Written Answers of 5 June 2000

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Internal Mailbags
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what the total cost was of the recent replacement of the House of Commons's internal mailbags; and for what reasons the former mailbags were replaced. [124179]

  Mrs. Roe
  This is a matter for the Serjeant at Arms, I have asked him to reply to the hon. Member.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the President of the Council on how many occasions since 31 March 1999(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124121]

  Mrs. Beckett
  During the period 31 March 1999 to the end of March 2000, Special Advisers in this Department travelled overseas on one occasion.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Human Rights
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will set out the response of the Government to concerns over human rights protection in the UK identified by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of the Judiciary in his report to the April 2000 session of the UN Human Rights Commission; and if he will place the relevant documentation in the Library. [121868]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The UN Special Rapporteur's oral statement to the 56th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights focused on Northern Ireland and therefore my hon. Friend's question has been passed to this Department.

  A copy of the UN Special Rapporteur's oral statement is now available on the Internet at www.unhchr.ch.

  The UK Government's response will be placed in the House of Commons Library once it has been completed.

  Military Complaints Procedures
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he plans to lay before Parliament Mr. Jim McDonald's annual report as Independent Assessor of Military Complaints Procedures in Northern Ireland. [124534]
  2W
  Mr. Ingram
  Mr. McDonald's report is being published today and copies are being placed in the Library.

  I note that Mr. McDonald has said that the military authorities have continued to respond constructively to his independently developed assessment of their role in the complaints system, and that the renewed priority given to training in the specific areas of complaint handling and complaint avoidance produced good results in 1999.

  The Report of the Independent Assessor continues to provide valuable reassurances to both Government and the public that the army's complaints procedures stand scrutiny. The Government attach importance to this role and its statutory basis is to be continued through the Terrorism Bill, currently before the House of Lords.

  Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will publish the report by Mr. J. J. Rowe QC on the operation during 1999 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996. [124533]

  Mr. Ingram
  Mr. Rowe's Report is being published today and copies are being placed in the Library.

  Mr. Rowe recommends the continuance of the EPA powers.

  A continuance Order has been laid to continue in force the EPA until 24 August, the date on which the Act will expire.

  Before 24 August, the EPA will be replaced by the Terrorism Bill, currently before the House of Lords.

  Under the Terrorism Bill, temporary emergency provisions for Northern Ireland will be set in the context of permanent UK-wide counter-terrorism powers.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how many occasions since 31 March 1999(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124116]

  Mr. Mandelson
  During the period 31 March 1999 to the end of March 2000, Special Advisers in this Department travelled overseas on one occasion.

  There has been no Special Adviser in post since my appointment on 11 October 1999.

DEFENCE

  Regular Army
  Mr. Borrow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the net inflow was into the Regular Army in the last financial year. [122657]

  Mr. Spellar
  In the financial year just ended, there was a net inflow of 175 in the trained strength of the Regular Army. This is the first time since 1986 that there has been such an inflow, which represents a significant and welcome improvement.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on British military involvement in Zimbabwe. [122658]

  Mr. Spellar
  Nine British Army and two RAF UK military personnel currently serve in Zimbabwe as part of the British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT) Southern Africa. The BMATT's main role is to provide regional peacekeeping training in countries throughout the Southern Africa region. We are keeping the situation under review.

  In addition, two Army personnel, the UK Defence Adviser and his assistant, provide advice to the British High Commissioner in Harare on defence issues.

  Joint Force 2000
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in establishing the Joint Force 2000. [122659]

  Mr. Hoon
  I am pleased to confirm that Joint Force Harrier was formed, under the command of Rear Admiral lain Henderson, on 1 April this year. My hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces had the pleasure of attending the launch ceremonies at RAF Strike Command and RAF Wittering on 31 March.

  Joint Force Harrier combines the Royal Navy's Sea Harrier and RAF Harrier squadrons in a single force which is able to operate from land bases or carriers, as the recent operation off Sierra Leone has demonstrated. In 2003 both fleets will be co-located at RAF Cottesmore and RAF Wittering to fully realise the significant operational benefits that the creation of Joint Force Harrier will bring.

  Iraq
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sorties RAF personnel made in patrolling no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq in the last year. [122661]

  Mr. Spellar
  Between April 1999 and March 2000 RAF aircraft flew a total of 2,683 sorties in the no-fly zones; 450 in the Northern no-fly zone and 2,233 in the Southern no-fly zone.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 April 2000,Official Report, column 19W, on Iraq, what role tanks play in the Iraqi Integrated Air Defence System. [120804]

  Mr. Hoon
  Iraqi Main Battle Tanks play no part in the Iraqi Integrated Air Defence System.

  Radioactive Materials
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the destruction of radioactive materials held by his Department. [122662]

  Dr. Moonie
  The primary legislation controlling the holding and disposal of radioactive materials is the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 and its associated Exemption Orders. Although the Act does not apply to Ministry of Defence activities, my Department's policy is 4W
  to apply standards and arrangements which, so far as is reasonably practicable, are at least as good as those required by the Act. This policy is promulgated in the Departmental Environmental Manual, Joint Services Publication 418, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Vacant Homes (Hendon)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of his Department's former homes in Hendon are vacant; and if he will make a statement. [122663]

  Dr. Moonie
  We have sold former married quarters in Hendon to the Notting Hill Housing Trust and in Mill Hill to Annington Homes as part of the sale of all married quarters in England and Wales in 1996. We do not know how many of these are empty once they are no longer our responsibility.

  Nuclear Proliferation
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with Foreign Office Ministers about the proposals by the New Agenda Coalition to the current nuclear proliferation treaty review conference. [122664]

  Mr. Hoon
  I have kept closely in touch with the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain), during the course of the Review Conference.

  AWE Aldermaston
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Environment Agency following the decision to refer for judicial review the activities carried out at AWE Aldermaston. [122665]

  Mr. Spellar
  Ministers have had no discussions with the Environment Agency on this matter since the EA granted a licence to AWE plc to operate at Aldermaston. However, officials of the Ministry of Defence and of the Environment Agency hold regular discussions as part of the normal course of business and these have included the judicial review of the Environment Agency's recent discharge authorisations for the Aldermaston site.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of procedures adopted by the private operators of the Aldermaston site to give his Department temporary ownership of radioactive substances; and if he will make a statement. [122573]

  Mr. Spellar
  I presume that the question refers to erroneous reports that the Ministry of Defence sought to avoid public scrutiny of measures to dispose of some slightly radioactive material at its DERA Shoeburyness site. In fact, the transfer of material was carried out only after the Environment Agency (EA), following a period for consultation with local authorities, had granted approval on the basis that the environmental impact of disposal in this fashion is minimal. The material in question is conventional high explosive removed from obsolete nuclear weapons, dismantled by the Atomic Weapons Establishment, and only contains small traces of
  5W
  radioactive tritium. The EA provides independent monitoring at the Shoeburyness facility to ensure that there is no risk to staff or the public from these activities.

  Kosovo (NATO Ordnance)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of how much NATO ordnance was(a) directed against imposter targets and (b) dumped unexploded in the Adriatic as a result of bad weather during the war in Kosovo. [122666]

  Mr. Spellar
  NATO's assessment of the air campaign was made public by the then Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Wesley Clark, in September last year. It is the most comprehensive assessment undertaken and is explained in detail on NATO's website www.nato.int/kosovoipress/p990916a.htm. The Ministry of Defence has not undertaken a separate assessment of how much NATO ordnance was directed against decoy or imposter targets.

  It would not be appropriate to comment on behalf of other nations, but no UK aircraft dropped ordnance in the Adriatic during the campaign.

  Training
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the number of opportunities for training with live ammunition in each of the last five years. [122667]

  Mr. Spellar
  Service personnel are trained, individually and collectively, in all aspects of their roles, and live firing of weapons is one element of a balanced training programme which is subject to the constraints of time, money and infrastructure. The opportunities available to military personnel to train with live ammunition vary according to the specialisation of the individual concerned, and also according to the operational role of the formed unit to which that individual belongs. Because most live firing is carried out at unit level, the information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Territorial Army (Balkans)
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of Territorial Army soldiers serving in the Balkans. [122668]

  Mr. Spellar
  A total of 3,975 Territorial Army soldiers have been mobilised for duty in the Balkans since December 1995. Their role has been to provide individual reinforcements with a variety of skills to Regular Units on operational tours, and fill a number of staff appointments in the various Headquarters in the Balkans.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the use of United Kingdom forces in Sierra Leone. [122669]

  Mr. Hoon
  United Kingdom Forces deployed to Sierra Leone in early May have done an excellent job. They deployed to get UK nationals out and, in securing the airport at Lungi, they were able to help UNAMSIL while reinforcements flew in. The operation has been a success: hundreds of UK nationals were evacuated; thousands of 6W
  UN reinforcements have flown in. The arrival of capable, well-equipped reinforcements has helped create a much more stable and secure environment than when UK forces arrived. We expect to be able to have withdrawn the bulk of our troops from Sierra Leone by mid-June. We will, however, continue to provide UK military observers to UNAMSIL and training and advice to the Government of Sierra Leone, as part of our wider programme of assistance.

  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects British Forces to leave Sierra Leone. [122674]

  Mr. Hoon
  We expect the bulk of British forces deployed to Sierra Leone, including 42 Commando, to leave by mid-June. We will, however, continue to provide UK military advice and training in accordance with our wider programme of assistance to the Government of Sierra Leone. We will also continue to work with UNAMSIL.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his oral statement of 23 May 2000,Official Report, columns 863–65, concerning Sierra Leone, what United Kingdom weapons and ammunition will be issued to any military organisation other than the Sierra Leone army; and how the distribution of such arms will be controlled and monitored. [124055]

  Mr. Hoon
  Light weapons and ammunition will be distributed to Government of Sierra Leone Armed Forces only. Their distribution will be overseen by UK military personnel in Sierra Leone. We have received firm assurances from President Kabbah that they will only be used by regular Sierra Leone soldiers in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights standards.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of British forces in the area of Sierra Leone. [123714]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer my right hon. Friend to the statement I gave to the House on 23 May 2000,Official Report, columns 863–74.

  RAF (Fast Jet Pilots)
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Fast Jet pilots there are in the RAF according to(a) establishment level and (b) actual manning level; and what the percentage shortfall is. [122670]

  Mr. Spellar
  The position on 1 April 2000, the latest date that figures are available, was as follows:

  Number of Fast Jet pilots in RAF

  Requirement1

  Trained strength

  Deficit

  Percentage shortfall

  All ranks

  882

  846

  36

  4.1

  Junior Officer Pilot2

  550

  452

  98

  17.8

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

  2 Flight Lieutenant (and Squadron Leader specialist aircrew) and below included in all ranks total. This is the RAF's most critical manning category.

  Royal Navy Frigates
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Navy frigates are operationally available. [122672]

  Mr. Spellar
  27 Royal Naval Frigates are currently operationally available. The remainder are in extended maintenance or refit.

  Peacekeeping
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes there have been in the peacekeeping role of United Kingdom forces in the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [122673]

  Mr. Spellar
  The peacekeeping role of UK forces was set out in the Strategic Defence Review. There has been no change to that role in the last three years. As my hon. Friend will be aware, UK forces have been engaged in a number of peacekeeping and other peace support operations in the Balkans and elsewhere in that period.

  The prevention, containment and resolution of conflict is a vital element in the maintenance of international stability and security to which this Government are committed. UK forces will therefore continue to make an appropriate contribution, in concert with others, to both peacekeeping and other peace support operations.

  Smart Procurement
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what savings have been identified as a result of the Smart Procurement Initiative. [122675]

  Mr. Olner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what savings have been identified as a result of the Smart Procurement Initiative. [122656]

  Dr. Moonie
  As part of the Strategic Defence Review we set ourselves a target of saving £2 billion on equipment procurement expenditure over the 10 years to 2007–08 through the introduction of Smart Procurement. We are on track to achieve that target, in that the sum of cost reductions identified and made in successive planning rounds is approaching the £2 billion mark and, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's announcement last month on the Strategic Air Lift and future missile for the Eurofighter aptly demonstrates, we are delivering the programme set out in the Strategic Defence Review.

  BVRAAM
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the beyond visual range air-to-air missile. [122676]

  Mr. Hoon
  I announced on 16 May the Government's intention to procure the METEOR missile, offered by a consortium led by Matra BAe Dynamics, as the beyond visual range air-to-air missile for the Eurofighter aircraft. Our decision will give the RAF the most advanced air to 8W
  air missile in the world, and will ensure that Eurofighter can combat all projected air to air threats well into its service life.

  Surplus Assets (Disposal)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress in achieving the target for disposal of surplus assets contained in the Strategic Defence Review. [122677]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Strategic Defence review set a £700 million target for gross receipts from the sale of surplus property assets over the period 1998–99 to 2001–02. In 1998–99 £158 million was achieved, with a further £286.5 million being realised in 1999–2000.

  The Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) was set a target to reduce the book value of spares holdings by 20 per cent., and is on target to meet this by April 2001.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the security situation in Kosovo. [122648]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the oral answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Workington (Mr Campbell-Savours),Official Report, columns 16–17.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last met his colleagues from other NATO member states to discuss the deployment of military forces in Kosovo. [122660]

  Mr. Spellar
  The situation in Kosovo has been a major subject for discussion among NATO Defence Ministers since the crisis began. The Secretary of State and other Ministers meet colleagues from NATO and other countries regularly on both a bilateral and multilateral basis. The topics for discussion range widely.

  The next formal meeting of NATO Defence Ministers is on 8 and 9 June, at which he will discuss a wide range of issues including Kosovo.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of available stocks of(a) precision guided munitions and (c) non-precision guided munitions were used during operation Allied Force. [124316]

  Mr. Spellar
  The numbers of munitions used during Operation Allied Force were published by the Ministry of Defence last year, in my right hon. Friend, the then Secretary of State, Lord Robertson's account of the Kosovo crisis. Details of the percentage of our stockpile this expenditure represented would assist a potential adversary to assess our operational capability. I am therefore withholding this information in accordance with exemption 1 (Defence, Security and International Relations) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Medal Awards (Suez)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received calling for the award of a medal for those who served in the Suez Canal zone in the early 1950s. [122671]
  9W
  Dr. Moonie
  Since this Government took office, the Ministry of Defence has received three written Parliamentary Questions calling for the award of a medal for service in the Suez Canal Zone in the early 1950s. We have also received 229 Parliamentary Inquiries from 175 hon. Members, and my officials have dealt with 164 letters from 71 members of the public. Five Early Day Motions have been tabled. In March 1998, my predecessor held a meeting with a delegation of veterans at which he was handed a petition containing some 20,000 names, and in March this year, I held a meeting with two hon. Members with an interest in this subject.

  Multipart Tender
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the tender submitted by Multipart, Chorley, for the stock and supply of spare parts for the armed forces. [122678]

  Dr. Moonie
  Multipart, through an appropriate competitive tendering process, have been appointed the 'service provider' to Vickers Defence Systems (VDS) for the provision, procurement, storage and distribution of Challenger 2 specific consumable spares (Project CRISP). A decision on whether Project CRISP will proceed is expected in late June.

  List of vessels by category

  Class of vessel

  Vessel name

  Laid down

  Launched

  Commissioned

  Type 23 Frigate

  HMS Sutherland

  Yes

  HMS Kent

  Yes

  HMS Portland

  Yes

  Yes

  HMS St. Albans

  Yes

  Yes

  Loading Platform Docking (Replacement)

  HMS Albion

  Yes

  HMS Bulwark

  Yes

  Single Role Minehunter (SRMH)

  HMS Penzance

  Yes

  HMS Pembroke

  Yes

  Yes

  HMS Grimsby

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  HMS Bangor

  Yes

  Yes

  HMS Ramsey

  Yes

  Yes

  HMS Blyth

  Yes

  HMS Shoreham

  Yes

  SSN

  HMS Astute

  Yes

  SSBN

  HMS Vengeance

  Yes

  Yes

  Offshore Survey Vessel (OSV)

  HMS Scott

  Yes

  Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH)

  HMS Ocean

  Yes

  Total

  10

  8

  7

  Staff Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff from his Department were seconded to private sector companies in(a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to April 2000; and if he will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secondment. [123428]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: Information, by financial year, on personnel on secondment to the private sector from my Department is as follows.1

  Demining Assistance (Libya)
  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assistance has been provided to the Government of Libya for humanitarian demining; and if he will make a statement. [124560]

  Mr. Spellar
  None.

  Warships
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many warships have been(a) ordered, (b) laid down, (c) launched and (d) commissioned since 1 May 1997. [122821]

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

  Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Christopher Gill, dated 5 June 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the construction of warships since 1 May 1997. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  Since 1 May 1997 no warships have been ordered. In the same period, (that is from 1 May 1997) 10 warships have been laid down, 8 launched and 7 commissioned. A list of these vessels by category is attached. More detailed information on the relevant vessels can be obtained from "Jane's Fighting Ships", a copy of which is held in the House of Commons Library.

  1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998

  Company

  Grade

  Duration

  Avery Berkel

  SCS

  1 year

  AWE plc

  Gd 6

  2 years

  Babtie Group

  Gd 7

  1 year 3 months

  BAE

  Gd 2

  2 years 6 months

  Gd 7

  2 years 3 months

  SPTO

  1 year 11 months

  British Airways

  SEO (IT)

  2 years 6 months

  British Marine Technology Ltd.

  GD 6

  3 years

  11W

  1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998

  Company

  Grade

  Duration

  Bull Information Systems Ltd.

  CO3

  3 years

  CO2

  3 years

  CO2

  2 years 8 months

  CO3

  1 year

  CO3

  1 year

  GEC Marine

  Gd 4

  1 year

  GKN Sankey

  HEO

  5 months

  Horizon IJVC Ltd.

  Gd 7

  2 years

  Magnox/BNFL

  Gd 7

  3 years

  Neville Russell

  EO

  2 months

  R. Twining & Co.

  HEO

  6 months

  Raytheon

  SCS

  3 years

  Rolls Royce & Assoc.

  Gd 6

  2 years

  Rover Powertrain

  HPTO(D)

  1 year 6 months

  SERCO IFTC Ltd.

  FSO

  2 years

  Shell UK

  SEO

  3 months

  HEO

  3 months

  Thomson Marconi Sonar Ltd.

  SPTO

  2 years 6 months

  Gd 5

  11 months

  HEO(IT)

  5 years

  Transco

  HEO

  6 months

  SEO

  4 months

  Zeneca Pharmaceuticals

  HEO(MA)

  4 months

  In addition we had 209 miscellaneous interchange activities—mainly trainee engineer/scientist and students who undertake various planned short-term attachments to different companies as part of their training.

  1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

  Company

  Grade

  Duration

  Anglian Water

  HEO

  5 months

  AWE plc

  Gd 6

  2 years

  Babtie Group

  Gd 7

  1 year 3 months

  BAe

  Gd 2

  2 years 6 months

  Gd 7

  2 years 5 months

  EO

  2 years

  Barr & Stroud

  Gd 7

  2 years

  British Airways

  HEO

  6 months

  HEO(MA)

  1 years

  SEO(IT)

  2 years 6 months

  British Marine Technology Ltd.

  Gd 6

  3 years

  HPTO

  1 year

  British Telecom

  HEO

  3 months

  Bull Information Systems Ltd.

  CO3

  3 years

  CO2

  3 years

  CO2

  2 years 8 months

  CO3

  1 year

  CO3

  1 year

  HEO(IT)

  5 years

  Defence Industries Council

  HEO

  1 year

  Devonport Management Ltd.

  HPTO

  1 year 5 months

  Ernst & Young

  GD 7

  6 months

  GEC Marconi

  Gd 6

  2 years

  SPTO

  2 years

  12W

  1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

  Company

  Grade

  Duration

  GEC Marine

  Gd 4

  1 year

  Horizon IJVC Ltd.

  Gd 7

  2 years

  Lockhead Martin

  SPTO

  2 years

  Magnox/BNFL

  Gd 7

  3 years

  Marconi Electronic Systems

  SCS

  1 year 3 months

  New Zealand National Institute of Water2

  C1

  2 years

  Pall Europe Led

  SEO

  7 months

  R. Twining & Co.

  HEO

  6 months

  SEO

  3 months

  Robert Fleming

  Gd 7

  2 years

  Rolls Royce

  C1

  1 year

  Rolls Royce & Assoc.

  Gd 6

  2 years

  Gd 6

  1 year 8 months

  Rover Powertrain

  HPTO(D)

  1 year 6 months

  SERCO IFTC Ltd.

  FSO

  2 years

  Thomson Marconi Sonar Ltd.

  SPTO

  2 years 6 months

  Gd 5

  11 months

  Transco

  HEO(MA)

  6 months

  SEO

  4 months

  Vauxhall Motors Ltd.

  Gd 6

  1 year 9 months

  Zeneca Agro-Chemicals

  HEO

  6 months

  Zeneca Pharmaceuticals

  HEO(MA)

  4 months

  In addition we had 213 miscellaneous interchange activities—mainly trainee engineer/scientist and students who undertake various planned short-term attachments to different companies as part of their training.

  1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000

  Company

  Grade

  Duration

  Anglian Water

  HEO

  5 months

  AWE plc

  Gd 6

  2 years

  BAe

  Gd 7

  2 years 5 months

  EO

  2 years

  EO

  1 year 4 months

  BAe Airbus

  HPTO

  1 year

  BAe Royal Ordnance

  HPTO

  1 year

  Barr & Stroud

  Gd 7

  2 years

  British Airways

  HEO

  6 months

  HEO(IT)

  2 years 6 months

  British Marine Technology Ltd.

  Gd 6

  3 years

  HPTO

  1 years

  Bull Information Systems Ltd.

  CO3

  3 years

  CO2

  3 years

  CO2

  2 years 8 months

  HEO(IT)

  4 years

  Defence Industries Council

  HEO

  1 year

  Devonport Management Ltd.

  HPTO

  1 year 5 months

  European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting2

  Cl

  1 year

  GEC (now BAe Systems)

  Gd 6

  2 years

  GEC Marconi

  Gd 6

  2 years

  SPTO

  2 years

  Horizon IJVC Ltd.

  Gd 7

  2 years

  Lockhead Martin

  SPTO

  2 years

  Magnox/BNFL

  Gd 7

  3 years

  Marconi Avionics

  Group Capt.

  1 year

  13W

  1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000

  Company

  Grade

  Duration

  Marconi Electronic Systems

  SCS

  1 year 3 months

  New Zealand National Institute of Water2

  C1

  2 years

  Northrop Grummen

  SCS

  1 year 6 months

  Pall Europe Led

  SEO

  7 months

  Raytheon

  SCS

  2 years

  Renishaw plc

  SPTO

  1 year

  Robert Fleming

  Gd 7

  2 years

  Rolls Royce

  C1

  12 months

  Rolls Royce & Assoc.

  Gd 6

  2 years

  Gd 6

  1 year 8 months

  Thomson-CSF

  SCS

  2 years

  Thomson Marconi Sonar Ltd.

  SPTO

  2 years 6 months

  Vauxhall Motors Ltd.

  Gd 6

  1 year 9 months

  1 All figures exclude DERA

  2 Met Office

  Figures for trainee engineers/scientists and students are not yet available for 1999–2000.

  Special Investigations Branch
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many investigations have been conducted by the Special Investigations Branch of the Royal Military Police in the past two years; how many and what percentage of investigations have led to disciplinary charges being laid against(a) serving and (b) discharged soldiers; what was the breakdown of those cases by outcome; what was the average time taken to conduct an investigation from complaint to report; who is tasked with responding to a report of the Special Investigations Branch; and what options are available for further action to be taken. [123886]

  Mr. Spellar
  The information requested is as detailed:

  (a) In the calendar years 1998 and 1999, the Special Investigations Branch began investigating a total of 3,002 cases world-wide of which 264 are ongoing

  (b) A total of 1,175 persons have been reported for offences to date. Of these:

  (i) 1,150 were serving soldiers (records are not held centrally on how many were discharged at the time of the investigation); and

  (ii) 25 were civilians subject to military law.

  (c) Of the total number of cases investigated:

  (i) 876 were resolved;

  (ii) in 543 cases, no crime was established;

  (iii) 216 remain unsolved;

  (iv) 264 are ongoing; and

  (v) 1,103 were inquiries in assistance to Home Department Forces.

  (d) The average time taken to conduct an investigation from complaint to Report is 62 days.

  (e) It is a matter for the Commanding Officer of the reported person to act upon the findings of the SIB investigation, having taken advice from the appropriate Legal adviser.

  (f) A Commanding Officer may dismiss charges, deal with them summarily, refer the matter to higher authority, or remand the accused for trial by Court Martial. A. Regimental Board Of Inquiry may also be ordered.

  Property Disposals
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance he gives to the Defence Housing Executive and Defence Estates concerning the disposal of surplus housing stock. [123873]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Defence Housing Executive is required to dispose of as much surplus housing stock as is compatible with meeting its principle function of providing housing for entitled and eligible Service personnel and their families at their place of work.

  The bulk of Service families accommodation (SFA) in England and Wales was sold to Annington Homes Ltd. (AHL) in 1996. The Ministry of Defence leases back those properties it needs to house Service families. Properties which become surplus to military requirements are handed back to AHL for disposal.

  Surplus housing which does not form part of the underlease with AHL, including all that in Scotland, is dealt with by Defence Estates (DE) in accordance with Chapter 32 of Government Accounting.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many MOD properties in Scotland are used for civilian and irregular occupancies; and how many such properties he expects to be disposed of in the next three years. [123914]

  Dr. Moonie
  Of the total number of 5,728 Service Families Accommodation (SFA) held by the Ministry of Defence in Scotland, 51 are occupied by Irregular Occupants and 136 are let to MOD and other non-entitled civilians. There is no intention to dispose of these properties at present although plans continue to evolve in the light of developing demand and it is possible that such properties may be included in those identified for disposal during the next three years.

  A further 173 properties are let to housing associations. Negotiations are continuing for the disposal of 118 let properties at Helensburgh and it is hoped these will be completed within three months. The remaining 55 let properties at Forres have been handed over to Defence Estates for disposal.

  MODDEC
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to place the MODDEC contract via the Buying Agency. [123587]

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

  HMS Kent
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate HMS Kent's annual cost for(a) fuel, (b) wages, (c) maintenance, (d) general supplies and (e) other outlays; and if he will make a statement. [123960]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Type 23 Frigate HMS Kent, becomes fully operational at the end of the year; her annual operating costs will depend on her future tasking and the
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  maintenance she requires. The indicative annual cost for a Type 23 Frigate, including manpower, fuel, stores and routine maintenance is in the region of £17 million.

  Forms
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the net change in each year since May 1997 in the number of forms issued by his Department which(a) charities and (b) other voluntary organisations are required to complete. [123951]

  Dr. Moonie
  To the best of my knowledge, the Ministry of Defence has no requirement to issue any forms for completion by charities and other voluntary organisations in relation to their charitable functions. However, the Department purchases services from a number of charities, and some forms may need to be completed, for example for invoicing purposes.

  Northern Ireland
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the most recent mission statement is of the Army in Northern Ireland. [124101]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Army's mission in Northern Ireland is to support the Royal Ulster Constabulary in the defeat of terrorism in order to assist Her Majesty's Government's objective of restoring normality.

  AWE Llanishen
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 18 May 2000,Official Report, column 204W, on AWE Llanishen, if, when the site is free from contamination, it will be suitable for (a) housing and (b) light industry development; and on what basis he expects the site to be free from contamination by autumn next year. [123781]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 25 May 2000]: Further advice indicates that, while the decommissioning and demolition of buildings is expected to be completed by October 2001, further remedial action will be required on the land. A decision has yet to be made on the future development of the site and it is this which will determine the level of remediation which will be required. The site is expected to be available for redevelopment by the middle of 2002.

  Laptops
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in his Department have been(a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123733]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 25 May 2000]: Eight laptop computers belonging to the Ministry of Defence (including the armed forces) are recorded as having been lost since May 1997, and 59 as having been stolen.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will reply to the question tabled by the hon. Member for Ludlow on 16 May concerning warships (Ref. 122821). [124484]
  16W
  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Christopher Gill, dated 5 June 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence which asked when he would answer your question (Ref. 122821) about warship construction. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  I have written to you today in answer to your earlier question.—Official Report, columns 9–10w.

  Northern Ireland Troops
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many troops there were at each garrison in Northern Ireland in(a) 1999, b) 2000 and (c) 2001. [123964]

  Mr. Spellar
  The information required is set out in the table. In addition, we have also included Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel based in Northern Ireland.

  30 April 1999

  Strength as at1 30 April 2000

  Belfast Garrison2

  6,591

  5,812

  Northern Garrison

  3,390

  3,406

  Southern Garrison

  3,537

  3,437

  Royal Air Force

  1,150

  1,144

  Royal Navy

  182

  179

  Total

  14,850

  13,978

  1 Excludes those forces fully committed to Northern Ireland but rear based in GB.

  2 A number of Force Troop units reside within the Belfast Garrison geographical area but are often called upon to support units within the other garrison areas.

  The number of Armed Forces deployed in Northern Ireland in 2001 will depend on the security situation. While we hope the recent momentum in the peace process will be sustained, it is not possible to predict the numbers of Armed Forces that will be stationed in Northern Ireland next year.

  Pay-as-you-dine Contracts
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress towards the implementation of the pay-as-you-dine contractorisation of junior mess halls. [123965]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Pay-As-You-Dine Project Team is currently producing an outline business case for consideration by the Project Board at the end of July 2000. If approval to proceed is given, an announcement will be placed in the Official Journal of the European Communities informing industry of the Department's intention to commence the PAYD procurement process. Dependent upon industry's response, I anticipate that a full Business Case will be submitted to the Equipment Approvals Committee in mid-2001, leading to Invitations to Negotiate for the provision of the PAYD cashless payment system and catering services. While there remain significant procurement strategy issues to be addressed, contracts should be awarded in mid-2003 with the aim of commencing a pilot phase towards the end of that year. The pilot phase will effectively represent the start of full roll-out, which should be completed by December 2004.
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  Our intention is that a pay-as-you-dine system will be introduced into all Service messes where food charges currently apply, irrespective of rank.

  Volunteer Reserve Forces
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the United Kingdom Volunteer Reserve Forces' (including the Territorial Army),(a) establishment and (b) strength in (i) 2005, (ii) 2010 and (iii) 2015. [123966]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Reserve Forces' establishments are authorised by Parliament in the Ministry of Defence Votes A, and are based on a detailed assessment of the current and future strategic environment the Services are likely to face. The establishments resulting from the Strategic Defence Review are:

  Number

  Royal Naval Reserve

  3,850

  Royal Marines Reserve

  1,008

  Territorial Army

  41,204

  Volunteer Reserve Air Forces

  2,920

  It is not possible to predict the detail of the future framework owing to the changing nature of the international security environment. The restructured Territorial Army was in place by 1 April this year, and it is expected to be able to maintain force levels at establishment. The Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Marines Reserve expect to reach their establishments within the next two or three years. The Reserve Air Forces expect to reach their establishment over the next two to three years and beyond.

  Nuclear Reactor Storage
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to find land storage sites for nuclear reactors from redundant submarines. [124390]

  Dr. Moonie
  No steps have yet been taken to find land storage sites for the nuclear reactors from decommissioned submarines. I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Dunfermline, West (Ms Squire) on 11 May 2000,Official Report, columns 447–48W, which stated that we expect specific sites to emerge during the next phase of our study into the storage of decommissioned nuclear submarines. This phase has just started and is expected to take about three years.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is in respect of research carried out on animals at Porton Down; and what research is carried out there on behalf of other countries, with particular reference to defensive agent testing. [124192]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Ministry of Defence undertakes limited scientific work involving the use of animals for defence research purposes. This work is carried out on behalf of the Department by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) mainly at the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down, but also to a lesser extent at the Centre for Human Sciences at Alverstoke. The research programme involving animals is 18W
  concerned wholly with providing the UK's Armed Forces with safe and effective protection against hazards they may encounter while carrying out their duties. The Ministry of Defence does not use animals in the development or evaluation of weapons and we continue to seek alternatives to the use of animals in experimentation wherever possible.

  Research using animals within DERA is conducted strictly in accordance with the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 under which the Home Office licences and oversees all such activity. In addition, an independent Animal Welfare Advisory Committee was appointed in 1996 in response to public and Parliamentary concern over the use of animals in research. Its purpose is to keep animal care and welfare arrangements under review within DERA. A report by this Committee is published annually and a copy placed in the Library of the House.

  The only research involving animals currently being undertaken by the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down on behalf of other countries is a study of the efficacy of prospective vaccines against a potential biological warfare agent. The work is for the US Department of Defense and its successful outcome will also be of direct benefit to the UK and our Armed Forces.

  Operation Danish Bacon
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 19 May 2000,Official Report, columns 288–89W, concerning Operation Danish Bacon, how battlefield injuries are simulated in the exercise Operation Danish Bacon. [124243]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Surgical Training Exercises in Denmark use pigs as surgical models because they are considered to have the closest physiological response to humans and are similar in size and weight. The pigs are deeply anaesthetised and then wounded by Danish Armed Forces' marksmen using weapons of three different calibres. Each animal is then given medical treatment as if it were a human casualty wounded in battle. Throughout, the pigs remain deeply anaesthetised and are humanely killed at the end of the exercise without regaining consciousness. Veterinary staff are in attendance at all times during the exercise and may withdraw an animal at any point for any reason.

  Forest Moor Base
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the purpose of the Forest Moor Royal Naval Communications Base; and how many(a) UK and (b) US personnel work there. [124209]

  Mr. Spellar
  HMS Forest Moor, near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, is part of the Defence Communication Services Agency. Staffed by both UK military and civilian personnel, HMS Forest Moor is the headquarters of the radio services grouping within the Agency which provides Very Low, Low and High Frequency radio communication services for the British Military and NATO. It has an establishment of 84 UK personnel; no US staff are employed at HMS Forest Moor.

  British Nuclear Test Veterans
  Mr. Martin Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to give British nuclear test veterans access to their records. [123963]

  Dr. Moonie
  I assume the hon. Member is referring to official Service records, including medical records. It has always been the case that ex-Service personnel may request the details contained in such records though it has been usual for medical information to be passed to an individual's GP or legal representative. In the case of nuclear test veterans, they are also entitled to request any information held relating to their exposure to radiation during their participation in the UK's nuclear test programme in the 1950s and 1960s.

  Missiles and Ammunition
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the book value of the stock-retained totals of missiles and ammunition in each year from 1989–90 to 1999–2000; in each year, what was the(a) percentage change from the previous year, (b) total stock value expended in operations, training and exercises in that year and (c) proportion devoted to war reserves; and if he will make a statement. [124223]

  Mr. Spellar
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Furthermore, a full response would be withheld in accordance with exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which relates to Defence Security and International Relations.

  Defence Fraud Analysis Unit
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the budget of the Defence Fraud Analysis Unit for 1999–2000 and what it will be for 2000–01; how many staff are dedicated to the unit; who heads the unit and to whom they report; what relationship the Defence Fraud Analysis Unit has with the Specialist Procurement Services scrutinisation system; and if he will make a statement. [123968]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Defence Fraud Analysis Unit (DFAU) has nine staff, is headed by an Assistant Director and forms part of the Directorate of Internal Audit (DIA). In 1999–2000, when the Directorate was being formed the costs of the unit (including set up costs) totalled £312,000. Expenditure for the current year (2000–01) is likely to be some £375,000.

  The DFAU has no direct relationship with the Specialist Procurement Services (SPS). However the DFAU can and does call on the services of the SPS and a range of specialist areas including the Ministry of Defence Police fraud squad, internal audit and other such bodies to assist its work.

  The DFAU now acts as the focus for all Ministry of Defence (MOD) fraud matters including the promotion of risk awareness. It works closely with all MOD authorities in adopting a proactive response to fraud risk.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the targets of the Defence Fraud Analysis Unit for 1999–2000 stating in each case(a) if the target was achieved, (b) the reason for any target not
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  being met and (c) action taken by the Defence Fraud Analysis Unit to improve target achievement performance in 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [123967]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Management of the Defence Fraud Analysis Unit (DFAU) was formed in February 1999 under the Director of Internal Audit (DIA). Targets for the year 1999–2000 included the development of a single fraud reporting point for the department, the creation of an information database, the commencement of a programme of risk awareness presentations, the revision of existing and new guidance on fraud deterrence and detection, the co-ordination of activity with the Ministry of Defence Police Fraud Squad and other related bodies, and the evaluation of suspected cases of fraud or irregularity raised by line management or concerned individuals. All targets were achieved.

  DFAU objectives for 2000–01 reflect the continuing development of the unit and new initiatives aimed at improving performance and service. These include regular contributions to MOD and Police publications and a programme of 'no notice' visits to MOD formations and units as part of a pro-active response to fraud risk.

  Steps being taken to improve performance in the coining year include investment in staff training and the latest data mining and fraud detection techniques.

  Personnel Ratios
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the ratio of officers to enlisted personnel is in the(a) Royal Navy, (b) Royal Air Force, (c) Army and (d) Royal Marine. [124477]

  Mr. Spellar
  The ratio of Officers to Other Ranks on the trained strengths of the UK Regular Armed Forces, as at 1 April 2000, were:

  (a) Royal Navy—1:4.46

  (b) Royal Air Force—1:4.23

  (c) Army—1:6.56

  (d) Royal Marine—1:8.93.

  Lynx Helicopter
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of the technical fault in Lynx helicopters; who will meet the cost and over what timescale; and if he will make a statement. [124673]

  Mr. Spellar
  The problem with Lynx Main Rotor Heads is currently being managed through better utilisation of our existing stocks of unaffected heads, including faster repair and overhaul times. The cost of this will be contained within existing funds. Urgent discussions are taking place with GKN Westland about buying replacement rotor heads as quickly as possible. It is not yet possible to estimate the cost for these orders, which will be met from the Defence Budget.

  RAF Unguided Bomb Enhancement Programme
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the original planned date of completion of the RAF unguided bomb enhancement programme; what is the current estimated in-service timetable for completion; what effect in-year budget
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  changes have had on the in-service timetable; when he expects to place contracts against the programme; and if he will make a statement. [124224]

  Dr. Moonie
  Staff Target (Air) 1248 seeks to introduce an all weather bombing capability for the RAF. The In Service Date originally assumed in the funded forward programme was 2006. This date has not changed. A contract is expected to be placed in mid-2002.

  Regular Forces
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the UK Regular Forces' (i) trained strength and (ii) trained requirement in(a) 2005, (b) 2010 and (c) 2015. [123979]

  Mr. Spellar
  The long-term aim is to bring the overall trained strength into balance with the trained requirement. By 1 April 2005, both the Naval Service and the Army expect to have achieved this, with their trained requirements anticipated to be about 38,500 and 105,232 respectively. The RAF's forecast trained strength at 1 April 2005 is expected to be about 50,400, against the forecast trained requirement of 50,900.

  Although the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) looked into the future as far as 2015, it is not possible to predict, beyond 2005, the detail of the future framework, owing to the changing nature of the international security environment.

  Defence Procurement
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of overall spending on defence procurement is allocated to companies in(a) England and (b) Wales; and if he will make a statement. [122653]

  Dr. Moonie
  Spending on defence procurement is based on value for money, project by project, and is not allocated to companies on a regional basis. I refer the hon. Member to the publication "UK Defence Statistics, 1999" which details (at Table 1.9) the annual defence expenditure on equipment in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. A copy is held in the Library.

