are due to increase by an average of 72p per hour for 2001.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many press officers were employed in his Department in(a) May 1997, (b) January 1998, (c) January 1999 and (d) January 2000; and what the total expenditure on press officers by his Department was in each of the years concerned. [132763]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before the summer recess. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many press releases were issued in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) this year to date; and what the total cost of the production and issuing of these press releases was in each year. [132750]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  DCMS press releases are distributed directly from the DCMS Press Office and via the Central Office of Information (COI).
  1109W
  Expenditure on distributing press releases includes postal, fax, packing, copying and stationery costs. Until the current financial year (2000–01) DCMS, in common with other Government Departments, also contributed an annual fixed charge (unrelated to the number of press releases issued) towards the upkeep of the Central Office of Information's electronic New Distribution System (NDS).

  The costs are as follows:
  In the calendar year 1997 the Department issued 349 press releases. Total expenditure on press release distribution was £37,540.13, including the Department's contribution towards NDS of £23,279.00.
  In the calendar year 1998 the Department issued 319 press releases. Total expenditure on press release distribution was £29,306.41, including the Department's contribution towards NDS of £16,074.29.
  In the calendar year 1999 the Department issued 315 press releases. Total expenditure on press release distribution was £31,851.92, including the Department's contribution towards NDS of £15,862.52.
  In the calendar year 2000 the Department has so far issued 195 press releases. Total expenditure on press release distribution so far is £15,103.21, including the Department's contribution towards NDS covering January to March 2000 of £3,965.63.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list for (i) museums and galleries, (ii) libraries, (iii) the arts, (iv) sport, (v) historic buildings, monuments, and sites, (vi) royal parks, (vii) tourism, (viii) broadcasting, and (ix) his whole Department, the budgets for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c)1999–2000, stating for each year, by category, the funds budgeted for but not spent, and where those funds went. [132038]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 26 July 2000]: I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before the summer recess. I shall therefore write to the right hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much of the increase in his departmental expenditure on the arts and culture in the next three years arising from the comprehensive spending review will be on activities in(a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland. [133121]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The Spending Review 2000 settlement will enable the Department to provide the highest-ever levels of public support for sport and the arts, as well as a financial boost for the Department's other sectors. The key funding priorities will be nurturing talent, supporting excellence and creating opportunities for more people than ever before—especially children—to enjoy and participate in culture and sport. The arts and many other cultural activities are devolved topics and so the Department does not generally fund activities in those areas within the Devolved Administrations. Where money is allocated to UK-wide bodies, three-year funding agreements between the Department and each body will help ensure that the interests of all parts of the UK are taken into account in the use of resources.

  Extra-curricular Sports
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will support the recruitment of volunteers to assist in extra-curricular sporting activity among young people. [132898]

  Kate Hoey
  I am keenly aware of the importance of volunteering in sport. As part of the implementation of our sport strategy, "A Sporting Future for All", we are looking at ways of encouraging people to volunteer and of rewarding their commitment to sport.

  Duty Roster
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will publish the daily Ministerial Duty Roster for his Department during the summer adjournment. [133058]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: It is not normal practice of Government to publish a daily Ministerial Duty Roster. This Department will ensure that it has sufficient cover through the summer recess in line with the requirements of the Ministerial Code.

  ITN
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to review the ownership rules of ITV's news provider, ITN. [132870]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The Government will publish a White Paper later this year, which will set out our proposals for reform of broadcasting and telecommunications regulation. We invited ideas for issues to be addressed in the White Paper and we are presently reviewing the responses. Proposals to review the regulation of media ownership will be considered in that context.

  Digital Television
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the subtitled output as a percentage of total only, for(a) digital satellite and (b) digital cable channels (i) currently and (ii) for each of the last three years. [133291]

  Janet Anderson
  There are no statutory requirements on digital satellite or digital cable broadcasters to provide subtitling on their services and to report on the levels of subtitling they make available. We are, however, continuing to encourage cable and satellite broadcasters to increase the provision of subtitling, sign language and audio description on their services. We are about to publish a consultation paper as part of a review of the statutory targets for subtitling, sign language and audio description provision on digital terrestrial television. This paper includes an invitation to comment on wider issues of concern about the provision and reception of these services, including provision on cable and satellite. The results of the consultation will be published and will also form part of our consideration of the future regulation of broadcasting in the forthcoming White Paper on communications.

  Television Licences
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many over 75s in The Wrekin will qualify for free television licences from November. [133198]

  Janet Anderson
  Everyone aged 75 or over will be entitled to benefit from a free television licence from 1 November this year, but television licences cover households rather than individuals. Exact figures on the number of households which will benefit from the concession are not available. However, the 1991 Census New Parliamentary Constituency Monitor, published by the Office for National Statistics, shows the population of The Wrekin constituency as 76,207, of which 2.3 per cent. were men aged 75 and over and 4.0 per cent. were women aged 75 and over.

  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people aged over 75 in(a) Worcester and (b) Mid-Worcestershire will qualify for free television licences from November. [133769]

  Janet Anderson
  Everyone aged 75 or over will be entitled to benefit from a free television licence from 1 November this year, but television licences cover households rather than individuals. Exact figures on the number of households which will benefit from the concession are not available. However, the 1991 Census New Parliamentary Constituency Monitor, published by the Office for National Statistics, shows the population of the Worcester constituency as 81,755, of which 2.3 per cent. were men aged 75 and over and 4.2 per cent. were women aged 75 and over. The population of the Mid-Worcestershire constituency was 81,652, of which 2.4 per cent. were men aged 75 and over and 4.4 per cent. were women aged 75 and over.

  Communication White Paper
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he will publish the Communication White Paper. [133554]

  Janet Anderson
  As indicated in the answers my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry gave on 21 July 2000,Official Report, columns 342–43W and 360W, we propose to publish the Communications White Paper later this year.

  Electronic Communications Act 2000
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what orders he(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [133377]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him today by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office.

  Spoliation Panel
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will place a copy of the Rules of Procedure of the Spoliation Panel in the Library. [133227]
  1112W
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I have placed a copy of the Rules of Procedure for the Spoliation Advisory Panel in the Library today.

  Liverpool Royal Philharmonic Society
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the application of Liverpool Royal Philharmonic Society for stabilisation funding. [133369]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  This is a matter for the Arts Council of England as the Lottery distributor for the arts. I understand, however, that ACE has approved an award of £5.4 million to place the RLPS on a sound financial and artistic footing for the foreseeable future.

  Rugby League
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the full cost to public funds of the UK staging the Lincoln Rugby League World Cup during the autumn. [133629]

  Kate Hoey
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before the summer recess. I shall therefore write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Piers
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what powers he has to take action against local authorities which lease seaside piers for inappropriate commercial uses. [133695]

  Janet Anderson
  I do not have powers to intervene where local authorities lease seaside piers to others.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to ensure that seaside piers are protected from inappropriate commercial development. [133696]

  Janet Anderson
  Some historic seaside piers have been protected by listed building legislation. Otherwise the development of seaside piers is largely a matter for the owners subject, of course, to the requirements of the law.

  Reports
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the reports submitted to his Department, by bodies that were created after May 1997 and that include significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, stating in each case the body writing the report, the date the report was submitted, how many recommendations were made, the number of those recommendations that have been implemented to date and the number of recommendations that have been rejected; and if he will make a statement. [133569]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The bodies set up since May 1997 which have reported, and the dates they reported, are as follows.
  1113W

  Body writing the report

  Date report was submitted

  Advisory Group to consider and recommend on appropriate new statue or work of art for the vacant plinth in Trafalgar Square

  June 2000

  Library and Information Commission Education Task Group

  April 2000

  Tourism Consumer Group

  March 2000

  Efficiency and Effectiveness Review of Government sponsorship of Museums and Galleries

  September 1999

  Neighbourhood Renewal Policy Action Team 10: Arts and Sport

  July 1999

  Review of the Future Funding of the BBC

  July 1999

  Steering Group on the Roles of the Proposed Architecture Commission

  June 1999

  Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Design Group

  June 1999

  Creative Industries Task Force

  November 1998

  November 1999

  February 2000 (2)

  April 2000 (2)

  May 2000

  Library and information Commission Public Library Network Implementation Committee

  October 1998

  Working Party on Legal Deposit

  June 1998

  Eyre Review on the future of Lyric Theatre in London

  June 1998

  Review of the Impact of the Millennium Experience

  June 1998

  Film Policy Review

  April 1998

  Advisory Group on Listed Sporting Events

  March 1998

  Stevenson Review of legal options for future use of the Millennium Dome

  December 1997

  I shall write to the hon. Member with the additional information he requires.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the PFI contracts entered into by Agencies, non-departmental public bodies and other organisations funded by his Department, indicating(a) their date of commencement, (b) their value, (c) if they have been subject to claw-back entitlement to share in savings arising from refinancing. [133424]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  My Department has not itself entered into any PFI contracts. I informed my right hon. Friend of the PFI contract within our Executive Agency, The Royal Parks Agency, on 17 July. I will write to my right hon. Friend, with details of PH projects within my non-departmental bodies, as soon as they are available, placing copies of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Football Taskforce
  Mr. Maxton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he intends to announce the Government's response to the report of the Football Task Force, entitled Football: Commercial Issues. [133863]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I am finalising the terms of the Government's response to the Football Task Force, and I shall make a full announcement shortly. The announcement will include details of the establishment 1114W
  of the Independent Football Commission. I shall place copies of all documents published in respect of the announcement in the Library of the House.

  National Lottery
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action he intends to take to reduce the costs to organisations of making National Lottery funding applications. [133864]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have directed the independent Quality Efficiency and Standards Team (QUEST) to look at the costs of making applications for Lottery grants and consider how these costs could be contained without compromising the demands of proper accountability in decisions about how to spend public money. QUEST will publish Phase I of its report, which focuses on applications for grants of up to £100,000, early next month. Copies of the report will be available in the Library of the House.

  English Sports Council
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he intends to undertake a review of the English Sports Council. [133865]
  1115W
  Mr. Chris Smith
  As part of my Department's programme of quinquennial reviews of its public bodies, I have today announced the start of our Review of the English Sports Council.

  The English Sports Council (ESC) is responsible for developing and maintaining the infrastructure of sport in England, for distributing National Lottery funds for sport in England and for five National Sports Centres. The Review of the ESC will include an evaluation of its role and functions and how those functions can best be carried out, and a review of the efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness of the way in which the ESC delivers services to its users. We aim to complete the Review before the end of the financial year. Copies of the Terms of Reference have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Listed Buildings
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what powers he has to take action against local authorities which fail to carry out their responsibilities for listed buildings in their ownership. [133694]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I will write to my hon. Friend with the information requested and will place a copy of my letter in the Libraries of the House.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Farm Subsidies
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage contribution farming made to the English gross domestic product(a) before and (b) after deduction for subsidies in each of the last three years. [133232]

  Ms Quin
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Agriculture's share of total gross domestic product (England)

  Percentage

  Including subsidies

  Excluding subsidies

  1997

  1.1

  0.8

  19981

  0.9

  0.7

  19991

  0.9

  0.6

  1 provisional

  Source:

  Aggregate Agricultural Account

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many headage payments have been made for sheep in each of the last five years; and what percentage of the sheep were not marketed. [133230]

  Ms Quin
  The table shows the number of sheep in England on which headage payments were made in the last five years. Most of the sheep on which the Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance was paid would also have had Sheep Annual Premium paid on them.
  1116W
  Both these payments are made in respect of breeding ewes rather than on lambs. Most will therefore be kept for a number of years and we have no information on whether or not they might have been marketed in the year of claim for payment.

  Million

  Sheep Annual Premium

  Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance (Sheep)

  1995

  8.5

  3.3

  1996

  8.3

  3.3

  1997

  8.2

  3.3

  1998

  8.3

  3.4

  1999

  8.3

  3.5

  Sugar Prices
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the UK sugar support prices were, expressed as intervention price plus storage cost levy, in(a) nominal and (b) real terms for each year since 1980. [132526]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: The information requested is contained in the following table:

  Year

  Ecu/euro

  Nominal terms

  Real terms, at 1980 prices

  1980

  474

  293

  293

  1981

  517

  320

  286

  1982

  569

  352

  290

  1983

  589

  365

  287

  1984

  589

  365

  273

  1985

  596

  382

  270

  1986

  594

  401

  274

  1987

  594

  429

  281

  1988

  589

  439

  275

  1989

  584

  457

  265

  1990

  567

  482

  255

  1991

  567

  512

  256

  1992

  567

  527

  254

  1993

  570

  649

  309

  1994

  565

  639

  296

  1995

  683

  578

  259

  1996

  672

  564

  247

  1997

  667

  486

  206

  1998

  667

  459

  188

  1999

  667

  439

  177

  Note:

  UK effective support price for sugar = UK intervention price plus storage levy. Prices per tonne as at 1 July each year, expressed in ecu/euros in column 1 and in £ in columns 2 and 3.

  Dairy Quotas
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with his European counterparts about establishing a legal cross-border market for dairy quotas. [131818]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 21 July 2000]: We have considered in the past the establishment of a legal cross-border market for milk quotas with the Commission and our European partners. There is no real support for this. Some member states regard the retention of quota in certain less favoured areas as a vital means of maintaining rural employment and are therefore reluctant to support

  1117W
  such a move. Others are not prepared to contemplate the transfer of national assets to producers in another member state. The Commission has no enthusiasm for this either.

  Farm Incomes
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the average net income was in real terms for farmers in each year since 1994. [131645]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The information requested is given in the table.

  Average net farm income—England, full-time farms (in real terms at 1999 prices)

  £/farm

  Year

  Net farm income

  1994–95

  33,200

  1995–96

  43,400

  1996–97

  32,500

  1997–98

  14,000

  1998–99

  9,700

  1999–20001

  8,500

  1 Provisional

  Source:

  Farm Business Survey

  Farming Profits
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the average level of profits made by(a) dairy farmers, (b) hill farmers and (c) beef farmers in each of the last five years. [132273]

  Ms Quin
  The average level of net farm income on dairy farms, cattle and sheep farms in the LFA (Less Favoured Areas) and lowland cattle and sheep farms over the last five years, were as follows:

  Net farm income by type of farm in the United Kingdom

  £ per full-time farm

  March-February

  Dairy

  LFA cattle and sheep

  Lowland cattle and sheep

  1995–96

  33,900

  14,300

  9,200

  1996–97

  28,000

  14,200

  6,800

  1997–98

  17,700

  7,300

  700

  1998–99

  10,300

  3,600

  -500

  1999–20001

  8,000

  2,500

  1,500

  1 Forecast

  Note:

  Income figures for specialist beef farms are not available

  Source:

  Farm Business Survey

  Bovine TB
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate his Department has made of the badger populations in each of the three sites in the triplet areas which form part of the MAFF bovine TB trials. [131761]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: The number and distribution of badger setts is surveyed across all three treatment areas within a triplet, but area-wide population estimates are made only in proactive culling areas. This
  1118W
  is done firstly prior to culling, to ensure sufficient traps are set; and secondly after culling, to obtain a measure of culling efficiency.

  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the cost of compensating beef farmers for consequential losses due to restrictions placed on their herds as a result of TB outbreaks. [131808]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 28 July 2000]: MAFF has commissioned an independent study of the consequential losses to cattle farms resulting from outbreaks of bovine TB. The study was presented to the TB Forum on 13 July and comments were invited. I am placing copies of the study in the Library of the House.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many mobile grade civil servants there are in his Department, including the Intervention Board(a) in total and (b) at each location. [131412]

  Mr. Morley
  The number of staff in mobile grades in my Department is as follows:

  Core-MAFF—2,908

  Pesticides Safety Directorate—139

  Veterinary Medicines Directorate—72

  Veterinary Laboratories Agency—457

  Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science—243

  Central Science Laboratory—382

  Farming and Rural Conservation Agency—5I7

  Intervention Board—530.