  MOD Police (Policy and Procedures Manual)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when Ministry of Defence police officers will receive the new single source document containing their terms and conditions of service. [124353]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) Policy and Procedures Manual will incorporate MDP terms and conditions of service. Initial chapters of the Policy and Procedures Manual including some on terms and conditions of service were distributed in electronic format on 10 May 2000. Further chapters will be distributed as soon as consultation with the Defence Police Federation has been completed.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions since 31 March 1999(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124128]
  22W
  Mr. Hoon
  During the period 1 April 1999 to the end of March 2000, special advisers in this Department travelled overseas on two occasions.

  Aircraft Carriers
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when all three of the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers will be operationally available. [121707]

  Mr. Spellar
  The three Royal Navy aircraft carriers, HMS Invincible, Illustrious and Ark Royal, undertake a rolling programme of operations and maintenance, to ensure that two ships are normally available for operational tasking. On current plans, all three would not be operationally available at the same time.

  Andrew Timothy Lea
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the service record of Andrew Timothy Lea. [123557]

  Mr. Spellar
  In accordance with exemption 8a and exemption 12 of the code of Practice to Government Information, such details are not disclosed without the consent of the individual to whom the information relates.

  RAF Feltwell
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 12 May 2000,Official Report, column 513W, if he will state the reasons why RAF Feltwell is designated an RAF base. [123778]

  Mr. Spellar
  The designation of any Ministry of Defence site depends on which Service is responsible for its administration. For RAF Feltwell this is the Royal Air Force.

  Departmental Building Costs
  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 17 May 2000,Official Report, columns 162–63W, on the projected costs of reconstructing his Department's building in Whitehall, which five buildings are to be disposed of; and what will be the savings per annum resulting from these disposals. [123586]

  Dr. Moonie
  The redevelopment will allow MOD headquarters activities to be concentrated in Main Building and the adjoining Old War Office, enabling the MOD to dispose of Northumberland House and Metropole Building in Northumberland Avenue, 3–5 Great Scotland Yard, St. Giles Court in Holborn and St. Christopher House in Southwark. Disposal of these properties is estimated to provide savings of £18 million a year in running costs.

  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 17 May 2000,Official Report, columns 162–63W, on the projected costs of reconstructing his Department's building in Whitehall, how many staff are to be relocated as a result of the disposal of the five buildings; and to which locations. [123585]

  Dr. Moonie
  The disposal of these five buildings is part of an overall reduction in Head Office staff in central London from 6,000 to 4,300 which fulfils one of the aims of the Strategic Defence Review. Some staff have already been relocated to a number of locations in the UK
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  including Defence Logistics Organisation staff to Bath and Defence Vetting Agency staff to York. Work is continuing on the future destination of the remaining staff.

  Ro-ro Ferries
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what percentage of time the Government expects to use each of the ro-ro ships shortly to be ordered by his Department. [122987]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 19 May 2000]: The Ministry of Defence requires a Strategic Sealift service which is based on the availability of six ships on graduated notice of call-up for Joint Rapid Reaction Forces (JRRF) operations. The Ministry of Defence cannot predict when this requirement may arise. In addition, during those periods when there are no JRRF operations, the Ministry of Defence will need to employ on average about four vessels to carry out routine tasks such as supporting exercises or transporting freight.

HEALTH

  Influenza
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average cost to the NHS of(a) a hospital admission caused by influenza, (b) a doctor taking a day off work as a result of influenza, (c) an influenza vaccination and (d) a course of antiviral treatment and protection for influenza. [121963]

  Yvette Cooper
  Costs per finished consultant episode (FCE) for possible treatments for patients with influenza are given as follows. The cost information is based on the 1998–99 financial year and is based on costs for non-elective inpatients. Influenza features in a number of healthcare resource groupings (HRGs).

  Upper respiratory tract disorders (HRG P03)—national average cost per FCE £403
  (relates to ICD10—J101 Influenza with other resp. manifest influenza virus identified)
  (Number of non elective FCEs in 1998–99–70,324—based on fast track data)

  Other viral illness (HRG S14)—national average cost per FCE £611
  (relates to ICD10—J108 Influenza with other manifest influenza virus identified)
  (Number of non elective FCEs in 1998–99–11,802—based on fast track data)

  Lobar, atypical or viral pneumonia (HRG D13)
  (Patient greater than 69 or wcc1)—national average cost per FCE £1,269
  (relates to ICD10—J110 Influenza with pneumonia, virus not identified)
  (Number of non elective FCEs in 1998–99–29.952—based on fast track data)

  Lobar, atypical or viral pneumonia (HRG D14)
  (Patient less than 70 or w/o cc2)—national average cost per FCE £806
  (relates to ICD10—J110 Influenza with pneumonia, virus not identified)
  (Number of non elective FCEs in 1998–99–18,222—based on fast track data)

  1 With complications and co-morbidities
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  2 Without complications and co-morbidities.

  The cost of a doctor taking a day off work is not known. The list prices for influenza vaccines and antiviral drugs are given in the British National Formulary, copies of which are in the Library.

  Breast Cancer
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the organisations that have appealed against the final appraisal determination on the use of taxanes for the treatment of breast cancer in the NHS, indicating the patient groups among them. [122468]

  Yvette Cooper
  Appeals against the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's draft guidance on the use of taxanes for the treatment of breast cancer were received from Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and from the patient group CancerBACUP

  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects NICE to publish the guidance on the use of taxanes for the treatment of breast cancer in the NHS; [122469]

  (2) what reasons underlie the length of time taken by NICE to publish guidance on the use of taxanes for the treatment of breast cancer in the NHS. [122467]

  Yvette Cooper
  National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance on taxanes has been delayed because of a successful appeal. The Appraisal Committee will be reconvened as soon as possible to reconsider its guidance on taxanes in breast cancer in the light of the findings of the appeal panel. Interested parties will then have a further opportunity to consider the revised guidance. It is expected that NICE will issue guidance around the end of June.

  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the financial impact on health authorities and trusts of NICE guidance supporting the use of taxanes for the treatment of breast cancer; and what plans he has to ensure that sufficient funding is available in the NHS drugs budget to implement such guidance. [122472]

  Yvette Cooper
  We have not received the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's recommendations on the use of taxane for breast cancer. The additional £600 million allocated to health authorities following the recent budget is intended, among other things, to enable health authorities to fund recommendations from NICE.

  Osteoporosis
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals his Department will be making to the World Congress on Osteoporosis to be held in Chicago in June. [122752]

  Yvette Cooper
  Neither Department of Health Ministers nor officials have been invited to contribute to this Congress.

  Hospital Waiting Times
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average waiting time for a hip replacement operation at a NHS hospital in the Greater London area. [123045]
  25W
  Mr. Denham
  The requested information is not collected by local authority area so the information given is that for the health authority areas covered by the London Regional Office of the National Health Service Executive.

  The mean waiting time for a hip operation in a London Hospital in the financial year 1998–99 was 236 days (approximately eight months). The median waiting time for the same period was 191 days (approximately six and a half months).

  Race Equality
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate his Department has made of the percentage of the London ethnic minority population who will have access to the initiatives introduced by the London NHS Race Equality Unit; [123084]

  (2) how much funding has been allocated to the London NHS Race Equality Unit in the current financial year. [123086]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Health Service Executive London Regional Office has established a London NHS Race Equality Group, not Unit. It will not be funding projects or local initiatives, but through its advice to the regional chairman and director it will promote the adoption of good practice on race and health throughout London's NHS, and ensure that the issue of race equality in health and health services remains high on the agenda. The London NHS Race Equality Group's work will aim to ensure that the appropriate services are in place in every health authority, NHS trust and primary care group across London.

  The NHS Executive London has also worked with the Association of London Government Race, Health and Social Exclusion Commission during 1999, and contributed to their report 'Sick of being excluded' (about to be published). This report made recommendations on:
  Improving access
  Better employment practice
  Clear leadership
  Direct involvement of black and minority ethnic people
  Involvement of community organisations and partnership with communities.

  The London NHS Race Equality Group is being established in response to the 1999 survey of NHS initiatives addressing black and minority ethnic health in London. The funding to support these initiatives is already included in local health authority allocations and the group's role will be to ensure that black and ethnic minority populations are getting a fair and appropriate share of these resources, in relation to their needs.

  Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the adequacy of existing guidance on the use of not for resuscitation orders; and if he will make a statement. [122794]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: Clear guidelines on Decisions Relating to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation were first published in 1993 in a joint statement issued by the British Medical Association, the Resuscitation Council (United Kingdom), and the Royal
  26W
  College of Nursing. A revised version was published in June 1999. The joint statement gives general guidelines on the basic principles within which decisions regarding local policies on cardiopulmonary resuscitation may be formulated. It makes clear that all acute hospital trusts should establish local resuscitation policies, a point which was also emphasised by the Chief Medical Officer of the time to all consultants in England in 1991.

  We are committed to ensuring the development of best practice in resuscitation decision-making throughout the National Health Service.

  CJD
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions his Department has had with the French health authorities over exchange of information on new variant CJD. [123106]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The Department has regular contacts with the French authorities at European Union meetings of the Health Council and its working Groups, and at meetings of EU Chief Medical officers, at which variant creutzfeldt jakob disease issues are, from time to time, discussed. The National CJD Surveillance Unit funded by the Department takes a leading role in co-ordinating the surveillance of CJD in EU member states, including through the EUROCJD group, of which France is an important member. A principal aim of this group is to ensure systematic surveillance is undertaken so that cases of CJD are identified, and then any variant CJD cases arising as a sub-set of these are picked up. In addition, the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee which advises the Government on bovine spongiform encephalopathy and CJD issues has met twice with its French counterpart, the Dormont Committee, in February 1996 and September 1998.

  Trainee Doctors
  Mr. McWalter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of whether the number of doctors in training will be sufficient to meet NHS needs and Government waiting list targets, with particular reference to the years from 2001 to 2006. [123300]

  Mr. Denham
  We aim to ensure through the national workforce planning processes that there will be sufficient doctors in training to meet the future requirements of the National Health Service. Assessments about future staffing needs, including the implications of waiting list targets and other service initiatives, are reviewed annually and the numbers of doctors adjusted accordingly.

  On 6 April I announced plans to train almost 400 extra hospital specialists. Added to more specialist doctors already in training, the increase of 393 training places means there should be an additional 13,000 fully trained hospital specialists in the NHS by 2006–07. The additional places will take forward our plans to increase capacity in the NHS, so patients have easier access to faster, fairer and more convenient services.

  Teenage Pregnancies
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list(a) the level of expenditure in each year since 1997 allocated to projects designed to reduce the

  27W
  number of teenage pregnancies and (b) the actual and forecast impact of this expenditure on reducing teenage pregnancies. [123158]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: From 1997 to 1999, funding to reduce teenage pregnancy formed part of the overall allocation to improve the sexual health of young people.

  In June 1999, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced a £60 million package over three years, with the goal of halving the rate of conceptions among under-18s by 2010, and getting more teenagers into education, training and employment.

  NHS Walk-in Centres
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS walk-in centres have been established; how many are in the North West Region; and if he will make a statement. [123526]

  Mr. Denham
  A total of 36 National Health Service walk-in centres have been approved nationally; 15 of these were open by the end of May 2000 and the rest by the end of the year. The North West has produced six successful bids, one of which is already open in Liverpool. Walk-in centres are part of a wider plan to modernise and improve access to, and the convenience of,

  Cochlear implant operations performed on under 16-year-olds in NHS hospitals England 1996–97 to 1998–99 by Health Authority of treatment

  Health Authority

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  QA9 Cambridge and Huntingdon

  8

  9

  10

  QAE East Kent

  —

  1—

  —

  QAH Lambeth Southwark and Lewisham

  1—

  6

  11

  QAT Camden and Islington

  20

  23

  30

  QC3 Manchester

  18

  11

  18

  QCE Oxfordshire

  —

  1—

  1—

  QCP Nottingham

  37

  37

  39

  QCR Sheffield

  —

  —

  1—

  QD3 Southampton and South West Hampshire

  11

  8

  13

  QD6 South and West Devon

  1—

  —

  1—

  QD8 Avon

  1—

  —

  1—

  QD9 Birmingham

  20

  15

  16

  QDD Bradford

  7

  6

  17

  QDP Tees

  5

  8

  1—

  Total

  126

  123

  154

  Cochlear implant operations performed on under 16-year-olds in NHS hospitals England 1994–95 to 1995–96 by District Health Authority of treatment

  District Health Authority

  1994–95

  1995–96

  A32 Tees

  5

  5

  B31 Bradford

  1—

  5

  C08 Nottingham

  13

  33

  D01 Cambridge

  7

  6

  F37 Camden and Islington

  1—

  24

  G26 South East London

  —

  1—

  QD3 Southampton and South West Hampshire

  7

  8

  L36 Plymouth and Torbay

  —

  1—

  M25 South Birmingham

  11

  18

  P26 Manchester

  12

  15

  Total

  55

  114

  1 For reasons of confidentiality, figures below 5 have been suppressed.

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  NHS services. They are intended to help people make better use of the health service, help professionals make better use of their skills and respond to modern lifestyles.

  Insulin Pens
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many diabetics registered in(a) Shrewsbury and Atcham and (b) Shropshire have received prescribed pen needles; and if he will make a statement. [123794]

  Mr. Denham
  Insulin pen needles and certain reusable insulin pens were added to the Drug Tariff with effect from March 2000. Figures are not yet available as to how many pen needles have been prescribed since March 1.

  Cochlear Implants
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give the number of cochlear implants for children which have been undertaken in each health authority area for each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [123657]

  Mr. Hutton
  The tables show the number of procedures performed on under 16-year-olds who received cochlear implants, treated in National Health Service hospitals in England. This is shown by health authority of residence for the financial years 1996–97 to 1998–99 and district health authority of residence for 1994–95 to 1995–96.

  Notes:

  OPCS4 codes D24.1-D24.2 have been used.

  Totals do not include suppressed figures.

  Data in this table are unadjusted for shortfalls in collection (i.e. they are ungrossed).

  Source:

  Hospitals Episodes Statistics.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children are waiting for cochlear implants in each health authority area; how many have been waiting for more than a year; and if he will make a statement. [123658]

  Mr. Hutton
  This information on the number of children waiting for a cochlear implant is not available. Information on the waiting times for cochlear implants for children, based on Hospital Episode Statistics, is shown in the table.
  29W

  Cochlear implant operations performed on under 16-year-olds by length of time waited and Health Authority of treatment NHS hospitals England 1998–99

  Number of procedures performed

  Health authority

  Within 3 months

  From 3 to 6 months

  From 6 months to 1 year

  From 1 years to 2 years

  Not known

  Total

  QA9 Cambridge and Huntingdon

  10

  1—

  —

  —

  —

  10

  QAH Lambeth Southwark and Lewisham

  11

  1—

  —

  —

  1—

  11

  QAT Camden and Islington

  9

  6

  1—

  —

  15

  30

  QC3 Manchester

  18

  —

  —

  —

  —

  18

  QCE Oxfordshire

  1—

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1—

  QCP Nottingham

  39

  —

  —

  —

  1—

  39

  QCR Sheffield

  1—

  —

  —

  —

  1—

  QD3 Southampton and South West Hampshire

  6

  —

  —

  —

  7

  13

  QD6 South and West Devon

  1—

  1—

  —

  —

  —

  1—

  QD3 Avon

  1—

  1—

  —

  —

  —

  1—

  QD9 Birmingham

  16

  1—

  —

  —

  —

  16

  QDD Bradford

  12

  5

  —

  —

  —

  17

  QDP Tees

  1—

  1—

  —

  1—

  —

  1—

  Total

  121

  11

  0

  0

  22

  154

  1 For reasons of confidentiality, figures below 5 have been suppressed.

  Notes:

  OPCS4 codes D24.1-D24.2 have been used.

  Totals do not include suppressed figures.

  Data in this table are unadjusted for shortfalls in collection (i.e. they are ungrossed).

  Waiting time statistics from HES are not the same as the published waiting list statistics. HES provides counts and waiting times for all patients admitted to hospital within a given period whereas the published waiting list statistics count those waiting for treatment at a given point in time and how long they have been on the waiting list. Also, HES calculates the waiting time as the difference between the admission and decision to admit dates. Unlike published waiting list statistics, this is not adjusted for self-deferrals or period of medical/social suspension.

  Source.

  Hospitals Episodes Statistics.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to collect statistics on the reason why individuals leave(a) inpatient waiting lists and (b) outpatient waiting lists, separately identifying those who opted for private sector provisions. [123720]

  Mr. Denham
  We have no plans to do so.

  Beta-interferon
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library a copy of the Provisional Finding of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in respect of beta-interferon at the same time it is made available to those parties who submitted evidence to the Institute. [123912]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence's guidance on beta-interferon will be placed in the Library once it has been finalised by NICE. Consultation on the draft findings will, as with all NICE' s appraisals, be on a confidential basis. I understand that NICE is planning to disseminate its guidance to the National Health Service during August 2000.

  NHS Messaging Services
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS has spent on its messaging services on NHS net through BT Syntegra. [124089]

  Ms Stuart
  A total of £7.1 million has been spent on messaging services on National Health Service net through British Telecommunications Syntegra in the period 1995 to 2000.
  30W
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the savings to the NHS over(a) one year, (b) five years and (c) 10 years through introducing a messaging service based upon a SMPT Internet Mail system. [124092]

  Ms Stuart
  None; an SMTP (Internet) mail messaging service is already available on NHSnet.

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the cost to the NHS of the recent I Love You virus; and what measures he is taking to ensure that future breaches of NHS messaging services are minimised. [124093]

  Ms Stuart
  The measures taken by the National Health Service net contractors were at no charge to the NHS. Any costs at NHS trust and health authorities would be largely in the time of personnel as a part of their normal duties to manage local e-mail services and have not been identified separately.

  NHSnet provides controls for network access between organisations, including transfer of e-mails between NHSnet and external systems that are passed through a secure gateway between NHSnet and the Internet. Management of the gateway is the responsibility of the NHSnet service providers under the supervision of the NHS Information Authority. The NHS Information Authority maintains close liaison with the service providers and users of NHSnet services to ensure that information about virus attacks and appropriate countermeasures are disseminated rapidly.

  The management teams remain vigilant and will deal with future threats in the same professional manner in which the "I LOVE YOU" incident was handled.

  Forms
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the net change in each year since May 1997 in the number of forms issued by his Department which(a) charities and (b) other voluntary organisations are required to complete. [123946]

  Mr. Hutton
  The forms which the Department issues to charities and voluntary bodies are mainly for those who wish to apply for grants, mainly grants under Section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968. For this scheme, the only form required from applicants is the appropriate application for the type of grant being sought. This has not changed since 1997.

  The Department keeps under review the forms it issues to business, charities and the voluntary sector to ensure that they are necessary, easy to understand and as simple as possible to complete.

  GP Practices (Patient Access)
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the population lives(a) within one mile of and (b) over three miles from a GP practice in (i) rural and (ii) urban areas. [124530]

  Mr. Denham
  Information is not available in the form requested. From the information that is available I can say that:in predominantly urban areas, 99 per cent. of patients live between one and 2.5 miles and 1 per cent. live more than 2.5 miles from a main surgery.
  in predominantly rural areas, the figures are 91 per cent. and 9 per cent. respectively.

  These figures tend to overstate both the numbers living more than 2.5 miles, and understate how many people live within one mile of a general practitioner's surgery because no account is taken of Branch Surgeries. Branch Surgeries are provided to help improve access for patients often in rural areas.

  Waiting Lists (Dorset)
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in Dorset died while awaiting(a) surgery, (b) cancer surgery and (c) cardiac surgery in the last 12 months. [124512]

  Ms Stuart
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in Dorset there are waiting for kidney dialysis treatment. [124513]

  Ms Stuart
  There is no waiting list for kidney dialysis treatment in Dorset. Patients requiring this treatment are treated immediately.

  Dorset Health Authority has invested an additional £250,000 a year, each year for the last three years in dialysis services.

  Medical Schools
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will announce the decision on the establishment of new medical schools. [124495]
  32W
  Mr. Denham
  Responsibility for the allocation of places to individual medical schools in England lies with the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

  HEFCE have already announced the allocation of approximately 840 new medical school places in England and plan to announce a further allocation of places soon.

  NHS Staff (Occupational Health and Counselling Services)
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which NHS trusts provided, as at April, those occupational health and counselling services to their staff which were set out under the White Paper "Working Together—Securing a Quality Workforce for the NHS". [124364]

  Mr. Denham
  All National Health Service trusts now provide staff with access to occupational health services. 60 per cent. of trusts provide services in-house while 40 per cent. purchase them from neighbouring NHS employers. Information about the number of trusts providing counselling services is not collected centrally but may be held locally.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish guidelines on the provision of counselling services for staff in the NHS. [124363]

  Mr. Denham
  Guidance on the provision of counselling services for staff in the National Health Service should be available on the Department of Health website later this year.

  Homophobia in Schools Video
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if Avon Health Authority has made a video called Beyond a Phase: A Practical Guide to Challenging Homophobia in Schools available to schools in the area. [123573]

  Ms Stuart
  The video "Beyond a Phase" is available to any school that wishes to purchase it. It is for school governors and teachers, who are responsible for how sex education is taught, to decide whether or not to use material produced by health authorities in a school context. They do so within the framework of guidance (Personal, Social and Health Education) issued by the Department for Education and Employment.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on how many occasions since 30 June 1999(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124115]

  Ms Stuart
  No departmental or non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity since 30 June 1999.

  Triple Heart By-pass Operation
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when a constituent of the hon. Member for Gosport, whose name has been given to him, can expect to be given a firm date for the triple heart by-pass operation for which the waiting time in January 1999 was estimated to be nine months. [124230]
  33W
  Mr. Denham
  I am advised that the Southampton University Hospitals National Health Service Trust is in the process of contacting the constituent to whom the hon. Member refers, to offer a firm date for the triple heart by-pass operation.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Game Bird Imports
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) pheasant eggs, (b) pheasant chicks, (c) adult pheasants, (d) partridge eggs, (e) partridge chicks and (f) adult partridges were imported into the UK in each year since 1979. [118966]

  Ms Quin
  Statistics for the import into the United Kingdom (UK) of pheasant eggs, pheasant chicks, adult pheasants, partridge eggs, partridge chicks, and adult partridges are not available for the period 1979 to 1995.

  The following figures are derived from the information messages (ANIMO) which European law requires exporting countries to send to the importing country to inform them of the number of animals certified for export in a given consignment. Imports of poultry are divided into the following commodities; day old poultry, hatching eggs, poultry for breeding and production, poultry for slaughter and poultry for re-stocking supplies of game. In European law pheasants and partridges are included in 'poultry'. However, ANIMOS do not give separate commodity codes for poultry species.

  The number of live day-old chicks, hatching eggs and adult poultry imported into the UK in each year since 1996, is given in the tables.

  Imports into UK from European Union

  Number of hatching eggs

  Number of chicks

  Number of adult poultry

  1996

  12,052,072

  4,963,947

  121,163

  1997

  38,458,912

  14,992,038

  586,629

  1998

  19,679,634

  5,182,966

  11,486,664

  1999

  20,549,545

  39,907,011

  596,265

  2000

  5,627,282

  2,075,152

  30,026

  Consignments of poultry from third countries are subject to a MAFF import licence. The following figures are derived from licences issued for consignments of live adult pheasants and pheasant chicks into the UK from third countries. Our records indicate that there have been no imports of pheasant eggs, partridge eggs, partridge chicks or adult partridges.

  Imports into UK from third countries

  Number of pheasant chicks

  Number of adult pheasants

  1996

  0

  26

  1997

  0

  8

  1998

  0

  69

  1999

  3,000

  3

  2000

  0

  0

  34W
  The figures given in the tables are provisional and subject to validation.

  Woodland Grant Schemes
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to make a decision on the woodland grant schemes amendment applied for by Cotswold Estate Services Ltd., submitted in October last year. [120682]

  Mr. Morley
  I understand Cotswold Services Ltd. submitted on behalf of their clients an application under the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme. Processing of the application under the Scheme has been delayed pending approval by the European Commission of the England Rural Development Plan, which is expected in the summer.

  Broiler Chickens
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what plans he has to commission an independent survey into the incidence of lameness in the United Kingdom broiler chicken flock; and if he will make a statement; [122557]

  (2) what steps he is planning to take to persuade the European Commission to propose a directive to address the health and welfare issues raised by the recent report of the Commission's Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare on the Welfare of Chickens Kept for Meat Production (Broilers); and if he will make a statement. [122556]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government have made clear their wish to improve standards of broiler welfare.

  The report from the Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (SCAHAW) on broiler chicken production usefully identifies and assesses the issues. It should enable the Commission now to bring forward proposals for EU standards, an approach which we much prefer to acting unilaterally: it should bring real welfare improvements without putting British producers at a competitive disadvantage in relation to their continental counterparts. We look forward to seeing proposals from the Commission in the light of the report. In preparation for this we shall carefully study the content of the report and the papers to which it refers.

  The report recognises, as do the Government, that leg disorders can be a major cause of poor welfare in broilers. A five-year industry survey in this country on broiler leg health should be nearing completion. The Farm Animal Welfare Council to whom the industry is reporting will carefully consider the survey, together with an independent evaluation of the results. I have written to both FAWC and the industry to make clear my concern that this exercise should be swiftly concluded so that we can determine what should be our next steps on leg health and what provisions we should be looking to secure in the EU negotiation. It is essential that we have FAWC's views before we consult on and determine these matters.

  The SCAHAW report also makes clear that the subjective nature of the widely used gait scoring system leads to difficulties in making direct comparisons between different studies employing this technique. As a result, the report suggests the need to develop objective

  35W
  measurement systems and to carry out systematic epidemiological studies. In this context, the Government already have in train a number of research projects on broiler leg health, including the development of other quantitative methods of assessing the extent of lameness in broilers.

  Meanwhile, the State Veterinary Service continues to carry out random visits to broiler units to assess all aspects of welfare including lameness, litter quality, and ventilation. We are also in the process of drawing up a new Broiler Welfare Code, which takes on board a number of the recommendations contained in FAWC s 1992 report. This is not a substitute for necessary EU action, but represents an important step we can take nationally in the meantime.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make the transport of circus animals subject to the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997; and if he will make a statement. [122699]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 18 May 2000]: The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997 applies to the transport of all animals, including circus animals.

  GM Crops
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of the effect of the charge for making a submission on the number of organisations making representations as part of the consultation regarding the addition of Chardon LL maize to the national seed list; [122773]

  (2) what factors he took into account in determining the level of charge levied on those wishing to make representations as part of the consultation regarding the addition of Chardon LL maize to the national seed list; [122774]

  (3) how many representations were received regarding the addition of Chardon LL maize to the national seed list prior to the closing date for the consultation. [122776]

  Ms Quin
  There is a statutory requirement to pay a fee for making written representations (£30) or requesting a hearing (£60) about the proposal to add Chardon LL to the National List. A substantial number of representations (227) and requests for a hearing (68) have been received which will ensure that Ministers receive a wide range of views and evidence about the proposed decision.

  The requirement for these statutory fees is set out in the Seeds (National List of Varieties) Regulations 1982 (as amended) and the level of fees is set in the Seeds (National List of Varieties) (Fees) Regulations 1994 (as amended). These fees were introduced many years ago, prior to the advent of genetically modified plant varieties, to help meet the cost of running the National List representations and hearings system. The representations fee was increased to its current level of £30 from £25 in 1999, and the hearings fee was increased to its current level of £60 from £55 in 1999, in line with general increases in National List fees. They apply equally to GM or conventionally bred varieties.
  36W
  The National List system does not itself address the safety aspects of GM traits. This is dealt with under quite separate legislation. No GM plant variety may be proposed for addition to the National List until the appropriate GM consents have been obtained and no charge is made to anyone objecting to the DETR or the FSA about the approval of GM crops or foods.

  Green Transport Plans
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the key buildings for which his Department(a) submitted and (b) did not submit green transport plans by March. [122562]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 18 May 2000]: In line with the target set in the Integrated Transport White Paper for the introduction of green transport plans for key Government buildings, by 31 March we had completed all 16 of our plans covering the following key buildings:
  Government Buildings, Epsom road, Guildford GU1 2LD
  Lion House, Willowburn Trading Estate, Alnwick NE66 2PF
  Wessex Regional Service Centre (RSC), Block 3, Government Buildings, Burghill road, Bristol BS10 6NJ
  Northern RSC, Eden Bridge House, Lowther street, Carlisle CA3 8DX
  North East RSC, Government Buildings, Crosby road, Northallerton DL6 1AD
  North Mercia RSC, Electra way, Crewe CW1 6GJ
  South Mercia RSC, Block C, Government Buildings, Whittingdon road, Worcester WR5 2LQ
  Anglia RSC, Block B, Government Buildings, Brooklands avenue, Cambridge CB2 2DR
  South East RSC, Block A, Government Buildings, Coley Park, Reading RG1 6DT
  South West RSC, Clyst House, Exeter EX5 1DY
  Quantock House, Paul street, Taunton TA1 3NX
  Central Science Laboratories, Sand Hutton, York YO4 1LZ
  Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Pakefield road, Lowestoft NR33 OHT
  CEFAS, Burnham Remembrance avenue, Burnham on Crouch CM0 8HA
  CEFAS, The Nothe, Barrack road, Weymouth DT0 8UB
  Veterinary Laboratory Agency and Veterinary Medicines Directorate. New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB.

  Agri-monetary System
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has made in the EU on the replacement of the agri-monetary system with arrangements that protect British farmers from the effects of a strong pound or weak euro on the value of agricultural subsidies. [122989]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 20001: In December 1998 I successfully negotiated the new agrimonetary system, which is simpler and more transparent than the previous arrangements.

  By the end of 2000 we expect to have paid around £418 million in agri-monetary compensation under the new system, with a further £44 million to be paid by the end of next year. This is in addition to the £133 million paid in compensation under the pre-euro system, leading to total expenditure since 1997 on agri-monetary compensation of around £595 million.

  Land Values
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes took place in the value of agricultural land between(a) 1989 and 1995 and (b) 1996 and 1999. [123474]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: Data on sale prices of agricultural land in England are published on the MAFF website, at http:/www.maff.gov.uk/esg/statnot/alp.htm. There is a break in the series in 1993 and hence figures before and after that year are not strictly comparable. However, the published series show an increase of 5 per cent. between 1989 and 1995 and an increase of 2 per cent. Between 1996 and 1998 (provisional), which is the latest full year for which data are currently available. A spreadsheet giving all the annual figures between 1944 and 1998 is available on the website.

  Figures for Wales are published by the National Assembly for Wales.

  Hunts (Feedstuffs)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will establish an inquiry into the feeding of specified risk material to the hounds of the Exmoor Foxhounds. [123471]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: No, because these matters are dealt with by the local authorities who have responsibility for enforcing Specified Risk Material Order 1997.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases there have been of hunts being(a) prosecuted, (b) given a verbal warning and (c) given a written warning over feeding specified risk material to packs of hounds in each of the last three years. [123472]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: The feeding of SRM to hounds is classified as a Category 1 failure of the SRM controls. Out of 9802 visits to hunt kennels and knackers yards during the past three years, 43 Category 1 failures were noted. It is not possible to determine how many of these relate to feeding SRM to hounds except at disproportionate cost.

  All such failures would be notified in writing, unless the enforcement authority expressly requested that this is not done. Prosecution is a matter for the appropriate local authority.

  Farming (Diversification)
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he is taking to promote diversification within farming. [123463]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: The England Rural Development Plan describes how Government intend to use the European Community co-funded measures in the Rural Development Regulation to support farmers wishing to diversity within farming. Of the £1.6 billion seven-year programme, £152 million will fund a new Rural Enterprise Scheme to encourage diversification; £44 million will fund a new Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme to encourage innovation and
  38W
  achieve added value for primary products and £22 million will go towards providing targeted training to support these and other schemes in the Plan.

  In addition, under the Action Plan for Farming, MAFF will be producing a new advisory booklet on farm diversification and farmers who need planning approval for Rural Enterprise Scheme applications will receive free specialist advice.

  The arrangements for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are set out in the rural development plans and Single Programming Documents for those countries.

  Laptops
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in his Department have been(a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123730]

  Mr. Morley
  The Ministry's records show that the numbers of laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in this Department that have been(a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997 are as follows:

  MAFF laptops

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Total

  Lost

  1

  0

  0

  1

  Stolen

  9

  2

  6

  17

  Total

  10

  2

  6

  18

  The data have been extracted from the Ministry's annual return to the Treasury of actual and suspected frauds. The return for 1999–2000 is currently being finalised so the figure for that year is subject to change.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a reply will be sent to the letter of 14 March from the hon. Member for Maldon and East Chelmsford to the Parliamentary Secretary. [124135]

  Mr. Morley
  I replied to the letter from the hon. Member on 25 May 2000.

  Alcoholic Beverages
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information his Department collects on the alcoholic content of beverages. [123597]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 25 May 2000]: We do not collect specific information on the alcoholic content of beverages. In order to prevent consumers from being misled, all prepacked alcoholic drinks with an alcoholic strength of more than 1.2 per cent. must be labelled with an indication of their alcoholic strength by volume (abv). In addition, minimum alcoholic strengths for specified spirit drinks above 15 per cent. abv, and for wine, are laid down in EC legislation.

  Agriculture Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 16 May; and if he will make a statement. [124029]
  39W
  Mr. Nick Brown
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Wimbledon (Mr. Casale) on 24 May 2000,Official Report, column 551W.

  Regional Network
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has any plans to close or restructure his Department's regional network. [123970]

  Ms Quin
  Ministers are currently considering the report of the review of CAP scheme administration, which my right hon. Friend the Minister commissioned from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) last autumn. The report recommends that we should merge the CAP scheme processing functions of MAFF's Regional Service Centres and the Intervention Board Executive Agency to create a new payments agency. taking full advantage of the benefits offered by modern technology. On this basis, PwC consider that it will be possible to deliver a radically improved service for farmers and significant savings to the taxpayer.

  My Department is also drawing up plans to align other aspects of its regional activities with the Government Office network. This will ensure that we can further strengthen our regional policy presence.

  The future of the Department's Regional Service Centres is being considered in the context of these two reviews. Radical restructuring will be possible only if funding can be made available in the Spending Review 2000.

  Right to Roam
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the implications of a right to roam over enclosed land in Scotland for the policing of the right to roam along the England-Scotland border. [123019]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: I have been asked to reply.

  Responsibility for the proposed new right of access in Scotland rests with the Scottish Executive. Although the Scottish proposals are still at an early stage, I understand officials from the Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage have recently discussed possible cross-border issues.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Chechnya
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his recent discussions with his Russian counterpart in Moscow, covered allegations of war crimes and human rights violations in Chechnya; and if he will make a statement. [123299]

  Mr. Vaz
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised reported human rights abuse in Chechnya with Russian Foreign Minister Ivanov during his visit to Moscow on 17 May. He also urged that those responsible for investigating reports of abuse be given the necessary resources and powers. The UK remains deeply concerned 40W
  over the situation in Chechnya, and particularly about the human cost of the military campaign. We will continue to raise our concerns with Russia at every opportunity.

  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent visit to the Russian Federation by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to investigate war crimes and human rights violations in Chechnya. [123301]

  Mr. Vaz
  We welcomed the visit to Moscow and the north Caucasus by Mrs. Robinson from 31 March to 4 April. Her visit, and her report on it to the UN Commission on Human Rights helped to illuminate the deeply disturbing situation in Chechnya. In the light of the visit, the UK, with EU and other partners, co-sponsored a Resolution on Chechnya at the UN Commission on Human Rights, urging Russia to take action to address the reports of human rights abuse in Chechnya.

  European Commission Information Directorate-General
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the(a) gender balance and (b) budget and (c) role of the Women's Information Section in the Information Directorate-General at the European Commission; [123624]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the (a) role and (b) current activities of the Head of Sector, Information for Women, in DGX (Information) in the European Commission. [123650]

  Mr. Vaz
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the office of the Commission in London.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the letter of 4 May 2000 from the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz), to the hon. Member for Mid-Sussex (Mr. Soames), what estimate he has made of the number of Kosovar Albanians killed in Kosovo by forces of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the year leading up to June 1999; and what the basis is for the figure. [122638]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 25 May 2000]: We estimate that at least 10,000 Kosovar Albanian civilians were killed in Kosovo between June 1998 and June 1999. This figure is based upon a variety of sources, including debriefing of refugees, eye witness accounts, reports from international and non-governmental organisations and the media.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aspects of the UK's foreign policy relate to the promotion of animal welfare; and if he will make a statement. [124210]

  Mr. Hain
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office works to promote British values worldwide. This includes the promotion of acceptable standards of animal welfare. Our overseas posts regularly raise these issues with their
  41W
  host Governments and encourage them to adopt similar standards. We have also taken a number of initiatives such as encouraging agreement at the recent CITES conference on elephant welfare.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures he is taking to ensure that weapons supplied to the Sierra Leone army are not used by child combatants. [124444]

  Mr. Hain
  We are very concerned at reports that British weapons may be in the hands of child soldiers. This is why we sought and secured from the Government of Sierra Leone assurances that any UK-supplied weapons will be used only in accordance with established human rights principles and humanitarian law; and why the release programme of light weapons to the Government of Sierra Leone, as announced by the Defence Secretary on 23 May, will be carefully supervised by British military personnel on the ground with a view to ensuring that any British weapons only go to adult soldiers of the Sierra Leone army for training or for legitimate operational requirements.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made in respect of the use of child combatants by the Sierra Leone army; and if he will make a statement. [124445]

  Mr. Hain
  We have raised the issue of child soldiers with President Kabbah. He has assured us that it is not his Government's policy to employ child soldiers, in accordance with Sierra Leonean law and its obligations under the convention of the Rights of the Child, and has issued instructions to his forces to immediately demobilise any child soldiers in their ranks.

  British Overseas Territories Bill
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 12 May 2000.Official Report, column 496W, if he will list the principles to be addressed in the Overseas Territories Bill. [123507]

  Mr. Battle
  The key principles will amend the 1981 British Nationality Act and build on the provisions made in relation to the Falkland Islands by the British Nationality (Falkland Islands) Act 1983. They are:the automatic acquisition of British citizenship for existing British
  Dependent Territories citizens (BDTC) from a qualifying territory at commencement of the Act and for those born in an overseas territory after commencement;
  acquisition by discretionary registration for those acquiring BDTC by registration or naturalisation after commencement;
  BDTC status to continue in parallel with British citizenship with provision to renounce British citizenship acquired under the Act in favour of remaining solely a BDTC.

  St. Helena
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has received from St. Helena proposing changes in the constitution of St. Helena. [123925]
  42W
  Mr. Battle
  I understand that discussion documents are being drawn up in St. Helena to help local consultations about possible changes to the Constitution.

  Our position remains the same as set out in my answer to the hon. Member on 3 March 2000, Official Report, column 441W, namely, that we are prepared to consider their specific, detailed and well argued recommendations for the amendment of the 1998 Constitutional Order.

  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to review the checks and accountability in respect of actions taken by the Governor without reference to the Legislative Council or Executive Council under the constitution of St. Helena. [123926]

  Mr. Battle
  Where the Governor is required to consult with the Executive Council and act in accordance with their advice but does not do so, he is required under the provisions of the Constitution to obtain the prior approval of the Secretary of State, unless the matter is of such urgency that it is necessary for him to act before obtaining approval, in which case he must then report his actions and reasons to the Secretary of State. Any Executive Councillor can comment on the Governor's reasons to the Secretary of State. Where the Governor acts at his discretion he remains accountable to the Secretary of State.

  EU Institutions
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will publish the results of the Ministerial meeting held on 22 May to discuss proposals on EU institutions; [123987]

  (2) what items were discussed at the 22 May Ministerial meeting on institutional changes in the EU. [123986]

  Mr. Vaz
  Ministers discussed issues relating to institutions other than the Council and the Commission. This meant principally the composition and decision making powers of the European Parliament and reform of the European Court of Justice and Court of First Instance. Some delegations also touched on the composition of the Committee of the Regions, the Economic and Social Committee and the Court of Auditors. The meeting did not produce formal results.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many press officers were employed by his Department in(a) May 1997 and (b) May 2000. [124063]

  Mr. Hain
  In May 1997 there were nine press officers in the FCO. In May of this year the number was 13. This represents an increase from 0.07 per cent. of the total FCO staff to 0.09 per cent. over the period. Due to the increasing media interest in world events they are constantly busy.

  EU Intergovernmental Conference
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in the discussions at the Intergovernmental Conference, the Government have ruled out the introduction of a system of double majority
  43W
  voting in the Council of Ministers as an alternative to a reweighting of votes; and if he will make a statement. [124064]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Government's position is clearly set out in the White Paper laid before the House on 15 February.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library the Commission's list of the 20 Treaty Articles on which a majority of member states wish to extend qualified majority voting, as stated recently by Commissioner Barnier. [124068]

  Mr. Vaz
  Negotiations at the IGC are still at an early stage. Member states have not yet put forward definitive positions on the range of IGC topics, including extension of qualified majority voting.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made on the Commission's proposal to extend qualified majority voting to Article 13 of the Treaty. [124066]

  Mr. Vaz
  The IGC is a matter for member states to negotiate and decide. The Government have taken note of the Commission's suggestions for discussion. Our own approach is set out in the White Paper "IGC: Reform for Enlargement".

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the five-page document submitted to the IGC Government representatives group meeting on 2 May on the subject of qualified majority voting. [124071]

  Mr. Vaz
  I have placed a copy in the Library of the House. The Presidency has also given a commitment to make all discussion documents publicly available on the internet.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made on the Commission's proposals to extend qualified majority voting to the areas not excluded in the Government's White Paper "IGC: Reform for Enlargement". [124069]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Commission's views do not set the agenda for discussions at the IGC. Treaty change is a matter for member states. The Government's approach to the discussions is set out in their White Paper "IGC: Reform for Enlargement". We are in regular contact with partners on the extension of QMV, and the issue has been discussed several times in the IGC Preparatory Group and by Ministers in the margins of the GAC.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the discussions to date at the Intergovernmental Conference. [124065]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Government Representatives group has been meeting on a regular basis to discuss the range of IGC issues. A 'Friends of the Presidency' group of legal experts has also met to discuss reform of the Court of Justice. Foreign Ministers have met four times in the 44W
  margins of the General Affairs Council. The Presidency will present a progress report to the European Council in Feira on 19 and 20 June.

  In the meetings, there has been general agreement that the IGC should focus on issues that need to be tackled before enlargement, especially vote reweighting in the Council, the size and composition of the Commission and the possible extension of qualified majority voting.

  Charter of Fundamental Rights
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the discussions to date in the Convention which is drafting the Charter of Fundamental Rights. [124070]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Charter Convention drafting body has now met 10 times, and has completed its first discussion of the full list of rights. A revised draft of civil and political rights is due for a second discussion at the Charter Convention meeting on 5–6 June. A revised draft of economic and social rights and horizontal clauses is due to be discussed on 19–20 June. These drafts are generally closer to the ECHR and the Treaties than their predecessors. But more work needs to be done to ensure that the end product fulfils the remit agreed by Heads of Government at the Cologne European Council last June. The Government believe that to meet its objectives the Charter should preserve legal certainty, stick to existing rights and be consistent with EU policies and objectives. It should be declaratory in form.

  The latest Charter drafts have been placed in the Libraries of the two Houses, together with Lord Goldsmith's comments on the civil and political articles. These papers, as well as contributions from member states' representatives and other interest organisations, are also available on the Charter website (ue.eu.int).

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his answer to the hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells (Mr. Norman) on 1 February 2000,Official Report, column 541W, remains the Government's policy towards the incorporation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights into the EU treaties. [124111]

  Mr. Vaz
  Yes.

  European Political Parties
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the Government have made of the European Parliament resolution of 13 April concerning the state funding of political parties. [124244]

  Mr. Vaz
  Our view on the state funding of political parties was published in July 1999 as Cm. 4413. This was in response to the Neill Committee report (Cm. 4057, October 1998) which came down against any general system of support from public funds for the general activities of political parties. We agree with this conclusion.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the reference to transnational European political parties in the Treaty of Amsterdam. [124245]
  45W
  Mr. Vaz
  We recognise the importance of political representation at European level as a contribution to democratic accountability in the EU. Currently, MEPs elected from national parties can, if they so choose, join trans-national groupings within the European Parliament. We see no reason to change this practice.

  European Judicial System
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the European Commission on the report of the Reflexion Group on the future of the judicial system in the European Communities. [124073]

  Mr. Vaz
  We are in regular contact with the Commission on the full range of IGC issues. The 'Friends of the Presidency' group on reform of the European Court of Justice is not a Commission group. It is part of the IGC and is made up of member states' representatives. But it has provided a useful forum to discuss proposals for reform of the EC judicial system, including papers from the ECJ itself and from the Commission.

  "Your Britain, Your Europe"
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost was of the "Your Britain, Your Europe" visit to Leeds on 12 May; and what the budget is for the remaining roadshow events planned for 2000. [124067]

  Mr. Vaz
  We have minimised costs for the current series of city visits by inviting local councils to organise the programme. The accommodation and transport bill for the "Your Britain, Your Europe" visit to Leeds came to £1,012. The total budget for the remaining city visits in 2000 is £18,000.

  European Treaties
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Commission on the report from the Florence European University Institute on the reorganisation of the European Treaties. [124072]

  Mr. Vaz
  We are in regular contact with the Commission on the full range of issues that have been raised in the context of the current Intergovernmental Conference.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions since 24 April 1999,(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124130]

  Mr. Battle
  For the period 23 April 1999 to 31 March 2000, special advisers in my Department have travelled overseas in an official capacity on seven occasions. The special advisers travelled by both commercial means and by RAF charter flights.

  All travel complied with the requirements of the ministerial code and the Civil Service Management code.

WALES

  Sterling
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the impact of the value of sterling upon manufacturing in Wales. [124425]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I understand the concerns over the strength of sterling against the euro. But the Government are determined to take the long-term view. The Government's policies are aimed at achieving sustained growth, sound public finances and low and stable inflation. Manufacturers who have suffered from the old boom and bust cycle would not want a return to short-term, quick fixes, which jeopardise long-term stability.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on how many occasions since 28 February 1999(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124113]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  From 28 February 1999 to 30 June 1999, no departmental or non-departmental special advisers travelled abroad in an official capacity on behalf of the Welsh Office.

  From 1 July 1999 to date, one special adviser has travelled abroad twice in an official capacity on behalf of the Wales Office, including a visit to Brussels.

  Departmental Responsibilities
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what statistics relating to the responsibilities of his Department are collated by parliamentary constituency, indicating the dates covered in each case. [123837]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 25 May 2000]: My Department does not compile any statistics by parliamentary constituency.

  Water Services
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when and for what reasons the safeguards to prevent the takeover of the company undertaking water services in Wales in a manner that is contrary to the public interest have been withdrawn; and if he will make a statement. [122685]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Under the Water Act 1989, the appropriate Secretaries of State were awarded a special share in the privatised water companies, empowering them to prevent anyone owning more than 15 per cent. of a company's shares. All such shares, including that held by the Secretary of State for Wales in Welsh Water, were to be redeemed on 31 December 1994, five years after privatisation, and this duly took place.

  In addition, and uniquely, the Articles of Association of Welsh Water plc continued to provide for the 15 per cent. limit on individual voting share rights following redemption of the Golden Share. The removal of this provision required the approval of 75 per cent. of the company's shareholders. At an Extraordinary General

  47W
  Meeting on 21 March 1996, shareholders resolved to remove the 15 per cent. limitation from the company's Articles of Association.

  I note that the Assembly has passed representations and comments on public interest principles to the Office of Fair Trading, who are evaluating bids and advising my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

  Digital Television
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library a copy of the report produced by Castle Transmission International in respect of increasing the availability of digital terrestrial television in Wales. [121834]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Castle Transmission International were commissioned by the Independent Television Commission (ITC) to research and investigate possible methods of expanding digital terrestrial coverage in the UK. The report was published on 17 March 1999 and is available on ITC's website, www.itc.org.uk.

  New Deal
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary concerning the New Deal in Wales, with particular reference to(a) the under 25s, (b) the over 25s and (c) the over 50s; and if he will make a statement. [116234]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have regular meetings with the First Secretary and discuss a range of issues including the New Deal.

  (a) The New Deal for Young People (18–24 year olds) has been making excellent progress in Wales. Latest figures show that over 12,700 young people have now secured employment from the New Deal (of which 9,500 have been sustained for over 13 weeks) and nearly 8,000 young people are currently still on the programme.

  (b) The New Deal for 25 plus (Long Term Unemployed) has been making steady progress since its launch in June 1998. At the latest count (end of December 1999) nearly 2,300 people had secured employment and over 4,800 are currently still on the programme.

  (c) The New Deal for 50 plus is currently still in the pilot phase with nine "Pathfinder" areas across the UK (Flintshire and Wrexham in Wales). Full nation-wide implementation is scheduled to start on 3 April 2000.

  Aerospace Industry
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary concerning the prospects for the aerospace industry in Wales, with specific reference to Airbus, Broughton; and if he will make a statement. [116233]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I am in frequent contact with the First Secretary on a range of issues and we discuss many aspects of industry in Wales. This has included the BAe facility at Broughton.
  48W
  I was pleased to hear that the first orders have been received for the A3XX Airbus, and also welcome the announcement by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence that the United Kingdom will be placing an order for 25 A400M aircraft.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he plans with the First Secretary concerning BAe Systems' application for an regional selective assistance grant; and if he will make a statement. [115202]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have raised the issue during my regular discussions with the First Secretary. As I have stated previously, details of RSA applications are treated as commercial in confidence between the Assembly and the applicant. Any decision on awarding RSA grant is entirely a matter for the Assembly, or the First Secretary in cases involving grant of the magnitude sought by BAe.

  Forms
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the net change in each year since May 1997 in the number of forms issued by his Department which(a) charities and (b) other voluntary organisations are required to complete. [123941]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Since it was established on 1 July 1999, the Wales Office has issued no forms which charities or other voluntary organisations are required to complete. Figures for Welsh Office forms prior to that date are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Youth Unemployment
  Mr. Barry Juries
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on youth unemployment in(a) Wales, (b) Flintshire and (c) Deeside. [124424]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Youth unemployment in Wales, specifically North East Wales, has been declining since the General Election. Between April 1997 and April 2000 youth unemployment for Wales as a whole declined by 32.5 per cent., while in Flintshire youth unemployment declined by 23 per cent. over this period. Statistics are not collated on an area basis for Deeside, but for the unitary authority of Alyn and Deeside, youth unemployment declined by 16 per cent. between April 1997 and April 2000.

PRIME MINISTER

  Criminal Assets (Compensation)
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 24 January 2000,Official Report, column 4W, on confiscation of criminal assets, what decisions have been taken following the Performance and Innovation Unit's report on the pursuit and seizure of criminal assets; how the decisions are to be (a) made public and (b) reported to Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [123776]

  The Prime Minister
  No decisions have yet been taken. The report is being finalised and will be published shortly. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Stella Rimington
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 17 May 2000,Official Report, columns 327–28, if, as incoming Prime Minister, he was informed of Mrs. Stella Rimington's CV; and if he will make a statement. [123625]

  The Prime Minister
  (holding answer 25 May 2000): No. As Dame Stella had retired as Director General a full year before I took office there would have been no reason for me to see it.

  Laptops
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Prime Minister since May 1997 how many laptop computers used by officials in his Office have been(a) lost and (b) stolen. [123667]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 25 May 2000]: None.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister for what reasons he has provided no answers to questions due for answer on 28 February (Ref. 112048 and 112049) to the hon. Member for Lewes. [124375]

  The Prime Minister
  I have done so today. My answers appear below.

  Ministerial Residences
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will list the residences made available to Ministers in the course of their duties, indicating in each case the location of the residence, the council tax banding and the Minister to whom each residence is allocated; [112048]

  (2) if he will list for each residence currently made available to Ministers the sum spent in 1999 on (a) council tax, (b) rent, (c) repairs and maintenance and (d) redecoration. [112049]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 28 February 2000]: The cost to the Government in 1999–2000 of the routine maintenance and rent of Ministers' official residences is estimated at £1 million. In the last year of the previous administration expenditure was £1.2 million.

  Numbers 10 and 11 Downing street and Carlton gardens have traditionally been the residences of the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Foreign Secretary. The flats in Admiralty House and the Government House in Pimlico, which have in the past been assigned to a variety of Ministers, are currently occupied by the Deputy Prime Minister, President of the Council, the Minister for the Cabinet Office and the Secretary of State for Education and Employment.

  All these properties are in council tax banding H. The level and responsibility for payment of council tax is determined on whether the property is the Minister's main or secondary residence. If a main residence, the responsibility for payment of the tax falls to the Minister. If the property is a secondary residence, responsibility for payment falls to the responsible Department. Two Ministers occupying flats in Admiralty House met their
  50W
  own council tax payments, as did I. Departments met the other payments, which were £350 for each property in 1999–2000.

  Rent and capital charges in 1999–2000 on each property were: 10 Downing street (£204,000), 11 Downing street (£287,000), Admiralty House flats (£75,185, £91,013, £94,091), Carlton gardens (£27,300) and Government House in Pimlico (£100,219).

  The cost of routine maintenance and repairs in 1999–2000 were: 10 Downing street (£3,664), 11 Downing street (£32,189), Admiralty House flats (£38,442), Carlton gardens (£24,561) and Government House in Pimlico (£2,055).

  In addition, during 1999–2000 as part of a repair, maintenance and replacement programme, agreed with English Heritage, £341,000 was spent on the roof, windows and external features of Admiralty House, a Grade 1 listed building.

  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and other Northern Ireland Ministers have use of accommodation in Hillsborough Castle while on duty in Northern Ireland. In 1999, £12,941 was spent on maintenance and minor works on these properties. Other costs are not separately identifiable.

  In addition, the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland also have the use of Chequers, Dorneywood, Chevening and Bute House. None of these is owned by the Government.

  The Lord Chancellor has an official residence in the House of Lords which is provided in his capacity as Speaker of the House of Lords. The running costs are met by the House of Lords authorities and do not fall to the Government.

  Committee on Standards in Public Life
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Prime Minister when he will respond to the recommendations of the Sixth report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life; and if he will make a statement. [124626]

  The Prime Minister
  The Sixth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, which was published on 12 January, concluded that the process of reform of standards of ethical behaviour in public life that had been set in train following publication of its First Report had been a success.

  The Committee made a number of detailed recommendations across a range of issues which the Government are considering. We will present our full response to Parliament in due course.

  Staff (Overseas Travel)
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Prime Minister on what dates members of the Policy Unit have travelled overseas on official business since 3 March 1999. [124126]

  The Prime Minister
  Since 3 March 1999 members of the No.10 Policy Unit have travelled overseas on official business on 71 occasions. All visits have been made in accordance with the rules set out in the Civil Service Management Code.
  51W
  In addition, members of the No.10 Policy Unit have accompanied me on several of my official visits abroad.

  These arrangements follow the practice of successive administrations.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Prime Minister on how many occasions his(a) Chief of Staff and (b) Chief Press Secretary formed part of the official party accompanying him on overseas visits since 28 February 1999. [124125]

  The Prime Minister
  Since 28 February 1999 my Chief Press Secretary has accompanied me on all my overseas visits. My Chief of Staff accompanied me on seven occasions.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Prime Minister on how many occasions since 2 June 1999 special advisers of the Chief Whip and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124124]

  The Prime Minister
  None.

  Lord Levy
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations Lord Levy has received from Israeli Governmental organisations, indicating the officials and dates concerned. [119675]

  The Prime Minister
  Lord Levy has a range of contacts with members of the Israeli government, and with officials in Israeli government organisations.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Rothwell/Desborough Bypass
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to invite tenders for the construction of the A6 Rothwell/Desborough Bypass. [122325]

  Mr. Hill
  The Highways Agency will shortly be appointing consultants to complete the final stages of preparation and then oversee the construction of the bypass. Subject to the satisfactory completion of statutory procedures, the Agency expects to invite tenders for the construction contract in Spring 2001.

  Waste Incineration
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the extent to which the application of the EU waste incineration directive complies with the Government's Better Regulation Guide. [122947]

  Mr. Hill
  The Better Regulation Guide was published four years after the waste incineration directive was first proposed by the European Commission. The cost-benefit analysis undertaken on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions to underpin the required Regulatory Impact Assessment by Entec UK Ltd. was carried out in accordance with Part II of the Better Regulation Guide, and the structure of the Entec report (copies of which are in the House Library) reflects this.
  52W
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what estimate he has made of the(a) average cost of a small incinerator and (b) increase in this average cost consequent upon the application of the EU waste incineration directive; [122951]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the average cost to a farm with a small incinerator of the steps needed to comply with the implementation of the EU waste incineration directive. [122950]

  Mr. Hill
  Full information on the purchase cost of small incinerators is not held, but we believe the cost of a new animal carcase incinerated under 50kg/hr capacity is of the order of £2,000–£10,000. Entec UK Ltd., who undertook cost-benefit analysis work on behalf of my Department in respect of the proposed waste incineration directive (copies of which are in the House Library), have estimated on the basis of a 100kg/hr unit that the capital compliance cost in respect of combustion requirements, abatement plant, monitoring equipment and spillage control for incinerators in the under 50kg/hr capacity category would be approximately £230,000 with annual operating costs of approximately £12,000.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effect of the EU waste incineration directive on UK compliance with the proximity principle of waste disposal. [122948]

  Mr. Hill
  Our policy on waste is set out in the Waste Strategy 2000, published on 25 May. This emphasises the priority the Government place on tough environmental standards for all types of incineration. It also makes clear that wastes should be disposed of as close to the point of production as possible, consistent with the need for effective environmental controls.

  We are looking at ways of complying with the proposed directive which will minimise the burden on small-scale animal carcase incinerators and pet crematoriums while ensuring that there are appropriate environmental safeguards.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the number of small incinerators on farms that will close as a result of the application of the EU waste incineration directive; [122952]

  (2) what plans he has to introduce a compensation scheme for farmers who may have to close their small incinerators following implementation of the EU waste incineration directive. [122949]

  Mr. Hill
  As matters stand, the proposed waste incineration directive will not have effect for existing incinerators until autumn 2005. We are currently looking at ways of complying with the proposed directive which will minimise the burden on small-scale animal carcase incinerator operators, including farmers and others, while ensuring that there are appropriate environmental safeguards.
  53W
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the Government's target is for the amount of residential and commercial waste disposed of through incinerators by 2005. [123501]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: The Government have not set targets for waste disposal by incineration. The waste strategy sets a target to recover value from 40 per cent. of municipal waste through recycling, composting or energy from waste by 2005.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the Government's policy is on the importation of rubbish from outside the United Kingdom to be disposed of in incinerators. [123486]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: Existing policies on exports and imports of waste are set out in the United Kingdom Management Plan for Exports and Imports of Waste, which came into effect on 1 June 1996.

  The Plan does not permit imports of municipal waste for final disposal. However, to be consistent with the EC Waste Shipment Regulation (EEC No.259/93), the Plan cannot prohibit imports for genuine recovery, which could include incineration where the prime purpose was energy recovery. Any such imports of municipal waste would, though, be subject to a prior informed consent procedure; and the available data for 1996–98 show that no such imports occurred over that period.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the place of incineration in the Government's hierarchy of waste management options. [123517]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: The waste strategy set out the Government's view that reduction and re-use of waste should be considered before recovery. It emphasised that recycling and composting should be considered before energy recovery through incineration.

  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on farm costs of the implementation of the proposed EU waste incineration directive. [123652]

  Mr. Hill
  No assessment has be made of the impact of the proposed waste incineration directive on farm costs in general. The cost implications of the proposed waste incineration directive for the sort of small-scale animal carcase incinerators which may be operated on farms was considered by Entec UK Ltd. as part of the cost-benefit analysis work undertaken on behalf of my Department (copies of which are in the House Library). They have estimated on the basis of a 100 kg/hr unit that the capital compliance cost in respect of combustion requirements, abatement plant, monitoring equipment and spillage control for incinerators in the under 50 kg/hr capacity category would be approximately £230,000 with annual operating costs of approximately £12,000. We would expect farmers to look for alternative options rather than paying such sums. We recognise that this will involve some cost, but nowhere near £230,000.
  54W
  Mr. Prior
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the proposed EU waste incineration directive. [124136]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government are committed to tough standards for incinerators and therefore welcome the proposed waste incineration directive.

  The Council of Ministers is currently considering the European Parliament's amendments to the Common Position agreed in June 1999, including those affecting the scope, at official level. Council's rules of procedure do not allow me to comment on the detail of those discussions. No decisions have yet been taken by the Council in relation to the European Parliament's amendments, and we will keep the House informed in the usual way.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will seek a derogation from the EU waste incineration directive for small incinerators. [124321]

  Mr. Hill
  We have explored during negotiations on the waste incineration directive proposal various issues concerning the scope. The Common Position text includes an exemption for small experimental plant but it is clear that an absolute derogation for small plant is not available.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the likely shift in consumption of fuels in incinerators as a result of the application of the EU waste incineration directive, with particular reference to LPG and small incinerators. [124318]

  Mr. Hill
  No assessment has been made of the implications of the proposed waste incineration directive for the consumption of potential incinerator support fuels, such as liquefied petroleum gas.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the compliance with the better regulation test of proportionality of the application of the EU waste incineration directive to small incinerators; [124319]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the compliance with the small business litmus test of the application of the EU waste incineration directive to small incinerators; [124320]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the likely change in emission of pollutants as a result of the application of the EU waste incineration directive to small incinerators. [124317]

  Mr. Hill
  A Regulatory and Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed waste incineration directive was undertaken in accordance with the Better Regulation Guide. Copies of the assessment and the consultants' reports underlying that assessment, undertaken for the Department by Entec UK Ltd., are in the House of Commons Library. Entec carried out small business litmus tests for incineration sectors containing small firms.
  55W
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from pet crematoriums in relation to the proposed EU waste incineration directive. [123777]

  Mr. Hill
  I have received representations originating from six pet crematoriums and one representative organisation expressing concerns about the impact of the proposed directive on their businesses.

  As matters stand, the proposed waste incineration directive will not have effect for existing incinerators (including pet crematoriums) until autumn 2005. We are currently looking at ways of complying with the proposed directive which will minimise the burden on small-scale animal carcase incinerator operators, including pet crematoriums, while ensuring that there are appropriate environmental safeguards.

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what investigations the Environment Agency has made into irregular emissions from the incinerator at Northwick Park Hospital; and if enforcement action has been commenced. [123581]

  Mr. Meacher
  Several complaints were made between 1993 to 1995, all of which were investigated by the Environment Agency. Following a complaint in July 1995 the Environment Agency issued an enforcement notice. The operator complied by introducing controls on the blending and checking of waste. These modifications were carried out in November 1998. The Environment Agency is currently investigating a complaint made in April 2000 and will consider appropriate action in line with its Enforcement and Prosecution Policy when the investigation is complete.

  Speeding Vehicles
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what data he collects on the percentage of vehicles that break the speed limit in each local authority area; what targets for reducing deaths and serious injuries on roads he sets for each local authority; and if he will make a statement. [123095]

  Mr. Hill
  Information about the percentage of vehicles breaking the speed limit is not available by local authority. National information was last published in "Vehicle Speeds in Great Britain: 1998", a copy of which is in the Library.

  In July local authorities will produce new five-year local transport plans. These plans must include a local target for reducing road accident casualties, set against the national target of an overall 40 per cent, reduction by 2010 for the number of people killed or seriously injured, and a 50 per cent, reduction target for serious casualties to children.

  Leeds Supertram
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's evaluation of the proposals for the Leeds Supertram. [123278]
  56W
  Mr. Hill
  Major local transport projects will be considered by the Department as part of an overall strategy through the local transport plans (LTPs) to be submitted to the Department by the end of July.

  Lifejackets
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 16 March 2000,Official Report, column 326W, if he will list the ships on the UK Register which have not replaced the lifejackets supplied by Bureau Venitas as directed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. [123382]

  Mr. Hill
  The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a Press Release on 27 January 2000, requesting owners and operators of UK vessels to replace all Artica A and Artica B lifejackets, if carried. These were lifejackets manufactured by Messrs Canepa & Campi of Genoa and in respect of which Bureau Veritas had issued a certificate of Type Approval on behalf of the United Kingdom.

  Owners were further requested to advise the MCA if their vessels carried these lifejackets and that changes had been made. To date no such reports have been received.

  Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the banning of methyl tertiary butyl ether in the United States of America. [123443]

  Mr. Hill
  We understand that the US Federal Government's proposal to significantly reduce or eliminate MTBE in petrol—which had been actively encouraged in a number of US States for air quality reasons—has been made because of concerns about MTBE in groundwater. At the same time, the Federal Government have proposed that air quality benefits gained through use of MTBE—primarily reductions in carbon monoxide emissions—be preserved through the use of alternative, renewable fuel additives such as ethanol. This proposal has been made in the light of circumstances pertaining in parts of the United States and which may differ from those in many parts of Europe, including the UK.

  For example, MTBE has not been actively encouraged in the United Kingdom, carbon monoxide emissions being controlled by other means. MTBE is used in significantly less quantities than in the United States and there is no evidence to indicate groundwater contamination. We are nevertheless keeping the matter under review and the Environment Agency is currently undertaking a study into oxygenates in groundwater.

  Genetically Modified Baculovirus
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Government have authorised the environmental release of a genetically modified baculovirus; and what assessment they have made of the risks involved in such a release. [122998]
  57W
  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) assesses all applications for the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms.

  Following advice from ACRE that there would be no risk to human health or the environment, the Government authorised the environmental release of insect-specific baculoviruses in netted enclosures under a Part B research and development consent. At the end of each release the enclosures were decontaminated and experimental material destroyed in line with the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 and the Control of Pesticides Act 1986.

  Post trial monitoring has confirmed that all experimental organisms were destroyed and there was no harm to the environment.

  Jubilee Line
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what contribution to the cost of the Jubilee line extension has been made by the developers of Canary wharf. [122632]

  Mr. Prescott
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: The Canary Wharf developers have to date made payments in the order of £150 million towards the cost of the Jubilee Line Extension.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what contributions by the developers of Canary wharf towards the cost of the Jubilee line extension remain outstanding; and when they are expected to be paid. [122633]

  Mr. Prescott
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: Following both scheduled and early repayments made to date, a further, final, payment of £50 million is due on 1 November 2000.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the contribution of the developers of Canary wharf towards the cost of the Jubilee line extension was increased to meet the cost overrun. [122634]

  Mr. Prescott
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: No.

  Ilisu Dam
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the environmental criteria to be applied in assessing the Ilisu Dam project. [123827]

  Mr. Meacher
  A round of Ministerial correspondence over whether to provide export credit support for the Ilisu Dam project took place in December 1999. This included correspondence between the Deputy Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. Departmental officials have also been in contact over the issues relating to this project since February 1999. Following Ministerial correspondence, it was agreed, as the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced on 21 December 1999, that export credit support for the project would be conditional on the Turkish authorities agreeing actions to address the concerns we have about the environmental and social impacts of the project. As the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry stated, the areas of concern which need to be addressed are:
  58W
  1. A resettlement programme which reflects international standards and includes independent monitoring;

  2. Provision for upstream water treatment plants capable of ensuring that water quality is maintained;

  3. An assurance that adequate downstream water flows will be maintained at all times; and

  4. A detailed plan to preserve as much of the archaeological heritage of the town of Hasankeyf as possible.

  We are now waiting to see the final Environmental Impact Assessment Report of the project and the Turkish Government's proposed Resettlement Action Plan. Following the receipt of these reports the Government will decide whether our concerns have been adequately addressed.

  Fair Rents (London)
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what was the average increase in fair rents upon re-registration since 1995 in(a) the Lambeth Rent Office area and (b) London; [123541]

  (2) what was the average increase in fair rents since 1992 in (a) the Lambeth Rent Office area and (b) London [123542]

  Mr. Raynsford
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: Between 1995 and 2000 the average increase in rents upon re-registration was an estimated 16 per cent, in Lambeth Rent Office Area and 18 per cent, in London. These increases relate to the periods of 27 months on average.

  Information on fair rents is collected only when re-registration takes place and comprehensive information on increases in fair rents is therefore not available.

  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the average scarcity discount used by the London Rent Assessment Committee in calculating fair rents using market rent comparables since 1998 for(a) re-registered rent appeals in London and (b) re-registered rent appeals from the Lambeth Rent Office area. [123540]

  Mr. Raynsford
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: Rent Assessment Committees are required to show for each case they determine the arithmetical calculations used in reaching that determination, including any deduction from the market rent attributable to scarcity of accommodation in the market. However, we do not collect information centrally that would enable the question to be answered. The cost of providing the information requested would be disproportionate.

  Waste Disposal (Agriculture)
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to promote the proximity principle for waste disposal in agriculture. [123654]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Government made it clear in statutory planning guidance "Planning policy guidance note 10: planning and waste management" that future waste management decisions should be based on the proximity principle, which says that waste should be disposed of as near as possible to its place of production, because the transporting of waste itself has an environmental impact.

  South Atlantic Medal
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will arrange for the South Atlantic Medal to be awarded to those residents of the island of St. Helena who served on board RMS St. Helena in the war zone during the Falklands War. [123655]

  Mr. Hill
  The service performed by St. Helena residents on board RMS St. Helena during the Falklands War is much appreciated. Unfortunately the period served was just too short to meet the criterion for issue of the South Atlantic Medal, laid down in MOD Command Paper 544/82.

  Byker Heat Station
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what materials were released to air from the Byker heat station in 1995; and if the operating licence imposed a duty to record the nature of the releases. [123899]

  Mr. Hill
  The Environment Agency's authorisation for Byker Heat Station prescribes annual mass limits for the releases to air of groups of significant materials: Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, particulate matter, Hydrogen Chloride, Hydrogen Fluoride, certain aggregates of metals and Dioxins. The authorisation also requires recording and reporting of these releases; this information is forwarded to the Agency and is retained for inspection on a public register in Newcastle. The information is also available via the Environment Agency's website.

  Releases of Byker Heat Station, Authorisation AF7690 in 1995

  Substance

  Limit of release (kg)

  Total release (kg)

  Carbon Monoxide

  25,500

  10,160

  Hydrogen Chloride

  14,000

  7,060

  Hydrogen Fluoride

  600

  174

  Metals (CR+CU+MN+PB)

  1,360

  47.72

  Metals (AS+NI)

  240

  4.48

  Metals (CD+HG)

  60

  5.51

  Nitrogen Oxides (AS NO2)

  98,000

  53,580

  Particulates—Total

  8,500

  2,060

  Polychlorinated Dibenzo-P-Dioxin—all Congeners

  0.03

  0.117

  Sulphur Dioxide

  84,000

  42,550

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 24 March 2000,Official Report, column 701W, if (a) back-up power for controls was required at the Byker Heat Station during the 1995 failure and (b) back-up is required and available now; for what reason the releases to air following the failure cannot be quantified; and what assessment he has made of the extent to which the failure to quantify such releases constitutes a breach of the operating licence. [123922]

  Mr. Hill
  In 1995 electrical power was supplied from the national grid and by the plant's own generator. As power is no longer generated on site, the alternative power source is no longer available. The authorisation issued by the Environment Agency does not specifically require back-up power.
  60W
  The releases could not be quantified, as both the pollutant concentration and their flow rates changed continuously throughout the 15 minute incident. The amount released was non-quantified and did not constitute a notifiable release; the then regulator HMIP took no action. Authorisation conditions normally take account of transient conditions such as unpredicted power failure, and this did not constitute a breach of the authorisation.

  Forms
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the net change in each year since May 1997 in the number of forms issued by his Department which(a) charities and (b) other voluntary organisations are required to complete. [123949]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  There has been no net change.

  Wolverhampton-Shrewsbury-Chester Rail Line
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress made to make the Wolverhampton-Shrewsbury-Chester rail line a priority Trans-European Network. [123902]

  Mr. Hill
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr. Gill) on 22 May 2000,Official Report, column 323W.

  Telecommunications Masts
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers are available to planning authorities to regulate the siting, appearance and power of mobile phone transmitter masts. [124098]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Government planning policy for telecommunications is set out in Planning Policy Guidance note 8 (revised): Telecommunications, and the Department's Circular 4/99 "Planning for Telecommunications".

  The installation of any telecommunications mast in protected areas, such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and conservation areas, and of masts above 15 metres in height elsewhere, is subject to a planning application for determination by the local planning authority. In the case of masts of 15 metres and below in height, local planning authorities are able to consider the siting and appearance of such development by licensed telecommunications code system operators in accordance with the "prior approval procedure" under Part 24 of Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended).

  Under the prior approval procedure, a local planning authority has the opportunity to say whether it wishes to approve, within 42 days for ground-based masts and 28 days for masts on a building or structure, details of the siting and appearance of the installation, if an authority considers that the development will pose a serious threat to amenity, it is able to refuse approval, although authorities are advised to explore the scope for modifying its siting and/or appearance before doing so.
  61W
  Planning Authorities are not responsible for regulating the power of mobile phone masts, and have no powers to do so. Telecommunications operators have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and the Management of the Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to ensure that their work activities, which would include the operation or their apparatus, do not present a risk to employees and the general public.

  In our response to the report of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, issued on 11 May 2000 and placed in the Libraries of both Houses, the Government said that they were minded to introduce a requirement for an application for full planning permission for all new telecommunications masts, but would need to consult widely before doing so, including on the principle and precise scope of any new arrangements. We shall issue a consultation paper on this and related guidance as soon as practicable.

  Local Government Conduct Guidelines
  Mr. Prior
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if, following the recent issue of a public interest report by the District Auditor, pursuant to an objection to the accounts of Sheringham Town Council for 1996–97, he proposes to amend the national guidelines for local Government conduct, with specific reference to the exemptions contained in section 12(b) and to parish or town councillors who have been appointed to a voluntary body or charity; and if he will make a statement on the status of the guidelines. [124134]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Under the Local Government Bill currently before the House all local authorities, including parish and town councils, will be required to adopt a new Code of Conduct, in line with a new Model Code to be issued by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister. These Codes will replace the existing National Code of Local Government Conduct.

  GM Crops
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans there are to conduct a criminal investigation into the planting in spring of this year of an oil seed rape variety after it was discovered to be contaminated with GM seeds. [123755]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 25 May 2000]: The Government are still considering this matter.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the statement by Advanta that cross-pollination between GM and non-GM crops in Canada led to the contamination of rape oil seed planted in the United Kingdom, with particular reference to separation distances between GM and non-GM crops in the UK. [123267]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: We are urgently investigating with Advanta the circumstances in Canada that gave rise to the contamination of oil seed rape planted in the United Kingdom.
  62W
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in other member states of the European Union about the possible contamination of the European conventional maize crop with GM maize. [124342]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have not had any discussions with Environment Ministers of other member states about this issue, but I shall raise this at the June EU Environment Council.

  My officials have been in contact with officials in other member states where Advanta seeds are known to have been sold.

  Coastguards
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the industrial tribunal decision in the case of Rigden/Hodgson, when he will issue employment contracts to auxiliary coastguards; if he has paid the arrears owing under the legislation on the national minimum wage; and if he will make a statement about the future employment of auxiliary coastguards. [123969]

  Mr. Hill
  The decision of the Newcastle Employment Tribunal is being considered and legal advice taken on grounds for appeal.

  All serving auxiliaries have been paid the arrears of pay due as a result of bringing auxiliary coastguards wages into line with the National Minimum Wage. There have been problems in getting back pay to those who have left the auxiliary service, but contact has been made wherever possible and the arrears will be paid shortly.

  Council Tax Discounts (Herefordshire)
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many properties in Herefordshire qualify for 50 per cent, council tax discount for second homes; what is the cost to the Herefordshire Council of this discount; and if he will make a statement. [124536]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Herefordshire Unitary Authority has 2,266 properties in 2000–01 that qualify for a 50 per cent, discount. Not all dwellings that receive the discount are second homes, and the Department does not collect separate information on these dwellings. The 50 per cent, discount applies to all unoccupied dwellings and certain occupied dwellings such as those where all of the residents are disregarded, for example households consisting of someone severely disabled and their carer.

  If a local authority has a reduced tax base because it has dwellings subject to a discount or exemption, it will receive more grant from the Government.

  Aggregates
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the environmental consequences of an aggregates tax. [124442]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  An aggregates levy would help to ensure that the environmental impacts of primary aggregates production not already addressed by regulation
  63W
  are more fully reflected in prices. This would be expected to have the following environmental consequences: a reduction in the amount of primary aggregates extracted—and in the associated environmental impacts; an increase in the use of alternative materials which would otherwise be wastes and disposed of; and less wastage of all aggregates.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what were the volumes of recycled/secondary aggregates used in the United Kingdom in each of the past 10 years. [124439]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  These data are not available. Because of the difficulty in collecting the information, especially information on construction and demolition waste which arises on a very large number of temporary sites, consultants were asked to devise an appropriate collection system. The recommended system is being implemented.

  Included in this is a survey of construction and demolition waste in England and Wales carried out in March by the Environment Agency, supported by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the National Assembly for Wales. The returns are being analysed at present. Data on other material used as aggregate will be published as part of the report on the Aggregate Minerals Survey 1997. The results of both surveys will be published this summer.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the volume of construction aggregates produced in the United Kingdom in each of the past 10 years. [124438]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The total volume of crushed rock and sand and gravel produced for construction in the UK for each of the 10 years up to and including 1998, the most recent year for which reliable information is available, is set out in the table. The figures are those compiled by the British Geological Society using data from the Office for National Statistics and the Department of Economic Development (Northern Ireland). The figures for crushed rock used in these totals are for Great Britain only because crushed rock produced in Northern Ireland and used for construction is not specifically identified.

  Thousand tonnes

  1989

  307,170

  1990

  285,631

  1991

  254,371

  1992

  242,879

  1993

  249,593

  1994

  271,176

  1995

  252,570

  1996

  229,271

  1997

  232,170

  1998

  230,031

  Station Platforms
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers the shadow Strategic Rail Authority has to make sure the distance between a railway station platform and a train is at a safe level; which railway stations in England and Wales have a gap between the platform and the train 64W
  exceeding (a) 30 centimetre and (b) 1 metre; what plans have been submitted by Railtrack to re-gauge platform heights at railways stations across Britain; and what action (i) has been taken and (ii) is planned, to implement the proposals. [124455]

  Mr. Hill
  Responsibility for the safe maintenance of platforms and their interface with trains rests with the infrastructure controller and train operators and not with the shadow Strategic Rail Authority.