  The number of staff in mobile grades in each location is set out in the table.

  Staff in mobile grades by location

  Location

  Number of mobile staff

  Core-MAFF

  Alnwick

  12

  Amble

  1

  Ashford

  13

  Aston Down

  16

  Ayr

  10

  Bakewell

  2

  Barnstaple

  2

  Barton Hall

  7

  Beverley

  14

  Birmingham

  4

  Bonn

  1

  Bridlington

  1

  Bristol

  49

  Brixham

  4

  Bury St. Edmunds

  21

  Caernarfon

  8

  Cambridge

  102

  Cardiff

  12

  Carlisle

  69

  Carmarthen

  20

  Chelmsford

  20

  Chichester

  3

  Chorley

  9

  Cockermouth

  2

  Coventry

  4

  Crewe

  69

  Dorchester

  12

  Dover

  1

  Doverport

  21

  1119W

  Staff in mobile grades by location

  Location

  Number of mobile staff

  Dumfries

  4

  Durham

  5

  Edinburgh

  6

  Elgin

  2

  Exeter

  109

  Falmouth

  2

  Fleetwood

  4

  Forfar

  3

  Galashiels

  9

  Gateshead

  1

  Gloucester

  23

  Grimsby

  4

  Guildford

  240

  Hamilton

  5

  Harrogate

  7

  Hartlepool

  2

  Hastings

  3

  Hereford

  2

  Hertford

  4

  Holyhead

  1

  Hull

  2

  Inverness

  6

  Inverurie

  9

  Ipswich

  4

  Itchen Abbas

  11

  Kendal

  3

  Kildington

  2

  Kings Lynn

  6

  Kirkwall

  2

  Kirton

  8

  Launceston

  8

  Leeds

  19

  Leicester

  19

  Lewes

  3

  Lincoln

  25

  Liverpool

  3

  Llandrindodd Wells

  6

  Llanishen

  9

  Central London

  Bloomsbury

  49

  Vauxhall

  78

  Westminster

  550

  Whitehall

  359

  Total

  1,036

  Outer London

  Hayes

  1

  Heathrow

  4

  Leyton

  1

  Southall

  1

  Total

  7

  London Total

  1,043

  Looe

  1

  Lowestoft

  5

  Madrid

  1

  Maidstone

  8

  Manchester

  1

  Milford Haven

  4

  Newcastle

  14

  Newlyn

  5

  Northallerton

  73

  North Shields

  4

  Northampton

  6

  Norwich

  14

  Nottingham

  65

  Oban

  2

  Oxford

  6

  paris

  2

  Paris

  2

  1120W

  Staff in mobile grades by location

  Location

  Number of mobile staff

  Perth

  11

  Peterborough

  2

  Plymouth

  5

  Polwhele

  15

  Pontefract

  8

  Poole

  3

  Portslade

  2

  Portsmouth

  2

  Preston

  13

  Ramsgate

  1

  Reading

  68

  Reigate

  16

  Rome

  1

  Scarborough

  3

  Seahouses

  1

  Sheerness

  1

  Sheffield

  2

  Shrewsbury

  13

  Silsoe

  1

  Skipton

  2

  Southampton

  1

  St. Asaph

  4

  Stafford

  15

  Stranraer

  2

  Swansea

  4

  Taunton

  30

  Thurso

  2

  Tilbury

  2

  Trowbridge

  11

  Truro

  24

  Tunbridge Wells

  5

  Whitby

  1

  Whitehaven

  1

  Winchester

  7

  Wolverhampton

  3

  Worcester

  88

  Workington

  57

  Wrexham

  2

  Wye

  7

  York

  128

  Core MAFF Total

  2,908

  Agency

  PSD

  York

  139

  VMD

  Addlestone

  72

  CEFAS

  Lowestoft

  167

  Burnham-on-Crouch

  33

  Weymouth

  41

  Whitehaven

  2

  CEFAS Total

  243

  CSL

  York

  363

  Stroud

  7

  Winchester

  1

  Home working

  11

  CSL Total

  382

  VLA

  Aberystwyth

  3

  Bury St. Edmunds

  14

  Carmarthen

  11

  Langford

  10

  Lasswade

  17

  Luddington

  8

  Newcastle

  8

  1121W

  Staff in mobile grades by location

  Location

  Number of mobile staff

  Penrith

  7

  Preston

  8

  Shrewsbury

  11

  Starcross

  11

  Sutton Bonnington

  15

  Thirsk

  8

  Truro

  3

  Weybridge

  314

  Winchester

  9

  VLA Total

  457

  FRCA

  Aberystwyth

  33

  Bristol

  33

  Bury St. Edmunds

  9

  Cambridge

  50

  Cardiff

  7

  Carmarthen

  9

  Crewe

  27

  Exeter

  47

  Guildford

  16

  Kings Lynn

  1

  Leeds

  64

  Lincoln

  12

  London

  14

  Newcastle

  12

  Northallerton

  20

  Norwich

  6

  Nottingham

  13

  Oxford

  9

  Penrith

  13

  Preston

  4

  Reading

  17

  Ruthin

  4

  Taunton

  35

  Truro

  4

  Wolverhampton

  19

  Worcester

  28

  Wye

  11

  FRCA Total

  517

  Intervention Board

  Reading1

  462

  Newcastle

  68

  Intervention Board Total

  530

  1 Includes small outstationed teams

  Departmental Initiatives
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list each departmental initiative since May 1997 requiring bids for funding together with the total resources available, the number of successful bids and the proportion this represents of total bids received; and what data he collects on the average expenditure of organisations bidding for funding through each initiative. [131077]

  Mr. Morley
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 24 July 2000,Official Report, column 469W.

  Arable Area Payments
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to the Seventh Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration for Session 1999–2000, "Investigation into Delays in Making 1122W
  Area Payments under the Arable Area Payments Scheme", if he will make a statement about the mechanism by which farmers will be compensated as the Ombudsman recommends. [131034]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 17 July 2000.1]: MAFF will provide compensation in the form of interest to farmers who received late payment of their 1995 claims under the Arable Area Payments Scheme for the reasons highlighted in the report referred to by the hon. Member. As agreed with the Ombudsman, and in line with common practice across Government Departments, the compensation payments will be subject to a de minimis level of £50. MAFF has a full list of all the AAPS applicants that were affected, and work is in progress to calculate the compensation to which they are entitled. When that work has been completed the applicants will be notified of the amount of compensation to which they are due. There is no need for individual farmers to apply to the Ministry for payment.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give details of the information measures relating to the Common Agricultural Policy referred to on page 50 of Cm 4762; and if he will make a statement. [130832]

  Ms Quin
  The European Commission's proposals to co-finance information projects aimed at improving the understanding, development and implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy were considered at the Special Committee for Agriculture in November 1999, and adopted by the Agriculture Council on 17 April 2000 as an A point (Council Regulation (EC) No. 814/2000).

  A wide range of organisations representing farming, environmental and consumer interests are eligible to apply for funding for such measures as talks, seminars, information visits, publications and participation in international events.

  Pigmeat
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of pig products being sold in a way which misleads the consumer into believing they contain pigmeat of British origin have been identified by the verification officer in the last three years; and how many staff are employed to assist the officer in fulfilling his duties. [130752]

  Ms Quin
  Out of the number of labels examined, the verification officer has brought to the attention either of the retailer or the manufacturer concerned over 20 cases considered to be misleading. In most cases the product has been withdrawn or the label altered. Staff resources have not limited his activities as Trading Standards Officers have statutory authority to pursue individuals cases where appropriate.

  Organophosphates
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when Ministers intend to meet to discuss the availability of organophosphate sheep dips. [132451]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 25 July 20001]: A meeting took place on 25 July.
  1123W
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the most recent advice to Ministers was from the Veterinary Products Committee concerning the date on which organophosphate sheep dips should become available again. [132449]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: The Veterinary Products Committee recently offered advice which Minsters are considering. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

  Burns Report
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in respect of implementation of the Burns report and banning hunting with hounds, what estimate he has made of the cost of disposing of fallen and other stock. [129126]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 6 July 2000]: A small and limited survey, carried out by MAFF, suggested that in 1999 around 40 per cent. of calves, 32 per cent. of adult bovines and 15 per cent. of sheep were disposed of to hunt kennels. No estimate has been made of the cost to the livestock industry of using outlets other than hunt kennels to dispose of carcases. However, the safe disposal of fallen stock in an important issue and officials will continue to liaise with the livestock and disposal industries to examine the best approaches to this issue.

  Soft Drinks, Confectionery and Biscuits
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the retail price indices were for(a) soft drinks, (b) confectionery and (c) biscuits for each of the years 1980 to 1996 and for each month from May 1996 to date. [132527]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: The information requested is given in Tables 1 and 2. Separate indices are not available for biscuits.

  Table 1: Retail Price Indices1 —annual averages 1980 to 1996

  Biscuits and cakes

  Soft drinks

  Sweets and chocolates

  1980

  74.0

  79.1

  72.7

  1981

  80.9

  86.4

  78.6

  1982

  86.1

  87.6

  81.1

  1983

  90.1

  91.7

  84.8

  1984

  93.9

  93.9

  88.1

  1985

  96.1

  97.8

  92.9

  1986

  98.1

  99.2

  98.2

  1987

  101.4

  103.2

  100.2

  1988

  104.6

  114.9

  101.1

  1989

  111.5

  122.9

  104.2

  1990

  120.2

  134.9

  108.3

  1991

  129.4

  143.2

  115.6

  1992

  135.4

  154.6

  121.6

  1993

  141.0

  156.2

  127.8

  1994

  144.4

  155.2

  133.2

  1995

  145.9

  162.7

  137.0

  1996

  151.3

  173.6

  142.5

  1 January 1987 = 100

  1124W

  Table 2: Retail Price Indices1 —monthly, May 1996 to June 2000

  Biscuits and cakes

  Soft drinks

  Sweets and chocolates

  1996

  May

  151.1

  173.6

  141.9

  June

  151.7

  174.5

  143.1

  July

  153.1

  174.1

  144.8

  August

  153.0

  174.2

  144.9

  September

  151.9

  174.6

  144.8

  October

  152.4

  175.0

  145.0

  November

  151.4

  174.7

  144.3

  December

  150.6

  174.9

  144.2

  1997

  January

  150.9

  176.1

  144.5

  February

  152.9

  181.1

  144.9

  March

  151.8

  182.0

  145.4

  April

  151.7

  180.7

  146.4

  May

  151.8

  180.9

  147.6

  June

  153.4

  181.5

  148.1

  July

  153.8

  181.1

  148.3

  August

  154.0

  180.0

  148.5

  September

  153.2

  180.5

  149.2

  October

  155.4

  181.4

  149.4

  November

  153.2

  178.1

  149.3

  December

  153.4

  179.1

  149.5

  1998

  January

  152.4

  180.7

  148.8

  February

  152.0

  185.6

  148.2

  March

  152.0

  186.6

  147.7

  April

  151.7

  184.7

  148.5

  May

  153.4

  187.1

  149.9

  June

  155.8

  186.1

  151.5

  July

  155.8

  186.0

  153.2

  August

  155.9

  186.3

  153.4

  September

  154.9

  187.1

  153.9

  October

  157.0

  187.4

  154.4

  November

  157.0

  187.1

  154.2

  December

  157.2

  185.6

  154.0

  1999

  January

  156.8

  186.7

  153.9

  February

  157.4

  190.1

  154.3

  March

  157.4

  190.3

  155.1

  April

  156.4

  188.2

  153.8

  May

  156.1

  186.9

  153.1

  June

  156.8

  187.4

  155.0

  July

  158.5

  186.9

  155.2

  August

  158.5

  186.5

  155.0

  September

  157.8

  187.8

  155.4

  October

  157.1

  186.3

  156.0

  November

  156.5

  186.0

  156.3

  December

  158.4

  184.9

  156.6

  2000

  January

  158.1

  185.7

  156.1

  February

  157.7

  186.1

  155.3

  March

  157.8

  187.4

  155.6

  April

  158.3

  186.9

  155.9

  May

  157.0

  188.9

  157.5

  June

  157.2

  188.4

  158.0

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics

  Sugar Beet Production
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the contribution of sugar beet production to total farm income in each of the years from 1989 to 1999; and what was the gross margin for sugar beet in each of these years. [132524]
  1125W
  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: Sugar beet gross margins and estimates of the contribution of sugar beet production to total farm gross margin for farms in the University of Cambridge's province of the Farm Business Survey are set out in the table. Estimates for 1999 are not yet available.

  Sugar beet gross margins and the contribution of sugar beet to total farm gross margin for the eastern counties of England

  Gross margin (£/ha)

  Contribution to total farm gross margin (Percentage)

  1989

  920

  11.1

  1990

  1,116

  12.1

  1991

  1,104

  10.3

  1992

  1,436

  11.8

  1993

  1,232

  11.2

  1994

  1,153

  9.6

  1995

  1,232

  8.7

  1996

  1,187

  9.9

  1997

  1,008

  9.3

  1998

  951

  8.8

  Source:

  Report on Farming in the Eastern Counties (University of Cambridge)

  Opinion Research
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place copies of the results of all market and opinion research carried out by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997, in the Library. [123803]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: Decisions on whether to publish the results of all research projects, and whether to place a copy in the House of Commons Library, are taken on a case-by-case basis, as some reports may contain, for example, commercially confidential information. Some of the market research projects commissioned by this Ministry since May 1997 are therefore already held in the Library. Copies of the publicly available research projects may be provided on request and a summary of these will be placed in the Library.

  Agrimonetary Compensation
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the amount of agrimonetary compensation for which farmers were eligible in each year since 1979 in(a) Scotland, (b) the UK and (c) Dumfries and Galloway region, broken down by farming sector; and how much was paid. [127695]

  Ms Quin
  Agrimonetary compensation has been available since 1993. Until the introduction of the euro, it was triggered when national currency strengthened against the ECU sufficiently to outweigh the effects of previous devaluations (an appreciable revaluation). The UK first became eligible following appreciable revaluations in 1997. Compensation was also made available following the introduction of the euro on 1 January 1999, and in 2000 following exchange rate fluctuations.
  1126W
  Figures for compensation are available on a member state basis and cannot be broken down except at disproportionate cost. Compensation paid between 1997 and to the end of June 2000 in (a), (b) and (c) is set out in the tables.