  The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Railway Inspectorate monitors safety on the railways and enforces safety legislation. LISE has published "Railway Safety Principles and Guidance" (RSPG) which covers the issue of platform gaps for new and altered works. Any infrastructure developed outside this guidance must be agreed with the HSE. Additionally, Railtrack publishes criteria on this subject in the form of Railway Group Standards. Compliance with these Group Standards generally ensures compliance with criteria set out in the HSE Guidance. HSE is aware that historically the stepping criteria set out in RSPG are not complied with at a number of locations. It was this knowledge which led to the HSE criteria being developed. Railtrack is implementing a programme which is intended, among other things, to address the problem of large gaps between trains and platforms at stations. Some work has already been carried out; the programme is risk-based and prioritised. HSE is monitoring progress.

  HSE's records are insufficiently detailed to provide information on locations where gaps may exceed particular dimensions. Railtrack's programme is intended to identify problem locations and to develop an action plan to deal with them.

  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the current limit for the gap between a train and a railway station platform; what representations his Department has received regarding the dangers of large gaps between platforms and trains; what the Government are doing to ensure that the gap between a railway station platform and the train is at a safe level; who is responsible for ensuring that the gap between a train and a railway station platform is at a safe level; and what recent recommendations he has received from the Health and Safety Executive with regard to the distance between a train and a railway station platform. [124454]

  Mr. Hill
  Railtrack, as infrastructure controller, is responsible for the safety of its infrastructure. There are no regulations which specify a maximum gap at the train/platform interface. However, the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Railway Inspectorate has published guidance documents entitled "Railway Safety Principles and Guidance" which provide an accepted standard of good practice for now or altered work within the railway industry. "Railway Safety Principles and Guidance Part 2 Section B: Guidance on stations" sets acceptable stepping criteria between trains and platforms, the maxima for these are:250mm vertically;
  275mm horizontally; and
  350mm diagonally

  HSE is aware that historically some platforms exist where these dimensions are exceeded. Railtrack is

  65W
  developing a strategy of identifying and dealing with these on a prioritised basis. HSE is following this initiative closely to ensure that there is a satisfactory outcome.

  These dimensions may only be exceeded when dispensation has been obtained from the Inspectorate. Warning notices reading 'Mind the Gap' with hatching along the platform edge, or other agreed measures for example, public announcements, may be required. HSE considers that to require the infrastructure controller or station operator to carry out work specifically to rectify platform gaps would not be reasonably practicable. HSE would however expect any planned alteration or new works around the train/platform interface to include a reduction in the gaps at interface.

  The Department has received correspondence on this subject from time to time.

  Trees
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his Department's policy is in relation to the country of origin of trees planted on its land and that of its agencies. [124624]

  Mr. Prescott
  My Department follows the guidance in "Towards more Sustainable Construction: Green guide for managers in the public sector" which encourages the planting of native trees and shrubs where this is feasible, and seeks whenever possible to use plants grown in the UK.

  London Transport
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) directors and (b) employees of London Transport receive company cars as a part of their remuneration. [124407]

  Mr. Hill
  London Transport have advised that 22 Directors and 231 employees receive company cars as part of their remuneration.

  Local Authority Funding
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the funds which are available to local authorities on application, indicating those for which the Torbay Unitary Authority has successfully applied in each of the last two years. [124195]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Local authorities may apply to this Department for the discretionary grants listed in the table provided they meet the criteria for the particular scheme. Those grants for which Torbay Unitary Authority has successfully applied for funding since April 1998 are indicated in the second column. The table does not include borrowing approvals for capital expenditure, funding that may be available through private finance initiatives or joint ventures with the private sector, or grants from non-departmental public bodies which are funded by this Department or other minor miscellaneous grants. The Department also administers the European Regional 66W
  Development Fund, for which Torbay Council has received approval for funding in both 1998–99 and 1999–2000.

  Successful application by Torbay unitary authority

  Discretionary grant available to local authorities

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Disabled Facilities Grant

  Yes

  Yes

  Housing Investment Programme (Private Sector Renewal Grant)

  Yes

  Yes

  Home Improvement Agencies (funding for running costs)

  Beacon Councils Special Grant

  Bellwin Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance

  Invest to Save Special Grant

  Rural Bus Challenge Grant1

  Rural Transport Partnership Grant

  Public Transport Facilities Grant

  Industrial Development Act 1982 Grant

  Transport Supplementary Grant

  Freight Grant scheme

  1 Torbay Council will receive funding in 2000–01 under Rural Bus Challenge Grant.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions since 31 March 1999(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124112]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  During the period 1 April to the end of March 2000, Special Advisers in this department travelled overseas on seven occasions.

  New Deal for Communities
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how people from all minority groups will be encouraged to play an active role in the New Deal for Communities; [124383]

  (2) how the New Deal for Communities is affecting (a) Irish, (b) Jewish and (c) traveller communities. [124382]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Our guidance for the New Deal for Communities (NDC) places a particular emphasis on involving all elements of the local community from the outset.

  We have issued specific guidance on race equality to NDC partnerships, which highlights the needs of 'White' minority groups such as gypsies (and other travellers), Jewish communities and others. It underlines the importance of including groups within a local community which are seen as different; and offers practical advice on how to ensure inclusion and celebrate diversity.

  We assess proposals from NDC partnerships for evidence of capacity to work with, and involve, ethnic minority and other minority groups in the neighbourhood renewal process. For the early stages of Round 2 of the NDC programme, we have appointed 'community

  67W
  mentors'—independent organisations whose role is to ensure a wide range of community involvement in the process from the start, and allocated funding to support that role. We also encourage partnerships to adopt approaches which build the capacity of different groups within the community to participate actively in the programme. Throughout the lifetime of the NDC, we will offer partnerships a range of support and advice, including help on maintaining the partnership of all sections of the local community.

  Planning Applications
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will list the planning applications for development on land classified as agricultural by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food referred to his Department since 1 May 1997; and if he will give for each one the nature of the application and the outcome of the referral; [124139]

  (2) if he will list the planning applications for conversion of farm buildings referred to his Department since 1 May 1997; and if he will give for each one the nature of the application and the outcome of the referral. [124138]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Hackney Carriages
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what steps must be taken by a proprietor in dispute with a hackney carriage driver for whom he holds a duplicate licence; [124559]

  (2) if he will issue guidance to magistrates on the conduct of disputes between hackney carriage drivers and proprietors; [124651]

  (3) if he will issue guidance to magistrates on the steps to be taken by a hackney carriage driver to secure the return of his duplicate licence which has been deposited at a magistrates court by a proprietor. [124558]

  Mr. Hill
  The statutory procedure governing disputes between hackney carriage drivers and proprietors about drivers' duplicate licences is set out in the London Hackney Carriages Act 1843.

  There are no plans to issue guidance on this issue since the interpretation of legislation is a matter for justices in exercise of their judicial discretion.

  Social Exclusion Unit
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Social Exclusion Unit will publish the guide to the ethnic minority aspects of the work it has done which was referred to in its National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal framework document. [124772]

  Ms Armstrong
  Tomorrow the Social Exclusion Unit will publish a report that summarises the work it has led to date on minority ethnic social exclusion issues.
  68W
  The Social Exclusion Unit has looked at minority ethnic issues as an integral part of each of the projects that it has done so far, and the 18 Policy Action Teams it commissioned to look at various aspects of deprived neighbourhoods have also done so. The summary brings together the results of mainstreaming those issues. It analyses various aspects of minority ethnic social exclusion; illustrates what the Government are already doing to tackle them and summarises the ideas for further action that are under consideration in the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal and follow-up to the Policy Action Team reports.

  Copies of the report will be available in the Library of the House and in the Vote Office.

  Private Hire Vehicles
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions following the case in the Queen's Bench Division between L. Benson and Copeland Borough Council, what plans he has to seek to restore the previous position whereby the spouse of a licence holder could use a private hire vehicle for any purpose other than for hire; when the case was heard; and if he will make a statement. [123875]

  Mr. Hill
  I hope to make an announcement soon.

TREASURY

  Job Creation (Lancashire)
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many new jobs have been created in(a) Lancashire and (b) Burnley in the past year. [123525]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. Peter L. Pike, dated 5 June 2000:
  The Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been asked to reply to your recent question on employment changes in Lancashire and Burnley (123525). I am replying in the Director's absence.
  Information is not available for job gains or losses. However the net change in the number of employee jobs in the latest year for which figures are available is as follows.

  Net change in employee jobs (September 1997-September 1998)

  Thousand

  Net change

  Lancashire

  +2.3

  Burnley

  +1.0

  Source:

  Annual Employment Survey (AES), ONS

  Unemployment (Scotland)
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the unemployment rate in each of the areas covered by the pre-1997 travel-to-work areas in Scotland. [123578]
  69W
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. Andrew Welsh, dated 5 June 2000:
  The Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been asked to reply to your recent question (123578) about the unemployment rate in pre-1997 travel-to-work areas in Scotland. I am replying in the Director's absence.
  ONS produces two measures of unemployment. The first is derived from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). It is defined on a consistent and internationally recognised basis set out by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). This counts as unemployed people who are (a) without a paid job (b) available to start work within the next two weeks and (c) have either looked for work in the last four weeks or are waiting to start a job already obtained.
  The ONS also publishes the monthly number of people who are claiming unemployment-related benefits also known as the Claimant Count.
  The definitions of travel-to-work areas that were used before 1997 are those first used in 1984. LFS data for 1984 travel-to-work areas are not available but figures for the claimant count can be obtained from the Nomis database at the House of Commons Library.

  Staff Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff from his Department were seconded to private sector companies in(a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to April 2000; and if he will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secondment. [123416]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: 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. 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.

  The information required is as follows:

  1 May 1997 to 30 April 1998

  1 May 1998 to 30 April 1999

  1 May 1999 to 30 April 2000

  Numbers and grades:

  Range D x 5

  Range D x 4

  Range D x 2

  Range E x 6

  Range E x 4

  Range E x 5

  Organisations to whom secondments were made.

  Business Incubators

  Panel

  Business Incubators Panel

  UK Business Incubation

  Price Waterhouse

  Price Waterhouse

  SIB (now FSA)

  PIA (now FSA)

  PIA (now FSA)

  Ockham Holdings

  SIB (now FSA)

  SIB (now FSA) British

  Cement Association

  EBRD

  Amerada Hess

  HSBC Holdings

  Council of Mortgage

  Amerada Hess

  Ockham Holdings

  Lenders

  Ockham Holdings

  British Cement Association

  Granada

  British Cement Association

  Departmental Responsibilities
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what statistics relating to the responsibilities of his Department are collated by parliamentary constituency, indicating the dates covered in each case. [123845]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 25 May 2000]: The Treasury uses a very wide range of statistics, many of which are collected by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Collection by the ONS is not specifically designed to produce statistics at the level of Parliamentary Constituencies, though statistics that the ONS can often provide at this level include economic status (employed, unemployed, inactive), the claimant count, employee jobs, average earnings, and Census data. Other government departments can also supply some statistics by Parliamentary Constituency. However, a comprehensive list of all statistics used by the Treasury that can be collated by Parliamentary Constituency is not held centrally, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Commission Grants
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will deposit a copy of the latest Annual report on Beneficiaries of Part A Commission Grants in the Library. [123093]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  This report is freely available via the internet web-page of the Commission. The House of Commons Library will be able to obtain a copy for the hon. Gentleman.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what EU funds are distributed to the Christians for Europe Foundation; what assistance has been provided to the organisation by Community organisations for hosting conferences; what is the United Kingdom's share of the costs of such assistance; and if he will make a statement. [123618]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Commission's funding of such grants is published annually in its Report on Beneficiaries of Part A. This report is freely available via the internet web-page of the Commission, Europa, which can be accessed through the House of Commons Library.

  European Integration
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy towards continuation of European Community budget line A-3022, European Integration Activities; and if he will make a statement. [123617]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The activities supported by this budget line are financed from the Commission's administrative budget. The UK seeks to keep such expenditure as low as possible.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the long-term consequences of EMU on further European integration in economic areas not presently covered by(a) QMV and (b) European activities; and if he will make a statement. [123621]
  71W
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The EC Treaty sets out the legal framework for the operation of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Any changes to the Treaty would require the unanimous agreement of all member states.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what economic and tax information he will need to offer the EU prior to seeking to join the Euro. [123829]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  As underpinned by Articles 99 and 104 of the EC Treaty, the UK once a year submits a Convergence Programme as part of the Stability and Growth Pact, and twice a year submits government debt and deficit data as part of the excessive deficit procedure.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of the next phase of the information strategy for the euro, with particular reference to(a) sensitive groups, (b) opinion formers, (c) information multipliers and (d) children. [123628]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I refer the hon. Member to the second Outline National Changeover Plan, which was published on 9 March 2000. A copy of the Plan is available in the Library of the House.

  Tax Rates
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 18 May 2000,Official Report, column 262W, on tax rates, where income tax rates are included in the Table 4.2 on marginal deduction rates in the Budget Red Book (HC 346). [123583]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Table 4.2 of the Budget Red Book contains estimates of the marginal deduction rates faced by working households in receipt of income-related benefits or the Working Families Tax Credit where at least one person works 16 hours or more a week. Income Tax rates are incorporated into the marginal deduction rate for those households where income tax is paid.

  Enterprise Promotion (South-West)
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he proposes to promote enterprise within disadvantaged areas and groups in the South West Region. [122900]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government's aim is to help create a supportive environment for entrepreneurial activity in all sections of society. Long-term unemployed people who want to move into self-employment are being helped with support under New Deal options nationally; while the Employment Zone pilot in Plymouth has been helping long-term unemployed adults aged 25 plus to get back into work, including the opportunity to pool benefits, training and job search funds to help with business start-up costs, since April 2000. We will also be offering New Entrepreneur Scholarships in high unemployment areas, to equip potential entrepreneurs with the 72W
  management and business skills needed to turn their aspirations into successful businesses. A pilot programme will be running in Cornwall (and London and Manchester) later this year, before a national roll-out in September 2001.

  Moreover, the Government announced in November 1999 the creation of a new Phoenix Fund. with £30 million to invest over three years in promoting better access to business support and finance in disadvantaged areas. This includes:
  a development fund to promote innovative enterprise support in deprived areas, including incubator units;
  a national challenge fund to help resource community finance initiatives, and to evaluate the variety of approaches and distil best practices;
  loan guarantee support for community finance initiatives borrowing from wholesale sources of finance, so that they can on-lend in disadvantaged areas; and
  a network of mentors to pre and early phase business start-ups through a new Business Volunteer Mentoring Association, being run on a pilot basis until April 2001.

  The Department of Trade and Industry has lead responsibility for the Phoenix Fund, including the disbursal of funding and business support in the South West.

  The Government have also instigated a range of measures in recent Budgets, including cuts in capital gains tax and corporation tax, and enhanced capital allowances, which will benefit many of the 65,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in disadvantaged areas and the wider South West region. Moreover, the Government are currently financing a network of regional venture capital investment funds for early-stage SMEs, and contributing to a regional target of £85 million for the South West. The first steps towards this target are being taken now with the regional venture capital competition being run by the DTI.

  The Small Business Service is also tasked with the brief of reaching-out to start-up and existing enterprises in disadvantaged communities, to increase accessibility of business support. These principles will also shape the selection and operation of local SBS franchises, operational from April 2001.

  We are also bringing schools and businesses closer together, particularly those in high unemployment areas. We have already provided an extra £10 million nationally to boost enterprise skills in our schools. The new National Enterprise Campaign, launched in May, includes a particular focus on our high unemployment areas.

  Investment Services Directive
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 11 May 2000,Official Report, column 477W, on an investment services directive, for what reason (a) it is proposed to upgrade the current directive and (b) a Green Paper is considered necessary.
  [123895]
  73W
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  This is a matter for the European Commission. The European Commission's Communication "Implementing the Framework for Financial Markets: Action Plan" (COM(1999)232) proposes a Commission Green Paper to review the Investment Services Directive as a basis for an efficient market for investment services.

  Aggregates Tax
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the proposed aggregates tax will apply to imports of secondary/recycled and similar materials imported into the UK for use in aggregates markets. [124430]

  Mr. Timms
  The aggregates levy will apply to imported aggregate at the point of its first sale or use in the UK, on the same basis as domestically produced aggregate. This means that imported recycled aggregate will not be subject to the levy. Certain types of secondary materials—whether imported or of domestic origin—will also be exempted from the levy.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the proposed aggregates tax will apply to imports of products manufactured with aggregate minerals. [124447]

  Mr. Timms
  The draft legislation does not apply the levy to imports of processed products, given the difficulties inherent in establishing the taxable aggregate content of such products.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much it will cost to reduce national insurance contributions by 0.1 per cent., using revenue from the proposed aggregates tax, over each of the first five years of the operation of the tax. [124435]

  Mr. Timms
  Budget 2000 announced that an aggregates levy would be introduced from April 2002 with the revenues recycled to business through a 0.1 percentage point cut in employer National Insurance Contributions and a new Sustainability Fund.

  The estimated costs of the reduction in employer National Insurance Contributions is around £0.35 billion in 2002–03, around £0.4 billion in each of the following three years and £0.45 billion in 2006–07.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue will be raised by the proposed aggregates tax over each of the first five years of its operation. [124434]

  Mr. Timms
  Table A1.13 in the FSBR provides a forecast for aggregates levy revenues in 2002–03.

  Future revenues from the Levy will depend on future sales of primary aggregate. This will reflect construction sector demand and the extent to which the levy shifts demand from primary material to recycled and waste materials (which are exempt).

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment has been made of the effect of an aggregates tax on the UK's balance of trade in minerals and associated manufactured products. [124431]

  Mr. Timms
  The effect of the levy on the UK's balance of trade in minerals and associated products will 74W
  be minimal. The levy will not apply to industrial minerals. The relief for exports of unprocessed aggregate and taxation of imports will help maintain UK competitiveness. International trade in aggregate products is limited by weight and transport cost.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of imported concrete products upon United Kingdom manufacturers of concrete products, following the introduction of the proposed aggregates tax. [1244481]

  Mr. Timms
  Work by Customs economists suggests that the impact of the levy on UK concrete product manufacturers in terms of the treatment of imports and exports of processed aggregate should be small. This is mainly because there are very few imports and exports of concrete products due to the transport costs.

  Quarrying Sustainability Fund
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what will be the income of the new Quarrying Sustainability Fund for each of the first five years of its operation; [124436]

  (2) if there will be a guaranteed or minimum annual income for the new Quarrying Sustainability Fund. [124437]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government will be consulting all interested parties shortly on how the new Sustainability Fund can best be used to deliver local environmental improvements.

  No decisions have yet been made on the size of the Fund.

  Customs Officers
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reason he plans to reduce the number of customs officers, with particular reference to the post of intelligence officer; and if he will make a statement. [124374]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Customs have no plans to reduce the overall number of front line customs or intelligence officers. In fact, Customs are appointing nearly 1,000 more officers at key ports and inland locations to tackle tobacco smuggling.

  Employers National Insurance Contributions
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much it would cost the Exchequer to reduce the rate of employers' national insurance contributions to(a) 10 per cent., (b) 7.5 per cent., (c) 5 per cent., (d) 2.5 per cent. and (e) 0 per cent. for (i) employees aged 16 to 25, (ii) employees aged 26 to 40, (iii) employees aged 40 to 49, (iv) employees aged 50 plus years and (v) all employees. [124523]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The full year exchequer costs in 2001–02 for making the various reductions in the rate of employers' National Insurance contributions (NICs) for different age groups are set out in the table.
  75W

  Exchequer cost £ million

  Reduce employers NIC's rate to:

  2001–02

  10%

  7.5%

  5%

  2.5%

  0%

  Secondary Class 1

  Age Range:

  16 to 25

  430

  1,010

  1,580

  2,150

  2,720

  26 to 39

  2,520

  5,830

  9,130

  12,440

  15,750

  40 to 49

  1,810

  4,200

  6,590

  8,980

  11,360

  50 and over

  1,570

  3,630

  5,690

  7,750

  9,810

  Secondary Class 1—all ages

  6,330

  14,660

  22,990

  31,320

  39,640

  Class 1a and 1b all ages

  220

  520

  810

  1,110

  1,400

  Total

  6,550

  15,180

  23,800

  32,430

  41,050

  The estimates are consistent with the March 2000 Budget and rounded to the nearest £10 million.

  It is not possible to provide reliable estimates for class 1a or class 1b by age range.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost to the Exchequer of raising the basic rate limit by(a) £500, (b) £1,000, (c) £1,500,
  (d) £2,000 and (e) £2,500; and how many people would cease paying any tax at 40 per cent. in each case. [124524]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The full year costs of increasing the income tax basic rate limit for 2000–01 are given in the table.

  Increase basic rate limit by:

  Exchequer cost (£ million)

  Number ceasing to pay at higher rate (Thousand)

  £500

  240

  130

  £1,000

  470

  250

  £1,500

  690

  350

  £2,000

  910

  450

  £2,500

  1,110

  540

  Estimates are based on the Survey of Personal Incomes, projected in line with the March 2000 Budget.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost to the Exchequer of allowing a married person to transfer a wholly or partly unused tax allowance to their earning spouse(a) if they are in receipt of invalid care allowance, or if their youngest child is under the age of five years, (b) if they are in receipt of invalid care allowance, or if their youngest child is under the age of 11 years, (c) if they are in receipt of invalid care allowance, or if their youngest child is under the age of 16 years, (d) regardless of these or any other responsibilities and (e) if they are in receipt of invalid care allowance. [124522]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The estimated costs for 2000–01 of allowing a married person to transfer an unused personal allowance to their earning spouse are given in the following table.
  76W

  Cost of allowing transfer of unused tax allowances to earning spouses

  Family type

  Cost £ million

  (a) Married couples who are either in receipt of invalid care allowance or whose youngest child is under the age of 5

  850

  (b) Married couples who are either in receipt of invalid care allowance or whose youngest child is under the age of 11

  1,200

  (c) Married couples who are either in receipt of invalid care allowance or whose youngest child is under the age of 16

  1,350

  (d) All married couples

  2,000

  (e) Married couples in receipt of invalid care allowance

  30

  The estimated cost of allowing a married person to transfer a personal allowance in the way most beneficial to the couple, regardless of whether it would be otherwise used, is £4,250 million.

  Taxation (Private Medical Insurance)
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the net cost to the Exchequer of exempting private medical insurance, including that provided by employers for their employees, from insurance premium tax, taking into account changes to corporation tax and income tax liability. [124653]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Customs and Excise estimate that the net cost to the Exchequer of exempting private medical insurance from insurance premium tax would be around £140 million in 2001–02.

  Taxation (I-E Formula)
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 24 May 2000,Official Report, columns 524–25W, how much tax was paid in each of the years and in relation to each of the types of investment listed in the table. [124456]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The information requested is not available. Corporation tax is charged on a company's total income and gains, less allowable losses and reliefs. It is not attributed to specific sources.

  Public Sector Pensions
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many members there are of public sector
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  occupational pension schemes; and what is the (a) average and (b) median number of members in such schemes; [124505]

  (2) how many public sector occupational pension schemes are (a) in existence and (b) receiving contributions; [124503]

  (3) how many people transferred out of public sector occupational pension schemes owing to a change in occupation in each year since 1996; [124507]

  (4) what is the (a) average and (b) median length of membership of public sector occupational pension schemes; [124506]

  (5) how many public sector occupational pension schemes are funded (a) on a notional or pay as you go basis and (b) in the sense of holding investments. [124504]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Government Actuary's Department estimate that including single-member schemes there may be as many as 30,000–40,000 pension schemes in the public sector. Information is not held centrally on all of these schemes and could be collected only at disproportionate cost.

  Limited Liability Partnerships
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations he has had with the DTI about the tax consequences of plcs changing status to limited liability partnerships under the new limited liability partnership proposals; and what is his estimate of the effect on the public revenue. [124429]

  Dawn Primarolo
  As my hon. Fiend is aware, under the proposals in the LLP Bill, the new Limited Liability Partnerships will be taxed as partnerships rather than as companies. I can confirm that the officials at the DTI have been in close contact with Inland Revenue officials who have been reviewing the draft legislation.

  I would also refer my hon. Friend to what was said both in this House, by my hon. Friend the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs on Second Reading, 23 May 2000, Official Report, column 891, and in the other place by my noble Friend Lord McIntosh of Haringey on Report, 6 March 2000, Official Report, House of Lords, column 870. They both said that, because of the possibility that some LLPs might be set up solely because of their tax status as partnerships, officials at the DTI and the Inland Revenue will jointly be looking into the taxation of LLPs. Part of this work is likely to touch on the subject area of this question. And because this work is ongoing I am not in a position to give a more detailed answer at the moment.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for bringing the tax regime of the proposed new limited liability partnerships into line with that applying to public limited companies; and what estimate he has made of the scale of losses to the Exchequer of public limited companies to register as limited liability partnerships. [124367]

  Dawn Primarolo
  On Report in the other place my noble Friend Lord McIntosh of Haringey recognised—6 March 2000,Official Report, House of Lords, column 870—the possibility that taxing LLPs as partnerships
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  might make them attractive as a vehicle for a wider range of activities than they were intended for. Because of this, my noble Friend Lord McIntosh announced that work would be carried out jointly by the DTI and the Inland Revenue to look into these issues. Depending on what this work finds we will consider bringing forward further tax legislation in due course.

  On second reading of the LLP Bill in this House my hon. Friend the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs referred again to this work—23 May 2000, Official Report, column 891.

  Because this work is ongoing I am not currently able to give more detailed information.

  Euro II Committee
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals the French Government have made to him about strengthening the role of the Euro II Committee and increasing its powers; and if he will make a statement. [124347]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has regular discussions with his EU colleagues, and a wide range of issues are discussed.

  PSBR (PFI Projects)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reduction to the public sector borrowing requirement resulted from PFI projects in(a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000; and what is his estimate for 2000–01. [124409]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The choice of procurement route is taken only on the grounds of value for money, not on financing arrangements.

  Capital expenditure incurred by the private sector in support of the delivery of services under PFI contracts and estimates of payments to be made are shown in tables C14–16 of Budget 2000 FSBR.

  CITES
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to increase expenditure on measures relating to the enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species by HM Customs and Excise. [124470]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There are no plans to increase expenditure on measures relating to HM Customs and Excise's enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The current allocation of resources is proportionate to the illegal trade in CITES goods.

  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures HM Customs and Excise are taking to ensure that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species is enforced. [124469]

  Dawn Primarolo
  HM Customs and Excise has primary responsibility in the UK for enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Customs' anti-smuggling staff maintain checks on imports and exports liable to CITES regulation as part of their normal duties. In addition, there is a specialist CITES Enforcement Team based at London Heathrow
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  Airport and a regional network of CITES liaison officers specifically trained to advise on CITES cases and to work in co-operation with other interested agencies.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officers Customs and Excise employ whose(a) sole and (b) primary role is to enforce CITES legislation; and what plans he has to increase their number. [124051]

  Dawn Primarolo
  HM Customs and Excise have eight officers whose sole role, and two officers whose primary role, is to enforce CITES legislation. There are no plans to increase these numbers.

  Films (Writing Down Allowance)
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to remove or reform the 100 per cent. writing down allowance for UK films costing less than £15 million. [124044]

  Dawn Primarolo
  We have no plans at present to remove or reform the 100 per cent. writing down allowance for British qualifying films before its expiry date of 2 July 2002.

  Intellectual Property (Taxation)
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the yield from the proposed abolition of income spreading rules contained in "Reform of the Taxation of Intellectual Property". [124041]

  Dawn Primarolo
  If income spreading were abolished, the additional tax yield would be negligible.

  The Inland Revenue will shortly be publishing a Technical Note on the tax treatment of intangible assets (including intellectual property) and goodwill.

  The Note will include further consideration of the income spreading rules.

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which other countries operate a tax similar to the exit charge for owners of intellectual property proposed in "Reform of the Taxation of Intellectual Property". [124043]

  Dawn Primarolo
  A number of countries apply exit charges under certain circumstances.

  The proposal for an exit charge included in the 1999 Inland Revenue Technical Note, "Reform of the Taxation of Intellectual Property", was based on similar provisions which already apply in the case of capital gains tax. It was intended to ensure that existing safeguards against abuse remained in place if intellectual property assets became subject to tax as income instead of capital.

  The Inland Revenue will shortly be publishing, for consultation, a Technical Note on the tax treatment of intangible assets (including intellectual property) and goodwill. The Note will include further consideration of the safeguards that would be needed under a reformed regime.
  80W
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the yield from the proposed exit charge on owners of intellectual property contained in "Reform of the Taxation of Intellectual Property" [124042]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No detailed information is available as to the likely yield from such an exit charge. The aim of the charge would be, to protect revenue by discouraging avoidance rather than to target additional yield.

  The Inland Revenue will shortly be publishing, for consultation, a Technical Note on the tax treatment of intangible assets (including intellectual property) and goodwill. The Note will include further consideration of the safeguards that would be needed under a reformed regime.

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what representation he has received following the publication of the Inland Revenue paper, "Reform of the Taxation of Intellectual Property";
  [124040]

  (2) which organisations the Treasury has consulted directly with respect to the Inland Revenue paper, "Reform of the Taxation of Intellectual Property".[124039]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue's Technical Note, "Reform of the Taxation of Intellectual Property", was circulated widely and more than 80 responses were received. The Inland Revenue also consulted directly with a number of representative bodies and other interested parties.

  The outcome of these consultations will feed into the further Technical Note which the Inland Revenue will be publishing shortly. This further note will seek views on possible reform covering a wider range of intangible assets and goodwill.

  Pensioners (Taxation)
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average cost is to the Exchequer of altering the tax code of a retired individual income taxpayer(a) at the start of the tax year and (b) during the tax year, after the original tax code has been set. [124037]

  Dawn Primarolo
  This information is not available.

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many individual tax codes of people receiving age-related income tax allowances had to be changed by the Inland Revenue in(a) April 1999, (b) May 1999, (c) April 2000 and (d) May 2000. [124036]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Some 2 million notices of coding were issued to people aged 65 or more in May 2000 to reflect increases in their income tax allowances. Separate figures for this age group are not available for the other dates requested.

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) men over 65, (b) men over 80, (c) women over 60 and (d) women over 80 years completed an Inland Revenue self-assessment tax form for the tax years (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98 and (iii) 1998– 99; and in each case, what proportion of them had a nil liability for income tax and capital gains tax in that year. [124035]
  81W
  Dawn Primarolo
  If a retired pensioner's income was below the level of their personal allowance in the previous tax year then they should fall outside the criteria for issue of a tax return in all but exceptional circumstances.

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for simplifying the Inland Revenue's administrative rules and practices as they apply to pensioners; and if he will make a statement. [124038]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government are working to ensure that dealing with the Inland Revenue is as simple as possible for taxpayers. That is why last July I announced measures which are taking up to 400,000 people—about half of whom are pensioners—out of self-assessment. The Inland Revenue is committed to supporting pensioners, whether in self-assessment or not, with a high level of customer service.

  This Government are spending an extra £6.5 billion on pensioners across the course of this Parliament. We increased the age-related personal allowances for 1999–2000 by up to £200 above inflation, and for 2000–01 maintained them by increasing them by indexation. We have also introduced the 10p starting rate of income tax, extended it to savings and cut the basic rate to 22p.

  Farm Averaging Rules
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to abolish or reform farm averaging rules. [124045]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There are no such plans at present.

  VAT (Sports Organisations)
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library the correspondence between HM Customs & Excise and the European Commission on VAT exemption for sports clubs and organisations. [123053]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Correspondence between the Commission and British officials are not usually placed before the House. In concluding the debate on The Value 82W
  Added Tax (Sports, Sports Competitions and Physical Education) Order 1999 in Standing Committee on 26 October 1999, I offered to keep members informed of progress made by Customs and Excise in resolving issues for commercial sports clubs arising from their VAT position under EU law. I will continue to do so.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action his Department plans to take in respect of the recent Deloitte Touche report on VAT in respect of VAT levied on voluntary and community sports organisations and clubs. [123083]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is not clear to which report the question refers. However, non-profit making organisations and clubs do not have to levy VAT on sporting services other than those supplied to non-members.

  VAT (British Legion Poppies)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the requirement that the Royal British Legion must pay value added tax on the supply of poppies produced at its poppy factory; and if he will make a statement. [R] [123659]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There is no question of VAT being applied to poppies given in return for a donation. Customs are now consulting with the Royal British Legion about extending an existing concession so that it will cover materials bought to make up the lapel badge poppies.

  Heroin
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of(a) the amount and (b) the proportion of heroin coming to the UK which originates in (i) Colombia, (ii) Burma, (iii) Afghanistan, (iv) Pakistan and (v) other major supplier countries. [124526]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There are currently no generally accepted estimates of the scale of heroin supply. HM Customs and Excise, along with other drugs enforcement agencies, are contributing to a comprehensive research programme to improve our understanding of the supply of drugs to the UK and Europe.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Drug Cultivation
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what drug reduction programmes are operated by the World Bank in countries where there is illicit drug cultivation. [118511]

  Clare Short
  The World Bank works in co-operation with the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) in Brazil, tackling prevention of HIV Aids acquired through intravenous drug abuse. Bolivia receives significant World Bank support for infrastructure work in illicit crop-producing regions, where UNDCP is providing support for development of alternative sustainable livelihoods. The World Bank is also working in partnership with UNDCP in Laos on a six-year programme to assist the development of alternative sustainable livelihoods.

  Cancer Care Services
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps the Government are taking to assist developing countries improve the quality of their cancer care services; and if he will make a statement. [123796]

  Clare Short
  We contribute in assisting developing countries to improve the quality of their cancer care services through our support for the World Health Organisation's work in non-communicable diseases and its global role in standard setting, monitoring disease prevalence and advising national Governments on appropriate care. In addition, as reproductive health and safe motherhood is a priority for DFID, we also directly support research into cervical cancer prevention.

  Fiji
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which projects her Department supports in Fiji. [1239171

  Clare Short
  Our efforts in the Pacific are now concentrated on building up a regional programme focused on the reduction of poverty. This seeks to work with regional organisations and key multilateral organisations, particularly in the areas of education and governance.

  The Republic of the Fiji Islands has received assistance through the Regional. Rights Resource Team (RRRT) Project and the Governance Fund.

  RRRT provides a range of innovative support in legal education, training and technical assistance. A major aim of the project is to have a functional network of Legal Rights Training Officers equipped with participatory teaching and advocacy skills to design and deliver appropriately adapted human rights education and to disseminate information about the law and human rights to women, youth and disadvantaged groups in their communities. RRRT supports two Legal Rights Training Officer positions in the Fiji Islands and has provided
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  technical and training support to the Judiciary, Law Reform Commission, Human Rights Commission, Social Welfare Department and the Police.

  The Governance Fund provides small grants aimed at encouraging the development of a culture for good governance and funds activities that raise public awareness and understanding of governance and which encourage meaningful participation through consultations in policy formulation Assistance has been provided in the Fiji Islands only where activities serve as a model for best practice and have a broader regional impact mainly to Civil Society Organisations and Government.

  The Fiji Islands receive assistance through the Small Grant Scheme which is administered by the British High Commission and enables them to provide small development projects which address one or more of DFID's priority objectives.

  We will be reviewing our programme in Fiji in the light of recent developments.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on how many occasions since 31 March 1999(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124109]

  Clare Short
  Special Advisers from my Department have travelled abroad on official business on three occasions since 31 March 1999.

  Ilisu Dam
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she was consulted about human rights and sustainable development issues relating to the Ilisu Dam project in Turkey; and what advice she gave. [124181]

  Clare Short
  We were consulted about this project, as a part of ECGD's wider Whitehall consultation, in January 1999. We commented on ECGD's terms of reference for an independent review of environmental and resettlement impact reports produced by the project sponsors. DFID has no engagement with Turkey other than our support for emergency relief following the earthquake in August and November 1999. We have therefore had no advisory input into the Ilisu Dam project.

  Ethiopia and Eritrea
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement about her development aid policy towards Ethiopia. [124502]

  Clare Short
  We have reviewed our development relationship with both Ethiopia and Eritrea in the light of the recent renewed conflict.

  We have concluded we should maintain only interventions related to food security and activities with

  85W
  civil society. We are pressing the World Bank and EU to follow suit. Our briefing on the situation in Ethiopia has been placed in the Library.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation of the Eritrean refugees in eastern Sudan. [124075]

  Clare Short
  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees confirms that since 18 May up to 50,000 Eritrean refugees have fled from the conflict with Ethiopia and crossed the border into eastern Sudan near Kassala. 41,000 are already registered. The situation in the refugee camps is not critical, but UNHCR say that water, health and sanitation are the main priorities. The World Food Programme is also engaged on the ground as is the European Commission through Oxfam. Other international non-governmental organisations are carrying out further urgent needs assessments. We are ready to respond to proposals arising from these assessments.

  Mozambique
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what additional resources she has made available to Mozambique following the recent flooding. [124058]

  Clare Short
  My Department committed £20 million for emergency humanitarian and rehabilitation assistance to Mozambique following the floods. We also provided £10 million of budget support in March 2000 to help counteract the effect of the floods on the Government of Mozambique's budget.

  At the Rome Conference in May this year my Department pledged £6 million so far uncommitted from this year's country development programme for flood reconstruction efforts. We are currently assessing the most effective way to spend this money.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list(a) the projects that her Department is currently funding in Mozambique, (b) their aggregate value and (c) projects postponed or ended as a result of redirection of funding to reconstruction work. [124057]

  Clare Short
  (a) The projects DFID is currently funding in Mozambique are:
  Strengthening of Planning and Budgeting at the Ministry of Planning and Finance
  Enterprise Development Project
  CRESCE Mozambique: Expansion of Microfinance Programme
  Customs Department Reform
  Zambezia Agricultural Development Project
  National Programme for Agrarian Development
  Feeder Roads in Zambezia
  Assistance to the NGOs Forum of Zambezia
  Demining in Zambezia: HALO Trust
  Social Marketing of Condoms
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  HIV/AIDS Strategic Planning
  Support for National Health Planning
  Secondary English Teaching Project.

  (b) The aggregate value is £53 million. In addition we provide support to Mozambique's budget averaging about £10 million per year, and have committed £20 million to flood relief this year.

  (c) No projects have been postponed or ended as a result of redirection of funding to reconstruction work.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the response of the European Community Humanitarian Office to the flooding in Mozambique. [124569]

  Clare Short
  Reports indicate that ECHO projects were able to progress without delay, despite some claims of delays in transfer of funding. My Department is sending a monitoring team to Mozambique in mid-June. One of their tasks will be to liaise with ECHO officials on the ground to assess the effectiveness of their response.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Mozambique. [123918]

  Clare Short
  The humanitarian situation in Mozambique has continued to improve as the flood waters have receded and road access has improved. However, the continued provision of emergency assistance to those worst affected by the floods will remain essential while longer term rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts get into full swing. For example, the World Food Programme is continuing to make food deliveries to over 500,000 people, which includes some 10,000 still accommodated in displacement camps and unable to return to their homes due to the residual flooding.