  Agrimonetary compensation in the UK is available

  Compensation triggered/by sector

  Amount available (first instalment) (£ million)

  1997

  Cereals

  195.7

  Flax and hemp

  0.4

  Milk

  219.2

  Beef

  78.2

  Sugar

  21.9

  Total

  515.4

  1998

  Cereals

  89.2

  Flax and hemp

  1

  Beef

  22.8

  Sheep

  13.2

  Agri-environment

  1.9

  Total

  1128.1

  1999

  Cereals

  174.8

  Beef

  62.69

  Sheep

  32.14

  Flax and hemp

  1.6

  Agri-environment

  7.8

  Total

  279

  20002

  Beef

  54.3

  Sheep

  46.1

  Agri-environment

  9.8

  Milk

  22.1

  Cereals

  14.3

  Total

  146.6

  1 Excludes £1.9 million, cancelled following later devaluation

  2 Further compensation likely for arable in 2000

  Agrimonetary compensation paid

  £ million

  Year paid

  UK

  Scotland

  Dumfries and Galloway

  1997

  Beef

  18.3

  —

  —

  1998

  Beef

  109.4

  34.3

  6

  Sheep

  12.4

  2.9

  0.4

  1999

  Beef

  61.6

  4.5

  0.9

  Sheep

  31.2

  7.3

  1.1

  Arable

  18.2

  15.9

  0.5

  20002

  Beef

  32.4

  10.5

  1.8

  Sheep

  10.1

  2.4

  0.3

  Arable

  152.6

  3

  0.03

  1 Early payment of compensation in Wales (paid in 1998 in rest of UK)

  2 To end June 2000

  Fisheries
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many fisheries regulations have been introduced since May 1997; and at what cost to the industry. [126929]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 22 June 2000]: More than 190 Council and Commission regulations have been adopted under the Common Fisheries Policy since May 1997. Many of the regulations have been time limited and routine such as those related to the setting of annual TACs and quotas and EU agreements with third countries or have concerned supplementary measures or amendments to basic regulations dealing with matters such as technical conservation, marketing and control.

  Additionally more than 30 Statutory Instruments have been introduced primarily concerned with the enforcement of regulations or the closure of UK fisheries once quota allocations have been taken. This is normal practice where fisheries measures are likely to have a material impact on industry costs a regulatory impact assessment is prepared by the Ministry and placed in the Library of the House.

  Meat and Bonemeal
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many tonnes of meat and bonemeal from cattle are being stored; and where such storage is taking place. [133156]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: There are currently some 460,000 tonnes of Over-30-Months scheme meat and bonemeal (MBM) in store at 15 sites in the UK; two in Devon, two in Lincolnshire, one on Merseyside, three in Lancashire, one in Cheshire, two in Scotland and four in Northern Ireland. There are 10,000 tonnes of Selective Cull Scheme MBM at one site in Shropshire.

  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in what conditions meat and bonemeal from cattle is being stored; and whether such storage is(a) in containers and (b) open in warehouses. [133154]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: Meat and bonemeal (MBM) produced from the rendering of carcases of cattle slaughtered under the Over-30-Month and Selective Cull schemes is stored in bulk heaps in warehouses. The storage is carried out safely and securely in compliance with waste management licensing legislation enforced by the Environment Agency, and its equivalent in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for how long it is expected that meat and bonemeal from cattle will have to be stored pending its intended disposal through incineration; and when it is expected that all such material will have been incinerated. [133155]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The Intervention Board has a target in its Service Delivery Agreement with the Treasury to incinerate 60 per cent. of Over-30-Months (OTMS) and Selective Cull Scheme meat and bonemeal (MBM) produced by March 2002. Recent forecasts indicate that the number of cattle entering the OTMS in future years, and the amount of MBM which will be produced as a result, will be greater
  1128W
  than previously expected. Nevertheless, MBM stocks are expected to be at very low levels by March 2004, after which MBM will be incinerated as it is produced.

  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the practicability of disposing of meat and bonemeal from cattle by mixing it with lime and cement and depositing it in landfill sites. [133153]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The Government have made no assessment of the practicability of this method of disposal of meat-and-bonemeal (MBM). Commission Regulation 716/96, under which the over-30-months scheme (OTMS) operates, requires these cattle to be directly incinerated or rendered and destroyed. Incineration with energy recovery remains the method of destruction preferred by both Government and the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee. The Intervention Board which operates the scheme has signed contracts with three companies for large-scale incineration facilities (subject to the companies obtaining the necessary consents) and these are expected to reduce stocks of OTMS MBM to very low levels by March 2004.

  Long Ashton Research Station
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what financial assistance his Department has provided to the Long Ashton Research Station of the Institute of Arable Crops Research since 1997; and what this financial assistance is intended for. [132855]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The Department commissions research from the Institute of Arable Crops Research, of which Long Ashton Research Station forms part. The MAFF research funding at the Institute for the last three financial years was:

  Year

  £000

  1997–98

  7,504

  1998–99

  7,046

  1999–2000

  6,062

  In addition, in 1998–99 MAFF made £813,000 available to the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. This was to help the Council meet redundancy costs at Long Ashton and the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research due to changes in research priorities.

  Hedgerows
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the proposed measurement of hedgerows in connection with related financial support. [131572]

  Ms Quin
  We were pleased to secure the European Commission's agreement that, for the current year, we should continue to apply the rules on hedgerows and other types of field margin in the same way as we have done in previous years. For 2001 and subsequent years we are actively exploring with the Commission the options for dealing with the issue in a way which avoids environmental damage, excessive red tape, and adverse effects on farmers' returns from area-based payments. Our
  1129W
  favoured option would be for the EU legislation to provide for the flexibility needed to cover traditional UK farming systems.

  New Entrant Farmers
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will assess the possibility of allocating quotas that are being disposed of to new entrant farmers. [131812]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 21 July 2000]: Suckler cow and sheep quota in the national reserve is already distributed to various categories of eligible applicants, including new entrants to farming. When consulted, the dairy sector showed no support for a scheme to siphon off quota being transferred.

  Abattoirs
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has had to merge the role of vets and meat inspectors on overseeing the slaughter of animals. [132890]

  Ms Stuart
  I have been asked to reply.

  We have received no proposals to merge the role of Official Veterinary Surgeons (OVSs) and meat inspectors in overseeing the slaughtering of animals. The Food Standards Agency advises me, however, that the Report of the Meat Industry Red Tape Working Group (the Pooley Report) recommended that discussions should be held with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons about the feasibility of providing appropriate training to enable non veterinarians to carry out some work done by OVSs. These have taken place and it has been concluded that further consideration should be postponed until the future arrangements for meat inspection under the Commission's recent food hygiene proposal are clearer. The Pooley Report also recommended that where economically beneficial to the plant (mainly small, isolated premises), the OVS should undertake the post mortem inspection of carcases. This has been implemented.

  RSC performance data for financial year 1999–20001

  Target area

  Percentage

  Arable Area Payments Scheme

  Main payments

  99

  Oilseeds

  Non-food payments

  97

  Advanced payments

  99

  Final payments

  99

  Beef Special Premium Scheme

  Advance payments (1999)

  97

  Balance payments (1998)

  99

  CID applications issued (1999)

  99

  Premium paid CIDs issued (1999)

  99

  Suckler Cow Premium Scheme

  Balance payments 1998

  99

  Advance payments 1999

  99

  Sheep Annual Premium Scheme

  Claims marketing year 1999

  99

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas

  Applications

  90

  Claims

  98

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas

  Applications

  77

  Conservation Plan

  Claims

  93

  Farm and Conservation Grant Scheme

  1991 Plan Claims

  78

  Farm Woodland Premium

  Applications

  90

  Scheme

  Claims (1999)

  81

  Injurious Weeds

  Complaints receiving a response within 15 working days

  95

  New Nitrate Sensitive Areas Scheme

  Claims (1999)

  98

  Protection of Badgers Act 1992

  Licence applications

  97

  CJD
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his Department's progress in combating the causes of CJD. [130950]

  Yvette Cooper
  I have been asked to reply.

  The cause of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is unknown. The view of the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee is that the most likely explanation of the cases of variant CJD (vCJD) to date is exposure to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).

  We have implemented all the measures which experts have advised to protect the public from the risk of BSE. These are set out in "Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in Great Britain—a Progress Report", published every six months by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. A copy of the latest version, published in December 1999, is available in the Library.

  A major research programme is in place to further our understanding of vCJD.

  Meat Inspection Charges
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his plans for adopting the recommendations of the Task Force on Meat Inspection Charges. [130819]

  Ms Stuart
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr. Gill) on 3 July 2000, Official Report, column 29W.

  Service Delivery Targets
  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress his Department has made in meeting the service delivery targets set out in Commitment to Service. [122930]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  The table sets out the performance achieved by the Regional Service Centres (RSCs) during 1999–2000 against the targets published in the Charter document "Commitment to Service".
  1131W

  RSC performance dada for financial year 1999–20001

  Target area

  Percentage

  Strychnine Permits

  Applications

  99

  Agricultural Wage Inspections

  Visits made within 10 working days of the RSC receiving the complaint

  67

  Wildlife and Countryside Act

  Licence applications

  98

  Correspondence

  Answered within 10 working days

  92

  Complaints

  Numbers receiving response within 10 working days

  80

  1 Unless otherwise specified

  Notes:

  1. FWPS claims—Under certain circumstances, FWPS agreement holders may count some or all of their FWPS land towards their AAPS set aside requirement. The AAPS set aside payment rate (to which the FWPS payment is 'linked' in these cases) fell below the FWPS rate for the first time in 1999, and the associated payments had to be restricted. Problems/delays were encountered both by the Information Technology Division in amending the payment system, and also by the RSCs in identifying the agreements/land involved. Regrettably, this resulted in a significant number of Charter failures.

  2. FWPS applications—The FWPS is one of a number of measures which were notified under the new EC Rural Development Regulation (RDR), which took effect on 1 January 2000. The majority of 'failures' reported relate to applications submitted on or after that date, which cannot be approved until the England Rural Development Plan (ERDP) has received Commission approval.

  3. The high failure rate for Agricultural Wages Inspections arose primarily because of difficulties at one RSC where most of the complaints were sent for investigation during a short period when the wages inspectors' time was already fully taken up carrying out IACS Arable Area Payments Scheme inspections needing urgent completion to protect the Department from EC disallowance.

  4. The relatively high failure rates for the ESA Scheme were due primarily to the introduction of new and complex EC Regulations, uneven workloads and staffing difficulties.

  5. The number of claims processed for the Farm and Capital Grant Scheme 1991 is insignificant compared to most other schemes. Staffing problems at the two RSCs with the largest number of claims has distorted an otherwise excellent success rate.

  6. The 80 per cent. response rate to complaints is explained by the fact that often cases require referral to HQ or the National Scheme Management Centres and thus take longer than 10 days to resolve. In all cases where the deadline was not met, a holding letter was issued to the complainant detailing the reason for delay.

  7. The total percentage has been calculated by setting the entire number of applications or claims cleared within the target time, against the total number received. Applications and claims not cleared due to reasons beyond our control (incorrect information supplied by applicant, etc.) are not included as failures to meet target.

  8. The Farm Conservation Grant Schemes 1989 Claims and Pilot NSA Claims have been omitted from the table since these schemes are now closed.

  9. Forty four complaints were referred to the MAFF Adjudicator during the year. Ten of these were upheld and four were partly upheld. Twenty seven were not upheld. Three cases were dealt with outside of the Citizen's Charter.

  Flooding (Calder Valley)
  Ms McCafferty
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what communications he has received from the Environment Agency in response to his request for a report on the causes and impact of the flooding in Calder Valley; and if he will make a statement. [133427]

  Mr. Morley
  The Chairman of the Environment Agency provided me with his report on 21 July. Copies are being placed in the House Libraries.

  The report covers the impact of the flooding; the causes of the flooding, including assessment of the contributory factors suggested by local members of the public; the effectiveness and timeliness of flood warnings; to what extent the effects of these floods were mitigated as a result of the measures taken to implement the Independent Report of the Easter 1998 floods; and what further lessons can be learned from these floods.

  The report provides an assessment of the floods and their causes. I welcome the fact that it identifies a number of factors where management of the event was assisted by the work undertaken to implement the Independent Report of the Easter 1998 floods. The Agency has also identified a number of further lessons to be learned and they are making plans to implement them.

  Finally, I know that some people are still suffering from the effects of the flooding and I repeat the Government's sympathy to all those who were affected.

  Lindane
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his Department's policy is 1132W
  regarding its use of lindane; and what recent discussions he has had with other EU farm Ministers regarding the future use of lindane. [132729]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The Ministry's policy in respect of all pesticides, including lindane, is to ensure that they pose no unacceptable risk to people and the environment. To this end all pesticides are tightly controlled through stringent scientific evaluation and risk assessment.

  Ministers have had no recent discussions with other EU farm Ministers regarding the future use of lindane. However officials from the Ministry supported the vote on 13 July by the EU Commission's Standing Committee on Plant Health to withdraw the agricultural uses of lindane throughout the EU as insufficient data, mainly concerning the environmental effects of lindane, have been submitted to support its continued use for these purposes.

  GM Crops
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which countries are carrying out GM crop trials; and what the recommended separation distances are in each of those countries between GM and conventional crops. [132251]

  Ms Quin
  This information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what basis the Minister has recommended 50 m as the correct separation distance between conventional and GM crops. [132252]
  1133W
  Ms Quin
  The separation distances currently applied for GM crops are set out in guidelines issued by the industry group SCIMAC (the Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops). These reflect existing knowledge and experience in the production of certified seed, and they specify various distances according to the crop species and whether the conventional crop is for seed, organic or ordinary production. A distance of 50 m is relevant to oilseed rape and forage maize crops where the conventional crop is for ordinary production.

  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the costs of establishing a map-based register of GM crop sites; and if he will make a statement. [131815]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 21 July 2000]: No such estimate has been made as the Government have no plans to introduce a register of this type.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 7 July 2000,Official Report, column 350W, on GMOs, when the desk modelling study, and review of the consequences for agriculture of the introduction of GM crops, will be completed; and if the results will be published. [130496]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 17 July 2000]: The desk study on the risks to the agricultural environment from the release of GM crops is nearing completion. The review of the consequences for agriculture of the introduction of GM crops is not due for completion until 2002. The results of both projects will be published in due course.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 7 July 2000,Official Report, column 350W, on GMOs, if he will make available information about (a) the causes of the Advanta Seeds contamination and (b) the separation distances used between GM and non-GM crops in the production of the contaminated Advanta Seeds once the Canadian authorities have completed their investigation. [130495]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 17 July 2000]: Yes.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will fund further research into the health effects of GM animal feeds on animals. [128609]

  Ms Quin
  A rigorous assessment of applications for new GM plants is undertaken by the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs, including any implications for animals. There is no evidence that the introduction of the current generation of GM crops into animal feedingstuffs has caused any harm to farm animals. My Department is not currently funding research in this area, but the need for research will be kept under review.

  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the progress of the scientific review of separation distances and their relationship with crop varietal purity. [129807]

  Ms Quin
  A report on the review is due to be delivered to Ministers by 1 August.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who will carry out the independent scientific review of the relationship between separation distances and levels of varietal purity and the implications for thresholds of GM presence. [127216]
  1134W
  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 27 June 2000]: The National Institute of Agricultural Botany.

  GM Seeds
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the UK farms where genetically-modified seed has been planted in the last two years. [123961]

  Ms Quin
  The following information is available on the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions' (DETR) website (www.environment.detr.gov.uk):

  (a) all the locations where genetically modified (GM) crops have been planted as part of the farm-scale evacuation programme; and

  (b) all other locations where GM plants have consent to be grown this year for research purposes, except those where the plant concerned already has a marketing consent for cultivation under Part C of EU Directive 90/220.

  Information on the location of research releases prior to this year not covered by a Part C consent is available on the Public Register held by the DETR.

  In addition, the locations of National List trials of GM plants run under Part C marketing consents are available on request from the Ministry's Plant Varieties and Seeds Division in Cambridge.

  Crops Contamination
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in his review of separation distances, he will take account of Advanta's statement concerning the distance between their GM rape seed crop and their conventional rape seed crop which was contaminated. [132653]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: The review will consider all the relevant information which is available on the Advanta incident. But no conclusion can be drawn yet on how Advanta's conventional seed came to include a low level of GM seed. The Canadian authorities are still investigating this.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what steps the Government have taken to identify which farms have been contaminated with GM products through the planting of oil seed rape; [123763]

  (2) what plans he has to ensure that there is proper monitoring of crops contaminated with GM products through the planting of oil seed rape. [123765]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 5 June 2000]: The Government has written to all farmers who may have sown the affected seed varieties giving details of the relevant arrangements which have been made under the EU Arable Area Payments Scheme and warning them that it would be an offence to market crops grown from the affected seed lots. Government inspectors are auditing the arrangements put in place by Advanta Seeds (UK) Ltd. to identify the affected farmers and compensate them for the losses associated with crop destruction. We have also alerted processors of oilseed rape to the need to ensure that the affected crops are not marketed and do not enter the food chain.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Animal Welfare (Prosecutions)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many(a) prosecutions and (b) successful prosecutions there were under the Pet Animals Act 1951 in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement; [131783]

  (2) how many (a) prosecutions and (b) successful prosecutions there have been under the (i) Breeding of Dogs Act 1973, (ii) Breeding of Dogs Act 1991 and (iii) Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999 in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement; [131784]

  (3) how many (a) prosecutions and (b) successful prosecutions there were under the (i) Performing Animals Regulations 1925 and 1968, (ii) Zoo Licensing Act 1981 and (iii) Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement; [131988]

  Total number of prosecutions at the magistrates courts and convictions at all courts for offences relating to the welfare of animals, England and Wales, 1989 to 19991

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  19991

  Pet Animals Act 1951

  Prosecutions

  9

  9

  10

  23

  9

  13

  7

  5

  4

  7

  10

  Convictions

  5

  6

  6

  18

  8

  12

  6

  5

  4

  6

  9

  Breeding of Dogs Act 1973

  Prosecutions

  3

  11

  11

  23

  5

  2

  1

  4

  4

  4

  5

  Convictions

  2

  10

  9

  18

  3

  2

  1

  4

  3

  4

  4

  Breeding of Dogs Act 1991

  Prosecutions

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  1

  1

  —

  Convictions

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  1

  —

  —

  Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999 Sections 8, 9(1)

  Prosecutions

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  —

  Convictions

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  —

  Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999 Sections 9(6), 9(7)

  Prosecutions

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  —

  Convictions

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  —

  Performing Animals Regulations 1925 and 1968

  Prosecutions

  —

  1

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Convictions

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Zoo Licensing Act 1981

  Prosecutions

  —

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Convictions

  —

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996

  Prosecutions

  —

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  7

  8

  —

  Convictions

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3

  7

  —

  Protection of Animals Act 19112

  Prosecutions

  1,050

  1,167

  1,202

  1,154

  1,084

  908

  927

  967

  1,051

  1,107

  1,051

  Convictions

  895

  968

  862

  926

  861

  731

  754

  764

  867

  889

  828

  Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954

  Prosecutions

  17

  21

  39

  29

  39

  33

  18

  18

  34

  23

  23

  Convictions

  17

  21

  30

  26

  33

  27

  17

  16

  30

  20

  19

  Abandonment of Animals Act I960 Section 1

  Prosecutions

  51

  52

  47

  62

  53

  21

  18

  25

  26

  36

  17

  Convictions

  44

  41

  41

  54

  38

  16

  13

  19

  21

  26

  12

  Protection of Badgers Act 1992-except Section 13

  Prosecutions

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  44

  19

  30

  Convictions

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  25

  4

  10

  1136W
  (4) how many (a) prosecutions and (b) successful prosecutions there were under the (i) Protection of Animals Act 1911, (ii) Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954, (iii) Abandonment of Animals Act 1960, (iv) Tethering Act 1988 and (v) Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement; [131986]

  (5) how many (a) prosecutions and (b) successful prosecutions there have been under the (a) Protection of Badgers Act 1992, (b) Deer Act 1991, (c) Conservation of Seals Act 1970 and (d) Conversation of Seals Order 1996 in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [131982]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Information for 1989 to 1999, which is provisional, taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database is given in the table.

  There have been no prosecutions under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
  1137W

  Total number of prosecutions at the magistrates courts and convictions at all courts for offences relating to the welfare of animals, England and Wales, 1989 to 19991

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  19991

  Deer Act 1991

  Prosecutions

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  13

  21

  10

  14

  20

  14

  4

  Convictions

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  7

  7

  6

  9

  10

  9

  —

  Conservation of Seals Act 19704

  Prosecutions

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Convictions

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1 1999 data are provisional

  2 Includes offences under the Protection Against Cruel Tethering Act 1988

  3 Not available

  4 Includes offences under the Conservation of Seals Order 1996

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list(a) the total number of prosecutions under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and (b) the number of successful prosecutions for each year for the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [132303]

  Total number of prosecutions at the magistrates' courts and convictions at all courts under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 England and Wales, 1989–991

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  19991

  Section 1.—Protection of wild birds

  Prosecutions

  52

  35

  45

  44

  48

  30

  41

  33

  36

  29

  27

  Convictions

  34

  24

  33

  33

  32

  19

  30

  24

  28

  20

  19

  Section 1—Protection of nests and eggs of wild birds

  Prosecutions

  25

  5

  14

  9

  16

  17

  18

  9

  24

  19

  14

  Convictions

  20

  2

  12

  7

  8

  15

  10

  3

  18

  16

  11

  Section 3—Illegal entry into bird sanctuaries

  Prosecutions

  3

  2

  3

  0

  2

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Convictions

  3

  0

  2

  0

  2

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Protection of wild birds in sanctuaries

  Prosecutions

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Convictions

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Section 3—Protection of the nests and eggs of wild birds in sanctuaries

  Prosecutions

  0

  3

  1

  0

  1

  0

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Convictions

  0

  3

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Section 5—Prohibition of certain methods of killing or taking wild birds

  Prosecutions

  5

  11

  7

  7

  10

  3

  3

  8

  8

  3

  7

  Convictions

  4

  9

  6

  5

  8

  3

  2

  7

  7

  1

  5

  Section 6—Sale etc. of live or dead wild birds, eggs etc.

  Prosecutions

  9

  11

  5

  4

  11

  10

  13

  4

  2

  3

  2

  Convictions

  8

  7

  4

  1

  4

  4

  7

  3

  2

  2

  2

  Section 7—Registration etc. of certain captive birds

  Prosecutions

  13

  14

  11

  11

  15

  9

  7

  3

  2

  0

  2

  Convictions

  11

  12

  9

  7

  11

  7

  4

  3

  2

  0

  0

  Section 8—Protection of captive birds

  Prosecutions

  3

  7

  1

  4

  3

  0

  3

  2

  8

  2

  1

  Convictions

  2

  7

  0

  4

  2

  0

  3

  1

  8

  2

  1

  Section 9—Protection of certain wild animals

  Prosecutions

  8

  6

  4

  6

  15

  7

  0

  6

  5

  0

  3

  Convictions

  5

  6

  2

  5

  5

  4

  0

  3

  3

  0

  0

  Section 11—Prohibition of certain methods of killing or taking wild animals

  Prosecutions

  6

  4

  4

  3

  0

  3

  6

  1

  2

  3

  4

  Convictions

  4

  3

  4

  3

  0

  3

  6

  1

  0

  3

  3

  Section 14—Introduction of new species etc.

  Prosecutions

  2

  2

  2

  0

  0

  1

  2

  0

  0

  0

  n/a

  Convictions

  1

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  n/a

  1138W
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information for 1989 to 1999 taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database is given in the table.
  1139W

  Total number of prosecutions at the magistrates' courts and convictions at all courts under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 England and Wales, 1989–991

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  19991

  Section 17—False statements made for obtaining registration or licence etc.

  Prosecutions

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  1

  0

  1

  0

  1

  Convictions

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  Total

  Prosecutions

  126

  100

  98

  88

  122

  80

  97

  66

  88

  59

  61

  Convictions

  92

  74

  74

  65

  74

  55

  64

  45

  69

  44

  41

  1 1999 data are provisional

  n/a = not available

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) prosecutions and (b) successful prosecutions there were under the (i) Riding Establishments Act 1964, (ii) Riding Establishments Act 1970, (iii) Export of Horses (Protection) Order 1969 and (iv) Coal and Other Mines (Horses) Order 1954 in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [131845]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Available information for 1989 to 1999 (which is provisional) taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database is given in the table.

  Number of prosecutions at the magistrates courts and convictions at all courts for offence related to the welfare of horses, England and Wales, 1989 to 1999

  Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970

  Animal Health Act 19811

  Prosecutions

  Convictions

  Prosecutions

  Convictions

  1989

  2

  2

  53

  46

  1990

  10

  7

  53

  43

  1991

  8

  6

  98

  78

  1992

  5

  4

  73

  62

  1993

  3

  2

  42

  34

  1994

  —

  —

  37

  26

  1995

  5

  3

  49

  42

  1996

  6

  4

  58

  43

  1997

  1

  —

  76

  68

  1998

  1

  1

  87

  73

  19992

  —

  —

  56

  51

  1 Sections 40–42, 46 and 49 and Orders made under Sections 8, 9, 37, 38, 39 and 43. Section 40 of the Act enables the Export of Horses (Protection) Order 1969.

  2 1999 data are provisional

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Animal Procedures Committee will initiate its proposed public consultation on the cost benefit analysis test; and if he has indicated to the committee a date by which a report on this should be made. [132302]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I understand from the chairman of the Animal Procedures Committee that he intends that the consultation letter to the public on cost/benefit issues will be sent out this autumn and that a report will be presented in the summer 2001.

  Cyclists
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the causes of the decline in prosecutions for riding a pedal cycle under the influence of drink or drugs during the last decade. [133549]
  1140W
  Mr. Boateng
  No assessment has been made by my Department.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) of 26 June 2000,Official Report, columns 384–86W, if he will call for reports on the reasons for the absence of fixed penalties for cycling on pedestrian footways in (a) Bedfordshire, (b) Cambridgeshire, (c) Essex, (d) Humberside and (e) Gwent, between 1 August and 31 December 1999. [133990]

  Mr. Boateng
  The issuing of fixed penalties for cycling offences is an operational matter for individual chief officers of police. Data from Essex have now been received and show that 76 fixed penalty notices were issued for cycling on the pavement in the period August to December 1999. I have no plans to call for reports in this instance from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Humberside and Gwent.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) of 26 June 2000,Official Report, columns 384–86W, if he will call for reports on the reasons for the fewness of fixed penalties for cycling on pedestrian footways in (a) Cheshire, (b) Cleveland, (c) Cumbria, (d) Derbyshire, (e) Dorset, (f) Durham, (g) Lancashire, (h) Norfolk, (i) Northamptonshire, (j) Nottinghamshire, (k) Staffordshire, (l) Thames Valley, (m) Warwickshire, (n) West Midlands, (o) Wiltshire, (p) Dyfed-Powys and (q) South Wales between 1 August and 31 December 1999. [133993]

  Mr. Boateng
  The issuing of fixed penalties is an operational matter for the police. I have no plans to call for reports in this instance for the police forces concerned.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) of 26 June 2000,Official Report, columns 384–86W, if he will call for reports on the reasons for the absence of fixed penalties for carrying more than one person on a pedal cycle in (a) Wiltshire, (b) South Wales, (c) Dyfed-Powys and (d) Gwent, between 1 August and 31 December 1999. [133991]

  Mr. Boateng
  The issuing of fixed penalties is an operational matter for the police. I have no plans to call for reports in this instance from the police forces concerned.

  Paedophiles
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for a DNA database of paedophiles. [133419]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The National Database holds DNA profiles for those suspected, or convicted, of a recordable offence. This includes paedophiles.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of the additional policing resources required for the protection of school children as a result of the identification of paedophiles by the News of the World newspaper. [133420]

  Mr. Boateng
  The newspaper article in the News of the World was regrettable. It may undermine the valuable work done by the police and probation services in monitoring the activities of sex offenders in the community.

  We do not know how many offenders have left, or may leave, their homes or are in the process of changing their identities, or will do so in anticipation of the newspaper identifying them. Such moves add to police work.

  I understand from inquiries my officials have made, that the police are currently putting their resources into monitoring, supporting or protecting identified sex offenders and their families, and in at least one case, to handling an attack on an innocent man and women.

  I am sure that forces will keep under review whether they need to put further resources into this area.

  Racing
  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to discuss starting prices with the racing bodies. [133747]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have asked a representative of the Starting Price Executive to meet me in September to discuss public concerns. I am also hoping to meet a representative of the Betting Office Licensees Association. I am maintaining a keen interest in the progress being made on the review of the impact of recent changes to the arrangements for establishing starting prices.

  Table 1: Police strength in England and Wales

  Ethnic minority strength as at 31 March 2000

  Ranks

  Chief Constable

  Assistant Chief Constable

  Superintendent

  Chief Inspector

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Avon and Somerset

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Bedfordshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cambridgeshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cheshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  City of London

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cleveland

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cumbria

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Derbyshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Devon and Cornwall

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Dorset

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Police Training
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are in place within the police for encouraging graduate recruits to the Management Training Scheme. [132929]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The police service is one of the largest employers of graduates: figures from Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary indicate that over 500 graduate entrants were appointed as police officers in 1998–99. There is also a national accelerated promotion scheme for graduates (APSG) which offers accelerated promotion and management development opportunities for those who have the potential to rise to the highest ranks within the service.

  Police Statistics
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what proportion of police officers in each rank are from minority ethnic communities in each force and in total(a) now and (b) in the two previous years; how many additional officers will be needed to reach the 10 year targets set for recruitment and retention (i) in total and (ii) on average each year; and if he will make a statement. [133152]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: Tables 1 to 3 show the number of officers from minority ethnic communities by rank and police force areas for the year to March 2000 and the two preceding years.

  The proportions given are not exact as the figures for officers from minority ethnic communities are in terms of number of people and the total used to calculate the proportion is based on full-time equivalents. This means that the proportion of officers from ethnic minority communities will be over estimated.

  Table 4 sets out numbers of ethnic minority officers which need to be recruited to meet my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's race equality recruitment targets. These are to be met over the period 1999 to 2009—there is no requirement for this to be achieved through equal annual increments. The target for retention is that the percentage of ethnic minority officers leaving the service through resignation or dismissal should equal the percentage of white officers leaving under similar circumstances.