  Those who have returned home are beginning to rebuild their houses and plant crops. Many have been provided with materials and tools provided under relief projects. There have been no major outbreaks of communicable diseases and agencies are working effectively with the Mozambican authorities to rehabilitate schools and health units.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to incorporate EU spending on development assistance into her Department's public service agreement figures on the percentage of bilateral programme resources allocated to low income countries. [124562]

  Clare Short
  UK contributions to EU spending on development assistance are classified as multilateral spending. A revised Public Service Agreement will be published in July.

  Nigeria
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received from the Nigerian Government about debt relief. [123972]
  87W
  Clare Short
  There have been frequent exchanges over debt relief with the Nigerian authorities. We have made clear our strong support for a generous rescheduling for Nigeria in the context of an IMF-endorsed economic programme. We have also made clear we would be willing to consider partial debt cancellation if a strong record of reform is established and a debt sustainability analysis shows it to be necessary.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's aid to Nigeria in 1998–99. [124060]

  Clare Short
  Health, education, water and sanitation and rural livelihoods were the main sectors for our assistance. In addition, we provided support for economic reform and for the election process in the second half of the year.

  Uganda
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the decision of the Paris Club not to discuss debt relief for Uganda at their meeting on 16 May. [123973]

  Clare Short
  Uganda received debt relief of $347 million in 1998 under the original HIPC initiative, and, earlier this year, qualified for a further $656 million relief under the revised HIPC framework. The Government of Uganda was scheduled to come to a meeting with the Paris Club of official bilateral creditors on 16 May to implement this element of their debt relief. However, in the week before the meeting, we, and a number of other Governments, were concerned to receive reports of Uganda's role in fighting at Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was therefore agreed that the implementation of Uganda's debt relief should be postponed. I am pleased that the Government of Uganda are responding to these concerns. We hope that the Paris Club meeting will be rescheduled soon. Uganda continues to receive interim relief on its debt service payments to the IMF and World bank.

  Departmental Staffing and Costs
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the numbers of staff employed directly by her Department on(a) 1 May 1997 and (b) 1 May 2000. [124571]

  Clare Short
  Our Department employed the following:

  Date1

  Number of staff

  (a) 1 April 1997

  1,001

  (b) 1 April 2000

  1,322

  1The figures are compiled on a quarterly and annual basis. We have therefore quoted the position on 1 April because we do not hold exact figures for 1 May.

  Note:

  These figures do not include staff employed on contract terms in the UK and overseas.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the administration costs of her Department on(a) 1 May 1997 and (b) 1 May 2000. [124572]
  88W
  Clare Short
  Information on DFID's administrative (running) costs for each of the last six financial years is provided in Table 3, page 130, of the latest version of the Departmental Report, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many press officers there were in her Department in(a) May 1997 and (b) May 2000. [124570]

  Clare Short
  The number of press officers was four on both occasions.

  British Council
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list(a) British Council grant-in-aid funded by her Department and (b) the value of contracts awarded to the British Council in each year from 1979 to 2000 [124566]

  Clare Short
  (a) in 1998–99 it was agreed that the management of the British Council by two Departments was unnecessarily cumbersome. Responsibility was passed to the FCO along with the funds earmarked for this purpose.

  (b) The total value of consultancy and Technical Co-operation Training contracts that DFID have awarded to the British Council in each of the following financial years are:

  £ million

  1999–2000

  23.3

  1998–99

  52.8

  1997–98

  42.2

  1996–97

  62.0

  1995–96

  27.3

  We introduced a new computerised contract monitoring system early in 1996, and we are unable to provide accurate data prior to this period.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development to what extent the supply of arms to the Sierra Leone police and army is funded by her Department. [123971]

  Clare Short
  None of the arms supplied have been funded by my Department.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid programmes her Department is currently funding in Sierra Leone. [123924]

  Clare Short
  DFID has allocated resources in support of the following projects in Sierra Leone:
  Support to the Government of Sierra Leone's National Programme for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Emergency support to Lungi Demobilisation Camp Security Sector Project (SILSEP)Support to the Commonwealth Police Development Taskforce (includes Police Humanitarian Fund and Public Order support)Provision of an Inspector General of Police Military Reintegration Plan (MRP)Commonwealth Community Safety and Security Project 89W Support to Civil Society (Campaign for Good Governance)Support for the return of Paramount Chiefs Law Development Project (including Legal Draftsman)Media Development Project Governance Assistance Programme: managed by British Council Support to the President's Office Humanitarian Relief and reconstruction Budgetary Support for essential services/repayment of debts Provision of a ferry DFID is also a significant contributor to the programmes of the World Bank, African Development Bank, European Commission and United Nations.
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the World Food Programme concerning farming and food security in Sierra Leone. [124056]

  Clare Short
  Discussions were held with World Food Programme representatives during a recent visit to Sierra Leone by humanitarian specialists from my Department. They established that there were adequate food stocks available within the country to cope with current needs. Hunger and cases of malnutrition have been reported some two months ahead of the usual pattern. The situation is particularly bad in rebel-held areas of the north and east where food stocks have been severely depleted through looting. Humanitarian agencies are constrained from assisting until access becomes possible.

  Basic Education Projects
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many basic education projects were funded by her Department in(a) Bangladesh, (b) Bolivia, (c) Burkina Faso, (d) Cambodia, (e) Colombia, (f) Ethiopia, (g) Gambia, (h) Ghana, (i) Guatemala, (j) India, (k) Kenya, (l) Malawi, (m) Mozambique, (n) Myanmar, (o) Nepal, (p) Niger, (q) Nigeria, (r) Pakistan, (s) Peru, (t) Philippines, (u) Russian Federation, (v) South Africa, (w) Southern Africa, (x) Sri Lanka, (y) Sudan, (z) Tanzania, (aa) Uganda, (bb) Zambia and (cc) Zimbabwe; and what was the aggregate cost of each one. [124567]

  Clare Short
  Our bilateral aid programme is currently financing the following projects and programmes which support basic education:

  County

  Number of projects

  Aggregate commitment (£ million)

  Bangladesh

  4

  26.8

  Bolivia

  0

  —

  Burkina Faso

  0

  —

  Cambodia

  0

  —

  Colombia

  1

  0.1

  Ethiopia

  0

  —

  The Gambia

  1

  0.6

  Ghana

  2

  61.8

  Guatemala

  0

  —

  India

  9

  129.4

  Kenya

  4

  22.7

  Malawi

  4

  64.4

  Mozambique

  1

  0.1

  Myanmar

  0

  —

  Nepal

  1

  0.2

  Niger

  0

  —

  Nigeria

  2

  4.1

  90W

  County

  Number of projects

  Aggregate commitment (£ million)

  Pakistan

  4

  50.4

  Peru

  1

  1.4

  Philippines

  0

  —

  Russian Federation

  0

  —

  South Africa

  4

  13.4

  Southern Africa (Botswana)

  1

  1.7

  Southern Africa (Namibia)

  1

  5.7

  Sri Lanka

  0

  —

  Sudan

  0

  —

  Tanzania

  5

  11.9

  Uganda

  6

  89.9

  Zambia

  5

  23.7

  Zimbabwe

  0

  —

  DFID also supports the development of basic education in many of the countries given in the table through its multilateral aid programme and grants to UK NGOS.

  Our aim is to help build and sustain effective and equitable education systems which give priority to primary education for all. This requires a shift from the traditional projects-based approach to a sector-wide approach to education, with development agencies working together around a focused, agreed strategy drawn up by the Government of the country concerned. Uganda is a good example. In collaboration with five other donors and the Government of Uganda, DFID has played a key role in the establishment of a sector-wide approach to education, resulting in 1998 in its largest ever commitment to a programme in Africa (£67 million) towards the education sector support programmes. This will provide flexible budget support to the Government for five years.

  Angola
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the current humanitarian situation in Angola. [124563]

  Clare Short
  The situation in Angola is serious. The UN estimate that about 3.7 million civilians are affected by the civil war.

  The UK has provided over £2.5 million bilateral humanitarian assistance since the beginning of 2000. A lasting peace is desperately needed to enable Angolans to rebuild their lives.

  Debt Relief
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list(a) each country that had received 100 per cent. debt relief from Her Majesty's Government by 23 May and (b) how much aid has been cancelled in each case. [124059]

  Clare Short
  The Government announced in December 1999 that they will provide 100 per cent. relief for qualifying HIPC countries on their remaining debts owed to the ECGD. Aid debts have already been cancelled. This relief will be available, on a conditional basis, from Decision Point until Completion Point, when it will become irrevocable. By 23 May, Uganda, Bolivia, Mauritania, Tanzania and Mozambique had reached their Decision Point under the revised HIPC framework, and so qualified for full relief on their debts to ECGD.
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  The amount of debt that will be relieved under the 100 per cent. policy for each country will not be known until it reaches Completion Point. So far, only Uganda has reached Completion Point, and all of its remaining ECGD debt will be cancelled under the HIPC framework.

  This assistance is additional to the aid provided under our existing bilateral programmes with HIPC countries.

  Disaster Response
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to improve the way that the international community responds to natural disasters. [124568]

  Clare Short
  My Department has been working since 1997 to strengthen and improve the three main elements of international disaster response. Firstly, we are working with the Red Cross Societies to improve their preparedness and response to disasters, specifically in poor countries. Secondly, we are working with United Nations organisations such as the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Programme, United Nations Children's Fund and United Nations High Commission for Refugees, to improve their coordination and improve the speed and effectiveness of their responses. And, thirdly, we are working with the international non-governmental organisations to agree minimum standards of assistance that those affected by disasters can expect to receive.

  Our aim is to build a better international humanitarian system but until that is achieved there is a role for donor Governments, such as the UK, to fill gaps in rapid direct response. Therefore my Department maintains an extensive capacity to respond to emergencies around the clock. The decision on whether an operational response is justified and, if so, in what form, is based on assessed needs on the ground and the operational resources available locally or regionally.

  Seychelles
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 29 March 2000,Official Report, column 185W, on the Seychelles, how financial assistance provided by her Department for the Seychelles was spent in (a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98 and (c) 1998–99. [123962]

  Clare Short
  Our financial assistance to the Seychelles during this period was as follows:

  £

  1996–l97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Technical Cooperation1

  96,263

  61,038

  37,158

  Heads of Mission Small Projects/Gifts

  283,542

  249,274

  163,717

  Financial Aid2

  22,026

  18,018

  15.449

  Disaster Relief

  4,659

  0

  0

  Total

  406,490

  328,330

  216,324

  1Includes personnel, training awards and scholarships

  2Pensions

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the sponsors of corporate hospitality events at the Dome. [119309]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 17 April 2000]: In the year to date, the official sponsors of the Millennium Experience account for the majority of bookings (47 per cent.) for corporate hospitality events. The bulk of the remaining bookings (30 per cent.) are made through NMEC's corporate hospitality partners: Business Pursuits; Cavendish Hospitably; Langston Scott Limited; Letheby & Christopher and Mark Butler Associates. A smaller number of one-off bookings (23 per cent.) from within NMEC and from charities and other third parties, such as the TUC, account for the remainder of the total. A significant number of this latter category of clients requested that details of their bookings remained private.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will publish the minutes of the meeting of the Millennium Commission at which it was decided to grant an additional £29 million to the Millennium Dome. [124480]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I will write to the right hon. Member in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission, and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Digital Broadcasting
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of relay stations in Wales which will require conversion to deliver a comprehensive digital terrestrial service; and what estimate he has made of the cost of conversion. [123287]

  Janet Anderson
  The present digital terrestrial television transmitter network comprises 81 transmitter sites, of which nine are located in Wales. The Government will ensure that all viewers in Wales who presently receive analogue television will be able to receive the main free-to-air channels digitally, before the analogue transmissions are fully switched to digital. The ITC, BBC and the digital broadcasters are planning jointly the development of digital terrestrial television coverage across the UK. However, the joint project has not estimated how many analogue transmitters would have to be converted, or the associated cost, to replicate analogue terrestrial coverage in Wales or elsewhere in the UK.

  Tourism (East Lancashire)
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to promote tourism in East Lancashire. [123523]

  Janet Anderson
  The North West Tourist Board (NWTB) will receive £383,845 for tourism projects in the region from the English Tourism Council in 2000–01—an increase of 32 per cent. on the previous year. These projects include a series of research initiatives at both the regional and pan-regional levels that will provide an enhanced level of intelligence to the tourism industry of the region. East Lancashire, in common with all parts of
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  England, also benefits from the promotion work of the British Tourist Authority (BTA), which promotes Britain as a visitor destination in overseas markets. The BTA is receiving £37 million from my Department this year.

  Tourism and culture in Lancashire have also benefited, both directly and indirectly, from the National Lottery (2,300 projects in the county have received awards totalling £468,716,329 according to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's National Lottery Awards Database which uses information supplied by the distributing bodies).

  Staff Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many staff from his Department were seconded to private sector companies in(a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to April 2000; and if he will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secondment. [123429]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: The information for staff seconded from my Department to private sector companies for the periods specified is as follows:

  (a) For May 1997 to April 1998, one Grade A (Grade 7 equivalent) secondment since September 1997 which is still on-going.

  (b) For May 1998 to April 1999, two Grade C staff (EO equivalent) secondments since May 1998 for two years and six months respectively.

  (c) For May 1999 to April 2000, one Grade A secondment since May 1999 for a period of 3 years.

  All secondments were to the New Millennium Experience Company.

  Information on secondments of staff into the Department was provided in my answer to the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Mr. Willis) on 28 February 2000, Official Report, column 100W.

  Dome Loan
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the latest Millennium Commission allocation of funds to the Dome will be repaid. [123849]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 25 May 2000]: This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I will write to the hon. Member in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission, and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Dome Sale
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to which body or bodies proceeds of the sale of the Millennium Dome site will be payable. [123799]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 25 May 2000]: The proceeds from the sale of the Millennium Dome will be split between the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC), as the owners of the Dome structure and
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  contents, and English Partnerships, the Government agency that owns the Dome site and the surrounding land, to reflect the value of the assets for sale.

  Film Classification
  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what external legal advice he has taken on the classification of films shown at a cinema as(a) goods and (b) services for the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; and if he will make a statement. [123871]

  Janet Anderson
  My Department has not sought external legal advice on this issue. The view of the Government's legal advisers is that the films shown in cinemas are not covered by Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) (the provisions relating to goods, facilities and services). However, cinema proprietors have the same responsibilities under Part III of the Act as other providers of services to the public. These provisions make it unlawful for service providers to discriminate against disabled people by: refusing them service; providing them service on worse terms; or providing a lower standard of service. In addition they must make reasonable adjustments when their services are impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use.

  Laptops
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in his Department have been(a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123732]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 25 May 2000]: Since May 1997, five laptops have been lost. None have been stolen or reported stolen. None of the laptops were used by Ministers or special advisers.

  Free Television Licences
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many pensioners over the age of 75 years are eligible for free TV licences in Cleethorpes constituency, broken down by electoral ward. [123876]

  Janet Anderson
  I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer to my right hon. Friend the Member for Alyn and Deeside (Mr. Jones) on 2 March 2000,Official Report, column 350W.

  Millennium Commission
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will publish the minutes of the Millennium Commission meeting on 22 May. [124061]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I will write to the hon. Member in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission, and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out the distinction between his role as Chairman of the Millennium
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  Commission and his role as Secretary of State, with particular reference to the avoidance of conflicting interests. [124062]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The roles of Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (previously National Heritage) and Chairman of the Millennium Commission are separate and distinct, but have run in tandem since the Millennium Commission was established in 1994. The Millennium Commission is an independent body, with the status of a body corporate. Each of the nine Commissioners, including myself as Chairman, have equal status.

  Both roles are governed by strict rules covering conflicts of interest—namely the Ministerial Code: A Code of conduct and Guidance on Procedures for Ministers; and the Code of Conduct for members of the Millennium Commission.

  Leisure Centres and Libraries (Access)
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what definition he uses of a reasonable distance when determining access to(a) a leisure centre and (b) a library. [124644]

  Kate Hoey
  No specific definition of distance is used to determine access to leisure centres. Sport England have established a Facilities Planning Model to help assess the extent of under provision of different kinds of sports facility. That model currently uses driving time rather than distance. It is currently being updated to take greater account of other modes of transport.

  In respect of libraries, there is no generally agreed definition of reasonable distance from a library and information about the distance of people from their nearest library is not available. However, we launched a consultation paper, on 15 May, setting out draft standards for public libraries, and proposed there that
  "all service points (i.e. central, branch and mobile libraries) should be located within reasonable travelling time for the majority of intending users regardless of their method of travel".
  We further proposed as a draft standard that a reasonable travelling time would be 20 minutes. National measurements to assess performance against this standard are not currently available, but we will, during the coming year and drawing on information from library authorities, work towards clarification of a reasonable travelling time, and its assessment.

  Convicted Foreign Sportsmen
  Ms Jenny Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received concerning the consequences for the staging of international sporting events in the United Kingdom of foreign sportsmen and women who have been convicted of a serious criminal offence being refused entry into the United Kingdom. [124460]

  Kate Hoey
  Neither I nor my right hon. Friend have received any representations on this particular matter.

  This Government are committed to attracting major international sporting events to the UK and, in the usual way, we have signed undertakings to a number of international sports governing bodies on the entry of athletes and officials to the UK as part of the bidding
  96W
  process. These undertakings do not offer carte blanche entry to the UK for those associated with events, and cases will continue to he judged on an individual basis.

  National Lottery (Computer Failures)
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received from(a) Camelot, (b) OFLOT and (c) the National Lottery Commission on the failure of the National Lottery's computer system to award accurate payouts to prize winners; if he will ensure that the National Lottery operator makes good losses of prize money caused by computer failure; and if he will make a statement. [124358]

  Kate Hoey
  The National Lottery Commission (which took over OFLOT's functions on 1 April 1999) has a statutory duty to ensure that the National Lottery is run and promoted with all due propriety, and to protect the interests of players. It has kept officials and, through them, Ministers informed of the defect in the National Lottery software and of its on-going investigations. It will determine the appropriate course of action once all the facts have been established and fully considered, and make a further statement at that time.

  I understand that Camelot has already said that it will reimburse the full amount not paid to winners. Where it can identify winners it will pay them direct and, where it cannot, it will liaise with the Commission over the best course of action.

  New Opportunities Fund
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much money from the New Opportunities Fund has been allocated to Wales(a) in total and (b) as a percentage of total funding. [124463]

  Kate Hoey
  New Opportunities Fund money is allocated to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on the basis of population levels and is weighted to reflect the level of deprivation in each country. The total amount allocated to Wales under the Fund's health, education and environment programmes is £91.4 million. This amount represents 6.5 per cent. of all UK funding (with the exception of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) training programmes for teachers and librarians where slightly different proportions are used).

  The Funding available to Wales under each of the programmes is as follows:

  £ million

  ICT training for teachers and school librarians

  12.65

  ICT training for public library staff

  0.870

  Out of School Hours Child care

  14.3

  Out of School Hours Learning

  13.3

  Cancer prevention, detection, treatment and care

  9.45

  Healthy Living Centres

  19.5

  Community Access to Life Long Learning

  13

  Green Spaces and Sustainable Communities

  8.12

  To date, grants totalling £3.795 million have been made to 65 health and education projects applying from Wales. This includes 50 out of school hours child care projects, costing some £670,000 and creating 5,798 new child care places, and 15 out of school hours learning projects

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  totalling £3.125 million. In addition, ICT training to the value of £2.972 million has so far been provided to school teachers and librarians in Wales.

  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the money from the New Opportunities Fund for cancer equipment will be available in Wales. [124464]

  Kate Hoey
  The £9.75 million of Lottery Funding available to Wales under the New Opportunities Fund's cancer detection, prevention, treatment and care programme will be distributed on the basis of applications, which will be invited in the autumn. The Fund's Board will consider these applications in November and the funding should be available to support agreed projects shortly thereafter.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on how many occasions since 31 March 1999(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124129]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  During the period 31 March 1999 to the end of March 2000, Special Advisers in this Department travelled overseas on five occasions.

  Lottery-funded Projects
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action he is taking to encourage lottery-funded projects to use energy from renewable sources. [124679]

  Kate Hoey
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has issued policy directions to all distributors which require them to take into account the need to further the objectives of sustainable development in awarding grants. Distributors therefore expect projects to be sensitive to the needs of the environment and the use of natural resources.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on how many occasions since 31 March 1999(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124114]

  Mr. Rooker
  During the period 31 March 1999 to the end of March 2000, Special Advisers in this Department travelled overseas on two occasions.

  Occupational Pension Schemes
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are in(a) defined benefit private sector occupational pension schemes and (a) defined contribution private sector occupational pension schemes. [124508]

  Mr. Rooker
  The latest figures that are available are for 1995.98W
  It is estimated that there are 4.7 million active members in defined benefit private sector occupational pension schemes and about 1.1 million active members of defined contribution private sector occupational pension schemes. Additionally, there are about 0.3 million active members of private sector occupational pension schemes which have elements of both defined benefits and defined contributions.

  There are an estimated 5.2 million former members with preserved pension rights in private sector occupational pension schemes. A breakdown between defined benefit and defined contribution schemes is not available. Some former members may now also be active members in another occupational pension scheme.
  Source:
  Government Actuary's Department

  Additional Pension Entitlement
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if additional pension entitlement based on earnings will be calculated automatically; or if each pensioner will be requested to claim individually; [124200]

  (2) how many pensioners in receipt of basic rate state pension are awaiting re-assessment of additional pension entitlement based on earnings; [124199]

  (3) when additional pension processing will be completed; and if there will be retrospective payment of additional pension based on earnings. [124201]

  Mr. Rooker
  The additional pension (SERPS) component of a State Retirement Pension is calculated automatically by the National Insurance Recording System (NIRS) computer. There is no need for a pensioner to request separately payment of SERPS—completion of one claim form suffices for all components which can make up a pension with the exception of a claim for a dependency increase when a separate claim form must be completed.

  Most people who are entitled to both basic pension and additional pension (SERPS) have that entitlement available to receive in time for their first pension pay day. There are however about 60,000 claims a year where NIRS has not been able to supply the SERPS rate. The principal reason for this is the existence on the person's National Insurance account of a discrepancy regarding the time they were contracted out of SERPS. That discrepancy must be resolved before NIRS can provide the SERPS rate. Putting right the discrepancy falls to the Inland Revenue's Contracted Out Employments Group (COEG) but the delayed implementation of NIRS2 has meant they have not until recently been able to do this. As a result the Benefits Agency and COEG have carried out clerical calculations to ensure that as far as possible pensioners receive their SERPS entitlements on time. There are 22,000 claims waiting for a clerical calculation. The Benefits Agency expects to complete its recovery from the effects of the delayed implementation of NIRS2 by the end of this year including cases where there has been a delay in processing the additional pension (SERPS). All clerical calculations will be compared with the NIRS2 calculations. Any which are wrong will be revised and full arrears paid if there has been an underpayment along with any compensation if all the

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  conditions of the DSS Special Payments Scheme are satisfied. Any overpayments incurred will not be recovered although the awards will have to be revised.

  Winter Fuel Allowance
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the number of men aged 60 to 65 years in Cleethorpes constituency who are entitled to winter fuel allowance. [123877]

  Angela Eagle
  The Department does not hold sufficient data to enable us to determine the number of men aged between 60 and 64 years in the Cleethorpes constituency.

  We are not able to identify all those people between 60 and 64 who may not have had any need to contact the Department and who are not receiving a Social Security benefit. However, claim forms are in the process of being issued to those people whom we think may be eligible and whom we can identify from the Department's records. A publicity campaign will run to ensure that those people who do not get a claim form are encouraged to claim.

  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what advice leaflets have been issued to (i) DSS offices and (ii) the general public in relation to the operation of the winter fuel scheme as revised by the announcement of 11 April. [123718]

  Angela Eagle
  Departmental local offices have been kept up to date with changes to the winter fuel payment scheme by means of a series of internal bulletins issued between January and May. The public are being kept informed through a number of means. We are in the process of contacting people who we think are eligible for backdated payments, and whom we can identify. In addition, information and advertising started in April and will run until Christmas. The campaign will aim to ensure that newly eligible people know what the arrangements are for claiming backdated payments resulting from the revised eligibility rules. It will also provide information about the operation of the scheme next winter.

  The provision of a leaflet for the general public will be timed to ensure that it has the maximum possible impact on their awareness in the period prior to next winter's qualifying week. Current thinking is that the best time to issue the leaflet will be in either late August or early September.

  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which categories of women aged 60 or over during the week ending 24 September 2000 who are living in their own houses and are not subject to immigration control will not be included in the winter fuel scheme. [123719]

  Angela Eagle
  All households where there is someone with the characteristics set out in the question will receive an appropriate payment. For administrative reasons, in the case of older couples receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, the winter fuel payment of £150 is paid to the claimant in the same way as weekly payments of benefit. So partners of Income Support 100W
  or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance claimants who are aged 60 or more do not receive an individual payment. Partners in couples receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance are the only group to whom this arrangement applies.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in Crosby received winter fuel payments in(a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000; and how much was paid in total. [123530]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  Pensioners in receipt of winter fuel payments in Crosby and Great Britain

  Crosby

  National

  Number of recipients

  Amount (£)

  Number of recipients

  Amount (£)

  1998–99

  14,812

  283,690

  10,191,367

  198,549,440

  1999–2000

  14,892

  1,114,500

  10,224,698

  773,890,550

  Notes:

  1. Pensioners are defined as women over 60 and men either over 65 or over 60 and in receipt of Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance.

  2. Constituency boundary as at May 1997.

  SEMA
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reason the Benefits Agency does not publish the standards and scope of services required in its contract with SEMA. [120694]

  Mr. Bayley
  The contract with SEMA remains confidential for commercial reasons. However, I have placed in the House of Commons Library a document setting out the standards and scope of services required by the Benefits Agency in the contract. A periodic report issued by the Medical Quality Surveillance Group, chaired by the Department's Chief Medical Adviser, will also be published. This report will describe SEMA's performance against these standards.

  State Earnings-related Pension
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the cost of exempting all persons who have already reached pensionable age from the reduction in SERPS entitlements contained in the provisions of the Social Security Act 1986. [123575]

  Mr. Rooker
  The estimated cost of exempting all persons who had reached pensionable age by April 2000 from the change in the rate of SERPS inheritance that was due to have taken effect at that time is estimated at £7,100 million. This excludes the effect of other changes to SERPS also introduced by the 1986 Act.

  The cost was estimated by the Government Actuary's Department (GAD) and is expressed as the net present value of the annual figures from 2000–01 to 2050–51 in 1999–2000 prices, discounted at an annual real rate of 6 per cent. It has been prepared on a basis which is consistent with the latest GAD Quinquennial Review.

  Research Projects
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list those research projects funded by his Department at the(a) Bologna Centre, (b) College of Europe and (c) European University Institute; and what the cost of each such project is. [123605]

  Angela Eagle
  The Department is not funding any research projects at the Bologna Centre, the College of Europe or the European University Institute.

  Northern Region (Relocations)
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies and local public spending bodies for which his Department is responsible that have been transferred since 1992 or are planned to be transferred(a) to and (b) from the Northern Region. [123410]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Headquarters and some central financial/accounting functions of the Child Support Agency were transferred to Newcastle upon Tyne in May 1997.

  The Occupational Pensions Board, based at Newcastle, was dissolved in March 1997 and the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (OPRA) established in Brighton. Responsibility for the Pensions Scheme Registry was transferred to OPRA but remains sited in Newcastle.
  Note:"Northern Region" is defined as the area covering the Government offices for the North-East and Cumbria.

  Pain Management (Funding)
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he has held with the Secretary of State for Heath regarding the impact of pain management funding decisions on social security expenditure. [124359]

  Mr. Bayley
  We frequently discuss issues concerning health and disability with colleagues in the Department of Health and elsewhere as appropriate.

  Single Room Rent
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 14 March 2000,Official Report, column 147W, on the single room rent, when the single room rent was introduced (a) what was the methodology used to estimate the yearly savings, (b) whether these savings have been achieved and (c) what estimate has been made of the likely cost of abolishing the single room rent. [123531]

  Angela Eagle
  The Single Room Rent restriction was introduced in October 1996 by the previous Administration. The reasons, rationale and assumptions for making the change were set out by them in Command Paper (Cm 3225). The estimated savings have been achieved.

  The estimated cost of abolishing the Single Room Rent can only be given as a range, because the figures depend on behavioural changes by young people and landlords which are difficult to quantify. For example we need to include the effects of additional household formation.
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  Subject to these caveats, we estimate it could cost up to £160 million. Based on current data, we estimate that the cost of removing the Single Room Rent restriction in 2001–02 would be £140 million.

CABINET OFFICE

  Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when she will announce the membership of the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission. [124371]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I am pleased to announce that the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) is being launched today with Professor Malcolm Grant, Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge as Chair.

  The Commission will provide the Government with independent strategic advice on biotechnology issues that have an impact on agriculture and the environment, including ethical and acceptability issues. It will report to me and to my colleagues in the Devolved Administrations. Its members have a breadth of backgrounds and skills, ranging from experience of consumer and green issues to farming, science, ethics and industry. A complete list of the members and the Commission's terms of reference have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office on how many occasions since 31 March 1999(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124122]

  Mr. Stringer
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr. Lansley) on 8 May 2000,Official Report, column 315W.

  Opinion Research
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) how much her Department spent on opinion research in the financial year 1999–2000; [123073]

  (2) if she will list the opinion research projects undertaken on behalf of her 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. [123074]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  During the 1999–2000 financial year, my Department let contracts for opinion research with a total value of £316,000 (excluding VAT). The table gives the subject and publication details of each piece of research.
  103W

  Subject

  Type of research

  Publication date

  Publication details

  Staff survey for the Cabinet Office

  Other market research surveys

  1 July 1999

  Published in booklet form and electronically within Cabinet Office Available on request to those outside the Department

  People's Panel: Public expectations for Service Standards

  Quantitative surveys

  15 July 1999

  Summary of results widely published in newsletter Publication announced by inspired PQ and press release Copies of summary and report placed in House Libraries and published on the Cabinet Office website (www.cabinet.office.gov.uk)

  Government Car Service customer satisfaction survey

  Quantitative surveys

  26 July 1999

  Government Car and Despatch Agency Annual Report and Accounts 1999–2000

  People's Panel: to help prepare a new directory bringing together information for main government help-lines

  Focus group research

  October 1999

  Report published on Cabinet Office website and announced by press release

  Attitudes to public services in deprived and non-deprived areas

  Quantitative surveys

  Not published

  The results are informing the development of a final national strategy for neighbourhood renewal

  People's Panel Analysis of the views of older people from the first three waves of Panel research

  Other market research surveys

  January 2000

  Summary of results widely published in newsletter Publication announced by press release. Copies of summary and report placed in House Libraries and published on the Cabinet Office website

  Central IT Unit Portal Demonstrator

  Focus group research

  April 2000

  CITU website (www.citu.gov.uk)

  People's Panel: To test demand for extended delivery of public services 24 hours a day seven days a week

  Focus group research, Quantitative surveys

  3 April 2000

  Summary of results widely published in newsletter. Publication announced in PQ answer and press release Copies of summary and report placed in House Libraries and published on the Cabinet Office website

  People's Panel: Public awareness of Charter Mark Award Scheme

  Quantitative surveys

  3 April 2000

  Summary of results widely published in newsletter. Publication announced by inspired PQ and press release. Copies of summary and report placed in House Libraries and published on the Cabinet Office website

  Pursuit and seizure of criminal assets

  Quantitative surveys

  To be published

  The results will be incorporated in to the Performance and Innovation Unit report which is due to be published shortly

  People's Panel Recruitment of ethnic minority booster

  Quantitative surveys

  To be published

  Modernising Government research

  Quantitative surveys, Other market research surveys

  Not for publication

  Charter Mark interviews

  Other market research surveys

  Survey not yet completed

  An evaluation of EFQM Excellence Model in UK public sector

  Quantitative surveys

  Survey not yet completed

  Strategic options for the electronic delivery of government services

  Other market research surveys

  Survey not yet completed

  That Completed survey will be incorporated into the final report that is fully expected to be published to the public

  Government Car and Despatch Agency-wide customer satisfaction survey

  Quantitative surveys

  Survey not yet completed

  Research Studies, Audits and Surveys
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the title of research studies, audits and surveys(a) being undertaken and (b) commissioned
  104W
  by her Department for completion within 2000, stating in each case when the results are due to be published; and when she will publish the Government's response to the Sixth report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life. [122116]
  105W
  Marjorie Mowlam
  The information relating to research studies, audits and surveys is not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The Government's response to the Sixth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life is being prepared and will be presented to Parliament before the summer recess.

  Drugs Trade
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator has made of the extent to which nightclub security firms(a) are involved in the drugs trade and (b) restrict the trade in drugs; and if she will make a statement. [124099]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator has not made any such assessments. The Police Research Group report, "Clubs, Drugs and Doormen" published in 1998, highlighted how serious a problem drugs could be in clubs when door staff are involved in drug dealing. The Co-ordinator has held meetings with parties involved in this sector and has encouraged the work of industry bodies such as the British Entertainment and Discotheque Association and partnerships between local authorities, the police, Drug Action Teams, venue managers and owners to disrupt the selling of drugs in venues, improve the standard of security staff and club mangers, and challenge the corrupting influence which drug dealing can have on door supervision, and supported their efforts to ensure that dance events are as safe and well organised as possible. The Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator supports the Government's proposed legislation to regulate the private security industry, including the licensing of security staff employment in night clubs and similar premises.

  Dismissal/discharge 1994–95 to 1998–99 by cause of dismissal

  Number of staff dismissed/discharged

  Proportion of staff dismissed/discharged (percentage)

  Year

  All

  Inefficiency

  Disciplinary

  All

  Inefficiency

  Disciplinary

  1994–95

  880

  550

  330

  0.18

  0.11

  0.07

  1995–96

  750

  400

  350

  0.16

  0.08

  0.08

  1996–97

  870

  450

  420

  0.19

  0.10

  0.09

  1997–98

  650

  350

  300

  0.15

  0.08

  0.07

  1998–99

  590

  300

  290

  0.14

  0.07

  0.07

  Source:

  Mandate and Cabinet Office estimates

  Performance and Innovation Unit
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when the report of the Performance and Innovation Unit on the pursuit and seizure of criminal assets, following the recommendation of the Third report of the Home Office Working Group on Confiscation was completed; what action she proposes to take following the report; what discussions(a) she, (b) Ministers in her Department and (c) her officials have had with (i) the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (ii) the hon. Member for Norwich, South, (iii) the Prime Minister and (iv) officials in the Home Department regarding the report; if she will place a copy of the report in the Library; and if she will make a statement. [123790]
  106W
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans she has for legislation to(a) vet employees, managers and directors of nightclub security firms in respect of involvement in the drugs trade, (b) require cancellation of their contract if drugs are brought into nightclubs by them or their employees and (c) counter the drugs trade in nightclubs in other ways; and if she will make a statement. [124100]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary last year published a White Paper, "The Government's Proposals for Regulation of the Private Security Industry in England and Wales". This proposed that people employed in the private security industry, including those in managerial and supervisory positions and directors, should require a licence from a new Private Security Industry Authority. The licensing process would include a criminal record check. These proposals specifically included security staff employed in night clubs and similar premises. Responses received to the White Paper have been under consideration and my right hon. Friend will announce his conclusions shortly. We have made it clear that we intend to introduce legislation to regulate the private security industry as soon as parliamentary time permits.

  Government Service Dismissals
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people have been dismissed from Government service in each of the last five years, broken down by principal cause of dismissal; and what proportion of total Government employees this represents in each year. [122514]

  Mr. Stringer
  The numbers and proportion of staff dismissed from the non-industrial Civil Service over the last five years, by principal cause of dismissal are set out in the table.

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Prime Minister commissioned the Performance and Innovation Unit to carry out a study into the "Pursuit and Seizure of Criminal Assets" last year. This was announced on 21 October 1999,Official Report, column 630W, by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Mr. Kidney). My right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office is sponsor Minister for this study.

  The study, which is now nearing completion, has had the strong support of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and the Minister of State, Home Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, South (Mr. Clarke). Home Office officials have been closely involved, as have officials of other Government Departments.

  107W
  The final report will be published shortly and copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Cosmetics (Marketing Ban)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reasons the UK voted in favour of a postponement of an EU marketing ban on cosmetics tested on animals on 5 May. [124052]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government are very serious about animal welfare, and already have a voluntary ban on testing on animals of cosmetic products and cosmetic ingredients. However, Government policy is to ensure not only a strong commitment to animal welfare but that our regulatory framework is in full compliance with our WTO obligations. Internal advice has confirmed the European Commission's assessment that a marketing ban would risk challenge under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. In addition, there were concerns that the 6th Amendment would be legally and practically unenforceable.

  A 7th Amendment to the cosmetics directive has recently been transmitted to the Council and European Parliament by the European Commission. This Amendment aims to introduce a ban on animal testing in the EU rather than a marketing ban and is WTO compatible. The two-year deferment of the entry into force of the 6th Amendment should allow sufficient time to enable the 7th Amendment to be adopted. I believe that the 7th Amendment will offer a better level of animal welfare in the EU as a marketing ban would have offered as it will introduce a total ban in the EU on animal testing (in relation to cosmetic products and the ingredients contained therein).

  On 5 May EU member states voted unanimously (one member state abstained) in favour of deferring the entry into force of the 6th Amendment of the cosmetics directive.

  European Young Consumer Competition 2000
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the(a) purpose and (b) funding of the European Young Consumer Competition 2000. [123604]

  Dr. Howells
  (a) I fully support the purpose of the competition to encourage young people to become more enlightened consumers and communicators so that they can play an effective part in the community at home and abroad. That said, it is up to individual schools and teachers to decide whether to take part.

  (b) The competition is funded by the European Commission.

  Daewoo Technical Centre
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the discussions his Department has had on the Daewoo Technical Centre in Worthing. [124458]
  108W
  Mr. Caborn
  The Government are keeping closely in touch with developments affecting Daewoo Motors given its significant investment in the UK, in particular at the Worthing Technical Centre. Decisions about the future of the Centre are a commercial matter for the company, but my officials have had regular contact with the Centre as a part of their sponsorship responsibilities.

  Coalfield Regeneration
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will utilise part of the share of surpluses generated by the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme and British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme, taken by the Government, to help regenerate coalfield community areas. [123461]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: Surpluses in the former British Coal pension schemes are split 50/50 between the membership of the schemes and the DTI, in its role as guarantor to the schemes.

  In accordance with the Coal Industry Act 1994 (Sch. 5, paragraph 2(10)), all surpluses received by the Secretary of State must be paid into the Consolidated Fund. The DTI has no statutory powers to divert pension surpluses for regeneration.

  The Government are already providing substantial funds to meet the commitments made in response to the Coalfields Task Force Report and indeed we announced in December 1998 a comprehensive investment package for coalfield areas worth £354 million over three years. In addition, the Secretary of State announced on 17 April the intention to make substantial sums available to the coal industry in the form of subsidy.

  Ilisu Dam
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking to ensure that those people who will be displaced by the Ilisu Dam project in Turkey will be consulted beforehand. [124180]

  Mr. Caborn
  The process of consultation of the local population, by consultants appointed by the Project Owner DSI, commenced in December 1999 and this process is continuing. We await the production of a Resettlement Action plan.

  In order to provide additional professional assistance to DSI in the planning of resettlement and compensation, the Swiss Export Credit Agency, as the leader of the eight agencies involved of which the UK is one, has recruited Dr. Ayse Kudat for an initial period of two years. Dr. Kudat is an eminent environmental sociologist, and was until this month a senior staff member at the World Bank.

  The expertise of Dr. Kudat will help ensure that the resettlement programme will reflect internationally accepted practice, which is the first of the four requirements set out in the announcement made by my hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 21 December 1999.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) which Departments of Government were
  109W
  consulted on (a) human rights and (b) sustainable development issues relating to the Ilisu Dam; and on what dates; [124183]

  (2) when the Foreign and Commonwealth Office was consulted about the human rights implications of providing ECGD cover for the Ilisu Dam in Turkey; and what advice it gave; [124184]

  (3) which Departments of Government were consulted about the advisability of providing ECGD cover for the building of the Ilisu Dam; and on what dates. [124182]

  Mr. Caborn
  The following Departments have been consulted about relevant aspects of the proposed Ilisu Dam project: H.M. Treasury, Department of Trade and Industry, British Trade International, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department for International Development, Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions and Department for Culture, Media and Sport. These exchanges began in January 1999, although DCMS were not involved until later. ECGD continues to maintain regular contact with FCO, DTI, DETR, DCMS and British Trade International. DFID has not been involved since July 1999, as Turkey is not one of their key partner countries.
  110W
  There were intensive exchanges of correspondence between the Ministers most concerned during November and December 1999 prior to the announcement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 21 December 1999.

  Research Councils
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) for which areas of research covered by each Research Council the budget has contracted in each year since 1994; [122134]

  (2) what the breakdown was of the funding of each Research Council by main programme of activity in each year since 1994. [122132]

  Ms Hewitt
  The evolving nature of the Research Councils' programmes makes it impossible to provide consistent expenditure figures for all programme areas over the period requested. In particular, the Economic and Social Research Council established a new set of themes in 1995–96 and the Medical Research Council made major changes to the structure of its portfolio in 1995–96 and again in 1999–2000. The available information for each of the six Councils is set out, in cash terms, in the table.

  Research Councils: spend on programmes from 1994–95 to 1999–2000

  £ million

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  BBSRC

  Agri-Food

  35.0

  33.6

  37.0

  34.2

  33.0

  33.1

  Biomolecular Sciences

  19.6

  20.2

  21.3

  24.7

  28.7

  30.2

  Genes and Developmental Biology

  22.6

  24.8

  26.8

  24.7

  27.3

  28.5

  Plant and Microbial Sciences

  26.8

  25.0

  24.4

  26.3

  26.7

  28.0

  Animal Sciences

  17.5

  16.3

  16.9

  25.0

  21.3

  21.5

  Biochemistry and Cell Biology

  20.2

  20.3

  19.2

  18.3

  19.4

  20.4

  Engineering and Biological Systems

  14.8

  16.4

  18.8

  16.1

  14.8

  15.0

  156.4

  156.6

  164.3

  169.3

  171.2

  176.7

  EPSRC

  Engineering

  80.2

  79.8

  85.8

  89.8

  93.0

  96.2

  Chemistry

  32.8

  36.0

  37.8

  37.6

  33.3

  43.4

  Maths

  11.4

  12.0

  13.3

  12.2

  12.2

  14.1

  Physics

  25.6

  22.8

  25.0

  24.2

  25.1

  32.9

  Materials

  56.0

  53.6

  54.4

  49.3

  46.6

  46.4

  IT and Computing

  56.9

  57.0

  60.0

  59.3

  58.7

  59.0

  Other

  85.3

  80.7

  75.5

  87.5

  82.8

  86.7

  348.2

  341.9

  351.8

  359.9

  351.7

  378.7

  ESRC

  Pre 1995–96

  34.8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Research Grants

  13.1

  13.7

  14.3

  13.4

  15.0

  13.4

  Innovation

  6.3

  4.9

  5.8

  6.2

  5.0

  6.3

  Economic Performance and Development

  —

  5.6

  5.5

  5.6

  5.7

  6.0

  Environment and Sustainability

  —

  2.6

  2.7

  3.1

  3.7

  3.4

  Globalisation, Regions and Emerging Markets

  —

  3.1

  3.2

  3.1

  3.3

  3.4

  Governance, Regulation and Accountability

  —

  2.9

  3.0

  3.7

  4.0

  4.0

  Technology and People

  —

  3.0

  3.1

  3.3

  2.5

  3.5

  Knowledge, Communication and Learning

  —

  2.9

  3.0

  3.3

  5.3

  3.4

  Lifespan, Lifestyles and Health

  —

  3.9

  4.0

  4.6

  4.8

  5.3

  Social Inclusion and Exclusion

  —

  3.9

  4.1

  4.6

  7.2

  4.4

  Non-theme training, resources and policy

  0.5

  9

  8.9

  8.3

  7.2

  10.3

  Taught Courses

  4.3

  6.1

  6.1

  6.1

  4.6

  6.8

  59.0

  61.6

  63.7

  65.3

  68.3

  70.2

  MRC

  Inheritance and development

  32.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Systems

  36.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Organs and cancer

  15.0

  40.0

  42.0

  40.0

  45.0

  —

  111W

  Research Councils: spend on programmes from 1994–95 to 1999–2000

  £ million

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Molecules and cells

  57.0

  60.0

  63.0

  61.0

  65.0

  —

  Infections

  54.0

  56.0

  56.0

  59.0

  64.0

  —

  Nutrition and environment

  19.0

  18.0

  12.0

  10.0

  12.0

  —

  Genetics

  —

  37.0

  40.0

  45.0

  47.0

  —

  Health

  —

  11.0

  13.0

  16.0

  18.0

  —

  Neuroscience and mental health

  57.0

  54.0

  51.0

  54.0

  58.0

  63.0

  Cell Biology

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  57.0

  Genetics, molecular structure and dynamics

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  57.0

  Immunology

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  65.0

  Medical physiology

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  55.0

  People

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  40.0

  270.0

  276.0

  277.0

  285.0

  309.0

  337.0

  NERC

  Atmospheric Science

  6.6

  9.3

  8.1

  7.9

  7.2

  7.9

  Earth Observation

  7.4

  9.7

  7.8

  11.5

  10.0

  10.7

  Earth Science

  31.4

  29.8

  35.6

  34.4

  34.7

  36.0

  Marine Science

  36.4

  42.0

  34.6

  35.2

  39.4

  40.9

  Terrestrial and Freshwater Sciences

  32.8

  36.7

  32.6

  34.7

  39.9

  39.3

  Polar Sciences

  24.9

  28.1

  28.7

  28.6

  28.7

  32.0

  Technology Transfer and taught courses

  6.7

  9.3

  7.8

  7.6

  7.9

  8.7

  Other

  1.1

  4.6

  3.2

  2.7

  4.0

  3.7

  147.2

  169.5

  158.5

  162.6

  171.9

  179.2

  PPARC

  Astronomy

  82.1

  90.0

  91.6

  91.5

  90.8

  90.5

  Particle Physics

  80.3

  88.4

  89.9

  81.9

  95.8

  76.2

  Education and Training

  6.3

  7.1

  7.6

  8.1

  7.9

  10.0

  Exchange rate variation and restructuring

  10.4

  17.2

  24.4

  16.4

  14.6

  10.0

  179.0

  202.7

  213.5

  197.9

  209.1

  186.7

  Strictly speaking, there are no programme areas where the expenditure has diminished in each year over the period, although the Councils have increased the budgets for high priority programmes at the expense of certain others. For example, the Biotechnology and Biosciences Research Council has significantly enhanced its support for biomolecular science over the period, while keeping some other programmes broadly level in cash terms.

  The uneven spend on PPARC particle physics is largely due to the timing of payments of the UK subscription to the CERN laboratory in Geneva.

  Further details of individual programmes can be found in the Councils' Annual Reports, copies of which are in the Library.

  Export Credits Guarantee Department
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) of 28 February 2000,Official Report, column 49W, on ECGD, what types of goods are covered, broken down by category of equipment, by ECGD guarantee issued in respect of a defence-related contract with Saudi Arabia in 1997–98 and 1998–99. [123828]

  Mr. Caborn
  All ECGD guaranteed defence business with Saudi Arabia in these years is included against the "aircraft" heading in the table to which my hon. Friend refers.

  Business Links
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate the(a) number of additional jobs created, (b) increase in turnover, (c) increase in profits, (d) grow tit in net assets and (e) growth in exports, as a result of Business Links since 1994. [123536]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: The most recent estimation we have of Business Link impact is from the Business Link Value for Money Evaluation, which relates to the period 1994 to 1997. This study was carried out in 1998 by independent consultants, and is available from the House of Commons Library.

  It estimated that, during this period, the support provided by Business Links was responsible for generating more than 8000 jobs, £1 billion extra turnover, £30 million extra profits, £145 million extra net assets and £400 million extra exports nationally.

  Small Finns Loan Guarantee Scheme
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans there are to integrate the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme into the Enterprise Fund. [123551]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: The Enterprise Fund consists of a number of discrete individual elements, one of which is the Small Finns Loan Guarantee Scheme. The Scheme, which continues to run as before, became an integral part of the Enterprise Fund when the Fund was launched in December 1998.
  113W
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many small loans have been guaranteed by region and as a percentage of all businesses in each region in each year since the inception of the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme. [123549]

  Number of guarantees

  North East

  North West

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  West Midlands

  East Midlands and East of England

  London and the South East

  South West

  Scotland

  Wales

  Northern Ireland

  1981–82

  106

  431

  255

  348

  231

  1,268

  306

  211

  185

  10

  1982–83

  269

  887

  451

  513

  385

  2,245

  589

  327

  325

  54

  1983–84

  244

  596

  431

  381

  296

  1,852

  399

  438

  162

  88

  1984–85

  74

  204

  154

  168

  117

  870

  172

  218

  62

  42

  1985–86

  32

  54

  20

  33

  37

  207

  66

  63

  22

  9

  1986–87

  34

  111

  64

  93

  84

  391

  120

  88

  39

  18

  1987–88

  76

  156

  107

  95

  75

  377

  151

  81

  75

  29

  1988–89

  179

  275

  211

  187

  144

  715

  213

  127

  182

  33

  1989–90

  213

  371

  244

  245

  256

  1,064

  350

  152

  204

  24

  1990–91

  207

  389

  248

  228

  338

  1,201

  389

  135

  183

  26

  1991–92

  161

  271

  164

  191

  305

  1,047

  472

  128

  150

  13

  1992–93

  90

  191

  169

  196

  306

  689

  373

  104

  146

  9

  1993–94

  136

  260

  270

  332

  517

  1,240

  617

  245

  205

  29

  1994–95

  204

  496

  458

  496

  799

  2,121

  959

  323

  310

  41

  1995–96

  261

  650

  543

  652

  868

  2,469

  1,156

  464

  347

  74

  1996–97

  278

  584

  498

  672

  1,270

  1,821

  979

  434

  330

  76

  1997–98

  170

  387

  396

  514

  999

  1,222

  685

  440

  227

  41

  1998–99

  190

  370

  386

  458

  831

  1,000

  605

  408

  197

  37

  1999–2000

  169

  371

  361

  416

  770

  897

  529

  526

  218

  22

  Source:

  SFLGS database

  Number of guarantees as a percentage of all VAT registered businesses

  North East

  North West

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  West Midlands

  East Midlands and East of England

  London and the South East

  South West

  Scotland

  Wales

  Northern Ireland

  1981–82

  .27

  .29

  .24

  .30

  .16

  .30

  .24

  .21

  .25

  .02

  1982–83

  .68

  .59

  .42

  .43

  .26

  .52

  .45

  .32

  .43

  .12

  1983–84

  .61

  .40

  .39

  .32

  .20

  .42

  .30

  .42

  .21

  .19

  1984–85

  .18

  .13

  .14

  .14

  .08

  .19

  .13

  .21

  .08

  .09

  1985–86

  .08

  .03

  .02

  .03

  .02

  .04

  .05

  .06

  .03

  .02

  1986–87

  .08

  .07

  .06

  .07

  .05

  .08

  .09

  .08

  .05

  .04

  1987–88

  .18

  .10

  .09

  .07

  .05

  .08

  .11

  .07

  .10

  .06

  1988–89

  .42

  .18

  .18

  .14

  .09

  .14

  .14

  .11

  .23

  .07

  1989–90

  .49

  .23

  .20

  .18

  .15

  .19

  .23

  .13

  .25

  .05

  1990–91

  .45

  .23

  .20

  .16

  .19

  .21

  .24

  .11

  .21

  .05

  1991–92

  .34

  .16

  .13

  .13

  .16

  .17

  .29

  .10

  .17

  .02

  1992–93

  .20

  .12

  .14

  .14

  .17

  .12

  .24

  .09

  .18

  .02

  1993–94

  .31

  .16

  .23

  .24

  .30

  .22

  .41

  .21

  .25

  .05

  1994–95

  .46

  .30

  .37

  .36

  .29

  .44

  .63

  .27

  .39

  .08

  1995–96

  .60

  .41

  .45

  .48

  .32

  .51

  .77

  .39

  .45

  .14

  1996–97

  .65

  .37

  .42

  .50

  .48

  .38

  .66

  .37

  .43

  .14

  1997–98

  .40

  .25

  .34

  .38

  .37

  .25

  .47

  .37

  .30

  .08

  1998–99

  .45

  .23

  .33

  .34

  .31

  .20

  .41

  .34

  .26

  .07

  1999–2000

  .40

  .23

  .31

  .31

  .28

  .17

  .35

  .44

  .29

  .04

  Notes:

  1. Large increases in the VAT registration threshold in 1991 and 1993 mean figures before and after these years are not wholly comparable.

  2. SFLGS figures are financial year, VAT figures are calendar year.

  Regional split reflects reporting requirements for the Industrial Development Act 1982 Annual Report.

  Source:

  SFLGS database; DTI Statistical Bulletin 99/111

  Websites
  Mr Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 2 May 2000,Official Report, column 21–23W, on websites (1) if he will name (a) the websites delivering the objectives of the Department but run and financed by private sector companies and (b) the companies running those sites; if
  114W
  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: The total number of loans guaranteed under the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme, by region, and as a percentage of all VAT registered businesses in each region in each year since inception are shown in the tables. he will estimate the market value of the services rendered to his Department by the companies running these websites; if the companies running the sites have their services acknowledged on the site; what his estimate is of the market value to the companies of such acknowledgement; and what mechanisms are in place to ensure that his Department does not seem to endorse any inappropriate advertisers on such sites; [122744]
  115W
  (2) if he will name (a) the websites prepared in partnership with private sector organisations in return for acknowledgement of this sponsorship on the site and (b) the companies helping to prepare those sites; and if he will estimate the market value of (i) the services rendered to his Department by the companies in the preparation of these websites and (ii) the acknowledgement of sponsorship. [122745]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Department of Trade and Industry has not entered into any significant partnership or sponsorship deals that part fund or completely fund any DTI websites in exchange for advertising revenue, brand identify or acknowledgement. DTI may consider such arrangements in the future provided they fall within the Central IT Unit's guidance that I quoted in my previous answer on 2 May 2000,Official Report, column 21W.

  There are only three DTI websites that have some element of private sector involvement or presence all of which are of negligible benefit by value to the DTI.

  These sites are:

  1. The Auto Industry website (www.autoindustry.co.uk);

  The TradeUK service (www.tradeuk.com);

  The ISI/Interforum E-Commerce Awards Website (www. ecommerce-awards.co.uk).

  Fuel Market
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who has responsibility for ensuring that fairness and reasonableness pertain in the contractual relationship between oil suppliers and retailers in respect of non-competition issues. [122944]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: The general responsibility for all sale of goods legislation in the UK rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. In the event that a specific contractual dispute arises between an oil supplier and a retailer which relates to unfair or unreasonable terms, the matter would have to be resolved in a Court of Law.

  RDX Exports
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what decisions have been taken on the applications that were pending on 7 March for the export of RDX in its raw form to(a) Oman, (b) Spain and (c) Turkey. [123725]

  Dr. Howells
  A Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL) was issued in respect of the application covering the export of RDX in its raw form to Oman on 7 March 2000. A decision has not yet been taken on an application for an Open Individual Export Licence covering exports to a number of destinations including Spain. A decision has not yet been taken on the application for a SIEL to Turkey.

  Electricity Generation
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate his Department has made of the likely proportion of electricity generated from(a) gas, (b) coal, (c) nuclear power and (d) renewables in (i) 2003, (ii) 2005, (iii) 2010, (iv) 2012, (v) 2020 and (vi) 2030. [120106]
  116W
  Mrs. Liddell
  My Department has recently prepared estimates of future energy use, covering selected years. Estimates have not been made for any other years. These have been made available in the form of a working paper, representing work in progress, entitled: "Energy Projections For The UK—Working Paper".

  Copies of this document have been placed in the Library of the House. The following tables are extracted from Annexe D of the Working Paper. These set out the amounts of generation by type of fuel for two of the six scenarios examined in the Working Paper. As an example, in 2010, coal's share of generation varies between 10 and 22 per cent., that of gas between 45 per cent. and 59 per cent., while nuclear's share varies between 18 per cent. and 19 per cent.

  Electricity generation by fuel type, TWh

  CL

  1990

  1995

  2000

  2005

  2010

  2015

  2020

  Coal

  204

  145

  81

  43

  36

  36

  36

  Oil

  15

  9

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Gas

  0

  57

  131

  184

  214

  244

  265

  Nuclear

  59

  81

  93

  87

  66

  40

  27

  Renewables

  5

  6

  11

  22

  37

  37

  37

  Imports

  14

  18

  19

  16

  10

  9

  8

  Total

  297

  315

  335

  352

  363

  366

  373

  CL

  1990

  1995

  2000

  2005

  2010

  2015

  2020

  Coal

  204

  145

  86

  90

  78

  59

  52

  Oil

  15

  9

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Gas

  0

  57

  124

  126

  157

  204

  230

  Nuclear

  59

  81

  93

  87

  66

  40

  27

  Renewables

  5

  6

  11

  22

  35

  35

  36

  Imports

  14

  18

  19

  17

  11

  10

  9

  Total

  297

  315

  334

  341

  347

  348

  354

  Note:

  Class "CL" represents a scenario assuming a central view of economic growth, together with low energy prices, while the "CH" scenario is based on central economic growth, together with high energy prices. Further details of the assumptions and modelling basis for these figures can be found in the Working Paper.

  Astra Holdings
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will indicate the chapters in the report on Astra Holdings plc published by his Department to which the contents of file bundles(a) 120, (b) 121, (c) 140 and (d) 141 relate; and whether there is any part of the contents of the bundles which is not dealt with in the report. [123896]

  Dr. Howells
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave him on 22 March 2000,Official Report, column 611W, and 13 April 2000, Official Report, columns 273–74W.

  Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the letter from the Minister of State for Energy, of 17 April to the hon. Member for Linlithgow, when he will announce a call for research and
  117W
  development proposals for the stationary and transport applications of work on copper and cerium oxide catalysts for solid oxide fuel cells. [122497]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 25 May 2000]: A Call for Proposals on the DTI's New and Renewable Energy (NRE) Programme was issued on 17 April 2000. As part of this Call, outline proposals were sought for research and development into fuel cells of all types, and particularly for stationary and transport applications. The Call itself, and guidance for proposers, may be found on the DTI's web pages at www.dti.gov.uk/renewable/renew.htm. The closing submission date for this call was 1 June 2000. Notwithstanding this deadline, potential proposers are welcome to investigate other options for funding research and development projects relevant to fuel cells by contacting the Programme Manager of the DTI's Advanced Fuel Cells Programme (part of the New and Renewable Energy Programme) at ETSU.

  Miners (Compensation)
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many cases have been lodged by former miners living in Amber Valley for compensation for vibration white finger. [123939]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Department's claims handling agents have registered 880 claims from former miners living in the Amber Valley region, centring on the towns of Alfreton, Heanor and Ripley, for vibration white finger. Of these the Department has settled 102 claims and made interim payments to a further 80, totalling over £900,000.

  Pylons
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will impose a moratorium on the construction of pylons. [123905]

  Mrs. Liddell:
  Such a policy would not be justified. All but the most minor overhead electric lines already need development consent from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. All relevant matters are considered in this process.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce an employer's charter to assist small businesses to deal with the complexities of employment legislation; and if he will make a statement. [123867]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Small Business Service has been set up, among other things, to help to make regulatory information, including employment legislation, more comprehensible and accessible to small firms. The SBS is looking at a number of ways in which this might be done including the possibilities presented by information technology. For example, they are piloting a new service on the internet called Small Business Start-Up Service (www.sbssonline.org/sbss/) which guides people wanting to start a business to relevant information including employees' rights. They have also recently published a guide to the regulatory requirements relating to employing staff which can also be accessed on the internet (www.dti.gov.uk/COMMS/employ/index.htm). The Department provides a wide range of information and guidance on the requirements of employment law,118W
  including through its website (www.dti.gov.uk/er), and is currently developing further internet and interactive services. These will be made available by a number of routes, including through the SBS general advice and information service (www.businessadviceonline.org).

  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to exempt small businesses from(a) new and (b) existing regulations; and if he will make a statement. [123869]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government are always ready to consider exemptions as a policy option in relation to or existing regulations, but each case would need to be carefully looked at on its merits.

  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures are being taken by the Small Business Service to reduce the administrative burden on small businesses. [123868]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Chief Executive of the Small Business Service (SBS) is a member of the Panel for Regulatory Accountability which is reviewing new and existing regulations in Government Departments.

  The SBS has a particular duty on behalf of small businesses to examine regulatory proposals put forward by Government Departments to ensure that they do not impose an unnecessary or disproportionate burden on the small businesses community, that compliance is made easier through the provision of comprehensible and accessible guidance, and that the enforcement regime is appropriate.

  The SBS will also undertake research to establish a Regulation Index showing the cumulative burden of regulation on small businesses and to inform priorities for simplifying existing regulations.

  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in enabling(a) consumers and (b) small businesses to have access to their credit reference files. [123870]

  Dr. Howells
  The rights of individuals and sole traders to access financial information held by credit reference agencies have now been consolidated under the Data Protection Act 1998. The Consumer Credit Act 1974 continues to contain rights to challenge the accuracy of such information. The Data Protection Commissioner is now responsible for supervising these rights. Partnerships and other unincorporated bodies have rights to this information under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and the Director General of Fair Trading supervises their rights.

  We have also simplified the statement of rights on correcting wrong information which the agencies must provide in the Consumer Credit (Credit Reference Agency) Regulations 2000.

  Mr. Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures the Government are taking to ensure that Britain provides an environment in which SMEs can flourish. [124406]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government have set in place a policy framework, which is delivering macro-economic stability and helping to promote long-term investment and productivity; public finances are under control; inflation is historically low and expected to remain close to target.
  119W
  Following Budget 2000, the business climate has never been better. Since 1997, the Government have cut the average corporation tax bill for small companies by nearly 25 per cent. Britain now has its lowest ever corporation rates for small companies and—with the 10p starting rate from April—the lowest starting rate in the EU.

  We are also looking further to improve the infrastructure and ensure that small firms get the support they need. That is why we established the Small Business Service (SBS)—a key part of our strategy to create an entrepreneurial Britain. The SBS will act as a strong voice for small businesses at the heart of Government; help small firms meet the demands of regulation; and achieve a step change in the quality and consistency of advice and information available to small and medium-sized enterprises.

  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to improve(a) access to and (b) the quality of advice services for small businesses. [124684]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Small Business Service, which became an executive agency of the Department of Trade and Industry in April 2000, is undertaking two significant activities aimed at improving access to, and quality of, advice services for small business.

  The first is to provide an internet enabled network of knowledge and information for use by small businesses, business advisers and the local Business Link network.

  The second activity is a radical redevelopment of the Business Link network including refocusing the remit of the Business Links so that they concentrate on delivering high quality solutions to their customers' needs; widening the customer base of the local network to include those who are at a disadvantage, for whatever reason, in starting up or running a business; and a rationalisation from 81 to 45 Business Links. Only organisations which can meet rigorous assessment criteria and successfully complete business plans will be awarded contracts from April 2001.

  Rolls-Royce
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what conditions were attached to the most recent tranche of launch aid for Rolls-Royce; and if he will make a statement. [124097]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  In November 1997 the Department agreed to provide launch investment of £200 million to Rolls-Royce to assist with the development of the Trent series of large aeroengines. The conditions attached to the agreement are commercially confidential.

  Launch Investments is a risk and revenues sharing Government investment in the design and development of specific civil aerospace projects in the UK. The investment is not a grant and is repayable to the Government at a real rate of return, usually via levies on sales of the product developed.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last met representatives of Rolls-Royce to discuss the aeroengine industry, with particular reference to employment levels. [124096]
  120W
  Mr. Alan Johnson
  I visited Rolls-Royce's main production facilities at Derby on 9 May 2000 and discussed a range of issues of importance to the competitiveness of the company. We discussed the implications for employment levels of Rolls-Royce's current review of its strategic operations.

  Transatlantic Business Dialogue
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which(a) ministers and (b) officials in his Department are involved in the transatlantic business dialogue; and who was present from his Department at the TABD meeting in Brussels on 23 May. [124048]

  Mr. Caborn
  No officials from this Department attended the TABD meeting in Brussels on 23 May. The European Commission were represented but as this is a business-to-business forum they did not directly contribute. This Department's Trade Policy Directorate is responsible for relations with the TABD and attends the annual conference at the invitation of TABD officials.

  GM Seeds
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reports he has received concerning the sale of Advanta Seeds UK's Hyota oil seed rape seeds found to be contaminated with GM herbicide-tolerant seeds; and what action he plans to take. [123756]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 25 May 2000]: The UK Government were informed on 17 April that stocks of oil seed rape seed sold by Advanta might contain low levels of GM material. In line with Government priorities to protect public health and the environment, the Department of Health and the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions sought urgent advice from the Food Standards Agency and the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment respectively. The advice was that there were no risks to human health or the environment. Contamination of seed stocks is a MAFF responsibility, and last week the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced measures that the Government will take. DTI has no specific responsibility for any of the issues involved.

  Nuclear Reprocessing
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what quantities of(a) Canadian-owned and (b) Spanish-owned plutonium are in store at Sellafield. [121982]

  Mrs. Liddell
  In accordance with the internationally agreed format for publishing such information, my Department publishes each year figures for the total amount of plutonium held in the UK in unirradiated separated form as well as the total amount of plutonium estimated to be contained in spent civil reactor fuel. The figures include details of the total amount of plutonium held in the UK in unirradiated separated form belonging to foreign bodies. This total is not further broken down into separate figures for individual countries.

  Details about amounts of plutonium held at Sellafield on behalf of particular customers and about the timing and arrangements for returning the plutonium to the country of origin are commercial and operational matters for

  121W
  BNFL and its customers. I understand from BNFL, however, that there is no longer any Canadian owned plutonium in any form held at Sellafield.

  Oil and Gas
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will list by field the number of licences issued by the Government for North Sea and Atlantic oil and gas exploration where no development has taken place; [122832]

  (2) if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the inspection and enforcement in respect of fallow fields in the United Kingdom Continental Shelf. [122837]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 19 May 2000]: The Department of Trade and Industry classifies as "fallow" any block on the UKCS which is currently licensed and not in its initial term but which has seen no drilling activity for six years or more. A "fallow" discovery is one that was made six years or more ago but which has not yet been developed. (Acreage that has been determined as a field would not generally be classified as "fallow".)

  193 significant discoveries made up to 31 December 1999 have not yet been developed. The definition of "significant" discoveries used here is based on flow rates achieved during well tests. It makes no attempt to take account of commercial viability. Work is proceeding on some of these discoveries to bring them to development, but in each case no Development Plan has yet been approved. These discoveries are not necessarily the same as those that are the subject of the Fallow Discoveries Initiative because many are less than six years old. They are as listed.

  Well number

  Licence Operator at the end of 1999

  Licence number

  Date discovered

  48/22–1

  Mobil

  P.697

  November 1966

  48/30–3

  Phillips

  P.028

  June 1967

  53/04–1

  ARCO

  P.039

  July 1967

  48/21–1

  Unlicensed

  P.047

  August 1967

  41/24a-1

  Unlicensed

  P.759

  September 1969

  41/25a-1

  Unlicensed

  P.759

  September 1969

  30/02–1

  Shell

  P.098

  June 1971

  30/13–2

  Phillips

  P.079

  September 1972

  3/25a-2

  Total

  P.090

  July 1974

  49/12a-6

  Conoco

  P.033

  September 1974

  211/13–1

  Shell

  P.296

  November 1974

  16/29–4

  Phillips

  P.110

  February 1975

  21/02–1

  ARCO

  P.244

  June 1975

  211/13–2

  Shell

  P.296

  July 1975

  211/18–9

  Britoil

  P.236

  September 1975

  15/13–2

  Enterprise

  P.198

  October 1975

  211/13–3

  Shell

  P.296

  December 1975

  21/02–2

  Union Texas

  P.244

  December 1975

  9/19–2

  Mobil

  P.103

  May 1976

  14/20–6Z

  Amerada Hess

  P.324

  June 1976

  9/19–3

  Mobil

  P.103

  December 1976

  211/19a-6

  Kerr McGee

  P.104

  January 1977

  16/22–2

  Elf

  P.240

  May 1977

  211/22–1

  Veba

  P.201

  May 1977

  206/08-41A

  BP

  P.165

  July 1977

  210/15–2

  Fina

  P.226

  October 1977

  207/01–3

  Texaco

  P.183

  Oct 1977

  14/18–1

  Elf Caledonia

  P.263

  May 1978

  3/28a–2

  Chevron

  P.234

  September 1978

  21/24–1

  Veba

  P.021

  November 1978

  29/03a–2

  Shell

  P.012

  January 1979

  122W

  Well number

  Licence Operator at the end of 1999

  Licence number

  Date discovered

  2/05–10

  DNO

  P.242

  September 1979

  30/12b–2

  Amoco

  P.185

  February 1981

  20/02–1

  Petrobras

  P.317

  April 1981

  21/19–1A

  Shell

  P.238

  April 1981

  21/15a–2

  Britoil

  P.120

  August 1981

  29/05a–1

  Shell

  P.188

  September 1981

  21/23b–1

  Shell

  P.353

  January 1982

  9/11–2

  Texaco

  P.335

  September 1982

  12/27–1

  Amerada Hess

  P.981

  January 1983

  48/19a–3

  Shell

  P.008

  March 1983

  22/05b–3

  BG E & P

  P.356

  May 1983

  29/09a–1

  Shell

  P.012

  June 1983

  9/24b–1A

  BP

  P.338

  September 1983

  16/18–1

  Britoil

  P.312

  September 1983

  29/08b–2

  Amerada Hess

  P.227

  December 1983

  2/10a–6

  Unlicensed

  P.234

  December 1983

  16/13a–2Z

  Petrobras

  P.219

  January 1984

  22/02–2

  Unlicensed

  P.354

  February 1984

  211/22a–3

  Veba

  P.201

  March 1984

  30/06–3Z

  Shell

  P.011

  May 1984

  29/02a–2

  Conoco

  P.224

  June 1984

  42/15b–1

  Total

  P.137

  June 1984

  214/30–1

  BG E & P

  P.303

  August 1984

  22/19–1

  Elf Caledonia

  P.357

  August 1984

  98/11–2

  Unlicensed

  P.406

  August 1984

  16/03a–4

  Marathon

  P.108

  September 1984

  21/30–12

  Shell

  P.013

  September 1984

  49/04–1

  Centrica

  P.468

  Oct 1984

  16/12a–5

  LASMO

  P.212

  December 1984

  47/10–1

  BP

  P.001

  February 1985

  4/26–1A

  Elf

  P.229

  June 1985

  16/23–4

  Conoco

  P.103

  July 1985

  29/09b–2

  Ranger

  P.227

  September 1985

  16/13a–3

  Petrobras

  P.219

  November 1985

  21/03a–4

  Conoco

  P.118

  December 1985

  48/14–2

  Shell

  P.008

  December 1985

  13/30–3

  Amerada Hess

  P.310

  March 1986

  22/27a–2

  Ranger

  P.114

  March 1986

  49/19–4

  Shell

  P.008

  March 1986

  3/30–3

  Elf

  P.229

  April 1986

  211/14–1

  Shell

  P.296

  April 1986

  15/18a–6

  Veba

  P.233

  May 1986

  30/01c–4

  BP

  P.363

  August 1986

  206/01–2

  Total

  P.911

  September 1986

  22/02–5

  Premier

  P.354

  October 1986

  43/18–1

  Amoco

  P.512

  November 1986

  21/28a–2

  Monument

  P.077

  December 1986

  49/28–14

  ARCO

  P.037

  April 1987

  9/15a–1

  Kerr McGee

  P.090

  June 1987

  47/03b–4

  BG E & P

  P.016

  July 1987

  49/29b–5

  Mobil

  P.105

  July 1987

  29/06a–3

  Elf Caledonia

  P.244

  September 1987

  14/20b–18

  Amerada Hess

  P.324

  October 1987

  44/28–3

  Shell

  P.453

  October 1987

  48/23–3

  ARCO

  P.467

  November 1987

  98/07–2

  BP

  P.534

  November 1987

  48/10b–3

  Conoco

  P.519

  December 1987

  22/12a–1

  Enterprise

  P.077

  December 1987

  3/19b–2

  Total

  P.491

  June 1988

  15/29a–3

  Texaco

  P.119

  July 1988

  110/03b–4

  Kerr McGee

  P.543

  December 1988

  3/20a–1

  Total

  P.239

  December 1988

  43/19–1

  Amoco

  P.607

  January 1989

  44/19–3

  CalEnergy

  P.610

  January 1989

  15/21a–38Z

  Amerada Hess

  P.218

  February 1989

  22/13a–1

  Enterprise

  P.096

  February 1989

  3/03–11

  Kerr McGee

  P.202

  March 1989

  9/14b–4

  Kerr McGee

  P.277

  March 1989

  42/28a–3

  Amoco

  P.016

  April 1989

  21/27–1A

  Fina

  P.595

  April 1989

  43/20b–2

  Amoco

  P.608

  May 1989

  48/09–2

  Conoco

  P.459

  May 1989

  14/19b–23

  Elf Caledonia

  P.250

  June 1989

  123W

  Well number

  Licence Operator at the end of 1999

  Licence number

  Date discovered

  30/14–1

  Fina

  P.255

  August 1989

  53/02–8

  Mobil

  P.025

  September 1989

  48/07b–8

  Britoil

  P.138

  October 1989

  16/22–5

  Elf

  P.240

  October 1989

  42/29–6

  BP

  P.001

  November 1989

  30/03a–1

  Petrobras

  P.111

  November 1989

  22/30a–5

  Shell

  P.012

  November 1989

  16/03a–11

  Marathon

  P.108

  January 1990

  30/13–3

  Phillips

  P.079

  February 1990

  15/17–24

  Elf Caledonia

  P.250

  March 1990

  15/24a–4

  Chevron

  P.209

  May 1990

  44/22b–8

  Conoco

  P.451

  May 1990

  42/28b–5

  Amoco

  P.606

  July 1990

  42/29–7

  BP

  P.001

  July 1990

  15/25b–3

  Unlicensed

  P.417

  July 1990

  13/22b–4

  Talisman

  P.635

  July 1990

  205/26a–3

  Amerada Hess

  P.164

  October 1990

  9/19–8

  Mobil

  P.103

  January 1991

  49/11b–8

  Conoco

  P.130

  February 1991

  48/22–4

  Mobil

  P.697

  February 1991

  21/20b–4

  Shell

  P.421

  March 1991

  16/12a–14

  LASMO

  P.212

  May 1991

  30/02a–2

  Shell

  P.098

  May 1991

  30/07a–10

  Phillips

  P.032

  August 1991

  110/08a–4

  Burlington

  P.251

  October 1991

  3/19a–4

  Total

  P.239

  November 1991

  110/02b–10

  Burlington

  P.706

  January 1992

  44/17–2

  Conoco

  P.691

  January 1992

  44/16–1Z

  LASMO

  P.690

  February 1992

  43/21–2

  Unlicensed

  P.682

  February 1992

  22/29–2

  Shell

  P.012

  March 1992

  15/21a–46

  Amerada Hess

  P.218

  April 1992

  44/23a–10

  Total

  P.452

  April 1992

  205/26a–4

  Amerada Hess

  P.164

  May 1992

  22/22b–2

  PanCanadian

  P.233

  May 1992

  15/21b–47

  Amerada Hess

  P.218

  June 1992

  15/20b–11Y

  Unlicensed

  P.735

  October 1992

  53/03c–3

  Amoco

  P.786

  November 1992

  211/23b–11

  Amerada Hess

  P.721

  December 1992

  16/12a–18Z

  LASMO

  P.212

  December 1992

  113/29–2

  Unlicensed

  P.712

  December 1992

  44/24–4

  Fina

  P.611

  January 1993

  22/25b–5

  Shell

  P.598

  January 1993

  30/11b–3

  Amoco

  P.185

  February 1993

  29/07–5

  Shell

  P.012

  March 1993

  15/21b–50

  Amerada Hess

  P.588

  September 1993

  16/26–25

  Chevron

  P.213

  October 1993

  44/29b–4

  Fina

  P.454

  November 1993

  15/21a–51

  Amerada Hess

  P.218

  December 1993

  110/13–14

  BHP

  P.710

  December 1993

  47/03e–8

  BP

  P.774

  January 1994

  16/29a–11Y

  Phillips

  P.110

  January 1994

  49/09a–3

  Shell

  P.132

  February 1994

  43/22–2

  Unlicensed

  P.683

  April 1994

  15/29a–9

  Texaco

  P.119

  September 1994

  211/23b–12

  Amerada Hess

  P.721

  October 1994

  103/01–1

  Marathon

  P.804

  October 1994

  49/18–5Z

  Amoco

  P.016

  April 1995

  16/03b–8Z

  Marathon

  P.313

  May 1995

  50/26b–6

  Britoil

  P.703

  June 1995

  22/30a–14Z

  Shell

  P.012

  July 1995

  48/20a–7

  Shell

  P.008

  September 1995

  204/19–8Z

  BP

  P.556

  June 1996

  20/05c–6

  Talisman

  P.593

  July 1996

  14/29a–3

  Shell

  P.739

  September 1996

  210/24a–8

  Amerada Hess

  P.472

  October 1996

  11/24–1

  Amerada Hess

  P.807

  November 1996

  22/18–7

  Amoco

  P.292

  November 1996

  14/18b–12

  Texaco

  P.580

  November 1996

  21/19–6

  Shell

  P.238

  December 1996

  49/19–6

  Shell

  P.008

  January 1997

  15/23d–13

  BG E & P

  P.815

  February 1997

  9/11b–11

  Texaco

  P.726

  April 1997

  124W

  Well number

  Licence Operator at the end of 1999

  Licence number

  Date discovered

  22/23b–5

  Shell

  P.233

  September 1997

  211/21a–17

  Shell

  P.296

  December 1997

  14/26a–6

  ARCO

  P.300

  January 1998

  44/17a–4

  Conoco

  P.691

  February 1998

  47/10–6

  BG E & P

  P.776

  March 1998

  49/19–7

  Shell

  P.008

  June 1998

  21/12–3

  Shell

  P.073

  August 1998

  16/21c–32

  Talisman

  P.344

  November 1998

  30/07a–12

  Phillips

  P.032

  February 1999

  29/04d–4

  Elf

  P.752

  March 1999

  211/23a–15Z

  Shell

  P.269

  April 1999

  21/24–6

  Shell

  P.021

  August 1999

  I am withholding details of four recent discoveries at the request of the operators for reasons of commercial confidentiality.