  Progress against targets will be monitored by the Home Office.
  1143W

  Table 1: Police strength in England and Wales

  Ethnic minority strength as at 31 March 2000

  Ranks

  Chief Constable

  Assistant Chief Constable

  Superintendent

  Chief Inspector

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Durham

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Dyfed Powys

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Essex

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  5

  Gloucestershire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Greater Manchester

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  Gwent

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hampshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hertfordshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  4

  Humberside

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Kent

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Lancashire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Leicestershire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  6

  0

  0

  Lincolnshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Merseyside

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  2

  Metropolitan Police

  0

  0

  2

  6

  5

  2

  8

  2

  Norfolk

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  4

  Northamptonshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  11

  Northumbria

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  2

  North Wales

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  North Yorkshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  7

  Nottinghamshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  5

  1

  4

  South Wales

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  4

  1

  2

  South Yorkshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Staffordshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Suffolk

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Surrey

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Sussex

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  3

  Thames Valley

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  2

  0

  0

  Warwickshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  West Mercia

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  West Midlands

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  West Yorkshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  2

  0

  0

  Wiltshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  7

  0

  0

  NCS

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  NCIS

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Total all forces

  0

  0

  2

  1

  11

  1

  20

  1

  Ranks

  Inspector

  Sergeant

  Constable

  Total ranks

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Avon and Somerset

  0

  0

  4

  1

  28

  1

  32

  1

  Bedfordshire

  1

  2

  6

  4

  30

  4

  37

  4

  Cambridgeshire

  0

  0

  5

  3

  27

  3

  32

  3

  Cheshire

  0

  0

  1

  0

  7

  0

  8

  0

  City of London

  1

  2

  0

  0

  16

  3

  17

  2

  Cleveland

  0

  0

  2

  1

  15

  1

  17

  1

  Cumbria

  1

  2

  1

  1

  1

  0

  3

  0

  Derbyshire

  3

  3

  4

  1

  31

  2

  38

  2

  Devon and Cornwall

  0

  0

  0

  0

  8

  0

  8

  0

  Dorset

  1

  1

  0

  0

  6

  1

  7

  1

  Durham

  0

  0

  0

  0

  12

  1

  12

  1

  Dyfed Powys

  0

  0

  0

  0

  4

  1

  4

  0

  Essex

  3

  2

  7

  2

  23

  1

  35

  1

  Gloucestershire

  0

  0

  2

  1

  13

  2

  15

  1

  Greater Manchester

  7

  2

  27

  3

  135

  3

  170

  3

  Gwent

  0

  0

  1

  0

  16

  2

  17

  1

  Hampshire

  0

  0

  4

  1

  25

  1

  29

  1

  Hertfordshire

  2

  2

  3

  1

  19

  1

  25

  1

  Humberside

  1

  1

  0

  0

  13

  1

  14

  1

  Kent

  2

  1

  1

  0

  35

  1

  38

  1

  Lancashire

  0

  0

  5

  1

  37

  2

  42

  1

  Leicestershire

  4

  4

  10

  4

  73

  5

  88

  4

  Lincolnshire

  0

  0

  6

  3

  6

  1

  12

  1

  1144W 1145W

  Ranks

  Inspector

  Sergeant

  Constable

  Total ranks

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Merseyside

  0

  0

  5

  1

  66

  2

  72

  2

  Metropolitan Police

  27

  2

  95

  2

  872

  4

  1,009

  4

  Norfolk

  2

  3

  0

  0

  9

  1

  12

  1

  Northamptonshire

  1

  2

  2

  1

  29

  3

  33

  3

  Northumbria

  0

  0

  4

  1

  27

  1

  32

  1

  North Wales

  0

  0

  2

  1

  3

  0

  5

  0

  North Yorkshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  4

  0

  5

  0

  Nottinghamshire

  1

  1

  6

  2

  56

  3

  65

  3

  South Wales

  3

  2

  2

  0

  29

  1

  36

  1

  South Yorkshire

  2

  1

  10

  2

  60

  2

  72

  2

  Staffordshire

  0

  0

  4

  1

  29

  2

  33

  2

  Suffolk

  0

  0

  0

  0

  15

  2

  15

  1

  Surrey

  0

  0

  1

  0

  24

  2

  25

  1

  Sussex

  0

  0

  2

  0

  21

  1

  24

  1

  Thames Valley

  2

  1

  7

  1

  72

  2

  82

  2

  Warwickshire

  1

  2

  3

  2

  16

  2

  20

  2

  West Mercia

  1

  1

  2

  1

  22

  2

  25

  1

  West Midlands

  7

  2

  41

  4

  282

  5

  330

  5

  West Yorkshire

  3

  1

  12

  2

  111

  3

  127

  3

  Wiltshire

  1

  2

  0

  0

  8

  1

  10

  1

  NCS

  3

  3

  1

  0

  18

  2

  22

  2

  NCIS

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Total all forces

  80

  1

  288

  2

  2,353

  2

  2,754

  2

  Table 2: Police strength in England and Wales

  Ethnic minority strength as at 31 March 1999

  Ranks

  Chief Constable

  Assistant Chief Constable

  Superintendent

  Chief Inspector

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Avon and Somerset

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Bedfordshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cambridgeshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cheshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  City of London

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cleveland

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cumbria

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Derbyshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Devon and Cornwall

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Dorset

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Durham

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Dyfed Powys

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Essex

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  5

  Gloucestershire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Greater Manchester

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  Gwent

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hampshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hertfordshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  4

  Humberside

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Kent

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Lancashire

  0

  0

  1

  33

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Leicestershire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  6

  0

  0

  Lincolnshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Merseyside

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Metropolitan Police

  0

  0

  0

  0

  5

  2

  4

  1

  Norfolk

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  4

  Northamptonshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  9

  Northumbria

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  2

  North Wales

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  North Yorkshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Nottinghamshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  9

  South Wales

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  4

  1

  2

  South Yorkshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Staffordshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Suffolk

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Surrey

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1146W 1147W

  Table 2: Police strength in England and Wales

  Ethnic minority strength as at 31 March 1999

  Ranks

  Chief Constable

  Assistant Chief Constable

  Superintendent

  Chief Inspector

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Sussex

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Thames Valley

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  3

  Warwickshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  West Mercia

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  West Midlands

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  West Yorkshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  2

  0

  0

  Wiltshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  6

  NCS

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  NCIS

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Total all forces

  0

  0

  1

  1

  8

  1

  16

  1

  Ranks

  Inspector

  Sergeant

  Constable

  Total ranks

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Avon and Somerset

  0

  0

  3

  1

  30

  7

  33

  1

  Bedfordshire

  1

  2

  6

  4

  29

  20

  36

  4

  Cambridgeshire

  0

  0

  4

  2

  24

  13

  28

  3

  Cheshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  8

  3

  8

  0

  City of London

  1

  2

  0

  0

  16

  15

  17

  3

  Cleveland

  0

  0

  1

  0

  8

  4

  9

  1

  Cumbria

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  1

  2

  0

  Derbyshire

  1

  1

  5

  2

  29

  11

  35

  3

  Devon and Cornwall

  0

  0

  0

  0

  6

  1

  6

  0

  Dorset

  1

  2

  0

  0

  5

  2

  6

  1

  Durham

  0

  0

  0

  0

  10

  5

  10

  1

  Dyfed Powys

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  1

  2

  0

  Essex

  2

  1

  6

  1

  22

  5

  32

  1

  Gloucestershire

  0

  0

  2

  1

  10

  6

  12

  1

  Greater Manchester

  3

  1

  32

  3

  130

  13

  166

  3

  Gwent

  0

  0

  1

  1

  13

  7

  14

  1

  Hampshire

  0

  0

  2

  0

  25

  5

  27

  1

  Hertfordshire

  0

  0

  2

  1

  15

  6

  18

  1

  Humberside

  0

  0

  1

  0

  10

  3

  11

  1

  Kent

  0

  0

  4

  1

  33

  7

  37

  1

  Lancashire

  0

  0

  6

  1

  32

  6

  39

  2

  Leicestershire

  4

  4

  10

  4

  74

  28

  89

  6

  Lincolnshire

  0

  0

  4

  2

  3

  2

  7

  1

  Merseyside

  1

  1

  5

  1

  70

  11

  76

  2

  Metropolitan Police

  15

  1

  69

  2

  791

  19

  884

  4

  Norfolk

  2

  3

  0

  0

  9

  4

  12

  1

  Northamptonshire

  1

  2

  2

  1

  28

  17

  32

  4

  Northumbria

  0

  0

  4

  1

  27

  5

  32

  1

  North Wales

  0

  0

  1

  0

  2

  1

  3

  0

  North Yorkshire

  1

  2

  0

  0

  3

  1

  4

  0

  Nottinghamshire

  1

  1

  6

  2

  51

  15

  60

  3

  South Wales

  3

  2

  1

  0

  26

  6

  32

  1

  South Yorkshire

  2

  1

  8

  2

  58

  12

  68

  3

  Staffordshire

  0

  0

  4

  1

  28

  8

  32

  2

  Suffolk

  0

  0

  0

  0

  15

  9

  15

  2

  Surrey

  0

  0

  1

  0

  20

  8

  21

  2

  Sussex

  0

  0

  3

  1

  20

  5

  23

  1

  Thames Valley

  1

  1

  9

  2

  70

  12

  81

  3

  Warwickshire

  1

  2

  2

  2

  19

  16

  22

  3

  West Mercia

  1

  1

  3

  1

  21

  7

  25

  2

  West Midlands

  6

  2

  35

  4

  272

  27

  313

  5

  West Yorkshire

  1

  0

  12

  2

  117

  17

  131

  3

  Wiltshire

  1

  2

  0

  0

  8

  4

  10

  1

  NCS

  0

  0

  4

  2

  16

  7

  20

  2

  NCIS

  0

  0

  0

  0

  5

  9

  5

  4

  Total all forces

  50

  1

  258

  1

  2,212

  2

  2,545

  2

  1148W 1149W

  Table 3: Police strength in England and Wales

  Ethnic minority strength as at 31 March 1998

  Ranks

  Chief Constable

  Assistant Chief Constable

  Superintendent

  Chief Inspector

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Avon and Somerset

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Bedfordshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cambridgeshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cheshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  City of London

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cleveland

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cumbria

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Derbyshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Devon and Cornwall

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Dorset

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Durham

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Dyfed Powys

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Essex

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  2

  Gloucestershire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Greater Manchester

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  Gwent

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hampshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hertfordshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  4

  Humberside

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  6

  0

  0

  Kent

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Lancashire

  0

  0

  1

  25

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Leicestershire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  6

  0

  0

  Lincolnshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Merseyside

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Metropolitan Police

  0

  0

  0

  0

  3

  1

  5

  1

  Norfolk

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Northamptonshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  9

  Northumbria

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  2

  North Wales

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  North Yorkshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Nottinghamshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  5

  South Wales

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  4

  South Yorkshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Staffordshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Suffolk

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Surrey

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Sussex

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Thames Valley

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  6

  Warwickshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  West Mercia

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  West Midlands

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  2

  1

  2

  West Yorkshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  3

  0

  0

  Wiltshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  6

  Total all forces

  0

  0

  1

  1

  7

  1

  17

  1

  Ranks

  Inspector

  Sergeant

  Constable

  Total ranks

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Avon and Somerset

  0

  0

  3

  1

  31

  1

  34

  1

  Bedfordshire

  1

  2

  3

  2

  33

  4

  37

  3

  Cambridgeshire

  0

  0

  4

  2

  27

  3

  31

  2

  Cheshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  6

  0

  6

  0

  City of London

  1

  2

  0

  0

  19

  3

  20

  2

  Cleveland

  0

  0

  1

  0

  17

  1

  18

  1

  Cumbria

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  0

  2

  0

  Derbyshire

  1

  1

  7

  3

  29

  2

  37

  2

  Devon and Cornwall

  0

  0

  0

  0

  5

  0

  5

  0

  Dorset

  0

  0

  1

  0

  4

  0

  5

  0

  Durham

  0

  0

  0

  0

  7

  1

  7

  0

  Dyfed Powys

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Essex

  3

  2

  5

  1

  27

  1

  36

  1

  Gloucestershire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  12

  1

  12

  1

  Greater Manchester

  3

  1

  31

  3

  129

  2

  164

  2

  Gwent

  0

  0

  0

  0

  13

  1

  13

  1

  Hampshire

  0

  0

  3

  1

  24

  1

  27

  1

  1150W 1151W

  Ranks

  Inspector

  Sergeant

  Constable

  Total ranks

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Number

  Proportion

  Hertfordshire

  0

  0

  1

  0

  18

  1

  20

  1

  Humberside

  0

  0

  1

  0

  11

  1

  13

  1

  Kent

  0

  0

  5

  1

  29

  1

  34

  1

  Lancashire

  0

  0

  2

  0

  36

  1

  39

  1

  Leicestershire

  2

  2

  12

  5

  74

  5

  89

  4

  Lincolnshire

  0

  0

  2

  1

  4

  0

  6

  1

  Merseyside

  1

  1

  1

  0

  70

  2

  72

  2

  Metropolitan Police

  11

  1

  57

  1

  785

  4

  861

  3

  Norfolk

  2

  3

  0

  0

  7

  1

  9

  1

  Northamptonshire

  1

  2

  2

  1

  27

  3

  31

  3

  Northumbria

  0

  0

  3

  1

  29

  1

  33

  1

  North Wales

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  1

  0

  North Yorkshire

  1

  2

  0

  0

  6

  1

  7

  1

  Nottinghamshire

  2

  2

  6

  2

  52

  3

  61

  3

  South Wales

  2

  1

  2

  0

  23

  1

  29

  1

  South Yorkshire

  2

  1

  7

  1

  61

  2

  70

  2

  Staffordshire

  0

  0

  4

  1

  29

  2

  33

  1

  Suffolk

  0

  0

  0

  0

  13

  1

  13

  1

  Surrey

  0

  0

  1

  0

  19

  2

  20

  1

  Sussex

  0

  0

  2

  0

  21

  1

  23

  1

  Thames Valley

  1

  1

  9

  2

  66

  2

  78

  2

  Warwickshire

  1

  2

  3

  2

  19

  3

  23

  2

  West Mercia

  1

  1

  1

  0

  24

  2

  26

  1

  West Midlands

  2

  1

  38

  4

  252

  4

  294

  4

  West Yorkshire

  1

  0

  12

  2

  119

  3

  133

  3

  Wiltshire

  0

  0

  1

  1

  8

  1

  10

  1

  Total all forces

  39

  1

  230

  1

  2,189

  2

  2,483

  2

  Table 4: Police forces England and Wales

  Increase in ethnic minority officers needed to meet target

  Average increase each year

  Avon and Somerset

  25

  2.5

  Bedfordshire

  69

  6.9

  Cambridgeshire

  19

  1.9

  Cheshire

  14

  1.4

  City of London

  38

  3.8

  Cleveland

  1

  0.1

  Cumbria

  10

  1.0

  Derbyshire

  22

  2.2

  Devon and Cornwall

  25

  2.5

  Dorset

  7

  0.7

  Durham

  6

  0.6

  Dyfed Powys

  9

  0.9

  Essex

  12

  1.2

  Gloucestershire

  5

  0.5

  Greater Manchester

  356

  35.6

  Gwent

  1—

  1—

  Hampshire

  42

  4.2

  Hertfordshire

  60

  6.0

  Humberside

  11

  1.1

  Kent

  38

  3.8

  Lancashire

  123

  12.3

  Leicestershire

  129

  12.9

  Lincolnshire

  7

  0.7

  Merseyside

  14

  1.4

  Metropolitan Police

  5,661

  566.1

  Norfolk

  1—

  1—

  Northamptonshire

  1—

  1—

  Northumbria

  25

  2.5

  North Wales

  13

  1.3

  North Yorkshire

  11

  1.1

  Nottinghamshire

  20

  2.0

  South Wales

  12

  1.2

  South Yorkshire

  35

  3.5

  Staffordshire

  9

  0.9

  Suffolk

  1—

  1—

  1152W

  Table 4: Police forces England and Wales

  Increase in ethnic minority officers needed to meet target

  Average increase each year

  Surrey

  32

  3.2

  Sussex

  47

  4.7

  Thames Valley

  122

  12.2

  Warwickshire

  14

  1.4

  West Mercia

  15

  1.5

  West Midlands

  862

  86.2

  West Yorkshire

  345

  34.5

  Wiltshire

  1—

  1—

  Total

  8,265

  826.5

  NCS

  65

  6.5

  NCIS

  15

  1.5

  1 On target

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 17 July 2000,Official Report, column 178W, on police numbers, based on available information and the additional funds for police recruitment, what are the revised projections for the total number of police officers in England and Wales in (a) March 2001, (b) March 2002, (c) March 2003 and (d) March 2004, in total and in each force; what is the estimated average increase for each force in each year; and if he will make a statement. [133177]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The projections we have for future years were set out in my reply to the hon. Member for North Shropshire (Mr. Paterson) on 24 July 2000, Official Report, columns 756–57W.