  Timeshare House Boats
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to introduce a statutory cooling off period for the purchase of timeshare house boats; and if he will make a statement. [124511]

  Dr. Howells
  Implementing a commitment in their Consumer White Paper "modern markets; confident consumers", the Government published a consultation paper on 25 April reviewing whether aspects of UK timeshare legislation need updating. Among the aspects under review is timeshare in floating vessels.

  Copies can be viewed in the House of Commons Library or at the DTI website address: www.dti.gov.uk/cacp/ca/consulta.htm

  The deadline for responses to the consultation is 31 July 2000.

  Post Office Advisory Committee
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the future of local Post Office advisory committees. [124498]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Postal Services Bill is going through Parliament and the new Consumer Council for Postal Services (CCPS) is expected to be in place by 1 January 2001. It has been widely accepted that the existing arrangements for consumer representation in postal services should be reviewed as part of the process of forming the new Council. In April, Peter Carr, Chairman of the Post Office Users' National Council (POUNC) and Chair designate of the CCPS, issued a consultation document that sought views from interested parties on the new regional structure for CCPS.

  It would be premature to make a statement until Peter Carr has had an opportunity to examine all the views he has received and has formally submitted his proposals to the Secretary of State for him to consider and approve.

  Wind Energy
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will announce a new programme of support for offshore wind energy projects; and if he will make a statement. [124680]
  125W
  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government fully recognise the importance of offshore wind in reaching the target of providing 10 per cent. of the UK's electricity from renewable energy by 2010.

  As I mentioned in the "Conclusions in Response to the Public Consultation" on renewable energy, the Government are looking at the possibility of some limited additional support for offshore wind (and energy crops). The renewable energy industry has also been consulted as part of the DETR—led consultation on the Energy Efficiency Measures under the Climate Change Levy package, on how a part of the £50 million Levy Fund might be used to promote renewables.

  Sierra Leone
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received concerning the Foyle Airline's involvement in carrying arms to Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement. [123555]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: None.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on how many occasions since 31 March 1999(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124117]

  Mr. Byers
  During the period 31 March 1999 to the end of March 2000, Special Advisers in this department travelled overseas on one occasion.

  Telecommunications Masts
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the(a) Latvian and (b) University of Berne Schwarzenberg studies on populations residing in the vicinity of radio telecommunications masts; and what is his planned programme for the further review by the Stuart Committee. [123891]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Latvian study is of populations residing in close proximity to a military radio location station that operates a high power pulsed radar installation. The University of Berne study examined the local population residing in the vicinity of a high power short wave broadcast transmitter located at Schwarzenburg in Switzerland. Although the Schwarzenburg installation is also used for air radio and wireless telecommunications, the authors of the study note that these operate at far lower levels and suggest that they can be neglected. Thus neither study is directly relevant to radio telecommunications. I have nevertheless asked the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) for advice about these studies.

  The Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (IEGMP), chaired by Sir William Stewart, recommended a further review of possible health effects of mobile phone technology in three years time, or earlier if circumstances demand it. The Government response confirmed we are keen to maintain the momentum of reviewing the health effects of mobile phone technologies and recognises that the IEGMP recommends a further review in three years' time. We will be asking for further research in this area to be kept under continual review by the National
  126W
  Radiological Protection Board, and we expect a report on progress with both national and international research activities to be produced in three years' time, or when significant information becomes available.

  EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

    Early Years Education
    Mr. Kidney
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the accuracy of forecasts of pre-school learning places made by(a) his Department and (b) the pre-school Learning Alliance since 1997. [123101]

    Ms Hodge
    My Department collects information about pupils in maintained and independent schools in the Annual Schools Census. Information about Government—funded places in private nursery schools, pre-schools and playgroups, and independent schools, which are registered with Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships, is obtained from the Early Years Census.

    I understand that the pre-school Learning Alliance (PLA) does not collect information about pre-school places, but it does conduct an annual survey of a sample of pre-schools asking whether they think their group is threatened with closure. The PLA's most recent survey published in March was based on a sample of 722 pre-schools and playgroups.

    We commissioned an independent review of pre-schools and playgroups last summer to look at what further steps could be taken to help pre-schools and playgroups play their full part in the expansion of early education and child care services, and have responded positively to its recommendations. We also announced a further scheme to assist pre-schools and playgroups facing financial difficulties.

    Mr. Ashdown
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many places in pre-school education for three-year-olds have been funded by the Government in each local education authority; what proportion of this age cohort this represents for each local education authority; and if he will make a statement. [122239]

    Ms Hodge
    [holding answer 16 May 2000]: The Government provided specific funding for new, free early education places for three-year-olds for the first time in 1999–2000, although some local education authorities did provide free places before that. The following table shows the number of free early education places for three-year-olds funded by means of Nursery Education Grant in spring term 2000, the latest period for which figures are available. 65 local education authorities received grants for the spring term. From the summer term 2000, all will do so. In 1999–2000, 80 per cent. of the new Government—funded places were in the private and voluntary sectors. £100 million is being provided for 2000–01 which will fund an additional 83,000 places.

    These figures do not include funding for provision for under-fives in the maintained sector made through the Standard Spending Assessment. We will shortly be publishing data from the annual Schools Census on the

    127W
    number of children receiving free early education places in the maintained sector, and a copy will be placed in the Library.

    Population estimates for individual years of age are not sufficiently robust, at local education authority level, to enable the calculation of participation rates.

    Local education authority area

    Three-year-old places

    Barking and Dagenham

    294

    Barnsley

    226

    Birmingham

    3,487

    Blackburn with Darwen

    438

    Blackpool

    1,271

    Bolton

    796

    Bradford

    805

    Brent

    754

    Brighton and Hove

    712

    Camden

    769

    City of Leicester

    964

    Cornwall

    1,666

    Coventry

    1,047

    Doncaster

    110

    Durham

    357

    Ealing

    555

    Gateshead

    562

    Greenwich

    715

    Hackney

    964

    Halton

    565

    Hammersmith and Fulham

    421

    Haringey

    734

    Hartlepool

    36

    Hounslow

    479

    Isle of Wight

    23

    Islington

    793

    Kingston upon Hull

    460

    Kirklees

    407

    Knowsley

    73

    Lambeth

    1,356

    Leeds

    1,779

    Lewisham

    830

    Liverpool

    1,297

    Manchester

    529

    Middlesbrough

    53

    North East Lincolnshire

    521

    Newcastle upon Tyne

    823

    Newham

    743

    North Tyneside

    54

    Nottingham, City of

    657

    Oldham

    846

    Plymouth

    358

    Redcar and Cleveland

    2

    Rochdale

    885

    Rotherham

    811

    Salford

    147

    Sandwell

    471

    Sefton

    321

    Sheffield

    1,808

    Table 1: Children aged three in free early—years education places1 England and each local education authority in London, 1996–2000 (provisional)

    Position as at January

    LEA name

    19962

    19972

    19982

    19992

    20033,5

    England

    210,075

    214,173

    222,031

    225,669

    266,410

    Barking and Dagenham4

    1,331

    1,332

    1,408

    1,329

    1,630

    Barnet

    1,780

    2,021

    2,010

    2,026

    2,010

    Bexley

    1,009

    1,069

    1,242

    1,300

    1,390

    Brent4

    1,778

    1,712

    1,706

    1,708

    2,380

    Bromley

    111

    107

    197

    216

    240

    Camden4

    765

    802

    890

    928

    1,450

    City of London

    12

    11

    15

    11

    10

    Croydon

    1,420

    1,537

    1,720

    1,859

    1,830

    128W

    Local education authority area

    Three-year-old places

    South Tyneside

    81

    Southwark

    745

    St. Helens

    362

    Stockton on Tees

    67

    Stoke on Trent

    332

    Sunderland

    690

    Tameside

    516

    Telford and Wrekin

    464

    Tower Hamlets

    315

    Wakefield

    478

    Walsall

    102

    Waltham Forest

    773

    Wandsworth

    1,393

    Westminster

    579

    Wirral

    1,206

    Wolverhampton

    135

    Total

    43,012

    Mr. Simon Hughes
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many three-year-olds had free early-years education places providing five or more sessions of education per week(a) in 1979, (b) in 1990 and (c) for each year from 1992 to 1999 (i) in England and (ii) in each local education authority in London. [122709]

    Ms Hodge
    [holding answer 19 May 2000]: The information is not available in the form requested. Up to September 1999, 'free' places for three-year-olds were available only in maintained nursery and primary schools funded directly by local education authorities. Since September 1999 specific funding by the Government for three-year-olds has been extended to private, voluntary and independent providers via the Early-Years Development and Childcare Partnerships in 65 local education authorities, including 18 London authorities. From summer 2000 this extra funding will be available in all local authority areas.

    The available information on the numbers of three-year-olds in early-years provision for England and in each local education authority in London is shown in the following tables. Table 1 gives the number of children in free early-years education places from 1996 to 2000. Table 2 shows the number of new funded places for three-year-olds being created in all sectors over the next year, including projected figures for summer 2000, autumn 2000 and spring 2001.

    The new places are supported by £100 million of funding. Half of all three-year-olds will have access to a free place by spring 2001, and the Government are well on track to meet the 2002 target of expanding overall nursery provision to 66 per cent. of three-year-olds.
    129W

    Table 1: Children aged three in free early-years education places1 England and each local education authority in London, 1996–2000 (provisional)

    Position as at January

    LEA name

    19962

    19972

    19982

    19992

    20003,5

    Ealing4

    2,705

    2,625

    2,692

    2,686

    3,140

    Enfield

    1,110

    1,112

    1,136

    1,235

    1,230

    Greenwich4

    1,785

    1,981

    1,841

    1,889

    2,600

    Hackney4

    1,536

    1,474

    1,543

    1,624

    2,430

    Hammersmith and Fulham4

    1,055

    1,053

    1,055

    1,061

    1,470

    Haringey4

    1,894

    2,004

    1,944

    1,949

    2,210

    Harrow

    489

    451

    588

    576

    620

    Havering

    378

    449

    464

    459

    550

    Hillingdon

    473

    560

    620

    636

    1,360

    Hounslow4

    1,562

    1,563

    1,605

    1,505

    1,990

    Islington4

    1,342

    1,266

    1,256

    1,283

    1,840

    Kensington and Chelsea

    486

    542

    523

    513

    590

    Kingston upon Thames

    931

    888

    892

    892

    930

    Lambeth4

    1,396

    1,462

    1,855

    1,911

    3,150

    Lewisham4

    1,363

    1,412

    1,475

    1,877

    2,560

    Merton

    1,749

    1,644

    1,707

    1,668

    1,670

    Newham4

    2,074

    2,030

    2,103

    3,189

    3,860

    Redbridge

    626

    687

    824

    1,318

    1,600

    Richmond upon Thames

    597

    570

    587

    555

    590

    Southwark4

    2,158

    2,222

    2,290

    2,278

    2,820

    Sutton

    270

    325

    259

    289

    250

    Tower Hamlets4

    2,288

    2,340

    2,264

    2,405

    2,610

    Waltham Forest4

    1,069

    944

    1,209

    1,281

    2,040

    Wandsworth4

    1,590

    1,614

    1,590

    1,584

    2,860

    Westminster4

    737

    727

    794

    824

    1,300

    1 Prior to September 1999, free places for three-year-olds were only available in maintained nursery and primary schools. Since September 1999 funding has been extended to private, voluntary and independent providers.

    2 Headcount numbers collected from maintained schools in January each year as part of the Annual Schools' Census.

    3 Estimates combining Annual Schools' Census data from maintained schools in January 2000 and data submitted by LEAs for Nursery Education Grant purposes relating to private, voluntary and independent providers in spring 2000.

    4 LEAs eligible to provide funding for three-year-olds in the private, voluntary and independent sectors via Early-Years Development and Childcare Partnerships. In spring 2000 there were a total of 65 such LEAs in England.

    5 Provisional.

    Table 2: New funded places for three-year-olds1 in England and in each local education authority in London by sector: projected position as at summer 2000, autumn 2000 and spring 2001

    Summer 2000

    LEA name

    LEA maintained

    Private

    Voluntary

    Independent

    England

    6,067

    25,598

    24,953

    3,344

    Barking and Dagenham

    100

    60

    202

    0

    Barnet

    0

    41

    40

    0

    Bexley

    0

    0

    55

    0

    Brent

    0

    750

    50

    0

    Bromley

    25

    170

    171

    0

    Camden

    0

    0

    0

    0

    City of London

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Croydon

    0

    450

    450

    0

    Ealing

    25

    335

    50

    0

    Enfield

    0

    428

    0

    0

    Greenwich

    10

    205

    273

    186

    Hackney

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Hammersmith and Fulham

    0

    332

    41

    10

    Haringey

    230

    50

    420

    4

    Harrow

    0

    30

    0

    0

    Havering

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Hillingdon

    0

    492

    0

    0

    Hounslow

    146

    417

    78

    0

    Islington

    188

    171

    481

    0

    Kensington and Chelsea

    0

    150

    180

    0

    Kingston upon Thames

    0

    35

    0

    0

    Lambeth

    153

    550

    497

    200

    Lewisham

    0

    411

    423

    0

    Merton

    0

    5

    5

    2

    Newham

    250

    100

    315

    0

    Redbridge

    26

    400

    400

    87

    Richmond upon Thames

    41

    0

    0

    0

    Southwark

    128

    51

    419

    0

    Sutton

    0

    23

    23

    0

    130W

    131W

    Table 2: New funded places for three-year-olds1 in England and in each local education authority in London by sector: projected position as at summer 2000, autumn 2000 and spring 2001

    Summer 2000

    LEA name

    LEA maintained

    Private

    Voluntary

    Independent

    Tower Hamlets

    0

    0

    275

    0

    Waltham Forest

    1,110

    282

    541

    5

    Wandsworth

    282

    600

    250

    366

    Westminster

    107

    188

    251

    60

    Autumn 2000

    LEA name

    LEA maintained

    Private

    Voluntary

    Independent

    England

    11,282

    30,025

    25,941

    4,808

    Barking and Dagenham

    30

    10

    60

    0

    Barnet

    0

    41

    40

    0

    Bexley

    0

    0

    74

    0

    Brent

    0

    750

    50

    0

    Bromley

    0

    170

    171

    0

    Camden

    214

    172

    189

    0

    City of London

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Croydon

    0

    450

    450

    0

    Ealing

    25

    335

    50

    0

    Enfield

    0

    886

    0

    0

    Greenwich

    10

    205

    273

    186

    Hackney

    95

    15

    231

    284

    Hammersmith and Fulham

    0

    329

    41

    10

    Haringey

    650

    25

    25

    4

    Harrow

    0

    300

    0

    0

    Havering

    240

    56

    13

    9

    Hillingdon

    0

    554

    0

    0

    Hounslow

    146

    135

    25

    0

    Islington

    188

    171

    469

    0

    Kensington and Chelsea

    150

    180

    0

    0

    Kingston upon Thames

    0

    35

    0

    0

    Lambeth

    153

    550

    497

    200

    Lewisham

    0

    430

    423

    0

    Merton

    0

    5

    5

    2

    Newham

    250

    450

    450

    0

    Redbridge

    26

    400

    400

    87

    Richmond upon Thames

    4

    0

    0

    0

    Southwark

    128

    51

    419

    0

    Sutton

    0

    23

    23

    0

    Tower Hamlets

    0

    0

    275

    0

    Waltham Forest

    1,110

    282

    541

    5

    Wandsworth

    799

    589

    265

    366

    Westminster

    107

    188

    251

    60

    Spring 2001

    LEA name

    LEA maintained

    Private

    Voluntary

    Independent

    England

    10,673

    30,937

    28,006

    2,569

    Barking and Dagenham

    35

    30

    259

    0

    Barnet

    0

    41

    40

    0

    Bexley

    0

    0

    45

    0

    Brent

    0

    750

    50

    0

    Bromley

    0

    170

    171

    0

    Camden

    364

    311

    222

    3

    City of London

    1

    0

    0

    0

    Croydon

    0

    450

    450

    0

    Ealing

    25

    335

    50

    0

    Enfield

    0

    1,314

    0

    0

    Greenwich

    10

    205

    273

    186

    Hackney

    179

    121

    490

    340

    Hammersmith and Fulham

    0

    327

    41

    10

    Haringey

    120

    50

    430

    4

    Harrow

    0

    300

    0

    0

    Havering

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Hillingdon

    0

    432

    0

    0

    Hounslow

    146

    257

    48

    0

    Islington

    188

    171

    481

    0

    132W

    133W

    Spring 2001

    LEA name

    LEA maintained

    Private

    Voluntary

    Independent

    Kensington and Chelsea

    150

    180

    0

    0

    Kingston upon Thames

    0

    35

    0

    0

    Lambeth

    153

    550

    497

    200

    Lewisham

    0

    430

    448

    0

    Merton

    0

    15

    10

    2

    Newham

    250

    100

    250

    0

    Redbridge

    26

    400

    400

    87

    Richmond upon Thames

    41

    0

    0

    0

    Southwark

    128

    51

    419

    0

    Sutton

    0

    23

    23

    0

    Tower Hamlets

    0

    0

    275

    0

    Waltham Forest

    1,110

    282

    541

    5

    Wandsworth

    297

    629

    265

    366

    Westminster

    107

    188

    251

    60

    1 Estimates based upon an analysis of Early—Years Development and Childcare Partnership Plans

    Ms Kelly
    To ask the Secretary of state for Education and Employment (1) how much his Department has spent on the provision of nursery places; and what estimate he has made of the number of nursery places created by this funding in each year since 1997 and in 2000–01; [122529]

    (2) how much has been spent by his Department on the provision of nursery places since 1997; [122605]

    (3) what estimate his Department has made of the number of nursery places in each year since 1997. [123021]

    Ms Hodge
    [holding answers 17 May 2000, 18 May 2000 and 22 May 2000]: The following table shows the number of early education places for three and four-year-olds that have been taken up in each year since 1997. It also shows the amount of funding the Government have made available to fund these places through either Nursery Education Grant or the Under Five's Education Standard Spending Assessment (SSA) sub block, which has been increased by £253 million from £1,089 million in 1997–98 to £1,342 million in 2000–01, and on current plans is estimated to increase to £1,430 million in 2001–02. The 1998 figure represents an increase of 25 per cent. in the number of free, early education places taken up in 1992.

    Estimated take up of 3 and 4–year—old places for each year between 1997–98 and 2001–02 with associated funding

    Funding £ million

    Places

    1997–98

    1,189

    787,976

    1998–99

    1,299.7

    800,560

    1999–2000

    1,441.9

    858,944

    2000–01

    1,567.4

    908,085

    2001–02

    1,805

    1,015,000

    Mr. Kidney
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pre-school learning places have(a) ceased to exist and (b) been created in each year since April 1991. [123100]

    Ms Hodge
    Information is not available in the form requested. The Department does collect information on playgroups and other day care facilities, which is published in Statistical Volume "Children's Day Care Facilities" (as at 31 March) which is available from the Library. This shows that the total number of places in pre-schools and playgroups fell from 383,700 in 1997 to 134W
    347,200 in 1999, a reduction of 36,500. This was due to the introduction of vouchers by the previous Administration. However, since 1999, information from Early Years Development Plans indicates that an extra 33,000 places will have been created in playgroups and the voluntary sector by Spring 2001 as a result of the introduction of early years development partnerships.

    The number of funded early education places for three and four year olds that have been taken up in each year since 1997 are as follows:

    Year

    Number

    1997–98

    787,976

    1998–99

    800,560

    1999–00

    858,944

    2000–01

    908,085

    Mr. Kidney
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what reviews he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated of the funding mechanism for the provision of pre-school learning places. [123103]

    Ms Hodge
    The independent review of pre-schools and playgroups, commissioned by the Government last year, included several recommendations concerning funding for early years. The main recommendation called for consultation on the feasibility of a funding system to replace the nursery grants and child care grant, which would allow greater flexibility to meet local needs, and greater stability for pre-schools and playgroups. The progress report, published last week, set out the current position: the Department will, as part of its own spending review, evaluate whether changes can be made to the current arrangements to further assist those nursery settings outside the maintained sector. We expect to complete this by the end of the year.

    In response to other funding recommendations in the report, we have announced funding of £500,000 for a further scheme to assist pre-schools and playgroups facing financial difficulties, to give them a further breathing space as policy initiatives work through to individual groups, and £250,000 for projects to help pre-schools and playgroups develop, in partnership with others, as the early education and care places expand.

    Further Education
    Mrs. Organ
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the average length of a post vacancy for a further education college lecturer in England; and how many posts are vacant in further education colleges in England. [124176]

    Mr. Wicks
    Each college in the further education sector is responsible for the recruitment of its staff. Information on vacancies and the duration of posts for further education lecturers in England is not held centrally.

    Mrs. Organ
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the reasons why the further education sector has been excluded from the South-West transition group for the local learning and skills councils; and if this is the case in other regions. [124174]

    Mr. Wicks
    The role of the South West task groups is to collect information from current funding bodies (such as TECs, FEFC, and local education authorities) on the range and volume of provision currently being funded in each Learning and Skills Council area. The aim is to ensure that sufficient funds will be available in each area to at least maintain current levels of provision and to avoid any disruption to learners from the introduction of the new arrangements.

    There is no requirement for further education colleges to be represented on task groups since they are not funding bodies. However, a representative of the Association of Colleges is a member of the Regional Transition Steering Group, which oversees the transition to the new arrangements in the South West. Similar arrangements apply in other regions.

    National Curriculum (History)
    Mr. Clappison
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if the textbook entitled Minds and Machines—Britain 1750–1900, published by Longman, is an approved text for Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum. [122348]

    Jacqui Smith
    It has always been for governing bodies and teachers to decide which books best meet the requirements of the National Curriculum in their school. In history at Key Stage 3, the curriculum requires the study of Britain 1750–1900 including how worldwide expansion, industrialisation and political developments combined to shape modern Britain.

    Child Care
    Ms Kelly
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the annual cost of the National Child Care Strategy to date; and what his estimate is of the annual impact of this policy on the provision of child care places in each year since its establishment and in 2000–01. [122530]

    Ms Hodge
    [holding answer 16 May 2000]: The annual costs of the National Child Care Strategy in England and related new child care places are as follows:
    In 1998–99 £46 million was spent and 66,000 new child care places were created; this includes £5 million to the Further Education Funding Council who created 11,000 places for students in Further Education.
    136W
    In 1999–2000 a total of £58.25 million was spent, £17 million of which was from the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) on out of school hours care, and £5 million was through the Further Education Funding Council on places for 0–4 year olds. Forecasts indicate that at the end of March 2000, 120,000 new places will have been created; this includes 5,000 through the FEFC.
    In 2000–2001 £63 million has been allocated to provide 135,000 new child care places; this includes £5 million for FEFC to provide 5,000 new places for 0–4 year olds. NOF do not allocate resources on an annual basis as this is a rolling programme, but £170 million is available from 1999–2003 to support the creation of new out of school places.

    Unemployment Benefit
    Mr. Fallon
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many claimants were refused unemployment benefit because they declined to take an available job in 1997, 1998 and 1999. [122389]

    Ms Jowell
    [holding answer 16 May 2000]: Unemployment Benefit was replaced by Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) in October 1996. The following figures, which we collect on a quarterly basis within operational years, include JSA sanctions imposed as a result of jobseekers refusing offers of employment, and a small number of Unemployment Benefit disqualifications relating to refusal of employment doubts arising before JSA was introduced.

    Operational year

    Refusal of employment disqualifications/sanctions

    1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998

    22,738

    1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

    11,442

    1 April 1999 to 31 December 1999

    13,530

    Figures for the final quarter of the 1999–2000 operational year, from 1 January 2000 to 31 March 2000, have not yet been published. Information on the numbers and types of decisions given by Employment Service Decision Makers on JSA labour market questions are published in the "Analysis of Sector Decision Making" (formerly known as the "Analysis of Adjudication Officers' Decisions"), copies of which are held in the House of Commons Library. The figures for the quarter ending March 2000 will be published by the end of May and placed in the Library.

    PGCE Courses
    Mr. Clappison
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to the oral statement of the Parliamentary under-Secretary of State for Education and Employment of 16 May 2000,Official Report, columns 252–53, how many applications for PGCE courses in secondary teaching in (a) maths, (b) modern foreign languages, (c) science and (d) technology have been received since 30 March; and how many were received in the corresponding period in the previous year. [123037]

    Ms Estelle Morris
    The Government announced on 30 March that training salaries would be introduced for postgraduate trainees starting initial teacher training courses from September 2000. Applications for PGCE courses in England and Wales for secondary teaching in
    137W
    maths, modern foreign languages, science and technology received since 30 March together with comparative figures for the previous year are given in the table.

    Applications from 1 April 2000 to 13 May 2000

    Applications from 3 April 1999 to 15 May 1999

    Mathematics

    208

    209

    Science

    467

    460

    Modem Languages

    385

    268

    Technology

    202

    175

    Note:

    The above figures are for applications as entered on the GTTR computer system.

    Source:

    Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR)

    Mr. Clappison
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many applications have been received for PGCE courses in(a) primary teaching and (b) secondary teaching, broken down by subject, commencing in September 2000 according to the most recent figures available; and how many were received at the same stage the previous year for commencement in September 1999. [123052]

    Ms Estelle Morris
    Numbers of applications for postgraduate initial teacher training courses in England and Wales at primary level and secondary level by subject, together with comparative figures for last year are given in the following table.

    13 May 2000

    15 May 1999

    Primary

    11,953

    12,912

    Mathematics

    822

    966

    English and Drama

    2,033

    2,285

    Science

    1,838

    2,060

    Modem Languages

    1,529

    1,529

    Technology

    694

    822

    History

    1,290

    1,425

    Geography

    707

    796

    PE

    1,392

    1,313

    Art

    842

    906

    Music

    416

    462

    RE

    491

    589

    Other

    362

    452

    Total Secondary

    12,416

    13,605

    Total

    24,369

    26,517

    Notes:

    1. For the first time, applications for PGCE primary courses in 1999–2000 had a deadline of 15 December 1998 for guaranteed consideration by their first choice institution. The 15 December deadline has continued for 2000–01.

    2. The above figures are for applications as entered on the GTTR computer system.

    3. Primary includes Middle (Key Stage 2/3).

    Source:

    Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR).

    The Government announced on 30 March that training salaries would be introduced for postgraduate trainees starting initial teacher training courses from September 2000. Since that date 502 (22 per cent.) more applications
    138W
    have been input on the Graduate Teacher Training Registry computer system than for the equivalent period last year.

    Public Bodies (Relocation)
    Mr. Steinberg
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies and local public spending bodies for which his Department is responsible that(a) have been transferred since 1992 and (b) are planned to be transferred (i) to and (ii) from the Northern Region. [123409]

    Mr. Wills
    There has not been any transfer of executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies or local public spending bodies for which the Department is responsible to, or from, the Northern Region since 1992. Similarly, there are no plans for any transfer.

    Skills Shortages
    Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what additional help has been provided to small and medium-sized enterprises since May 1997 to help them tackle skills shortages. [123460]

    Mr. Wicks
    [holding answer 23 May 2000]: Much of the support provided to help small and medium-sized enterprises tackle skills shortages is distributed through Training and Enterprise Councils. In particular, the Department provides the Councils with a flexible local competitiveness budget to help support local firms. In the last three financial years this budget has totalled £180 million.

    In autumn this year, I expect the Government's plans for a university for industry to come to fruition, when learndirect becomes fully operational. Small and medium-sized enterprises are a priority for learndirect, and it will introduce new and more flexible ways for small firms to meet their skills needs, through the internet and a range of high quality on-line learning materials. Last year the Government made some £50 million available to develop this important new initiative and have just announced funding of £84 million for this year.

    The Department also funds the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI) to share good business practice and to help small firms survive and thrive. It provides support to small businesses from sole traders to companies with up to 20 employees.

    The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is in the process of establishing a new Small Business Service to provide comprehensive support to small and medium-sized enterprises, including support for the development of their workforces. The full local network is expected to be in place by April 2001.

    Sixth Forms
    Mr. Chaytor
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent research he has commissioned on pupil performance in small sixth forms; and if he will make a statement. [123508]
    139W
    Mr. Wicks
    Our most recent statistics show that, in 1998–99, average GCE A—level points scores for 17-year-olds attempting 1+ A/AS level (excluding General Studies) in maintained school sixth forms were as follows:

    Point scores

    Average

    15.3

    50 pupils or less

    9.2

    201 pupils or more

    16.6

    Socrates Programme
    Mr. Bercow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the objectives of the youth element of the Socrates Programme in the UK concerning the Building of Europe and Strengthening of Sense of Solidarity; what specific European(a) social and (b) political model is envisaged; and if he will make a statement. [123603]

    Ms Jowell
    The EU Socrates Programme supports education co-operation between member states and does not support youth activities. These are covered by the EU Youth Programme which principally supports exchanges of young people between member states. Article 2.1 (a) and (b) of the European Council Decision1 under which the Youth Programme operates states that the objectives of the programme are:

    (a) "to promote an active contribution by young people to the building of Europe through their participation in transnational exchanges within the Community or with third countries so as develop understanding of the cultural diversity of Europe and its fundamental common values, thus helping to promote respect for human rights and to combat racism, anti-semitism and xenophobia;

    (b) to strengthen their sense of solidarity through more extensive participation by young people in transnational community—service activities within the Community or with third countries, in particular those with which the Community has concluded co-soperation agreements".

    The Council Decision does not envisage or promote any specific European social or political model.

    1 Decision No. 1031/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 April 2000 establishing the "Youth" Community action programme (Official Journal L 117, 18.5.2000, p. 1).

    Education and the Euro
    Mr. Bercow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the(a) mandate and (b) activities to date of the European Community Working Group on Education and the Euro, with particular reference to its planned activities in the UK. [123614]

    Ms Jowell
    This Commission working group was set up to exchange experience and good practice about euro information activities for schools. It has met three times to date. The group does not have the power to propose activity in the UK or any other member state.

    Laptops
    Mr. Keith Simpson
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many laptop computers 140W
    used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in his Department have been (a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123734]

    Mr. Wills
    [holding answer 25 May 2000]: Since May 1997, 17 laptop computers have been reported as stolen in the Department for Education and Employment. None has been reported as lost. In order to counter future incidents of theft, laptop computers are now electronically tagged.

    Student Financial Support
    Mr. Andrew George
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what financial support is available to students in the first 28 weeks of leave of absence for the purpose of medical treatment or therapy. [123761]

    Mr. Wicks
    Under the Education (Student Support) Regulations, full-time students in England and Wales who are absent from their course because of illness are entitled to continue to receive student support for the first 60 days of absence. Before academic year 1998–99 this was only 28 days. Local education authorities have the discretion to decide whether such students continue to receive support after the first 60 days' absence. Among the factors they will consider in coming to a decision is the possibility of financial hardship.

    Additional assistance for students studying in the UK who are absent from their course due to illness may be available through the Access Funds. These allow universities and colleges to provide discretionary support for students in particular need; and a total of £76.4 million has been made available in England for the 1999–2000 academic year.

    British Sign Language
    Mr. Coaker
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what representations he has received calling for the official recognition of British Sign Language; and if he will make a statement; [123770]

    (2) what plans he has to grant official recognition to British Sign Language. [123783]

    Ms Hodge
    The Government have received a number of representations about recognition of British Sign Language, particularly since they announced their intention to ratify the Council of Europe's "European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages". The Charter contains what appears to be a fairly specific definition of what constitutes a regional or minority language. It is clear that those who drafted the Charter did not intend that sign languages come within its terms. We understand that of the 22 member states which have signed the Charter, nine have ratified it and none of these countries has specified their indigenous sign language. We have concluded that consideration of sign languages should not impede signature and ratification but the issue should be explored with other parties once we have ratified the Charter. The Charter has been signed and ratification is currently subject to Parliamentary procedures. Our understanding is that, after ratification, representations on sign languages could be considered by the Charter's Committee of Experts in about 18 months' time when the UK would be submitting its report on the implementation of its obligations under the Charter.

    Deaf Children
    Mr. Coaker
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the adequacy of specialist nursery provision for children who are deaf; and if he will make a statement. [123772]

    Jacqui Smith
    Inspection of specialist and mainstream early education provision is carried out by Ofsted. The inspectors check whether staff in the settings are following the Desirable Learning Outcomes (to be replaced with the new Early Learning Goals in September 2000) and are having regard to the Code of Practice on the identification and assessment of special educational needs (SEN).

    Where settings cater mainly for children with SEN, the inspection is undertaken by an inspector who is specially trained by Ofsted to inspect SEN provision, using additional guidance developed by Ofsted for this purpose.

    Opinion Research
    Mr. Don Foster
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will place copies of the

    Table of New Deal for Schools allocations—Shropshire local education authority

    £

    Project

    NDS 1 1997–98

    NDS 2 1998–99

    NDS 3 1999–2000

    NDS 4 2000–01

    LEA wide ICT package to provide fibre optic spines in 39 schools

    185,000

    —

    —

    —

    Wilfred Owen County Primary School—Replacement of classroom

    —

    37,950

    —

    —

    West Felton CE Primary School—Replacement of classroom

    —

    37,950

    —

    —

    Shrewsbury Severndale Special School—Replacement of classrooms

    —

    89,980

    —

    —

    Bridgnorth Oldbury Wells School—Repairs to concrete framing

    —

    264,000

    —

    —

    Adderley CE Primary School—Recovering of roof to demountable classroom

    —

    1,908

    —

    —

    Broseley the John Wilkinson CE Primary School—Recovering of roof to demountable classroom

    —

    1,908

    —

    —

    Market Drayton Junior School—Recovering of roof to demountable classroom

    —

    1,908

    —

    —

    Shrewsbury Harlescourt Junior School—Recovering of roof to demountable classroom

    —

    7,632

    —

    —

    Woodfield Infant School—Recovering of roof to demountable classroom

    —

    1,906

    —

    —

    Cleobury Mortimer Lacon Childe School—Recovering of roof to demountable classroom

    —

    3,816

    —

    —

    Ellesmere Lakelands—Recovering of roof to demountable classroom

    —

    1,908

    —

    —

    Rhyn Park School—Renewal of roof coverings to demountable classroom

    —

    4,368

    —

    —

    Belvedere School—Renewal of roof coverings to demountable classroom

    —

    3,816

    —

    —

    Meole Brace School—Renewal of roof coverings to demountable classroom

    —

    1,908

    —

    —

    Adams Wren School—Renewal of roof coverings to demountable classroom

    —

    1,908

    —

    —

    Clunbury CE School—Replace outside toilets

    —

    81,186

    —

    —

    Farlow CE Primary School—External WC replacement

    —

    63,250

    —

    —

    Bridgnorth St. Leonards Junior School—Repairs to SCOLA building

    —

    343,750

    —

    —

    Broseley CE Primary School—Repairs to SCOLA system building

    —

    233,200

    —

    —

    Shropshire Music and Arts Centre—Replacement of demountable

    —

    —

    71,991

    —

    Lakelands School—Replacement of dilapidated demountable

    —

    —

    39,176

    —

    Barrow CE School—Replacement of dilapidated demountable

    —

    —

    44,263

    —

    Caynham CE School—Replacement of dilapidated demountable

    —

    —

    45,678

    —

    St. Oswalds School—Replacement of dilapidated demountable

    —

    —

    45,067

    —

    Meole Brace School—Replace leaking roof

    —

    —

    66,000

    —

    Sir John Talbot School—Upgrade specialist accommodation

    —

    —

    49,960

    —

    Package of 4 schools—Improve inadequate fire precautions

    —

    —

    517,200

    —

    Package of 165 schools—Asbestos identification

    —

    —

    317,002

    —

    Condover CE Primary School—Replacement of HORSA building

    —

    —

    —

    265,299

    The Corbet School—Replacement of temporary classroom

    —

    —

    —

    55,780

    Holy Cross CE Junior School—Replacement of temporary classroom

    —

    —

    —

    38,700

    Ludlow School—Fire Precautions

    —

    —

    —

    123,557

    Community College, Bishops Castle—Replacement roof

    —

    —

    —

    175,974

    The Grove School—Replacement roof

    —

    —

    —

    120,765

    Shifnal Primary School—Refenestration

    —

    —

    —

    170,089

    Albrighton St. Mary's School—Refenestration

    —

    —

    —

    138,024

    Severndale School—Refenestration

    —

    —

    —

    119.148

    Radbrook Primary School—Replacement of hard play area

    —

    —

    —

    32,943

    Oldbury Wells School—Replacement of curtain walling

    —

    —

    —

    371,884

    142W
    results of all market and opinion research carried out by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997, in the Library. [123806]

    Mr. Wicks
    [holding answer 25 May 2000]: Results of some of the market and opinion research projects commissioned by the Department since May 1997 are already held in the House of Commons Library. I will arrange for the results of the other projects commissioned in this period to be sent to the Library.

    New Deal for Schools
    Mr. Paul Marsden
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 8 May 2000,Official Report, columns 291–93W, if he will list those New Deal for Schools allocations, about which information is held by Shropshire LEA, which do not relate wholly to Shrewsbury and Atcham; and if he will make a statement. [123911]

    Jacqui Smith
    The following table shows all allocations made to Shropshire local education authority through the New Deal for Schools programme.
    143W

    Table of New Deal for Schools allocations—Shropshire local education authority

    £

    Project

    NDS 1 1997–98

    NDS 2 1998–99

    NDS 3 1999–2000

    NDS 4 2000–01

    The Grove School—Replacement of curtain walling

    —

    —

    —

    44,053

    Package—Community College, Bishops Castle and William Brookes School Replacement of curtain walling

    —

    —

    —

    89,426

    The Grove School—Refurbishment of CDT areas

    —

    —

    —

    245,338

    Package—Albrighton Junior School, Wilfred Owen School, The Grange School, Bridgnorth Endowed School—Roofing repairs

    —

    —

    —

    216,889

    Bridgnorth St. Mary's School—Roofing repairs

    —

    —

    —

    35,398

    Shifnal St. Andrews School—Roofing repairs

    —

    —

    —

    159,584

    Package—Shifnal Primary School, Shawbury St. Mary's School, Springfield Infants School—Roof repairs and fire breaks

    —

    —

    —

    184,694

    Package—Buntingsdale Infants School, Ludlow Infants School—Roofing repairs to demountables

    —

    —

    —

    18,865

    Package—Beech Grove School, Springfield Infants School—Refenestration to Mk1 SCOLA buildings

    —

    —

    —

    143,106

    Severndale School—Replacement heating system

    —

    —

    —

    65,789

    Worfield Endowed School—Replace boiler

    —

    —

    —

    11,220

    Corvedale CE School—Replace boiler

    —

    —

    —

    11,715

    Bridgnorth St. Mary's—Replace boiler controls

    —

    —

    —

    3,300

    Bridgnorth St. John's School—Replace heating system

    —

    —

    —

    11,154

    The Corbett School—Replace heating boilers

    —

    —

    —

    60,537

    Worfield Endowed School—Replace fire alarm system

    —

    —

    —

    13,298

    St. Oswald's RC School—Replace electrical switchgear

    —

    —

    —

    4,660

    Package—Shawbury Primary School, Bomere Heath Primary School, Newtown School, Bishops Castle Primary School, Whitchurch Infant School, Kinnerley School, Bayston Hill Longmeadow School—Improvement to IT/GP areas

    —

    —

    —

    180,983

    Totals

    £185,000

    £184,252

    £1,196,337

    £3,112,172

    Forms
    Mrs. Lait
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the net change in each year since May 1997 in the number of forms issued by his Department which(a) charities and (b) other voluntary organisations are required to complete. [123950]

    Mr. Wicks
    In its monitoring of regulatory impact, DfEE does not distinguish the numbers of forms issued exclusively to charities and voluntary organisations which they are required to complete. The collation of this data could be done only at disproportionate cost. However, I am unaware of any requirement placed on charities or voluntary organisations as such, over and above what applies equally to any other providers of education, training or employment.