  The figures I gave include the 4,000 extra Crime Fighting Fund recruits that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 19 July 2000, Official

  1153W
  Report, columns 376–91. My officials are consulting police service and police authority representatives about the allocation of the 4,000 and I expect to be able to announce the allocation of those extra recruits to forces during the recess.

  Police Funding
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the estimated proportion of police funding which will be allocated to police pension costs in each of the next four years; what is the estimated annual increase in real terms for police funding under the comprehensive spending review after pension costs are taken into account; and if he will make a statement; [133179]

  (2) if he will list each initiative since 1997 under the (a) Capital Modernisation Fund, (b) Crime Reduction Fund and (c) the Crime Fighting Fund including (i) the current amount budgeted in each year to date, (ii) the initial amount budgeted in each year to date and (iii) the total expended in each financial year of the initiative date; and if he will make a statement. [133183]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: In the time available it has not been possible to complete the answers to these questions. I shall write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Library.

  Passports
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the numbers of staff required by the Travel Document Section to prevent the backlog of applications increasing. [133218]

  Mr. Boateng
  Since autumn 1999 the number of staff in the Travel Document Section has increased from 20 to more than 90, which is nearly at full complement. Once the present backlog has been eliminated, and in the absence of any unforeseen circumstances, present staff levels should prevent an increase in the backlog of applications.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has issued to registration officers regarding checks on the passports of persons intending to marry; if the registration officers are explicitly instructed not to check that any visas in passports are valid; what guidance has been issued to registration officers who discover that a visa has expired; and if he will make a statement. [131324]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Registrar General. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. David Lidington, dated 28 July 2000:
  As Registrar General I have been asked to reply to your recent question on the checking of passports of persons intending to marry. (131324).
  I have not issued any guidance to registration officers regrading checks on passports or the validity of visas in passports of persons intending to marry, nor on any action to follow the discovery of an expired visa.
  1154W
  Registration officers should request documentation showing use and spellings of names and detail of age, marital status and nationality in order to verify that the particulars to be entered in the notice of marriage are accurate. A variety of documents may be produced, including a passport.
  The fact that someone has overstayed their permitted stay in the UK is not a lawful impediment to marriage.

  Road Safety
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 July 2000,Official Report, column 323W, on road safety, (1) how many fixed penalty fines were imposed on people cycling on pavements in the period 1 August 1999 to the latest available date in each division of the Essex Police Authority; [133360]

  (2) how many fixed penalty fines were imposed on people cycling on pavements in the period 1 January to the latest date for which figures are available; [133358]

  (3) if he will list the four police authorities which had not issued a fixed penalty fine for people cycling on pavements since it was introduced on 1 August 1999; and what fines have been imposed since 1 January in those police areas. [133359]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Bedfordshire and Gwent are the only two police forces known not to have issued fixed penalty notices to people cycling on pavements during the period 1 August to 31 December 1999.

  The four police forces mentioned in my answer of 20 July 2000, Official Report, column 323W, for which information was not currently available were Cambridgeshire, Essex, Humberside and West Yorkshire. Data have now been received from Humberside (which shows that 19 fixed penalty notices were issued for cycling on the pavement in the period August to December 1999) and from Essex (76 such notices). Information by individual police divisions within Essex is not available.

  No request has yet been made to police forces to provide similar information for 2000.

  Police (Devon and Cornwall)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the planned number of new police officers is in(a) the UK and (b) England for each of the next three years; and what the total number was in Devon and Cornwall in each of the last three years. [130700]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I am responsible for policing in England and Wales. I cannot therefore provide projections on a UK wide basis.

  The projections we have for future years were set out in my reply to the hon. Member for North Shropshire (Mr. Paterson) on 24 July 2000, Official Report, columns 756–57W.

  Police numbers for the Devon and Cornwall constabulary for the last three years are set out as follows:

  Devon and Cornwall constabulary

  Year

  Police numbers

  31 March 1998

  2,962

  31 March 1999

  2,887

  31 March 2000

  2,841

  Firearms
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to respond to the second report of Session 1999–2000 from the Home Affairs Committee on controls over firearms (HC 95). [130327]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [pursuant to his reply, 24 July 2000, c. 449W]: The Home Affairs Committee Report raises a number of complex issues which the Government are carefully considering with a view to publishing a response by way of a Command Paper over the summer.

  Central Services
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of planned spending on Home Office Central Services in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04. [133402]

  Mr. Straw
  Planned spending on Home Office Central Services in 2000–01 is £98 million. I shall be considering the spending review settlement over the summer and making detailed plans for future years in due course.

  Europol
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the(a) purposes, (b) duties, (c) location and (d) personnel of the Europol National Unit; and what is the proposed Europol budget for 2001. [132663]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The purposes and duties of member states' Europol National Units are set out in Article 4 of the Europol Convention. The United Kingdom's Europol National Unit is situated within the International Division of the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) at their Headquarters in London. The personnel of the Europol National Unit, 12 staff in total, are all NCIS employees.

  The Europol budget for 2001, agreed by the Council of the European Union is 35,391,300 euro. The United Kingdom will contribute 5,134,443 euro.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his reply of 11 July 2000,Official Report, columns 518–19W, concerning Europol, what the membership is of the Europol Working Group; how often it meets and who provides its Secretariat; and who represents the interests of the United Kingdom Government on this Group. [132662]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Europol Working Group comprises from all the European Union member states the Commission and Europol. The Working Group meets periodically at the invitation of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Since 1 July 1999, the date that Europol officially took up its duties, the Group has met five times, twice under each of the Finnish and Portuguese Presidencies and once so far under the French Presidency. The secretariat of the group is provided by the General Secretariat of the Council. The Home Office, in consultation with other departments and agencies, represents the interests of the United Kingdom at the Working Group meetings.

  Crime (Colchester)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on changes in the level of reported crime in Colchester in each of the last five years. [133555]

  Mr. Boateng
  The latest available data for notifiable offences recorded by the police in Colchester division over the last five years are given in the table.

  Number of crimes recorded

  Percentage of change compared to the previous year

  1995–96

  9,708

  —

  1996–97

  9,217

  -5

  1997–98

  8,260

  -10

  1998–991

  7,931

  -4

  1998–992

  9,076

  —

  1999–2000

  9,355

  3

  1 Old rules.

  2 New rules.

  Notes:

  The rules for recording crimes changed in April 1998 which led to a large increase in the number recorded. Essex collected data based on the old rules and the new rules in 1998–99.

  Prison Service
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the results achieved by the Prison Service on each of its key performance indicators in each prison during 1998–99. [133697]

  Mr. Boateng
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 23 July 1999,Official Report, columns 732–36W.

  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many new prisons are planned to be built over the next three years; and if he will make a statement. [133284]

  Mr. Boateng
  Two prisons funded in the 1997 Comprehensive Spending Review are currently under construction. Rye Hill, Rugby will provide 600 places and is scheduled to open in January 2001; Dovegate, Staffordshire will provide 800 places and is scheduled to open in July 2001. Invitations to negotiate have been issued for the procurement of two new prisons at Ashford, near Heathrow and Peterborough.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of planned net expenditure on prisons in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04. [133405]

  Mr. Straw
  The planned net expenditure of the Prison Service in 2000–01 is £1,834 million. This net figure takes into account the allowable receipts including those received from the Youth Justice Board.

  The additional funding provided as a result of the previous Comprehensive Spending Review in 1997 and recent 2000 Spending Review, increases the Prison Service's net funding to £2,104 million in 2001–02, £2,210 million in 2002–03 and £2,267 million in 2003–04. These figures take no account of the impact of receipts from the Youth Justice Board (YJB). In order to allow for comparison across the years, if the level of receipts from the YJB remained as they are, the Prison Service run of net planned expenditure would be

  1157W
  £2,000 million/£2,106 million/£2,163 million. Net planned expenditure will not be finalised until the value of all allowable receipts, including those from the YJB, have been determined.

  Reports
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the reports submitted to his Department, by bodies that were created after May 1997 and that include significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, stating in each case the body writing the report, the date the report was submitted, how many recommendations were made, the number of those recommendations that have been implemented to date and the number of recommendations that have been rejected; and if he will make a statement. [133564]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information on task forces, ad hoc advisory groups and reviews was published by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 27 July 2000, and in the earlier answer on 11 January 2000,Official Report, column 134W. Information on specific recommendations from reports produced by these bodies is not held centrally. However, when such reports are published, copied are placed in the Library of the House.

  Public Safety Radio Communications System
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the cost of the Public Safety Radio Communications System, and provide a breakdown of the way in which the costs of the system will be divided between his Department and the police; and if he will make a statement. [133287]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The overall cost of the Public Safety Radio Communication Service (PSRCS) is approximately £1.3 billion over the lifetime of the project. This is based on the Net Present Cost (ie today's value of a series of future payments) and is for the Private Finance Initiative element of the service. This is the equivalent of £2.3 billion in cash terms. In addition to the service tariffs, forces will pay for costs outside of the scope of the PSRCS contract to cover the purchase of control room terminals and their integration; and the purchase and replacement of radio terminals during the life of the PSRCS. An estimate of these costs is about £300 million over the whole PSRCS contract life.

  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on 19 July 2000, Official Report, columns 376–79, that the Government were making provision to meet the costs of PSRCS. This will amount to around £500 million over the three years of the Spending Review Settlement: the "Core" costs will be paid centrally by the Home Office, and the total provision should also be sufficient to cover expenditure by police forces on local service requirements ("menu costs") and installation and equipment costs.

  This settlement will ensure that the police service has the latest and best technology without having to reduce manpower to fund it. It should meet all the concerns some forces have expressed about the system's affordability.

  National Confiscation Agency
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the start-up costs of the National Confiscation Agency; and if he will make a statement. [133286]

  Mr. Boateng
  Our current best estimate of the start up costs is £2.15 million.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the establishment and operation of the National Confiscation Agency. [132474]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The report by the Performance and Innovation Unit published on 14 June envisages the establishment of a National Confiscation Agency (NCA) with responsibility for bringing confiscation proceedings in criminal cases, initiating civil proceedings for forfeiture of criminal assets under new powers, and raising tax demands on suspect gains. The NCA will also operate a financial investigation centre of excellence, with responsibility for training and accrediting financial investigators in the criminal justice system. The director of the NCA will report to the Home Secretary and be responsible for drawing up an Asset Confiscation Strategy in consultation with other authorities in the criminal justice system. It is my intention to bring forward legislation at the earliest opportunity to implement the report's conclusions.

  Police
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what was the cost of(a) one new police recruit and (b) one police officer, in (i) the Metropolitan Police and (ii) other forces in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement; [133282]

  (2) if he will break down the way in which the extra funding under the Comprehensive Spending Review for the police force will be allocated between police (a) pensions, (b) pay rises and (c) recruitment; and if he will make a statement. [133283]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  In the time available it has not been possible to complete the answers to these questions. I shall write to the right hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Library.

  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of police officers who will be serving in 2003–04: and if he will make a statement. [133285]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  No reliable estimates can be made at this stage of the number of police officers who will be serving in 2003–04 as we do not have force projections for recruitment and wastage in that year.

  The projections we have for future years were set out in my reply to the hon. Member for North Shropshire, (Mr. Paterson) on 24 July 2000, Official Report, columns 756–57W.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what his estimate is of planned expenditure on the police in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04; [133404]
  1159W
  (2) what his estimate is of planned capital expenditure on the police in (a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04; [133395]

  (3) what his estimate is of the total of his Department's (a) revenue and (b) capital grants to local authorities in respect of the police for (a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02,(c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04; [133396]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Planned police expenditure, and its capital component, for the period 2000–01 to 2003–04, is given in the table:

  £ million

  Year

  Total planned police expenditure

  Capital expenditure

  2000–01

  7,718

  198

  2001–02

  8,495

  309

  2002–03

  9,010

  401

  2003–04

  9,293

  343

  For the current financial year, police revenue grant to police authorities of £3,823 million is matched by police standard spending assessment (SSA) provision of £3,533 million. These sums exclude police special grant and the funds being provided to police forces under the crime fighting fund and for DNA. For police service capital expenditure, police capital grant of £91 million will be paid to police forces, accompanied by Supplementary credit approvals of £53 million.

  Final figures showing the expenditure totals for 2001–02 to 2003–04 in terms of police grant, police SSA and police service capital funding will be announced at the time of the local government settlement in the autumn. However, the Spending Review 2000 White Paper did show police SSA figures for England for each of the next three financial years. These plans would deliver provisional police SSA figures (for England and Wales) for the years 2001–02 to 2003–04 of £3,842 million, £4,040 million and £4,204 million respectively although actual SSA provision may be adjusted to take account of expenditure on behalf of forces to be incurred centrally.

  Licensing White Paper
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library the responses to the Licensing White Paper (Cm 4696) at the end of the consultation period. [133281]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We will place in the Library copies of responses from bodies commenting on the command paper (Cm 4696), except for any responses submitted on the basis that their contents would not be made more widely available.

  Female Prisoners
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a list of Category A female prisoners serving sentences in prisons in England and Wales. [133711]

  Mr. Boateng
  There are currently two female category A prisoners held in prison in England and Wales.

  Ashford Prison
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what consultations he carried out 1160W
  with the local borough council and local residents before deciding to build a Category A unit for female prisoners at Ashford, Middlesex Prison; [133707]

  (2) what the anticipated cost is of building the proposed Category A unit for female prisoners at Ashford, Middlesex Prison; [133712]

  (3) what will be the maximum number of prisoners that can be accommodated at the proposed Category A unit at the women's prison at Ashford, Middlesex. [133705]

  Mr. Boateng
  There is no proposal to build a category A unit at Ashford. However, the Prison Service notified Spelthorne Borough Council on 13 July that it was proposing to ask bidders for the prison to design and cost proposals to hold high security (category A) women. In order to meet the security requirements for holding category A women, it is proposed to make one small design change, a facility to hold dogs in kennels. The remaining upgrade will be procedural, including extra patrols (with or without dogs), additional searching and close monitoring of the movement of the individuals concerned. The existing proposal for internal and external physical security are considered sufficient for use with category A prisoners.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to answer the letter of 16 May, sent by the Right hon. Member for Alyn and Deeside, regarding Ms Fenwick of Deeside. [133125]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I will write to my right hon. Friend as soon as possible.

  Mrs. Roe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Broxbourne will receive a reply to her letters of 25 May, 21 June and 19 July relating to her constituent Mrs. Babayemi. [133602]

  Mr. Boateng
  I am sorry the hon. Member has not received a reply to her letters. The Minister of State, Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), will be writing in the very near future.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 23 May concerning lock purchasing. [132446]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 25 July 2000]: I will be writing to my hon. Friend today.