    Part-time Employees (Pension Rights)
    Mr. Boswell
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has carried out of the costs to the further education sector of the recent European Court judgment retrospectively extending pension rights to Part-time employees. [123976]

    Mr. Wicks
    This is a complex ruling which needs careful consideration. It also has to be referred back to the House of Lords for their judgment.

    College Fees
    Mr. Boswell
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent representations he has received in connection with the funding of college fees for graduates in receipt of financial support from a research council. [124538]
    144W
    Mr. Wicks
    The Secretary of State has received no recent representations on this issue.

    Higher Education Research
    Mr. Boswell
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance he has issued to those conducting the current review of the higher education research assessment exercise in connection with reduction of the administration requirements of the system. [124539]

    Mr. Wicks
    The Higher Education Funding Council for England, in collaboration with the other funding bodies in the United Kingdom, is carrying out its own fundamental review of research policy and funding. This includes an examination of the research assessment exercise and its continuing fitness for purpose. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has given no guidance to the Funding Council on how to carry out this review, which is expected to result in a report for consultation later this summer.

    Investors in People
    Mr. Willis
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which Careers Service contractors hold(a) a Charter Mark, (b) an Investors in People award and (c) an International Standards Organisation registration. [120779]

    Mr. Wicks
    [pursuant to his reply, 5 May 2000, c. 218–20W]: Three of the careers companies were inadvertently omitted. The correct response is as follows.

    The Careers Service accreditations, according to the best information I have available, are contained in the following table.

    145W

    Careers services

    Charter mark

    Investors in people

    International standards organisation

    North East

    Future steps

    No

    Yes

    Yes

    County Durham Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Northumberland Guidance

    No

    Yes

    No

    City of Sunderland Careers

    No

    Yes

    Yes

    Tyneside Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    North West

    Lifetime Careers (Bolton, Bury and Rochdale)

    Yes

    Yes

    No

    Cheshire Guidance

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Cumbria Careers

    Yes

    No

    No

    East Lancashire Careers

    Yes

    No

    No

    Career Decisions

    Yes

    No

    No

    Careers Partnership

    Yes

    No

    Yes

    Oldham Careers

    Yes

    Yes

    No

    St. Helens Careers Services

    Yes

    No

    No

    Lifetime Careers (Stockport and High Peak)

    Yes

    No

    No

    CareerLink

    Yes

    Yes

    No

    Wigan Careers

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Career Connections

    Yes

    No

    No

    Yorkshire and The Humber

    Lifetime Careers (Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham)

    No

    Yes

    No

    Careers Bradford

    No

    Yes

    No

    Calderdale and Kirklees Careers

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Humberside Partnership

    No

    Yes

    No

    Leeds Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Guidance Enterprises (York and North Yorkshire)

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Sheffield Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Guidance Enterprises (Wakefield)

    Yes

    Yes

    No

    West Midlands

    Careers and Education Business Partnership

    No

    Yes

    No

    Prospects Careers (Black Country)

    No

    Yes

    No

    Quality Careers

    Yes

    Yes

    No

    Hereford and Worcester Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Shropshire Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Central Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    3S Strategies

    No

    Yes

    Yes

    Warwickshire Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    East Midlands

    Derbyshire Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Leicestershire Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Lincolnshire Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Career Path (Northamptonshire)

    No

    Yes

    No

    GuideLine Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Eastern

    CfBT Bedfordshire

    No

    Yes

    No

    Cambridgeshire Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Essex Careers and Business Partnership

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Hertfordshire Careers

    No

    Yes

    Yes

    Norfolk Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Suffolk Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    South West

    Learning Partnership West (Avon)

    No

    Yes

    No

    Cornwall and Devon Careers

    Yes

    Yes

    No

    Dorset Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Learning Partnership West (Gloucestershire)

    No

    Yes

    No

    Somerset Careers

    Yes

    Yes

    No

    Lifetime Careers Wiltshire

    Yes

    Yes

    No

    South East

    CfBT Thames Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Buckingham Careers

    Yes

    Yes

    No

    Sussex Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    VT Southern Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Kent Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Surrey Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    VT West Sussex Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    146W

    147W

    Careers services

    Charter mark

    Investors in people

    International standards organisation

    London

    Lifetime Careers Brent and Harrow

    No

    Yes

    No

    Prospects Careers (North London)

    No

    Yes

    No

    Enterprise Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Futures Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    London South Bank Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Prospects Careers (South London)

    No

    Yes

    No

    Search

    No

    Yes

    No

    CfBT West London Careers

    No

    Yes

    No

    Capital Careers

    No

    No

    Yes

    Connexions Service
    Mr. Clappison
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proposals he has for the remuneration of learning mentors and Personal Advisers in the Connexions Service. [119266]

    Mr. Wicks
    Connexions Service Personal Advisers will be employed by partner organisations. Appropriate professional structures are being developed to support this emergent profession. As the role develops full account will be taken of the relevant structures, terms and conditions and labour market conditions in allied professions.

    LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

      Northern Ireland Bar
      Mr. McNamara
      To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to the answer of 2 February 2000,Official Report, column 639W, on the Northern Ireland Bar, if he will (a) make a statement on dates of correspondence with the Lord Chief Justice and place copies in the Library. [124104]

      Mr. Lock
      Since January 1997 there have been 16 letters between the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice about appointments to the Northern Ireland Senior Bar.

      Two letters between the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice relating to appointments to the Senior Bar have already been disclosed in proceedings before the High Court in Northern Ireland (in the matter of an application by Seamus Treacy and Barry Macdonald) and will be placed in the Library. All of the remaining correspondence was conducted on a confidential basis and much of it relates to individuals' suitability for appointment to the Senior Bar or ministerial responsibility for such appointments. It will not, therefore, be placed in the Library.

      Mr. McNamara
      To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to the answer of 2 February 2000,Official Report, column 640W, on the Northern Ireland Bar, if he will make a statement on (a) consultation procedures, (b) responses made and (c)conclusions reached. [124103]

      Mr. Lock
      This related to the Report of the Committee (the Elliott Committee) established by the Bar Council in November 1996 to investigate and report on all aspects of the appointment of Senior Counsel in Northern Ireland. That Committee reported to the Bar Council the following year and a copy of the Report was provided to the Lord 148W
      Chief Justice of Northern Ireland in May 1997. The Bar Council did not, however, provide a copy of the Report to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (who was responsible for matters relating to Queen's Counsel at that time) nor to the Lord Chancellor who subsequently assumed those responsibilities. Copies of the Report were, however, provided to the Northern Ireland Office and the Lord Chancellor by the Lord Chief Justice.

      I am not in a position to know what responses the Bar Council received following publication of the Elliott Report. Although the Secretary of State and the Lord Chancellor had been invited to comment by the Elliott Committee as part of the Committee's original consultations, neither of them were invited to comment on the recommendations of the final report.

      The Lord Chancellor is presently considering the effect of the judgment in the case brought by Seamus Treacy and Barry Macdonald. It would be premature to comment on the Declaration to be made by new Queen's Counsel and the Lord Chancellor's conclusions concerning the Elliott Report until final decisions have been reached concerning the issues raised in that case.

      Special Advisers
      Mr. Tyrie
      To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on how many occasions since 24 March 1999(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124120]

      Mr. Lock
      The Special Adviser in the Lord Chancellor's Department has not travelled overseas in an official capacity since being appointed.

      Young Offenders
      Mr. Tony Lloyd
      To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the length of time taken to bring young offenders before the courts in each Metropolitan police authority area; and what were the corresponding figures for 1997. [123802]

      Jane Kennedy
      Information on the time taken in magistrates courts proceedings is collected by the Lord Chancellor's Department's Time Intervals Survey. The accompanying table shows the average number of days from charge or laying of information to first listing for Youth Court defendants in June 1997, June 1999 and February 2000. The only survey to cover all Youth Court defendants in 1997 was the June survey, and the most recent results available are from the February 2000 survey.
      149W

      Average number of days from charge or laying of information to first court listing for all criminal defendants dealt with at Youth Courts in Metropolitan police authority areas1

      June 19972

      June 1999

      February 2000

      Greater Manchester

      30

      23

      12

      Merseyside

      30

      23

      8

      Metropolitan3

      38

      20

      18

      Northumbria

      31

      20

      13

      South Yorkshire

      29

      14

      9

      West Midlands

      29

      16

      13

      West Yorkshire

      29

      24

      18

      1From the start of 1999 analysis of the Time Intervals Survey has included certain longer cases than were previously excluded. In this table however the results presented are calculated on the pre-1999 basis for comparability. On the new basis of calculation the only figure in the table that would be different is the February 2000 figure for Merseyside which would be 9 days.

      2 In the June 1997 survey the sample sizes for Youth Court cases were less than 100 in Merseyside, South Yorkshire, the West Midlands and West Yorkshire and due to these small sample sizes these figures should be treated with added caution.

      3 Includes youths apprehended by City of London Police and proceeded against in London Youth Courts. Youth Courts are not held at the magistrates court in the City of London.

      Source:

      Lord Chancellor's Department Magistrates Courts Time Intervals Survey

      Judges
      Ms Keeble
      To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to her answer of 12 April 2000,Official Report, column 222–23W, when she will make a further statement on Part-time judicial appointments to tribunals. [124542]

      Jane Kennedy
      On 12 April 2000, the Lord Chancellor announced that he and the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Social Security had agreed with the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales and the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, new arrangements for Part-time judicial appointments. Similar arrangements have now been put in place for an additional range of Part-time Tribunal appointments for which the Lord Chancellor is responsible and for appointments made by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, the Secretary of State for Health, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the President of the Council and the Home Secretary.

      The Lord Chancellor has also agreed with the Lord President of the Court of Session that for those Tribunals which sit in Scotland, but where appointments remain wholly or partly the responsibility of Westminster Ministers, the Lord President will assume the role that the Lord Chief Justices have already agreed to for appointments in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In practice, this will mean that the Lord President will have to concur in all decisions to remove or not to renew an appointment.

      Where Scottish Ministers and the National Assembly for Wales are now consulted on appointments to Tribunals in accordance with the relevant Statutory provisions or Devolution Concordats, they will also be consulted on removals from office, and decisions not to renew appointments.

      These changes will come into effect immediately.
      150W
      I am placing in the Library of the House a joint statement signed by the Lord Chancellor and the Lord President setting out the arrangements for the following Tribunals, which may sit in Scotland:
      Part-time Immigration Adjudicators
      Part-time members of the Immigration Appeal Tribunal Part-time members of the Income and Corporation Taxes
      Tribunal Deputy Special Commissioners for Income Tax Commissioners
      Part-time members of the unified appeals service
      Deputy Social Security and Child Support Commissioners
      Part-time President and Chairmen of the Transport Tribunal
      Deputy Traffic Commissioners.

      I am also placing in the Library of the House joint statements signed by the specified Minister and by the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales covering the following fixed-term appointments to Tribunals:
      Lord Chancellor
      Part-time President and Chairman of the Transport Tribunal
      Part-time President and Vice President and Chairmen of the Rent Assessment Panels
      Part-time Commons Commissioners
      Arbitrators for the Motor Insurance Bureau
      Part-time Agricultural Arbitrators
      Part-time members of the Agricultural Land Tribunals
      Part-time members of the Mental Health Review Tribunals
      Part-time President and Chairmen of the Special Educational Needs Tribunal
      Part-time Chairman and Deputy Chairmen National Health Service Tribunal
      Legal panel Registered Homes Tribunal
      Part-time Chairmen of the Betting Levy Appeal Tribunal
      Part-time Chairmen of the Misuse of Drugs Tribunal
      Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions
      Part-time members of the Transport Tribunal
      Part-time members of Rent Assessment Committees
      Deputy Traffic Commissioners
      Secretary of State for Education and Employment
      Part-time members of the Special Educational Needs Tribunal
      Secretary of State for Health
      Part-time members of the National Health Service Tribunal
      President of the Council
      Part-time members of the Registered Homes Tribunal
      Home Secretary
      Part-time members of the Betting Levy Appeal Tribunal
      Part-time members of the Misuse of Drugs Tribunal.

      I am also placing in the Library of the House joint statements signed by the specified Minister and by the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland covering the following fixed-term appointments to Tribunals:
      Lord Chancellor
      Part-time Chairmen and members of the Appeal Tribunals
      Part-time Chairmen of the Fair Employment Tribunal
      Part-time members of the Tribunal established under Section 91 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998
      Part-time members of the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunal
      Part-time Chairmen and members of the Mental Health Review Tribunal
      Part-time Chairmen of the Registered Homes Tribunal
      Part-time President and Chairmen of the Special Needs Tribunal

      151W
      Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
      Part-time Chairmen and Commissioners of the Sentence Review Commission.

      The First and Deputy First Ministers of the New Assembly for Northern Ireland are being invited to agree that the new arrangements be brought before the Executive Committee with a view to an announcement being made to the Assembly by the relevant Northern Ireland Ministers.

      Kenneth Noye
      Mr. Fallon
      To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department for what reason the Lord Chancellor has not replied to the letter of 30 April from the parents of the late Stephen Cameron about the award of legal aid to Kenneth Noye; when he plans to do so; and what the circumstances are in which such an award can be made. [124033]

      Mr. Lock
      The Lord Chancellor replied to Mr. and Mrs. Cameron on 1 June. An award of legal aid is made in a criminal case where the court considers that it is in the interests of justice to do so and that the defendant needs help to meet his or her legal costs.

    HOME DEPARTMENT

      Errol Flynn
      Mr. Cohen
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 2 May 2000,Official Report, columns 76–77W, on intelligence records, if he will make a statement on the timetable for reviewing and releasing historical records relating to the (a) interwar period and (b) Second World War, with special reference to film stars of that era. [123825]

      Mr. Straw
      As stated in my reply of 2 May 2000,Official Report, columns 76–77W, the Security Service is currently reviewing and releasing records from its archive covering the Second World War. The next period to be covered by the review will be the inter-war period.

      This is a systematic process of review and there are no specific procedures for particular categories of people such as film stars.

      Economic Migration
      Mr. Cohen
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on ending specific skill shortages by permitting economic migration; and if he will make a statement. [123728]

      Mrs. Roche
      Equipping people in the United Kingdom through education and training is key to addressing specific skill shortages. Enhancing access for skilled people from overseas is also important. The Home Office's formal aim for immigration explicitly recognises regulation of entry to and settlement in the United Kingdom in the interests of social stability and economic growth. Within the European Union, freedom of movement means that there is in effect a free market for employment. For non-European Economic Area nationals, the Immigration Rules provide for people seeking to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for specified employment and business purposes, subject to the 152W
      conditions in the Rules. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has responsibility for the work permit service which is specifically designed to enable employers in the United Kingdom to recruit skilled people from abroad, and recently announced measures aimed at further developing this service.

      Criminal Cases Review Commission
      Dr. Iddon
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the backlog of cases awaiting examination at the Criminal Cases Review Commission; and what was the backlog on the same date in each year since its establishment. [123602]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      I understand that, at the end of April this year, the Criminal Cases Review Commission had 921 cases awaiting review. The number of cases awaiting review at the end of April in 1997, 1998 and 1999 were 412, 860 and 1,198 respectively.

      Criminal Assets
      Mr. Lidington
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, Central (Mr. Cousins) of 2 February 2000,Official Report, columns 599–600W, on criminal assets, when he plans to publish the White Paper on financial crime. [123774]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      We will announce our plans when the Performance and Innovation Unit report is published.

      ACPO Crime Committee Survey
      Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the forces which responded to the survey by the Association of Chief Police Officers Crime Committee, indicating those which(a) (i) had carried out or (ii) were then carrying out investigations into institutional child abuse during the period covered by the questionnaire and (b) had previously been involved in similar investigations. [123292]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      For operational reasons the information was sought and supplied in confidence and I am therefore not in a position to answer the question to the level of detail requested. The information is now 12 months old and will be out of date because the situation is changing on a daily basis.

      Alcohol Abuse
      Mr. Woodward
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much funding his Department allocated to measures for informing people of the dangers of alcohol abuse in the last three years. [123433]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      The Home Office has had no specific funding allocated to informing people of the dangers of alcohol abuse.

      However, the Home Office is active in tackling alcohol-related crime and has in place several measures to do so. A series of seminars on Alcohol and Crime have been established by the Home Office which draw together representatives from other Government Departments, the

      153W
      licensed industry, the voluntary sector and the academic community with the aim of establishing the nature of the problem and developing good practice.

      There is also a programme of research under way examining the policing of alcohol-related crime in city centres, the potential of alcohol interventions in the criminal justice system and the alcohol consumption of young people.

      The Targeted Policing Initiative within the Crime Reduction Programme has funded one project to tackle alcohol-related crime in Cardiff and is expected to fund a further three in its current funding round.

      Kenneth Noye
      Mr. Fallon
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason he has not replied to the letter of 30 April from the parents of the late Stephen Cameron about the award of legal aid to Kenneth Noye; and when he plans to do so. [124034]

      Mr. Straw
      The reason for not having replied to Mr. and Mrs. Cameron's letter of 30 April was because either the letter was not received in the Home Office or it was received and mislaid. I was grateful to the hon. Member for sending me a copy of Mr. and Mrs. Cameron's letter under cover of his own of 23 May.

      My reply to Mr. and Mrs. Cameron will be despatched on 5 June, and will be copied to the hon. Member.

      Asylum Seekers (Voucher Scheme)
      Mr. Gerrard
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those retail firms which have agreed to accept asylum seekers' vouchers as payment. [123901]

      Mrs. Roche
      As of 25 May 2000, in excess of 19,000 retail firms have agreed to take part in the asylum seeker support voucher scheme. This number includes both large retail chains and smaller retailers.

      Forms
      Mrs. Lait
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the net change in each year since May 1997 in the number of forms issued by his Department which(a) charities and (b) other voluntary organisations are required to complete. [123945]

      Mr. Straw
      Charities and other voluntary organisations make an important contribution to many aspects of Home Office work. No central record is kept of all the Home Office's contacts with those bodies and the information sought could be collected only at disproportionate cost. The Home Office remains committed to modernising administration, including making greater use of electronic transfers and seeking to minimise the burdens on charities and voluntary organisations.

      Metropolitan Police
      Mr. McNamara
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers currently serving in the Special Branch of the Metropolitan police have served on the force for(a) less than five years, (b) more than
      154W
      five and less than 10 years, (c) more than 10 and less than 15 years, (d) more than 15 and less than 20 years and (e) more than 20 years. [123959]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      The information requested is given in the table provided by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

      Length of service profile—Special Branch

      Number

      (a) Less than five years

      19

      (b) More than five years and less than 10 years

      71

      (c) More than 10 years and less than 15 years

      159

      (d) More than 15 years and less than 20 years

      126

      (e) More than 20 years

      180

      Mr. McNamara
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers currently serving in the Criminal Investigation Department of the Metropolitan police have served on the force for(a) less than five years, (b) more than five and less than 10 years, (c) more than 10 and less than 15 years, (d) more than 15 and less than 20 years and (e) more than 20 years. [123958]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      The information requested is given in the table, provided by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

      Length of service profile—serving criminal investigation department officers

      Number

      (a) Less than 5 years

      17

      (b) More than 5 years and less than 10 years

      410

      (c) More than 10 years and less than 15 years

      960

      (d) More than 15 years and less than 20 years

      1,067

      (e) More than 20 years

      1,441

      Europol
      Mr. Mitchell
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the functions of the(a) board of management and (b) joint supervisory body of Europol; what representation the United Kingdom has on both bodies; and how many of its staff are seconded from United Kingdom police forces. [123893]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      The functions of the Europol Management Board and the Joint Supervisory Body are set out in Articles 28 and 24 of the Europol Convention, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. The United Kingdom is represented on the Management Board by the Director General of the National Criminal Intelligence Service, and on the Joint Supervisory Body by the Director and Deputy Director of the Office of the Data Protection Registrar.

      Four members of the National Criminal Intelligence Service are at present on secondment to Europol as Liaison Officers under Article 5 of the Convention. 17 other United Kingdom nationals are employed by Europol on contract terms under Article 1 of the Staff Regulations applicable to Europol Employees.

      Mr. Mitchell
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the proposed contributions of each member state of the European Union
      155W
      to Europol for (a) 2000 and (b) 2001, indicating the basis for such payments, and the main items of planned expenditure in each year. [123894]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      Europol's draft budgets for the years 2000 and 2001 are in European Union Council documents EUROPOL 41, 11030/99 and EUROPOL 8, 7695/00, copies of which are in the Library. These show that member states' contributions are as follows.

      Euro

      2000

      2001

      Austria

      620,254

      754,533

      Belgium

      759,021

      896,461

      Denmark

      496,349

      594,996

      Finland

      352,936

      431,912

      France

      4,394,707

      5,090,100

      Germany

      6,552,284

      7,571,678

      Greece

      373,967

      426,457

      Ireland

      190,975

      242,432

      Italy

      3,565,922

      4,179,684

      Luxembourg

      54,271

      63,792

      Netherlands

      1,135,079

      1,357,330

      Portugal

      316,943

      377,098

      Spain

      1,668,231

      1,992,532

      Sweden

      681,903

      823,762

      United Kingdom

      4,130,107

      5,134,443

      Total1

      25,292,950

      29,937,207

      1 The differences in the totals in the two tables reflect other revenues and adjustments made to the contributions to finance the proposed expenditures.

      The contributions are based on member states' gross national products.

      The items of proposed expenditure as set out in the budget are as follows.

      Euro

      2000

      2001

      Personnel

      15,254,000

      18,737,800

      Bodies and organs1

      2,007,000

      2,155,000

      Europol Computer System

      7,000,000

      10,724,000

      Other expenditure2

      4,185,000

      4,995,000

      Total3

      28,446,000

      36,611,800

      1 Including the Joint Supervisory Board

      2 The building; information and communications technology; vehicles; communications; other acquisitions and other running costs.

      3 The differences in the totals in the two tables reflect other revenues and adjustments made to the contributions to finance the proposed expenditures.

      Children and Young Persons Act 1933
      Ms Julie Morgan
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were sentenced under section 53(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 in each year since 1997; and what were their(a) ages and (b) gender. [123936]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      The information is given in the table.156W

      Number of persons sentenced, at the Crown court, under section 53(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 by sex and age, England and Wales, 1997–991

      1997

      1998

      19991

      Age

      Males

      Females

      Males

      Females

      Males

      Females

      10

      1

      —

      —

      —

      —

      —

      11

      1

      —

      1

      —

      3

      —

      12

      10

      —

      6

      —

      3

      3

      13

      21

      3

      19

      —

      27

      1

      14

      89

      3

      61

      2

      77

      5

      15

      121

      6

      84

      6

      70

      7

      16

      166

      7

      157

      8

      133

      5

      17

      283

      11

      245

      4

      262

      5

      Total

      692

      30

      573

      20

      575

      26

      1 Provisional

      Ms Julie Morgan
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to reduce the number of offences which may attract a sentence under section 53(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. [123938]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      It is essential the courts have the powers they need to deal with children and young persons convicted of serious offences. The Government have no current plans to reduce the number of offences contained in section 53(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933.

      Correspondence
      Mr. Whittingdale
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 April 2000,Official Report, column 592W, when a reply will be sent to the letter from the hon. Member for Maldon and East Chelmsford to the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), of 24 January. [124142]

      Mrs. Roche
      A full reply to the letter of 24 January from the hon. Member for Maldon and East Chelmsford was sent on 23 May.

      Mr. Tony Lloyd
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Central of 9 May concerning issuing of letters to asylum seekers notifying refusal but delaying the issue of the removal notice; what consultation he has had with the Secretary of State for Social Security regarding its impact on benefits; if he will make it his policy to discontinue the practice; and if he will make a statement. [123865]

      Mrs. Roche
      I replied to my hon. Friend on 23 May. There was no need to consult the Secretary of State for Social Security about the content of the interim letters to asylum seekers, because the relevant paragraphs were concerned with support from the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) which is part of the Home Office. There was never any intention to cut off support before the asylum seekers had the opportunity to appeal against the refusal of their claims, but I accept that the wording used in the interim letters may have caused some confusion. In order to avoid this in future, the paragraphs about NASS support have now been removed from the interim letter. Where appropriate, they are now included in the letter which provides full reasons for the refusal of the asylum claim.

      Fire Service
      Mr. Paul Marsden
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each fire authority, grouped into(a) London area, (b) metropolitan areas, (c) shire counties and (d) shire unitary authorities for each year from 1992 to date, (i) the number of fire call—outs, (ii) the average call out time for urban areas and rural areas, (iii) the number of fatalities and injuries, (iv) the number of fatalities and injuries per head of population and (v) the totals of (i) to (iv) for each grouped fire authority (a) to (d); and if he will make a statement. [123903]

      Mr. Mike O'Brien
      Information is not available in the exact form requested as statistics are compiled by brigade area. Tables showing the following information for fires attended by local authority fire brigades in England and Wales during the period 1992 to 1998: (i) the total number of fires and the number of fires involving property and/or casualties (primary fires). The figure for total fires (comprises property fires and those involving casualties (i.e. primary fires), small outdoor fires (i.e. secondary fires) and chimney fires); (ii) the average response time in minutes from receipt of the first call to the brigade to time of arrival, split by urban and rural areas within the brigade; and (iii) the number of fatal and non-fatal casualties involved in fires and rates per million head of the population have been placed in the Library.

      Water Cannon
      Mr. Baker
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his oral statement of 22 May 2000,Official Report, column 656, if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of the use of water cannon against crowds (a) comprised entirely of adult males, (b) comprised of adult males and adult females and (c) comprised entirely of adult females. [124361]

      Mr. Straw
      Water cannon are not currently in use for public order purposes in England and Wales.

      The possibility of providing the police with water cannon to deal with serious public disorder was carefully considered by a joint police and Horne Office working party in the 1980s. Tests were conducted into all aspects of the water cannon's operational capabilities. Models in use on the continent were examined and a wide range of tests were carried out using custom—built British prototypes, as a result of which a number of operational problems emerged.

      Water cannons cannot be mobilised quickly in order to deal with spontaneous disorder and when mobilised are slow and difficult to manoeuvre, particularly in narrow streets. When water cannon were used in Northern Ireland in the early 1970s they were not found to be effective and, in fact, they became prize targets for rioters.

      For these reasons, chief police officers in England and Wales have not been persuaded that water cannon would be of operational value in dealing with public disorder in this country.

      Police Service Strength
      Mr. Clappison
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the most recent breakdown of 158W
      the Police Resources Unit projections of total police service strength in England and Wales from 31 March 1999 to 31 March 2003. [123975]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      There were 126,096 police officers on 31 March 1999. On the basis of projections made by police forces earlier this year, total police numbers for 31 March 2000 were estimated at 124,800. Actual figures should be available by the end of June. For projections for 2000–01 and 2001–02, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary gave to the hon. Member for North Shropshire (Mr. Paterson) on 22 May 2000,Official Report, columns 655–58W.

      Police force projections indicate that for 31 March 2003 there would be 125,900 police officers, as cited in the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Southwark North and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 15 March 2000, Official Report, columns 177–79W. Chief Officer's projections were made on the basis of the Comprehensive Spending Review settlement which extends to 2001–02, but in the absence of any information about funding levels for the police service in 2002–03. Funding levels from 2002–03 will only be known when the outcome of the 2000 Spending Review is announced in the summer, when more realistic projections can be made.

      Child Curfew Orders
      Mr. Fraser
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local child curfew orders have been issued in Dorset. [124514]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      No applications have been received from local authorities to establish child curfew schemes under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Local authorities should consider the contribution such schemes could make to tackling problems of anti-social behaviour by children identified in their local crime and disorder reduction strategy.

      Police Recruitment (Dorset)
      Mr. Fraser
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what discussions he has had with the Chief Constable of Dorset regarding police recruitment; [124527]

      (2) what share of the Crime Fighting Fund for Police recruits will be allocated to Dorset. [124517]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      I have not had any discussions with the Chief Constable of Dorset Police regarding police recruitment.

      Dorset Police were allocated 46 police officers (29 officers in 2000–01 and 17 in 2001–02) under the accelerated recruitment scheme of the Crime Fighting Fund. The funding for each force will be determined once we have received a profile of their planned recruitment during the first year.

      Persistent Young Offenders
      Mr. Fraser
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in reducing the time taken between arrest and sentence for persistent young offenders. [124516]
      159W
      Mr. Charles Clarke
      I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Home Office, to the right hon. Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Miss Widdecombe) on 12 May 2000,Official Report, column 523W.

      Drug Treatment and Testing Orders
      Mr. Fraser
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug treatment and testing orders have been issued in Dorset. [124515]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      None: the order was piloted in three areas: Croydon, Liverpool and Gloucestershire.

      As announced by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, in a reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Brent, North (Mr. Gardiner) on 15 May 2000, Official Report, columns 63–64W, Drug Treatment Testing Orders (DTTOs) will be rolled-out to all areas in England and Wales from 1 October 2000.

      Dogs (Scientific Tests)
      Mr. Gale
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the oral statement made by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the hon. Member for Scunthorpe (Mr. Morley) on 14 December 2000,Official Report, columns 250–54, on animals, when the Government introduced a ban on the use of dogs in scientific tests; and how this ban was announced. [124422]

      Mr. Mike O'Brien
      Dogs are used in regulated procedures where their use is justified under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. There are no current plans to change the legislation.

      The oral statement made by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 14 December 1999, Official Report, columns 250–54, stemmed from a misleading newspaper report in the Sunday Times on 12 December 1999. This report appeared to be based on a misreading of the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999, which came into force on 30 December 1999. The Act tightens controls over commercial breeding establishments supplying dogs for the pet trade. It is designed to raise standards of care in puppy farms and stipulates tighter controls on the sale of dogs by dealers and pet shops and stiffer penalties for breeders who flout the law.

      Establishments breeding animals for laboratory use are exempt from the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999 and will continue to be regulated by the provisions of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 which requires Home Office inspection and close veterinary supervision.

      The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food wrote on 2 February 2000 to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) about correcting the error. A copy of his letter was placed in the Library.

      Police Helicopters
      Ms Julie Morgan
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 15 May 160W
      2000, Official Report, column 62W, on police helicopters, and his letter of 18 May, what is the total cost of the air package; and what items it covers. [124658]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      The total contract cost to South Wales Police for the air support package is £542,988 for the financial year 2000–01. The contract is placed with Veritair Ltd. and covers the costs of the provision of a role-equipped helicopter, maintenance, fuel, four pilots, pilot training and base facilities.

      Hunting with Dogs
      Mr. Gordon Prentice
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 18 May 2000,Official Report, column 217W, on hunting with dogs, what steps the Government plan to take to assist the passage through both Houses of Parliament of a Private Members' Bill designed to secure a ban on hunting with dogs. [124074]

      Mr. Mike O'Brien
      The precise steps which may be needed in terms of Government time and assistance to secure the opportunity of a free vote on a hunting Bill will depend upon the circumstances at the time. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has already indicated our broad approach on it.

      Special Advisers
      Mr. Tyrie
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions since 27 April 1999(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [124118]

      Mr. Straw
      During the period 27 April 1999 to the end of March 2000, special advisers in this Department have not travelled overseas in an official capacity.

      2 Marsham Street
      Mr. Loughton
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what purposes the former Environment Department building in Marsham street is now used. [124241]

      Mr. Straw
      Pursuant to my reply to the hon. Member for West Worcestershire (Sir M. Spicer) of 6 December 1999,Official Report, column 391W, the only occupier of this otherwise vacant building is a temporary shelter for the homeless, currently scheduled to close on 31 July. Other casual issues are permitted on a short term basis from time to time.

      Mr. Loughton
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the annual cost of maintaining the former Environment Department offices in Marsham street. [124239]

      Mr. Straw
      Pursuant to my reply to the hon. Member for West Worcestershire (Sir M. Spicer) of 6 December 1999,Official Report, column 391W, the budgeted figure for the financial year 2000–01 is £392,000 excluding VAT.

      Mr. Loughton
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement regarding the future of the former Environment Department offices in Marsham street. [124238]
      161W
      Mr. Straw
      I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Gainsborough (Mr. Leigh) on 20 January 2000,Official Report, column 558W.

      Mr. Loughton
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated value of the former Environment Department site in Marsham Street. [124240]

      Mr. Straw
      The site belongs to Property Advisers Civil Estate (PACE). As it is the subject of disposal action through my Department's Central London Accommodation Strategy disclosure of the current valuation could be prejudicial until the sale is completed.

      North and South Manchester

      Greater Manchester

      1 April 1098 to 30 September 1998

      1 April 1999 to 30 September 1999

      Percentage change

      1 April 1998 to 30 September 1998

      1 April 1999 to 30 September 1998

      Percentage change

      Total crime

      45,676

      46,954

      2.8

      182,433

      185,955

      1.9

      Violent crime

      7,009

      8,540

      21.8

      23,114

      26,428

      14.3

      Violence against the person

      4,897

      6,142

      25.4

      18,368

      21,039

      14.5

      Robbery

      1,781

      2,022

      13.5

      3,611

      4,095

      13.4

      Sexual offences

      331

      376

      13.6

      1,135

      1,294

      14.0

      Theft from the person

      1,044

      1,099

      5.3

      2,232

      2,266

      1.5

      Theft from a vehicle

      5,706

      5,105

      –10.5

      23,477

      22,317

      –4.9

      Theft/unauthorised taking of a vehicle

      4,653

      4,599

      –1.2

      19,237

      19,698

      2.4

      Notes:

      Violent crime comprises violence against the person, robbery and sexual offences.

      Mr. Tony Lloyd
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with Greater Manchester Police on the setting of operational targets with respect to(a) crimes of violence and (b) overall crime. [123801]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      All police authorities in England and Wales have been provided with statutory guidance under the Best Value regime (Section 5 of the Local Government Act 1999) which requires that specific five year targets should be set by all police authorities for domestic burglary and for vehicle crime. In addition, five police authorities, including Greater Manchester, are required to set a target for robbery. The targets are a matter for individual police authorities and those set by each police authority are contained in their Best Value Performance Plan which they were required to publish before 31 March 2000.

      Crime (Greater Manchester)
      Mr. Tony Lloyd
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what data he has collated on recent crime trends in respect of(a) Greater Manchester and (b) the centre of Manchester for (i) robbery, (ii) theft from persons, (iii) theft from cars, (iv) theft of cars, (v) total crime, (vi) violent crime and (vii) sexual assaults. [123800]

      Mr. Charles Clarke
      The latest available data on crime trends in the centre of Manchester and Greater Manchester compare the periods April 1998 to September 1998 and April 1999 to September 1999 and are shown in the table.

      The five year targets set by the Greater Manchester Police Authority are:
      to reduce domestic burglary by 25 per cent.;
      to reduce vehicle crime by 34 per cent.; and
      to reduce robbery by 10 per cent.

      Pedlars Act 1871
      Dr. Brand
      To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish the outcome of his review of the Pedlars Act 1871. [123582]

      Mr. Mike O'Brien
      The Home Office has considered the scope for reforming street trading and pedlars legislation in the light of the previous Government's deregulation reviews. We intend to discuss shortly with interested parties the deregulatory possibilities for street trading. Reform or repeal of the Pedlars Acts would, we believe, require primary legislation. We are ready to listen to views on pedlars but have no present plans to change the law.

  Appointment of Governors by the FCO
  Appointment of Governors by the FCO
  UNAMSIL Mandate
  UNAMSIL Mandate
  Liberia: Transportation of Released Detainees
  Liberia: Transportation of Released Detainees
  Burma: EU Sanctions
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  Zimbabwe: Elections
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  All-Party Parliamentary Groups
  All-Party Parliamentary Groups
  Prison Overcrowding
  Prison Overcrowding
  Prisoners: Purposeful Activity Statistics
  Prisoners: Purposeful Activity Statistics
  Mechanically Powered Vehicles: Off-road Use
  Mechanically Powered Vehicles: Off-road Use
  Police Officer Numbers
  Police Officer Numbers
  A.14 Huntingdon: Weight Limit
  A.14 Huntingdon: Weight Limit
  ECHR, Protocol 12
  ECHR, Protocol 12
  Railtrack and the Freedom of Information Bill
  Railtrack and the Freedom of Information Bill
  Asylum Seekers: Acceptance Statistics
  Asylum Seekers: Acceptance Statistics
  Terrorism Bill: Proscribed Organisations
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  Terrorism Bill: Cyber-terrorism
  Terrorism Bill: Cyber-terrorism
  Animal Liberation Groups: Incidents and Arrests
  Animal Liberation Groups: Incidents and Arrests
  Channel Islands and Isle of Man: Lieutenant Governors
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  Security Service Directors: Publication of Memoirs
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  Voluntary Sector: Criminal Record Checks
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  Criminal Justice System: Situation of Victims
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  Access to Government Information: Training of Civil Servants
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  Translink Corporate Plan
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  Northern Ireland Railways: Safety
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  Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission
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  RAF Recruitment
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  RAF: Glider Instruction
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  Flying Clubs: RAF Support
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  Flying Clubs: Membership
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  RAF Little Rissington: Glider Flights
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  RAFGSA: Membership Qualification
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  RAF Menwith Hill
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  Gulf War Veterans: Defence Select Committee Report
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  Defence Housing Executive Properties: Gas Safety
  Defence Housing Executive Properties: Gas Safety
  Protection of Military Remains Act
  Protection of Military Remains Act
  E-commerce: Government Statistical Data
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  E-mail: Employment Law and Human Rights Act
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  Part-time Workers Regulations
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  Merrywood School Closure
  Merrywood School Closure
  New Deal: Benefit Sanctions
  New Deal: Benefit Sanctions
  Benefit Sanctions and Criminal Activity
  Benefit Sanctions and Criminal Activity
  New Deal Evaluation Database
  New Deal Evaluation Database
  Genetically Modified Food: OECD Report
  Genetically Modified Food: OECD Report
  Wards of Court: Social Services Applications
  Wards of Court: Social Services Applications
  Hospital Beds and Non-specialist Nurse Training: Costs
  Hospital Beds and Non-specialist Nurse Training: Costs
  Child Prostitution
  Child Prostitution
  Teenage Pregnancy Advisory Group
  Teenage Pregnancy Advisory Group
  BSE: French Slaughter Policy
  BSE: French Slaughter Policy
  Part-time Judicial Appointments
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