  Immigration Rules
  Mr. Darvill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes have been made to the Immigration Rules as a consequence of the provisions of the Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) Order 2000 coming into force. [130213]

  Mrs. Roche
  I am today, laying before Parliament, a Statement of the Changes to the Immigration Rules which are of a consequential nature, related to the Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) Order 2000, which was agreed without division in the House. The Order is designed to underpin the introduction of a flexible immigration control. Greater operational flexibility will
  1161W
  allow us to use resources more effectively to tackle the increasingly sophisticated methods of abuse. In particular, the Statement covers the introduction of entry clearances as leave to enter; of provision for leave to be granted other than in writing and prior to a person's arrival in the United Kingdom; and provision for leave to lapse unless given for a period of more than six months, and not conferred by a visit visa.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up a Royal Commission into animal experiments; and if he will make a statement. [133701]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Government have not ruled out a Royal Commission, but in the meantime we are seeking to secure improvements to the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and to promote the fullest application of the 3Rs—the replacement of the use of animals with alternative methods; the reduction of the numbers of animals used; and the refinement of the procedures to minimise pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm.

  In this context, the Animal Procedures Committee will be issuing a public consultation paper in the autumn as part of its review of the cost/benefit assessment of applications for authority to conduct scientific research using animals. As part of this work, the Committee plans to produce an authoritative statement on the validity of animal experiments. I understand that the Committee will present its report in the summer 2001.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list each group that is responsible to his Department with significant and plural membership from outside the Civil Service, and to which the Nolan rules on non-departmental public bodies do not apply; and for each such group, if it(a) is a company limited by guarantee, (b) is a charity, (c) has no formal legal basis and (d) has some other legal basis, giving details. [131175]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 18 July 2000]: Information on task forces, ad hoc advisory groups and reviews responsible to the Home Office is collected centrally by the Cabinet Office. I refer to the replies given to my hon. Friends the Members for Cannock Chase (Dr. Wright) and for Eastwood (Mr. Murphy) respectively, by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office on 27 July 2000, Official Report, columns 799–800W. Non-departmental public bodies and other public bodies for which the Home Office has responsibility are also listed in the Home Office's Annual Report; the report covering the year 1999–2000 was published on 11 April 2000 and copies were placed in the Library.

  The bodies to which the Nolan rules do not apply are listed in the Home Office annual report under the heading, "Other public bodies". The Fire Service Research Committee and Training Trust and the Philip Lawrence Awards are charities. The Criminal Justice Consultative Council, Immigration and Nationality Directorate Complaints Audit Committee, Ministerial Action Group
  1162W
  to Retail Crime Reduction Action Team, Prisons Ombudsman, Property Crime Reduction Action Team, Retail Crime Reduction Action Team, Vehicle Crime Reduction Action Team, and the Visiting Committees for the Immigration Detention Centres at Campsfield House, Harmondsworth and Tinsley House have no formal legal basis.

  Advisers to my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary, on Representations against exclusion under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 and the Annual Review of the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act were brought into existence by the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The Independent Assessor for Miscarriage of Justice Compensation was brought into existence by the Criminal Justice Act 1988, and the Interception of Communications Commissioner, by the Interception of Communications Act 1985. The Security Services Act 1989 brought the Security Service Commissioner into existence. Selection Panels for Independent Members of Police Authorities were created under the Police Act 1996, whilst the Sentencing Advisory Panel was brought into existence by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Both the Service Authority for the National Crime Squad and Service Authority for the National Criminal Intelligence Service were created by the Police Act 1997.

  Advisory Bodies
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [131452]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information on these bodies is set out in an answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office, on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 799W, and in the earlier answer, 11 January 2000, Official Report, column 134W. Information on bodies for which the Home Office has responsibility is also listed in the Home Office Annual Report, copies of which were placed in the Library.

  I will write with dates when these bodies were established.

  Police Drivers
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what disciplinary rules apply to the senior officer in a police car that is driven by a junior officer in contravention of traffic regulations. [133040]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  All police officers up to the rank of superintendent are subject to the Police (Conduct) Regulations 1999. Those above the rank of superintendent are subject to the Police (Conduct) (Senior Officers) Regulations 1999.

  Although the Home Secretary has overall responsibility for the Police Service, the Police Act 1996 gives the day to day running of police forces, including disciplinary matters, to chief officers. Any police officer considered to have failed to meet the standards expected of them in the Codes of Conduct is liable to face such disciplinary action as deemed appropriate.
  1163W
  Further guidance on the new procedures relating to police conduct, introduced on 1 April 1999, can be found in the "Guidance on Police Unsatisfactory Performance, Complaints and Misconduct Procedures", a copy of which is in the Library. It is to be revised shortly by the addition of a section providing guidance on senior officer conduct (i.e. those above the rank of superintendent).

  Child Detainees
  Dr. Vis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children aged 10 to 16 years were remanded to local authority secure accommodation by courts and to prison between June 1999 and June 2000. [129703]

  Mr. Boateng
  The total number of 12 to 14-year-old boys and girls, 15 and 16-year-old girls and vulnerable 15 and 16-year-old boys remanded direct to local authority secure accommodation at the end of each month to 31 March 2000, is set out in the table. Information provided by the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales indicates that from 1 April to 30 June 2000, 194 such secure remands were made. On 31 March 2000, the latest date for which figures are available, there were no children aged 10 or 11 held on remand in local authority secure accommodation.

  Number

  30 June 1999

  34

  31 July 1999

  43

  31 August 1999

  54

  30 September 1999

  59

  31 October 1999

  68

  30 November 1999

  76

  31 December 1999

  72

  31 January 2000

  66

  29 February 2000

  77

  31 March 2000

  77

  Vulnerable Children
  Dr. Vis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many boys aged 15 and 16 years have been assessed as vulnerable under the terms of section 98 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998; and where they were placed. [129702]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The number of vulnerable 15 and 16-year-old boys remanded to local authority secure accommodation at the end of each month to 31 March 2000 is given in the table. Information provided by the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales indicates that from 1 April to 30 June 2000, 65 such secure remands were made. Information on those declared to be vulnerable by the courts for whom a place in local authority secure accommodation was not available is not held centrally.

  Number

  30 June 1999

  34

  31 July 1999

  43

  31 August 1999

  54

  30 September 1999

  59

  31 October 1999

  68

  30 November 1999

  76

  31 December 1999

  72

  1164W

  Number

  31 January 2000

  66

  29 February 2000

  77

  31 March 2000

  77

  Police Precept
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what percentage the average police precept in England in 2001–02 will have to increase to provide the same level of service as in the current year. [132321]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: In the time available, it has not been possible to complete the answer to this question. I shall write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Library.

  Standard Spending Assessment
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average percentage increase in SSA will be in(a) urban, (b) rural and (c) all police authorities in England in 2000–02 as a result of his announcements on departmental spending. [132325]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: Police Standard Spending Assessment (SSA), for England and Wales for the current financial year amounts to £3,533 million. As a result of the increases in police funding announced in the Spending Review 2000, the provisional SSA figure for 2001–02 will be £3,842 million, an increase of 8.7 per cent.

  Figures for individual police authorities will be announced at the time of the local authority settlement in the autumn when the SSA provision will be adjusted to take account of expenditure on behalf of forces to be incurred centrally.

  Police Pensions
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of the average proportion of police authority expenditure which will be spent on pensions in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04. [132354]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 24 July 2000]: In the time available it has not been possible to complete the answer to this question. I shall write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Library.

  Police Operations
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list all police operations since May 1997 for which the forces mounting the operation have sought reimbursement from his Department, indicating(a) the cost of the operations, (b) the percentage of the relevant force budget represented by that cost and (c) whether or not reimbursement was made. [133185]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 27 July 2000]: The details of special payment applications and awards since May 1997 are given in the table.
  1165W

  Special payment applications and awards since May 1997: cases handled to date

  Year/ Force

  Operation

  Cost (£ million)

  Grant made (£ million)

  Cost as percentage of force budget

  1997

  Lancashire

  Party conference

  750,000

  750,000

  0.4

  Sussex

  Party conference

  750,000

  750,000

  0.5

  1998

  West Midlands

  G8 Summit

  1.354

  11.354

  20.3

  Staffordshire

  G8 Summit (combined exercise)

  South Wales

  EU Summit

  2.986

  2.986

  1.8

  Lancashire

  Party conference

  900,000

  900,000

  0.5

  Dorset

  Party conference

  750,000

  750,000

  1.0

  1999 March

  Surrey

  Señor Pinochet

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  Dorset

  Party conference

  1.6

  1.6

  2.1

  Lancashire

  Party conference

  0.9

  0.9

  0.5

  Devon and Cornwall

  Eclipse of the Sun

  1.1

  0.505

  0.6

  Gloucestershire

  RAF Fairford demos. Against Kosovo operations and Royal International Air Tattoo

  0.13

  3—

  0.2

  Kent

  Illegal immigration

  1.9

  0.67

  1.0

  Metropolitan police

  Protecting individuals named in appendix to MacPherson Report

  0.187

  3—

  0.0

  Staffordshire

  Birmingham Northern Relief Road (over five years)

  1.8

  0.36

  1.4

  Warwickshire

  0.9

  0.15

  1.6

  Thames Valley

  Newbury by-pass and Hillgrove Farm cattery. (Re-opening of request refused in 1996)

  5.1

  3—

  2.2

  South Yorkshire

  Contribution to compensation for Hillsborough victims

  1.0

  1.0

  0.6

  2000

  Essex

  Stansted hijack

  2.0

  2.0

  1.2

  Norfolk

  Travellers at Great Yarmouth, Christmas, New Year 1999–2000

  0.4

  3—

  0.5

  Nottinghamshire

  Bagthorpe paedophile unit

  0.05

  3—

  0.0

  Surrey

  Señor Pinochet (balance)

  0.55

  3—

  0.6

  Sussex

  Party conference

  1.6

  1.6

  0.9

  Dorset

  Party conference

  0.9

  0.9

  1.1

  1 Shared

  2 Joint

  3 No special payment approved

  Security Service Appeals Tribunal
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many appeals there have been, from 1 January 1993 to the latest available date, to the Security Service Appeals Tribunal; and what percentage were upheld. [133724]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information regarding complaints about the Security Service made to the Security Service Tribunal is published in the Annual Reports of the Security Service Commissioner. The numbers are as follows:

  Year

  Number of complaints received

  1993

  36

  1994

  42

  1995

  21

  1996

  34

  1997

  45

  1998

  28

  1999

  22

  The following table details the number of complaints relating to property received by the Security Service Tribunal and referred to the Commissioner in accordance with paragraph 4(1) of the Security Service Act 1989.
  1166W

  Year

  Number of complaints received

  1993

  11

  1994

  19

  1995

  12

  1996

  10

  1997

  14

  1998

  16

  1999

  10

  The Tribunal has made no determination in favour of a complainant.

  Angel Heights Hostel
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of whether the Angel Heights hostel in Leeds meets the standards set down by the National Asylum Support Service. [133452]

  Mr. Boateng
  None. The National Asylum Support Service has no asylum seekers housed in hostels operated by Angel Group in Leeds and has no contract for hostels operated there by that company.
  1167W
  An on-going programme of inspection is in place for all property contracted by the National Asylum Support Service. National Asylum Support Service inspection teams and property surveyors provided by the Property Advisers to the Civil Estate undertake this programme.

  Freemasonry
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish the Government's response to the second report of the Home Affairs Committee for Session 1998–99, on Freemasonry in Public Life (HC 467); and if he will make a statement. [133788]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Government's response is being published today as Command Paper, 4813, copies are being placed in the Library. The response will announce that the Home Office is consulting the Police Service about proposals for further measures aimed at ensuring that members of the public may, where appropriate, be able to discover whether individual police officers are members of the Freemasons.

  Departmental Accommodation
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on his plans for new office accommodation for the Home Office and HM Prison Service staff working in Central London. [133794]

  Mr. Straw
  Subject to final contract negotiations, I have decided to proceed with the relocation of the Home Office, including the Prison Service, to a new development on the site of the former Department of Environment offices at Marsham Street, where outline planning consent exists for a mixed office, residential and commercial development. Annes Gate Property PLC has been selected as the Preferred Bidder for the project which is going forward as a public private partnership competition. The demolition of the existing building on the Marsham Street site will commence after contracts are exchanged. This depends on progress with further negotiations but is unlikely to be before Spring 2001. Completion of the new development is expected to be in 2004.

  Personality Disorders
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish the outcome of the Government's consultation on its proposals for managing dangerous people with severe personality disorders; and if he will make a statement. [133795]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government's proposals for those who are dangerous and severely personality disordered—published in a consultation document in July 1999—deal with a longstanding challenge to public safety. The proposals will ensure that individuals who fall into this group whether in prison, high security hospitals or, as in the case of a very small number, at large in the community, are in future detained in circumstances where they will be subject to a range of high quality interventions designed to manage the consequences of their disorder and released only when they are assessed as being safe to be re-integrated into the wider community. The consultation period for these proposals ended on 31 December 1999.
  1168W
  Following the conclusion of Spending Review 2000, information about the resources allocated by both the Home Office and the Department of Health for those aspects of the proposals concerned with the piloting and development of new services, will be published during the Summer.

  The Government intend to publish their formal response to the consultation exercise to Parliament in the Autumn and will set out the detail of its proposals in a White Paper to be published before Christmas.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Paul Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to extend to adults the changes to the release on temporary licence scheme introduced for young offenders in September 1998. [133796]

  Mr. Straw
  In September 1998, following a review initiated by the then Director General of the Prison Service, a number of changes were made to the release on temporary licence scheme. The changes were designed to given prison governors greater flexibility to extend the range of constructive and challenging activities for which prisoners can be released, and to improve their chances of getting a job and somewhere to live when they are released. The majority of the changes were introduced only in the young offender estate.

  Implementation of the changes in respect of young offenders suggests that this more constructive use of the scheme is valuable in helping prisoners reintegrate into the community. The scheme's success rate has remained high. After careful evaluation of performance in the young offender estate, I have decided to extend the majority of the changes introduced there to open prisons and women's prisons as of 1 September 2000. The changes will mean that prisoners in the open and women's estate will be eligible for release on facility licence for interviews to arrange employment or accommodation (if they are serving under one year). Overnight stays will be permitted for community reparational activities for prisoners who have successfully completed a period of day-release facility licence. Governors will also be able to grant overnight release on facility licence for hostel assessment purposes to inform parole consideration. Facility licence will also be available to help prisoners resolve urgent housing issues, for example possible loss of accommodation.

  Two further changes will be made to resettlement licence arrangements. The purpose of release on resettlement licence is to enable prisoners to maintain family ties and links with the community and to make suitable arrangements for accommodation, work and training on release. Prisoners in the open and women's estate serving a determinate sentence of four years or over and who are refused parole at the first opportunity, at the half way point of their sentence, will be eligible to be considered for resettlement leave after three months rather than six months as at present, subject to passing a further rigorous risk assessment. In the open estate only, the maximum frequency of resettlement licence will be increased from every eight weeks to every four weeks.

  No changes will be made to their stringent risk assessment process which all prisoners must pass before being granted temporary release. The Prison Service is

  1169W
  committed to keeping the number of temporary release failures at the current low level, in order to ensure protection of the public. In April the Prison Service introduced a Key Performance Target which measures the success rate of the release on temporary licence scheme. The performance in the open, women's and young offender estate will be monitored carefully against that target. Consideration will be given to extending the changes to other adult prisoners only if the further evaluation suggests it is safe to do so.

  A copy of the relevant Prison Service Instruction, giving full details of the changes, will be placed in the Library.

  Equal Treatment Directive
  Ms Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to consult about the way in which the EC Directive implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin will be implemented. [133797]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Government intend to publish a consultation document on the implementation of the European Community Directive implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin during the summer.

  Metropolitan Police Report
  Mr. Darvill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish the final report of the Metropolitan Police Committee; and if he will make a statement. [133798]

  Mr. Straw
  I am today placing copies of the Final Report of the Metropolitan Police Committee in the Library. The report is also being published on the Metropolitan Police Committee (MPC) website, http://www.mpc.homeoffice.gov.uk/. My officials will write to representatives of the wide range of interested people and organisations who have previously received MPC publications, drawing their attention to the report's availability on the internet, and offering to provide hard copies where necessary.

  The report covers the last period of the life of the Committee, from April 1999 to 2 July 2000, when I ceased to be the Police Authority for the Metropolitan police, with that role being taken by the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) from 3 July. The main part of the report is a record of advice on priorities, opportunities, challenges and context which the Committee offered as briefing to the incoming members of the MPA.

  The Committee has played a major part in transforming the accountability of the Metropolitan Police Service. I believe it secured the respect and trust of successive Commissioners and their colleagues, who benefited from the variety of perspectives which the Committee brought to bear on their work, and from the objective and constructive way in which members explored, assessed and offered advice on the Metropolitan police's performance and plans.

  The Committee's work and advice were, therefore, a great help to me, as Police Authority. Members engaged with the detail of the Metropolitan police in a systematic fashion which no Home Secretary could achieve alone.
  1170W
  The Committee has also been an invaluable bridge into the reformed arrangements for the governance of the Metropolitan Police Service. I am especially grateful for their work in preparing for the transition to the MPA, including in the formulation of the Policing and Performance Plan for this financial year. The Commissioner and his colleagues are keen to meet the challenges and the opportunities offered by the greater accountability which the MPA has brought with it. Working with the MPC helped very much in preparing for this.

  Electorate Commission
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the additional costs relating to the establishment of the Electoral Commission will be met in advance of Royal Assent to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill. [133799]

  Mr. Straw
  The Government intend to press ahead with obtaining Royal Assent in the spill-over and putting the controls in place at the earliest opportunity. I said on second reading of the Bill on 10 January 2000,Official Report, column 45, that I wanted the Electoral Commission established before the end of the year with the aim of having the new regime operating early next year. I believe that timetable can still be met. To that end urgent expenditure estimated at £1.5 million will be met by repayable advances from the Contingencies Fund. This is in addition to the sum of £300,000 I announced in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow (Mr. Gerrard) on 27 March 2000, Official Report, columns 3–4W.

  Fire Service College
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he plans to take forward work on the prior options review of the Fire Service College. [133801]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We have consulted widely on the recommendations in the prior options review of the Fire Service College and considered carefully all the representations we have received. I have noted in particular, the value that fire service interests place on the work of the College and their wish that it should continue. The Government's objective is to secure both in the short and longer term efficient and effective central training arrangements for local authority fire brigades which meet their operational needs and fully accord with the principles of Best Value.

  We believe this is most likely to be achieved by drawing from the skills of both the public and private sectors. There have been widespread agreement that in continuing to assess the available options and deciding how best these diverse skills can be harnessed, the essential next step is to draw up in outcome terms a clear operational specification of the fire service's future central training requirements. I am asking for this work to be put in hand straight away. The work will be done in consultation with the Fire Service and the College and we will use consultants to assist in the task and to ensure it is completed by this autumn.
  1171W
  The operational specification for future firefighting training needs will, with the agreement of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, also include a specification of training requirements currently met at the Ministry of Defence Fire Services Central Training Establishment at Manston. The Government remain committed to co-operative working between Departments to secure the most modern and efficient services and Ministry of Defence colleagues will be fully involved in this further work.

  Suicide
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women committed suicide(a) among the Asian community and (b) in the white community in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [131253]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Dr. Ashok Kumar, dated 28 July 2000:
  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many women committed suicide (a) among the Asian community and (b) in the white community in each of the last 10 years. (131253).
  Ethnicity is not recorded at death registration. Information collected at death registration relates to country of birth. However country of birth would not detect the generations of Asians that were born within the U.K. or those members of the white ethnic group that were born in Asian countries, and therefore suicide figures for ethnic groups are not available.

  Mental Health
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to commission research into the extent to which people with mental health problems are denied access to the criminal justice system. [132510]

  Mr. Hutton
  I have been asked to reply.

  We have no plans to commission research into this issue. Standard one of the National Service Framework for Mental Health states that health and social services should combat discrimination against individuals and groups with mental health problems, and promote their social inclusion. We shall be monitoring implementation of that standard to ensure that health and social services work with a range of agencies locally, including those in the criminal justice system, to ensure fair treatment of people with mental health problems.

  Immigration Detainees
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigration detainees, at the latest available date, had been held for(a) less than one week, (b) less than one month, (c) less than three months, (d) less the six months, (e) less than one year and (f) more than one year. [133952]

  Mrs. Roche
  I will write to my hon. Friend, and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many deaths were recorded in each of the past five years of asylum seekers(a) at the port of entry, (b) on the coast or in UK territorial waters and (c) in custody; [133953]

  (2) how many asylum seekers were held under immigration law powers in (a) HM prisons,(b) immigration detention centres, (c) police stations and (d) ports, at the latest available date. [133954]

  Mrs. Roche
  I will write to my hon. Friend, and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Interception of Communications Act 1985
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many requests there have been for Communications data and its equivalent under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 in the last year by the(a) Customs and Excise, (b) Inland Revenue,(c) Department of Social Security, (d) Metropolitan Police and (e) Egg Inspectorate. [132810]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The provision of communications data is not covered by the Interception of Communications Act 1985. The law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies currently rely on arrangements governed by the Data Protection Act 1998. A central record of requests is not kept by the Home Office. In order to provide greater safeguards for the provision of communications data Part 1, Chapter II of the Regulation of the Investigatory Powers Bill ensures that requests for such data are made in a closely controlled manner and for a number of limited specific purposes.

  Surveillance
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the private security industry with respect to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill and its provisions for dealing with surveillance. [132804]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There have been no discussions with the private security industry regarding the provisions of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIP) Bill which deal with covert surveillance only in respect of public authorities.

  Part II of the Bill has been introduced as a result of the incorporation into United Kingdom law, in the form of the Human Rights Act 1998, of the European Convention on Human Rights. Section 6(1) of the Human Rights Act makes it unlawful for a public authority to act in a way which is incompatible with a Convention right. Part II of the RIP Bill provides a permissive regime whereby specified public authorities may seek authorisation for a range of activities, including covert surveillance, to ensure they are carried out in accordance with the Convention.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there have been since 1970 under the Wireless and Telegraphy Act 1949 for use of surveillance devices. [132807]
  1173W
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Home Office Court Proceedings Database cannot identify separately such offences from other summary offences under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949.

  However the Radiocommunications Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry advise that although they have no records of prosecutions against those using surveillance devices before 1990, records since then show that a conviction was secured in 1991. This was under section 1 of the 1949 Act and against a taxi firm owner using a bugging device to monitor employees.

  CCTV
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many successful bids for CCTV funding have been made on behalf of communities in The Wrekin since May 1997. [133192]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Since May 1997, four bids for closed circuit television (CCTV) funding were submitted from partnerships in The Wrekin under the Home Office CCTV Challenge Competition. None were successful.

  Under the current round of the CCTV Initiative, I understand that three bids for communities within the Wrekin area are being prepared by local crime and disorder reduction partnerships for submission.

  Each application will be considered on its merits against the criteria set out in the application prospectus, a copy of which is available on the Home Office website.

  Security Service Files
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the weeding of Security Service files, indicating the numbers and categories of records deleted over the last two years; and if he will make a statement with respect to future weeding. [132809]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I refer to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to my hon. Friends the Members for City of Chester (Ms Russell) and for Reading, East (Jane Griffiths) respectively, on 29 July 1998,Official Report, columns 251–54W and 3 February 1999, Official Report, columns 619–20W. Some 130,000 records have been destroyed since my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's earlier statement. The Security Service disposes of those old files in its archive which are no longer relevant to its work and which do not merit retention on historical grounds. The process of review for destruction is carried out with strict adherence to the criteria endorsed by the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Council on Public Records. Moreover, the Public Record Office has routinely and regularly spot-checked a random selection of the records put aside for destruction and will continue to do so.

  Data Protection
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce an amendment to the Freedom of Information Bill in order to amend section 28 of the Data Protection Act 1998. [132808]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have no current plans to introduce such an amendment.

  Electronic Communications Act 2000
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what orders he(a) has made and (b) intends to make using section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [133381]

  Mr. Boateng
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, for the Cabinet Office today.

  Ministerial Duties
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will publish the Home Office ministerial duty roster for the summer adjournment with a list of which Ministers are on duty between which dates; [133228]

  (2) between which dates he and each of his Ministers will not be performing official duties during the summer adjournment. [133244]

  Mr. Straw
  It is not normal practice of Government to publish the daily ministerial duty roster. This Department will ensure that it has sufficient cover through the summer recess in line with the requirements of the Ministerial Code.

  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what visits overseas on official business he and each of his Ministers will be undertaking during the Summer adjournment; on what dates; to which countries; and whom they will be meeting. [133229]

  Mr. Straw
  Over the next five months to the end of the year, the Minister of State, Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), and I plan to attend meetings of the Justice and Home Affairs Council, in line with arrangements made by the French Presidency. Meetings are currently planned for 27–29 July; 28 September; 17 October and 30 November-1 December.

  I am also planning to make an official visit to India and Bangladesh in September during which I will meet Indian and Bangladeshi Ministers and officials. No other Ministers have any overseas visits fixed at this time.

  Criminal Injuries Compensation
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of planned expenditure on criminal injuries compensation in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04. [133401]

  Mr. Straw
  Planned spending on criminal injuries compensation 2000–01 is £193 million. I shall be considering the spending review settlement over the summer and making detailed plans for future years in due course.

  Fire and Emergency Planning
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of planned spending on fire and emergency planning in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04. [133403]
  1175W
  Mr. Straw
  The fire service share of total standard spending for England following the spending review settlement is as follows:

  £ million

  2000–01

  1,393.4

  2001–02

  1,462.5

  2002–03

  1,521

  2003–04

  1,582.6

  Fire service revenue funding for Wales is a devolved matter.

  Details of the provision of fire credit approvals were given in reply to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Goole (Mr. Cawsey) on 26 July 2000, Official Report, column 699W.

  Planned central Home Office spending on fire and emergency planning in 2000–01 is £47 million. I shall be considering the spending review settlement over the summer and making detailed plans for future years in due course.

  Protection from Harassment Act 1997
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement assessing the effectiveness of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. [133700]

  Mr. Boateng
  A Home Office research study, "Stalking: An Evaluation of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997," will be published on 1 August.

  Probation
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of planned expenditure on probation in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02,(c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04. [133400]

  Mr. Straw
  Planned spending on probation in 2000–01 is £555 million.

  On 19 July, I announced that the spending review settlement provides an additional £240million/£380 million/£470 million for prisons and probation. This will increase capacity, boost the "What Works" programme to reduce offending, and support the modernisation of the probation service. We have produced indicative figures which show that the Probation Service funding could increase by up to £97 million/
  1176W
  £139 million/£170 million in the three years starting in 2001–02. These figures are provisional and may be subject to change. I shall be considering the spending review settlement over the summer and making detailed plans for future years in due course.

  Criminal Policy
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of planned spending on criminal policy in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04. [133399]

  Mr. Straw
  Planned Home Office spending on criminal policy (excluding probation) in 2000–01 is £277 million. I shall be considering the spending review settlement over the summer and making detailed plans for future years in due course. As I announced to the House on 19 July, the settlement also introduces a joint criminal justice system reserve of £100 million/£200 million/£225 million which I will manage with the Lord Chancellor and Attorney-General.

  Constitutional and Community Directorate
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of planned spending on the Constitutional and Community Directorate in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04. [133398]

  Mr. Straw
  Planned spending on the Constitutional and Community Directorate in 2000–01 is £57 million. I shall be considering the spending review settlement over the summer and making detailed plans for future years in due course.

  Forensic Science Service
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of planned spending on the Forensic Science Service in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04. [133397]

  Mr. Straw
  The Forensic Science Service was established as a trading fund on 1 April 1999 by the Forensic Science Service Trading Fund Order 1998. As a trading fund it operates off-Vote and uses its trading receipts to meet outgoings. However, as allowed by the Government Trading Funds Act 1973, provision has been made in the Supply Estimates to make a repayable loan of £3 million to the Forensic Science Service in 2000–01. There are no further loans or subsidies to the Forensic Science Service planned in the years 2001–02, 2002–03 and 2003–04.

  Zimbabwe: Land Resettlement Grants
  Zimbabwe: Land Resettlement Grants
  Overseas Aid and Development Programme Support
  Overseas Aid and Development Programme Support
  Displaced and Refugee Eritreans: Aid
  Displaced and Refugee Eritreans: Aid
  Debt Relief
  Debt Relief
  Kosovo: Aid Pledges
  Kosovo: Aid Pledges
  Peers' Expenses
  Peers' Expenses
  Joint Committee on Human Rights
  Joint Committee on Human Rights
  Prisons: Target Performance Improvement
  Prisons: Target Performance Improvement
  Community Development Foundation
  Community Development Foundation
  Road Traffic Offence Penalties
  Road Traffic Offence Penalties
  Prison Boards of Visitors
  Prison Boards of Visitors
  Police Information Technology Organisation: Annual Report
  Police Information Technology Organisation: Annual Report
  Prison and Probation Services: Inspection Arrangement
  Prison and Probation Services: Inspection Arrangement
  Prison Staff: Pay Review Body
  Prison Staff: Pay Review Body
  Criminal Records Bureau
  Criminal Records Bureau
  Dangerous Dogs
  Dangerous Dogs
  Retail Price Index
  Retail Price Index
  Tobacco Smuggling
  Tobacco Smuggling
  Tobacco-related Tax Revenue
  Tobacco-related Tax Revenue
  Britain in Europe and European Movement
  Britain in Europe and European Movement
  Sterling Exchange Rates
  Sterling Exchange Rates
  Judicial Negligence
  Judicial Negligence
  Commonhold and Leasehold Reform: Draft Bill
  Commonhold and Leasehold Reform: Draft Bill
  Remploy: Annual Performance Agreement
  Remploy: Annual Performance Agreement
  Traveller Children: Education
  Traveller Children: Education
  Corporal Punishment in Independent Schools
  Corporal Punishment in Independent Schools
  Royal Ulster Constabulary: Widows' Pensions
  Royal Ulster Constabulary: Widows' Pensions
  Murders of Royal Ulster Constabulary Officers
  Murders of Royal Ulster Constabulary Officers
  Northern Ireland: Bail Offences
  Northern Ireland: Bail Offences
  United Kingdom Bicentenary
  United Kingdom Bicentenary
  Northern Ireland: Training Schools
  Northern Ireland: Training Schools
  Millennium Dome: Allocation of Sale Proceeds
  Millennium Dome: Allocation of Sale Proceeds
  Leaked Memoranda
  Leaked Memoranda
  Task Forces
  Task Forces
  Departmental Cars
  Departmental Cars
  Peers' Free Postage
  Peers' Free Postage
  NMEC: Annual Report and Financial Statement
  NMEC: Annual Report and Financial Statement
  Northern Ireland: Terrorist Beatings
  Northern Ireland: Terrorist Beatings
  Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Outbreak, USA
  Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Outbreak, USA
  House of Lords Staff: Ethnic Minority and Gender Breakdown
  House of Lords Staff: Ethnic Minority and Gender Breakdown
  MAFF Service Delivery Targets
  MAFF Service Delivery Targets
  Engineers' and Architects' Copyright
  Engineers' and Architects' Copyright
  Government Departments: Promptness of Payments
  Government Departments: Promptness of Payments